Gospel Herald Obituaries - February, 1954

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVII , Number 5 - February 2, 1954-page 118, 119, 120

Baer, Ephraim, son of the late Henry and Leah (Bowman) Baer, was born in Zurich, Ont., Jan. 24, 1877; passed away suddenly at his home Dec. 8, 1953; aged 76 y. 11 m. 15 d. In 1904 he married Lovina Nahrgang, who survives. Also surviving are 7 sons and 7 daughters (Oscar and Mervin, of New Dundee; Sylvester, of Manitoba; Moses, Jeremiah and Martin, of Bright; Allan, of North Dakota; Zelma, of Elmira; Leah and Mary, at home; Vinetta, of India; Barbara-Mrs. Gordon Bindernagle, of Kitchener; Martha, of Toronto; and Viola-Mrs. Roderick McKenzie, of Galt). From his youth he was a faithful member of the Biehn Mennonite Church. We praise God for calling him home without suffering, for he fell asleep to awaken with Jesus. Funeral services Dec. 11, were in charge of C. C. Cressman and M. H. Roth.

Brunk, Mary Martin, daughter of the late Henry and Fannie Martin, was born May 29, 1875, at Hagerstown, Md.; passed away Dec. 16, 1953, at Goshen, Ind.; aged 78 y. 6 m. 17 d. On Sept. 2, 1897, she was married to J. D. Brunk, who preceded her in death in 1926. To them were given 8 children, 5 of whom survive their mother (Hermione-Mrs. Dorsa Yoder, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Fannie-Mrs. Harry Leatherman, Uniondale, N. Y.; Mary-Mrs. Homer Bartow, Goshen, Ind.; J. Milton and Niemann, both of Frederick, Md.). Sister Brunk became a Christian in her early years, and shared sympathetically in the active life of her husband. This service, particularly in the interests of church music, brought into their lives a wide circle of friends. The funeral services were held Dec. 19 at the Culp Funeral Home and the Union Auditorium at Goshen College. These services were in charge of Levi C. Hartzler, Sanford C. Yoder, and John H. Mosemann, with interment in the Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, Ind.

Busch, Anna Katherine, daughter of the late Gottlieb and Marie (Bolland) Aschenbrenner, was born Jan. 27, 1883, at Kassel, Germany; died Jan. 5, 1954; aged 70 y. 11m. 9 d. At eight months of age she came to America with her parents. She became a member of the Mennonite Church under the ministry of the late A. H. Leaman. For many years she was superintendent of the primary department of the Mennonite Home Mission, Chicago. In 1916 she was married to Ole Martenson, who preceded her in death in March, 1935. On Feb. 18, 1937, she was married to Fred C. Busch, who survives her. She is also survived by one brother (Fred, Downers Grove, Ill.), a number of nephews and nieces, and many friends. On Oct. 24, 1953, Bro. and Sister Busch came to the Mennonite Home Mission for communion but were unable to stay for services because of Sister Busch's health. From that time on she was not well. However, on the day of her death she desired to visit some friends in Aurora, Ill. After a pleasant time the couple left and started for their home in Glen Ellyn and while en route the Lord called her home to glory. Funeral services were held Jan.9 at the Leonard Funeral Home, Glen Ellyn, Ill., in charge of J. Otis Yoder. Interment was made in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Ernst, Terry Lynn and Garry Lee, twin sons of Dean and Jacqueline Ernst, were born Dec. 21, 1953, and passed away at the St. Francis Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colo., a short time after birth. Graveside services were held at the Rose Lawn Cemetery near Colorado Springs on Dec. 24 by Jess Kauffman.

Feicht, Samuel E., son of Gideon and Susanna Meley Feicht, was born June 7, 1868; passed away Dec. 20, 1953, at the Salem City Hospital, Salem, Ohio; aged 85 y. 6 m. 13 d. He leaves one son (Oscar, of Salem), 4 daughters (Mrs. Raymond Elser, North Lima, Ohio; Mrs. Harland Schaefer, Mrs. Dorie Dawson and Mrs. Albert Gray, all of Youngstown, Ohio), a brother (Jonas, of Salem), 19 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He became a member of the Mennonite Church some years ago and remained a faithful member until death. His wife, the former, Amanda Culp, whom he married Dec. 18, 1890, preceded him in death June 8, 1948. Funeral services were held at the Midway Church in charge of David C. Steiner, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Grove, Amelia Gertrude, daughter of Peter and Magdaline Butler Hirste, was born Aug. 7, 1877, near Cullom, Ill.; was called to her eternal rest Dec. 29, 1953; aged 76 y. 4 m. 22 d. Death was attributed to a heart attack following a lingering illness. At the age of 12 she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour during evangelistic meetings conducted by Bro. John S. Coffman. She became a member of the Mennonite Church and remained faithful throughout her life. Prior to her marriage she assisted with the work at the Mennonite Home in Chicago for nearly two years. On Oct. 30, 1907, she was united in marriage with William M. Grove. Two daughters were born to this union. Her husband preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 1929. A brother (Samuel) and a sister (Clara) also preceded her in death. Surviving are 2 daughters (Magdaline Elizabeth-Mrs. Noah Neuenschwander, Garden City, Mo., and Mary Amelia-Mrs. Walter Harms, Flanagan, Ill.), 2 grandsons (Danny and David Harms), and many nephews and nieces. Funeral services were held at Sycamore Grove Church in charge of R. P. Horst and W. R. Hershberger. Burial was in the Clearfork Cemetery.

