Gospel Herald Obituaries - September, 1955

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVIII , Number 36 - September 6, 1955 ­ page 862.

Barto, -- Emma K., wife of the late David H. Barto, was born Aug. 1, 1876 in Rapho Twp., daughter of the late Benjamin and Sara (Kulp) Garman; died July 24, 1955, at the Pleasant View Rest Home after an illness of three years; aged 78 y. 11 m. 23 d. Surviving are her daughter (Grace Barto, Manheim, Pa.), and the following brothers and sisters (Frank, Columbia, Pa.; Mrs. Sadie Greenly, San Diego, Calif.; Albert K., Elizabethtown, Pa.; and Mrs. Elizabeth Ewing, Philadelphia, Pa.). Funeral services were held July 27 at the Manheim Mennonite Church with Ira Huber and Homer Bomberger in charge. Interment was made in Hernley's Mennonite Cemetery.

Metzler, -- Abram H., son of Abram S. and Mary (Hernley) Metzler, was born in Rapho Twp., Pa.; died Aug. 9, 1955, at the Lancaster General Hospital after an illness of five years; aged 69 y. 9 m. 16 d. He was a member of the Manheim, Pa., Mennonite Church. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Annie Geib Metzler, and the following children (Lands, Leroy, and Clyde of Manheim; Abram, Bethel, Pa.; Ruth-Mrs. Ray Longenecker, Elizabethtown, Pa.; Verna-Mrs. Paul Breneman, Lititz, Pa.), one stepson (Elmer Longenecker, Manheim), and 26 grandchildren. Funeral services were held Aug. 12 at the Manheim Church in charge of Homer Bomberger and Ira Huber, with interment in the East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery.

Shrock, -- Donna Louise, baby daughter of Enos and Lynn V. Shrock, Smithville, Ohio, died at Dunlap Memorial Hospital, Orrville, Ohio, shortly after birth, Aug. 21. She is survived by her parents and one brother (Larry), grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Own Shrock, Wooster, Ohio, and Mr.and Mrs. W. W. Hine, Palmetto, Fla.) Committal services were held at the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church cemetery on Aug. 22 with Gerald Studer officiating.

Schrock, -- Freeman, was born Sept.8, 1928; died Aug. 7, 1955; aged 26 y. 10 m. 30 d. Surviving are his father, Levi I. Schrock, 3 brothers (Truman, Ligonier, Ind.; Ammon and Raymond, Shipshewana, Ind.), 4 sisters (Ella-Mrs. IraYoder, Lagrange, Ind.; Anna-Mrs. Levi Yoder, Lydia-Mrs. Simon Miller, Fanny-Mrs. Menno Lambright, all of Topeka, Ind.), and a close girl friend (Edna Kuhns, Plain City Ohio). His mother and sister Viola preceded him in death. He was a faithful member of the North Goshen, Ind., Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. John J. Schrock near Topeka on Aug. 11, with Russell Krabill and Perry Yoder officiating. Burial was made at the Christner Cemetery.

Stauffer, -- Ezra, youngest son of Joseph R. and Mattie (Bender) Stauffer, was born near Milford, Nebr., Feb. 15, 1898; passed away during a heart attack near his home, Tofield, Alta., on Aug. 1, 1955; aged 57 y. 5 m. 17 d. He was affected with a heart condition since the spring of 1950, during which time he spent period of from two to eight weeks in the hospital. He expressed his gratitude to God on Thanksgiving, 1954, that he was privileged to be at home with his loved ones all year. In his early youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a member of the Salem Mennonite Church near Tofield to which he remained faithful to the end. On Aug. 20, 1920, he was married to Irene Lehman. To this union were born 2 sons and 3 daughters. His companion and two small daughters predeceased him. On April 6, 1949, he was married to Stella Good Huber. To this union was born one daughter (Ruth Ann). He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, 2 sons (Joseph Robert and James Leroy), 2 daughters (Beulah Mary-Mrs. John A. Hostetler, and Ruth Ann), 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Lena Reil and Mrs. Dave Yoder), and a large circle of relatives and friends. Four sisters and one brother predeceased him in the past six years. He served in the capacity of superintendent of Sunday-school for many years, and was always interested in holding children's meetings. He was a member of the Publication Board for 10 years, served as teacher in winter Bible schools for many years, having special interest in the teaching of prophecy, and also served as Conference Historian for 20 years. During this time he collected a great deal of historical data relative to the Alberta-Saskatchewan Conference and it was his hope that this material would be published in book form, but this hope was not yet realized. He was ordained to the ministry at Carstairs, Alta., on June 28, 1945. After serving Carstairs congregation for several years, he again moved to the Tofield district where he resided until his death. Funeral services were held at the Salem Mennonite Church on Aug. 5 with J. B. Stauffer, M. D. Stutzman, Paul Voegtlin, Stanley Shantz, and Clarence Ramer in charge. Interment was made in the cemetery nearby.

