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- Obit: The Nebraska Signal, Nov 28, 1968
Mary Detweiler, daughter of Jacob and Rosina Zeitler, was born October 30, 1874, near Minier, Ill. She departed this life November 21, 1968, at the Fillmore County Hospital, in Geneva, Neb, at the age of 94 years and 22 days. At the age of four she made her home with Jacob and Katie Zimmer. In 1882 they moved to Milford, Neb, then in 1889 they moved to Decatur County, Kansas. At the age of 16 she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in the Mennonite Church by Joseph Schlegel. She remained a faithful member until her death. November 24, 1892, she was married to Daniel Birky. Five children were born to this union. Two small daughters died in infancy. Those surviving are Mrs Henry (Lydia) Reeb and Jacob A Birky, both of Delavan, Ill. Deceased are Joe Birky, Mary and Katie Birky. April 13, 1902, her husband passed to his reward. October 16, 1902, she was married to Chris Detweiler, who had four daughters. Those surviving are Mrs Fred (Nellie) Reeb of Geneva, and Mrs Carl (Barbara) Reeb of Eureka, Ill. Deceased are Mrs Jake (Lydia) Saltzman and Mrs John (Susie) Springer. After this marriage the family moved to a farm near Shickley, Neb. To this union were born three sons and one daughter. Surviving are Fred of Scottsbluff, Neb, Perry of Sunset Home, Geneva, Mrs Herman (Laverne) Roth of Twin Falls, Idaho. Deceased is a son, Edwin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, March 12, 1950. December 7, 1961, she retired to live at Sunset Home, where she resided until her death. Survivors include 44 grandchildren, 124 great-grandchildren and 48 great-great-grandchildren. She lived a dedicated life for her Lord, and in her later years yearned to go Home to her Heavenly Father. Cherished memories will be the winning smile she had for everyone and the calmness and peace that she displayed throughout the handicaps she endured. She was an inspiration to all who visited her, and she showed a keen appreciation of any kindness shown her. She will be greatly missed by everyone.
In 1901 when her husband, Daniel Birky died, she was the sole support of their three remaining children (Lydia, Jacob and Joseph). A year later, a nearby family (Chris Detweiler) lost its wife and mother, leaving four children (Susie, Lydia, Nellie and Barbara).
On October 16, 1902, Mary was married to Chris Detweiler and immediately became the mother of seven children, all under ten years of age. Mary and Chris had four children of their own.
At age 90, Mary was living at the Sunset Home near Geneva, NE. [1]
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