An expanded obituary project of
MennObits. Includes additional information of obituaries
appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers. Source of
individual obituaries given with each record. Project managed by
Thelma Martin.
2024
R
Ramer, Nancy Kilmer
August 20, 1939 - January 17, 2024
Nancy (Kilmer) Ramer 84 years, four months and twenty -eight days of Tippecanoe, Indiana, passed away on January 17, 2024 at 5:15 A.M. at her residence.
She was born on August 20, 1939 in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Martin and Mary (Brubacher) Kilmer She was united in marriage on October 27, 1964 to David M. Ramer, who survives.
Along with her husband, she is survived by six sons, Rufus (Arlene) Ramer, Rochester, Indiana, Cleon (Mary) Ramer, Penn Yan, New York, Mark (Irene) Ramer, Rochester, Indiana, Ralph (Lucy) Ramer, Argos, Indiana, Neal Ramer, at home, Harley (Treva) Ramer, Argos, Indiana, four daughters, Rita (Henry) Imhoff, Liberty, Kentucky, Erla (Leon) Burkholder, Goshen, Indiana, Mary (Eddie) Imhoff, Argos, Indiana, Anna Ramer, at home, fifty nine grandchildren, fifty one great grandchildren, one brother, Harvey (Judy) Kilmer, California, Missouri, one sister, Fannie (Eddie) Martin, Hubbardston, Michigan, three sisters-in-laws, Annie, Ella, Martha Kilmer, all of Versailles, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Adin, William, Menno, Eli, and Rufus Kilmer, five sisters, Lydia Sauder, Emma Kilmer, Amanda Burkholder, Lucinda Baker, and Anna Mary Kilmer, two grandsons, Merle Ramer and Karl Imhoff, one great-granddaughter, Mariah Ramer, two stillborn great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express thanks for all the labor, food, and prayers over these times. Travelers, family, friends and ministry are invited for the noon meal.
Funeral services will be conducted at 9:45 A.M. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Ridgeview Old Order Mennonite Church, Elm Road, Tippecanoe, Indiana. Burial to take place in the Ridgeview Old Order Mennonite Church Cemetery. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday, January 19, 2024 at her residence.
Ramer, Norma Stoltzfus
June 4, 1963 - March 6, 2024
Norma Ramer, born June 4, 1963, 60 years old, entered into the sweet arms of Jesus on March 6, 2024, following a lengthy and difficult health journey. Our dearest wife, mother, grandmother and friend will be deeply missed. Our greatest comfort is knowing she is with Jesus whom she often spoke fondly of and dearly loved!
Norma was the daughter of Omar and Annie (Zook) Stoltzfus.
She lovingly leaves behind her best friend, her rock and her right arm, Douglas Ramer, whom she married on September 24, 1983. Doug and Norma were members of Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship Church in Ephrata, PA.
She spoke warmth and connection into the lives of each of their three children and nine grandchildren. She loved their visits, babysitting and hot summer pool days. All are surviving, daughter Emily, wife of Travis Rutt of Ephrata, PA , son Justin, husband of Kelsey Ramer of Lititz, PA, son Travis, husband of Chelsea Ramer of Manheim, PA ; nine grandchildren, Maya, Dawson, Emerson, Colton and Eliana Rutt, Avery, Remington, Everhett, Adelyn Ramer, two brothers Jonas, husband of Rachel Stoltzfus of Pine Grove, PA, David, husband of Linda Stoltzfus of Landrum, SC; sister Hilda Martin, wife of Clyde Martin of Bethel PA, sister-in-law Sara Stoltzfus of Myerstown, PA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Norma’s parents, Omar and Annie (Zook) Stoltzfus of Pine Grove, PA, brother Melvin preceded her in death.
During her declining health journey Norma loved her sitting room overlooking the rolling hills, grazing cattle and many types of birds visiting her feeders. On weaker days she spoke softly her encouraging words of “God’s got this.” “All for Jesus.” “He is so good.” With visitors she shared, gratefully, who brought this plant, that flower, the soups and meals.
Norma spent many hours at Lighthouse Thrift Store, feeling well or not so well, sorting through bags and boxes of donated clothing items. Frequently she would delight over a fun find for a grandchild or another. All the while encouraging the team of volunteers with her dry humor, cheerful comments and one on one chats during her rest breaks. She was a joy and will be greatly missed by her grieving family and friends.