Stoltzfus, -- Lydia, daughter of the late Lewis and Mary (Reigle) Rheil, was born at Belleville, Pa., Aug. 14, 1867; died at the home of David H. Byler, Belleville, where she had resided the past three years, on July19, 1955; aged 87 y. 11 m. 5 d. She was married on Dec. 22, 1898, to Noah Z. Stoltzfus, who passed away 20 years ago. She is survived by one sister (Mrs. Abram (Arie) Grassmyer of Spring Mills, Pa.). She was a member of the Locust Grove Church at Belleville, where funeral services were held on July 22 in charge of Emanuel Peachey and Louis Peachey. Burial was made in the Locust Grove Cemetery.

Taylor, -- Ida Irene, daughter of Joseph and the late Mary Taylor, was born at Scalegill, near Cockermouth, Cumberland, England, March 31, 1905; suddenly departed this life July 15, 1955 at home with her sister. She came to Canada with her parents in 1910, and for the last 22 years had made her home with her sisters in the Carstairs district, enjoying the fellowship of friends in the Mennonite Church. She leaves to mourn her passing her father, 2 sisters (Mrs. Harold Baker, Cranbrook, B. C.; Mrs. Alvin Steckley, Carstairs), 2 brothers (James, Cereal Alta., and Joseph, Edmonton, Alta.), also many nieces and nephews to whom she had become endeared, and numerous relatives and friends. Funeral services were in charge of Gordon Buschert and Linford Hackman at the West Zion Mennonite Church, with burial in adjoining cemetery.

Yoder, -- Lizzie (Coblentz), was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, on Oct. 10, 1870; passed to his eternal reward on Aug. 10, 1955; aged 84 y. 10 m. In 1884 she moved with her parents to Reno Co., Kans. In 1888, she was united in marriage to Moses Yoder. They moved to Rolette Co., N. Dak., in 1897. On July 28, 1955, she became ill and was taken to the Good Samaritan Hospital at Rugby, N. Dak., but all that loving hands could do was of no avail. She leaves to mourn her departure 4 sons and one daughter (Daniel, Loman, Minn.; Mahlon, Jerry, and Ivan, Wolford, N. Dak.; Rhoda Gingerich, Mylo, N. Dak.), one brother (Daniel Coblentz, Kalona, Iowa), one sister (Mary Bontrager, Fairbank, Iowa), 45 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren. Seven of her children preceded her in death. Her husband died in 1942. Funeral services were held at the Lake View Mennonite Church on Aug. 15, with Amos Graber and Eli G. Hochstetler officiating.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVIII , Number 37 - September 13, 1955 --- page 888

Amstutz, -- Elias J., son of John S. and Elizabeth (Lehman) Amstutz, was born in East Union Twp., Wayne, Co., Ohio, Dec. 7, 1875; passed away in the same house where he was born, in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Willis Lehman, June 15, 1955; aged 79 y. 6 m. 8 d. He had been in failing health for two years and bedfast the last six weeks. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church of which he remained a faithful member until death. He was married to Levina Baumgartner on Oct. 25, 1900. She preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 1948. This union was blessed with 4 sons (Menno S., Takoma Park, Md.; Ellis, of Wooster; George, of Dalton; and Leo, of Apple Creek), and 2 daughters (Sarean-Mrs. Willis Lehman, of the home, and Elva-Mrs. Allen Zuercher, of Apple Creek). Surviving are all his children, 22 grandchildren, 4 stepgrand-children, one great-grandchild, and 3 sisters (Mrs. Anna Steffen, Sarah-Mrs. Aaron Steiner, and Martha-Mrs. Simon Steiner). One grandson and 6 brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Gerber, -- Jacob M., son of Mathias and Dinah (Moser) Gerber, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Sept. 1, 1872; died Aug. 18, 1955; aged 82 y. 11 m. 17 d. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour, was baptized and became a member of the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, of which he remained a faithful member throughout the remainder of his life. On June 1, 1895, he was married to Lina Sommer. To this union were born 8 children (Susan-Mrs. David Welty; Hilda-Mrs. David Lehman; Eva-Mrs. Dan. F. Amstutz; Elmer, Otto, Dinah, who died in infancy, Willis, and Leo). He leaves his wife, 7 children, 27 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and a large number of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted Aug. 21 with Louis Amstutz and S. W. Sommer officiating at the Sonnenberg Church.

