Today’s Friday Find is another obituary clipping preserved by my grandmother, Pauline Mentzer Briles. Handwritten across the top is the date Feb. 4, 1968. While the full newspaper title isn’t visible, enough remains to suggest it was published in the Yates Center News of Yates Center, Kansas. Below is a transcription of the clipping, generated by ChatGPT.
Miss Mentzer’s Sudden Passing Shocks County
The community was shocked and saddened by the swift passing of Miss Dixie Mentzer, Clerk of the District Court, Monday morning. Miss Mentzer, who had been ill for several days, was returning to her duties at the courthouse when she collapsed in the county superintendent’s office.
Miss Mentzer was elected to the office of Clerk of the District Court in 1958. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Mentzer, she spent her entire life in Woodson County, where she took an active part in civic and church affairs. A talented musician and singer, she gave graciously of her time and effort in both times of stress and happiness.
She was preceded in death by her father, Henry A. Mentzer.
Funeral services in her memory were held Wednesday afternoon, February 3, from the Christian Church with Rev. Carl Packard officiating. Burial in Yates Center Cemetery.
An obituary will appear in next week’s News.
DIXIE MENTZER
Dixie Lois Mentzer, daughter of Henry and Mae Mentzer, was born on a farm a few miles west of Yates Center, Kansas, on March 8, 1909, and departed this life on February 1, 1968, in Yates Center, Kansas. She had not been very well the last few days but was on her way to her office to resume her regular office activities on the morning of her passing.
Dixie attended the rural school north of Yates Center until at the age of 11 years she with her family moved to Yates Center where they have since resided. After coming to Yates Center she attended the grade school and also graduated from the local high school. She also attended Emporia State Teachers College at Emporia. In addition to her regular school work she took private lessons on the piano for some time. She worked for a time in the Welfare Office and also for a number of business firms in our city. A little more than a year ago she was elected to the office of Clerk of the Court, which office she filled with competency and much pleasure. She enjoyed meeting the public and shared a smile with all who chanced her way.
When she was 11 years of age she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and was buried with her Lord in Christian Baptism and became a loyal member of the First Christian Church of this city. She became active in the work of the church at an early age where she…
taught in the church nursery. Later she was active in the Crusaders of Christ class and was past president of the class, serving in 1958. She was active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club and was past president of the club. She was also an active member of the Rebekah Lodge. She was ever sincerely devoted to her home and gave freely of her time and her life for her mother and father. She loved to meet the needs of the home with sincere devotion. Her devotion to Christ and the church was ever a mark of her character.
Dixie was talented in music, and her voice was her greatest gift. This gift she used to glorify God and for the blessing of all mankind. She was director of the choir of this church for a number of years, and truly her gift was used for the glory of her Saviour. The Community Vespers held in this church in December was a source of much joy to her. Then she was director of our own choir in a special program of Christmas music and cantata. She sang in many services for such occasions as this, and her words were always comforting and assuring. However, her week-by-week work with the choir was of a true value that cannot be measured except by the Spirit.
She was preceded in death by a brother, who lived but one month. Also by her father, who passed away four years ago.
She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mae Mentzer of the home. Also by many cousins and other relatives and many, many friends who sorrow in her passing.
“The stars shall shine for a thousand years, A thousand years and a day; But God and I will live and love When the stars are passed away.” —Anon.
Funeral services in her memory were held Wednesday afternoon, February 3, at 2:30 p.m. from the Christian Church with Rev. Carl Packard officiating. The choir, composed of Mrs. Richard McCormick, Mrs. Earl Rogers, Mrs. Roy Campbell, Mrs. Milton Schornick, Mrs. Clyde Meaders, Mrs. Forrest Weston, Mrs. Conrad Swope, accompanied by Mrs. Lee Morris, organist, sang “Have Thy Own Way, Lord” and “Beyond the Sunset.”
Casketbearers were Austin Mentzer, Herbert Mentzer, Harley Mentzer, Norris Mentzer, Lester Hardt, and Tye Mentzer.
Interment was in the Yates Center Cemetery.
Conclusion
This obituary for Dixie Mentzer paints a picture of a dedicated, kind-hearted woman whose life was deeply intertwined with her faith, family, and community. From her role as Clerk of the District Court to her passion for music and service in the church, Dixie left a lasting impact on those who knew her. The heartfelt words in her obituary reflect not just her accomplishments but also the love and admiration she inspired in her community.
The process of preserving and sharing obituaries like this reminds us of the importance of family history. While the handwritten date and partial newspaper title provide clues, the lack of a full citation is a challenge many genealogists encounter. Nevertheless, the details in this clipping ensure that Dixie’s story continues to be remembered and honored.
If you have family newspaper clippings, take the time to document their sources before the information is lost. Each piece of history, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger story of those who came before us.
Have you ever uncovered a family member’s obituary that provided unexpected insight into their life? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