A viewing will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at New Beginnings Charis Fellowship Church, 430 E. Lincoln Avenue, Myerstown. An additional viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 9 to 10 AM, at the church, followed by her funeral service at 10 AM. Interment will follow the service and take place in Meckville Mennonite Cemetery, 1020 Meckville Rd, Bethel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to Urban Lighthouse Ministries, 1349 Vernon St, Harrisburg, PA 17104.
Reiff, James H.
April 29, 1935 - March 1, 2024
James H. Reiff, 88, of Ephrata, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.
He was born in Leola to the late Edwin and Barbara (Hoover) Reiff and was the husband of Lydia (Nolt) Reiff.
James was a member of the Groffdale Mennonite Frame Church. He had worked as a farmer.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 17 children, Ellen (Joe) Shirk, Leon (Mary) Reiff, Elsie (Marvin) Nolt, Edwin (Alma) Reiff, Minerva (Moses) Sensenig, Nelson (Linda) Reiff, Allen (Ada Mae) Reiff, Lewis (Ada Mae) Reiff, Erma (Warren) Zimmerman, Ivan (Erma) Reiff, Mark (Mary Jane) Reiff, Wilmer (Luella) Reiff, Katie (Mahlon) Sauder, Lois (Ivan) Zimmerman, Raymond (Norma) Reiff, Elva (Kenneth) Nolt, Jane (Lawrence) Martin; 124 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rachel Horst, Martha Burkholder, Mary Hoover; two brothers, Paul (Fannie) Reiff, Rueben (Ella) Reiff and a sister-in-law, Eva Reiff.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by six grandchildren; two brothers and one sister.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, at the residence of Wilmer and Luella Reiff, 200 Sheaffers School Road, Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the residence at 8:45 a.m., with further services at 9:30 a.m., from Groffdale Mennonite Frame Church, 90 Groffdale Church Rd., Leola, with Bishop Ammon Weaver officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Ropp, Anna Yoder
April 20, 1931 - March 30, 2024
Anna Yoder Ropp, 92, of Harrisonburg, Va., passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Crestwood in Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She was born in Holmes County, Ohio on April 20, 1931, to the late David “Hiney Dave” Yoder and Anna Miller Yoder.
She was raised Amish and came to know Jesus and began her personal relationship with Him at the age of 17. Anna loved the Lord and often spoke of the glory she looked forward to in her heavenly life, and it was important that her family and friends knew how to join her for eternity. She always maintained her strong faith, love of her family, and her witty sense of humor. She was a homemaker and took pride in being a loving, supportive wife and raising and nurturing her family. She had a lifelong love of studying the Bible and leading others in Bible study.
She also played guitar and enjoyed leading worship with the groups she was a part of. In the early days of VMRC in the 70’s and 80’s she would often take her three girls to sing to residents. She joined the VMRC community in 2009, where she loved serving, volunteering, and leading Bible study. She was still playing guitar and leading choruses up until a few weeks prior to her passing. No matter what she was going through, she remained mindful of the needs of others. She was thoughtful, patient, humble, courageous, and wise, with quiet strength and resolve. The residents and staff at Park Place, then Redbud in VMRC became like family to her.
She was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Wesley Ray Ropp. They met at Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg and married in September of 1955. They started married life in Sarasota, Fla., then moved back to Harrisonburg in 1972 for their children to attend EMHS for a Christian Education. She and Wes later spent time living in Colonial Heights, Va., Plain City, Ohio, and Sarasota, Fla. before settling back in Harrisonburg at VMRC in 2009.
She is survived by her children, John Ropp and wife, Debi, of Pleasanton, Calif., Ken Ropp of Superior, Wis., Faythe Silveira of Harrisonburg, Va., Joye Cavari and husband, John, of Garner, N.C., and Charity Burkholder and husband, Phil of Brownsburg, Ind.; 14 grandchildren, Michelle, Stephanie, John Jr., Monica and husband, Christian Ali, Lauren and husband, Aaron Zook, Allison, Charity, Rebecca and husband, Justin Douthat, Andrew and wife, Nadine, Timothy, Kyle and wife, Kimberly, Carly and husband, Trevor McMunn, Sydney and husband, Drew Deas, and Grant and wife, Sierra, as well as five great-grandchildren, Flora and Leland McMunn, Trula Deas, Malachi Burkholder, and Roman Cavari. She was also preceded in death by young son, Stephen David; son-in-law, Sergio Silveira; and her 10 siblings, Dan, Verna, Joni, Albert, Katie, Melvin, Sam, David, Lester, and Noah.
Arrangements are through Kyger Funeral Home & Crematory in Harrisonburg with a memorial service to be held at Strite Auditorium at VMRC in a few weeks.
Donations can be made in her honor to the VMRC Foundation.
