Obituary
Benglesdorf.-Charles Benglesdorf died at his home 3 miles west of Orrville, O., Feb. 8, 1944, following an illness of 6 months due chiefly to infirmities of old age; aged 82 years. He was born in Germany and came to this country with his parents in 1874, settling near Orrville, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was mar-ried in 1893 to Nancy Huntsberger who died in 1916. He was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church near Wooster, O. Surviving are a son Lloyd of Cleveland, 5 daughters (Nora, at home; Mrs. Dan Roth and Mrs. Fred Curie, Orrville; Mrs. Mabel Kane and Mrs. Florence Evans, Wooster), 2 brothers (Samuel and Henry, Orrville), a sister (Mrs. Charles Leacy, Orrville), and 17 grandchildren. Three sons preceded him in death. Services were held at the home and at the Union Paradise Church, Feb. 11, with Bros. E. F. Hartzler, P. R. Lantz, and Rudy L. Stauffer officiating.
Burkholder.-Katie (Roth) Burkholder, was born in Allen Co., Ind., Nov. 22, 1859; died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Peter H. Short, near Pettisville, O., Feb. 3, 1944; aged 84 y. 2 m. 12 d. At the age of 5 years she came with her parents to Fulton Co., O., where she lived the remainder of her life. On Nov. 19, 1903, she was married to Peter F. Burkholder, who pre-ceded her in death, April 7, 1917. In her youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and became a member of the Mennonite Church to which she remained faithful to the end. Her kind and loving disposition was appreciated by all and especially by children. She bore her affliction with patience, looking to the Lord for her strength. She greatly enjoyed Scripture reading and prayer and singing. Those who mourn her departure are 2 sisters (Mrs. Anna Short and Mrs. Fannie Leichty), 4 stepsons (Daniel A., David W., Noah C., and Amos Burkholder), a stepdaughter (Mrs. Noah Kauffman), 39 step-grandchildren, 133 step great-grandchildren, 18 step great great-grandchildren, many nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. A broth-er, 3 sisters, a stepson, and 3 stepdaughters pre-ceded her in death. Funeral services were con-ducted at the home of her sister, Mrs. Anna Short, Feb. 6, in charge of Bro. Roy Souder, and at the Central Mennonite Church near Archbold, O., in charge of Bros. Walter and Simon Stuckey. Interment in the Eckley Cemetery.
Away in the beautiful hills of God,
By the valley of peace so fair,
Some time, some day, we know not when,
We will meet our loved one there.
Carpenter.-Wayne M. Carpenter, son of the late Uriah and Harriet Carpenter, was born Oct. 8, 1855; died Jan. 7, 1944; aged 88 y. 3 m. His wife. Elizabeth, survives and 7 sons (Volney, Lee, and Miles, Waverly, Va.; Uriah, Hopewell, Va.; Hugh, Richmond, Va.; Allen, Buffalo, N.Y.; Bryan, Pittsburgh, Pa.), also 3 daugh-ters (Frances, wife of Lloyd Overly; Beata, wife of Thomas Lindsey; Minnie Bryant, at home), 19 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral at the Harcreme Funeral Home, Waver-ly, Va.
Conrad.-Anna Conrad, oldest daughter of the late Jonas and Sarah Heisy Knopp, was born in Green Twp., near Washingtonville, Mahoning Co., O., Sept. 3, 1880; died Feb. 9, 1944; aged 63 y. 5 m. 6 d. On Nov. 19, 1907, she was united in marriage to Daniel Conrad of Louisville, O. To this union were born 7 children. In the year 1907, she accepted Christ as her Saviour, was baptized and united with the Beech Mennonite Church in which she continued faithful until the end. She had a quiet, loving disposition and loved to do things for others. She was a regular church attendant as long as health permitted. During the last year her health had been failing, but she was able to be up most of the time. She seemed to feel better the last month and went to Indiana to visit her son Lloyd and his family. She went Jan. 31, and stood the trip well. She was enjoying her visit and had planned to stay two weeks, but on Feb. 9, she had a heart attack and passed away almost instantly at the home of her son Lloyd in Wakarusa, Ind. On Thursday a short service was held at the Lienhart funeral home, Wakarusa, Ind., in charge of Bro. Silas Weldy. Then the body was taken to the home of her son Arthur where she had her home. She leaves to mourn her departure, 3 sons (Arthur and Richard, Louisville, O.; Lloyd, Wakarusa, Ind.), 3 daughters, (Pauline; Viola, wife of Alvin S. Helmuth; Wilma, wife of Samuel S. Helmuth), and a stepdaughter (Ella, wife of M. O. Krabill), all of Louisville, O.; 8 grand-children, 3 sisters (Mrs. Clayton Rohrer, Wads-worth, O.; Mrs. Israel Snyder and Lizzie, Salem, O.), a brother (Ezra Knopp, Salem, O.), and many other relatives and friends. Her parents, her companion, a son, and 3 grandchildren pre-ceded her in death. Funeral services were con-ducted at the home and at the Beech Mennonite Church in charge of Bros. John D. Miller and O. N. Johns. Text, Matt. 11:28. Interment in the church cemetery.
Dean.-Samuel Dean, born near Thurmont, Md.; died Feb. 4, 1944, at the Franklin County Home, from the infirmities of old age; aged 89 y. 11 m. 21 d. He is survived by 3 sisters (Angeline Williams, Middletown, Pa.; Mrs. Delia Grooms, and Mrs. Charlie Durner, Chambersburg. Pa.). He lived in the vicinity of Pond Bank, Pa., for many years. A number of years ago he united with the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Pond Bank Mennonite Church. Feb. 6, 1944, conducted by Bro. Harvey E. Shank. Text, Dan. 12:1-4. He was buried in the cemetery adjoining the church.
Ebersole.-Mary, daughter of the late Chris-tian and Susan Ebersole, was born near Prairieville, Ill., May 24, 1870; passed away at the Mennonite Home for the Aged, Sunday morn-ing, Feb. 13, 1944; aged 73 y. 8 m. 19 d. She united with the Science Ridge Mennonite Church in her youth. She is survived by 2 brothers, Jacob and Henry; 2 sisters, Mrs. John F. Weber of Sterling, and Mrs. Fannie Le Fevre of Dixon; also 27 nephews and nieces. Funeral services were held at the Melvin Funeral Home in Ster-ling, in charge of Bro. A. C. Good.
Eshleman.-Joseph Horst Eshleman, son of Joseph and Susanna Horst Eshleman, was born near Hagerstown, Md., Dec. 15, 1859; died Jan. 5, 1944, after a few days' illness of pleurisy. He united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 17 and was a faithful member until death. He was a trustee of the Reiff Church for 21 years. On Nov. 14, 1882, he was united in marriage with Ida C. Strite, who preceded him in death, Jan. 2, 1929. Even though he was lonely after her death, he always manifested a cheerful spirit and was grateful for the blessings he enjoyed. He had an affliction for 30 years, not being able to work for about 15 years. Nothing was too much trouble to do for others as long as he was able to work. He seemed to regret very much that he was no longer able to help others. During the time that he could not do manual labor he read his Bible through a number of times, often calling our attention to new things that he would find. Surviving are a son (George S.) with whom he made his home, and the following daugh-ters: Mrs. Phares Witmer, Maugansville; Mrs. Lewis S. Martin, Harrisonburg, Va.; Mrs. Ja-cob E. Martin, Marion, Pa. A sister (Mrs. Israel Reiff, Hagerstown, Md.), also survives, as well as 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. One of his grandchildren (Dr. Merle W. Eshle-man) is a missionary in Africa. The funeral services were conducted at the home by Bro. Moses K. Horst and at the Miller Mennonite Church near Leitersburg, Md., by Bro. Daniel Strite who used Ps. 39 as the basis of his re-marks. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Forney.-Minnie E. Forney, daughter of the late Milton and Maria Rohrer Groff was born in Bareville, Pa., May 26, 1872; died Dec. 21, 1943, of heart failure; aged 71 y. 6 m. 25 d. She was married to Theodore L. Forney, October, 1939. She was a member of the Stumptown Men-nonite Church for many years. Although she was still able to be about the house and to go away she realized that her time was near and said that she was ready to go. She is survived by her sorrowing husband, 2 sisters (Amy, wife of Henry E. Denlinger; Martha, wife of Phares B. Landis), 2 brothers (Milton S. and Jason A. Groff). The funeral was held Dec. 24 at the home by Bro. Diller Myer and at the Stumptown Church by the brethren Elmer Martin and David L. Landis. Texts: Ps. 23; Zech. 14:7. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
The lights have gone out in a mansion of clay.
The curtain is drawn; the dweller's away.
She slipped over the threshold of time into night,
To take her abode in the city of light.
Gish.-Mrs. Barbara (Hoffman) Gish, wife of Pre. D. N. Gish, died at her home at Millersville, Pa., Jan. 26, 1944, after several months' illness; aged 74 years. She was the daughter of the late Abram and Sarah (Sides) Hoffman of Elizabethtown. She is survived by her husband and the following sons and daughters: Mary and Arthur Gish, Lancaster, Pa.; D. H. Gish, Had-donfield, N. J.; Martha, wife of Pre. Clayton Keener, Nottingham, Pa. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a broth-er (Abram Hoffman, Elizabethtown, Pa.). Fu-neral services at the Millersville church were conducted by Bros. Christ Lehman, Jacob Hess, Landis Shertzer, and Herbert Fisher. Burial in the Millersville cemetery.
Keagy.-Joseph Keagy was born Aug. 29, 1851; passed away Jan. 14, 1944, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law with whom he had his home; aged 92 y. 4 m. 15 d. He was married to Louisa Baer who preceded him in death 24 years ago. He was a member of the Mennonite Church at Hanover, Pa. He was the last surviving member of his family. He leaves to mourn his death, 3 children (Irma Vines, De-troit, Mich.; Joseph, York, Pa.; and Martha Hershey, at home). Services were conducted at the home by Bro. Harvey Grove and further services at the Broadway Church by Bishop Richard Danner. Interment in the Keagy burial grounds near his late home.
God saw the road was getting rough;
The hills were hard to climb.
He gently closed his loving eyes
And whispered "Peace be thine."
His weary hours, his days of pain,
His weary nights are passed.
His ever-patient, wornout frame
Has found sweet rest at last.
Kiser.-Sallie E. Kiser, daughter of John W. and Hannah Shank, was born Jan. 15, 1880; died at her home near Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 12, 1943; aged 63 y. 10 m. 27 d. She had not enjoyed good health for a number of years; however, she never complained. She suffered a stroke of paralysis in February, 1936, and another in July, 1942. Death came shortly after her third stroke which followed an illness of 10 days. On Dec. 23, 1900, she was married to Jacob D. Kiser who survives. She leaves 9 children (Josie I. and Carl L., Harrisonburg, Va.; Marvin T., Stuarts Draft, Va.; Ruby, wife of Sem Swope, Fulks Run, Va.; Oren S., Waynesboro, Va.; Oliver B., Dayton, Va.; Della, wife of James Benner; Alvin J.; Grace, wife of James Eshleman, Harrisonburg, Va.), 19 grandchildren, 3 brothers (Glen Shank, Dayton; Wade Shank, Harrisonburg; Frank M. Shank, Hubbard, Oreg.), and 4 sisters (Mrs. Enos Heatwole, Mrs. Joseph Knicely, and Mrs. Ammon Heatwole, all of Dayton, Va.; Mrs. Lloy Propst, Harrisonburg, Va.). She was a member of the Mennonite Church since girlhood. Funeral services were conducted at the Weaver's Church, Harrisonburg, Va., by Bros. John R. Mumaw and S. H. Rhodes. Text, Mark 14:8. Burial in the church cemetery.
