Burkhalter, Louis, son of Jacob and Fannie (Newcomer) Burkhalter, was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, May 14, 1878; died at the family home near Apple Creek, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1954, following one week's illness caused by a cerebral hemorrhage; aged 76 y. 7 m. He came to this country at the age of 16 years, making his home in the vicinity of Berne, Ind., moving to the Sonnenberg community in 1903. He was baptized and became a member of the Mennonite Church in Switzerland. At the time of his death he was a member of the Kidron Mennonite Church, which he attended faithfully. He was married to Anna Lehman on Nov. 1, 1906. Eight children were born to this union, three preceding him in death. Surviving are his wife, 2 sons (Wilson, Massillon, Ohio, and Lester at home), 3 daughters (Malinda-Mrs. Noah Zuercher, Wooster, Ohio; Emma, at home, and Sarah-Mrs. Jacob S. Miller, Smithville, Ohio), 2 sisters (Alice, Zurich, Switzerland, and Mrs. Dinah Marti, Bezilard, Switzerland), 13 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and 6 great-step grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Kidron Mennonite Church, Nov. 17, with Reuben Hofstetter, Allen Bixler, and D. W. Miller officiating. Burial was made in the church cemetery.
Colon, Victoria Martinez, was born in barrio Llanos of Albonito in the year 1890; died Nov. 20, 1954; aged 64 y. As a child she lived in barrio Llanos until she was married to Antonio Colon in 1915. To this union were born 4 sons (Antonio, Juan, Santos, and Felix). Her husband and son Santos preceded her in death. For the Colon Family there is sadness at her departure, as it is the third member of the family to leave in seven months. While living in Maton of Cayey, our sister heard the Gospel of salvation for the first time, but it was at Rabanal that she finally accepted the invitation of Christ. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," and then accepted Christ as her Saviour and Lord. Together with her husband she was baptized, and received into the Mennonite Church of the Good Shepherd in Rabanal on April 15, 1951. Her baptism took place in bed, since has been ill for 19 years and for 13 years was bedfast. A few weeks ago she took communion while our bishop, T. H. Brenneman, was on the island. A services was held in the Good Shepherd Mennonite Church by the pastor, Lester T. Hershey, after which the body was taken to Cidra Cemetery for burial.
Diem, Mary S., daughter of Aaron and Annie (Sauder) Snader, was born May 1, 1889; passed away Aug. 22, 1954; aged 65 y. 3 m. 21 d. In her youth she accepted Christ and united with the Weaverland Mennonite Church, East Earl, Pa., where she remained faithful until death. On Dec. 21, 1912, she was married to Oscar Diem. She is survived by her husband, 5 sons (Clarence and Melvin, Myerstown; Arthur, Ephrata, Pa.; Aaron and Lloyd, at home), 15 grandchildren, a brother and a sister (Daniel, Narvon, Pa., and Anna-Mrs. Mahlon Witmer, New Holland, Pa.), stepbrothers and sisters (Amanda, Denver, Pa; Mabel-Mrs. Walter Weaver, Martindale; Aaron, East Earl; Moses, New Holland; Sara, Oreville Mennonite Home and Jacob, Denver). Funeral services were held Aug. 25 at the Weaverland Mennonite Church with John Burkholder and David Weaver in charge. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Ernst, Christian, son of Christian and Kate (Moser) Ernst, was born Sept. 16, 1881, in Stratford, Ont.; passed away at his home in Milford, Nebr., Nov. 14, 1954; aged 73 y. 1 m. 29 d. On Dec. 15, 1915, he was united in marriage to Anna (Oswald) Kennel. To this union were born 4 sons and one daughter. One son preceded him in death. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour, united with the Mennonite Church, and was a faithful member of the Milford Mennonite Church at the time of his death. Surviving are his wife, 3 sons (Kenneth, Milford; Lenard, Ferndale, Wash; Lyle, Little Rock, Ark.), one daughter (Darlene, Lincoln, Nebr.), one stepson (Lloyd Kennel, Shelton, Nebr.), and 8 grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Milford Church, Nov. 17, in charge of L. O. Schlegel, assisted by Warren Eicher and Milton Troyer. Burial was made in the Milford Mennonite Cemetery.
