Reiff.-Mary H., the last surviving member of the family of David Reiff, one of the early Mennonite settlers in the Reiff Church district in Washington Co., Md., died at the Old People's Home near Maugansville, Md., Aug. 9, 1930; aged 86 y. 6 m. 18 d. She was a lifelong member of the Reiff congregation, of which her father was one of the organizers. She exemplified in her life that meek and quiet spirit which the apostle Peter tells us is "in the sight of God of great price." Funeral services were held at the Reiff meeting house by Bros. Denton T. Marton and Moses K. Horst. Her remains were laid to rest in the adjoining burying ground.
Kemp.-William T. Kemp, son of the late Bro. B. L. and Sister Melinda Kemp, was born Oct. 2, 1908, in Somerset Co., Pa.; died Aug. 4, 1930; aged 21 y. 10 m. 2 d. Death came as the result of injuries receiving in falling from an automobile truck. At the age of 13 years he was received into fellowship with the Mennonite congregation at Fentress, Va. He was married to Miss Virginia Hoar of Toano, Va., on April 12, 1930. Surviving are his wife, mother, three brothers, and four sisters. Besides his father, one brother has also gone on before. Funeral services were held Aug. 6, in charge of Bros. A. D. Wenger and C. D. Bergey. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Fentress.
Ramer.-Hettie Ann (Weaver) Ramer, wife of S. B. Ramer, was born near Thompsontown, Pa., June 12, 1874; died at her home at Duchess, Alta., July 28, 1930; aged 56 y. 1 m. 16 d. She leaves her husband, 1 brother, and 1 sister. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and spent her early life in Pennsylvania. She and her husband moved to Duchess in 1915, where they were the first settlers in that district. She was active in church work as long as health permitted, serving as Sunday school teacher since early life. She never complained about her suffering and manifested much patience during her long siege of illness. She suffered for the past eight years from cancer which at times gave her extreme pain. Her life was inspiring to every one around her and she always had a good word for everybody, which brought cheer and comfort to many burdened hearts. She is greatly missed by her many friends, but our loss is her gain. Funeral services were held at the Duchess Mennonite Church July 30, 1930, in charge of Bros. Isaac Miller and N. E. Roth. Text, Rev. 14:13. Interment in Duchess Cemetery.
"She has entered into well earned rest,
She is now among the free, the blest."
Yoder.-Bertha, only daughter of F. B. and Phoebe (Hartzler) Harshbarger, was born near McVeytown, Pa., June 26, 1904; died Aug. 21, 1930, at the Lewistown Hospital, of diabetes; aged 26 y. 1 m. 26 d. On May 7, 1927, she was united in marriage to Jesse M. Yoder, a grandson of Bishop Michael Yoder. Bertha was much attached to her parents and much loved by them. They were living in the home with her parents, helping to do the farm work. While her disease may have been making its death grip upon her for some time, she was sick only about five days till she became its victim. Funeral on Saturday afternoon at the Mennonite Church conducted by William Hanawalt of the Brethren Church (of which she was a member.) A very large concourse of relatives and friends had gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to one who had so suddenly and unexpectedly gone from us. She leaves her parents, two brothers, and many friends. Interment in the Hertzler Cemetery.
"By cool Siloam's shady rill
How fair the lily grows,
How sweet the breath beneath the hill
Of Sharon's dewy rose.
"Lo, such the child whose early feet
The path of peace have trod,
Whose secret heart with influence sweet
Is upward drawn to God."