Masten.-Hilda Roh Masten, daughter of John G. and Katie Roh, was born Aug. 8, 1892, in Middlebury, Ind.; died Feb. 4, 1944, aged 51 years. She had been in failing health for 3 years. She was married to Charles Masten, April 15, 1922, since which time her home was in Elkhart. Surviving, besides her husband and her mother who now lives in Elkhart, are a brother, Willard Roh of Elkhart; a sister, Mrs. Jenny Oswald, also of Elkhart; and 2 nephews, First Lt. Richard I. Oswald, who is now in England, and Sgt. John Oswald, now at Fair-field, Calif. Funeral services were conducted Feb. 7 at the Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, of which church Mrs. Masten was a mem-ber. The services were in charge of G. W. Phil-lips, and burial was in the Prairie Street cemetery.
Miller.-Vera Sue, daughter of Olen and Edna Miller, was born Aug. 9, 1943, near Middlebury, Ind.; passed away Feb. 13, 1944; aged 6 m. 3 d. She leaves her father, mother, one brother, 3 sisters, her grandparents, and many other rela-tives to mourn her early departure. She was sick only a few days and suffered only a few hours, but pneumonia developed so rapidly that loving hands could not save her and God chose to call her home while she was in Mother's arms on the way to the hospital. Funeral services were conducted at the Middlebury Mennonite Church in charge of Bros. Carl Miller and Wilbur Yoder. Text, Mark 9:36-37.
Jesus has taken a beautiful bud.
Out of our garden of love-
Borne it away to the city of God.
Home of the angels above."
Moyer.-Sallie S. (Drissel) Moyer, wife of Lewis M. Moyer, was born Feb. 16, 1869; shied Oct. 8, 1943, at her home in Harleysville, Pa.; aged 74 y. 7 m. 22 d. Besides her husband, she is survived by one son (Harvey Moyer), and 3 daughters (Mrs. Menno Anders, Mrs. Charles Bucher, and Mrs. Linneaus Kulp) all of Harleysville, Pa. She is survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She with her husband joined the Mennonite Church at Salford in her younger years. She continued faithful in the simple faith of Christ until death. She had a lingering illness for about 8 years. She bore her affliction with patience and often expressed her desire that the Lord's will be done. Funeral services were conducted Oct. 12, 1943, at her late home by Bro. Rein Alderfer with further services at the Salford Mennonite Church by Bros. John Lapp and Jacob Moyer. Text, Rom. 8:18. Burial in adjoining cemetery.
Nolt.-Raymond S. (stillborn), son of Isaac R. and Irene W. Nolt, New Holland, Pa., was born Feb. 5, 1944. Besides his parents he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Titus, Venus, Luke, Nora, Clara Irene, Lester, and Isaac Leroy. Two brothers preceded him in death (Robert and Richard). The following grandparents also survive: Mr. and Mrs. John Sheaffer, Lincoln, Pa., and Isaac M. Nolt, Mar-tindale, Pa. Burial was made in the Weaverland cemetery.
Ropp.-Barbara (Albrecht) Ropp was born in Wellesley, Ont., March 13, 1863; passed away in her home in Detroit, Mich., Jan. 5, 1944; aged 80 y. 9 m. 22 d. On Feb. 5, 1885, she was united in marriage to Joseph Ropp of Wellesley, Ont. To this union were born 10 children of which 3 sons (David, Mose, and Edwin) preceded her in death. Those remaining to mourn her depar-ture are: Dan, Owendale, Mich.; Anna Dean, Dearborn, Mich.; Lead Ackerman, Elkton, Mich.; Adeline Kennel, Petersburg, Ont.; Emanuel, Bad Axe, Mich.; William, Detroit, Mich.; Ervin, Dearborn, Mich.; also her hus-band, as well as 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, and many friends. Grandma united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 16 and was a faithful mem-ber until death. She and her aged husband lived together for many years, having celebrated their golden anniversary almost 9 years ago. Her sudden death, which came with but little warning perhaps will exaggerate the loneliness which her husband will experience, but as Christians we can always be comforted with the presence of the Lord. In Christ we have the promise and the hope of being at home in joy and peace. Funeral services were held at the home by Pre. Frank Raber and at the Pigeon River Church by Bros. Edwin Albrecht and Emanuel Swart-zendruber. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Ropp.-Peter, son of Annie Rupp and Peter Ropp, was born Nov. 23, 1864, in Berth Co., Ont.; peacefully fell asleep at his late home near Imlay City, Mich., Feb. 7, 1944, after a 10-day illness from a heart ailment; aged 79 y. 2 m. 14 d. He was patient in his suffering and lived a self-sacrificing life to the very end. He grew to manhood in Canada. On Dec. 23, 1885, he was married to Katherine Gascho. In 1888, Bro. Ropp with his family moved to Huron Co., Mich., settling near Pigeon. Here he helped to organize a Mennonite congregation known as the Berne Church. On July 5, 1897, he was chosen by lot and ordained minister to serve this congregation. In the year 1917, Bro. Ropp with his family moved to Imlay City on a farm. In June, 1918, with the help of the Indiana-Michigan District Mission Board, Bro. Ropp organized the Bethany Mennonite congre-gation and donated the land where our present building and cemetery are now located. He had been a resident of this community with the ex-ception of one year when he lived in Detroit. While there he was instrumental in organizing the Detroit Mission which has prospered under the mighty hand of God to the present. On July 4, 1926, he was ordained a bishop in the Men-nonite Church at the Bethany congregation. Bro. and Sister Ropp were blessed with 11 chil-dren, 4 having preceded their father in death. Those who survive are his wife, a son, Moses, 6 daughters (Matilda, wife of Isaac Kennell, Attica Twp.; Lena, wife of Kenneth Boomer, Imlay City; Elizabeth, wife of Ernest Schuler, Swartz Creek; Anna, wife of Emanuel Ropp, Bad Axe; Emma, wife of Lester Thompson, Clarksville; and Lilly at the paternal home), 2 brothers (Joseph Ropp, Attica Twp., and Menno Ropp, Tavistock, Ont.), 2 sisters (Mrs. Katherine Zehr, Tavistock, Ont., and Mary Weidman, Pigeon, Mich.), 32 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, besides many other relatives and a host of friends. The home has lost a lov-ing father, the community a cheerful, kind citi-zen, amid the church a faithful shepherd. He had chosen as a text for his funeral sermon, Ps. 17:15. Funeral services were held Feb. 10. A short service was held at the Fancher and Smith Funeral Home followed by a service in the Bethany Mennonite Church in charge of the pastor, Bro. Paul Wittrig, assisted by Bro. Sherman Maust, Pigeon, Mich., and Bishop Ed-win J. Yoder, Topeka, Ind. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
"Silent thoughts bring many a tear
For one we loved and cherished dear.
God took him home; it was His will,
But in our hearts he liveth still."
Sauder.-Mary Ann M. Sauder, daughter of the late David and Anna Martin, was born Sept. 16, 1855, near Goodville; died Jan. 29, 1944, at the home of her niece where she had been visiting over night. She died here in the same house where she was born. She was a guest at the Good Samaritan Home for the last 2 years. She was the widow of the late Isaac Sauder. She leaves to mourn her departure, 3 sons (Franklin Sauder, Farmersville; Samuel Sauder, Bowmansville; Harvey Sauder, Eph-rata), 14 grandchildren, and 31 great-grand-children. She was preceded in death by her hus-band who died about 5 years ago, also one daugh-ter and a son. She united with the church early in life. She lived a quiet life and always went to church when she could. Her death was caused by heart trouble. Funeral services were held at the home and at the Weaverland Mennonite Church with Bros. Paul Graybill, Aaron Weaver, John Burkholder, and David Weaver in charge. Burial was made in the adjoining ceme-tery.
Sauder.-Rebecca M. Sauder fell asleep in Jesus Jan. 24, 1944, in St. Josephs Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., after a two weeks' illness; aged 71 y. 5 m. 24 d. She was the last of her family, a daughter of the late George H. and Judith Sauder of East Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was a con-sistent member of Lichty's and Goodville Men-nonite congregations. In her younger years she practiced nursing, tenderly caring for many in-fants and rendering many worthwhile services in faithful earnestness. She brought joy and comfort to many homes just as a kind and loving mother would. Funeral services were held Jan. 28, 1944, at the home of her niece, Mrs. Mahlon M. Good, East Earl, Pa. Further services were in the Goodville Mennonite Church. Bro. J. Paul Graybill was in charge assisted by the home ministers. Text, Mark 14:8. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Beneath our eyes she slowly faded,
Getting weaker day by day,
Till God in His heavenly wisdom
Called her peacefully away.
Shellenberger.-Vernon Edmond, son of Amos and Alice (Gibboney) Shellenberger, was born Nov. 5, 1893, near Bradford, O.; peacefully fell asleep in Jesus Feb. 4, 1944; aged 50 y. 2 m. 29 d. At about 2 years of age he was placed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Fortner, Dakota, Ill. He was always deeply appreciative of the many blessings this home afforded him. He was graduated from Hesston Academy in 1917. On Feb. 4, 1920, he was married to Grace Irene King of Hesston. They spent 5 months as act-ing superintendent and matron of the children's home in Kansas City. From 1921 to 1937 Vernon was active in the work of the Mennonite Church in Wichita, Kans. He was ordained a deacon on Nov. 29, 1925. For the past 5 years he had held various responsible positions in the Church of the Nazarene to which he had trans-ferred his membership. Nearly 2 years ago Vernon received the shocking diagnosis of a cancer in his head. He was anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. Many believing friends prayed for his recovery. God heard and an-swered in so far that the trouble was arrested in response to a series of X-ray treatment. But to our great disappointment cancer of the lymph glands had developed. Vernon loved life and its opportunities for doing good, yet his sweet resignation to God's will has been a source of comfort to us. Surviving are his wife, Grace; 2 daughters, Elfrieda, instructor in the high school at Derby, Kans., and Belle Marie (Mrs. F. W. Nash, Blytheville, Ark.) ; 2 sons, Elmer B., Navy V-12 Unit, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., and Robert D., at home; one half brother and 3 half sisters; foster par-ents; a foster brother; and 4 foster sisters. He was preceded in death by 2 children, Almon (twin to Elmer), and Thelma Irene, both of whom died at the age of 2 years. Funeral serv-ices were held Feb. 7 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Wichita in charge of P. J. Bartram. Interment in the Pennsylvania ceme-tery, near Zimmerdale, Kans.
Shenk.-Samantha Shenk, daughter of George and Frances Beery Showalter, was born in Rock-ingham Co., Va., Dec. 6, 1871; died at her home near Denbigh, Va., Jan. 31, 1944; aged 72 y. 1 m. 25 d. In November, 1906, she was united in marriage with Deacon Abram P. Shenk and came to Warwick Co., Va., where she resided until her death. Beside her husband, she is survived by 4 children (Mrs. Martha Palmer, Ezra C., and Lydia Pearl, all of Denbigh; and George with the armed forces in India), 6 stepchildren (Coffman Shenk, Bigler-ville, Pa.; Henry M., Denbigh; Mary C. and Jacob A., Harrisonburg, Va.; Mrs. Phebe Kraus, Denbigh; and Mrs. Mabel Brunk, Baltimore, Md.), a brother (A. W. Showalter, Tabb, Va.), 2 sisters (Mrs. Ada Shank, Harrisonburg; Mrs. Gurnye Snyder, Waynesboro), 6 grandchildren, and 22 stepgrandchildren. For a number of years, especially since an almost fatal automobile accident in 1929, she bad been in poor health and for a little over 2 years she had been prac-tically bedfast and was totally blind for the greater part of that time. She grew weary of her confinement and often expressed her desire to depart and he at rest. Her favorite songs were those that spoke of the heavenly country and that rest that awaits us there. Two of these, "Oh, Come, Angel Band" and "Jerusalem, My Happy Home," were sung at her funeral which was held Feb. 2. The services were in charge of Bros. T. H. Brunk and George R. Brunk. Interment in nearby cemetery.
