This was in Dorothea Goering’s files. It was written by Aunt Elva in 1995 (based on dates within the text). There is a number 9 at the bottom of the typed page; perhaps it was page 9 of a newsletter. Since she moved to Showalter Villa in Hesston in 1995, this editor is surmising it was published in a newsletter. Does anyone have more information of the provenance?
“My parents, John B. and Jessie Schrag Goering, were living on a farm northwest of Moundridge, when I was born May 25, 1913. Being the first of sixteen children, twelve boys and four girls, I keenly felt the responsibility of helping with the care and duties of the home at an early age. My education, at the age of six, began in a one-room school named Peaceful. Living one-fourth mile from school, we often heard the bell. I spoke only German so needed to learn the English language, which I learned quickly. There were 30-40 students, and one teacher, teaching all eight grades. When in the upper grades, I often helped pupils in lower grades with their studies. Spelling bees were a challenge; and when I won the county spelling bee, I had the privilege of going to Topeka for the state competition. The county superintendent and I went by train – my first train ride. Being a scared bashful kid, I didn’t get very far. After graduation from grade school, I stayed home a year, then attended Moundridge High, and graduated in 1932.
Living five miles from Moundridge, we car-pooled to school with neighbors. I wasn’t as carefree during my high school days. Often I would stay home to help out. I also remember helping with chores – milking cows, plowing, cultivating row crops and haying. Implements were horse-drawn. My oldest brother and I were in the field together. Our Dad was nearby in another field. We would also chop down sunflowers between corn rows. Our pay? A trip to Wichita! we visited a cookie factory, stock yards and a meat butchering/packing plant. What a treat! What would young people think of that now? Hard work was no stranger then.
My ambition was to become a nurse. In 1935, I enrolled in Bethel College to take a course required for training and was enrolled to being nurses training in 1936. My plans were interrupted when mother died in April, 1936. There were offers of adopting the six younger siblings, ranging in age from six to infant twin brothers. It was a difficult decision, but my sister, three years younger and I, and I decided to give up our plans and care for the family. Two of our aunts lightened our load by taking the twin to their homes until they were about a year old. We had a lot of support from relatives. Those were difficult and traumatic days, but we have never regretted our decision. We can look back now and see the rewards. We are a close-knit family even now! Our father was a kind, patient, and compassionate man.
A move from Moundridge area to a farm north of Canton was in the offing when mother died. The move was made in late August of 1936 so we could have a bigger house and more land. Also a dairy kept brothers busy! We were also hard hit by the Depression in the 30’s. Making ends meet was becoming increasingly more difficult! In 1942 it became apparent that one of us needed to seek employment. I took a job as cook in the dietetic department of the McPherson Hospital. My earnings helped with finances in the home. I worked there until 1950. One of my brothers, age 14, was badly injured in an accident in 1946, leaving him with serious brain damage. That was another rough time. Now, 49 years later, he is a resident in Friendly Acres in Newton. We are thankful that he can still recognize us.
In 1947, the family moved to a farm at Peabody. By then two brothers and a sister were married. When my sister had a chance at marriage, I again was home from 1950-1955. In March, 1955, my chance came for happiness. Dan Goering from Pretty Prairie asked for my hand in marriage. He was no stranger. Two years before, his wife (our cousin), had died of cancer. We were married June 10, 1955. His children became my family. Our relationship grew over the years and we are a close-knit family.
Our home at Pretty Prairie was on the outskirts of town, just outside city limits. Dan was farming, and I still have farm interests. We had chores to do, plus gardening and flowers. Dan had a good sense of humor. Life was great after retirement from farming in 1972.
We took trips, but one of my fondest memories to his day is farming and hauling wheat during harvest. My first church affiliation was the Eden Mennonite Church at Moundridge. In 1948, I transferred my membership to the Zion Mennonite Church at Elbing. After marriage my membership was transferred to First Mennonite at Pretty Prairie in 1955. I was involved in different capacities in Women’s Mission Society and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Prairie Sunset Home, a retirement home, was built in the 1960’s across the road from our home. After we retired from farming, I again took a job as part-time cook. I stayed with that job from 1972-1982.
Aunt Elva and Uncle Dan J. Goering, August 31, 1975
Because of my husband’s health, there were times I needed to take time off. After his death on January 6, 1980, my job was still waiting and I was glad for it. Dan and I had almost 25 years together. Dan’s brothers and sisters were a great support. Over the years, they too have died, except one sister who now lives at Friendship Manor, Hutchinson. After living at Pretty Prairie for almost 40 years, it was time for me to move on. With the help of brothers living in Newton, and encouragement of my children, the decision was easy. I moved on Nov.15, 1995 to an apartment at 442 S. Hess at Showalter Villa. I am happy and content. The friendliness of the people here makes it easy to adjust.
My family, Lola and Lee Miller live in Chenoa, IL; La Vera and Phillip Ayers in Marshall, MI,; and Don and Sherry Goering in Hugoton, KS. There are seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren – a wonderful family! Sometimes we cannot understand the whys and wherefores of life’s sojourn. I can truly say that “All things work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28.”