Hackman, Emma S., daughter of the late Jonas D. and Hannah (Shoemaker) Swartley, was born in Franconia Township, Pa.; died Oct. 18, 1953, at her home in Telford, Pa., after an illness of two years; aged 47 y. She was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church. Surviving are her husband, Henry S. Hackman, 2 sisters (Mrs. Howard McClemmer, Harleysville, Pa., and Mrs. Melvin L. Moyer, Harleysville, Pa.), and a brother (Abraham, Telford, Pa.), Funeral services were held at the Franconia Mennonite Church in charge of Menno B. Souder and Elwood Derstine, with interment in adjoining cemetery.

Helmuth, stillborn son of Sam and Wilma Helmuth, was born Nov. 7, 1953, at Canton, Ohio. Surviving are his parents and one brother (Ralph). Services were held at the grave on Nov. 8, in charge of Allen B. Ebersole assisted by O. N. Johns.

Hull, Mamie, daughter of Jobe and Loy Dell Hull, was born near Plainville, Ill, March 20, 1904; died in Levering Hospital, Hannibal, Mo., Jan. 9, 1954; aged 49 y. 9 m. 20 d. She was married to Earl Landingham and after his death retained her maiden name. In August, 1950, she became a member of the Hannibal Mennonite Mission Church, and although her life was one of many hardships and sufferings she gave herself wholly to the service of God and was a faithful member until death. She is survived by 3 children (James, Jackie and Joy Dell), and one half brother (Omer George, Joplin, Mo.). Funeral services were in charge of Nelson Kauffman and Harold Kreider. Interment was made at Kinderhook, Ill.

Martin, Hattie Louise, daughter of Noah and Barbara Ann Flook Wilkinson, was born Nov. 16, 1866; died Dec. 18, 1953; aged 87 y. 1 m. 2 d. Her husband, Eli, preceded her in death in 1948. Her only survivors are a number of nieces and nephews. Sister Martin became a Christian and was baptized on Nov. 15, 1948. Shortly after this she was remarried to her former husband, Eli, from who she had been divorced for a number of years. He lived about ten days after the remarriage. Those who knew her the closing years of her life can testify to her radiant Christian testimony. Funeral services were held at the Stiver Funeral Home with Russell Krabill in charge. Burial was made in the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Miller, Raymond Lavold, son of Mrs. Edwin D. Miller, was born at Middlebury, Ind., July 6, 1914; was killed instantly in an auto crash near Goshen, Ind., Dec. 29, 1953; aged 39 y. 5 m. 23 d. He was married to Violet Oswald on March 27, 1937. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, 5 children (Donna Eileene, 15; Gary Lavoid 12; Doris Jeanne 7; Michael and Sara Marie 2), his mother, the following brothers and sisters (Elsie-Mrs. William Nelson; Clarence and Emma-Mrs. Jake Birky, all of Valparaiso, Ind.; Roy, of Bristol; Edwin E., of Elkhart; Harley and Alvin, of Middlebury; Elmer, Ora, Ralph, and Verna-Mrs. John Bickel, all of Goshen; Saide-Mrs. Harold Plank, of Leesburg, Ind.), and a large host of other relatives and friends. On Nov. 10, 1950, he was preceded in death by his father, who was the first to break the family circle. Funeral services were held Jan. 1, at the North Goshen Mennonite Church, where he was a member, with Paul Mininger and Russell Krabill in charge. Burial was made in the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Nisley, Mattie, daughter of John K. and Lydia Miller, was born at Middlebury, Ind., Sept. 2, 1891; died at her home at Goshen, Ind., Dec. 4, 1953, after an illness of five months; aged 62 y. 3 m. 2 d. Death was caused by a brain tumor. She was a faithful member of the North Goshen Mennonite Church until the time of her death. Surviving are 3 daughters (Laura-Mrs. Gerald Hoffer, Motley, Minn.; Lena-Mrs. Harry Peachy, New Holland, Pa.; and Carol-Mrs. Robert Maust, Goshen, Ind.), one son (LeRoy, Goshen), and 2 sisters (Alice and Mary Ann Miller, Both of Middlebury). Her husband and two daughters (Louella and Lydia) preceded her in death. Funeral services were held at the North Goshen Mennonite Church, Dec. 8, in charge of Russell Krabill and Paul Mininger. Burial was made in the Miller Cemetery.

