Richert, Maria Dora (1891-1976)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1976 Dec 9 p. 5

Birth date: 1891 Jan 8

Text of obituary:

Oldest Deaconess Dies at Age 85

Sister Maria Dora Richert, R. N., oldest surviving member of the Sisterhood of the Bethel Deaconess Hospital and Home in Newton, died Monday at the hospital. She was 85.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the First Mennonite Church of Newton, of which she was a member. Dr. Albert Epp, the pastor, officiated.

Sister Dora, as she was known, was a native of the Buhler community. She graduated from the Bethel Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing as a deaconess and nurse in 1914 and served in the hospital the remainder of her active years. She was among the first persons to take the state registry examination for nurses.

During the early years of her service Sister Dora assisted the superintendent of nurses. In the years before the polio vaccine was introduced she was well known for her tireless treatment of polio patients using the Sister Kenny method of applying hot packs. She later served in the areas of physical therapy and respiratory therapy. She also looked after the health needs of the other Sisters.

The 50th anniversary of Sister Dora's service as a deaconess was observed in 1964. She had been partially retired since 1969.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1977 Jan 6 p. 11

Text of obituary:

SISTER DORA RICHERT

Sister Dora Richert was born on Jan. 8, 1891 to Jacob A. and Anna (Kliewer) Richert. She died on Dec. 6, 1976, just one month prior to her 86th birthday.

She spent a happy childhood on the farm near Buhler, Kan. When she was 12 years old the family moved to Gotebo, Okla. Her parents were thrifty, hard working pioneers, but took time for worship and Bible study. Sister Dora was baptized by her uncle, J. J. Kliewer.

In 1914 Sister Dora entered the Bethel Deaconess Hospital, Newton, for nurses training and graduated in 1917. In 1918 she was ordained as a deaconess by Rev. H. D. Penner. Her Bible verse was Isaiah 54:10, "The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

Sister Dora served in various capacities. She was assistant to Sister Catherine, superintendent of nurses. Later she served in surgery and supervision of floors. In the 1930s, during the polio epidemic, she had charge of polio treatment. She was diligent, working long hours, giving herself to applying hot packs, massaging, teaching. She was a meticulous person—everything had to be done right. She never spared herself.

When her parents were aged and needing help she took a leave of absence and cared for them until they went to their reward. Her father passed away in May 1943 and her mother in August 1944.

In 1955 she began administering physical therapy under Dr. Anita Isaac and continued in this department until 1969. She enjoyed this service. Work had to be first and time had very little meaning until work was done.

In 1969 she retired from hospital service, but she was never idle. She especially enjoyed the privilege of attending church services, Sunday school and circle meetings regularly. She kept up a faithful letter correspondence with her family circle and friends. She looked after the health needs of the Sisters. In later years she was hospitalized several times and underwent several surgeries, but she always looked forward to getting back to the Sisters Home and picking up her work, whatever it might be.

She took great pleasure in planning her vacations. Last year at the age of 84 she and her sister, Anna, took a long bus tour to the East Coast and came home full of energy and joy. She is the only deaconess who had the privilege to celebrate her 60th year of service in the diaconate.

Surviving her are five sisters and one brother: Mrs. Leo D. (Anna) Ewert, Halstead; Mrs. John (Minnie) Gaeddert, Wichita; Mrs. Frank (Elizabeth) Balzer and Mrs. George (Ruth) Buland, both of Newton; Mrs. Theodore R. (Bertha) Braun, Council Grove; and Jacob F. Richert, Hutchinson. She is also survived by 13 nephews and nieces.

One brother, John, and one sister, Mrs. John J. (Edna) Sawatzke, Newton, preceded her in death.

This message was left in an envelope of her history file: "I thank you for all the love, patience, guidance, and spiritual help I have received from the Sisters, chaplains, administrators, and church ministers, especially Rev. Arnold A. Epp and Rev. Albert H. Epp. God bless and guide you all."