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
C to F
Cender, Ruth Alderfer Wismer
March 15, 1928 - February 7, 2024
Ruth Alderfer Wismer Cender, with her loving husband, Milton at her side, passed away February 7, 2024 in Goshen, IN at the age of 95 years and 11 months. Ruth's life began in Harleysville, PA on March 15, 1928, the firstborn child to Leroy and Alice Wismer. As a child in Souderton, PA, she became the older sister to Lois (Lowell Bishop), Mary and Paul (Sue). She had a strong faith and commitment to Christ her whole life.
Ruth attended Eastern Mennonite College and graduated from Goshen College in Goshen, IN. She began teaching in Rantoul, IL where she met her future husband, Milton Cender from Dewey, IL. They were married August 18, 1957 and made Gibson City, IL their home. Their family grew to four with the births of Karl and Greta. Ruth taught elementary students at Rantoul, Gibson City and Melvin-Sibley schools during her teaching career of more than 25 years.
Ruth used her talent as an artist to create posters and illustrations for her students and paintings for her home. She was musically inclined, singing in a traveling quartet during her teenage years, in college choirs and at East Bend Mennonite church, Fisher, IL, where she was a member. She used her teaching skills for Sunday School and Bible School instruction of many children. Ruth also participated in the Mennonite Women group at the church. Ruth enjoyed sewing, baking and hosting many people at her home for meals and conversation.
Upon retiring in 1991, Ruth applied her seamstress skills to become an accomplished quilter. Working with others from her chuch, she created many quilts that were auctioned for charities through Mennonite Central Committee. She made quilts, table runners and wall hangings for her home, her children and grandchildren.
Ruth relished time with family, Karl and Wilma (Ressler),Valparaiso, IN, their children, Emily (Matt Burgess), Indianapolis, IN and Eric of Valparaiso, IN and Greta and James (Poplett) of Plymouth, MN, their children, Alicia and Katrina of Minneapolis, MN.
After 51 years of living in Gibson City, Ruth moved with Milton to Goshen, IN in 2008. During her years in Goshen, she enjoyed many musical events at Goshen College. She was also an active member of College Mennonite Church and participated in numerous activities there. In her later years, Ruth suffered from Alzheimer's and then a stroke in June of 2021, after which she was cared for by staff at Greencroft Communities nursing facility until her passing. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary Wismer, and her daughter-in-law, Wilma Cender.
A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at College Mennonite Church, 1900 South Main Street, Goshen, IN.
Memorial donations can be made in Ruth's memory to: College Mennonite Church or a charity of your choice.
Charles, Shirley Amoury
September 25, 1929 - January 16, 2024
Shirley Charles of Ephrata, PA, formerly of Ocala, FL, died at home surrounded by her family, January 16, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was born September 25, 1929, in Miami, FL, the daughter of the late John Foreid (Fred) and Miriam (Carey) Amoury.
Shirley attended Denver Mennonite Church. Family was at the center of Shirley's heart and she cherished every moment spent with loved ones. She touched many lives by her cheerful friendliness and will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by two daughters, Janet Grover, wife of Philip of Ephrata, PA, and Judy Gulle of Savannah, GA; four granddaughters, Jessica Grover and Amanda Grover, both of Ephrata, PA, Jenna Gulle of Highland Park, IL, and Jordyn Gulle of Cumming, GA; one sister, Kathryn Charles of Ocala, FL; one nephew, Kelly Charles of Salt Springs, FL; two nieces, Karen Cameron of Ocala, FL, and Kim Powell of Astor, FL; eight great-nephews and nieces; and five great-great-nephews and nieces.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Kenneth Neil Charles and a nephew Kenneth Boyd Charles.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM at the Denver Mennonite Church, 95 Monroe St., Denver, PA. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, 10 AM at the church. Interment will take place in the adjoining cemetery.
Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.
Chupp, Keith K.
June 15, 1990 - March 19, 2024
Keith K. Chupp, 33 years, 9 months, and 4 days, of rural Tuscola, Illinois passed away at 3:43 PM on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the HCK West Building, one mile south of Arthur, Illinois. Bishop Larry Mast will officiate.
Burial will be in the Otto Cemetery in rural Arthur, Illinois.
Visitation will be any time after 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the HCK West building, and any time after 10:00 AM on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the HCK West building. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Keith was born on June 15, 1990, in Decatur, Illinois. He was a son of Kenneth L. and Katie Viola (Schrock) Chupp. He married Marilyn Kay Helmuth on May 27, 2010.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kay (Helmuth) Chupp of Tuscola IL; one daughter, Janelle Rose Chupp (11) at home; his parents, Kenneth and Katie (Schrock) Chupp of Tuscola IL; six siblings - Loretta Fern Herschberger and her husband Jason of Arthur IL, Mary Lorene Helmuth and her husband Glen of Arthur IL, Rose Ann Chupp of Tuscola IL, Treva Kay Chupp of Tuscola IL, Verlin Chupp and his wife Corrina (Schrock) of Tuscola IL, and Wayne Chupp and his wife Marlene (Yoder) of Arthur IL; three nieces, five nephews, his paternal grandparents Lewis and Mary Chupp of Tuscola IL and his maternal grandmother, Edna Fern Schrock of Arcola IL.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Reuben J. Schrock, two uncles, Ervin Schrock, and Ernie Yoder and three cousins.