Otto, Roger Eddy, son of Junior and Nancy (Beachy) Otto, Hartville, Ohio, was born Dec. 10, 1953, and passed away eight hours later. He is survived by his parents, a brother (William Dean), a sister (Patricia Ann), his maternal grandparents, a great-grandmother, and his paternal grandmother. Graveside services were held by O. N. Johns at the Hartville Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Rohrer, Daniel H., son of the late Israel and Anna (Hess) Rohrer, was born near Leaman Place, Feb. 14, 1871; peacefully departed this life at the Lancaster General Hospital Sept. 29, 1943, a few hours after he had been struck by a car as he was going to cross the highway; aged 82 y. 7 m. 14 d. In February, 1898, he was married to Lydia K. Denlinger, who preceded him in death. To this union were born 3 children (Virginia, who died in infancy; Esther D.-Mrs. C. B. Groff, and Israel D., of Lancaster, Pa.). He also leaves 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mattie L. Rohrer, of Virginia). He was a lifelong member of Mellinger's Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the church in charge of Harry Lefever, Reuben Stoltzfus, and Elmer Martin. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Sears, Austin John, son of Chris and Barbara (Springer) Sears, was born Dec. 17, 1894, at Tiskilwa, Ill.; passed away Jan. 11, 1954, after a lingering illness; aged 59 y. 25d. He was married to Amanda Bachman on Jan. 1, 1918. This union was blessed with 3 children. Two infants preceded their father in death. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and one son (Wayne, Tiskilwa, Ill.), 3 grandchildren (Lydia, Gary and Billy), 5 sisters and 3 brothers (Mrs. Hattie Nafziger, Oakland Calif.; Phoebe Nafziger, Tiskilwa; Mrs. Alvin Smucker, Buda, Ill.; Mrs. Harvey Sears, Mrs. Ira Summer, and Mrs. Tilman Imhoff, all of Washington, Ill.; Chris, Tiskilwa; Emery, Normal, Ill.), and a host of friends. At the age of 15 he was baptized and became a member of the Willow Springs Church, Tiskilwa, Ill., on Jan. 13, with the pastor in charge. Burial was in the Willow Springs Cemetery.

Stoltzfus, Mary, daughter of David and Rebecca (Esch) Beiler, was born May 9,1870, in Lancaster Co., Pa.; departed this life at her home in Elverson, Pa., Dec. 19, 1953; aged 83 y. 7 m. 10 d. On Jan. 31, 1892, she was united in marriage to Mast Stoltzfus, who with two sons, preceded her in death. Surviving are 10 children (Emma-Mrs. David S. Yoder; Anna-Mrs. John H. Yoder, where she had her home; Ada-Mrs. Jacob K. Mast, David, Job, Moses, Jesse, all of Elverson, Pa.; Miriam-Mrs. Levi Mast, Oley, Pa.; Elmer, Yellow House, Pa.; and Mast, New Columbia, Pa.), 91 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters (Emma Beiler, Katie Stoltzfus, and Susie Yoder). She accepted Christ as her Saviour in her youth and lived a faithful Christian life. Funeral services were held at the Conestoga Church by Millard Shoup and Ira Kurtz. Burial was made in the Mast Cemetery.

Stutzman, Mary Adaline, daughter of Levi and Amanda (Yoder) Plank, was born March 11, 1894, Bellefontaine, Ohio; departed this life Jan. 5, 1954; aged 59 y. 9 m. 24 d. Death was caused by coronary thrombosis. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour in her youth and united with the Walnut Grove Mennonite Church, later transferring her membership to the Plain View Mennonite Church, Aurora, Ohio, where she held her membership till death. On March 11, 1915, she was united in marriage to John A. Stutzman. To this union were born 4 daughters and one son. She was preceded in death by one daughter (Naomi) who died in infancy, her parents, and 2 brothers. She leaves to mourn her departure, her companion, 3 daughters, and one son (Lauretta-Mrs. Garth Wilcox; Eva-Mrs. William Neff, and Neva-Mrs. David Danner [twins]; and Clifford, all of Kent, Ohio), 11 grandchildren, one brother (Harvey, of Geauga Lake, Ohio), and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Bissler Funeral Home in Kent, conducted by Elmer Stoltzfus and Eugene Yoder. Burial was made in the Standing Rock Cemetery.