Shuler.-Mary R., daughter of the late George F. and Elizabeth (Rosenberry) Shuler, was born near Sterling, Ill., April 26, 1867; passed away at her home after a lingering illness of complica-tions, Feb. 17, 1944; aged 76 y. 9 m. 21 d. She confessed Christ as her personal Saviour in her youth and united with the Science Ridge con-gregation. She was a faithful attendant at the worship services as long as health would permit. While she lived alone for many years, she was not alone, for she often said, "The Lord is with me and I am not afraid." She was the last sur-viving member of her immediate family. Those surviving are her stepmother and two stepsisters, 5 nephews and 5 nieces. Those preceding her in death besides her parents were a twin sister and 2 brothers who died in infancy and 2 other sisters. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 19, in charge of Bro. A. C. Good, assisted by Rev. Silas Jones of the Christian Church. Text, Job 6:8.
Snider.-Edna Brubacher Snider, wife of Norman Snider and daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Brubacher, Kitchener, Ont., was born Dec. 17, 1891; passed peacefully away at the K and W Hospital Feb. 13, 1944; aged 52 y. 1 m. 27 d. She was united in marriage to Norman Snider, June 11, 1913. She leaves to mourn her passing her sorrowing husband, 2 sisters (Ada, wife of Angus Weber, Conestoga, Ont.; Vera, wife of Harold Howden, Kitchener, Ont.), 4 nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. Since their marriage they had resided in Elmira and vicinity. She was converted in her youth, joined the Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member until death. She was never blest with a family of her own but she possess-ed a motherly disposition which endeared her to all children. This was especially manifested in her work as a teacher of the beginners in the primary department of the Sunday school. Her benevolent qualities and gracious hospitality won for her the esteem and respect of all with whom she came in contact. The joy of her life was in her service for others. Short funeral services were held Feb. 16, 1944, at the Elmira Mennonite Church in charge of Bro. O. D. Snider, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, in charge of Bros. U. K. Weber and S. F. Coffman. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Life's race well run;
Life's work well done
Life's crown well won.
Now comes rest.
Steinman.-Jacob, son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth Gardener Steinman, was born at Baden, Ont., in 1856; died Feb. 11, 1944, at the home of his son Samuel Steinman, New Hamburg, Ont.; aged 87 years. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and was bap-tized and united with the Wilmot Amish Men-nonite Church of which he was a stedfast mem-ber to the end. In 1879, he united in marriage with Barbara Miller of Baden, Ont. She died in July, 1903. He leaves to mourn his departure 3 sons (Noah M. Steinman, Baden, Ont.; Samu-el Steinman, New Hamburg, Ont., and Aaron Steinman, Prince Albert, Sask.), a daughter (Mary, wife of Michael Jantzi, New Hamburg, Ont.), also some grandchildren and great-grand-children. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Feb. 13, at the home of his son Samu-el Steinman by Bro. Elmer Swartzendruber, and at the Steinman Church by Bros. M. O. Jantzi and Daniel Schlabach, Guernsey, Sask. Inter-ment in cemetery beside the church.
Transcriber's note: the word "stedfast" is transcribed as it appears in the original.
Weaver.-Mary (Blough) Weaver, wife of Pre. Alexander Weaver, was born April 14, 1863; died Dec. 19, 1943; aged 80 y. 8 m. 5 d. Sister Weaver and her husband were united in mar-riage Oct. 17, 1880. She is survived by her hus-band and 5 children (Charles, Sewickley, Pa.; John, Gettysburg, Pa.; Mary, wife of Oscar Brumbaugh, Freedom, Pa.; Luella, wife of Grant Baumardner, and Harry, both of Johns-town, Pa.). She is also survived by 39 grand-children and 35 great-grandchildren. Bro. Weaver and his wife united with the Weaver Mennonite Church, Oct. 26, 1882. On June 10, 1893, Bro. Weaver was ordained a minister of the Weaver Mennonite Church. Sister Weaver was a faithful member of the church for over 63 years and a minister's wife for over 50 years. Funeral services were conducted at the Weaver Mennonite Church by Bishops James Saylor and Aldus Wingard. Interment in the Rich-land Cemetery adjoining the church.
Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.
Obituary
Beachy.-Fannie (Miller) Beachy, daugh-ter of Benjamin Y. and Catherine (Hostetler) Miller, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., June 6, 1866; called to be with the Lord, Feb. 20, 1944, while living at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. I. Yoder, near Sherwood, 0.; aged 77 y. 8 m. 14 d. On Aug. 6, 1886, she was united in mar-riage to Jonas S. Beachy, Newton Co., Ind. This union was blest with 12 children. One son, Joseph, preceded her in death. In her youth she gave her heart to the Lord and united with the Old Order Amish Church in which faith she continued until death. Twenty-five years ago her hearing began to fail and for about 12 years she was completely deaf. In recent years her eyesight began to fail. This made it difficult to communicate with her. During the last 5 years she suffered from the results of a blood clot at the base of the brain which left her helpless for a time, although she had not been confined to her bed constantly since that time. About a half hour before the end, she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Many times during her suffering she expressed a desire to depart and he with the Lord. She leaves her saddened companion, Samuel, Corfu, N.Y., and the following children: Katie (Mrs. J. I. Yoder), Sherwood, O.; Ananias, Martha (Mrs. Sylvanus Miller), Bertha (Mrs. Sol Miller), Lizzie (Mrs. A. M. Beachy), Kalona, Ia.; Ben, Pigeon, Mich.; Esther (Mrs. Henry Yoder), Plain City, O.; Ezra, Pinckney, Mich.; Jonas, and Fannie (Mrs. Dan Yoder), Riverside, Ia. Three brothers and a sister preceded her in death, while the following survive: 3 brothers (Jacob Miller, Iowa City, Ia.; William Miller, Topeka, Ind.; and Newton Miller, Hydro, Okla.), 2 sisters (Katie, Mrs. John D. Yoder, Garnett, Kans.; and Susan, Mrs. William Yoder, Millersburg, Ind.), 83 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services at the home were in charge of Bros. Elam Hostetler and John B. Yoder, in the German language, and Bro. Noah Zehr in the English language. Burial was made in the Lost Creek Cemetery near Hicksville.
We bowed our heads in submission
To our Master, Redeemer, and Friend.
He hath given, hath taken, and blest us,
Who for us our mother did send.
We praise Him for all the fond memories,
Of her teaching which brought faith in Him.
We'll meet her beyond the dark river,
When the path of life here shall grow dim.
Bowman.-Enos Bowman, son of Noah and Catherine Good Bowman, was born July 29, 1893, in Berks Co., Pa.; died Dec. 27, 1943, in the Lancaster General Hospital; aged 50 y. 5 m. 2 d. He was a member of the New Holland Mennonite Church. He is survived by his wife who was Fannie Martin, 4 sons and 3 daughters, and one grandchild. Two sons preceded him in death (Paul E. in 1943, and an infant son). Funeral services were held at the New Holland Mennonite Church with Bros. Mahlon Witmer and Daniel Sensenig officiating. Burial in the Weaverland cemetery.
Beneath their eyes he slowly faded
Getting weaker day by day
Till God in His heavenly wisdom
Called him peacefully away.
Brown.-Anna Lucinda Brown, daughter of Cyrus and Margaret (Holdeman) Flickinger, was born Feb. 22, 1877, 1 1/4 miles west of Wa-karusa, Ind.; died Feb. 19, 1944, at her home in Wakarusa; aged 66 y. 11 m. 27 d. She was married to Ira Brown, Feb. 16, 1896. To this union 9 children were born: Mrs. Chauncey (Edna) Hochstetler, Nappanee; Mrs. Kenneth (Ruth) Shutts, Wakarusa; Roscoe, Goshen; Lemuel, Norwich, Conn.; and Joseph, Milton, Abner, Lowell, and Walter of Wakarusa. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, a brother, Jo-seph Flickinger, and a sister, Mrs. Menno Weaver, all of Wakarusa. She was a member of the Holdeman Mennonite Church for 41 years. Funeral services were held at the home and at the Olive Mennonite Church, in charge of S. L. Weldy and C. A. Shank. Text, Eccl. 8:8. Burial in adjoining cemetery.
We miss your kind and loving hand,
Your fond and earnest care.
Our home is dark without you, Mother;
We miss you everywhere.
Elza.-Almeda White Elza, was born Jan. 29, 1861; died at her late home near Job, W. Va., Feb. 16, 1944; aged 83 y. 18 d. She has not been well for several years, but her condition became worse the last few months and the end did not come unexpected to those who were about her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam Elza, and 5 children. She is survived by 4 daughters and one son as follows: Mrs. Sarah Mullennex; Mrs. Lesta Naugle; Mrs. Sana Munson; Mrs. Flossie Zicafoose; and Rockford Elza. She is also survived by 3 brothers, Arnold, Edward, and Carland White. A little over 5 years ago she accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church. She was a member of the Bethel congregation until her departure. Funeral services were conducted Feb. 19, at the home and at the Bethel Church by Bro. Hiram Weaver. Burial in the Job Cemetery.
Esch.-Eva Mae Esch, wife of Joe Esch and daughter of John and Elizabeth Plank, was born Dec. 15, 1876; died at the Epworth Hospital in South Bend, Ind., Feb. 6, 1944; aged 67 y. 8 m. 21 d. On Jan 1, 1901, she was united in mar-riage to Joe Esch. To this union were born the following children: Mrs. John Swartzen-truber, Mrs. Ora Vincent, both of Middlebury, Ind.; Mrs. Ralph Yoder, Fairview, Mich.; John Esch, Mrs. Elbert Yoder, both of West Liberty, O.; Mrs. Vaugn Trumbell, Churubusco, Ind.; Mildred and Arda, at home with their father, Topeka, Ind. A son, Paul, died at the age of 19 months. Besides the immediate family she leaves the following brother and sisters: Oscar Plank, Grace Emmert, both of Topeka. Ind.; Mrs. Eli Yoder, Mishawaka, Ind.; and Mrs. Anna Hinkson, Lagrange, Ind.; also 23 grand-children and other relatives and friends. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour in her early life and became a member of the Men-nonite Church in which faith and practice she continued until her death, having a deep in-terest in the temporal and spiritual welfare at her household. For a number of years she held her membership with the Emma Mennonite Church. She was regular in attendance when health would permit and gave of her time and talent teaching in Sunday school. Funeral services were held at the Maple Grove Mennon-ite Church in charge of O. S. Hostetler, assisted by M. J. Yoder and Amos Hostetler.
Gerber.-Vilas Ray, stillborn son of Dwight and Melva Gerber, was born in the Beason Hospital in Wooster, O., Feb 10, 1944. Burial was made Feb. 11, in the Kidron Mennonite Church Cemetery with Bro. Reuben Hofstetter conduct-ing brief services. The Parents, one sister (Julia Ann), and the grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Gerber and Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Gerber) a great-grandmother (Mrs. Dina Gerber), and a great-grandfather (Christ I. Zuercher) survive.