Keith was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Chupp, Loretta J. Jones
June 9, 1937 - February 29, 2024
Loretta J. Chupp, 86, of Nappanee, died Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Goshen Hospital.
She was born June 9, 1937 in Indianapolis to James Warren and Vernie Lou (Griffith) Jones.
On September 3, 1955 she married Melvin Chupp in Goshen. He died December 24, 2020.
She is survived by two daughters, Maralie (Mel) Stutzman of Nappanee and Cindy (Chuck) Somers of Palm Coast, Florida; three sons, Jim (Jen) Chupp of Milford, Mike (Diane) Chupp of Constantine, Michigan and Herbert (Karina) Chupp of Battle Creek, Michigan; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Etta Meadors, Pauline Zook, Juanita DeWeese and Helena Zook; and two brothers, James and A C Jones.
Loretta enjoyed art and was very crafty. She enjoyed drawing cartoon pictures and crocheting. She loved reading especially her Bible. During her working career she worked as a clerk for Snider's Leading Jewelers Inc., Goshen, in the upholster department at Veada Industries Inc., New Paris and as a seamstress at Superior Industries.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Mel Shetler will officiate.
Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Riley Children’s Hospital.
Crider, Keith Edwin
July 17, 1959 - January 26, 2024
Keith Edwin Crider, 64, of Strasburg, Va., died Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, from a fall. He was born July 17, 1959, to E.S. and Barbara Showalter Crider. On Sept. 9, 1978, he married Eva Burkholder, who survives.
He graduated from Broadway High School in 1977 and worked at Valley Books before teaching school for twelve years. Since 1994 he worked for Christian Light Publications. He served in the ministry of Southeastern Mennonite Conference for 37 years and was a member at Strasburg Mennonite Church.
In addition to his wife, Keith is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Perfect (John) of Strasburg, Va.; four sons, Aaron Crider (Priscilla) of State College, Pa.; Caleb Crider (Lois) of Strasburg, Va.; Andrew Crider (Lauretta) of Guatemala City, Guatemala and Nathan Crider (Clara) of Front Royal, Va.; one brother, Dennis Crider of Harrisonburg, Va.; 20 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Erma Moyers; and a brother, Leonard Crider.
Keith had traveled to Guatemala to help his son’s family move there. Helping with a roof project, he inadvertently stepped on a skylight and fell 18 feet onto concrete. Visitation and funeral plans are pending until transportation from Guatemala is finalized and will be released later. Preliminary plans are for a visitation in the Harrisonburg area and one in the Strasburg area, with the funeral in the Strasburg area. Updates will be posted on the McMullen Funeral Home website (www.mcmullenfh.com).
Memorial contributions may be made to Great Commissions Ministries (Peru Mission), 7384 Hopkins Gap Road, Fulks Run, VA 22830 or to Mennonite Air Missions (Guatemala Mission), 116 Rothsville Station Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eberly, Karen Lou Heatwole
June 14, 1945 - February 7, 2024
Karen Lou Heatwole Eberly was the second-born to the late James and Lelia (Bowman) Heatwole on June 14, 1945. She died on Feb. 7, 2024, at the age of 78. She had been a resident at VMRC since May of last year, and her health declined quickly after experiencing another stroke in January.
Karen attended high school at Turner Ashby and Lancaster Mennonite, and then graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1963. In 1964, she married Frederick Eberly, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2021. They had one daughter, Melissa Joy Eberly.
Karen and Fred made many friends in their travels and among others, gladly hosted folks from Maine, Pennsylvania and Oregon in their home. Karen was a homemaker and gardener, and always had projects going on around their home...one of those being a beautiful stone wall that she and Fred built together at their "big blue house" north of Harrisonburg. Karen loved all things blue, from wall color to pretty dishes and trinkets!
Karen was a member of Lindale Mennonite Church and enjoyed the support and "Teas" that the ladies hosted at VMRC for members who were residents there. Special thanks to Dana and Donna Sommers who were such special helpers and friends to Karen and Fred.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Melissa Eberly, and her siblings, Linda Heatwole of Rockingham, Glennys Shouey and Debra (Alvin) Showalter of Mount Crawford, Daryl (Bea) Heatwole of Weyers Cave and Barbie (Gary) O'Brien of Rockingham, along with numerous well-loved nieces and nephews. Karen very much appreciated the loving support she received from Fred's family, Ava Griffin, Mandell Shank, Robert and Elaine Eberly, Becky Eberly and Buddy and Karen Eberly.