Hagey.-Elvina, daughter of Jonathan and Emma (Rudy) Martin, was born near St. Jacobs, Ontario, March 4, 1897; died in New Hamburg, Ontario, July 20, 1930; aged 33 y. 4 m. 16 d. Her death was due to a peculiar disease. Only five such cases have been reported in the Dominion. She had been losing her strength all spring and although she had a desire to raise her children yet she was resigned to God's will. During the seven weeks that she was bedfast she prayed often for her children, also neighbors and friends. She also told her husband that her mother had visited her and that they had planned that she should go with her later. Her husband tried to persuade her that this was only a dream but she insisted it was not, and begged him not to spoil her plans. On July 18, 1919, she was baptised into church fellowship with the Mennonites and remained faithful until death. Jan. 15, 1919, she was united in marriage with Bro. Roy Hagey. Three children, (Ralph, Kenneth, and Alice) blessed this union. She also leaves father, step-mother, eight brothers (Ephraim, Milton, Irvin, Josiah, Isaiah, Norman, Urias and Abner), 3 sisters (Malinda Good, Hannah Lichty, and Barbara Roth); also one step-brother (Melvin Hunsberger), and a step-sister (Ada Martin). Her mother preceded her 23 years. During the last few days she spoke continually of God's love and advised how we should teach our children. The Christian nurse who cared for her said she never before heard such wonderful testimony for God.
"It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears,
And wake, in glorious repose
To spend eternal years."
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Mecum.-Edgar Ward, infant son of Bro. and Sister John Mecum of Middlebury, Ind., was born Aug. 9, 1930, and lived only a few hours. Only a bud on earth to bloom in heaven. Short services were held at the home by Silas Yoder. Burial in the Middlebury Cemetery.
Geiger.-Elizabeth Geiger (nee Garber) was born in Switzerland June 3, 1841; died of infirmities of age Aug. 14, 1930, at the home of her son near Kidron, Ohio; aged 89 y. 2 m. 11 d. She was married to Chr. Geiger, who preceded her in death several years. She is survived by 2 sons, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She had been a faithful member of the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church since she came to America in 1881. Funeral services were held at the church, conducted by Bros. C. N. Amstutz, J. A. Leichty, and Louis Amstutz.
Kaufman.-Cora Virginia, wife of Daniel Kaufman, was born Aug. 20, 1864; died Aug. 26, 1930; aged 66 y. 6 d. In February of this year she contracted pneumonia and was taken to the Chambersburg Hospital. She recovered from this illness but complications set in. She was able to be about until three weeks before her death, when she was confined to her bed. She accepted Christ many years ago and was a faithful member of the Strasburg Mennonite Church, Franklin Co., Pa. She is survived by her husband and three daughters. Funeral services were held Aug. 29, 1930, at the Strasburg Church, conducted by Bros. J. I. Lehman and J. S. Burkholder. Text, Eccl. 12:5 (latter clause). Interment in adjoining cemetery.
Zimmerman.-David E., only child of Phares and Martha (Martin) Zimmerman, died Aug. 25, 1930, of cholera infantum, at the Elkhart, Ind., General Hospital, after three and one half days illness, aged 1 y. 2 m. 21 d. He leaves his father and mother, four grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Eli Zimmerman and Mr. and Mrs. David Martin), one great-grandfather (Aaron Reed), one great-grandmother (Mrs. Samuel Wenger), six uncles, three aunts, and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Aug. 28 at the Yellow Creek Church by Bros. Noah W. Wenger and William Ramer. Text, Psa. 103:5,16. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
"A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled."
Herwig.-Laura Ann, daughter of Noah J. and Mary Schrock, was born near Garden City, Mo., Jan. 19, 1884; died Aug. 19, 1930; aged 46 y. 7 m. The immediate cause of her death is not certain. Two operations were performed in less than a week's time. She passed away the day following the last one. Nov. 20, 1900, she was married to Arthur Herwig. To this union were born two sons, Herman and Clarence. She is survived by these three, her father, two brothers (D. N. Schrock and J. E. Schrock) and one sister (Mrs. Edward Yoder), also 3 grandchildren. Most of her life was spent near Garden City, until nine years ago she with her family moved to Sutherland, Iowa where she resided at the time of her death. Funeral services were held from the M. E. Church of Sutherland by the pastor, Corwin Taylor. Text, Psa. 16:11, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness (sic) of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Interment in the Sutherland Cemetery.