Hershey.-Mary Emma Eby Hershey was born near Intercourse, Pa., July 3, 1861; died at the home of her son, Paul, Feb. 13, 1944; aged 82 y. 7 m. 10 d. On Nov. 24, 1880, she was married to Jacob Mellinger Hershey and lived in Buyerstown until the spring of 1892 when she moved with her husband and family to Palmyra, Mo., and later to La Junta, Colo. in 1908, where she had lived since. Her husband passed away Dec. 26, 1923, and since then she has made her home with her son, Paul, except for a few short inter-vals when she lived with some of her other children. Nine children were born to her, of whom 6 survive: Elmer Jacob, Gulfport, Miss.; Charles Owen, Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Eva May Evers, La Junta; Paul John, La Junta; Mrs. Martha Anna Kauffman, La Junta; Isaac Eby, Gulfport, Miss. The oldest child, Mrs. Emma Elizabeth Shank, died in Argentina, S.A., Dec. 28, 1939. Mary Esther died in infancy, and Park Eby died Aug. 23, 1918, at the age of 16. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Kling, York, Pa. She with her husband united with the Mennonite Church at Palmyra, Mo., in 1893, and has always been a faithful member of the church of her choice. Her devotion to her family and cheerful patient disposition always endeared her to all who came in contact with her. For several years she has been practically an invalid and for quite a while had been a com-plete invalid, yet never was a complaint uttered. She would inconvenience herself to make as little trouble as possible. Her frail body is dead, but Mother still lives and it can be truthfully said of her that death is swallowed up in victory. Funeral services were held at East Holbrook Mennonite Church with Bro. E. E. Showalter preaching from Ps. 116:16 and the latter part of Num. 23:10. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery at La Junta.
Leaman.-Irene Alice, daughter of Clayton and Esther (Martin) Leaman, was born May 1, 1943; died Jan. 31, 1944, at her home, Narvon, Pa.; aged 9 mo. She is survived by her parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters (Luke, Evelyn, Roy, Clayton, Jr., Dorothy, Mark, and Paul), and 4 grandparents (Horace and Alice Martin, East Earl, Pa.; and Tobias and Hattie Leaman, Lancaster, Pa.). Irene's stay was short and her passing away is keenly felt in the home, but we find comfort in knowing that our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held Feb. 3, at the home by Bro. Noah Mack and at the Weaverland Mennonite Church by Bro. J. Paul Graybill. Text, Job 1:21. Burial in adjoining cemetery.
A sweet little bud, too pure to stay-
God in His wisdom took her away,
Not from our memory, not from our love,
But to dwell with Jesus in heaven above.
Liechty.-Christian S., oldest son of Joseph and Mary
(Guyman) Liechty, was born near
Evansport, O., Jan. 31, 1861; died at his home in Wauseon, O.,
Jan. 1, 1944; aged 82 y. 11 m.1 d. He lived at the place of his
birth until the age of 15 when he went to Leo, Ind., to live with
an uncle, Nicholas Liechty. On Oct. 13, 1887, he was united in
marriage to Mary Witmer of Leo, who departed this life March 22,
1940. To this union were born 11 children: Malinda, Wauseon, who
lived with her father until the time of his death; Noah, who died
in 1918; Joseph, Archbold, O.; Sarah (Mrs. E. J. Meyer), Creston,
O.; Mary (Mrs. B. H. Schneider), Davenport, N. D.; Ida (Mrs. G.
O. Graber), Stryker, O.; Dora (Mrs. E. E. Bontrager), Edmore,
Mich.; Edward, Toledo, O.; Christian, Wauseon, O.; Priscilla (Mrs.
H. A. Driver),Wauseon, O.; Ruth (Mrs. T. H. Nofziger, Archbold,
O. A niece, Sylvia Witmer, also lives in the home. They lived
in the vicinity of Leo, Ind., until 1913, when they moved to Davenport,
N. D., and from there to Fulton Co., O., late in 1917. In youth
be became a Christian and united with the Mennonite Church at
Leo, Ind., later transferring his membership to the Central congregation,
Fulton Co., O., where he remained a faithful, interested, and
active member to the time of his death. As a young man he was
ordained a deacon in the Leo Church and served faithfully in this
office as long as he lived in that community. Bro. Liechty lived
a life of faith and trust in God and was blest with good health
and was confined to his bed only one week. His departure is mourned
by 3 sons, 7 daughters, 30 grandchildren, and 3 great-grand--children,
a sister (Mrs. Daniel Witmer, Grabill, Ind.), a half brother (Earl
Liechty, Bryan, O.), and many other relatives and friends. One
grandchild preceded him in death. Although confronted with occasional
hardships and disappointments, he met them with true manhood and
rare courage. He had a high sense of moral and material responsibility
toward his family, his friends, and his neighbors. His determined
devotion to the cause of right and the statutes of the church
reminded his family of the poet's words: "Only one life.
'Twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."
Funeral services were held at the Central Mennonite Church in
charge of Bro. E. B. Frey and Bro. Henry Wyse. Text: Ps. 116:15.
Miller.-Bertha H., daughter of Mrs. Amanda Hertzler Miller and the late Benjamin S. Miller, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa.; departed this life Feb. 20, 1944, in the Lancaster General Hospital; aged 51 y. 2 m. 26 d. She united with the New Danville Mennonite Church in her early years and remained faithful until death. She had been residing with her mother at Millersville, Pa. Besides her aged mother she is survived by 3 brothers (Harry H., Conestoga; Benjamin H., Washington Bow; Roy H., Manheim). She was preceded in death by her father and sister. She was a kind and loving daughter, sister, and aunt, and was especially devoted to her blind aged mother for whom she tenderly cared. She will be missed, but we trust that our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held at the late home Feb. 23, by Bro. James Hess. Fur-ther services in the Millersville Mennonite Church. Sermon by Bro. D. Stoner Krady. Text, Phil. 1:21. Bros. Henry Nauman and Maris Hess also assisted. The body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Peacefully sleeping, resting at last,
The world's weary troubles and trials are past.
In silence she suffered, in patience she bore,
Till God called her home to suffer no more.
Ropp.-Jacob Ropp was born March 11, 1867, in Ontario, Canada; died Feb. 4, 1944; aged 76 y. 11 m. 7 d. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church, Pigeon. Mich. He was united in marriage to Lizzie Kennel, who preceded him in death, March 10, 1906. To this union were born 2 children who survive to mourn his de-parture (Nancy, wife of Jess Speicher, Belleville, Pa., and Herb Ropp, Detroit, Mich.). Also surviving are 2 brothers and 4 sisters (Moses Ropp, Kalona, Ia.; Joseph Ropp, Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Jacob Steckley, Milverton, Ont.; Mrs. Jo-seph Albrecht and Mrs. Jacob Albrecht, Pigeon, Mich.; and Mrs. Daniel Gerber, Brunner, Ont.). Funeral services were held at the Amish Men-nonite Church, Pigeon, Mich., Feb. 7. Services were conducted by Emanuel Swartzendruber and Earl J. Maust. Text, Amos 4:12.
To that far distant land
He has taken his way;
Past the shadows of night
There has dawned a new day.
May this be your comfort
Through grief hard to bear,
That far country is home
And he waits for you there.
Snider.-Hanna Rebecca (Nusbaum) Snider, wife of Henry Snider, was born in Richland Co., O., Dec. 15, 1859; died at the home of her son, Charles Snider, near New Paris, Ind., Feb. 17, 1944; aged 84 y. 2 m. 2 d. On March 15, 1885, she was united in marriage to Bro. Snider. The following children, with her husband, remain to mourn her departure: Roy, Middlebury, Ind.; Frank, Elkhart, Ind.; and Charles, New Paris, Ind. One daughter, Stella, preceded her in death. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 half brothers (Dan and Frank), a half sister (Mrs. Emma Beachy), and a stepbrother (Amos Nusbaum), all of Middlebury, Ind. In her early life she gave her heart to the Lord and accepted membership with the Clinton Brick Mennonite Church. She continued in this faith to the end and was active in the work of the church. Funeral services were held at the Brick Mennonite Church in charge of Bro. O. S. Hostetler, assisted by Bros. Wilbur Yoder and Samuel S. Miller.
Spindler.-Elizabeth (Ebersole) Spindler, daughter of the late Henry and Sarah Ebersole, was born Feb. 6, 1862; died at the Mennonite Home, Oreville, of a complication of diseases, Feb. 14, 1944; aged 82 y. 8 d. She had been at the Oreville home for the last 6 years. Preced-ing her in death was her husband, Abram Spind-ler, and 3 daughters, Olive Eva, Sarah Barbara, and Jennie Grace. Mother Spindler was calm and had the spirit of encouragement for all who came in contact with her. She was kind and lov-ing and always cheerful in spite of the fact that she was blind for a number of years. She had been a faithful member of the Elizabethtown Church for many years. Surviving is a niece (Mrs. Henry Forry, Elizabethtown, Pa.), and several nieces and nephews out west, around Nebraska, by the names of Shank and Gingerich. Funeral services were held Feb. 17, at the Ore-ville Home with further services in the Eliza-bethtown Mennonite Church with interment in Mt. Tunnel Cemetery. The services were con-ducted by Bros. Clarence Lutz, Noah Risser, and Benjamin Keener. Texts: II Cor. 4:8-18; II Cor. 5:1-9; I Thess. 4:13; Ps. 34:19.
Stanton.-Mervin Willard, son of Mervin and Blanch (Johnson) Stanton, was born in Olds, Dec. 13, 1941; died at the Olds Hospital, Jan. 26, 1944; aged 2 y. 1 m. 13 d. On Jan. 22, he received a very severe burn. He was immediate-ly taken to the hospital where all was done that was possible for human hands to do, but God saw fit to take the precious child to Himself. In Mervin's 2 short years, he won his way into the hearts of many by his cheerful disposition. He is mourned by his parents and the following 5 brothers and 6 sisters: Ruth (Mrs. Woodbridge, Toronto); Benjamin, Chester, Rachel, Wesley, Mary, Martha, Esther, Margaret, Harold and Robert. He also leaves his 2 grandmothers, 5 uncles, 6 aunts, and a little nephew, Laverne, of Toronto. For 6 months during the past summer and fall Laverne made his home with his grandparents, and the 2 children had many happy times together. Laverne left shortly after New Year and was missed very much by Willard. His last word before be died was, "Vernie." Funeral services were held at the home and at the Nazarene Church near Harmatten, Alta., in charge of Bro. C. J. Ramer, assisted by Bro. H. B. Ramer, Duchess, Alta. Texts: Job 1:21; II Sam. 12:23. Inter-ment in the Nazarene cemetery.
Precious darling, too pure to stay;
God in mercy took Willard away,
Not from our memory, not from our love.
But to dwell with Jesus in heaven above.
Stutzman.-Salome (Kenagy) Stutzman, daughter of Emanuel and Lydia (King) Kenagy, was born Nov. 29, 1880, near East Lynn, Mo.; passed away Feb. 13, 1944, near Garden City, Mo.; aged 68 y. 2 m. 15 d. She had been in failing health for nearly a year with a heart ailment. She bore her sickness patiently and had bright hope of regaining health, but the end came suddenly and her spirit took its flight to be with her Lord whom she had accepted in her youth. She united with the Mennonite Church to which faith she remained true until death. Her mother passed away when Salome was about 2_ years old. After the death of her mother, she enjoyed the affection and comfort of her Grandfather Bishop Jacob Kenagy's home, where she grew to womanhood. On Dec. 2, 1900, she was united in marriage to Silas Stutzman. To this union 9 children were born (Fred, Harrison-ville; Ruby, wife of J. A. Kauffman, and Ralph, both of Garden City; Carl, Toluca, Ill.; Glen, C.P.S. Camp No. 20, Wells Tannery, Pa.; Lydia and Homer, at home). She was preceded in death by Arthur Lee and Marie (Mrs. Harry Detwiler), also a brother, Eldon. She leaves to mourn her sudden departure, her companion, 2 daughters, 5 sons, 16 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. David Hostetler, Ill; Mrs. Mellie Oesch Berky, Cres-ton, Mont.), a half sister (Sarah Berkey), 6 half brothers (Uria, Bill, Irvin, George, Amos, and Tommie), 2 uncles (Solomon Kenagy, Kan-sas City, Mo.; Jacob Kenagy, Colo.), and an aunt (Sarah Kenagy, East Lynn, Mo.), besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral serv-ices were conducted at the Sycamore Grove Church in charge of the home ministers. Inter-ment in the Clearfork Cemetery.
