Voth, Maria Buller (1871-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Sep 19 p. 8

Birth date: 1871 Jul 23

text of obituary:

MRS. JOHN J. VOTH

Our mother, Maria Voth, nee Buller, was born July 23, 1871, in the village of Paulsheim, South Russia. She was the youngest of nine children. In 1874 she, with her parents, three sisters and five brothers migrated to America and settled three miles east of Buhler, Kan. Here she went through the hardships of pioneer life and also received her brief schooling which was mostly in the German language.

On Dec. 11, 1892, she was baptized upon confession of her faith in Christ by Elder Dietrich Gaeddert and was received as a member into the Hoffnungsau Church. When the Buhler Mennonite Church was organized in 1920, she became a charter member and remained a faithful member until her death.

On May 14, 1896, she was married to our father, John J. Voth, who preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 1923. This union was blessed with six children of whom the youngest passed away at the age of 10 months. Also preceding her in death were a daughter-in-law Sara (Mrs. H. B. Voth) and an infant daughter.

She was a loving mother and much concerned about the spiritual welfare of her family. When able, she was busy performing her duties well in a quiet and unselfish way. She had much pleasure and joy in her grandchildren.

She enjoyed good health until 1932 when she submitted to a goiter operation. After some years she again enjoyed fairly good health. About a year and a half ago she and her children, Lena and John, made their home in Buhler, which she enjoyed very much. However after the first of the year her health began to fail.

She bore her suffering patiently without complaining. On the last day at home as the family was gathered, she prayed her favorite prayer: "Christi Blut und Gerechtigkeit. Das ist mein Schmuck und Ehrenkleid; Damit will ich vor Gott bestehn. Wenn ich zum Himmel werd eingeh'n." She lived a quiet Christian life. As long as she could see well enough, she read the Bible much.

Upon the advice of her physician she was taken to Grace Hospital at Hutchinson on Sunday, Sept. 8. In spite of all that was done for her, she steadily became worse until she passed away quietly the following day at 12:25 noon at the age of 86 years, one month and 16 days.

She is survived by one daughter, Lena, of the home; four sons, P. B. and wife Minnie of Buhler, John of the home, Henry B. and wife Marie of Inman, and Jake and wife Tena of Whitewater; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother John Buller of Buhler; one sister, Mrs. Frank Regier of Moundridge; besides a host of relatives and friends.

We will miss her greatly, but we will meet her again in Eternity. — The Family.