Swartzendruber, Orval C., son of Christian and Magdalene (Bender) Swartzendruber, was born near Wellman, Iowa, Nov. 19, 1901; passed away at his home Jan. 8, 1954; aged 52 y. 1 m. 19 d. He was baptized in his youth and became a member of the West Union Mennonite Church. On Aug. 16, 1925, he was united in marriage with Ellen Gingerich, who preceded him in death March 21, 1940. To this union two sons were born (Daniel Dale, of Parnell, and Marlin, at home). Besides his two sons he leaves to mourn his departure 2 grandchildren (Reginald Lynn and Vicki Diann Swartzendruber), his aged mother, 3 brothers (Milo, of West Virginia; Earl, McAllen, Texas; and Willard, South Gate, Calif.), 2 sisters (Louisa-Mrs. Clark Gingerich, Wellman, Iowa; and Katie-Mrs. Ezra Brenneman, Kalona, Iowa), besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the West Union Church Jan. 11, with G. G. Yoder, Harvey Yoder, and J. Y. Swartzendruber officiating.

Swope, Rebecca, daughter of the late Sem S. and Mary (Lahman) Weaver, was born at Mt. Clinton, Va., Dec. 8, 1877; passed away Dec. 23, 1953; aged 76 y. 15 d. She married Perry Swope on Sept. 7, 1905. She is survived by her husband, 5 children (Lelia, at home, Dayton, Va.; Hazel-Mrs. Powell Wenger, Fentress, Va.; Sem W., Ralph D., and Howard P.), and one sister (Sadie-Mrs. Lewis Rhodes), all of Harrisonburg, Va. She also leaves 22 grandchildren. In her youth she accepted Christ and united with the Mennonite Church. On Jan. 5, 1951, she suffered a paralytic stroke from which she never recovered. Although she was a shut-in with poor eyesight and unable to walk, she continued to take an active interest in daily worship. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Clinton Church, Dec. 24, with C. K. Lehman and S. H. Rhodes in charge.

Trimmer, Cora Belle, daughter of William and Elizabeth Crossau, was born May 19, 1879, near Weldon, ill; died Nov. 11, 1953, of a heart condition at the Fairmont, Minn., Community Hospital; aged 74 y. 5 m. 23 d. In her youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united with the church of God near Decatur, Ill., later transferring her membership to the Alpha, Minn., Mennonite Church of which she was a faithful member until death. In February, 1895, she was married to Charles Trimmer. To this union five daughters were born. Her companion and one daughter preceded her in death. Surviving are 4 daughters (Bessie-Mrs. Earl Turner, Sherburn, Minn.; Doris-Mrs. Russel Shearer, Jackson, Minn.; Olivia-Mrs. Arthur Anderson, Granada, Minn.; and Mildred-Mrs. Ben Johnson, Sherburn, Minn.), 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Charles, Amery, Wis.; and John, Price, Utah). She attended church services just three days before her death. Funeral services were held at the Alpha Mennonite Church in charge of C. J. Garber and Noah Landis. Burial was made in the Sherburn Cemetery.

Zook, Kathryn Mae, fifth daughter of J. N. and Malissa Jane (Steele) Durr, was born near Masontown, Pa., Jan. 27, 1887; passed away at the Blair Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon, Pa., Jan. 6, 1954; aged 66 y. 11 m. 11 d. Death resulted from complications following an operation to which she submitted on Dec. 30, 1953. In March, 1899, at the age of 12 she accepted Christ as her Saviour and became a member of the Mennonite Church. When she was twelve years old the family moved to Martinsburg, Pa. On Feb. 1, 1906, she was unite in marriage to Uriel S. Zook, of Allensville, Pa. From the time of their marriage until about 1939, they made their home and reared their family on the farm near Allensville. About 1939 they moved to their present residence in Allensville. Twelve children were born into the family, three of which died in infancy. Surviving are the husband, 8 sons and one daughter (Ellrose, Scottdale, Pa.; Ethel M.-Mrs. Raymond R. Peachey, Belleville, Pa.; Lester J., Allensville, Pa.; Melvin S., Dalton, Ohio; David M., Columbiana, Ohio; LeRoy A., Mt. Union, Pa.; Floyd I., Allensville, Pa.; Alphie A., Belleville, Pa.; and Merle K., Scottdale, Pa.), 31 grandchildren, 4 sisters (Mary-Mrs. Henry Ramer, Duchess, Alta.; Annie-Mrs. Edward Miller, Inwood, W. Va.; Hannah-Mrs. Daniel Otto, Springs, Pa.; Laura-Mrs. Isaac Metzler, Accident, Md.), and one aunt (Kate Colerain, Willmore, Pa.). She was preceded in death by one sister (Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Andre Brenneman, Elida, Ohio). Her father passed away in November, 1934. Sister Zook served as a Sunday-school teacher for a number of years in the Allensville Mennonite Church of which she was a member since her marriage. As a companion of the deacon she assisted her husband faithfully in his responsibility in the church. Her mother passed away when she was about two years old. From her youth she was faithful to her Lord and Saviour and she leaves to those who survive a Christian testimony and the assurance that she is with the Lord whom she loved and served. The funeral services were in charge of J. Elrose Hartzler and Paul Roth, assisted by A. J. Metzler. They were held on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 9, at the home and the Allensville Mennonite Church. Burial was made in the Allensville Mennonite Cemetery near by.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVII , Number 6 - February 9, 1954 --- page 142, 143