Gish, Daniel N., the oldest in years and one of the oldest ministers in service in Lancaster Conference, was born Sept. 22, 1867, in the home of Peter R. and Mary (Nissley) Gish. He grew up in the congregations of Bossler and Good. Hilscher Union Sunday School gave him experience in Sunday-school work, until 1890, he and Seth Ebersole opened up Good's Sunday School as superintendents. He graduated from Millersville State Normal School in 1905, and taught public schools in East and West Donegal and Manor before and after. On June 19, 1898, he married his brother John's widow, Barbara Hoffman (May 24, 1867-Jan. 26, 1944), daughter of Abram and Sarah (Sides) Hoffman. He was ordained a minister of the Gospel Jan. 25, 1907, for the Millersville-Rohrerstown circuit, by Abram B. Herr. He quit teaching and devoted his attention to his charge. He held some revival meetings, was interested in missions and church music, and was early interested in E. M. S. He had marvelous memory, an appreciation of poetry and the cultural, and this was a lasting contribution to his Christian services. His wife's children, Mary and Arthur, were reared in the home. This union was bless with Martha-Mrs. Clayton L. Keener, missionary to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, an infant, and Daniel H., of Lancaster. He is survived by 9 grandchildren, some of whom are also missionaries in Ethiopia and Tanganyika, and 11 great-grandchildren. Services were held at the Millersville Church with Jacob Hess and Landis Shertzer leading. Christian K. Lehman preached from Rev. 2: 10. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Hines, Cora Jane, daughter of John Calvin and Martha Ann Sellars, was born Aug. 31, 1879; departed this life Nov. 12, 1954; aged 75 y. 2 m. 12 d. She was united in marriage to Andrew Jackson Hines March 5, 1898. Her husband passed away March 3, 1918. Two children also preceded her in death. Left to mourn her passing are 8 children (Jesse, Millard, Edna, Lewis, Beulah, Marion, Homer, and Charles), 37 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and other relatives and friends. She lived most of her life in the Montier and Mountain View communities, Arkansas, and was a member of the Mennonite Church. Oney Hathaway officiated at the funeral services.
Martin, Isaac W., guest at the Oreville Mennonite Home, son of Joseph S. and Fannie (Weaver) Martin, was born Oct. 21, 1861; passed away Aug. 30, 1954, in the Lancaster General Hospital, where he was taken when he suddenly became ill; aged 92 y. 10 m. 9 d. He lived in Lancaster Co., Pa., all of his life and was a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church. He taught in the public schools in his native country for 44 years. Since his retirement from teaching (21 years ago) he has been compiling a history of the Martins, descendants of a David Martin, who migrated from Palatinate, Germany, in 1727. He had finished more than 1, 500 handwritten pages before his passing away. He was one of the pioneers in starting Sunday school in this district. Surviving are a son (J. Addison, Lancaster, 2 brothers (Jacob C. Womelsdorf, Pa., and Dr. Daniel W., Manheim, Pa.), 12 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. His wife and 2 daughters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Sept. 3 at the Weaverland Church in charge of Alvin Martin. He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Martin, Moses H., youngest son of Moses W. and Anna (Hoover) Martin, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 24, 1883; died suddenly of a heart attack Nov. 11, 1954; aged 71 y. 3 m. 18 d. He was a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church. His wife, Leah (Sauder), preceded him in death on Jan. 13, 1942. Surviving are the following sons and daughters (Paul L., New Holland, Pa.; Barbara-Mrs. John Gehman, Denver, Pa.; Anna-Mrs. Ross Lynch, Ephrata, Pa.; Bertha-Mrs. Leroy Usner, New Holland, with whom he resided; Gertrude-Mrs. E. Milton Martin, Narvon, and Lester, East Earl, Pa.), 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Funeral services held at the Weaverland Mennonite Church, Nov. 14 were conducted by J. Paul Graybill, Aaron Weaver, David Weaver, and Alvin Martin. Burial was made in the Weaverland Cemetery.
Miller, Susan, daughter of David and Lizzie (Yoder) Weaver, was born Feb. 10, 1881, in Lagrange Co., Ind.; died at the Midland Hospital, Midland, Mich.; aged 73 y. 9m. 9d .On Nov. 15, 1911, she was united in marriage to John Milo Miller, who preceded her in death Dec. 17, 1925. To this union were born 3 daughters (Janet-Mrs. Lloyd Short, Midland; Eloise-Mrs. Harold Groff, Lake Odessa, Mich.; and Pauline, who died at the age of 8 months). Surviving are the 2 daughters, 2 stepsons (Clarence Miller, Lebanon, Mo., and Francis Miller, Grand Rapids, Mich.), 5 grandchildren, 3 sisters (Mary Hostetler and Lizzie Yoder, Middlebury, Ind., and Rose Blough, Windber, Pa.), 2 brothers (Mahlon Weaver, Shipshewana, Ind., and Silas Weaver, Lagrange, Ind.), and many other relatives and friends. Early in life she accepted Christ as her Saviour, uniting with the Forks Mennonite Congregation. Later she transferred her membership to the Bowne congregation, Clarksville, Mich., where she was a member at the time of her death. For the last 12 years she made her home with her daughter, Janet, staying at times with Eloise. On Nov. 2, she suffered a stroke and also had diabetic gangrene. Funeral services were held at the Bowne Church on Nov. 21 in charge of T. E. Schrock and D. A. Yoder. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Reeser, Susan, daughter of John and Phoebe (Ehresman) Good, was born Aug. 28, 1865, near Hopedale, Ill.; peacefully passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Bachman, Metamora, Ill., Nov. 8, 1954; aged 89 y. 2 m. 11 d. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church, later transferring her membership to the Roanoke Mennonite Church, where she was a faithful member. On Jan. 11, 1887, she was united in marriage to John R. Resser. This union was blessed with 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters. Surviving are her husband, who has been bedfast for the past 7 years, one son (Will C., Urbana, Ill.), 2 daughters (Mrs. Esther Garber and Mrs. Mattie Bachman, both of Metamora), 17 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. She is the last surviving member of a family of 7 children. Funeral services were held at the Roanoke Mennonite Church by LeRoy Kennell and Ezra B. Yoder, with burial in the Roanoke Cemetery.