Yoder.-Joseph Ira, son of Crist P. and Lydia Hartzler Yoder, born at Milroy, Pa., March 31, 1884; passed away at the Dr. Black Hospital, Dec. 3, 1943, after an illness of 3 months of lung abscess; aged 59 y. 8 m. 3 d. He united with the Belleville Mennonite Church in his youth where he attended services as long as health permitted. He leaves 4 brothers and 3 sisters: John D. and Oliver, Belleville, Pa.; Jesse T., York, Pa.; Dr. S. E., Lancaster, Pa.; Sarah, Leah, and Mrs. Katherine Esh, Belleville, Pa. His parents and a sister Nannie (Mrs. J. C. Kanagy) preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Dec. 5 in the home and in the McNabb Funeral Home conducted by Bro. Harry E. Kauffman. Burial in the Belleville Mennonite Cemetery.
Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.
Obituary
Albrecht.-Joseph O., oldest son of John and Anna (Gasho) Albrecht, was born Dec. 19, 1859, near Princeton, Ill.; answered the final summons Feb. 22, 1944; aged 84 y. 2 m. 3 d. At the age of 6 years he came with his parents to Waldo Twp., in Livingston Co., Ill., where he spent the remainder of his life. He united with the Waldo Mennonite Church in his youth and later took an active part in organizing its first Sunday school. He remained a faithful member until death. On Feb. 10, 1884, he was united in marriage to Lizzie Ringenberg. He is survived by one son, John W. Albrecht, and the following brothers and sisters: Ben, Peter, and Sam, Flanagan, Ill.; William, Columbia, Mo.; Mrs. Lydia Gable and Mrs. Susan Ingold, Flanagan. Funeral services were held at his late home and at the Waldo Mennonite Church in charge of Bro. J. D. Hartzler. Burial in the Waldo Cem-etery.
Bricker.-Catherine Bricker, wife of the late E. W. Bricker, passed away at her home at East Calgary, Alta., Feb. 19, 1944. Sister Bricker, who was in her nintieth year, was quite active until a short while before her death. She was born in Elmira, Ont., the family moving west to the Aldersyde district in 1891. In 1918 they moved to Calgary where they had since resided. Her husband preceded her in death 5 years ago. They had the privilege of living together for over 60 years. Also preceding her in death were 5 children (Martha, wife of James Dewie, High River; Mary, wife of John Landis, Portal, N. D.; Clara; Aaron, Aldersyde; and John Henry of Arizona). Three sons and a daughter survive her (Edgar, living on the home place near Aldersyde; Archie, Alsask, Sask.; Harvey and Esther, Calgary), also a sister (Mrs. H. C. Shantz, Guernsey, Sask.), and 11 grandchildren. Sister Bricker was a true friend and had a beautiful Christian character. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held Feb. 22, in charge of Bros. Isaac Miller and Milo Stutzman at the Gooder Brothers Funeral Home, Calgary, and by Bro. Clarence Ramer at the Mt. View Mennonite Church near Aldersyde. Texts: Rom. 14:7; Isa. 66:13. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Transcriber's note: the word "nintieth" near the beginning is transcribed as it appears in the original.
Eicher.-Peter Eicher, son of Christian and Katherine (Shad) Eicher, was born Aug. 16, 1875, near Archbold, O.; passed away at his home in Archbold, O.; aged 68 y. 6 m. 15 d. On Nov. 19, 1896, he was united in marriage with Emma E. Nofziger of Archbold, O. This union was blessed with 6 children: Arthur and Wilmer, Archbold, O.; Viola (Mrs. Sylvanus Short), Archbold, O.; Chester, Stryker, O.; Lucile (Mrs. Tim Yoder), Denver, Colo.; and Katherine (Mrs. Elias Frey), Stryker, O. He leaves to mourn his departure, 3 sons, 3 daughters, 19 grand-children, 2 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. His parents, his companion, and 2 brothers preceded him in death. His companion passed away less than 8 months ago. Even though he was lonely after her death, he always manifested a cheerful spirit and was grateful for the blessings he enjoyed. Although he suf-fered much at times, his prayer was not to get well, but that the Lord would help him to be true to the end and that the Lord's will be done. Many were the admonitions he gave his children-that they follow the God of their parents and grandparents who meant so much to them. In his youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and put his trust in Him until the end. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and business associates. Funeral services were held at the Central Mennonite Church on March 5, by P. L. Frey and Walter Stuckey.
Forry.-Mary (Shirk) Forry, daughter of Jacob and the late Emma (Martin) Shirk, was born Oct. 10, 1917, near Ephrata, Pa.; died Feb. 7, 1944, at her home near Silver Springs, after a lingering illness of 2 years; aged 26 y. 3 m. 17 d. On Jan. 2, 1941, she was united in mar-riage with Aaron Forry who survived her. She was a member of the Old Order River Brethren Church. Her mother died during the flu epidemic in 1918. She is survived by her father, step-mother, and the following brothers and sisters: Elmer; Anna, wife of Ernest Sauder; and Amos, all of Silver Springs, Pa.; also Ada; Lizzie, wife of Moses Zimmerman; a half sister, Fannie, all of near Ephrata, Pa. Funeral services were held Feb. 10, conducted at the home by Bro. William Nicely and at the Silver Springs U.B. Church by Bros. John Strickler and Simon Musser. Text, Luke 8:21. Interment in Silver Springs cemetery.
In life she sought her Saviour;
In death she had no fear.
She has gone to live with Jesus
And loved ones over there.
Gascho.-Catherine Gascho, daughter of Ja-cob
and Barbara Meyer, was born in Huron Co., Ont., Feb. 14,
1862; passed away at the Kitchener and Waterloo Hospital, Nov.
26, 1943, following a double fracture of the hip; aged 81 y. 9
m. 12 d. She was united in marriage to Menno Gascho of Wilmot,
Jan. 5, 1892. Sur-viving are her husband, a son (Simeon, of Wil-mot),
and 2 daughters (Barbara, wife of Peter Gingerich, Baden; and
Susan, wife of John Zehr, Lockport, N.Y.). One daughter, Olivia,
died in 1910. Also surviving are 2 sisters (Mrs. Menno
Swartzentruber, Kitchener, Ont.; and Mrs. David Gingerich, Zurich,
Ont.), 3 brothers (John and Jacob Meyer, Kitchener; and Menno,
Baden, Ont.), 16 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Three
sisters predeceased her. Funeral services were held Nov. 30, at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Peter Gingerich, and at the Steinman
Church where Bro. Peter Nafziger had charge. Burial was made in
the adjoining cemetery.
Gerber.-Abraham Gerber, son of William and Fanny (Hershberger) Gerber, was born Nov. 14, 1863; died at his home at Walnut Creek, O., March 4, 1944; aged 80 y. 3 m. 20 d. His death was caused by complications resulting from pneumonia and heart ailment. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a member of the Walnut Creek Mennonite Church to which he remained faithful until death. On Jan. 13, 1895, he was married to Malinda Troyer. Five children were born to this union, 2 of them preceding him in death. Four brothers and 4 sisters also preceded him. He was the last remaining member of his par-ental family. He leaves his companion, 3 sons (Ura, Clayton, Paul), all of the Walnut Creek vicinity, 8 grandchildren, an adopted daughter (Mae Gerber, Cleveland, O.), and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He was present at church whenever health per-mitted and was ready and willing to help in time of need. Funeral services were held at the Wal-nut Creek Mennonite Church, Monday, March 6, with Bros. Paul R. Miller, A. W. Miller, and Venus Hershberger officiating. Burial in the church cemetery.
Good.-Clarence, son of the late Levi and Susanna Sauder Good, Blue Ball, Pa., was born July 24, 1900; died Feb. 11, 1944, after several weeks' illness; aged 43 y. 6 m. 17 d. He had been admitted to the St. Joseph's Hospital where he passed away several days later. He was a faithful member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church from his youth. He also served as sec-retary in the Sunday school for a number of years. He is survived by his wife, who was Bertha M. Weaver before marriage, and the following children: Mary, Arlene, Glenn, and Wilmer; also the following brothers and sisters: Menno S., Lititz, Pa.; John J., Terre Hill, Pa.; George S., Bareville, Pa.; Mary, wife of Chris-tian High, Bird-in-Hand, Pa.; and Susie, wife of Charles Zimmerman, Blue Ball, Pa. Funeral services were held Feb. 15 at his late home by Bro. Aaron H. Weaver and Bro. John W. Weaver, and at the Weaverland Mennonite Church by Bros. J. Paul Graybill, David N. Weaver, and John W. Burkholder. Text, John 17:24. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Huber.-Anna Mary (Martin) Huber, wife of John O. Huber, was born near Goodville, Pa., March 6, 1879; died at her home at Union Grove, Jan. 25, 1944; aged 64 y. 10 m. 19 d. Her death was caused by pneumonia after a four- weeks illness. She is survived by her husband and the following children: Katie (Mrs. Isaac Sensenig), New Holland, Pa.; Mary (Mrs. John Shirk), East Earl, Pa.; Phares, Eli, John Jr., and Henry, East Earl, Pa.; Lydia (Mrs. Harvey Martin), Stevens, Pa.; and Alice and Anna at home. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and was faithful to the end. She bore her suffering patiently but expressed her desire to be with the Lord. All that loving hands could do was done for her, but the Lord saw fit to take her home. Funeral services were held at the late home with further services at Weaverland Church by Bros. Hershey Sensenig and John Weaver. Text, II Tim. 4:6-8.
Loving and kind in all her ways,
Upright and just to the end of her days,
Sincere and kind in heart and mind,
What a beautiful memory she left behind.
Lewis.-Adolph A. Lewis was born
near Mt. Hope, Wisc., Aug. 4, 1878; died at Salem, Oreg., Feb.
10, 1944; aged 66 y. 6 m. 10 d. In 1920, he was married to Myrtle
E. Smith at Gillette, Wyo. To this union 4 sons were born. In
1934 he came with his family to Sheridan, Oreg. His wife survives
him and his 4 sons (Elmer A. and Adolph Lee of the U.S. Navy;
and Iris and Charles at home). He also leaves 2 brothers (Fred
O. Lewis, Canton, Oreg.; and Edward B. Lewis, Sheridan). His brother
Chauncy preced-ed him in death about 2 weeks before. About 3
years ago he was baptized and received into the Mennonite
Church at Sheridan and remained faithful until death. Funeral
services were con-ducted at the Sheridan Funeral Home by Bro.
G. D. Shenk. Interment in the New Mennon-ite Cemetery.
Lewis.-Chauncy D. Lewis was born near Mt. Hope, Wisc., Feb. 11, 1873; died Jan. 25, 1944, at the Oregon City Hospital; aged 69 y. 11 m. 16 d. In 1918 he was married to Mrs. Myrtle Barkell, Lewiston, Idaho. They came to Sheridan in 1926 where he lived until 7 years ago when his wife passed away. Since that time he has been at the Schlabach Convalescent Home at Oregon City. He leaves 3 brothers (Fred O. Lewis, Canton, Oreg.; Adolph A. F., Salem. Oreg.; and Edward E., Sheridan). Bro. Lewis and his wife were baptized and received into the Mennonite Church at Sheridan when they came to Oregon and they lived faithful and devoted lives until death. The funeral services were held at the Sheridan Funeral Home, conducted by Bro. D. F. Shenk. He was laid to rest beside his wife in the Masonic Cemetery.
