Toews, Justina Thiessen (1884-1929)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1929 Jul 18 p. 7

Birth date: 1884 Mar 10

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1929 Jul 3 p. 2

Mrs. H. E. Toews

Justina (Thiessen) Toews, was born March 10, 1884 in Harvey county, Kansas, near Moundridge. There she also spent her youth with her parents, Jacob Thiessens. June 16, 1901, she was baptized upon her confession of faith by our father, Elder Heinrich Toews and received into the Bethel Church, whose faithful member she remained to her end. She was united in marriage August 26, 1902. She had a warm heart for missions and rejoiced whenever she was able to help the heathen, who are still in darkness, spiritually.

She labored as she was able until December 19, 1928, when she was found lying on the floor unconscious, at 2 p. m. The physician who was summoned said her blood pressure was too high and that a paralytic stroke was the result. Since the case seemed to be serious she was taken to the McPherson County hospital on December 23. The Grace of God restored her health sufficiently that she could return home, after having been there 49 days. She felt quite well, but since she wished to be nearer the physician, she was taken to the hospital a second time on March 25. She remained 8 days and came home recovering, but not for long. April 19, she had another stroke. On the 22nd she was taken to the hospital a third time but in spite of all that physicians were able to do, her condition grew daily worse. The strokes recurred repeatedly, 21 times in all untill her right side was completely paralyzed. A stroke on May 1 almost completely left her speechless, but for a short while she could nod or turn her head. Another stroke on June 8 took away speech entirely and left her unconscious. Her throat was paralyzed so that she could not swallow. The last few days she breated [sic] very heavily. The hour of her departure came June 18, at 9:35 p. m. She heard the Master's call and went.

She reached the age of 45 years, 3 months and 10 days. She lived in the bonds of holy matrimony 26 years, 9 months and 23 days, and had the privilege of celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary in the circle of the closest relatives. A great joy during the sickness was that her brother John returned from India in time that she could yet talk with him. Greatly to be appreciated also was the good care at the hospital during the 114 days of being there.

She leaves to mourn her early departure her deeply bereaved husband, 7 sisters, 2 brother: Mrs. Henry Regehr, Mrs. Jacob Pauls, Mrs. H. A. Heidebrecht, Mrs. G. B. Doerksen, Mrs. A. W. Wiens, of Inman, Mrs. H. A. Wiens of Goessel; Mrs. H. H. Harder of Meade; Mr. Jacob Thiessen and Rev. John Thiessen, who recently returned from India, and many relatives and friends.

The funeral services were held at the Inman Mennonite Church, Saturday, June 22, at 2:30 p. m. Rev. Ewert made the opening after which Rev. John Thiessen and Rev. Claas Kroeker spoke. Rev. P. T. Neufeld spoke in English and read the English obituary. Interment was made at the South Inman cemetery.