Wasser, Barbara Fretz (1866-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Nov 29 p. 9

Birth date: 1866 May 20

text of obituary:

MRS. BARBARA WASSER

Barbara Wasser, daughter of Ely and Mary Myers Fretz, was born May 20, 1866, in Bedminster township, Bucks county, Penna. She was baptized on confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior on October 28, 1882, at Deep Run, by Bishop Moses Gottschall.

On April 21, 1888, she married Erwin Wasser of Lehigh county. They lived most of their lives in Bedminster township as farmer. They had 10 children, nine of which lived. Her husband Erwin died in 1924 and in 1926 she moved from the farm to the village of Bedminster where she cared for herself the rest of her life.

Barbara was a faithful Christian, a devoted mother, and a loyal church member. she and her brother Francis were the oldest members of the Deep Run Mennonite congregation of the Eastern Conference, both joining at the same time. She was a sister of the late Allen M. Fretz, pastor of the congregation for many years. She faithfully worked with her hands and led her children after her.

Ailing since July and cared for by her children, she peacefully fell asleep Wednesday morning, November 14, 1951 at the age of 85 years.

Those who remain are her nine children, Mary, Clarence, Susan, Mahlon, Francis, Katie, Erwin, Charles, and Montford, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The funeral was held at the Deep Run meeting house on Sunday, Nov. 18, 1951, and interment was in the adjoining cemetery. Pastor J. Herbert Fretz preached on Proverbs 31:30.