Roth, Jonathan N. (Dr.)
March 2, 1938 - March 13, 2024
GOSHEN, IND. – Dr. Jonathan N. Roth, professor emeritus of biology at Goshen College, passed away in Goshen on March 13, 2024, at the age of 86. He taught at the college for 42 years, from 1962 to 2004.
Roth was born in the Willamette Valley in Albany, Oregon, on March 2, 1938. He graduated from Goshen College in 1959 before earning his doctorate from Oregon State University. He returned to his alma mater in 1962 and dedicated over four decades to shaping the minds of students and advancing scientific research.
During his tenure, he taught a wide array of courses in microbiology, zoology, marine biology and botany, and served as a department chair. His engaging teaching style, often punctuated with colorful stories, endeared him to students and colleagues alike.
Roth's influence extended beyond the classroom, as he played a pivotal role in establishing Goshen College's marine biology program. He began the program with his biology colleague Dr. C. Franklin Bishop in 1966 with expeditions to Pigeon Key and later expanded to Layton, Florida. His post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Miami's Institute of Marine Science fueled his passion for marine research, leading to the development of the college's marine biology station.
"I have many wonderful memories of a wide variety of conversations with Jon," said Duane Kauffmann, a retired professor of psychology at Goshen College who worked with Roth on the marine biology program. "He was an excellent teacher, equally at home in the lab explaining the microbiology of what happens to food which is not refrigerated or on a mudflat in Florida Bay describing how a small shrimp enjoys its meal eating the tube feet of an urchin."
Roth's contributions to marine biology and education culminated in the college naming the marine biology station and laboratory in his honor in 2009: the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station.
Roth and his wife, Mary Ann (Smucker) Roth '60, led a Study-Service Term (SST) group to Nicaragua, fostering cultural exchange and global understanding among students. Even in retirement, Roth remained active in his field, founding Micrology Laboratories and Roth Bioscience, a water testing and microbiology company. He invented and patented numerous innovative and easy-to-use microbiological testing methods and products. His products, methods and inventions are in use all over the world.
Roth was preceded in death by his son, Steven Roth; his parents, Ruth and Urban Roth; his parents-in-law Orrin '31 and Blanche Smucker. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; his son, Geoffrey Roth '93 of Boston; his daughter, Brooke '00 (Justin '00) Rothshank of Goshen; his grandchildren, Layton, Linden and Bryn Rothshank.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon. A memorial service in celebration of Roth's life will be held Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 3 p.m. Both events will take place at College Mennonite Church in Goshen. A livestream of the service will be available here.
Memorial donations may be directed to Doctors Without Borders to provide safe drinking water.
Rudolph, Paul Joseph
July 20, 1937 - January 12, 2024
Paul Joseph Rudolph, 86, entered into the presence of his Lord January 12, 2024, as the result of a traffic accident. He was born in Cearfoss, MD on July 20, 1937, to the late Virlus and Susanna Rudolph. He accepted Christ as his Savior in his youth and was a faithful member of the Hanover Mennonite Church. On September 10, 1957, he married Rhoda Shank who preceded him in death on May 9, 2009.
Paul and Rhoda lived in Hanover, PA for approximately 6 years. They moved to New Oxford, PA in 1964 and lived there together for 46 years. Paul continued to live in New Oxford for another 15 years after his wife passed away. In December of 2023, he moved in with his daughter in East Berlin.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children: daughter Joanne, wife of Eldon Martin, Spring Grove, PA; son (Gerald) late husband of Rachel, New Oxford, PA; daughter Doris, wife of Lawrence Nolt, East Berlin, PA; son Donald and wife Christine, Athens, WI; Mervin and wife Kathryn, Resaca, GA; Malcolm and wife Rosanna, New Oxford, PA; Ethel, wife of Philip Shenk, Linton, IN; 56 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren.
He is survived by his brothers David of Smithburg, MD and Noah of Boiling Springs, PA; his sisters Mary, wife of Galen Hess, Dillsburg, PA and Martha, wife of Roy Petre, Hagerstown, MD; sister-in-law Lydia, Hagerstown, MD; and brother-in-law Chester Weaver, Shippensburg, PA.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rhoda; son Gerald; parents Virlus and Susanna; brothers Amos, John, and Nathan; sister Esther Weaver; and sisters-in-law Pauline, Naomi, Esther, and Alice.
Both the visitation and funeral services will be held at Kralltown Mennonite Church, 6719 Davidsburg Rd., East Berlin, PA 17316. Visitation hours will be Friday, January 19, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hanover Mennonite School, 910 Wiermans Mill Rd., York Springs, PA 17372.
