Siemens, Marie (1886-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 May 13 p. 11

Birth date: 1886 Sep 25

text of obituary:

MARIE SIEMENS

Marie Siemens was born on Sept. 25, 1886, in Inman, Kan., the fourth of 14 children born to John F. and Sarah Franz Siemens. Her early life was spent in the parental home east of Buhler. Here she received her brief elementary schooling. Being among the older children of a large family and a willing, dutiful daughter, heavy household duties were soon put upon her young shoulders.

Christian nurture was a part of the home environment, and at the age of 20 she accepted Christ as her Saviour. On June 4, 1906, she was baptized by Rev. Abraham Ratzlaff and received into the membership of the Hoffnungsau Church at Inman. When the family moved to Reedley, Calif. in 1912 she affiliated with the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. Later the parents came back to Buhler to live in retirement. Here Marie continued to share in the blessings and burdens of the home. The parents were now aging and with their passing, the home was dissolved.

Marie then found temporary residence with some of the sisters and brothers. Later she acquired her own little house in Buhler. She found real enjoyment in making her home a place of order and beauty. After a few years, growing bodily weakness made it necessary to become a resident in the Sunshine Mission in Buhler. For 11 years she enjoyed the love and devotion that this Home radiates.

About three weeks ago Marie contracted the flu which turned into acute pneumonia. She was hospitalized in Grace Hospital, Hutchinson. Later she was moved back, to Sunshine Home, and two days later, on March 23, 1965, her Lord and Saviour called her unto Himself.

“I am willing to put all into God's hands. His way is best” were familiar phrases from her letters when she could still write.

For us who knew her intimately she leaves poignant memories of devotion, sacrifice, and patient suffering. Pneumonia in her late teens left its crippling mark. Then came influenza during World War I, and goiter, cancer, and arthritis in the later years. Possessed by a healthy spirit, these were interludes in a life that performed many services in the parental home, for the growing families of sisters and brothers, and the church in relief sewing. The dainty doll clothes she fashioned were a delight to her young nieces and the many baby quilts pieced with crippled hands a joy for mothers on relief.

Sister Marie leaves with her passing three sisters and six brothers (five preceded her in death): Sarah Ratzlaff, Shafter, Calif.; Agatha Froese, Buhler, Kan.; Lydia Ewert, Hillsboro, Kan.; John, Art, and Curt of Buhler, Kan.; Dave of Hesston, Kan.; Jake of North Newton, Kan.; and Pete of Burrton, Kan.