Kauffman, -- Mollie G., was born in Salem Twp., Champaign, Co. Ohio, Dec. 5, 1884; died at a rest home in West Liberty, Ohio, June 12, 1955, after a long illness; aged 70 y. 6 m. 7 d. She was a member of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church. In 1906 she was married to O. C. Yoder, who died in 1914. In 1920 she was married to A. D. Kauffman, who survives. Surviving, besides her husband are 4 children (Merlin Kauffman, Bellefontaine, Ohio; Mrs. W. H. Teegarden, Bucyrus, Ohio; Ralph Yoder, Plain City, Ohio, and Maurice Yoder, West Liberty), 5 stepchildren (Ralph, Painesville, Ohio; Mary, Fred, and Joe Kauffman, West Liberty; and Allen Kauffman, Springfield, Ohio), 9 grandchildren, 4 brothers (T. K. Hartzler, Worthington; C. Arthur Hartzler, West Liberty; Rufus Hartzler, Austin, Colo., B. Frank Hartzler, Topeka, Kans.), a sister (Mrs. Emma Belle Yoder, West Liberty), and a half brother (Amos Hartzler, South Charleston). Funeral services were held at the Oak Grove Mennonite Church on June 14 with Nelson Kanagy and Abram Kauffman in charge. Burial was made in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Otto, -- Hannah Miller, daughter of the late John and Melissa Jane (Steele) Durr, was born at Masontown, Pa., Sept. 1, 1884; passed away in the Meyersdale Community Hospital June 28, 1955; aged 70 y. 9 m. 27 d. On June 6, 1907, she was married to N. E. Miller. For a number of years she served as a faithful minister's and bishop's wife in the congregation there. To this marriage were born 6 children, 2 of which preceded her in death (Dr. Orden Miller and an infant daughter). Her companion, Bishop N. E. Miller, and her second husband D. D. Otto, also preceded her in death. Surviving are 4 children (Chester E., and Elam D. Miller, Meyersdale, Pa.; Kathryn-Mrs. John Buchholtz, York, Pa.; and Alvina-Mrs. Willard Livengood, Springs, Pa.), 15 grandchildren, and 3 sisters (Annie-Mrs. Edward Miller, Inwood, W. Va.; Mary-Mrs. Henry Ramer, Duchess, Alta.; and Laura-Mrs. Isaac Metzler, Accident, Md.). Two sisters preceded her in death. She was president of the Springs Sewing Circle for over 25 years and was an active worker in all the church work of the local congregation and within the Allegheny Conference district. At the time of her death she made her home with her daughter, Alvina, of Springs. Funeral services were held in the Springs Mennonite Church on July 1 with Paul M. Roth and Roy L. Kinsinger officiating. Burial was made in the church cemetery.

Rensberger, -- Robert Duane, son of Lloyd and Fern (Guengerich) Rensberger, was born at Wellman, Iowa, Aug. 19, 1938; passed away suddenly at his home near Wellman on Aug. 25, 1955; aged 17 y. 6 m. After an illness which partially confined him, death came as a peaceful release. He is survived by his parents, one sister (Phyllis, at home), his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Roy Rensberger, Wellman), and other relatives and friends. He confessed Christ in his early youth, being baptized into the fellowship of the West Union Mennonite on Dec. 16, 1951, and remained a faithful member to death. He was enrolled as a sophomore at I.M.S. in 1954-55. Funeral services were held at the West Union Church with Herman Ropp and Paul T. Guengerich in charge. Interment was made in the West Union Cemetery.

Ulrich, --Mary Kay, infant daughter of Clarence and Lillie (Eigsti) Ulrich, Roanoke, Ill., was born in the Methodist Hospital, Roanoke, Ill., Aug. 21, 1955, and passed away several hours later. She is survived by her parents, 3 brothers (Leo, Norman, and Larry), and 2 sisters (Eldyth Mae and Carol Sue). Graveside services were held in the Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery on Aug. 22 in charge of D. M. Hostetler and J. E. Hostetler.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVIII , Number 38 - September 20, 1955 --- Page 912.

Bixler, -- Caroline, daughter of Samuel S. and Anna (Sommer) Amstutz, was born Dec. 28, 1863, near Kidron, Ohio; passed away in her sleep Aug. 27, 1955, following an illness of six months; aged 91 y. 7 m. 29 d. Early in life she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour, at which time she was received into the Sonnenberg Church. Later she transferred her membership to the Kidron Mennonite Church, in which she served her Lord faithfully. On March 9, 1893, she was united in marriage with William Bixler. After the death of her husband, she moved to Orrville, Ohio, where she spent the remainder of her days. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers (Joel, her twin, and Daniel). She is survived by one daughter (Elma, with whom she made her home), 2 sons (Calvin, Wauseon, Ohio and Dale, Elkhart, Ind.), 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and her aged brother (Simon S. Amstutz, Kidron, Ohio). Funeral services were held Aug. 30 at the Kidron Mennonite Church in charge of Reuben Hofstetter, Harold Bauman, Allen Bixler, Isaac Zuercher, and I. W. Royer. Burial was made in the Salem Cemetery.

Clymer, -- Martin D., son of the late John and Catherine (Wenger) Clymer, was born in Salisbury Twp., Pa., May 31, 1888; passed away at the Lancaster, Pa., General Hospital of a heart condition, Aug. 6, 1955; aged 67 y. 2 m. 6 d. On March 4, 1914, he was married to Mabel E. Winey. Surviving are his wife and children (John M., Quarryville, Pa.; Sarah-Mrs. Ira Nafziger, and Mark A., Lancaster; James W., New Holland, Pa.; Daniel K., Lancaster; D. Lloyd, Colquitt, Ga.; Esther G., ---Mrs. Benj. F. Martin, Ronks, Pa.; Miriam E.-Mrs. Jason Stoltzfus, Philadelphia, Pa.; Mildred E., --Mrs. Harold Martin, Gettysburg, Pa.; Lois G.-Mrs. Ralph Bender, Lancaster; Rhoda M.-Mrs. James Sauder, Cambridge, Pa.; Catharine J. and Abram H., both at home), also 42 grandchildren, one brother and 2 sisters (Reuben, Elverson, Pa.; Anna C. Eby, Oreville Mennonite Home, and Alice M.Clymer, (Tampa, Fla.). A son and 3 daughters preceded him in death. He was a faithful member of Mellinger's Mennonite Church where he taught a Sunday-school class for many years. Services at Mellinger's Church were in charge of David L. Landis and Elmer G. Martin. Burial was made in Hershey's Cemetery.