The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Rudolph, Shirley Aimee
November 5, 2022 - February 24, 2024
Shirley Aimee Rudolph, 1, of Hagerstown, MD, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Meritus Medical Center as the result of an accident.
Born Saturday, November 5, 2022 in Hagerstown, MD, she was the daughter of Jesse L. Rudolph and Amy E. (Halteman) Rudolph. Jesse is employed at Strite's Garage of Waynesboro, PA since 2019.
She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Luke and Faye Rudolph of Hagerstown, MD, maternal grandmother, Mary A. Leis of Hagerstown, MD, paternal great grandfather, David Rudolph of Smithsburg, MD, paternal great grandmother, Naomi L. Martin of Flintstone, MD, maternal great grandmother, Margaret Halteman of Hagerstown, MD, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Glen D. Leis.
Services were held Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:00 am, at the Stouffer Mennonite Church, 23303 Welty Church Road Smithsburg, MD, with the church ministry officiating.
Interment was at the Stouffer & Pondsville Joint Cemetery, Edgemont, MD.
Rufenacht, Bonnie Sue Chokey
November 19, 1941 - March 4, 2024
Bonnie Sue Rufenacht, 82, of La Junta, Colorado, passed away peacefully Monday, March 4, 2024, in La Junta, with her daughter Kim at her side. She was born Wednesday, November 19, 1941, in Elkhart, Indiana to Ernest & Florence (Robison) Chokey.
It was a cold, blustery day in Elkhart, Indiana when Bonnita Sue Chokey was born to Florence and Ernest Chokey. She was welcomed by siblings, Betty 20, Gene 18 and Robert 16. Her birth was nearly 3 weeks before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, at a time when doctors charged twenty-five dollars for delivering babies and the hospital stay was paid for with a twenty-five-dollar check. Betty was working and Gene and Robert were drafted to military service upon graduation. This was the setting where Bonnie became a big sister to Janice at the age of four and a half. She was loved and nurtured in this family who lived by the "Golden Rule" love others as you love yourself. Bonnie's mother instilled the idea of loving others more than yourself. Few people could be more honest and worthy of trust than she was throughout her life. She was described as a shy, petite lady into her 30's, but grew into a self-assured women who expressed her feelings in a thoughtful manner. You knew where Bonnie was standing on issues, At the same time you knew you were loved.
Bonnie became a nurturing mother to Kimberly Dawn, Mark Todd and Matthew Jon. She always made her children feel they were loved. She loved reading to her children and was always a cheerleader for children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who called her Nana and GiGi. At a resent soccer game with her grandson Wyatt, she was cheering him on even kicking in the wrong direction.
Bonnie attended a workshop for adult singles, where she met Dwayne Rufenacht. They dated by telephone for a few months, before realizing they were going broke paying for telephone bills and loved each as well, so decided to marry. Both Bonnie and Dwayne became better people because of the relationship. Bonnie loved her entire family and remembered each individual in her heart and through prayer. While struggling with health issues, many of her secret prayers became audible. She wanted to live each day to the fullest. She also wanted to go home to be in God's plan.
Bonnie had a passion for books and reading. Yearly, she made sure everyone at church knew about her MCC school kits. Many pencils and tablets found their way to someone pursuing education. Bonnie was a comforter knotter. She enjoyed the warmth of social interaction, as well as the warmth that comforters can provide on a cold night.
Retirement provided a chance to work in food banks and schools in the Tuscon area as a volunteer. Her generous and loving spirit was who she was. Bonnie helped many children develop skills and try new tasks. She found courage to develop her own skills along with way.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Dwayne Rufenacht of the La Junta home; children, Kim (Marc) Kahan of Pasadena, MD; Mark Massanari of Avon, CO; Matt (Crystall) Rufenacht of Wellington, CO; grandchildren, Jacob (Liz) Kahan; Joshua (Christy) Kahan; Wyatt Rufenacht; and Blake Rufenacht; great-grandchildren, Gabe & Abby Kahan; Leo & Nolan Kahan; sister, Janice Evers of Waukarusa, IN; numerous nieces & nephews also survive. She is preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Corey Borg Massanari; and siblings, Betty Cripe, Gene Chokey, & Robert Chokey.
Graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in La Junta, CO with Pastor Derrick Hutchison of Emmanuel Mennonite Church officiating. Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in La Junta, CO.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bonnie’s name to Arkansas Valley Hospice, www.arkvalleyhospice.org or to Mennonite Central Committee School Kits at www.mcc.org.