Wiebe, Aganetha Hiebert (1873-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Oct 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1873 Sep 1

text of obituary:

MRS. AGANETHA WIEBE

Mrs. Aganetha Wiebe was born to John and Katherine (Thiesen) Hiebert on Sept. 1, 1873, in South Russia. Here she spent her early years and was saved at about 17 years of age while singing in the choir. Her choir director led her to the Lord. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith soon afterward.

In 1892, she came with her parents to America and they settled in the Hillsboro, Kan. area. She was married to Cornelius Wiebe in 1895. This union, which lasted 37 years, was blessed with eight children. Mr. Wiebe passed away June 4, 1927. They moved from Kansas to Oregon and in 1920 to California.

She was earnest in her faith and prayed often and sincerely for those about her, especially her family. She loved to take part in Sunday school was instrumental in beginning the Wednesday night prayer service in the rest home where she resided the last 18 months of her life. She was thrilled by her son John's work as a missionary in Nigeria, West Africa.

She spent much time in painting pictures during her last years and many homes show the skill of her hands with beautiful paintings.

She enjoyed good health during most of her life. On Sept. 5 of this year, on her birthday, the entire family was present to honor her and this was a great delight and blessing to her. She failed rapidly after this and slipped quietly from this life to be with her Maker on Sept. 14, 1962, having reached the age of 89 years and 9 days.

Those who mourn her departure are: three daughters, Mrs. Rachel Cheney of Reedley, Calif., Mrs.Susan Schmidt of Mount, Herman, Calif., and Mrs. Henry Reimer of Santa Barbara, Calif.; five sons, Menno Wiebe of Enumclaw, Wash., Eli Wiebe of Tillamook, Ore., John Wiebe of Medford, Oregon (furlough address), Ben Wiebe of Chico, Calif., and Ernest Wiebe of Reedley; two brothers, J. J. Hiebert of Dinuba, Calif., and H. A. Hiebert of San Jose, Calif.; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley Mennonite brethren Church with Rev. Henry L. Janzen and Rev. J. J. Gerbrandt officiating. — The Family.