Rose Jost

Rose Agnes Thiessen Jost was born on April 17, 1921 near Conway, Kansas to Jacob and Mary (Klaassen) Thiessen. She was the first of six children.

Mrs. Jost died Thursday (March 8, 2012) at Kidron Bethel Health Care in North Newton, Ks.

Rose grew up on a family farm during the Depression where she and her siblings learned a strong work ethic. She was nearly ten 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, Kansas, and to live temporarily with Rose’s parents.

Their first son, Stanley, was born on August 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 over fifty years. Their second son, Gene, was born on November 13, 1949. Their third son, Jerry, was born on December 12, 1954. They operated a dairy farm known as Ti-Ro farm for Titus and Rose.

Rose joined the 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.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and her husband, Titus.

She is survived by two brothers, Howard of Inman, Kansas, and Millerd of Florence, Colorado; by her sister, Lou Ella Scobie of Grand Island, Nebraska; 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.

Condolences may be sent to Stan Jost, 3821 SW 48th Road, Newton, Kansas 67114. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mennonite Central Committee or First Mennonite Church Missions.

The family will hold a memorial service on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11 A.M. at the First Mennonite Church, 429 East First Street in Newton, Kansas.

There will be no visitation as interment has been held.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.