Henry and Mary Christina (Redker) Deepe

From the Marckel Scrapbook... (no date, no source given for article in the scrapbook, but we know it appeared in a Defiance paper in 1915 as noted in the obituary itself.)

MRS. MARY CHRISTINA 

(REDKER) DEEPE

"This devoted woman and friend of humanity crossed the Great Divide April 28th, at her home in this city, surrounded by her husband, children, and many friends.  Thus, a beautiful and saintly life sped on its way to the Eternal World and was crowned gloriously in the kingdom of God - which is the kingdom of grace and glory!

Mary Christina Deepe - Ancestry Public Tree

Mother Deepe was born in Prussia, Germany, October 21st, 1839, and lived to the good age of 75 years, 6 months and 7 days.  In all these years, she was known for her amiable qualities and strikingly religious nature.  She came to America in 1840, and settled in Pittsburgh, Pa., later removed to Defiance county, making her home in Tiffin township.  Here she grew to beautiful womanhood surrounded by a host of friends and neighbors who appreciated her womanly spirit and her devotion to the right.

Henry Deepe - Ancestry Public Tree

November 8th, 1855, she was happily married to Mr. Henry Deepe, who survives in fairly good health and is highly honored and beloved by all who know him.  This faithful couple lived joyously together these many years, being a strength, a joy and blessing to each other all along life's way.

Of this union, 12 children came to gladden and bring untold blessing and honor in the home.  One of these children died in infancy; the oldest son, John W., passed to the better land seven years ago.  The others are living and their names are as follows:

Mrs. Wilbur Rummell of Defiance; Mrs. John McComb, Defiance; Mrs. Edward Clay of Ft. Wayne; Mrs. S. W. Burk, Bryan; Mrs. Emory Elliott, Independence; Mrs. F. Goller, Bryan; Mrs. Wallace Dickman, Defiance; Wm. Deepe, Tiffin township; Curtis Deepe, Clinton, Mich.; and Chauncey Deepe, Defiance.  A remarkable family, not only in number, but in good citizenship and honor to the father and mother and of blessing to the communities in which they live.

This now sainted Mother was converted at the early age of 14 and joined the German Methodist Episcopal church, in which church, she was for many years a faithful and devoted member.  Later, following her marriage in 1856, she united with the United Brethern church of which her husband was a member, he having joined that church in 1854.

Mother Deepe possessed a deep religious nature and was faithful to all the interests of the church and the cause of her master.  A quiet disposition, thoroughly devoted to all the interests of the family and was a friend indeed to those in sickness and affliction of any kind.  She, with her husband, brought up and early trained all the children of the household in the way of righteousness.  In this, this worthy couple set a fine example to all around them and not only made for their own children's religious growth and development, but indirectly, helped all others in the neighborhood to a large development f the Christian life.  All parents ought to realize the infinite good and the joy of doing this kind of service and how much better it would be for the children of the present generation if all parents were thus incited.

The children of Mother Deepe living today reflect the noble grace, dignity and faithful righteousness of their now sainted Mother.  They are a joy and support to the Father in this hour of trial and separation.

Three sisters of Mother Deepe are permitted to be present at this service.  There are 32 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren living.  All of these have a noble ancestry and it is for each one to become worthy of such honorable and worthy ancestors.

This good woman's last illness was severe and in many ways, she felt that that the end of this life would bring a relief from the severe sickness and suffering  she was compelled to endure.  Yet she did not complain and was glad indeed to live for her loved ones and her Christ until in God's own time, he would say, 'It is enough - Come up higher!'

A paralytic stroke hastened her homecoming and in the evening time at half past ten, her loving spirt took its flight to the Eternal realms where  --, the Angels and her Christ and all the redeemed are housed forever in eternal love and glory!

The funeral services were conducted by Dr. Price Alexander Crow of St. Paul's M. E. Church, Defiance, and the Rev. Wm. Clark of Stryker, O., District Supt. ofthe North Ohio Conference of the U. B. church, a long time pastor of the family.  The services were held at the home in North Defiance and was attended by hundreds of loved ones, friends and neighbors, Saturday afternoon, May 1st, 1915.  Her precious body was laid to rest in the Webb cemetery whence it awaits the Resurrection morn.  She sleeps beautiful in God's aura."

AN ADDITION FROM THE DEFIANCE DEMOCRAT, SEPT. 6, 1907, P. 2

Members of the Deepe family gathered together for a reunion on Thursday, August 2 in Gares' Grove.   An account of that reunion with photo -