Pauls, Sara Doerksen (1873-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Feb 1 p. 5

Birth date: 1873 Jun 6

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services for Mrs. Sara Pauls, 88, one of the Inman community's oldest pioneers, were held there Saturday afternoon at the Bethel Mennonite Church. Rev. P. A. Wedel officiated with Rev. P. T. Neufeld assisting. Mrs. Pauls died at her home in Inman Wednesday, Jan. 24, after a lung illness. Surviving her are 10 children, many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Feb 22 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. HENRY J. PAULS

Mrs. Henry J. Pauls,(Sara Doerksen), daughter of Gerhard and Anna Braun Doerksen, was born in Fishau, South Russia, on June 6, 1873, and passed away Jan. 24, 1962, reaching the age of 88 years,seven months, and 18 days.

She came to the U.S. with her parents at the age of four years, arriving in New York on June 31, 1877. They made their home southwest of Inman, Kans.

She was baptized upon confession of faith in her Saviour Jesus Christ by elder Heinrich Toews on May 22, 1893, and was received int the fellowship of the Bethel Mennonite Church. She was united in marriage to Henry J. Pauls, Feb. 10, 1890, with whom she shared life's joys and sorrows for over 62 years. They were permitted to celebrate their golden wedding and and also the 60th wedding anniversary. Her husband served many years as deacon of the Bethel Church, which gave her many duties in the work of the church.

This union was blessed with 13 children, ten of whom were privileged to attend the funeral services of their mother. Mr. Pauls was taken in death on Nov. 15, 1958, and she spent the remaining years of her life with her children dren [sic].

She enjoyed good health until her declining years. She was concerned about the spiritual life of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She constantly interceded for them at the throne of Grace and her influence will ever live in the hearts and lives of her family, her friends, and the church.

During the illness and death of her daughter-in-law, Margaret, she took care of her granddaughter Esther for a number of years.

In 1955 she completely lost her vision. On March 13, 1961 she submitted to surgery in the Bethel Hospital at Newton, which gave her much relief. Her daughter Eva had returned home from India in 1959 to take care of her aged mother. All of the other children also assisted. On Jan. 11, 1961 she attended the Sunday morning services at the Bethel Church for the last time, when communion was held. Again on Sunday morning Dec. 3, 1961, communion was administered in her home.

Even on the last morning of her life here on earth she gave a prayer at the family worship. She departed for her eternal home on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 8:30 a.m.

Those who mourn her death are her children: Sara, Justina, Eva and Martha of the home in Inman, Ann, Mrs. Isaac Penner and husband, Henry A. Pauls and wife Marie, Inman; George A. Pauls and wife, Sarah, McPherson; Frank A. and wife Agnes, Jake Pauls and wife Justina, John A. Pauls and wife, Hilda, all of Inman, 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. (Her husband, three infant daughters, one daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren preceded her in death.

Funeral serviced were held on Jan. 27 in the Bethel Church near Inman. At 1:30 p.m. the family and relatives met for a short pre-service in the church basement. At 2 p.m. a large audience gathered for the services in the church sanctuary. Rev. P. A. Wedel and Rev. P. T. Neufeld officiated. — The Family.