Warkentin, Mary Voth (1891-1967)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1967 Sep 22 p. 20

Birth date: 1891 Jul 23

text of obituary:

MARY WARKENTIN

Mrs. Mary Warkentin (J.J.) was born July 23, 1891 on a primitive farm near Bingham Lake, Minn., the daughter of Rev. Heinrich and Sara Voth. It was her father who was the first Mennonite Brethren preacher to come to the Winkler area to preach the gospel in 1884. Through his services the late Rev. J. J. Warkentin and his wife, Sara (parents to Mr. J. J. Warkentin) were saved. An intimate bond of friendship was formed between these two families.

Mrs. Warkentin possessed a cheerful attitude toward her daily duties. She was the joy and sunshine of her home and surroundings. Under the influence of Christian parents and godly teachers she acknowledged her sinfulness at the age of 12 and accepted the Lord Jesus as her personal Saviour. She was baptized upon her confession of faith in 1903 and accepted into the Mennonite Brethren Church at Bingham Lake. On October 13, 1913 she entered marriage with Mr. J. J. Warkentin of Winkler. For a year they lived at Bingham Lake, then they moved to Winkler for a while and soon thereafter to B.C. They came back to Manitoba, however, purchased a farm near Roland, and farmed there until 1959. In that year they retired to Winkler. Three children were born to them, one of whom, a son, died in infancy. The Lord blessed their life, but they also experienced failures, hardships and sorrow.

Together with her husband, she enjoyed eight years in retirement in Winkler. During the past winter she went through much suffering as she succumbed to the illness of which she eventually died. However, she entrusted her entire being into the care of the One who has said, "I care for you," and her departure was a departure in peace.

At the funeral, Rev. Herman Lenzmann stressed the words, "Saved by grace." And Rev. Frank H. Friesen of Morden made reference to three stages of her life: a look into her natural life, her death and her resurrection. The congregation sang her testimony "Rock of Ages Cleft for Me."

She is survived by her husband John J. Warkentin; two daughters Mrs. Benno (Elma) Giesbrecht, Winkler, and Mrs. George (Lillian) Hogman and four granddaughters and two grandsons.