Alderfer, Ellen T., daughter of Irvin R. and Mary D. (Tyson) Landes, was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Feb. 6, 1889; died in Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 3, 1953; aged 64 y. 9 m. 27 d. On July 17, 1910, she was baptized and received into the Franconia Mennonite Church, where she remained a faithful member until death. She was a Sunday-school teacher for many years but later had a heart condition which handicapped her. By permission of her physician she was permitted to attend services but kept away from the crowds by hearing the sermons through the loud-speakers. She was married to Henry K. Alderfer on Jun 11, 1910. Two sons were born who died in their infancy. She is survived by her husband, an adopted daughter (Mrs. Raymond Bauer, Spring City, Pa.), 2 brothers (Isaiah T., Mainland, Pa.; and Henry T., Doylestown, Pa.), and 3 sisters (Susan-Mrs. Harvey N. Alderfer, Harleysville, Pa.; Mary-Mrs. Norman Reinford, Schwenkville, Pa.; and Martha-Mrs. Eugene Kerr, Collegeville, Pa.). Funeral services were held at the Franconia Mennonite Church Dec. 7, in charge of Menno Souder and Elwood Derstine. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Church, H. Lester, son of Linville and Louisa (Howell) Church was born May 5, 1902, in Ash County, North Carolina; passed away Nov. 20, 1953, at University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.; aged 51 y. 6 m. 15 d. On Feb. 7, 1922, he was married to Lura Adams. To this union were born 7 sons. Two infant sons preceded him in death. Surviving are his companion, 5 sons (James Carol, Kirkwood, Pa.; Ray, Franklin, Claude, and George, all at home), his parents, one sister (Ella-Mrs. Paul Hawthorne, Kirkwood, Pa.), 3 brothers (Earl, Kirkwood, Pa.; Lee, Northeast, Md., and Webb, Peach Bottom, Pa.), and 2 grandchildren. He was unable to work for six months. Several week prior to his departure he confessed Christ as his Saviour. In October he was baptized and received into church fellowship in his home. Funeral services were held at Mt. Vernon Mennonite Chapel, Oxford, Pa., in charge of J. Lloyd Kreider. Burial was made in the Little Britain Presbyterian Cemetery.

Transcriber's note: It should read "several weeks prior."

Martin, Mrs. Lovina, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Heintz, was born Nov. 12, 1907 in Wellesley Township, Ont.; died Jan. 17, 1954, after a lengthy illness at the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital; aged 46 y. 2 m. 5 d. She is survived by her husband (Elias Martin), one daughter (Doris, at home), one son (Walter, Waterloo, Ont.), 5 brothers (Aaron Gingrich, West Montrose; David Gingrich, Kitchener; David Heintz, Wallenstein; Norman Heintz, Kitchener; Eli Heintz, Waterloo), and 4 sisters (Mrs. Israel Musselman, Floradale; Mrs. Ira Snyder, St. Jacobs; Mrs. Sylvanus Shantz, New Dundee, and Mrs. Ezra Frey, Wallenstein). A brother and a sister preceded her in death. She gave her heart to the Lord and united with the Mennonite Church in her youth. Funeral services were held at the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, Jan. 20, in charge of Roy S. Koch, assisted by Paul Swaar and Uriah Martin. Burial was made in the St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery.

Mason, Rosa May, was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 11, 1892; passed away Jan. 9, 1954; aged 61 y. 3 m. 28 d. When three years old she moved to Broadway, Va., and made her home with her grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Stainer, where she grew to womanhood. On Dec. 6, 1911, she was united in marriage to George M. Mason. To this union were born 3 sons and one daughter (Harold and Raymond, Broadway, Va.; Herman, Timberville, Va.; and Bernice-Mrs. Frost Fulk, of Broadway). She is also survived by 7 grandchildren. In her youth she united with the E. U. B. Church and later with her husband united with the Mennonite Church to which she remained faithful until death. Funeral services were held at Trissel's Church, Jan. 11, with Norman Derstine and Timothy Showalter in charge.

Miller, Nancy Lee, stillborn daughter of Dale and Betty (Troyer) Miller, was born Jan. 14, 1954, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Lincoln, Nebr. Surviving are her parents and grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, Milford, Nebr., and Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Troyer, Shickley, Nebr.). Graveyard services were held Jan. 14, at East Fairview Cemetery near Milford, Nebr., in charge of Ammon Miller.