Ressor, Herman C., fourth son of Benjamin B. and Nancy (Hoover) Ressor, was born near Markham, Ont., Oct. 29, 1867; died Oct. 9, 1954, after a period of declining health; aged 86 y. 11 m. 9 d. He lived all his life in Markham Twp., and was a member of the Mennonite Church. In November, 1894, he was married to Lydia Burkholder who died in December, 1929. He is survived by 2 sons (Harvey B., Milverton, Ont., and Frank and home), 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, a brother (Abram L.), and 3 sisters (Esther Grove, Mary Barkey, and Annie-Mrs. Joe Barkey). Five brothers and 2 sisters preceded him. Funeral services were held Oct. 12, at Ressor Mennonite Church in charge of Fred Nighswander and Cecil Ressor. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Roth, Sheryl Ann, infant daughter of Harold and Bonnie Jean Roth, Milford, Nebr., was born Nov. 7, 1954; departed this life Nov. 9; aged 2 days. Besides her parents she is survived by her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. John Roth and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Stutzman), and other relatives. Funeral services were held at the home of William Roth by Oliver Roth and Sterling Stauffer. Interment was made in the East Fairview Cemetery, Milford.
Witmer, Abram E., son of the late Abraham M. and Mary (Eshbach) Witmer, was born April 17, 1879, near Letort, Pa.; passed away June 18, 1954, at his home near Millersville, Pa.; aged 75 y. 2 m. 1 d. As a young man he accepted Jesus as his Saviour and united with the Masonville Mennonite Church where he remained a faithful member his entire life. On Sept. 26, 1906, he was united in marriage with Mary L. Frey, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons and one daughter (A. Lewis, Lancaster, Pa.; Edwin F. and Mary E., at home), one sister (Fannie E.), and one brother (Benjamin E.), both of Millersville. Tow sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral services were held June 22 at the Masonville Mennonite meetinghouse conducted by Christian K. Lehman, assisted by Christian Charles. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Zehr, Darius David, son of Anthony R. and Arlene (Nafziger) Zehr, was born in Lowville, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1951; passed away at the home of his grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew B. Zehr, Oct. 2, 1954; aged 3 y. 7 m. 13 d. He had been ill since birth and suffered much pain. Besides his parents and paternal grandparents, he is survived by 4 brothers and one sister (Ivan, Melvin, Lois, Andrew, and Joseph) and his maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nafziger, Lowville). A prayer service was held at the Croghan Amish Mennonite Church in charge of Lloyd Boshart and Elias Zehr.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas
Good, Ellen, wife of Allen H. Good and daughter of the late Aaron S. and Marie (Martin) Wenger, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., on Sept. 30, 1892; passed away Oct. 25, 1954, after a lingering illness; aged 62 y. 25 d. On June 27, 1939, she was married to Allen H. Good. In addition to her husband, she is survived by the following stepchildren (Samuel Horst, Harrisonburg, Va.; James, Lawrence, Claude, Pauline, Catherine, and Ernest, all of Fleetwood, Pa.; and Barbara-Mrs. John C. Kurtz, Snowhill, Md.), 8 grandchildren, 3 brothers (Martin Wenger, Telford, pa.; Eli, Manheim, Pa., and Addison, New Holland, Pa.), and 5 sisters (Mrs. Maria Martin, Elverson, Pa.; Mrs. Fannie Huber and Alice both of Lancaster, Pa.; Mrs. Barbara Erb, Lititz, Pa., and Mrs. Elizabeth Horning, Bowmansville, Pa.). She was a member of the Vincent Mennonite Church, Spring City, Pa., and served as a teacher in the Sunday school of Oley Mennonite Church. Funeral services at the Vincent Mennonite Church were in charge of John Glick and Omar Kurtz, assisted by Elmer Kolb and Jacob Kolb. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Hurst, Elsie Viola, daughter of the late Reuben S. and Mary Magdalena Rhodes, was born Oct. 14, 1885, near Dayton, Va.; passed away at the General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa.; Oct. 1, 1954; aged 68 y. 11 m. 17 d. On Nov. 1, 1908, she was untied in marriage to Henry G. Hurst, East Earl, Pa. In early womanhood she united with the Pleasant View Mennonite Church, in Va., but later transferred her membership to the Weaverland Mennonite Church, East Earl, Pa., where she remained faithful until death. Her health began to fail 7 years ago, due to diabetes and heart trouble. For the past 4 years her eyesight had been failing and she suffered much at times. On Sept. 20, she was admitted to the hospital. Death was due to complications. Besides her companion, she leaves one son (Reuben, East Earl), one daughter (Mary V.-Mrs. Henry W. Martin, Ephrata, Pa.), 14 grandchildren, and these brothers and sisters (Raleigh, Emmer, Lewis, Welister, Peter, all of Dayton; Ida-Mrs. Minor Landis, Harrisonburg, Va.; Nettie-Mrs. Amos Wenger and Mary-Mrs. Henry Wenger, Dayton, Va.). Funeral services were held Oct. 4 with Hershey Sensenig and Joseph Weaver officiating at the Weaverland Church.
