Voth, George (1895-1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Mar 27 p. 11

Birth date: 1895 Jul 11

text of obituary:

GEORGE VOTH

George Voth was born on July 11, 1895, at Buhler, Kan., the youngest of ten children born to Johann and Helen Nachtigal Voth. He was the last of this family to die. He grew up and received his education in the Buhler community. His entire life was lived in the Buhler-Inman Community.

He was baptized on June 20, 1915 by Rev. Abraham Ratzlaff and became a member of the Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church. After marriage he joined the Hebron Mennonite Church, rural Buhler. In 1964, he joined the Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman, of which he was a member until his passing. For over 40 years he served as a Sunday school teacher. He served as a deacon in the Hebron Mennonite Church. In earlier years he sang in the church choir. He found much joy in reading the Scriptures and enjoyed music. He liked to go to church early so he could have an opportunity to meditate.

On June 15, 1924, he married Elizabeth Neufeldt. For the first two years of marriage they lived on the Voth home place one and a half miles east of Buhler. In 1926 they moved to a farm six miles east of Inman. Here two children were born to them.

Because of failing health it became more difficult to continue farming, so in 1971 they moved to Buhler. It was their privilege to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary and also the golden wedding anniversary on June 16, 1974.

At various times he was hospitalized because of his physical condition. On Oct. 25, 1974, he entered Mercy Hospital, Moundridge, where he died on Feb. 17, 1975, at the age of 79.

For over 40 years he suffered pain from arthritis. He stated that this pain drew him closer to the Lord and he tried to find a blessing in it. He was a quiet person, thinking carefully before speaking.

Those surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; two children, Leroy and wife Ruth of Hesston, and Loretta and husband Max Froese of Buhler; five grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law.

Funeral services were conducted at the Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman on Feb. 20, 1975, with Rev. Paul Isaak officiating. Burial was in the Buhler Cemetery.