Oesch, Caroline, wife of Joseph Oesch, was born in Hessen, Germany, Feb. 16, 1861; peacefully fell asleep at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rudy Oesch, Zurich, Ont., Dec. 29, 1953, after an illness of 7 months; aged 92 y. 10 m. 13 d. She came to Canada in her early youth. Predeceased by her husband and 2 sons (Charles and Henry), she is survived by one daughter and 2 sons (Lizzie-Mrs. Rudy Oesch, with whom she made her home during her illness, Samuel, and David, all of Zurich, Ont.), 18 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Early in life she united with the Zurich Mennonite Church and served the Lord faithfully until He called her home. Funeral services were held in the Zurich Mennonite Church, Jan. 1, with Jesse Short and Albert Martin in charge. Burial was made in the Goshen Line Cemetery.

Schmucker, Aaron, son of Jacob and Catherine (Schloneger) Schmucker, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Nov. 24, 1883; died at his home near Louisville, Ohio, Jan. 18, 1954; aged 70 y. 1 m. 24 d. In 1901 he accepted Christ as his Saviour and was received into the fellowship of the Beech Mennonite Church. He continued in this fellowship until the end. On Dec. 23, 1909, he was united in marriage to Lydia E. Miller. To this union were born three sons. On Jan. 17, he was at the church services as usual. On his way home, he with his son Carl, stopped to call on his aged mother. While there he suffered a light cerebra hemorrhage. When he arrived home, he could still speak to his companion, but soon became unconscious and continued so until Monday afternoon when he passed away. His father and 2 brothers preceded him in death. He is survived by his companion, 3 sons (Carl, at home; Lester and Wilbur, both of Louisville, Ohio), 6 grandchildren, his mother, 3 sisters (Mrs. Lydia Miller, Anna and Mrs. Ella Maurer, all of Louisville, Ohio), and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted from the Beech Mennonite Church by O. N. Johns and Ray Bair. Interment was made in the church cemetery.

Swartz, Clara D., daughter of the late John L. and Lydia (Mill) Derstine, was born in Bedminster Township, Pa., June 6, 1889; died Dec. 8, 1953; aged 64 y. 6 m. 2 d. She was a faithful member of the Deep Run Mennonite Church. She was united in marriage to Isaac F. Swartz, Dec. 25, 1912. To this union were born three daughters. On Dec. 7 she complained of pain and soon became unconscious; the next morning she passed away. She is survived by her husband, 3 daughters (Mrs. Arthus Leatherman, Pipersville, Pa.; Miriam and Mae, at home), and the following brothers and sisters (Mrs. Charles Detweiler, Mrs. Hannah Overholt, and Mrs. Harry Gahman, Perkasie, Pa.; Mrs. John G. Leatherman, Ottsville, Pa.; Isaac M. Derstine, Pipersville, Pa.; Mrs. William Gahmon, Perkasie, Pa.; and Howard M. Derstine, Blooming Glen, Pa.), besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Dec. 12, at the Deep Run Mennonite Church in charge of Erwin Nace and Omar Showalter. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Zehr, Amanda, daughter of the late Jacob and Barbara Bender, was born in East Zorra, Ont., March 11, 1892; passed away at her home in Tavistock, Jan. 12, 1954; aged 52 y. 10 m. 1 d. She entered the bonds of matrimony with Menno Zehr in November 1915. She was a member of the East Zorra A. M. congregation. Two sons preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, 4 sons, and 2 daughters (Henry and Viola-Mrs. Wilfred Kropf, of Philipsburg; Stanley and Elroy, of Tavistock; Lorne, of Bright, and Ida, at home), two brothers and 3 sisters (Noah and Mansseh, of East Zorra; Emma-Mrs. Albert Oesch of Milverton, Ida-Mrs. Simon Bender, of Ailsa Craig; Christina-Mrs. Norman Roi, of East Zorra), 10 grandchildren, one aunt, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the East Zorra A. M. Church in charge of Jesse Short and Henry Yantzi. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Zehr, Katherine, daughter of the late Jacob and Fannie (Boshart) Jantzi, was born at Wellesley, Ont., Jan. 27, 1879; went to her eternal reward Jan. 15, 1954, after a three-day illness resulting from a heart attack; aged 74 y. 11 m. 18 d. On Sept. 15, 1898, at Milford, Nebr., she was united in marriage to Peter Zehr with whom she shared the joys and sorrows of life for 55 years. In 1918 they moved to Oregon where she resided until her death. She is survived by her husband, 6 children (Eda-Mrs. O. M. Conrad, Tangent, Oreg.; Milton, Albany, Oreg.; Mary-Mrs. Lloyd Lind, Salem, Oreg.; Oliver, Lebanon, Oreg.; Viola-Mrs. Hugh King, Tangent, Oreg.; and Ray, Shedd, Oreg.), 36 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Two sons (Alvin and Wilbert) and a brother (John B. Jantzi) preceded her in death. In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour, united with the Mennonite Church, and was a faithful member until God called her from earthly cares to her heavenly home. Funeral services were held at the Fairview Mennonite Church with N. M. Birky and N. A. Lind in charge. Burial was made in the Riverside Cemetery.

