The bible book of Proverbs chapter 31 and verse 10 poses the question, "Who can find a capable wife?" The verse goes on to add that "her value is far more than that of corals." Sylvia Hartwig was most certainly a capable wife, and to that it could be added that she was also a surpassingly capable mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. For approximately seventy years of her life, she watched over the "activity of her household," caring for the 9 children and step children that she raised. And she was an indescribably wonderful blessing to 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. - Proverbs 31:27. She was born the youngest of 12 children on March 30, 1931 in Post, Texas to John and Maude Simmons. She often spoke fondly of her happy childhood in the country, where she especially enjoyed riding her horse, Trixie. She married at age 15, and for many years she and her husband Rex raised their 5 children – Donny, Larry, Dena, Melinda, and Lenette - in Portales, New Mexico. Sadly, after only 16 years of marriage, she lost her husband in death. Eventually she would be remarried to Bill Hartwig, and together they raised her 5 children, his 3 children – Don, Judy, and Bobby, and their one daughter, Rhonda, in Abilene, Texas. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, she made preaching the good news of God's Kingdom a priority of the highest importance for over 46 years. She helped countless individuals learn and apply the truth and principles found in God's Word, the Bible. She had complete faith in Jehovah God's promise of an earthly paradise, where the righteous would dwell in peace forever. (Psalm 37:11, 29) She knew the pain of living in this system of things, having experienced the loss of not only her first husband in death, but also three of her children, four of her grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She took comfort in the Bible's promise of a resurrection of our loved ones. (John 5:28, 29) Although she will be missed, and has left a void in the hearts of so many of her loved ones, comfort is found in the beautiful name she made for herself. The description of the capable wife at Proverbs 31 aptly applied to Sylvia. Verse 28 says, "Her children rise up and declare her happy; her husband rises up and praises her." Those that knew her and loved her would readily agree with what is said in verse 29, "There are many capable women, but you – you surpass them all." Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. in the Kingdom Hall Jehovah Witnesses Church, 2018 Highland Street Abilene, Texas. Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com