Montezuma - Our mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother, Sadie Marie (Jantz) Nightingale, was born to William and Mary (Unruh) Jantz on January 12, 1928, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. She was the second of two children, having an older brother. She grew to womanhood on a farm 3 miles southeast of Verden, Oklahoma. Mom completed eight years of education at the Sandlin School, which was less than a mile from her home.

At the age of 14, realizing the need for God in her life, she accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. She was baptized on February 1, 1942, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Through the Grace of God, she kept these vows.

Mom married our Dad, Daniel, on December 25, 1948, with the wedding reception being held in her parent's home. Dad helped Mom make frosting for the cakes the day before their wedding. She often wished for a sister to share life with and was thankful to marry into Dad's large family. Their first home was drafty enough that snow accumulated on the window sills, and some food items would freeze.

Dad farmed for a living, and Mom supported him all his life. She gardened, cooked, canned, and stayed up late at night to sew clothing for her children. She was a diligent mother, not only doing but also teaching her young and growing family. Mom loved people and often invited guests for Sunday dinner. She had many friends of all ages, and one of her favorite maxims was, "if you want friends, you must be friendly."

Mom and dad lived in several locations during their working years. Her dream to return to her childhood farm was fulfilled in their retirement.They loved to travel, and Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling alone or with others.

As our parents aged and life became difficult at home, the decision was made to move to Corn Heritage Village in Corn, Oklahoma. Three years later, in January 2020, they moved to Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas. Dad passed away in May of 2020 and left Mom lonely. However, the loving care Mom received at Bethel Home helped carry her through her hard times. She enjoyed reasonably good health until very recently. Her passing was sudden, and she quietly passed away on April 02, 2023, in St. Catherine's Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas.

She was concerned for her family's and others' spiritual welfare and carried this concern all her life. She carried this concern with her to the nursing home, often encouraging her caregivers and pointing them to Christ. Devotions were essential to her Christian life, and she served God with determination. She recognized her humanness, confessing her faults and accepting correction. While in the Emergency room, the day before her passing, she attempted to sing a part of the Song "My God I am Determined." This determination carried her through the hardships of life.

Those left to cherish memories are four children: Donna and husband Mark Esau of Riceville, Iowa; Anita and husband Steve Unruh of Verden, Oklahoma; Warren and wife Cindy of Venice, Florida; and Sherwin and wife Rhoda of Chickasha, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel; her parents; her brother, Herman; two infant brothers; and a grandson.

We, as a family, extend a special thank you for the excellent physical and spiritual care Mom received at Bethel Home.

Funeral service will be held at Plainview Mennonite Church in Chickasha, Oklahoma on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Plainview Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday April 6, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 PM and prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel-PO Box 421-Montezuma, Kansas 67867. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.