Burkholder.-Mary, daughter of George and Mary Burkholder, was born near Dover, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1851; died near Orrville, Ohio, July 20, 1930; aged 79 y. 6 m. 5 d. She was the sixth of a family of eleven children, all of whom have preceded her in death except one brother (Jacob Burkholder), who made his home with her the last three years. She is also survived by nephews and nieces with other relatives and friends. In 1881 she was received into fellowship of the Union Hill Mennonite Church by water baptism and later was taken into the fellowship of the Salem Mennonite congregation, in which communion she continued until death. She was afflicted from her early childhood, often suffering discomfort and pain which kept her from enjoying many of the ordinary opportunities and pleasures of life. In her last illness she suffered intensely, but there were those who ministered to her needs and tried to bring her comfort and relief. Frequently in her suffering she would say, "Jesus, give me rest, " "Heal my pain," "Have mercy," and with a note of triumph she said, "Jesus, it is settled." Funeral services were held at the Union Church by Bro. I. W. Royer, assisted by Bros. E. F. Hartzler and R. L. Stauffer. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Moyer.-Eliza Y., widow of Pre. Jacob C. Moyer of Harleysville, Pa., was born Oct. 24, 1841; died July 4, 1930; aged 88 y, 8 m. 10 d. she died at the home of her daughter (Mrs. P. G. S. Alderfer of Harleysville), after an illness of several weeks due to old age. While upon her death-bed she prayed to God that if it was not against His will she wanted to speak once more with each of her children and grandchildren. God granted this, and she once more admonished them to hold fast to the simple faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of her last words were: "How could we leave this world without Jesus Christ?" She was a daughter of the late Samuel Musselman. Her husband, who was a minister of the Salford Mennonite Church, preceded her in death 8 years ago. She is survived by 1 daughter, 2 sons, 16 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren. A daughter and 2 sons also preceded her in death. Funeral services were conducted at the home and at the Salford church by Bros. Jonas Mininger, A. G. Clemmer, Rhine Alderfer, and Menno Sauder. Text, Phil. 1:23. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
"'Tis so hard to part with grandmother dear,
No more to see, to hear:
A nobler grandmother could not be
Found this side of eternity.
But yet we're glad, if God thought best
To end her troubles and give her rest,
In heaven to sing with angels fair,
May our names too, be written there!
That we again may grandmother meet
And walk with her through the golden street."
"Gone but not forgotten." --Grandchildren.
Yoder.-Jonathan Oliver, youngest son of Jonathan C. and Anna Yoder, was born in Logan Co., Ohio, Nov. 5 1864; died at his late residence in West Liberty, Ohio, July 28, 1930; aged 65 y. 8 m. 23 d. He was united in marriage with Lydia Kauffman, Nov. 5, 1888. To this union were born four children; one son and two daughters died in infancy. One daughter (Stella), who remained in the home and faithfully cared for an invalid, and a wife, now feeble in body, one brother (R. S. Yoder), one sister (Mrs. Abner Kauffman), and other relatives, remain to feel the sorrow of his passing. Three sisters and one brother preceded him in death. He united with the Mennonite Church in early manhood, in which he retained his membership, and attended religious services as long as his health permitted. He was of a jovial disposition and made many friends. For several years he, unable to work, having suffered several strokes of paralysis, was dependent upon his faithful daughter and others, and particularly the last few months, when needing much attention, was very patient and resigned. He was never known to murmur or complain. He was human, but filled his place in his sphere as all must personally do. Funeral services were held at South Union Church, in charge of A. I. Yoder, assisted by S. E. Allgyer. Burial in the cemetery near the church.
"Oh when I think of that heavenly home,
Where all earth's sorrows shall cease,
Free from all care, where no trouble may come,
Dwelling forever in peace;
Where I may see the dear Savior's sweet face,
E'en in His likeness to be.
I'm overcome with the thought of His grace,
What a blest home that must be."
