Sperling, Maria Pankratz (1852-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Oct 26 p. 7

Birth date: 1852 May 24

text of obituary:

MRS. MARIA SPERLING

Maria Sperling, daughter of Peter and Helena Pankratz was born in Waldheim, South Russia, on May 24, 1852.

The years of her happy childhood and early youth she spent in Rudnerweide, Ukraine. When four weeks old her mother passed away, and when five years old her second mother passed away. As a young woman of 22, she moved with her parents to America where they settled on the prairies of Nebraska, near Henderson. together with her family, she labored here in facing all teh [sic] hardships of pioneer life.

Three years later, on January 4, 1877, she entered into the bond of holy matrimony with John Sperling. Two years later she had the joy of confessing Christ as her own personal Saviour and was baptized upon her faith and received into the membership of the Mennonite Brethren church, in whose fellowship she fas [sic] remained unto the day of her death.

The home was blessed with nine children, of whom five have preceded her in death, three in infancy, one son Henry at the age of 31 and a daughter, Tina, at the age of 18. These incidences of sorow [sic] brought a serious shadow into the life of our mother over which she however elevated herself through faith in her blessed Lord.

It was her joy to walk together with her husband for a period of 63 years and two months. This happy union ended on March 6, 1940, when father was taken from our midst. The past 10 years and six months she remained as a widow, frequently longing that she too might have the joy of entering into the habitation of the blessed.

Six years ago she came to California to make her home with her children, Henry F. Bullers of Reedley. The last five years she was bedfast and required constant care. Her daughter, Marie, has carried the largest part of the responsibility in caring for her during these long years of disablement. She always patiently cared for her needs. Only the last five days of her life she had to suffer severely, until on September 24, 1950, at 2:08 a. m. she was relieved of all her suffering and was permitted to enter the glorious Beyond which she in faith had seen from afar. She reached the age of 98 years and four months.

We are deeply conscious that we have lost a praying mother who carried upon her heart the welfare of her loved ones and the cause of Christ upon this earth. Even though she is not with us any more, the impact of her influence shall always remain a blessing to our lives.

She leaves to mourn her departure three daughters, Miss Marie Sperling, Lena, Mrs. D. A. Buller and family, Sarah, Mrs. Henry F. Buller and family, all of Reedley; one son, John Sperling and family, of Woodworth, No. Dakota; one foster daughter, Ann, Mrs. John A. Penner and family of Reedley; 10 grandchildren, nine great grand children; and a host of relatives and friends. — The Bereaved Family.