Weaver, Vera L., daughter of Joseph and Phoebe (Brubaker) Stahl, was born March 22, 1900, in Snyder Co., Pa.; passed away peacefully at the Lancaster General Hospital, Nov. 18, 1954, after a brief illness; aged 54 y. 7 m. 27 d. On Nov. 19, 1927, she was united in marriage to James S. Weaver, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons and one daughter (Jesse, Myerstown, Pa.; Wayne and Lee, both of Ephrata, Pa., and Phoebe-Mrs. Warren Hoover, at home), 3 grandchildren, 4 brothers and 5 sisters (Candidus-Mrs. Jesse Lehman, Myerstown, Pa.; Francis and Clara-Mrs. Martin Weaver, both of Ephrata, Pa.; Margie-Mrs. Phares Marti, and Joseph, both of New Holland, Pa.; Stella-Mrs. Levi Stauffer, Freeburg, Pa.; Nevin and Noah, both of Port Trevorton, Pa.; and Cathrine-Mrs. Jared Stauffer, Martindale, Pa.). One son, James, preceded her in death five years ago. She was a member of the Springville Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Nov. 21 in charge of Luke Good and Joseph Hostetter. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Yoder, Elva E., son of Elias and Elizabeth (Helmuth) Yoder, was born Aug. 20, 1902, near Arthur, Ill.; departed this life on Nov. 27, 1954, at the Elkhart General Hospital , Elkhart, Ind.; aged 52 y. 3m. 7 d. He was united in marriage to Lydiann Mast, Aug. 5, 1924. Surviving are his wife, 8 children (Merlin, Delbert, Berniece, Lewis, Wilma, Eugene, Betty and Gerald all of near Nappanee), 12 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Jennie Nissley and Mary Alice Miller), and one foster brother (Welby Kurtz). One daughter (Mary Jane) preceded him. He confessed Christ as Saviour and was received into the Howard-Miami Church in 1925, and later transferred his membership to the North Main St. Church in Nappanee. Services were conducted in Nappanee with Homer F. North officiating. Burial was made in the South Union Cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Beck, Eli, son of Peter and Catherine (Nofziger) Beck, was born near Archbold, Ohio, June 5, 1864; passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Enos Roth, Wauseon, Ohio, Nov. 20, 1954; aged 90 y. 5 m. 15 d. Early in life he accepted Christ as his Saviour, united with the Mennonite Church in Fulton Co., Ohio, and was a faithful member of the Lockport congregation until death. On Nov. 12, 1891, he was united in marriage with Katie Short. On May 14, 1914, his companion was called home, leaving him with 6 of the 7 children, who had come to bless their home. He is survived by 4 daughters and one son (Ada-Mrs. Enos Roth; Myra-Mrs. Aaron Stuckey; Verna-Mrs. Simon Frey, all of Wauseon; Gladys of Archbold, and Milton, of Wauseon), 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Edna Amstutz, West Unity, Ohio), and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his companion, 2 sons (George and Peter), 3 sisters and 5 brothers. He lived his entire life in the vicinity of his birth. Three weeks before his death he was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage which caused partial paralysis, and his condition steadily grew worse. Funeral services were held at the Lockport Church on Nov. 23, in charge of Jesse Short, Maynard Wyse, Walter Stuckey, and E. B. Frey. Burial was made in the Lockport Cemetery.
Brenneman, Dorothy Carol, daughter of John and Mary (Dowling) Brenneman, was born June 27, 1953, at Norfolk, Va.; was called home Nov. 21, 1954; aged one year, 4 mo. 25 d. Surviving besides her parents, are her grandmother (Mrs. M. L. Dowling, Knoxville, Tenn.), and her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. John W. Brenneman, Denbigh, Va., Nov. 24, conducted by John H. Shenk and Truman Brunk, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Brubaker, Annie (Musser), widow of Pre. Ammon G. Brubaker, was born Nov. 14, 1880; passed away at the home of her daughters, Ruth and Esther, near her birthplace, Juniata Co., Pa., Sept. 21, 1954. Two sons (Roy and Norman), 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and 2 brothers also survive. She had been an invalid suffering from arthritis for 30 years and was an example to many, of patience and cheerfulness in trials and suffering, and a manifest concern for others in the natural and spiritual life. Funeral services were held Sept. 24 at the Lost Creek Church in charge of William Graybill, Banks Weaver, Donald Lauver, and Raymond Lauver. Interment was made in adjoining cemetery.
