Esther Penner (nee Toews)
Obituary
Our dear Mom and Grandma, Esther Toews Penner, was born on April 4, 1932, to Henry D. and Anna Wiens Toews at Montezuma, Kansas. She passed away on October 1st, reaching the age of 86 years.
Being poor didn’t hinder her carefree childhood days. She enjoyed working and playing with her two brothers and eight sisters on their farm in the sand hills.
Mom received her eight grades of education at Montezuma Grade School. At a young age she felt her need of the Savior and answered God’s call. She was converted and baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in the fall of 1944. The Church was precious to her, and she remained faithful to her vows till the end.
On June 12, 1955, she married our dad, Elmer Penner, and moved a thousand miles to start a new life in Rosenort, Manitoba. Their first home was a one bedroom house on his parents’ yard. That winter they traveled north to Crooked Creek, Alberta, where Dad worked in the saw mill. Here is where many fond memories and lasting friendships were made. Shortly after this they bought their own farm in Rosenort, which was home to them until Dad retired. They moved to town in December of 2002.
Looking after Dad was important to Mom. She loved taking Pepsi to him in the shop and making his favorite meals. We remember when Dad farmed nine miles west of the home place. Many were the full course hot meals that Mom prepared at home to take to Dad in the field, making sure she was there on time.
She loved all types of gardening, especially her flowers. Even though she was hindered by her frail health, serving company was a pleasure. Many a delicious meal was enjoyed around their table with friends and family from far and near.
In 1968, Dad was ordained to the Gospel Ministry. Mom supported and stood by him wholeheartedly. They were happy to be able to fill short mission terms of several months at a time in Canada and the United States.
Family times were important to Mom, and a gathering was not quite complete if someone was missing. Each of her grandchildren had a special place in her heart. She loved them dearly, and looked forward to their visits.
God granted our parents 56 happy years together. Four children were born to them, two sons and two daughters. They loved each of us dearly. When Dad left us so suddenly in 2011 after a short illness, it seemed Mom’s world fell apart. She had always been able to depend on Dad for everything.
After Dad died, Mom remained at home a few years, being lovingly cared for by Rosanne. In the summer of 2014, Mom moved to the Maplewood Manor, which became her new home. We as a family appreciate the excellent care given to our mom by the nursing staff.
In December of 2017, Mom suffered a stroke, from which she partially recovered. A week before she died, she had a more severe stroke. After this she responded very little. In the early hours of the morning, she peacefully took her last breath and the angels carried her away.
Those left to cherish precious memories are two daughters, Rosanne, Maxine and Leroy Goossen; grandchildren, Tara, Sharla, Troy, Cory and Alandra, all of Rosenort, MB; two sisters, Nettie and Victor Goossen, Frances Penner, one brother, Walter and Ruth, one brother-in-law, George Epson. Also sharing in fond memories are the Penner in-laws, Frances Goossen, Martha Penner, Pauline Penner, Gladwin and Ella, Leonard and Evelyn, Johnny and Naomi, Naomi Penner, Dolores Miller, Melvin and Elvera, Lee and Neoma Hiebert, Janet and James Goossen, Ken and Darlene, Bert and Rosalyn, Wayne and Phyllis, Rick and Karen, Darrell and Carolyn.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, two stillborn sons, one infant grandson, her parents, six sisters and one brother.
The viewing will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with a devotional at 7:30 p.m.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rosenort Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Rosenort, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at the church cemetery.
