Ada Marie Hershberger
January 6, 1928 – April 5, 2022
Quietly in the early morning on April 5, 2022, Ada Hershberger slipped from this life into eternity. She was eager for heaven and the reunion with her husband, with her parents and siblings, and most of all, with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are grateful that her crossing over was so peaceful.
Ada Marie Christner was born January 6, 1928, in Iowa. She grew up a country girl, middle child in a family of five, attending Hickory Grove, a one room schoolhouse. On February 14, 1949, she married Burdette Hershberger, who was the handsomest young man in Lower Deer Creek Church. They had three children, Jill, John and George.
Ada embraced life in everything she did. She was a faithful mother, hostess, and homemaker with an artistic flair. She was a committed Christian, caring for and mentoring many children and young people through the years. She was eager to reach out to others in meaningful ways. After Burdette died in 1991, she went back to school, graduating from Canadian Mennonite University with a degree in Christian Ministry at the age of 69. She filled in as interim pastor in various settings in her 70s and helped to spearhead the Senior Sentinels Program at the Rainy River Evangelical Covenant Church in her 80s.
Although she had lived in various places – Iowa, Minnesota, and Arizona -- the Rainy River District became home with many years in Morson, Rainy River, and in Emo. She had a firm faith in Jesus Christ and participated in local Christian fellowships wherever she lived. She was very grateful for the good care she received while living the last 3 years at Emo Long Term Care. She loved the view from her window that included birds, trees, the river, and even two countries!
Ada was predeceased by her husband, Burdette, her parents, two brothers and one sister and David Ross. She is survived by her children Jill Wilhite of Fort Frances, Ontario, John (Sou) Hershberger of Arizona and George (LuAnne) Hershberger of Arizona. As well, she leaves her other daughter, Elaine Ross (also known as Jewel) of Morson, Ontario and son, Conrad Ross of Northwest Angle, Ontario, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Ada is also survived by her sister Ann Hoogenboom of Indiana and sister in law Darlene Christner of Georgia.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at the Morson Cemetery, Morson Ontario on June 4, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place beside her late husband, Burdette. A memorial will also take place in Arizona at a later date.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” -- Psalm 116:15 (NIV)