Ziegler, Henry, son of Abraham and Christiana (Metzler) Ziegler, was born in North Lima, Ohio; passed away Jan. 22, 1954; aged 99 y. 8 m. 8 d. On Dec. 19, 1875, he was united in marriage with Martha Lehman, who died in 1940. To this union five children were born, three of whom preceded him in death. Surviving are 2 children (Cora-Mrs. Stelvin Coy and Laura-Mrs. Bert Rohrer, both of Columbiana, Ohio), 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, (Mrs. Annie Stauffer, Leetonia, Ohio). As a young man he confessed Christ as her personal Saviour and united with the North Lima Mennonite Church, where he was an active member in many ways. For the past number of years he made his home with his daughter and son-in-law, Bro. and Sister Bert Rohrer. Funeral services were held at the North Lima Mennonite Church in charge of David C. Steiner and James Steiner. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Ziegler, Leah, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Martin, passed away at her home in Floradale, Ont., following a brief illness; aged 62 y. 3 m. 13 d. Her first husband, Joseph W. Snyder, preceded her in death in 1936. In 1946 she was married to Cyrenius Ziegler of Floradale, who mourns her passing. Besides her husband, she is survived by 3 sons (Oscar Snyder, Elmira, Ont.; Eden Snyder, Petersburg; Milfred Snyder, Conestoga), one daughter (Lucinda Snyder, Floradale), one brother (Paul Martin, Elmira), 3 sisters (Mrs. Levi Martin, Elmira; Mrs. Rebecca Gingrich, Waterloo; Mrs. Ephraim Snyder, St. Jacobs), and 4 grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Floradale Mennonite Church, Dec. 5, in charge of Olive Snider and Rufus Jutzi. Interment was made in the St. Jacobs Cemetery.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVII , Number 7 - February 16, 1954 ­ page 166, 167

Birky, Charles Keith, son of Eugene and Mary Birky, was born Oct. 21, 1953; passed away Jan. 24, 1954; aged 3 m. 3 d. He is survived by his parents, one brother, his maternal and paternal grandparents, 3 great-grandmothers, and one great-grandfather. Funeral services were conducted at the Hopewell Church, Kouts, Ind., by Samuel S. Miller.

Boshart, Wayne, son of Clayton and Florence (Bast) Boshart, Mannsville, N. Y., was born at Carthage, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1934; died Dec. 27, 1953; aged 19 y. 22 d. Wayne, a freshman at Goshen College, had returned home for the Christmas holidays, bringing with him students living in the neighboring community. He had taken the others home and on his return was involved in a car accident which proved fatal after four days in the hospital. Over a year ago he became a Christ and a faithful member of the Woodville C. A. Mennonite Church. Besides his parents, he is survived by 4 brothers (Harold, Gerald, Richard, and Clifford), and a sister (Shirley), and his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bast, Tavistock, Ont.; and Eli Boshart, Carthage, N. Y.). Funeral services as the Belleville Methodist Church, to accommodate the many relatives and friends, were in charge of Andre Gingerich, assisted by I. E. Burkhart.

Eash, Frank, son of Jonathan T. and Mary (Yoder) Eash, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Dec. 15, 1901; died at his home, Johnstown, Pa., Jan. 17, 1954; aged 52 y. 1 m. 2 d. He is survived by his widow (the former Margaret Peterson), a daughter (Doris-Mrs. S. Dean Lloyd), his father and stepmother. He was a member of the Kaufman Mennonite Church for many years. Funeral services were held at the Henderson Funeral Home, Johnstown, Pa., Jan. 20, in charge of Harry Y. Shetler and Irwin M. Holsopple. Burial was made in the Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Gimbel, Mrs. Harold, daughter of the late Elias and Rebecca (Mussleman) Shantz, was born near Elmira, Ont., July---, 1908; passed away at her home in Freeport, Jan. 25, 1954, after a lengthy illness; aged 45 y. 6 m. 17 d. She was a faithful member of the Preston Mennonite Church. She was married to Harold Gimbel, on July 11, 1928. Surviving are her husband, one son (Walter, of Freeport), one daughter (Helen-Mrs. Lawrence Weber, of Alma), 2 grandchildren, one brother (Irvin Shantz, of Baden), and 5 sisters (Mrs. Horace Hallman, of Freeport; Mrs. Roy Snider, of Strasburg; Mrs. Samuel Cressman, of Preston; Mrs. Wellington Weber, of Simcoe and Mrs. Eugene Kraft, of Kitchener). Three sisters and 2 brothers preceded her in death. Funeral services were held Jan. 28, at the Sterling Avenue Church, Kitchener, Ont., in charge of John H. Hess and Ben B. Shantz. Burial was made in the Preston Cemetery.