Garber, -- Jacob A., son of Joseph and Anna (Schweitzer) Garber, was born near Metamora, Ill., Nov. 30, 1866; passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Kennell, Eureka, Ill., Aug. 20, 1955; aged 88 y. 8 m. 20 d. He accepted Christ as his Saviour in his youth and became a member of the Mennonite Church, remaining faithful until death. On Jan. 18, 1890, he was united in marriage with Susan. K. Schertz, who passed away on May 14, 1902. This union was blessed with 7 children. A son and a daughter died in infancy. The following survive (Arthur W., John H., Rudolph C., all of Metamora; Martha-Mrs. John Kennell, Eureka; and Susan-Mrs. Noah Kennell, Roanoke, Ill.). On Dec. 5, 1905, he was united in marriage with Martha M. Schertz, who passed away on May 11, 1945. Besides his 5 children, he is survived by 12 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. Two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 5 brothers, and 2 sisters preceded him in death. He enjoyed the blessings of good health most of his life, until his eighty-eighth birthday, when his health began to fail gradually. Funeral services were held at the Metamora Mennonite Church, Aug. 22, with Roy Bucher officiating. Burial was made in the Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery.

Hallman, -- Eli S., son of the late Abraham and Mary (Schmitt) Hallman, was born Feb. 25, 1866, in Waterloo Co., Ont.; entered into rest Aug. 25, 1955, at his home in Akron, Pa., after an illness of eight weeks; aged 89 y. 6 m. On April 9, 1893, he was married to Melinda Clemens, who shared with him life's joys and sorrows for 62 years. He accepted Christ as his Saviour in his youth and united with the Mennonite Church. Throughout his life he served the Lord faithfully and his consecrated service to the church brought the blessings of a rich and fruitful ministry. On June 17, 1898, at the age of 31, he was ordained to the Christian ministry at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont. His early years in the ministry (from 1897 to 1907) were spent in evangelistic and missionary activities as well as in Bible conference work in various sections of the church. He retained this deep interest in missionary endeavors throughout his entire life. In 1905 he helped to establish a Mennonite settlement in the western part of Canada near Guernsey, Sask. In May of that year a congregation was organized which became known as the Sharon Mennonite Church. He preached the first sermon for the homesteaders in Deacon Aaron Biehn's tent on May 7, 1905, using Heb. 11: 8-10 as his text. Besides taking care of his regular Sunday preaching appointments he spent much of that first year at Saskatchewan in locating homesteads and lands for settlers as well as assisting the new settlers in setting up their homesteads. Because of his busy life of service in behalf of others during these days, his neighbors offered by turns to plow the ten acres on his homestead which were required for homestead duties. In November of 1907, he was ordained as bishop by the Ontario Conference to have the oversight of the newly organized Alberta-Saskatchewan Conference. Later he served as field secretary for Goshen College between the years of 1912 and 1916. Because of health reasons he and his family moved to Grand Bay, Ala., in 1916 and later to Allemands, La., where he assisted in the formation of a new Mennonite congregation. In 1920, it became possible for him and his family to return to the Guernsey section of Saskatchewan and the Sharon congregation where he served the Alberta-Saskatchewan Conference until 1928. In that year he took up residence in Falfurrias and later Tuleta, Texas, where he remained until his retirement in 1951. For these twenty-three years he served as bishop in congregations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Since his retirement he lived in Akron, Pa., and was a member of the Monterey Mennonite Church. He served on the Mennonite Publication Board and the Mennonite Board of Education. During the early 1920's he was a member of the Colonization Board of Canada. Because of his wide experience and sound Christian judgment he was bale to give guidance and counsel which have been greatly appreciated by younger men in the ministry. He maintained a church-wide interest and up to the year before his death he was present in district conference sessions. Surviving are his wife, Melinda Clemens Hallman, and these children (George B., White Fox, Sask.; William E., Argentina, S. A.; Abram P., Akron, Pa; and Anna-Mrs. B. Frank Byler, Argentina, S. A. The eldest son (Clemens) preceded him in death in 1927. Also surviving are 2 sisters (Sarah ­widow of Josiah Cassel, Preston, Ont.; and Lucinda-Mrs. Ephraim Snider, Kitchener, Ont.), one brother (J. Riley Hallman, Toronto, Ont.), 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Aug. 27 at the Monterey Mennonite Church, Lancaster Co., Pa., with Amos S. Horst and Maurice W. Landis officiating. A further service was held Aug. 29 in the Cressman Mennonite Church Breslau, Ont., conducted by Oscar Burkholder, Lewis Fretz, and others. Interment was made in the Cressman Church Cemetery.

