Ella (Klassen) Deines

Ella (Klassen) Deines peacefully entered the eternal light of God's presence on Thursday, January 30, 2020, just 13 days short of her 100th birthday. Ella was born in Goessel, Kansas on February 12, 1920, to Jacob G. and Katharina (Woelk) Klassen. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother, Walter Klassen, and her husband, William Christian Deines. Surviving are her sons William Evan (Sharolyn Dolton) of Wichita, Kansas and Edward Allen (Wendy Boldt) of Ephrata, Pennsylvania and their daughters Madison (Evan and Sharolyn) and Emily (Ed and Wendy) and her younger sister, Esther Mae Thieszen (Harold) of Newton, Kansas, and informally adopted daughter, Linda Loewen (Allyn) of Wichita, Kansas. Ella was the senior class president and graduated from Goessel Rural High School in 1939. She received her associate degree in education from Hesston College in 1947 after teaching at various rural schools, and spoke fondly of growing up in Goessel and of her teaching experiences. Ella earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible with a minor in English literature from Friends University in 1950. She married Bill on August 8th, 1952 at Goessel Mennonite Church. Ella took a break from teaching as she started her family and focused on raising her sons. In 1967 she began working as librarian for both Valley Center elementary schools, Abilene and West, where she found much joy and satisfaction in imparting her love of learning to her many students. Ella continued her own education as well, earning her Master of Library Science from Emporia State Teacher’s College in 1973. Her education was lifelong, however—she never stopped learning and continued seeking knowledge about seemingly everything. Ella retired from teaching, but not from life, in 1987 after 20 years at Valley Center. Ella's life was grounded in her faith in Christ Jesus and belonging to the community of faith, including Mennonite, General Conference and Mennonite Brethren denominations. Ella was baptized when she was in high school, and then in 1947 reaffirmed her faith with baptism by immersion. She enjoyed many years as a member of First Mennonite Brethren Church, including serving as the librarian for approximately 60 years. Ella's life was marked by her love for her family, both immediate and extended; her endless interest in people and her lifelong passion for books and knowledge, represented in her career first as a teacher and then as a librarian; writing poetry and playing the piano, including setting some of her poems to music; and enjoying nature, including her beloved Kansas prairies, wheat fields, and the Kansas sky, especially when adorned with clouds of any sort, which she documented well with many photographs. Ella enjoyed participating in the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and in a Kansas teacher’s sorority in which she served in several positions. Ella leaves us with a rich legacy, wonderful memories, and an inspiration to live a life of putting others first, seeking knowledge (her lifelong motto was "I want to know!"), living simply (she loved the words to "Simple Gifts"), and having a "can-do" attitude, all of which she displayed till the very end. Ella loved the "Irish Blessing" so we offer that now in tribute to her, and as her blessing to each of you: "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." If Ella's life were a book, it was indeed, a very good read. A private graveside service will be held for family members. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Ella’s name to St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlian, SD 57325.