Groff, Emanuel H., son of the late Elias and Mary Ann (Herr) Groff, was born near Strasburg, Pa., Oct. 22, 1866; departed this life Jan. 16, 1954; aged 82 y. 2 m. 24 d. On Nov. 11, 1890, he was married to Susan R. Herr, who preceded him in death 34 days. They shared life's joys and sorrows together for over 63 years. He was a member of the New Danville, Pa., Mennonite Church. Also preceding him in death were one son and 2 daughters. Surviving are 5 children (Mrs. Mary H. Hess; Anna-Mrs. Jacob H. Rohrer; Esther-Mrs. Ivan S. Charles; Nora-Mrs. Andrew N. Miller, and Elias H.), one sister (Mrs. Emma Ranck, Strasburg), 2 brothers (Elias H., Willow Street, Pa.; and John E., Cambridge, Md.), 26 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services at New Danville Church, Jan. 20, were conducted by Henry Nauman, David Thomas, and Maris Hess, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Hershberger, W. Raymond, was born May 11, 1902, near Garden City, Mo.; passed away Jan. 27, 1954; aged 51 y. 8 m. 16 d. On Jan. 23 he was taken to the Wetzel Hospital in Clinton, Mo., due to a cerebral hemorrhage from which he never regained consciousness. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a member of the Sycamore Grove Church, near Garden City, Mo., where he served the church and his lord during his entire lifetime. He assisted in Sunday school as teacher and superintendent for a number of years until he was ordained in the ministry on April 9, 1939. Two years later, on May 11, 1941, he was ordained as bishop and pastor of his home congregation, which position he held at the time of his death. He also was serving as bishop in charge of five other congregations throughout Missouri and Kansas City, Kans. In 1949 he was appointed as moderator of the South Central Conference, which office he filled for two years. During the past years he was in failing health because of high blood pressure, but he continued faithful in keeping his ministry appointments. His last sermon was preached in his home congregation just the Sunday previous in the day he was stricken. He was a kind, loving, and faithful husband and father and will be sadly missed in the home and community. God alone knows the inexpressible feeling of loss to the local church, but the influence of his teaching will never end. He was always interested in the spiritual welfare of his family, and especially of his home congregation. He had a vision of the future needs of the church, having a special interest in the young people and children. Like Paul, he was heard to pray for the church, "My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. He often experience great trails and deep sorrows in his ministry but he bore them alone and without words of complaint. He was honest and helpful in all his dealings with his fellow men, and to know Raymond was to love and respect him. He was the first member of the Dan and Mary (Kropf) Hershberger family of four sons and four daughters to be called to his eternal home. On Jan. 21, 1926, he was married to Ida Pearl Kauffman of Garden City, Mo. To this union were born 3 sons and one daughter. One son (Willis Raymond), at 7 months of age, preceded his father in death. Besides his companion, the departed leaves Morris, of Garden City; Irene-Mrs. Alfred Yoder, Jr., of Hannibal, Mo.; and Keith, at home, to mourn his departure. He also leaves one granddaughter, besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, Jan. 30, in charge of S. S. Hershberger. Earl Buckwalter preached the funeral sermon. Other officiating were John A. Kauffman, Daniel Kauffman, Joe C. Driver, J. G. Hartzler, and Alva Swartzendruber. Harry Diener, was in charge of the burial at the Clearfork Cemetery. Besides these, there were 14 other ordained brethren present at the funeral.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVII , Number 8 - February 23, 1954 ­ page 191

Hostetler, Mattie, daughter of Daniel and Katie Hershberger, was born July 29, 1891; passed away at the Goshen Hospital, Goshen, Ind., Jan. 26, 1954; aged 62 y. 5 m. 28 d. She accepted Christ as her Saviour in her youth and remained faithful to the end. She was a member of the Clinton Frame Mennonite Church at the time of her death. On Feb. 1912, she was married to Samuel G. Hostetler, who preceded her in death Oct. 6, 1952. One son (Monroe) also preceded her on Dec. 29, 1947. She is survived by 7 sons (John, Dan, and Harley, of Goshen; Jake, of the Dominican Republic; Willis, of Nappanee, Samuel, Jr., of Talcum, Ky.; and Leroy, of Middlebury, Ind.), 3 daughters (Katie and Mary, at home; and Mrs. Irene Culp, Tiskilwa, Ill.), 18 grandchildren, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, one half-sister, one half-brother, one stepbrother, one stepsister, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Jan. 29 at the Clinton Frame Mennonite Church in charge of Vernon Bontrager and Ira Johns, with burial in the Clinton Union Cemetery.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.


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