Horst, -- Daniel B., was born in Bothwell, Ont., Aug. 4, 1876; died Aug. 9, 1955, at his home in Elmira, Ont.; after a lengthy illness; aged 79 y. 5 d. On June 25, 1898, he was married to Annie Weber, who preceded him in death Feb. 23, 1953. Surviving are 9 sons and 3 daughters (Samuel, St. Jacobs; Moses, Goshen, Ind.; George, Conestoga; Elias, Elmira; Lovina-Mrs. Otto Wrasse, Drayton; Daniel, Wallenstein; Annie-Mrs. Addison Bauman, St. Jacobs; Simeon, missionary to B. E. Africa; Lydia Ann-Mrs. Howard S. Bauman, Elmira; Nathaniel, Floradal; Osiah, Peterburg; and Aaron, at home), also 3 brothers and one sister (David, Kitchener; John, Floradale; Menno, St. Jacobs; and Leah-Mrs. David Kraemar, Three Bridges), 46 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Funeral services on Aug. 12 at the Elmira Mennonite Church were in charge of O. D. Snider and Simon Martin. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Hostetler, -- Harvey David, son of Joseph and Nancy (Kropf) Hostetler, was born June 3, 1879, near Garden City, Mo.; departed this life July 24, 1955; aged 58 y. 1 m. 21 d. He was married to Sylva Ida Plank on April 13, 1918. To this union 2 sons were born, Leroy E., Iola, Kans., and Keith, Garden City, who with his companion and 5 granddaughters survive. He also leaves 4 brothers (John, Anoka, Minn.; Carl, Pleasant Hill, Mo.; Laurence, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Dan, Overland Park, Kans.) and many other relatives and friends. His parents and one brother preceded him in death. In his youth he united with the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church near Garden City, but at the time of his death he was an active member of the Methodist Church. Services were held in the Methodist church by their home pastor, Rev. Morgen, and Rev. Mosser of Urich, with burial in the Clearfork Cemetery.

Singer, -- Samuel, son of John and Margaret (Yocum) Singer, was born Feb. 18, 1867, in Lancaster Co., Pa.; departed this life Aug. 5, 1955; aged 88 y. 5 m. 18 d. When he was a child, his family moved the Elkhart, Ind., community, where he spent the rest of his life as a farmer. On May 9, 1891, he was united in marriage with Fannie Moyer, who preceded him in death on Jan. 17, 1949. A son died in infancy. Surviving him are 2 daughters (Mrs. Jesse Kehr and Mrs. Ernest Meloy, both of near Elkhart), 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 brothers (John, Elwood, Ind.; Dr. D. W., and Reuben, both of Goshen). He and his wife became members of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church soon after their marriage and since the death of his companion, he has made his home with the two daughters. He loved to grow flowers to pass the time. Funeral services at the Yellow Creek Church, were in charge of Peter Wiebe and Harry Eschleman. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Smoker, -- Daniel B., son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Beiler) Smoker, was born Aug. 26, 1890; passed away at his home in ------, Pa.; aged 64 y. 8 m. 19 d. He is survived by his wife, the former Hilda B. Stoltzfus, 2 sons and one daughter (Wilbur, Denbigh, Va.; Raymond, Parkesburg, Pa.; and Althea, at home), 9 grandchildren, and one brother and 4 sisters (Mrs. Fannie Engle and Linnie-Mrs. Henry Stoltzfus, both of Parkesburg; Samuel, Atglen, Pa.; Rebecca-Mrs. Levi Mast and Gertrude-Mrs. Christ King, both of Gap, Pa.) He was preceded in death by an infant son. Early in life he became a Christian and was faithful until death. Funeral services were in charge of Isaac Kennel, Calvin Kennel, Aaron Stoltzfus, and Abner Stoltzfus, at the Maple Grove Church, Atglen, Pa. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Zehr, --Anna, daughter of the late Christian and Mary (Nafziger) Roggie, was born May 26, 1883; passed away June 16, 1955 in the Watertown Hospital, Watertown, N. Y., where she had been for one month following an operation for cancer; aged 72 y. 19 d. On Oct. 19, 1909, she was married to Andrew M. Zehr, who preceded her in death on Nov. 8, 1938. Surviving are he adopted daughter (Beatrice-Mrs. Azor Kennell, Corghan, N. Y.), 4 grandchildren, 6 sisters (Mrs. Lena Stena, of Croghan; Mrs. Katherine Moshier, Mrs. Mary Moshier, Rose, Veronica, and Martha Roggie, all of Lowville, N. Y.), and 3 brothers (Joseph J., of Croghan; John A., and Samuel C., both of Lowville). She acted Christ as her Saviour in her youth and remained faithful member of her church. Funeral services at the Conservative Mennonite Church were in charge of Elias Zehr and Leon Martin, with burial in the church cemetery.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.

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Gospel Herald - Volume XLVIII , Number 39 - September 27, 1955 ­ page 933, 934.

Beiler, --Magdalena, daughter of the late Noah and Lydia (Gingerich) Byler, was born at Welshfield, Ohio, May 3, 1893, died at her home near Grantsville, Md., Sept. 8, 1955; aged 62 y. 4 m. 5 d. On Dec. 10, 1911, she was united in marriage to John A. Beiler. To this union were born 9 children. One son (Clarence) preceded her in death. Surviving (besides her husband) are the following sons and daughters: Elizabeth-Mrs. John H. Colflesh, Charlottesville, Va.; Verna, Reading, Pa.; Joseph, Washington, D.C.; Jonas, Melvin, Lydia, Mary Lou and Edna, all of Grantsville. Also surviving are one brother (J. N. Byler, Akron, Pa.), one sister (Mrs. J. C. Kauffman, Middlefield, Ind.), 2 half-brothers (Melvin C. Miller, Kinross, Iowa, and Lester Miller, Nappanee, Ind.), one half-sister (Mrs. Rudy Yoder, Milford, Ind.), 5 stepbrothers and sisters, 8 grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. She accepted Christ in her youth and severed Him faithfully until her death. Although she was handicapped by a stroke thirteen years ago, and spent the last year of her life in a wheel chair, she was cheerful and uncomplaining. She enjoyed going to the house of God to worship Him and was there on the Sunday before her death. Funeral services were held at the Casselman Mennonite Church (if which she was a member) in charge of Paul Bender and Roy Kinsinger. Interment was made in the cemetery at Springs, Pa.