Brunk, Graveside services were held at Weaver's Cemetery, Harrisonburg, Va., for the identical infant twin daughters of Dr. James R. and Thelma (Ketterman) Brunk by Oliver Keener. The twins were stillborn in University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, Va., Nov. 24, 1954. They are survived by one brothers, James Robert, Jr.
Gingerich, Moses J., Hartville, Ohio, was born Jan. 13, 1888, at Millersburg, Ohio; passed away on Nov. 13, 1954, at the Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio, where he spent one day after suffering a few days from coronary thrombosis; aged 66 y. 10 m. On Nov. 21, 1912, he was united in marriage to Lydia Stoltzfus. Surviving are his companion, 5 sons (Jonas, Noah, Elmer, and Moses, Jr., of Hartville, and John of Harrisonburg, Va.), 4 daughters (Elizabeth, Verna, Betty, Marie, and Ann of the home), 16 grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Ed. Hostetler, Howe, Ind.), 8 brothers (Jacob, Shipshewana, Ind.; Eli, Hutchinson, Kans.; John, Hubbard, Oreg.; Sam, Jonas, Levi, and Chris, of Plain City, Ohio, and Dan, of Mt. Hope, Ohio), and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted Nov. 16 at the Maple Grove Conservative Church where Andrew Jantzi, Lester Wyse, and Roman Miller gave brief talks, and Milo Stutzman, preached the sermon. Burial was made in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Hartzler, Salina, daughter of Levi and Fannie (Byler) Kauffman, was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., Aug. 15, 1861, and after a brief illness died Dec. 2, 1954, at her home in West Liberty, Ohio. While a young woman she accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized into the fellowship of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church near West Liberty, Ohio, where she was a life member. On March 8, 1888, she was married to Benjamin Hartzler, who died Nov. 3, 1909. Surviving are 2 daughters (Alice-Mrs. Abraham King, Harrisonburg, Va., and Lola-Mrs. Amos Hostetler, West Liberty, Ohio), 9 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one brother (J. B. Kauffman), and a number of relatives and friends. An infant son, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters preceded her. Funeral services were at the Oak Grove Mennonite Church were in charge of Abram Kauffman, assisted by Edward Stoltzfus. Interment was made in the Hooley Cemetery near the church.
Heller, Amanda, daughter of Isaac and Katie (Stauffer) Stauffer, was born May 13, 1883, near Bachmansville, Pa.; departed this life Oct. 23, 1954; aged 71 y. 5 m. 13 d., at the Oreville Mennonite Home, near Lancaster, Pa., where she and her husband were guests for the past 6 years. She accepted Christ as her Saviour in her teens and united with the Landis Valley Mennonite Church. On Feb. 19, 1907, she was married to John H. Heller, who preceded her in death 7 months before. After her marriage she was a member of the Mellinger Mennonite Church, where she and her husband remained faithful members to the end. She is survived by one foster daughter (Vera-Mrs. Wayne Hottenstein, Lancaster, Pa.), 2 foster grandsons, one brother (John, Palmyra, Pa.). Services were held at the Mellinger Mennonite Church, Oct. 27, with David Landis and Harry Lefever officiating. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Herr, Oscar, son of Benjamin and Caroline (Smeltzer) Herr, was born Dec. 6, 1877; died at his home in Nappanee, Ind., Dec. 1, 1954, after an illness of about one year; aged 76 y. 11 m. 25 d. The greater portion of his life was spent at the carpenter trade. He was married to Sarah Osborn, Dec. 23, 1908. To this union was born one daughter, Verna Bleile. His wife died in 1915, and on Dec. 25, 1919, he was united in marriage to Martha Lehman, who passed away in 1944. He accepted Christ as his Saviour and was received into the fellowship of the North Main St. Mennonite Church, Nappanee, in which faith he died. Besides his daughter, he is also survived by one grandchild, 2 great-grandchildren, 5 brothers (Charles, Goshen, Ind.; Floyd, Foraker, Ind.; Roy, Nappanee, Lester and Elmer of South Bend); 2 sisters (Mrs. Frank Seares, Goshen, and Mrs. Arthur Seares), and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted by Wm. McGrath and Homer F. North with burial in the Union Cemetery.
