May 1, 2024

Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Gladys Lucille Koehn, was born April 7, 1941 to Abe H. and Erma Jantz Koehn. She peacefully passed away on February 10, 2015 at Bethel Home, Montezuma, reaching the age of 73 years. We believe she is resting with the Lord. 

Mom grew up on a farm northeast of Montezuma, enjoying rural life in Gray County. She was a farm girl at heart. Mom received her education in the Montezuma School. As a young girl of 12 years of age, she heard and answered the Lord’s call. Upon repentance and forgiveness of sin, she was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, by Min. Daniel J. Koehn on January 22. 1954. 

Some of the highlights of her life were the time spent in Gallup, New Mexico Child Care Home and the time spent teaching Sunday School and Bible School at home and in other places. She had a way of bringing the Bible stories to life for little children. 

On November 19, 1961, Mom was married to our Father, Devern Lee Koehn, by Min. Vernon Giesbrecht. To this union was born one daughter and three sons. 

Except for a short time spent in Missouri, Mom and Dad raised their family and made their living on a farm northeast of Montezuma. On January 22, 1984, Dad was ordained to the deaconry. Mom faithfully supported his calling, and shared her caring heart with many of the congregation. 

We remember Mom’s loving touch when we were sick and her patiently reading us stories. Later in life she cared for her ailing Mother, and when our father became ill, although it was a great disappointment, she faithfully took care of him as long as she could. Mom was a loving homemaker and her prayers often ascended to heaven for her children and grandchildren. 

Those left to cherish fond memories are one daughter, Ludith; three sons, Eugene and wife Angela, Charles and wife Anna, Roy and wife Yvonne; eleven grandchildren; three sisters, Lenora and Pearl of Montezuma, and Karen of Fountain Run, Kentucky; two brothers, Lynn of Hartley, Texas and Terry of Grant, Nebraska; one sister in law Bernice of Copeland. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; one sister, Delilah; and one brother, Elton. 

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.