Blosser, -- Samuel W., son of the late Peter and Elizabeth (Weldy) Blosser, was born at Versailles, Mo., Sept. 5, 1874, died at Goshen, Ind., July 23, 1955; aged 80 y. 10 m. 18 d. On Jan. 11, 1910, he was married to the former Maggie Stichter, who survives him. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Martha, at home and Mabel-Mrs. Royal Miller of Goshen), one son (Roy of Sheffield, Ill.), one foster son (George Lilley, now in Germany), 2 brothers (Henry of Wakarusa, and Joe of Tampico, Ill.), and 7 grandchildren. He was a Christian for many years and a member of the College Mennonite Church for more than 20 years. During his long illness, he was patient and greatly appreciated the help of those who ministered to his needs. Funeral services were conducted at the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church by Leland Bachman and John H. Mosemann, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Eigsti, -- Lydia, daughter of the late Sebastian and Magdalene (Goldsmith) Gerig, was born near Wayland, Iowa, March 2, 1873; passed away Sept. 9, 1955, at her home in Morton, Ill.; aged 82 y. 6 m. 7 d. On Dec. 25, 1898, she was united in marriage to Jacob Eigsti, who preceded her in death on July 23, 1949. Their golden wedding anniversary was celebrated just prior to the passing of the husband. Surviving are 5 sons (Emery, Denver, Colo.; Mahlon, Hesston, Kans.; Orrie, Normal, Ill.; Willis and Clayton, Morton), one daughter (Minnie-Mrs. Martin Swedberg, Morton.), a brother (Jacob Gerig, Wayland, Iowa), 5 sisters (Mrs. Anna Wyse, Mrs. D. W. Orendorf, Mrs. Eva Leichty, Mrs. Minnie Sutter, and Mrs. Lizzie Roth, all of Wayland), 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Two brothers and 3 sisters are deceased. Since Feb. 1954, she has been confined to her wheel chair. Many were the days of severe suffering from arthritis, but through it all she demonstrated the hardiness of her generation and her confidence in her Lord. Early in her life she became a Christian and united with the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Morton Mennonite Church, Sept. 12, with Kenneth G. Good in charge. Interment was made in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Fierheller, -- Anna, daughter of Fred and Mary Mackey, was born near Lanark, Ill., Sept. 24, 1873; passed from this life on July 29, 1955; aged 81 y. 9 m. 5 d. Her marriage to William Fierheller took place in 1902. Survivors include her husband and one daughter (Mrs. Marian Moore, Flint, Mich.). A daughter and a sister preceded her in death. For many years she was an active member of the Church of the Brethren, serving by the side of her husband who was a deacon in that denomination. In recent years they united with the Freeport Mennonite Church and were faithful members.

Headings, --- infant son, of Robert and Joyce (Snow) Headings of Salem, Oreg., was born at Salem General Hospital on Aug. 26, 1955; passed away Aug. 31; aged one day.

Headings, --Ronald Eric, infant son of Robert and Joyce (Snow) Headings of Salem, Oreg., was born at Salem General Hospital on Aug. 26, 1955; passed away Aug. 31; aged 5 days. The twin sons leave their parents, grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Elton Snow, Lakeview, Oreg., and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Headings, Salem, Oreg.).

