Betty Louise Birky

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Complications From Alzheimer’s-Type Dementia

Notes:

Obit: (Pantagraph.com/obits)
URBANA — Betty L. Zehr, 81, Urbana, passed away Monday (Feb. 27, 2012) at her home in Urbana as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s-type dementia.
The Rev. Janet Rasmussen will lead a celebration of life memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana. A private cremation service will be at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory for family and close friends. Visitation for friends wishing to greet the Zehr family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana.
In lieu of flowers, the following may be considered for Betty L. Zehr memorials, the Student Scholarship Fund at Bethel College, the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Association, monetary donations to the food pantry fund at First Mennonite Church or any other charitable organization the donor may choose. If desired, these may be directed to either the Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802, or to First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield, Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.
She was born April 29, 1930, the daughter of John S. and Fannie Birky, Foosland.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. John E. Zehr, Urbana; sons, Rev. Terrence D. (Cheryl Troyer) Zehr, Elkhart, Ind.; and Dr. Randall L. (Cathy Klepack) Zehr, Columbus, Ind.; daughter, Rhonda S. (Charles) Gibson, Champaign; and daughter-in-law, Dr. Usha B. Zehr, Jalna (MS), India.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Brent E. Zehr, Jalna (MS), India.
She is also survived by a granddaughter, Emily Gibson, Champaign; five grandsons, Brian and Benjamin Zehr, both of Jalna, India; David and Justin Zehr, both of Elkhart, Ind.; and Jonathan Gibson, Champaign; a brother, Wayne Birky; and two sisters, Arneitta Birkey and Geneva Good.
Betty was a very nurturing individual and her life was a model for her children, her grandchildren and all who knew her. In addition to a lifetime of dedication to her family and church, she was a gracious and gifted hostess who planned and supervised many events during the years her husband was at the University of Illinois and, later, president of Bethel College, North Newton, Kan.
In earlier years she was a regular volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit outlet for providing income for the poor from around the world. She hosted and entertained international medical students during their visiting clerkship rotations at the University of Illinois, providing them a home away from home during their studies.
After retirement, she and her husband traveled to many parts of the world, frequently to India where their youngest son and his family were engaged in agricultural research and development.

Died:
at her home

Buried:
Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory

Betty married Dr. John Everett Zehr on 7 Dec 1951 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. John (son of Harold A. Zehr and Alma P. Unzicker) was born on 29 Dec 1929 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 5 Feb 2018 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Terrence Dale Zehr was born on 18 Jun 1958; died in 2020.
2. Randall Lane Zehr
3. Brent Eugene Zehr was born on 26 Aug 1961; died in 2007.
4. Rhonda S. Zehr

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, Feb 9, 1974
Birky, John S., son of Christian and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Aug. 21, 1895; died at Foosland, Ill., Jan. 17, 1974; aged 78 y. 4 m. 27 d. On Oct. 4, 1916, he was married to Fanny Naffziger, who preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 1972. On Aug. 11, 1973, he was married to Stella Berkey, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Wilbert and Wayne), 3 daughters (Arneitta-Mrs. Harold Birkey, Geneva-Mrs. Ellis Good, and Betty-Mrs. John Zehr), 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Bill and Alvin). He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 20, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and James Dunn; interment in the East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

John married Fannie Louise Naffziger on 4 Oct 1916 in Champaign Co., IL. Fannie (daughter of John William Naffziger and Mary Nellie Springer) was born on 16 Dec 1893 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Jan 1972 in Sarasota, FL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - February 29, 1972 - pages 207,208
Birky, Fannie L., daughter of John and Mary Naffziger, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 16, 1893; died of a stroke at Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 28, 1972; aged 78 y. 1 m. 12 d. On Oct. 4, 1916, she was married to John S. Birky, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Wilbert and Wayne), 3 daughters (Arneitta - Mrs. Harold Birky, Geneva - Mrs. Ellis Good, and Betty - Mrs. John Zehr); 21 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one brother (Alpha Naffziger), and 2 sisters (Elmira - Mrs. Samuel Oyer and Leah- Mrs. Theodore Springer). She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, one sister, and one grandchild. She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 31, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and Harold Zehr; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Notes:

Married:
By Peter Zehr, at home of bride’s parents

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 31 - October 28, 1920 - page 605

Birky.--Christian H., oldest son of Christian and Katie Birky, was born near Tremont, Ill., May 13, 1847; died Sept. 25, 1920; age 73 y. 4 m. 13 d. He was married to Barbara Wittrig of Wayland, Ia., Feb. 17, 1878. To this union were born 10 children 2 of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He also is survived by 26 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. Early in life he united with the Amish Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member until the end. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale, Ill., church, Sept. 28, conducted by Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill.

