Ingalls - Our mother, Bernice Mae (Jantz) Nightengale, was born March 27, 1914 to Daniel and Anna Mae (Steiner) Jantz at their home in rural Hesston. She passed away in the early morning hours of May 5, 2013 at Garden Valley Retirement in Garden City, having reached the age of 99 years, one month, and eight days.

Mom was the second of eleven children. She grew up on the farm near Hesston. At an early age, she learned to accept responsibilities. She completed her elementary education at Maple Grove School.

Mom committed her life to the Lord and was baptized March 18, 1934 by Minister Frank Wenger. To this commitment, she endeavored to remain faithful.

On November 3, 1946, she was married to our father, Albert Nightengale at the Meridian Mennonite Church by Minister Frank Wenger. Dad and Mom were married for over 56 years. Our folks lived at various places, first in Haskell County and Logan County, with the last 49 years in Gray County in southwest Kansas.

Our mother was a virtuous woman providing well for her family. We as children remember the many wonderful meals and the reading of Bible stories. Mom loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, never forgetting to send birthday cards to them. We are thankful for the special care she gave to our dad the last couple of years of his life, which she said was her duty because of her love for him. She often told us of those who stopped to visit her and those who took her to town. Mom reassured us that she was at peace and ready to meet the Lord.

To this union was born three sons and one daughter; John D. and wife Lennetta Nightengale of El Mirage, Arizona, Elizabeth and husband Charles Koehn of Bradley, Arkansas, Donald Nightengale of Ingalls, and Vern and wife Teresa Nightengale of Copeland.

She is survived by her children, two brothers, Marion and Evelyn Jantz of Richards, Missouri and Donald and Eva Mae Jantz of Butler, Missouri; one sister, Emily and Harry Nichtigal of Hutchinson; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Jonathan Koehn; four brothers, Cecil, Marcellus, Glen, and Jason Jantz; and three sisters, Adella Jantz, Roma Jantz, and Waneta Amstutz.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church rural Copeland on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Steve Unruh, Charles Nightengale, and Sam Unruh presiding. Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salem Mennonite Youth in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.