Landis, -- Mary E., wife of Harry C. Landis, Lititz, Pa., was born July 4, 1900, to Hiram and Amanda (Reist) Witmer, near Mt. Joy, Pa.; departed this life suddenly July 6, 1955, following a chest operation in the Lancaster General Hospital; aged 55 y. 2 d. After an illness of four weeks she submitted to the operation hoping I t would bring her better health. She was prepared for whatever God had planned for her; her favorite verse then was Isa. 41: 10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee." She was one of 5 children, and first to be called home. She was a faithful member of the East Petersburg Mennonite Church, and a Sunday-school teacher for many years. She was united in marriage to Harry C. Landis in June, 1923. They moved to a farm near East Petersburg where they lived for 32 years. They were blessed with 5 children. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her oldest daughter (Margie) who with her husband and son Lamar were killed in an auto-train crash four years ago. One son of that family, Carl, survived and made his home with his Grandpa and Grandma Landis, and she gave much time to Carl in trying to be a mother to him. She is survived by her by her husband, 4 children (Esther-Mrs. Robert Lefever, Willow Street, Pa.; Theda-Mrs. Abram Siegrist, Manheim, Pa.; J. Omar, in I-W service in Cleveland, Ohio; and Joyce, at home), 6 grandchildren, 3 sisters, and one brother (Stella-Mrs. Albert Nissley, J. Earl, Anna-Mrs. Elam Sherer, and Alta-Mrs. Phares Bomberger). Funeral services were held at the East Peterburg Mennonite Church, July 8, with Jame Siegrist, Irvin Kreider, and Henry Lutz participating. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Long, -- Jacob Monroe, aged 77, was born near Goshen, Ind., on July 4, 1878, and was a lifelong resident of that community. Fifty-four of his years were a Christian companionship with the former Jennie V. Yoder, to whom he was married on June 4, 1901. It was clear to all who knew him well that some of his highest satisfactions were found in a strong home life and a deep concern which followed his sons, daughters, and grandchildren as they moved into their own lives of vocation and service. Those who benefited from this spiritual concern and who survive him include his wife, 3 sons (Raymond M., Nappanee; G. Maurice, Osceola; C. Warren, Tiskilwa, Ill.), one daughter (Helen-Mrs. Jess M. Delcamp, Goshen), one brother (Noah, Goshen), 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. His Christian influence reached far into churches of many communities. Frequently he used his skills in helping build places of worship. Included in these were the Mennonite churches in North Goshen, Bayshore, Sarasota, Fla., and Bellevue, Peoria, Ill. Funeral services were held in the Yoder Funeral Home, Goshen, on July 19 in charge of S. C. Yoder and J. H. Mosemann. Interment was in the Violet Cemetery.

Martin, -- Elizabeth, daughter of the late George and Louise (Hartung) Holst, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Nov. 20, 1895; passed away in the Milverton, Ont., Nursing Home after a lengthy illness on Aug. 25, 1955, aged 59 y. 9 m. 5 d. In 1911, she accepted Christ and was baptized and remained a faithful member of the Geiger Mennonite congregation until her death. On Nov. 20, 1929, she was married to Isaiah Martin, who survives her, together with one son (Nyle) at home. Also surviving are 2 brother (Jacob of Pine Hill, and David of Breslau). One sister and one brother predeceased her. Funeral services were conducted from the Geiger Church on Aug. 29 in charge of Elmer Grove and Moses Roth, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Martin, --Lester, J., son of Abraham and Mary (Riehl) Martin, was born near Salem, Ohio, Aug. 17, 1938; met instant death on Aug. 1, 1955, in an auto accident near Huntville, Ont.; aged 16 y. 11 m. 5 d. He with 3 other Salem boys left home on Saturday to spend the week end with their sisters at Markham, Ont. On Monday morning they, with 2 Canadian boy friends, planned to go fishing. They ran into a dense fog and crashed head-on into another car. Lester and Elvin Witmer were instantly killed. The other passengers in both cars were hospitalized. We certainly are reminded to be ready at all times. He leaves his parents, 3 sisters and one brother (Edna-Mrs. Maynard Ressler, Newcomerstown, Ohio; Elva-Mrs. Harvey Nighswander, Stouffville, Ont.; Martha and Leroy at home), one cousin (Ray Riehl, Grand, Ohio; who was raised in the home), and other relatives and friends. One sister and a little niece preceded him in death. He faithfully attended church services and had a desire for the deeper things in life. Double funeral services were held at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church on Aug. 5 with David Weaver, Cecil Reesor, Frank Nice and Abram Good in charge. Burial was made in the church cemetery.

Mast, -- Carrie, daughter of the late Wm. and Mary Hostetler, was born near Walnut Creek, Ohio, Oct. 9, 1872; departed this life after an extended illness at her home in Sugarcreek, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1955; aged 82 y. 10 m. 21 d. In her youth she united with the Walnut Creek Church, retaining her membership until death. On Feb. 1, 1891, she was united in marriage to Ennos Mast. One daughter and 2 sons came to bless this union. Her husband and one son preceded her in death. Surviving are the daughter (Mrs. Ray Richardson, Sugarcreek, Ohio), one son (Walter, Warren, Ohio), 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters (Mrs. Mabel Hartzler, Smithville, Ohio; Mrs. Wm. Flinner and Mrs. Emma Shutt, of Sugarcreek), and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services held at the Walnut Creek Church on Sept. 1 were in charge of Paul R. Miller. Interment was made in the Union Hill Cemetery, Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Nesselrodt, -- Charles Franklin, son of the late Jackson and Sarah Susan (Shaver) Nesselrodt, was born near Ft. Seybert, W. Va., on Sept. 25, 1882; departed this life Aug. 28, 1955; aged 72 y. 11 m. 3 d. He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church since a young man. He was twice married: his first wife, Martha R. Membert, preceded him in death in 1915. Surviving are his second wife (Blanche Delawder), and the following children (Hobart, Lester, and Harry of Harrisonburg, Va.; Jack of Bergton, Va.; Alice-Mrs. Russel Nesselrodt, Broadway, Va.; Annie-Mrs. Orville Shrieve, Lynchburg, Va.; Virginia-Mrs. John Bean, Winchester, Tenn.; Forrest and Ira in the U. S. Army; and Floyd and Harlan at home). One son preceded him in death. Also surviving him are one sister (Mrs. Virginia Walker, Broadway), and one brother (Joe, Ft. Seybert, W. Va.). Funeral services in charge of Timothy Showalter and Lloyd Hartzler were held Aug. 30, 1955, at the Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church with interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Schmitt, -- Wesley Warren, son of Peter and Etta Schmitt, was born at Goshen, Ind., on Feb. 2, 1955; passed away July 23, 1955; aged 5 m. 21 d. He was unwell from birth and received the loving care which parents are so eager to give their children. Besides the parents, he is survived by one brother and one sister. Graveside services were conducted in the Violet Cemetery by John H. Mosemann.