Hostetler, Christian A., son of Jonathan and Melinda (Smucker) Hostetler, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, on Nov. 10, 1900. He was fatally injured in an auto accident on Dec. 2, 1954, and died at the age of 54 y. 22 d. In 1930, he was united in marriage to Elma Yoder, who died in a similar accident on Dec. 6, 1936. His parents, a sister, Mrs. Saloma Shank, also preceded him in death. Surviving are one son and one daughter (Clair, Akron, Ohio, and Mary Ann, a student at Goshen College), 6 brothers (David, Ammon J., Chauncey V., Paul, Harry, of Orrville, Ohio, and Boyd of Wooster, Ohio), 2 sisters (Mrs. Harvey Hartzler of Marshallville, Ohio, and Mrs. C. W. Birkbeck, of Wooster), and many other relatives and friends. In his youth he confessed Christ as his Saviour and united with the Salem Mennonite Church, Wooster, Ohio. In 1932 he transferred his membership to the Oak Grove Mennonite Church near Smithville, Ohio, where he remained an active and faithful member until his death. Funeral services were held at the Oak Grove Church on Dec. 5 with V.M. Gerig officiating. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Hunsberger, Lydia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Detweiler, was born April 25, 1920; died Nov. 16, 1954, in giving birth to a baby son; aged 34 y. 6 m. 22 d. She was married to Earl H. Hunsberger, Jr., on Jan. 21, 1940. Surviving are her husband, 4 daughters (Kathryn, Phyllis, Mary Lou, Juanita), and baby son (William Earl), and her parents (Mr. and Mrs. Howard Detweiler, Souderton, Pa.). She was an active member of the Doylestown Mennonite Church. Funeral services conducted by Silas Graybill and assisted by John E. Lapp, were held in the Doylestown Church, Nov. 20, 1954.
Keagy, Joseph E., son of Henry H. and Mary Ann (Heagy) Keagy, was born at Hanover, Pa., April 1, 1894; died after along illness at his home, Washington Boro, Pa.; aged 60 y. 7m. 2 d. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Savior and remained a faithful member to the end. On Jan. 4, 1914, he was united in marriage to Katie S. Dombach. To this union were born 7 children: 3 daughters died in infancy. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, one daughter (Verna-Mrs. D. Charles Eshbach, Ronks, Pa.), 3 sons (Charles E., Manheim, Pa.; Paul L., and Robert J., Washington Boro, Pa.), 8 grandchildren, one brother (Roy, Washington Boro), and one sister (Verta-Mrs. Edward Day, Hanover, Pa.). Funeral services were held Nov. 6 at the Habecker Mennonite Church were in charge of Christian Lehman, Benjamin Miller, and Christian B. Charles. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Lehman, Aaron J., son of the late John P and Mary (Zuercher) Lehman, was born April 19, 1896, near Kdiron, Ohio; passed away Nov. 29, 1954, at his home after year's illness; aged 58 y. 7 m. 10 d. He spent his entire life in the Kidron community where he was engaged in farming and fruit growing. Early in youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a member of the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church where he remained a faithful member until death. On March 6, 1919, he was united in marriage to Edna Amstutz, who survives. To this union were born 4 sons and one daughter (Vernon and Nathan of Dalton; Freeman and Louis at Goshen College, Goshen, Ind., and Martha-Mrs. Clair Geiser, of the home). Also surviving are 4 brothers (Simon, David, and Martin of Kidron, and Weldon of Wooster, Ohio), 6 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services at the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church on Dec. 2, were conducted by James K. Stauffer. Interment was made in the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Miller, John D., son of Daniel P. and Anna (Hershberger) Miller, was born in Hickory Co., Mo., May 1, 1871; died Nov. 21, 1954; aged 83 y. 6 m. 23 d. His death was due to brain hemorrhages caused by hardening of the arteries from which he had suffered for several years. On Dec. 25, 1892, he was married to Malinda Mehl, who preceded him in 1942. To this union were born 10 children. Surviving are the following: (Otis M., Kouts, Ind.; Edith, Mrs. Daniel Yoder, and Bessie-Mrs. Daniel Hooley, both of Middlebury, Ind.; Perry J., Shipshewana, Ind.; Harold J., Topeka, Ind., and Vernon E., Middlebury, Ind.), his second wife Barbara (Yoder) Miller, to whom he married April 25, 1946; 3 brothers and 2 sisters (Henry, Clarence, and Ervin) preceded him in death. In early youth he united with the Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until death. Funeral services were held at the Forks Mennonite Church, Nov. 24, in charge of Malvin Miller, Donald Yoder, and Earley Bontrager. Burial was made in the Forest Grove Cemetery.
Miller, Uriah Y., son of Yost C. and Lydia (Mishler) Miller, was born Feb. 12, 1874, in Lagrange Co., Ind.; passed away Nov. 25, 1954; aged 80 y. 9 m. 11 d. , at the home of his son, Homer, Shipshewana, Ind., where he and his companion resided since the illness of his companion. His death was the result of complications, caused by a heart condition. On Dec. 6, 1892, he was united in marriage to Barbara E. Misher. To this union 4 sons and one daughter were born. Surviving are his companion, 3 sons (Ora B., Lagrange; Homer J., Shipshewana; and Ralph R., Toledo, Ohio), 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 5 brothers (Samuel, Arlington, Va.; George, Mahlon, and Irvin, Shipshewana, and Perry, Elkhart, Ind.). He gave his heart to the Lord in his early manhood and united with the Mennonite Church, in which faith he lived to the end. Funeral services conducted at the Emma Mennonite Church, where he held fellowship for many years, were in charge of O. S. Hostetler, assisted by Amos O. Hostetler and Ivan M. Miller.