In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Pattis and husband, Jim, and her niece, Tiffany Heatwole.
A viewing will be held at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
At Karen's request, there will be a graveside service at the Dayton Cemetery Saturday, Feb. 10, at 11:00 a.m.
If desired, in Karen's memory, gifts may be made to the Compassion Fund at VMRC, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Arrangements are by Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater.
Eby, Marian Thomas
October 8, 1930 - February 2, 2024
Marian Thomas Eby, 93, formerly of Gordonville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024, after a long illness, at the home of her daughter in Coral Gables, Florida. She was the wife of the late Donald Shearer Eby, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage.
A longtime resident of Lancaster County, she was born on October 8, 1930, to the late Elizabeth Martin Thomas and John Harnish Thomas, Sr. Marian was an active member of Paradise Mennonite Church (now Grace Point Church). Besides sharing the management of Breezy Glen Farm with her husband, she was an avid gardener and dedicated homemaker.
Marian is survived by her three daughters, Carol Berg (Randall C. Berg, Jr., deceased) of Coral Gables, FL, Dr. Nancy Eby (Stephen Pfeiffer) of Schriesheim, Germany, and Dr. Patricia Eby (Dr. Peter Aldea) of Germantown, TN, ; five grandchildren, Randall Berg III (Dr. Julia Berg), Newton, MA, Dr. Gillian Pfeiffer, Berlin, Germany, Dr. Annika Pfeiffer, Berlin, Germany, Thomas Pfeiffer, Tuebingen, Germany and Abigail Aldea, New York City, NY, and one great-grandson, Bennett Berg, Newton, MA. She is preceded in death by her three brothers, John Jr, Martin and Clyde Thomas.
Erb, Peter M.
June 11, 1957 - March 24, 2024
Peter M. Erb (66) of Mt. Eaton, OH passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024. He was born to Sam & Mary (Yoder) Erb on June 11, 1957. Pete is survived by his wife, Louisa Pirozzi-Erb and son, Samuel Han Erb.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his child, Meea-Lucas Erb; sister, Verna Erb; and father-in-law, Frank G. Pirozzi.
He is survived by sisters, Clara Erb, Fannie (Ed) Miller, and Leona (Dave) Hershberger; and in-laws, Eleanor Pirozzi, Frank M. Pirozzi, Timothy Pirozzi, Gabrielle (Wulf) Reinicke, Martine Pirozzi, and nieces and nephew.
Pete was a carpenter by trade and was known to many in the community through his 30+ years with Dilyard and Erb construction. For the past three years, he worked at Kidron Electric. He and Louisa served with SWAP (Sharing with Appalachian People) as location coordinators in Hindman, KY from 2015 to 2019. He also was involved in many MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) projects, including leading numerous teams of local youth to assist areas hit by hurricanes and other disasters.
Pete had many interests. He enjoyed backpacking, working on (more so than riding) motorcycles, and telling long, convoluted stories. Pete was known for his creativity, and was artful in everything, from gardening to carpentry to cooking. In all he did, he took as much time as necessary to get it right.
Pete was a man of simplicity and humility. He lived a life of service and was never too busy to help anyone, whether friend or stranger. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Pete was a member at Orrville Mennonite Church, where calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 6. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 7. The family will be available for visitation for an hour before the service. The address of the church is 1305 West Market Street, Orrville, OH 44667. The family will hold a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, the families suggests contributions to MCC (Mennonite Central Committee), MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service), or Orrville Mennonite Church.
Eshbach, Jayden Lee
February 24, 2007 - January 27, 2024
Jayden Lee Eshbach, 16, of Rush Twp., Danville, PA; went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 27, 2024, due to a tractor accident. He was born February 24, 2007, in Danville, PA; the son of Marvin and Janelle Eshbach.
Jayden loved spending time with the Lord and was a member of the Danville Mennonite Church. He enjoyed details in nature, taking a special interest in birds and flowers, and growing things in the orchard and garden patch.
In addition to his parents, Jayden will be lovingly missed by four brothers, Dwayne, Conrad, Bryan, and Kendric, and two sisters, Jennalyn and Kaylita, all at home in Danville, PA as well as his paternal grandparents: J. Marlin and Irene Eshbach; maternal grandparents, Elton and Lena Mae Eby and his maternal great-grandmother, Mary Ella Eby.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing that will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Danville Mennonite Church, 422 Elysburg Road, Danville, PA 17821. Funeral services will be held at 09:30AM on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the church.
Flowers will not be accepted at the church but gratefully accepted at the Eshbach home if preferred. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821.