Sara was born February 7, 1918 at Glencross Manitoba to Gerhard and Justina Elias. The family moved to Eichenfeld (near Haskett) when she was a young child. Sara was an excellent cook and made many meals for the workers at the farm.As a youth she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and on June 4th, 1941 she was baptized upon confession of her faith at the Rudnerweide church in the village of Reinland. On July 29, 1945, she married the neighbor boy, Peter Warkentin. She transferred her membership to the Winkler Bergthaler Church and then later they became charter members of the Bethel Bergthaler Mennonite Church.
Mom and Dad farmed the homestead at Haskett. She loved planting flowers, singing and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. After Mom and Dad moved off the farm, she continued gardening and cooking as long as her health allowed.
In 1982 Mom and Dad moved to Winkler, then in 1993 to Lion's Manor Apts. and finally Mom moved to Salem in 2002, a year after Dad's passing. Each move meant giving up more independence, but Mom took it in stride. At Salem she was often ready with a quick quip and a smile, and although she couldn’t help people physically, she did pray for others. The past few months, we as a family noticed a decline in her health. The last week she gradually grew weaker requiring oxygen more often. She died peacefully on Sunday morning, October 23, 2005.
Sara leaves to mourn two brothers, George of Haskett, Dick of Winnipeg, sister-in-law Helen Elias of Winnipeg Beach; two daughters: Irene and Frank Kehler of Altona and their family, Luella and Abe Klassen of Schanzenfeld and their family; three sons: Ken and Linda Warkentin of Morden and their family, Alan and Helen Warkentin of Haskett, Richard and Agnes Warkentin of Osterwick and their family and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Peter (2001), five brothers and one sister.
Funeral service was held Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 2:00 pm at Bethel Bergthaler Mennonite Church (7 miles south of Winkler) with Pastor Randy Smart officiating. Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Salem Home Foundation, 165 15th St. Winkler MB R6W1T8.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Pastor Randy Smart, the serving group and all the others who were involved in the service. A special thank-you to the Salem staff, volunteers, phone friends and to the many people that visited Mom. Mom received excellent care at Salem. Their love and care went beyond the call of duty. Thank-you also to Wiebe Funeral Home for your kindness.
We will miss her, but Mom assured us with the words "I know that my Redeemer lives!" Goodnight Mom. Rest well in Jesus. The Warkentin Family
Wiebe Funeral Homes, Winkler in care of arrangements.