Frieda Lydia Amstutz

KIDRON -- Frieda L. Amstutz, 103, of Kidron, passed away on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at the residence of her niece, Carol Brubaker, with whom she had made her home.

Frieda was born near Kidron on Oct. 10, 1911, to the late Peter J. and Barbara (Schneck) Amstutz and married George C. Amstutz on June 30, 1935. George passed away Feb. 28, 2004.

She is survived by a son, Peter Amstutz, of Morgantown, W.Va. and by three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frieda was preceded in death by her husband; her first son, Jon; brothers, Paul, Ira, and Clair; and by her sisters, Fairy, Nettie, Celia, Persis and Verda.

Frieda was a charter member of the Kidron Mennonite Church. She taught Sunday school for many decades, beginning at age 16. She also pioneered in leadership roles within the church, both locally and nationally, in days when such positions were highly unusual for women. She also directed church choirs for many years and was known for her love of good music. She helped to found the Girls' Missionary and Service Auxiliary of the Mennonite Church, serving as secretary for the national organization; in this role, she traveled to many states, explaining and promoting activities of the GMSA. Indeed, she took to heart her parents' advice: "If the church calls you to do something, you ought to do it."

Constant learning as an avid reader, and the joy of music and other artistic endeavors, like flower arranging, were always important to Frieda. Frieda was cherished for her wisdom and her sense of community. Even during her final months of life, she was sought after by historians for her memories of early life in Kidron, from a time when there were no cars or telephones or electricity.

Indeed, the century of Frieda's life has witnessed more change in such ways than had occurred during all of previous history. She met these challenges with joy and good humor and was loved by all who knew her. Her health and energy were remarkable, allowing her to keep driving her car until the age of 100.

She will be remembered fondly for her integrity, her wisdom, her gratitude for all that is good, her appreciation of beauty, and her reaching out in positive and supportive ways to everyone she met.

Memorial services will be held on what would have been Frieda's 104th birthday, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Kidron Mennonite Church with Rev. Marilyn Rossiter officiating. Family graveside services were held in the church cemetery. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is assisting the family with the arrangements.

A memorial website has been created by the funeral home and may be accessed at www.spidellfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory or sign the guest book.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Women USA/Women in Conversation Together (https://www.mennonitewomenusa.org/) or Camp Luz or Mennonite Women Sewing group at Kidron Mennonite Church.