From Elm Grove, moved to Delavan, IL. Christian was registered as a Democrat.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Barbara Wittrig on 17 Feb 1878 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Wittrig (Vitrich) and Anna Nancy Gascho) was born on 24 Apr 1854 in Ontario, Canada; died on 4 Feb 1939 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Complications Following A Hip Fracture Sustained In A Fall In Her Home

Notes:

Obit: March 9, 1939 - Vol. XXXI, No.49 - pages 1062, 1063, 1064
Birky.-Barbara, daughter of Joseph and Anna Wittrig, was born in Ontario April 24, 1854; died at the Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington, Ill., Feb. 4, 1939; aged 84 y. 9 m. 10 d. Death was caused by complications following a hip fracture sustained in a fall in her home. When but a small child her family moved to Wayland, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. At the age of 23 she came to Hopedale, Ill., where she spent the remainder of her life with the exception of six years that she and her family lived in Kansas. On Feb. 17, 1878, she was married to Christian H. Birky. To this union were born 10 children, 4 of whom preceded her in death, namely: Joseph, Emma, Mrs. Lydia Nafziger of Nampa, Idaho, and Mrs. Anna Springer. Father also passed away in 1920. The remaining children are: Chris, John, Alvin, Mrs. Lizzie Heiser of Fisher, Ill., and Will and Lewis of Louts, Ind. On Feb. 23, 1928, she was united in marriage to Chris J. Birky who remains to mourn her departure. She also leaves 6 stepchildren, 36 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Pete Wittrig of Washington, Iowa, and Daniel Wittrig of Hopedale), and 1 sister (Mrs. Susan Augsburger of Tremont, Ill.). In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church and she was a faithful member throughout life. Of a quiet disposition, she lived an exemplary Christian life. She was a kind and devoted wife and mother, always exercising a spirit of trust and patience. Mother has gone but her influence lives on and some day we can all be united again. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Funeral services were held Feb. 7 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by the brethren, Simon Litwiller and Ben Springer. Text, Rev. 14:13. Burial in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

Died:
Mennonite Hospital

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald March 30, 1939 - Vol. XXXI, No.52 - pages 1107, 1108

Naffziger.-John William, son of Peter J. and Magdalena Naffziger, was born Oct. 20, 1854, near Metamora, Ill.; died at his home in Foosland, Ill., Jan. 20, 1939, from complications of old age; aged 84 y. 3 m. In February, 1856, he moved with his parents to Panola, Ill., and in 1870 removed with his parents to Hopedale, Ill. In May, 1876, he made his vow with God and united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill. In 1902 they moved to Fisher, where he transferred his membership to the East Bend Mennonite Church where he remained faithful to the end. On March 7, 1882, he was united it marriage to Mary Springer. To this union 9 children were born (Lena L., at home; Alphia P. of Rockwell City, Iowa; Reuben J. of Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Elmira Oyer, Mrs. Fannie Birkey, Jesse D., and Mrs. Leah Springer all of Foosland, Ill.). Levi W. passed away at 6 weeks of age and 1 son died in infancy. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers. He leaves his sorrowing wife, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 20 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; also 2 brothers (Sam and Henry of Michigan) and 2 sisters (Mrs. Kate Kauffman and Mrs. Amos Litwiller of Hopedale), and a host of other relatives and friends. He was a kind and loving husband and father, much concerned about the welfare of the Church. Funeral services were held Jan. 23 in the home by Bro. Harold Zehr and at the East Bend Mennonite Church by Bros. Samuel Zehr and J. A. Heiser. Texts, Psa. 116:15; II Tim. 4:7. Interment in the East Bend Cemetery.

"Father, dear, your wish is granted,
Sorrow, pain and grief are o'er;
By the grace of God we'll meet you,
Over on the peaceful shore."

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Mary Nellie Springer on 7 Mar 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 25 May 1862 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 13 Oct 1950 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Naffziger. --- Mary N., daughter of John and Elizabeth Springer, was born May 25, 1862, near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill.; passed away Oct. 13, 1950, at the home of her daughter (Mrs. John S. Birky) near Foosland, Ill.; aged 88 y. 4 m. 18 d. At the age of fourteen she received Christ as her Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill., transferring when they moved in 1902 to a farm near Fisher. She remained a faithful member until death. On March 7, 1882, she was united in marriage to John W. Naffziger. To this union were born 9 children . Her husband, one daughter (Lena), 2 sons, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, and on granddaughter, preceded her in death. Surviving are 3 sons and 3 daughters (Alphia, Rockwell City, Iowa; Mrs. Elmira Oyer, Foosland, Ill.; Reuben, Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Fannie Birky, Foosland, Ill.; Jesse, Foosland; Mrs. Leah Spring, Saybrook, Ill.), 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one brother (David V. Springer), and a large number of other relatives and friends. She was a kind and loving mother, much concerned about the spiritual welfare of her family and the church. Funeral services were conducted at the East Bend Mennonite Church Oct. 15, with Harold Zehr in charge, assisted by J. A. Heiser.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Brewer in Germany
• Reference Number: 195
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 12 Oct 1839, Le Havre to New York
• Residence: Abt 1840, Butler Co., OH
• Residence: 1841, Dillon Creek, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: Abt 1859-1860, Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: 18 Jun 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Lived for a number of years in Oberlin, KS. In 1900 the family lived near Beemer, NE, then moved to Hopedale again, and finally lived in Kouts, IN. Jacob was ordained to the ministry in 1895 and was named bishop in 1902. He served 31 years in the ministry.

