Gertrude B. Haney

Other Events:

• Name: Gertrude B. Derstine
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-22624

Notes:

Gertrude Blanche Derstine was born at Silverdale, Pa., March 21, 1895; died May 23, 1926, at Kitchener, Ont. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Hangey of Telford, Pa.; her father preceded her in death. The immediate cause of her death was "Henock's Purpura." But she had been an intense sufferer for a number of years. She was widely know for her patient suffering, her uncomplaining disposition, her cheery personality. Even the last remark heard from her lips was, "Praise the Lord." On Aug. 21, 1912, she was united in marriage to Bro. C. F. Derstine of Souderton, Pa. Shortly after this, at the call of the Southwestern Penna. Mission Board, they gave their service to the Church in the city mission at Altoona, Pa. From there they were called to the Illinois Conference and resided at Eureka. While at this place she, in a most devoted spirit, supported her husband in the local work, as well as his evangelistic efforts throughout the church. For the space of twelve years her husband's work necessitated many lonesome hours for her, but she never uttered one note which made it hard for her husband to attend to his God-given duties, but constantly encouraged him in every way. When the call came to come to the First Mennonite Church at Kitchener, Ont., she responded to the call of duty, even though she was fondly attached to the cause and to the people at Eureka, Ill., where they had spent nine years. She was the first to say to her husband, "I can't see how we can conscientiously go back to the field in Illinois, seeing the urgent call and need here in Kitchener, and its environs." Her good Christian character and radiant personality could not be confined to her own home. She shall be deeply missed by all who knew her. In her girlhood days she accepted her Savior, united with the Mennonite Church and loyally exemplified her principles. Prior to her last operation she said, "I am ready to go or ready to stay, as the Lord directs; He has power either way." Everything that was know was done for her in order to extend her life, but she passed on into the presence of her Lord. Her early departure is deeply felt by her husband and her three children; Esther, Ruth, and Margaret Elizabeth. She is keenly missed by her mother, Mrs. Malinda Hangey, Telford, Pa., her brothers; Warren and Norman Hangey, and her sisters; Mrs. Valeria Reiner, Mrs. Ada Groff, Mrs. LaRue Kirkpatrick, the parents of Brother Derstine, Bro. and Sister M. B. Derstine, and their two sons Clarence and Lloyd. These and a host of relatives and friends mourn, but withal have the sustaining comfort in the fact that she has "fallen asleep in Jesus." In her last hours Sister Derstine requested that all her many friends should be thanked for their love. When the young men offered their life blood for transfusion to save her life, all she could say was, "Thanks." The funeral was held at the Kitchener Mennonite Church. More than 150 people attended the funeral or viewed her body in the home. The church at Eureka had about ten representative brethren and sisters attend the services. Goshen College sent Sister Vera Cressman, and had a special prayer service for grace on the sorrowing father and children. Many telegrams and letters of expressed sorrow and sympathy were gratefully received. The letter from the Publishing House Management and the Editors was thankfully received.. The whole atmosphere was one of trust and in the sustaining hope and comfort of the Gospel. The service was in charge of the Bishops of the Ontario Conference; Abram Gingerich, M. Hallman, Jonas Snyder, and S. F. Coffman, who preached the sermon on "The Christian's Triumph in the Hour of Suffering." Text, Rom. 8: 21-22. She was laid away by tender hands in the cemetery beside the church under the "Mountain Ash" tree awaiting the hour of the return of her Lord who shall call her body to life at the resurrection of the righteous.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XIX, No. 11 - June 10, 1926, pages 239, 240.

Gertrude married Bishop Clayton Freed Derstine 21 Aug 1912. Clayton was born 17 Aug 1891, Souderton, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA; died 31 Aug 1967, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther H. Smith
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-213989
• Residence: 1971, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

90Smith, Esther, daughter of C. F. and Gertrude (Hagey) Derstine, was born at Souderton, Pa.; died of a heart attack at the K-W Hospital, Waterloo, Ont., Jan. 9, 1975; aged 61 y. She was married to Alfred M. Smith, who preceded her in death in 1964. Surviving are one son (Robert T. Smith), 4 sisters (Ruth - Mrs. George Hofstetter, Margaret - Mrs. Robert Becker, Grace - Mrs. Paul Brunner, and Yvonne - Mrs. Lawrence Harris), and 2 brothers (Clayton and John Derstine). She was a member of the First Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 11, in charge of Robert N. Johnson and Ernie Martin; interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

Gospel Herald - Vol. 68, No. 5 -- February 4, 1975 - p. 89, 90

Esther married Alfred M. Smith 22 Aug 1936. Alfred (son of William Thomas Smith and Margaret Mary Schott) was born 9 Jun 1910, Woodstock, Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 13 Nov 1964, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]