Martin.-Alice B. Martin, daughter of Jacob and Sophia (Bender) Stehman, was born near Mt. Joy, Pa., May 21, 1879; died at the Oreville Mennonite Home, Dec. 18, 1943; aged 64 y. 6 m. 27 d. In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church at Elizabethtown, Pa. She was married to Christian Martin. Four children were born to this union, 3 of whom survive (Stehman Martin, in England; Richard Martin, Middletown, Pa.; and Esther, wife of Carl Hahn, Fla.). Six grandchildren also survive and the following brothers and sisters: Jacob Stehman, Minn.; Milton Stehman and Clayton Stehman, Mt. Joy, Pa.; John Stehman, Rheems, Pa. Mrs. Harry K. Landis, Rheems, Pa.; and Mary Steh-man, Mt. Joy, Pa. Her funeral was held Dec. 21, at the Oreville Home, conducted by Bro. Ben-jamin Keener, assisted by Bros. Noah Risser and Clarence Lutz. Burial was made in the Mt. Tunnel Cemetery at Elizabethtown.
Schiffler.-Emanuel, son of Albrecht and Mary Althaus Schiffler, was born in the state of Illinois, Nov. 27, 1875; died in the St. Luke's Hospital at Fargo, N.D., Feb. 28, 1944; aged 68 y. 3 m. 1 d. At the age of 3 years, he moved to Rose-land, Nebr., with his parents where he grew to manhood and lived until March, 1941, when he and his family moved to Casselton, N.D. On Nov. 21, 1901, he was united in marriage to Anna Hoylman. To this union one daughter was born. Surviving are his wife, a daughter (Lois Lorene), 4 foster children (Elmer and David, San Francisco, Calif.; Mrs. Joe Hein, Pamona, Calif.; and Mrs. Albert Ebersole, Amenia, N. Dak.), 2 brothers (Abraham, Rose-land, Nebr.; and John, Filer, Ida.), a sister (Mrs. Sarah Burkhart, Roseland, Nebr.), and 5 grandchildren. His parents and one sister preceded him in death. In his youth he accept-ed Christ as his Saviour, was baptized, and united with the Mennonite Church to which he remained faithful until death. About 30 years ago he was ordained to the office of deacon in which capacity he served faithfully. On June 2, 1943, he met with an accident, being kicked by a cow, and suffered from a broken limb. He seemed to recover from this injury satisfactorily when later complications set in and he spent 10 more weeks in the hospital after which he departed to be with his Saviour. Funeral serv-ices were conducted March 1, at the home and at the Moravian Church in Casselton, N.D., in charge of Bros. Edward Hershberger and Eli G. Hochstetler. Text, II Tim. 4:6-8.
Call not back the dear departed,
Anchored safe where storms are o'er.
On the borderland we left him
Soon to meet and part no more.
When we leave this world of changes,
When we leave this world of care.
We shall find our missing loved one
In our Father's mansion fair.
Weaver.-John W., son of Isaac and Cather-ine (Witwer) Weaver, was born July 4, 1870, in East Earl Twp., Pa.; died Feb. 18, 1944; aged 73 y. 7 m. 14 d. He was stricken ill with a heart attack 2 years ago and had recovered sufficiently to attend to his work in the book store until several days before his passing. His death came very suddenly as the family only knew of his passing away when he was found having peacefully fallen asleep in Jesus some-time in the early morning. On Nov. 15, 1891, he was married to Anna Nolt who survives him. The following children survive: Anna, wife of Pre. Banks Weaver, Juniata Co., Pa.; Rebecca, wife of Isaac Frederick, Churchtown, Pa.; David, Uniongrove, Pa.; who was ordained to the ministry nearly 2 years ago; Elizabeth and Daniel at home. A brother (Martin, Gap, Pa.), and 19 grandchildren also survive. On Aug. 19, 1909, he was ordained to the ministry to serve in the Weaverland district. In the early part of his ministry he was engaged in evangelistic work. He was very much concerned for the welfare of the church and her young people and also in the distribution of good literature. Services were conducted at the home near Blue Ball, Pa., by Bro. John Burkholder and at the Weaverland Mennonite Church by bishops J. Paul Graybill and Mahlon Witmer. Text, II Tim. 4:6-8. Short addresses were given by the following brethren: John Burkholder, Aaron Weaver, Noah Mack, A. J. Metzler, and Stoner Krady. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
"Joy to the victor, whose unearthly sword
The combat dared, and triumphed in the Lord!
Called to receive an everlasting crown,
Before the bleeding Lamb he casts the trophy down.
"Though loved and lost, not ours the pang of those
Whose earthborn grief no heavenly balsam knows:
We would not call thy Spirit from its home,
Where sin assails thee not, and sorrow cannot come.
"And when the trumpet's awful note shall sound,
The dead to summon from the teeming ground,
E'en these, the mortal wrecks that pain the eye,
Shall rise to light and life, and immortality.
"Hid in the kindred dust from whence they came,
Sown in corruption, weakness, and in shame,
We know these feeble clods of earth shall shine.
Pure, incorruptible, immortal, and divine.
"Where then thy triumph, Grave; and where thy sting,
O sullen Death? What terror dost thou bring?
We burst thine iron band, and soar on high;
Glory to Christ the Lord, who brings us victory!"
Yoder.-Eli Y. Yoder, son of Yost and Eliza-beth Hochstettler Yoder, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., April 1, 1853; passed away Feb. 29, 1944, at the home of his son Mahlon, Wellman, Ia.; aged 90 y. 10 m. 28 d. At the age of 2 he came with his parents to Elkhart Co., Ind., and at the age of 11, the family moved to Iowa Co., Ia. He lived in this immediate community the remainder of his life, spending the last 7 years with his son Mahlon. In early life he became a member of the church of his choice in which faith he remained faithful until death. On Jan. 6, 1876, he was united in marriage with Anna Wertz who preceded him in death in 1932. To this union were born 10 children: Mahlon, Elmer, Daniel, Lena (Mrs. Elmer Bon-trager), Charles, Eliza (Mrs. Abner Miller), Lewis, Melvin, Uril, and Willard. These 10 children survive him as well as 2 half sisters (Mrs. Ida Hershberger and Mrs. C. C. Swart-zendruber), 29 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. Bro. Yoder was blest with good health and was known throughout his active life as an industrious, hard-working farmer. With many of our other pioneers, he contributed much to making possible the many blessings many of us otherwise could not enjoy now. He was also concerned for the spiritual needs of his family and was increasingly interested in the welfare of his descendents and the church as be grew older. Funeral services were held at the Lower Deer Creek Church. Kalona, Ia., by Bros. J. Y. Swartzendruber and J. L. Hershberger.
Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.
Bechtel.--Mrs. Mary B. Bechtel, widow of Absolom Bechtel, was born April 12, 1863; departed this life Jan. 22, 1944; aged 80 y. 9 m. 10 d. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years. Surviving are 2 sons (Harry, with whom she had her home; and Amos, York, Pa.), and 3 brothers. She was bedfast for about 1 1/2 years. It was an inspiration to visit her because of her patience and cheerfulness. The funeral was held at the Hawthorn Funeral Home, Bainbridge, Pa., and at Good's Mennonite Church by Bros. Noah Risser, Simon Garber, and Ira Miller. Interment in Reich's Cemetery near Maytown, Pa.
Diller.--Andrew Diller, son of Samuel and Elizabeth
Brenneman Diller was born in Allen Co., near Elida, O., May 1,
1873; passed away March 10, 1944 at the Lima Memorial Hospital;
aged 70 y. 10 m. 9 d. On Dec. 21, 1893, he was united in marriage
to Mary C. Huber who preceded him in death Sept. 3, 1897. To this
union 2 children were born (Clarence S., who died Jan. 14, 1934,
and Mary Elizabeth, wife of Henry Hartman, near Elida, O.). On
Oct. 25, 1898, he was married to Nancy C. Brenneman, Allen Co.,
O., who preceded him in death June 2, 1937. To this union 4 children
were born (Harvey Andrew who died in infancy; Esther Ada, wife
of Jacob Hartman, and Florence Edna, wife of Wilbur Brunk, both
of near Elida, O.; Rudy Harold, Denbigh, Va.). On Jan. 17, 1940,
he was united in marriage to Lizzie Lamb, Lima, O., who survives.
He also leaves 19 grandchildren, a brother (Samuel S. Diller,
Lima, O.), and many other relatives and friends. All his life
was spent in Allen Co., O., except about 3 1/2 years which he
spent in Virginia. He united with the Mennonite Church when a
young man and remained a faithful member until death. On Dec.
7, 1943, he underwent an operation and improved nicely. It was
thought that he had practically recovered, but on March 8 he took
sick again and in less than 48 hours he passed on to his heavenly
home. As a Christian father and companion in the home, he was
much concerned about the welfare of his children and grandchildren.
We have the consolation that the Lord does all things well and
He alone knows why this happened. Even though it is hard for us
to understand we know that His will was done. Services were in
charge of Bro. Maurice O'Connell, assisted by Bros. G. H. Brunk,
Andrew Brenneman, and Daniel Augsburger. Text, I Cor. 15:19.
Father, again we hope to meet thee
When the day of life is fled,
Then in heaven with joy to meet thee
Where no farewell tears are shed.
--The family.
Eshbach.--Anna M., daughter of the late Mary Bender
Buckwalter and Dorous Buckwalter, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa.;
departed this life March 7, 1944; aged 59 y. 10 m. 10 d. She united
with the Mellinger Mennonite Church early in life and remained
faithful to the end. She endured great pain and suffering. She
was conscious to the end and planned all her meals although she
was not able to prepare them. She will be missed, but our loss
is her gain. She leaves a sorrowing husband and a brother (Frank
Buckwalter). A son preceded her in death in 1927. Funeral services
were held March 10, 1944, at the Millersville Mennonite Church,
conducted by Bishop Christian Lehman, assisted by Bros. Daniel
Gish, Jacob Hess, Landis Shertzer, and Herbert Fisher. Text, Isa.
53:7. Burial in the Millersville cemetery.
Peacefully sleeping, resting at last.
The world's weary troubles and trials are past.
In silence she suffered, in patience she bore,
Until God called her home to suffer no more.
Kauffman.--Feltie J. Kauffman was born Feb. 16, 1878,
near Goshen, Ind.; died at the home of his daughter, Lula, Guymon,
Okla., March 6, 1944; aged 66 y. 20 d. He was united in marriage
to Susie Miller, Jan. 1, 1905, near Garden City, Mo. She was his
faithful companion until death. About 2 years after their marriage
they moved to their farm near Guymon, Okla., where they made their
home until the time of his death. To this union were born 6 sons
and 4 daughters, all of whom survive: Clarence, Gruver, Tex.;
Emery, Perryton, Tex.; Daniel, Harper, Kans.; Effie, wife of Milton
Sweigart, Perryton, Tex.; Samuel, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Lula,
wife of Floyd Johnson, Guymon, Okla.; Edward, Provo, Utah; Ruth,
wife of John Rhodes, Hitchland, Tex.; Mabel and John, at home.
There were 17 grandchildren. Four grandchildren and a brother
preceded him in death. He also leaves to mourn his departure 2
brothers and 3 sisters: Adam, Jetmore, Kans.; Mrs. Lizzie Slabach,
Conway, Kans.; Chris, Anna, and Ella Kauffman, all of Garden City,
Mo. Bro. Kauffman accepted Christ as his Saviour and was baptized
and became a member of the Mennonite Church in his youth. He maintained
a godly Christian home and was active in maintaining a Sunday
school in the community and arranging for appointments for preaching
of the Gospel as often as possible. He made a valuable contribution
in these services as chorister. God rewarded these faithful endeavors
in bringing all his children into the fold of Christ and into
the church of his choice. He had been in failing health for the
past 16 months, gradually growing weaker. The last few weeks he
developed unfavorable symptoms and in spite of all that kind hearts
and loving hands could do he passed unexpectedly and suddenly
to his eternal reward. Funeral services conducted in the Baptist
Church, Guymon, Okla., by Bro. Allen H. Erb, assisted by Bros.