Bontrager.-Fannie A., daughter of John and Anna Slonecker, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 24, 1855; died Aug. 8, 1930; aged 85 y. 4 m. 15 d. She had been in failing health for over a year and last February she left her home in West Liberty to go to live with a step-daughter, Mrs. S. H. King, five miles south of Bellefontaine, Ohio, where she was tenderly cared for to the last. During her illness she was blessed with much patience and a complete resignation to the will of God. She was united in marriage to J. J. Bontrager, March 8, 1887, who preceded her in death nine years ago. This union was blessed with one son (Andrew), who also passed away eleven years ago. Eight children of her husband, by a former marriage, were all young when she entered the home. She cared for them in a motherly manner and with affection. In her youth she accepted Christ as her Savior and affiliated herself with the Mennonite Church. She was interested in the Lord's work and when health permitted was faithful in church attendance. It can truthfully be said of Sister Bontrager that, though she preferred to live a quiet, inconspicuous life, she put something of true worth into life that will last throughout eternity by endearing herself to her family to whom she was fondly devoted. Six step-children (two having preceded her in death) are left to mourn her loss: Mrs. S. H. King (with whom she made her home), Mrs. S. G. Huber, Mrs. J. B. Kauffman, A. C. Bontrager, J. P. Bontrager, C. F. Bontrager; also nieces, nephews, and grandchildren and many friends. Funeral services were held at South Union Church, in charge of S. E. Allgyer, assisted by A. I. Yoder. Burial in South Union Cemetery.
"Weep not that her toils are over,
Weep not that her race is run,
God grant that we may rest as calmly,
When our work, like hers, is done."
Fry.-Samuel, son of Joseph and Annie Fry, was born Sept. 24, 1875, near Bellefontaine, Ohio; died at the Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, July 22, 1930; aged 54 y. 9 m. 28 d. He was taken sick with appendicitis while working at his home on last Saturday, and early in the evening was hurriedly taken to the hospital, where an operation was performed immediately. The case was extreme and unusual, calling for a long and difficult operation. However, Sunday morning found him bright and feeling good, but before evening his condition became more serious. Due to hemorrhage, a second operation was required on Monday evening. His body, weakened by former sickness, was unable to stand the shock and he was called away, in the presence of his family and near friends. Jan. 20, 1901, he was united in marriage to Elsie King of West Liberty, Ohio. To this union were born twins (Earl and Pearl), who survive, and two other children, who died in infancy. He also leaves his wife, a sister (Mrs. Mary Yoder), and a brother (Andrew), besides a host of other relatives and friends. Early in life Samuel was converted and united with the Mennonite Church at South Union where he remained a true and faithful member to the end. Sunday school, church, and all services of the church found him in regular attendance. To him service to his church, to his neighbors, and friends, was a privilege. A call for help at any time or place found him among the first to respond. His real character portrayed itself in his home life where he proved a loyal husband and a kind and loving father. The brief illness and hastened death came as a shock to his family, neighbors, and many friends. The place he occupied in his home, his church, and the community can never be filled. His life is gone, but the memory of his life remains an inspiration to all who knew him. Funeral services were held at South Union Church, in charge of the pastor, A. I. Yoder, assisted by N. E. Troyer. Burial in South Union Cemetery.
Snyder.-Nancy Elizabeth, daughter of Emanuel and Anna (Good) Shupe, was born Sept. 6, 1874, in Marion Co., Kans.; died at the home of her sister, Mrs. M. M. Shearer, Portland, Oreg., Aug 14, 1930; aged 55 y. 11 m. 8 d. Since April 2 she was confined to her bed with acidosis, which developed into dropsy, causing her death, although loving hands did all they could for her recovery. After her request for prayer and anointing with oil was granted, she was relieved of intense suffering, and she remained conscious to the last. Through all her sickness she was very patient. Shortly before her death she called the family together and gave each a parting message, asking all to meet her in heaven. On January 9, 1896, she was married to Chris Snyder near Roseland, Nebr. where they lived until November, 1913, when they moved to the West. She was the mother of two step-daughters, two daughters, and six sons; Alta B. (Mrs. W. V. Gingerich), Verna R. (Mrs. F. M. Shank), Anna M., Matilda (Mrs. O. G. Miller), Menno S., Albert W., John M., George W., Paul E., C. Allen. One son, George, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, nine children, thirteen grandchildren; also one brother (B. A. Shupe), and four sisters (Mrs. W. H. Snyder, Mrs. M. M. Shearer, Mrs. S. G. Schmidt, Mrs. A. W. Kuhns, and many other relatives and friends. Sister Snyder was received by baptism into the Mennonite Church, Peabody, Kans. on June 21, 1890, by Bishop B. F. Hamilton. She was greatly interested in her home and family. All her children are Christians and members of the Mennonite Church. She faithfully performed the duties of a deacon's wife for twenty-eight years and had just entered the tenth year of service on the Executive Committee of the Pacific Coast Sewing Circle. At the time of her death she was a member of the Bethel Church, near Aurora, Oreg. Funeral services were conducted by F. J. Gingerich, N. A. Lind, and H. A. Wolfer at the Hopewell Church near Hubbard, Oreg. Following services in the home. Bro. Lind spoke from I Cor. 15:54 and Prov. 31:10,27. Interment in the Hopewell Cemetery.
