Mother Christine Reichart Abbuehl is with God. Her position of dutiful, devoted trust has been exchanged for one sight. She lives, joyful and glorious, in the presence of her King.
For her ‘tis gain, and yet it hardly seems possible that Mother Abbuehl is gone. She was such a large factor in the life of Coal Creek and vicinity. In the home, in the church and in the community she filled a place and wielded an influence that cannot be over-estimated. As wife and mother she displayed a self-sacrificing devotion and love that sought only the good of those in whom she was so intensely interested. Her prayers were often burdened with petitions for her children. That all might love God supremely and their fellow as themselves was the desire of her heart.
As a member of our Coal Creek Evangelical Church she was always active. Herself one of the first converts, she entertained the pioneer missionaries of the church and provided for the first meetings by the offer of her home as meeting place. Always to be relied on if it was at all possible for her to be present, she became an inspiration to the leader, who learned to look for her attentive prayerfulness.
Among her neighbors she was a power for good. In sickness of in trouble Mother Abbuehl was the first to help, sacrificing her time and comfort, thinking never of self but always of others, cheering up those who were downcast, taking the part of those who needed sympathy rather than censure, finding some good, something to be satisfied with and thankful for in every circumstance. Her devotion to family, friends and community has brought her a rich reward. She is at home with God crowned and happy in the presence of her maker.
Mother Abbuehl was the daughter of Anton and Katherine Reichart and was born at Shornsheim, Germany, March 11, 1841. At the age of eight her mother died and in 1851 she came to America with her father, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. The family settled first in Wisconsin but in 1857 came to Kansas settling near Valley Falls, Kansas.
On July 10, 1860, she was married to Kasper Abbuehl and of her 12 children, 8 are still living. Who with their father mourn her passing.
On Monday, Jan. 9, she became sick, her ailment soon developing into pneumonia, which cased her death on Friday, Jan 20, at the age of 63 years, 10 months, and 9 days. She died as she lived, trusting and ready for the Master’s call.
Burial: From the Coal Creek Church