Penner, Ella Pankratz (1933-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 April 05 p. 37

Birth date: 1933

text of obituary:

ELLA PENNER

Ella Penner was born on September 20, 1933 at Coaldale, Alberta, the daughter of David and Anna Pankratz. At the age of seven she gave her heart to the Lord, and on June 19, 1949 was baptized and accepted into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Coaldale.

In 1953 Ella and Jake Penner were married and began their life together on a farm at Grassy Lake. The Lord blessed their marriage in many ways, with three children, as well as material and spiritual blessings. Ella had many talents and believed in using them for the Lord, both as a homemaker and as a member of the church and community. More than in any other way she will be remembered for her singing. She could always be counted on to be available, in the choir or in vocal groups.

Her battle with the illness that took her life began with surgery in the spring of 1967. Their youngest child was only three at the time, and both Ella and Jake prayed for a few more years, for the sake of the children. Their wish was granted and she enjoyed three and a half more years of good health. was an inspiration to all who visited her. One of her favorite verses of scripture was Matt. 6:34, according to the Living Bible: "Don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow, too. Live one day at a time."

After the death of her father six months ago, her health broke down rapidly. The last months were filled with pain and suffering, but her courageous and cheerful disposition was an inspiration to all who visited her. One of her favorite verses of scripture was Matt. 6:34, according to the Living Bible: "Don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow, too. Live one day at a time."

Ella went to be with the Lord Feb. 26, 1974. Two of the people she dearly loved predeceased her: Mother Penner in 1972 and her father, David J. Pankratz, in 1973.

She leaves to mourn her early passing: three children, Roger, Randy and Wanda; her loving husband Jake; her mother, Anna Pankratz; one sister, Erika Penner of Grassy Lake; two brothers, Victor Pankratz of La Glace, Alta. and Werner Pankratz of Vancouver, as well as many close relatives and friends.

The funeral was held on March 1 at the small country church that had been Ella's church home for the last 20 years of her life. Alex Neumann spoke on John 14:1 "Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me." Rev. Ed Epp officiated at the burial. She was laid to rest in the cemetery on the grounds of the Mennonite Brethren Church at Grassy Lake, Alberta Then new problems appeared, resulting in more surgery.