Schmidt, Helena Unruh (1878-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Mar 31 p. 8

Birth date: 1878 Jul 29

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA SCHMIDT

Helena Schmidt, daughter of David P. Unruh and Helena Koehn Unruh, was born July 29, 1878, in McPherson county, Kansas, and passed away March 17, 1955, at 9:00 a.m. at the age of 76 years, seven months, 18 days.

She was baptized upon her confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour on Feb. 10, 1895, by Rev. Johann Ratzlaff and accepted into the fellowship of the Canton Mennonite, now Emmauel [sic Emmanuel] church north of Moundridge, Kansas.

On Sept. 1, 1895, she was united in marriage to Henry Schmidt by Rev. Tobias Wedel. This union was blessed by two children, one son Frank, and one daughter Adina who preceded her in death in 1938. They shared joy and sorrow for a little more than 43 years when, in 1939, the family ties were broken by the passing of her husband.

In the fall of 1903 she with her husband and children moved to Marion county and located on the farm one mile west of the church, where in 1904 she and her husband joined the fellowship of the Friedenstal Mennonite church by letter of transfer. She was a faithful member here till the end.

As the wife of a minister she spent much time and energy in helping her husband in the service of the church. She believed in a simple, disciplined Christian life and was always concerned about the welfare of others and remembered them in prayer. Her family life was in reality a pioneer life, especially at the time they started farming in Marion county, but she was a faithful wife and loving mother.

In her 16 years of widowhood she took care of herself. She was in poor health for the last several years but on Aug. 1, 1954 her health all at once failed so that in a few days she was unable to walk. A wheel chair was provided for her for which she was very thankful. During this time she spent much time reading books and especially her Bible which was of great comfort to her. She appreciated company very much although she was unable to follow conversation very well because of deafness.

Saturday and Sunday she was quite ill. On Monday afternoon she suffered a stroke which impaired her speech and by early Tuesday morning she was completely paralyzed except for her right hand and was unable to speak after that.

She leaves to mourn one son Frank and daughter-in-law, Rachel of the home; three grandchildren, Elfrieda of Hillsboro, Kansas, Junia and his wife Doris of Middleton, Conn., and Arelie of the home; many relatives and friends. We are not without hope, but have full assurance that we all shall meet her in Glory.

— The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1955 Apr 5 p. 224