Smith, Lydia Nickels (1885-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 20 p. 6

Birth date: 1885 Feb 16

text of obituary:

MRS. J. J. SMITH

Mrs. J. J. Smith, nee Lydia Nickels, was born to Cornelius and Eva Nickels on February 16, 1885, at Moundridge, Kansas. She spent her childhood years in Kansas, but later her family moved to Oklahoma, in which state she remained the rest of her life.

On April 12, 1903, she was baptized by Rev. Johann Ratzlaff at Meno, Oklahoma. She was saved at the time of an interesting incident. She had a severe attack of nose-bleeding which was most difficult to stop. In desperation she was losing hope, when suddenly a light appeared to her, which was none other but the light of the Lord Jesus. She placed all her hopes and faith in her Saviour. He was her only confidence, and it was her main desire to see each member of her family bound for heaven's shore,

She was married to J. J. Smith on December 13, 1903, at Meno, Oklahoma, by Rev. Johann Ratzlaff. This union continued for 46 years, three months, 18 days. Seven children were given to bless this home: Elvina, Eveline, Sophenia, Lorena, Elizabeth Margaret, Edwin Lee, and Harvey Leland.

Three daughters, Elvina, Evelyn (Mrs. Henry Thomas), and Sophenia (Mrs. Ben Richard), preceded their mother in death.

Although often sick and ailing, yet she would not fret nor complain. She sought to be content whatever the circumstances. She had great delight in giving, and no sacrifice for the family was too great for her. She leaves with us the memory of a loving, patient mother.

On October 6, 1949, she fell, breaking her collarbone and dislocating her shoulder. This seemingly started a series of troubles. On October 13, 1949, she taken by ambulance to the hospital by reason of a blood clot which lodged in her lung. A similar attack occurred on February 11.

However, she seemed to improve partially after each attack. Whenever possible, she would be present in her pew in the church. March 19 marks the last date that she worshipped in this sanctuary.

The following morning at a little after 5 o'clock, she had another attack. She was taken to the Gau Clinic where a number of attacks followed.

She never rallied from these attacks; but became weaker and weaker. She longed to go ‘home’. It was a great joy to her to hear the Word of God read. She delighted in the 23rd Psalm. She gave a number of solemn exhortations to us as a family and to friends. Once and again she said: “Love one another,” “Love your enemies” “Be ye saved."

Her condition grew worse continually the last two weeks; she became weaker and weaker. In the morning of April 1, 1950, at 8:35, she gently fell asleep in the Lord. "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever," She reached the age of 65 years, one month and 15 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure her sorrowing husband and four children; Lorena, at home; Elizabeth Margaret (Mrs. Arnold Wedel), Ringwood, Oklahoma; Edwin Lee, Enid, Oklahoma; Harvey Leland, Ringwood.

With these she leaves one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, two brothers, John Nickel and Andrew Nickel; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Mrs. Sam Schmidt), Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Rachel (Mrs. John Wedel), Kansas.

One grandchild, Bernice Marie Thomas: one sister, Annie (Mrs. Ben Unruh); two half-sisters, Lena (Mrs. Johnny Johnson) and Susie (Mrs. Bernard Jantz) and one half-brother, Henry A. Unruh, have preceded her in death.

We mourn, but not as those who have no hope. Mother has only preceded us and is at rest in her heavenly home. — The Family.