Rose Agnes Thiessen Jost
Obituary
NORTH NEWTON — Rose Agnes Thiessen Jost, 90, died on
Thursday (March 8, 2012) at Kidron Bethel Health Care in North Newton.
She was born on April 17, 1921, near Conway to Jacob and
Mary (Klaassen) Thiessen. She was the first of six children.
Rose grew up on a family farm during the Depression, where
she and her siblings learned a strong work ethic. She was nearly 10 years old
the first time she went to town. Rose attended Monitor Grade School for eight
years. As an eighth grader, Rose was chosen to assist the teacher with the
younger students. She then attended Zoar Academy for two years and Inman High
School for two more years.
Rose accepted the Lord during a revival meeting. She was
baptized by Reverend K. K. Willems in May 1936. The special verses given to her
were Matthew 11: 28-30: “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened and I
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and
my burden is light.”
Rose was then received into the membership of Zoar Mennonite
Brethren Church near Inman. Her favorite songs were “It’s Not an Easy Road”
popularized by the White Sisters, “How Great Thou Art” and “Jesus Paid It All.”
Her favorite psalm was Psalm 121.
On May 7, 1943, Rose married Titus Jost when he was on
furlough during his Civilian Public Service. Their honeymoon was spent on a
train to Norristown, Pennsylvania State Hospital, where they continued in CPS
for three years. During their time in Norristown, Rose cleaned houses and
served as a guardian for the State Hospital patients. In 1946, they moved back
to Conway to live temporarily with Rose’s parents.
Their first son, Stanley, was born on Aug. 30, 1946. After a
series of moves near Conway and Inman, they settled southwest of Newton on a
farmstead that was to become their home for more than 50 years. Their second
son, Gene, was born on Nov. 13, 1949. Their third son, Jerry, was born on Dec.
12, 1954. They operated a dairy farm known as Ti-Ro farm for Titus and Rose.
Rose joined First Mennonite Church in Newton in 1949 and was
a member of the congregation for the rest of her life. She taught Sunday School
classes for preschoolers and enjoyed the All Day Sewing gatherings at the
church. One of their service projects was recycling greeting cards into
booklets to be used by Walstead missionaries in Kentucky. Rose and Titus also
served as a contact couple for the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale.
She is survived by two brothers, Howard of Inman and Millerd
of Florence, Colo.; by her sister, Lou Ella Scobie of Grand Island, Neb.; and
by her three sons, Stanley (and his wife, Marilyn) of Newton, Gene of Peabody
and Jerrold (and his wife, Deborah) of Lawrence. Survivors also include three
grandchildren, Lynette, Phillip (and his wife, Penni) and Elijah; and one
great-grandchild, Ellianna.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and
her husband, Titus.
The family will conduct a memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday
at First Mennonite Church, 429 E. First St. in Newton.
There will be no visitation as interment has been conducted.
Condolences may be sent to Stan Jost, 3821 S.W. 48th Road,
Newton, KS 67114. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mennonite
Central Committee or First Mennonite Church Missions.
Condolences also may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home of
Newton.