Roth, Eliza Ann, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Roth) Wyse, was born near Wayland, Iowa, Oct. 23, 1880. She grew up and lived in the same community all her life. She accepted Christ as her Saviour in her youth, uniting with the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church of which she was a member at the time of her death. She lived with her parents on the farm until they passed away. For some time she was at home with a widowed sister who children were small. Later she lived with Mollie Goldsmith a crippled lady. They lived together 27 years. When the responsibilities of the work became too heavy for her impaired health she purchased a property and established a home of her own, which was her late home. On Wednesday, Dec. 1, a lady living next door to her called at her home but, receiving no response, she called Eliza's brother. He gained an entrance and found his sister in her bed in the cold embrace of death. Circumstantial evidences seem to indicate that she had passed away some time during Monday night, Nov. 29, 1954; aged 74 y. 1 m. 6 d. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, and one brother Surviving are 3 sisters and one brother (Mrs. Clara Moor, Salem, Oreg.; Sarah-Mrs. Dan Alliman; Viola-Mrs. Dan G. Widmer, and Sam, all of the Wayland Community), besides many other relatives and friends. The funeral was held Dec. 3 at the Sugar Creek Church with Vernon Roth and Simon Gingerich in charge.
Schultz, Barbara, daughter of Christian and Catherine (Bender) Zehr, was born in South Easthope, Ont., Sept. 13, 1879; passed away in the Stratford General Hospital, July 20, 1954; aged 74 y. 10 m. 7 d. She was married to John L. Schultz on Sept. 26, 1901, and was a devoted member of the Poole A. M. Church. She is survived by her husband, 2 sons (Elmer, North Easthope, and Allan, on the homestead), 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. John Wiecker, North Easthope, 3 brothers (Peter B., Baden, Ont.; Chris, Tavistock, Ont., and Andrew, South Easthope). One brother predeceased her. Funeral services were held July 24, 1954, in the Poole A. M. Church with Moses H. Roth in charge, assisted by Valentine Nafziger. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Shirk, David G., son of Abraham and the late Emma (Good) Shirk, was born April 6, 1901; died at his home near Mohnton, Pa.; aged 53 y. 7 m. 13 d. He went to bed in his usual health , but in the early hours of the morning he passed away in his sleep from acute dilation of the heart. He was baptized March 11, 1917, and became a member of the Bowmansville Mennonite Church. After his marriage to Fannie Weber, Jan. 27, 1923, he was active in the church at Gehman's until the time of his death. In his service as church chorister on the Sunday evening prior to his passing, his final selection was "Thou Art the Way, The Truth, the Life." Surviving are his wife, one foster son (M. Harold Palmer), his father, one brother (Wayne), and 3 sisters (Sallie, Alice-Mrs. William Weber, and Mary-Mrs. Amos Burkhart). Funeral services were held at the Bowamansville Mennonite Church in charge of Benj. Weaver and Howard Good. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Short, Sarah Ann, daughter of Joseph C. and Mary (Klopfenstein) Short, was born in Fulton Co., Ohio, Jan. 26, 1879; passed to her eternal reward at the home of her son Sylvan, Archbold, Ohio, on Nov. 23, 1954; aged 75 y. 9 m. 28 d. Early in life she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church in Allen Co., Ind., later transferring to the church in Fulton Co., Ohio, and was a faithful member of the Lockport congregation until death. On Jan. 12, 1905, she was united in marriage with John S. Short, who preceded her on Jan. 23, 1927. Six children came to bless their home. She is survived by 3 sons and one daughter (Sylvan R., and Glen, W., Archbold; John J., West Unity, Ohio, and Viola-Mrs. John Miller, Fayette, Ohio), 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 2 sisters (Mrs. Mary Neuhouser, Grabill, Ind., and Mrs. Emma Allison, Stryker, Ohio), also many other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, 2 sons (Clifford and Jesse), and 2 brothers. Her health began failing about 12 years ago, but the last 3 months were days of suffering. Funeral services were held at the Lockport Church, Nov. 25, 1954, in charge of Simon Stuckey. Burial was made in the Lockport cemetery.