According to page 147 of 18 Jun 1860 Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., census, Christian Burkey, age 49, was born in Germany and was listed with his wife Catherine, age 40, born in France. Children (all born in IL): Catherine 17; Fanny 15; Christian 13; John 11; Joseph 9; Andrew 7; Jacob 5; and Valentine 3.

1880 census gives birthplace of Christian’s father and mother as Bavaria.

Their household appears on the 1850 census of Tazewell County as Christian Burkie, 38, Germany; Christian, 27, Germany [marked as a female, almost certainly meant to be Catherine]; Catharine, 6, Illinois; Fanny, 4 Illinois; Christian, 2, Illinois; and John, 1 Illinois. They are described on the 1880 census of Little Mackinaw as Christon Birky, 70, farmer from Bavaria; Katherine, 60, from France; and four children ranging in ages 22-15. They are buried at Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale.

Birth:
Born Bavaria, Germany according to 1860 and 1880 census

Immigration:
Aboard the Burgundy. Passenger list shows J. Burky, 24, and C. Burky, 31.

Residence:
Don’t know the source for this date

Residence:
Page 147 18 Jun 1860 census

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Catherine Mosimann on 30 Aug 1841 in Tazewell Co., IL. Catherine was born in 1820 in Azoudange, Moselle, FR; died on 13 Feb 1909 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 196
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1830, New Orleans, LA
• Residence: 1830, Butler Co., OH

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 49 - March 6, 1909, page 783, 784

Birky - Catherine Mosiman was born in Germany in the year 1820 and came to this country with her parents when about ten years old. She was married to Christian Birky in 1841, who died Sept. 26, 1885. To this union were born six sons and four daughters; one son died Sept. 12, 1900. Sister Birky was converted in early life and lived a consistent Christian life. She died Feb. 13, of the infirmities of old age; aged 89 y. She leaves to mourn her death, 9 children, 80 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Buried near Hopedale, Ill., Feb. 16. Services by Daniel Nafziger and A. H. Leaman.

Immigration:
Ship Superior

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Then with Anna Gaucho: Parents of Magdalena, Joseph, Barbara, Daniel, Elizabeth, Samuel, Susanna, Jacob and Peter Wittrig.

Buried:
Funeral at the “Amish Church”, burial in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Anna Nancy Gascho in 1849 in Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Joseph Gascho and Magdalena Ingold) was born on 8 Nov 1824 in Bavaria, GR; died on 7 Jan 1912 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Pneumonia

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, February 1912 - Volume IV, Number 45 - February 8, 1912 - page 723, 724)

"Anna Wittrig (maiden name Gascho), widow of Joseph Wittrig, died at the home of her daughter and son-in- law, C. H. Birkey, near Hopedale, Ill., Jan. 7, 1912, of pneumonia. She was taken sick on the day of the funeral of her grand-daughter, Emma Birky, and after an illness of two weeks she also went home; aged 87 y. 6 m. She was a member of the A. M. Church since her youth and remained faithful to the end. She leaves 5 sons, 4 daughters, and a large number of grandchildren, to mourn their loss, which is her gain. She was buried Jan. 9. Funeral sermons by J. C. Birky, Simon Litwiller and Dan Nafziger, all of Hopedale, Ill."

Birth:
Gravestone gives dates as 17 Jun 1824

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Peter + Magdalena Nafziger. Magdalena was born in 1832; died in 1906. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Liver complaint
• Immigration: 1849

Notes:

Birth:
(Prussia)

Immigration:
settled in Hopedale area

Johann married Elizabeth Nafziger in 1857 in Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Nafziger and Veronica Burkey) was born on 1 May 1836 in Unterweilbach, Bavaria, GR; died on 2 Feb 1908 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Attack of la grip, but had heart problems for some time
• Baptism: 9 May 1836, Bavaria, GR

Notes:

Baptism:
Fischach Geburten

Died:
At residence of son, John A. Springer

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery