Spenst, Mary Derksen (1897-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Aug 17 p. 7

Birth date: 1897 Nov 6

text of obituary:

MARY DERKSEN SPENST

Mary Derksen Spenst, daughter of William and Mary Pauls Derksen, was born in Waterloo township near Langdon, North Dakota on November 6, 1897 and passed away at her home north of Alsen, North Dakota on July 18, 1950, having reached the age of 52 years, eight months and 12 days.

On October 28, 1917, she was united in the bonds of holy wedlock with John P. Spenst. To this union were born three children, Richard, living near Loma, North Dakota, Earl and Evangeline of the home.

The Lord had been speaking to the heart of Mrs. Spenst and He used a message given by Rev. B. B. Fadenrecht at a wedding to bring a definite conviction of sin in her life and her need for a personal Saviour. That night after the wedding, Mrs. Spenst, together with her husband, knelt in prayer, asking the Lord for the forgiveness of sins and claiming the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and Redeemer. This took place about the first of June, 1924, and a few days later, on June 8, she was baptized upon her confession of faith and joined the Swiss Mennonite church of Alsen, North Dakota, to which she remained a faithful member until death.

Mrs. Spenst enjoyed good health during her life until about four and one-half years ago, when she became ill and has submitted to seven major operations since that time. The cause of her death was cancer.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, John P. Spenst; three children, Richard of Loma, North Dakota, Earl and Evangeline of the home; a daughter-in-law, Eileen, Mrs. Richard Spenst; four grandsons, Richard, Robert, Larry and Leonard, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Spenst; her mother, Mrs. Mary Derksen, Corwallis [sic Corvallis], Oregon; and five sisters. Elizabeth and Kathryn Derksen of Corwallis [sic Corvallis], Oregon; Ann, Mrs. Elmer Wolf, of Mica, Wash.; Agnes, Mrs. Jack Fehr, of Sweet Home, Ore.; and Esther, Mrs. Patrick Hillery, of Long Beach, Calif.

Four sisters and two brothers preceded her in death.