Weaver, Reuben M. (1874-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Mar 7 p. 6

Birth date: 1874 Aug 13

text of obituary:

— Rev. Rueben [sic Reuben] M. Weaver, who served as minister in the Pleasant Valley Mennonite church near Harper for 45 years, died at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital Tuesday at the age of 82. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:30 p. m. at the Pleasant Valley Church. Rev. Weaver was born in Pennsylvania and came to Kansas at the age of five. He retired from the ministry in 1953. Surviving are six sons, eight daughters, 45 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Mar 14 p. 8

text of obituary:

REUBEN M. WEAVER

Reuben M. Weaver, son of David and Anna (Musser) Weaver, was born August 13, 1874, near New Holland, Pa., and passed away at the Bethel Hospital, Newton, Kan. on March 5, at the age of 82 years, six months, and 20 days. His death came after four months of lingering illness. He was the last survivor of nine children.

Father began an active life at the age of five when he moved with his parents from Pennsylvania to Newton, Kan. Twelve years later he was converted and united with the Pennsylvania Mennonite congregation near Newton. He faithfully served his Lord in those early years as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and as singing teacher in Peabody, Spring Valley (Canton), and West Liberty (McPherson) congregations. While visiting and working in the state of Pennsylvania one winter he also conducted singing classes.

In 1907 he obeyed God's call to the ministry and moved to Harper, Kan. where he served as pastor of the Pleasant Valley congregation until his resignation in 1945, continuing as co-pastor until he moved to Hesston in 1952. Other church responsibilities included Secretary of district Conference, 1902-1908; member of Mennonite Evangelistic and Benevolent Board, and secretary and treasurer of the Home Support Fund 1904-1906.

He conducted a number of revival meetings and assisted in Bible normals throughout his conference district until family duties required him to stay at home. He remained physically active all his life and completed building his house within the past year.

In 1899 he married Lucinda Ella Neuhauser, who passed on to glory in 1925. To this happy union were born 14 children; Francis E. and Ethel (both deceased in childhood); Joseph N., Media, Pa.; Ernest L., Denver, Colo.; Myrtle (Mrs. Leo H. Hostetler), Harper; twin sons, Truman E. of Newton, Kan., and Tillman M., Wellman, Iowa; Samuel G., Wellman, Iowa, Ella May (Mrs. Samuel E. Miller), Harrisonburg, Va.; Bertha, (Mrs. LaVern Miller), Nampa, Idaho; Dale, Seoul, Korea; Edith (Mrs. Reuben Yoder), Harper; Alta (Mrs. LeRoy Fry), Larned, Kan.; and Anna Ruth (Mrs. Howard Beck), Halstead, Kan.

In 1927 he married Lydia Gerber who preceded him in death in 1955. To this union two daughters were born: Mary (Mrs. Paul Shue), Harper, and Wanda (Mrs. Richard Good), Harrisonburg, Va.

Also surviving are 44 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Two granddaughters pre-deceased him.

Many difficulties came into father's life, but with God's help he uncomplainingly faced them all. When mother passed away she left him with 12 children, the oldest 21 years old and the youngest 15 months. He courageously kept the family together, refusing offers from interested families who wished to take the smaller children. He passed on to his children vasic [sic] Christina principles which we treasure above any other heritage. During his illness all 14 children were privileged to visit with him at his bedside, and all but Dale, who is in Korea, were in attendance at the funeral service.

Samuel E. Miller, a son-in-law, assisted by brother Ivan R. Lind, conducted the funeral services at the Pleasant Valley church near Harper. Bro. Waldo E. Miller had charge of the burial service at the graveside. Burial was made in the Pleasant Valley Church Cemetery.