"All is over, hands are folded
On a quiet, peaceful breast;
All is over, toils are ended
Now dear Mother is at rest."
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Souders.-Lizzie C., daughter of Amos and Susan Souders, was born July 2, 1881; died Aug. 31, 1930; aged 49 y. 1 m. 4 d. In early life she gave her heart to the Lord, serving Him faithfully till the end. Because of her useful life she will be sadly missed by those closely connected by family ties as well as many other friends. She is survived by 2 sisters and 1 brother. She made her home with her sister Emma. Funeral services were held Sept. 3 from the home of her brother and at Masonville, Pa., Mennonite Church. Services were in charge of Bros. C. K. Lehman and John K. Charles. Texts, Num 23:10 (last clause), Jno. 3:36.
Simmers.-Margaret Rhodes, widow of A.G. Simmers, was born near Linville, Va., Sept. 16, 1848, the daughter of the late Henry W. Rhodes; died July 12, 1930, from a complication of diseases at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. W. Rohrer; aged 81 y. 9 m 26 d. she endured her illness patiently. Her entire life was spent in Rockingham Co., Va., where she was beloved by a host of friends. Her husband preceded her in death four years. She is survived by 3 children, 1 son and 2 daughters, 3 brothers, and a number of grandchildren. Funeral services were held from the Bank Mennonite Church of which she was a faithful member. Bros. Perry Shank, J. S. Martin, and Lewis Good officiated. A Niece.
Stauffer.-Martin M., son of Barton W. and Salinda Stauffer, was born June 1, 1898; died of typhoid fever at his home near Weaverland, Pa., Sept. 5, 1930; aged 32 y. 3 m. 4 d. He leaves his wife (Anna Zimmerman) and four children (Richard, Lloyd, Alma, and Vera; his father and mother, three sisters (Mrs. George M. Zeiset, Mrs. Samuel Shirk, and Miriam Stauffer), and many relatives and friends. One brother preceded him in death. He was a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church. He was confined to his bed for nearly three weeks, then passed away suddenly. It was God's will to take him. Services were conducted by I. B. Good, John Sauder, and John W. Weaver. Text, John 16:22. Burial in Weaverland Cemetery.
"Brother, thou art sweetly resting,
On the loving Savior's breast,
There by his love o'ershaded,
Sweetly thy soul shall rest."
A Sister.
Rhodes.-Rebecca Simmers, wife of Bro. G. D. Rhodes, died at her home July 29, 1930, from a complication of diseases; aged 78 years. She spent her entire life in West Rockingham section. She was a woman of high Christian ideals and she will be missed by her many friends. She was a devout member of the Mennonite Church for nearly 60 years and had enjoyed a happy married life of 58 years. All that loving hands could do and all the medical skill of her doctors brought her no relief, until she reached that beautiful home where she was eager to be. Two weeks before her death she asked to see all her children and grandchildren and she asked them to meet her in heaven. She was a loving, faithful mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, 1 son, 1 daughter, 1 sister (who is now the only surviving member of a family of 10 children), 5 granddaughters, and 1 great-grandson. Funeral services were held from the Bank Mennonite Church near Harrisonburg, Va., with Bros. J. S. Martin, S. H. Rhodes, and David Garber officiating. Text, Rom. 8:18.