Unruh, Mary, daughter of Adam and Eva Eck, was born Nov. 6, 1886, near Moundridge, Kans.; departed this life Nov. 23, 1954, at the Joslin Hospital, Harper, Kans.; aged 68 y. 17 d. On Mar 11, 1906, she was married to Daniel J. Unruh. To this union were born 5 children (Irvin A., and J. Lee, both of Harper; Denver J., of Corvallis, Oreg.; Orvel C., deceased, and Alta Mae-Mrs. Glen Crawford, Potwin, Kans.), She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, one grandchild, 3 sisters, and 4 brothers. Early in life she united with the New Hoepdale Mennonite Church near Meno, Okla. Later, moving with her family to the Harper community, she united with the Pleasant Valley Mennonite church. Surviving beside the immediate family, are 3 brothers (Henry and Dan Eck, Meno, Okla., and Eben Eck, Ringwood, Okla.), 2 sisters (Lena Koehn, Meno, Okla., and Eva Unruh, Lynnwood, Calif.), 10 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Heatwole, Amos David, son of the late Peter S. and Nancy Heatwole, was born July 18, 1879, at Dale Enterprise, Va.; passed away at his home in Dale Enterprise Oct. 7, 1954; aged 75 y. 2m. 19 d. He served as a minister in the Middle District of Virginia Conference for 43 years. Four years of his ministry were spent in mission work in the mountains of West Virginia. For the past number of years he served as pastor of the Rawley Springs congregation west of Harrisonburg, Va. He had been in failing health for the past six months. The cause of his death was diagnosed as cancer of the stomach. He possessed a kind and friendly personality which endeared him to all who knew him. He was ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Bro. Heatwole was twice married. His first wife, the former Sallie Johnson, preceded him in death Dec. 23, 1918. To this first marriage were born seven children, 6 of whom survive him (Mrs. Zelda Rohrer, who died Jan. 4, 1931; Cleda-Mrs. William Keller, Reamstown, Pa.; Nina-Mrs. Weaver Layman, Harrisonburg, Va.; Arlene-Mrs. Harold Eshleman, Harrisonburg, Va.; Nellie-Mrs. Samuel Early, Dayton, Va., and Herman Heatwole, Harrisonburg, Va.) On Dec. 27, 1925, he married Effie Showalter, who survives him. To this marriage was born one daughters (Dorothy-Mrs. Winston Smith, Harrisonburg, Va.). Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, a sister (Mrs. E.W. Burkholder, Harrisonburg, Va.), and Leonard Shank, Harrisonburg, Va., who lived in the Heatwole home for a number of years. A granddaughter (Mary Catherine Davis) preceded him in death. Funeral services were conducted Oct. 9, from Weaver's Church near Harrisonburg, Va. Interment was in Weaver's Cemetery. Brethren participating in the services were: S. H. Rhodes, Richard S. Weaver, William Jennings, D. W. Lehman, Harold H. Lahman, and Lloyd Horst.
Kauffman, Hiram, son of John and Catherine Kauffman, was born Aug. 19, 1878; passed away suddenly at his home, Nov. 7, 1954; aged 78 y. 2 m. 19 d. Death was due to a heart attack. On Oct. 19, 1902, he was united in marriage to Clara Weaver and to this union were born 8 children. He is survived by his wife, 4 sons (Ralph, Inkster, Mich.; Clarence, Seattle, Wash.; Truman, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Roy, Clarksville, Mich.), 4 daughters (Mrs. Alma Nelson, Shipshewana, Ind.; Mrs. Bernice Suckling, Livermore, Calif.; Mrs. Rita Stein, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Dorothy, at home), 24 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and one brother (John, Clarksville, Mich.). Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death. He was a member of the Bowne Mennonite Church for many years and was present for communion the Sunday forenoon of the day of his death. His entire life was lived in Campbell Twp., Ionia Co., near Clarksville, Mich. Funeral services were held at the Bowne Mennonite Church Nov. 10, with T. E. Schrock and Daniel Zook in charge. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Martin, Samuel Alvey, son of the late Samuel H. and Catherine (Shank) Martin, was born Dec. 7, 1880, at Clear Spring, Md.; died Oct. 25, 1954, at his home near Greencastle, Pa.; aged 73 y. 10 m. 18 d. He had been in failing health for two years but death came suddenly from a heart attack. In his early youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Cedar Grove Mennonite Church. Before his marriage he worked at the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa., and was very much interested in mission work in East Scottdale, where there is established work at the present time. On May 23, 1909, he was united in marriage to Bertha K. Metzler of Martinsburg, Pa., where they lived for a number of years following their marriage He with his family later moved to their present address where he was active in the work of the church until his death. On Sunday morning he taught a Sunday-school class in his home church and gave a testimony for his Lord at the Williamson Mennonite Church on Sunday evening about six hours before his death. Surviving are his wife, 2 sons (A. Paul, Greencastle, Pa.; and Clarence S., Maugansville, Md.), one daughter (Martha E.-Mrs. Thomas, Greencastle, Pa.), 7 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a brother (Harvey Hagerstown, Md.), and a sister (Martha, Chicago, Ill.). Funeral services were held at the Cedar Grove Mennonite Church Oct. 28, with Abram Baer, Norman Martin, and C. A. Graybill officiating. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.