1868 An Obituary for Christiana Christophel reported [1]:
Departed this life on 6th Oct., 1868, in Locke Township, Elkhart County, Indiana, of Typhoid fever, Christiana Christophel, daughter of Pre. John M. Christophel, aged 19 years, 7 months, and 5 days. She was buried at the Yellow Creek Mennonite burying-ground. Funeral discourses were delivered by the brethren, Daniel Brundage, John F. Funk, Joseph Hagey, and J. Snyder. Text, Rev. 2 chap. and the last part of the 10th verse "Be thou faithful into death, and I will give thee a crown of life". Some time in January she had been employed in the office of The Hearld of Truth, and was one in the family circle of our own household, attending faithfully to the duties devolving upon her until some four weeks previous to her death, when she complained of being unwell and went home to her parents. her disease soon began to assume a serious character. A physician was called to her attendance, but when the Lord calls human helps are vain. She grew worse and seemed too, to have a consciousness within her, that her earthly race was run. At times, her mind was wandering, but in her lucid moments she dwelt much upon the more important concerns of her soul, and upon heavenly things. She suffered much, being unable to speak for several days before her death. I called to see her, but to late to speak with her; the shadow of death already rested on her features. Unconscious of what passed around her, she laid quietly breathing her young life away. A few hours more, and calmly as one lying down to pleasant dreams she feel asleep. There is a vacant place in the family circle, at the family table and fireside, a vacant chair a link missing in the chain of friends, companions and acquaintances; she is missed by father and mother, by sisters and brothers, she is missed at her accustomed place of labor, there is a consolation for us all, for as link by link friendships' chain on earth is riven, 'tis formed anew in the bright land above. Her earthly work is done. She has gone to her reward. Let us not weep for her -- it was our Father's will to call her home. Though young in years, and just entering the real scenes of real life, we hope she has been faithful, even unto death, and now wears the unfading crown of life. Just about a year before her death, she made a public profession of truth, was baptized and united with the Mennonite church. She graced her profession with a pious walk and an unblamable life. Modest in her behavior, gentle in her conduct, faithful in her performance of duty, kind and affectionate towards all, she was beloved and respected by those who knew her and though with a sad heart we have followed her to the silent tomb, and mourn because she "is gone" to return no more. Let us feel that this was our heavenly Fathers will -He bade her "come"and she must needs obey the solemn summons. She will return to us no more. Therefore let as all seek to live, that at last, we may go to her. Young friends, do not forget to give your hearts to Jesus, even now in the days of your youth, while health and strength remain that ye may be also ready to go in peace when the Master calleth. J. F. F. Transcribed by: Ron Garber, Kansas.
[1] Mennonite Obituary Archives, Herald of Truth, Volume V, Number 10 - October, 1868 page 159, [MennObits].