Frances Ruth Wiebe

WHITEWATER - Frances R. Wiebe, age 82, passed away November 24, 2016, at Kansas Christian Home, Newton.  She was born November 3, 1934, in Newton, the daughter of Henry and Maria (Epp) Wiebe.  She had worked as a dishwasher and dietary aide.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Marilyn, Marvin and Herbert Wiebe.  She is survived by sister in laws:  Janet Wiebe of Elbing; and Delilah Wiebe of Newton; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.  Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 27, 2016, at Emmaus Church, Whitewater.  Viewing will be from 1 p.m. until service time.  Interment will be in the Emmaus Cemetery.  Memorial Funds have been established for Good Shepherd Hospice or Emmaus Missions Fund in care of Lamb Funeral Home, 120 S Main, Whitewater, KS, 67154.  Online Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.

Life Sketch

I Samuel 12:24, was the verse given to Frances Wiebe when she was baptized in her teens. Since then, she claimed it as her life verse. “Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart for consider how great things He hath done for you.” Frances mentioned that this was a fitting verse for her to think about right before Thanksgiving; “As believers, no matter what situation or circumstance we find ourselves in, we have much to be thankful for because the Lord has done great things for us!” It was meaningful and comforting to the family that the Lord called her home on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016.

Frances was born to Henry and Maria (Epp) Wiebe on November 3,1934 at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, KS. She was the youngest of four children. Frances enjoyed life on the farm and lived on the family farm until she moved to Newton in 2013. When she was young, she was always glad when her two older brothers needed her help driving tractor during hay season. She would hurry through her housework as fast as possible in order to go out and help.

Frances came to know the Lord as her Savior at the age of ten after listening to a radio program. Her walk with the Lord began to grow and her four years at Berean High school reinforced what she had been taught. She graduated on May 22, 1953.

After high school, Frances considered it her main calling to selflessly care for her parents. She chose to stay home and help them out while working at different odd jobs in the area. She started by helping different mothers in the community with lots of small children. She then sewed drapes at a business in Elbing, by hand and by machine. She enjoyed going along with her boss on some occasions to see her work displayed in beautiful opulent houses. She did some cleaning at Countryside and Whitewater Mill. She then was employed at the Bread Basket in Newton, baking cookies and pies. The last job she had before retiring lasted fourteen years as a dietary aid at Friendly Acres Retirement Home.

Frances enjoyed reading, quilting, and sewing. She spent many hours babysitting her nieces and nephews. They remember playing with her cupboard of toys under the china cabinet and with her dolls and doll house. She sang in the Emmaus Mennonite church choir and appreciated music and the little things that people did to make music more meaningful or special. She loved flowers, especially pansies and peonies, and the color violet.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Maria Wiebe, a sister Marilyn Wiebe, and two brothers Marvin and Herbert Wiebe.