"Dear grandmother, your pain is no more,
Softly and peacefully you passed away
To that beautiful home across the shore,
You bid us come and with you stay."
--By a Granddaughter.
Yoder.-Gideon J., son of Jacob and Anna Yoder, was born in Pennsylvania, Apr. 9, 1943; died at his home near Meridian, Idaho, Aug. 27, 1930; aged 87 y. 4 m. 18 d. He was married to Barbara Miller Aug. 20, 1870, who died Oct. 6, 1889. To this union six children were born, of whom Joseph H. and Matilda A. are deceased. The remaining children-Fanny E., Dessie (Mrs. F. H. Hostetler), Anna (Mrs. David Kauffman), John M., and Mrs. Grace Dunn-(a daughter by a later marriage) survive. He also leaves one sister (Mrs. Mattie Smucker), twenty grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In 1883 he with his family moved from Indiana to Garden City, Mo., where he lived until the spring of 1902 when he moved to Idaho where he lived till the Lord called him home. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years. He was of a charitable disposition, giving liberally to many worth causes, and for many years donated honey to the Orphans' Home at West Liberty, O. He composed numerous poems, the last being composed in his 87th year, follows.
"These tottering steps go to show
That man on earth is very slow;
But when he stops entirely
The soul is from the body free."
Father suffered much pain in his declining years, but was bedfast only 12 days in his last illness. Funeral services were held Aug. 29 conducted by Bros. David Good and E. E. Zuercher. Text, Jno. 5:24, which father had chosen for this occasion. He left a good testimony and longed to go home. His Daughters.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Risser.-Elizabeth (nee Oberlin) wife of Henry L. Risser,
was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., June 20, 1867; died very suddenly
of apoplexy at her late home near Lititz, Pa., Sept. 4, 1930;
aged 63y. 2 m. 14 d. She was found in an unconscious condition
by her daughter. Everything was done that human hands could do,
but in a moment of time God called her to that beautiful land
on high. We must submit and say thy will be done. The news of
her sudden death was a great shock to the family and community.
May this be a loud call, that we be found watching, that some
sweet day we shall again be reunited. She united with the Mennonite
Church in her young womanhood. In her passing away the Church
has lost a devoted and faithful member. Surviving are her husband,
one daughter (Alma), one sister (Mrs. S. N. Wolf). One infant
daughter preceded her in death. Funeral services, which were very
largely attended, were held Sept. 8. The services at her late
home were conducted by Bro. Jacob Hershey, and at the Hammer Creek
Church by Bros. N. L. Landis (text, Rev. 22:12) and John S. Hess
(text, Jno. 16:20). She was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
By her only sister.
Wertz.-Samuel E., son of Joseph and Anna (Beachy) Wertz, was born Aug. 11, 1887, near Kalona, Iowa; died at his home Sept. 2, 1930; aged 43 y. 23 d. He united with the Mennonite Church in 1914, and wasa faithful member until death. He was united in marriage to Lena Swartzendruber Feb. 11, 1915. To this union were born two sons and two daughters (Robert Lynn, Simon Joseph, Helen Virginia, and Verna Ruth). He leaves his loving companion, four children, one brother (William H.), and four sisters (Mrs. Rufus Yoder, Mrs. Earnie Martin, Mrs. R. C. Miller, and Mrs. U. A Miller), besides other relatives and friends. His father, mother, and one brother preceded him in death. His illness lasted a period of two weeks, and he passed peacefully to the Great Beyond. God knows best. May we be resigned to His will. On Sept. 5 a large number of relatives and friends gathered in the conference tent at the Lower Deer Creek Church, where the funeral was conducted by Bros. J. L. Hershberger and John Y. Swartzendruber. Interment in the cemetery near by.
"Heaven retaineth now our treasure,
Earth the lonely casket keeps;
And the sunbeams love to linger
Where our sainted father sleeps."
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois