Obituary of Hildegard Ankele

Sister Hildegard Ankele May 15, 1930 ~ October 25, 2011 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15 Our dear Sister Hildegard of the Fellowship Deaconry, Liberty Corner, New Jersey was called Home to be with Jesus today at the age of 81. Many know her as the friendly "Sales-Sister" at the Deaconry Christian Bookstore, where she served from1956 until her retirement. Born as the oldest of seven daughters to Christian and Lina Ankele in Moessingen, Germany, she had the desire to become a teacher. Due to difficult circumstances, she had to help at the farm of her grandmother and lost the opportunity for higher education. At the age of 24, she was invited to come to America. Only four months after her arrival, she followed her Savior's call and entered the Sisterhood on May 3, 1954. Three of her father's siblings were already among the Deaconry Staff. Adam Ankele was the groundskeeper of the Nursing Home in Bernardsville, Christine Frick was in housekeeping at the same location and Gotthilf Ankele was the farmer at the Deaconry in Liberty Corner. The wife of Gotthilf, Lina, was also a faithful Staff until retirement. Sister Hildegard's place of service was primarily in the Bookstore. She therefore knew many area pastors and local Christian workers who came for Sunday School supplies to the store. She was dearly loved by all. Her heart especially went out to children, and they were fond of her as well. She retired from the Bookstore in 1998. After a fall at noon on Sunday, 10/23/2011, Sister Hildegard suffered serious internal head injuries. At first she declined being taken to the hospital, but that same evening she finally agreed. After less than 48 hours in the Trauma Center and ICU, God in His mercy relieved her from all suffering and took her into His glory. We praise the Lord for Sister Hildegard's life and though she will be sorely missed, we rejoice with her that she has "attained the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 27th, at 1:00 PM at the Fellowship Deaconry, Maranatha Chapel, at 3575 Valley Road, Liberty Corner, NJ. The service is at 2:00 PM, followed by the interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park. All are then welcomed to return to the Main Dining Room of the Deaconry for refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made as a Memorial Gift in Sister Hildegard's name to the Sisters' Fund of the Fellowship Deaconry, Inc.