Richard Showalter, Harold Jones, and J. W. Chapman. Interment
in Guymon Cemetery.
As his life, so his passing--
Unseen, quiet, and unheard.
He has left us, but he's standing
In the presence of our Lord.
Schlabach.--Mrs. Amanda (Yoder) Schlabach, daughter
of the late Abraham and Mattie (Oswald) Yoder, was born March
11, 1886; departed this life at her home near Mt. Hope, O., Feb.
2, 1944; aged 57 y. 10 m. 22 d. A long illness preceded her death.
On Feb. 8, 1906, she was united in marriage to Daniel E. Schlabach,
who preceded her May 11, 1934. To this union were born 14 children,
11 of whom survive: Wesley and Daniel Jr., at home; Eli, Fredericksburg,
O.; Emanuel, Sugar Creek, O.; Katie, Maryann, Amanda, Lela, and
Mrs. Christ L. Wengard, at home; Mrs. Monroe A. Weaver, Apple
Creek, O.; and Mrs. Jacob I. Mast, Wilmot, O. Her husband, 2 daughters,
a son, and a grandchild preceded her. Eleven grandchildren, 5
brothers, and 4 sisters also survive. Although our hearts are
lonely with Mother and Father both gone, yet we would not wish
them back in this world of sorrow and pain. Funeral services were
held at the home with Bros. Abe E. Miller and Roy Miller officiating.
Burial in the Stutzman cemetery.
Mother, thou art sweetly resting.
Cold may be this earthly tomb,
But the angels sweetly whispered,
"Come and live with us at home."
Transcribed by Martha E. Heath, Indiana and Nancy Regan, Washington
Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXVI, No . 53 - March 30, 1944, pages 1115, 1116 and 1117
Obituary
Benner.-Benjamin S., son of Jacob and Barbara Benner, was born Oct. 4, 1873, in Juniata Co; departed this life March 13, 1944; aged 70 y. 5 m. 9 d. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife Sally, 2 sons (John and Leroy), a daughter (Miriam), 4 grandchildren, a brother (Charles Benner, Akron, Pa.), 2 sisters (Anna Hart; Pearl Hollinger, Lancaster. Pa.). Brother Benner was a member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held March 17, at the Susquehanna Meetinghouse, in charge of Bro. John H. Reinard, assisted by Bro. William Shafer. Text, I Thes. 4:14. His body was laid to rest in the Verdilla Reformed Church cemetery.
Blough.-Jacob H. Blough, son of Bishop Henry and Katherine Keim Blough, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Oct. 2, 1851; died in Somer-set Co., Jan. 15, 1944; aged 92 y. 3 m. 15 d. He was married to Mary Tressler. To this union were born 13 children of whom only one survives (Laura, wife of Harry Helsel, Youngs-town, O.). His first wife died about 28 years ago. He was later married to Mrs. Margaret Savage who, with 9 grandchildren and 8 great--grandchildren, survives him. He is also survived by a brother (Ephraim Blough, Cumberland, Md.), and a sister (Mrs. Carrie Kaufman, Lancaster, Pa.) He united with the Mennonite Church many years ago and was a member of the Blough congregation at the time of his death. Funeral services were held at the Blough Meet-inghouse, Jan. 19, 1944, by the home ministers, Bros. H. C. Blough and John A. Lehman. Text, Acts 13:26. His body was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the church.
Buerge.-Elizabeth, daughter of Christian and Magdalene Buerge, was born Feb. 26, 1861, in Hamberg, Canada; passed away March 9, 1944; aged 83 y. 12 d. She was the youngest of a family of six; John I., Mrs. Catherine Dintiman, Mrs. Lydia Merrell, Mrs. Magdalene Scott, and Mary who died in infancy. When she was 7 years old, the family moved to Reeds City, Mich., residing there until 1883 when they moved to a farm 4 miles east of Jasper. They lived there until 1926, when she and her sister Lydia moved to Jasper. The 2 sisters lived to-gether 76 years and were separated only by the death of Lydia, which left Bessie alone. The last 3 1/2 years she made her home with her nephew, Allen Buerge, and family. She was a member of the Mennonite Church and a devout Christian. Funeral services were conducted at the Baptist Church in Jasper, Mo., in charge of Bro. E. J. Berkey. Text. Phil. 1:20, 21. Interment 4 miles east of Jasper.
Caufman.-Doris Marie, daughter of Bro. and Sister Kenneth and Mary (Bless) Caufman, was born July 15, 1942, at the Chambersburg Maternity Home, Pa.; passed away at the Chambersburg Hospital, Feb. 7, 1944, after an illness of one day; aged 1 y. 6 m. 23 d. Besides her parents, she is survived by her paternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Caufman, Chambersburg, Pa.), her maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Bless, Greencastle, Pa.), her paternal great-grandmother Mrs. Fannie Caufman, Chambersburg, Pa.), her maternal great-grandmother (Mrs. E. M. Snavely, Middletown, Pa.), and a maternal great-stepgrandmother (Mrs. Katie Burkholder, Chambersburg, Pa.). Funeral services were held Feb. 10, 1944, at the Chambersburg Mennonite Church, north of Chambersburg, in charge of Bro. Walter Lehman and Bro. Harvey Shank. Text Job 1:21b. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Jesus has taken a beautiful bud
Out of our garden of love;
Born it away to the city of God,
Home of the angels above.
Fenstermaker.-Amanda Fenstermaker, daugh-ter of Josiah and Sarah Fink, was born Feb. 24, 1858, in Osnaburg Twp., Stark Co., O.; died in her home near Louisville, O., March 13, 1944, aged 86 y. 18 d. She was married Feb. 13, 1887, to J. A. Fenstermaker who preceded her in death on May 9, 1909. To this union were born 3 daughters (Pearl, at home; Mrs. John Snyder, East Canton; and one who died in infancy) and 4 sons (Homer at home; John Hamilton, East Canton; and Josiah and another son who died in infancy). She is also survived by 3 brothers (Isaac Fink, East Canton, O.; Martin Fink, at home; and Joseph Fink, Canton, O.), 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives, friends and neighbors who mourn her departure. One brother and a sister preceded her in death. She was a faithful wife and mother and was very kind and considerate of others. Her chief desire was to be busy with housework and farmwork. In the fall of 1939, she fell and broker her hip, from which she never fully recovered, although she was able to walk about until just a few days before her decease which was rather sudden. Having been a listener to Bro. William G. Detweiler's Gospel radio broadcast, she became converted and was baptized into the Mennonite Church of Canton, O., Oct. 19, 1939, where she retained her membership until death. Funeral services were conducted at the Sluss Funeral Home in Louisville, O., in charge of Bros. J. J. Hostetler and O. N. Johns.
Hess.-Susan E., widow of Paul G. Hess, was born Feb. 24, 1896; departed this life Feb 9, 1944: aged 48 y. 11 m. 15 d. She was the daughter of Newton G. Herr at whose home she has resided since the death of her husband 20 years ago. A son Clarence also died at the age of 4. Mother was not strong for the past 2 years, but during the night of Jan. 22 she suffered a severe heart attack. She was taken to the Lan-caster General Hospital where she peacefully fell asleep 18 days later. Her heart condition improved but other members of the body refused to function properly. She was very patient during her illness and expressed her gratitude for having a Saviour and her desire to go to her heavenly home. She accepted Christ as her Saviour in her youth and united with the Mennonite Church in which she was a faithful mem-ber until death. Her greatest delight was to help others. She will be greatly missed by her children, her family, and her large circle of friends. She is survived by 2 daughters (Eliza-beth H., wife of Lloyd B. Denlinger, Manheim, Pa.; Marian H., wife of Benjamin S. Landis, Lancaster Pa.), 2 grandchildren, her father (Newton G. Herr), 2 sisters and 2 brothers (Miriam, wife of Amos H. Kreider, Lititz, Pa.; Bertha, wife of Harvey Metzler, Lancaster, Pa.; Clarence N. Herr and Rev. Emory H. Herr, both of Ronks, Pa. Funeral services were held Feb. 12 with Bros. Abram Martin, C. M. Brubaker, and Jacob T. Harnish officiating at the Strasburg Mennonite Church. Interment was made in the Landis Valley cemetery.
Rest on, dear Mother, your labors are o'er,
Your willing hands will toil no more.
A faithful mother so true and kind,
No friend on earth like you we'll find.
Hostetler.--Janice Elaine Hostetler, daughter of George and Velma Troyer Hostetler, members of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church, Smith-ville, O., was born June 6, 1942; died at the Children's Hospital, Akron, O., March 3, 1944, after gladdening the home for the brief time of 1 y. 8 m. 27 d. Failing to make satisfactory progress in her recovery from pneumonia, she was taken from her home to the hospital where she died. She is survived by her parents, a sister (Leora Mae), her paternal grandparents, 16 uncles and aunts, and 61 cousins. Funeral services were conducted at the home and at the Oak Grove Church, March 6, by Bros. J. S. Gerig and William G. Detweiler.
Kreider.-Ella Flora (Rohn) Kreider, daugh-ter of Daniel and Many Leatherman Rohn, was born near Wadsworth, O., Nov. 19, 1863; died at her home southwest of Wadsworth, Marc 11, 1944; aged 80 y. 3 m. 21 d. She accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Guilford, O., Oct. 15, 1881. On Jan. 1, 1887, she was united in marriage to Christian S. Kreider. Surviving are her bereaved husband, 3 sons (Arthur R., Earl D., A. Victor, of Wadsworth), 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. L. F. Benner and Mrs. D. R. Kreider) and other relatives and friends who mourn her departure. In the year 1897, she transferred her member-ship to the Bethel Mennonite Church where she always attended services when health permitted. She loved to go to church and witness for her Lord. During the last year she became quite feeble, suffering numerous heart attacks and the last 7 weeks of her life were spent in bed. At various times she endured severe pain and suffering. The forenoon of her going she had another attack and in a very short time peacefully passed away. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother. Funeral services conducted March 14, at the home and at the Bethel Mennonite Church were in charge of Bros. S. D. Rohrer and I. J. Buckwalter. Texts: John 14; Rev 22:14; Eccl. 7:2. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
Mother is gone beyond this world
Of sorrow, pain, and care.
Gone to be with Jesus.
Oh, will we meet her there?
Landis.-Moses R., son of the late John N. and Elizabeth Rohrer Landis was born near Rawlinsville, Pa., March 19, 1870; died March 5, 1944, at the home of his son Miles B. Landis with whom he resided. He was a member of the Mellinger Mennonite Church. He was married to Lydia Ann Bachman who preceded him in death 32 years ago. The following children survive: Morris B., Quarryville, Pa.; Miles B., Lancaster Pa.; Evelyn, wife of LeRoy Kreider, Gordonville, Pa.; Elizabeth, wife of J. Elvin Herr, Quarryville; and Kathryn, wife of Clyde Heller, Lancaster. Also surviving are 3 brothers (David R., Lancaster; John R., Seville, O.; and Martin R., Lancaster), a sister (Ella Landis, Lancaster), and 22 grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at his late home by Bro. Elmer G. Martin and at the Mellinger Mennonite Church by Bros. Harry Lefever and David Landis. Text, Job 14:14. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
McAlpine.-Samuel Edwin, 6-weeks-old son of Earl and Pauline McAlpine passed away Feb. 23, 1944. Funeral services were conducted Feb. 25, at the Germfask Church, Mich., with Chester C. Osborne in charge. Besides the parents, he leaves 5 brothers and one sister. It gives us comfort to know that he has gone on to worship God in a more perfect was as little Samuel of the Bible. Text, I Sam., 1:28b.
Myers.-Amanda L. Myers, daughter of the late David and Frances Ebersole, was born Aug. 13, 1870; departed this life Feb. 4, 1944, at the home of her son Raymond E. Myers. Her husband, Jacob L. Myers, and a daughter, Gertrude Viola, preceded her in death. She was a member of Good's Mennonite Church. She is survived by one son, Raymond E. Myers, with whom she resided, and 3 grandchildren (Mrs. Ralph Zeager, and Richard and Orpha Myers, at home). Funeral services were held Feb. 8, at the home, conducted by Bro. Ira Miller and at Good's Church by Bro. Noah Hisser. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Peacefully sleeping, resting at last,
The world's weary troubles and trials are past.
In silence she suffered, in patience she bore,
Till God called her home to suffer no more.
Oyer.-Elizabeth Yoder Oyer, daughter of Edwin and Lucy Yoder, was born Feb. 20, 1909, in Kent Co., near Alto, Mich.; passed away at the Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Ill., March 5, 1944; aged 35 y. 2 w. Death came as the result of a post partum hemorrhage. On March 31, 1931, she was united in marriage to Walter R. Oyer. She leaves to mourn her departure her devoted husband and the following children: Richard Duane, Marilyn Joyce, Wilma Jean, and an infant daughter, Ellen Rose. Her mother (Mrs. Lucy Yoder, Fisher, Ill.) also sur-vives, as well as a brother (Harold, Freeport, Mich.), 4 sisters (Mrs. Gertrude Kelly and Mrs. Edna Zook, Clarksville, Mich., Mrs. Catherine Springer, Foosland, Ill.; Mrs. Ida Oyer, Fisher, Ill.), and a large host of relatives and friends. Her father preceded her in death. At the age of 16, she accepted Christ as her Saviour at the Browne Mennonite Church near Elmdale, Mich. She later renewed her fellowship with the East Bend Mennonite Church near Fisher, where she remained a faithful member until death. She was a devoted companion and a loving mother who was much concerned with the spiritual welfare of her children. Hers was a life of sacrificial service for her family and her fellow men. Her quiet daily walk with her Saviour was one of inspiration and example. Funeral services were held March 8 in the East Bend Mennonite Church, conducted by Bro. J. A. Hieser, assisted by Dr. G. D. Troyer. Interment in the East Bend cemetery.
'Tis lonesome here without you,
And sad the weary way.
For life is not the same to us
Since you were called away.
We miss your kind and loving hand,
Your sweet and loving care,
We miss you, O dear Mother,
We miss you everywhere.
Sommer.-Anna J. Sommer, daughter of the late Jacob J. and Verena Welty Moser, was born in Sugar Creek Twp., Wayne Co., O.; May 10, 1872; entered into eternal rest March 5, 1944, after a bedfast illness of 5 days with intense suffering from cancer; aged 71 y. 9 m. 24 d. Her entire life was spent in this community. She confessed Christ in her youth and united with the Mennonite Church where she was a loyal member until death. On March 5, 1896, she was united in marriage with Jacob P. Sommer. To this union were born 9 children. A son and 2 daughters and her husband preceded her in death. Mother's constant companions were her Bible and Cowman's devotional book, "Streams in the Desert." Especially during the trying hours of her last illness she found much comfort and encouragement in the promises of God's Word. She always had a cheery smile and a warm welcome for all of us when we came to her home. Now that she is gone we miss her, but heaven seems nearer since she is there. The following children survive: Lloyd E.; Ellen (Mrs. Allen Bixler); Irene (Mrs. Benjamin U. Amstutz); Esther (Mrs. Delvin E. Gerber); and Alma and Rose at home, all from Kidron, O. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 2 brothers (David J. and Martin D. Moser), 2 sisters (Dinah, wife of Daniel P. Sommer, Kidron; and Mrs. Sarah J. Lehman, Orrville), and many relatives and friends. Brief funeral services were held at the home in charge of Bro. Isaac Zuercher. Text, Ps. 4. Further services at the Kidron Mennonite Church were in charge of Bro. Reuben Hofstetter, assisted by A. J. Steiner. Text, Ps. 121:1, 2. Interment in church cemetery.
"Oh, call it not death; 'tis glorious rest,
'Yea,' saith the Spirit, 'for all such are blest.'
They rest from their labors; their work is done,
The goal is attained, the weary race run.
The battle is fought, the struggle is o'er
The crown now replaces the cross they bore,
The pilgrimage path shall be no more trod.
A rest remaineth for the people of God."
Sommers.-Mary Ann (Troyer) Sommers, daughter
of Phineas and Lydia Troyer, was born in Holmes Co.,
O., Oct. 7, 1889; died at Dukes Hospital, Peru, Ind., Feb. 17,
1944; aged 54 y. 4 m. 10 d. Death was caused by a heart
attack following an operation for gallstones. She was married
to Levi Sommers, Nov. 3, 1910. She united with the Amish Church
in her youth and was a faithful member until death. She leaves
to mourn her departure, her bereaved companion,
2 sons (Floyd, in the army at Fort Benjamin, Harrison, Ind.; Ralph,
Nappanee, Ind.), a daughter (Lydia, at home), a granddaughter
(Joyce Condo), 2 brothers and 4 sisters (Noah Troyer, Kokomo,
Ind.; Katie, wife of C. S. Yoder, Bunkerhill, Ind.; Clara, wife
of Andrew Swartzendruber, Amboy, Ind.; Sarah, wife of Perry Helmuth,
Kokomo, Ind.; Ammon Troyer, Greenwood, Del.; and Delilah, wife
of Chauncey Yoder, Muncie, Ind.), an uncle, 2 aunts, and a host
of nieces, nephews and cousins. Those who preceded her in death
were a daughter (Clara, wife of Roland Condo), an infant
son (Walter), father and mother, a brother (Monroe), an infant
sister, and several uncles and aunts. Her kindness and her smiling
face will be missed by her family, the Church, and the neighborhood.
Although loving hands did all they could to save her, God saw
fit to take her home. Funeral services were conducted at the Mennonite
Church, Feb. 21, with Bros. D. O. Burkholder, Nappanee, Ind.;
Eli Tice, Garrett, Pa., Emery Yutzy, Plain City O., and Niles
Slaybauch of this community officiating.
Spiker.-John H. Spiker, son of Michael and Nancy
Spiker, was born near New Castle, Pa., Oct. 5, 1857; passed away
at his home near Wooster, O., Feb. 19, 1944; aged 86. y.
4 m. 14
d. On Dec. 12, 1882, he was married to Amanda Smiley who preceded
him in death Oct. 8, 1939. He is survived by 4 sons and 4 daughters
(Chauncey D., and Roy, Canton O.; Orrie, Massilon; Ralph, North
Canton; Mrs. A. J. Fett, Harlingen, Tex.; Mrs. A. B. Conrad, Wooster;
Mrs. W. C. Hushour, North Canton; and Mrs. David Sommer, at home),
2 brothers, 17 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He was
blessed with exceptionally good health and was prominently known
and highly respected. He died on the farm where he had lived for
the past 65 years. He was a member of the Oak Grove Mennonite
Church, Smithville, O. Funeral services held Feb. 22, at the home
and at the church were conducted by Bros. William G. Detweiler
and J. S. Gerig.
Weber.-Malinda Weber, daughter of the late John Woolner and wife, was born on the Woolner Homestead at Natchez, Oct. 28, 1879; passed away at her home at Parkway, near Kitchener, March 17, 1944, after a brief illness; aged 64 y. 4 m. 18 d. On Feb. 12, 1902, she was united in marriage to Deacon George A. Weber who predeceased her Aug. 21, 1941. During their entire married life they farmed at Parkway. She is survived by 5 daughters (Vera, wife of Urbin Snider, Bloomingdale; Mabel, wife of Clayton Siebert, Kitchener; Edna, wife of Edgar Martin, Elmira; Gladys, wife of Roy Shantz, Kitchener; and Mildred, at home), 3 brothers (Addison and Nelson Woolner, Natchez; and Vernon, Manheim), 2 sisters (Mrs. Levi Cressman, Kitchener; and Mrs. Herbert Burkhardt, Bridgeport), and 11 grandchildren. One daughter died in infancy. She was a lifelong member of the First Mennonite Church. She filled her place as Deaconess in the true way as a servant of the church. Her consistent life, her quiet, poised spirit, and her readiness to serve will always be remembered. She will be missed in the home, community, and church circles. Services were conducted by Bro. C. F. Derstine, assisted by Bros. Merle Shantz and John Kehl. Text, Ps. 116:15.
Yoder.-Ira L., son of Levi B. and Elizabeth Hartzler
Yoder, was born Oct. 15, 1886, near Belleville, Pa. He
was instantly killed in an auto accident near Clarence Center,
N. Y., March 15, 1944; aged 57 y. 5 m. In his early youth he accepted
Christ as his Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church in
which faith he continued loyal until death. On Dec. 21, 1916,
he was united in marriage with Sister Minnie Brubaker, Sterling,
O. To this union a daughter and 3 sons were born, all of whom
survive. In 1917, they started housekeeping in Surrey, N. D. where
on April 23, 1917, he was ordained and called to serve the church
in the office of deacon. This responsibility was sacred to him
and he faithfully tried to serve wherever he was located. In 1922,
they moved to Ulen, Minn., where they served for 3 years.
In the spring of 1926, they came to Clarence Center, N. Y., in
which community they continued to live and serve until his very
sudden death. As a deacon of the church his experiences were many
and varied, both trying and joyful. He endeavored by the grace
of God to fulfill his responsibility with a meek and quiet
spirit both in the home and in the Church. He was a kind, quiet,
loving, faithful, and hardworking husband and father. He had a
great concern for the spiritual welfare of his family as well
as the Church. He leaves to mourn his departure his companion,
a daughter (Miriam, wife of Alvin Jantzi, Williams-ville, N. Y.),
3 sons (Ray, Leroy, and Merrel, all at home), 2 grandchildren,
a brother, and 5 sis-ters. The funeral service was in charge of
Bishop
E. F. Hartzler, Marshallville, O. Others having part in the service
were Bro. John Hostetter, at the home, and Bros. J. W. Birkey,
Burton Weber, S. F. Coffman, and M. H. Roth at the church. Bro.
Noah Miller had charge of the service at the grave. Text, Heb.
4:1.
Brother, thou art sweetly resting,
Here thy toils and cares are o'er;
Pain and sickness, death and sorrow
Never can distress thee more.
Zimmerman.-Leah Martin Zimmerman, daughter of Noah B. and Sarah Ann Martin Zimmerman, Ephrata, Pa., was born near Terre Hill, Pa., Dec. 1, 1898; died at the Lancaster General Hospital after a brief illness, March 13, 1944; aged 45 y. 3 m. 12 d. In her youth she attended the Mt. Airy School for the Deaf for 10 years and spent the remainder of her life in the home of her parents. She united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 18 and lived a quiet, consistent Christian life. She is sur-vived by her parents, the following brothers and sisters: Lydia, wife of Aaron Weaver; Emma, wife of John L. Horst; Mahlon, Stephen, Mary, Ada, and Verna; also 13 nephews and nieces and many other relatives and friends. She will be missed by friends and loved ones, but our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held at the home of her parents and at the Mennonite Church, Ephrata, Pa., March 16, in charge of Bro. Amos S. Horst. Interment at the cemetery of the Martindale Church.
Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.