Shantz, -- Abraham G., son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Shantz, was born at Shantz Station, Ont., on March 17, 1882; died suddenly at his home, Preston, Ont., on Sept. 6, 1955; aged 73 y. 5 m. 20 d. On June 15, 1819, he was married to Tena Hallman, who died April 3, 1951. Surviving are 2 sons (Ross of London, and Glen of Preston), 2 daughters (Delores-Mrs. Cecil Mader of Breslau, and Marie-Mrs. Alfred Tuletzski of Fishers Mills), 2 sisters (Mrs. Eliza Brox, Edmonton, Alta., and Nancy ­Mrs. Peter Martin, Kitchener). He became a Christian in the days of his youth, and had a keen conception of the way of the Christian life. Death was not unexpected to him. Occasionally he would remind us that he believed his departure was near at hand. Funeral services were conducted at the Cressman Mennonite Church on Sept. 9 in charge of Carl J. Rudy, Merle Shantz, and Oscar Burkholder.

Wickey, -- Susan, wife of Jacob S. Wickey, was born in Lagrange, Co. Ind., Feb. 27, 1897; died almost instantly after being thrown from a horse-drawn buggy when the horse ran away near Shipshewana, Ind., Aug. 17, 1955; aged 58 y. 5 m. 21 d. She was a lifelong resident of Lagrange Co., and the daughter of the late John J. S., and Barbara Miller. She was a faithful member of the Amish Church. She leaves her husband, 4 sons (Amos, Lagrange; John, Middleburry, Ind.; Samuel, North Africa; and Perry, Lagrange), one daughter (Barbara-Mrs. Melvin Chupp, Goshen, Ind.), 8 grandchildren, 3 sisters (Anna-Mrs. Albert Hochstetler, and Lizzie-Mrs. Dan Frey, both of Topeka, Ind.; and Pauline-Mrs. August Wickey, Centerville, Mich.), and 4 brothers (Sam, Topeka; Joe, Etna Green, Ind.; Cornelius and Valentine, Goshen, Ind.). One daughter (Pauline) preceded her in death. Funeral services were held at the Leroy Yoder home on Aug. 20.

Witmer, -- Elvin Wenger, son of Enos and Hannah (Wenger) Witmer, was born Feb. 6, 1939, at Salem, Ohio; was suddenly called home in an automobile accident near Huntsville, Ont., on Aug. 1, 1955; aged 16 y. 5 m. 25 d. He and 5 other boys were on their way to northern Canada to spend a few days fishing when their car crashed head-on into another car which was shrouded in a pocket of dense fog. Elvin and another boy, Lester Martin, were instantly killed. The other occupants of both cars were hospitalized. We are reminded that "thee is but a step between me and death." "Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." He leaves his parents, 6 brothers and 4 sisters (Elmer, Columbiana, Ohio; Ralph, Salem, Ohio; Daniel, Orrville, Ohio; Stella-Mrs. Elmer Ressor, Unionville, Ont.; Owen, Tournavista, Peru; Vesta-Mrs. Ross Landis, Tigard, Oreg.; James, Homer, Esther, and Marjorie, at home), one aged grandfather (Daniel Witmer, Columbiana), and many other relatives and friends. One sister preceded him in death in infancy. He accepted Christ as his personal Saviour, Aug. 15, 1954; and left a bright Christian testimony wherever he went. Double funeral services were held at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church near Columbiana, Ohio, on Aug. 5, with Cecil Ressor, David Weaver, Frank Nice, and Abram Good in charge. Burial was made in the church cemetery. All the family were present for the funeral except Homer, who was injured in the same accident.

Ziegler, --Sadie, daughter of Abram and Lavina (Amstutz) Burkholder, was born Nov. 15, 1877, near Rittman, Ohio; died after a brief illness at the Dunlap Memorial Hospital, Orrville, Ohio, on Sept. 9, 1955; aged 77 y. 9 m. 25 d. On April 14, 1901, she was united in marriage to Samuel J. Ziegler. They were blessed with one daughter (Dorothy-Mrs. Kenneth Hilty of Orrville), and 3 sons (Glenn of Madisonburg; Edwin of Creston, and Russell of Dalton). Besides her husband and children, she is survived by 3 sisters (Lydia-Mrs. Truman Yoder, Orrville; Mrs. Ida Amstutz, Dalton, and Linda-Mrs. Israel Wirth, Akron), and 3 brothers (John, Orrville, Wesle, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Ed R., Canton), 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. In her youth she accepted Christ and became a member of the Crown Hill Mennonite Church. Later she became a charter member of the Orrville Mennonite Church. She was a good homemaker and mother and faithfully attended the services of the church. Memorial services held at the Orrville Mennonite Church on Sept. 12 were in charge of I. W. Royer, assisted by Lester Graybill. Interment was made in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.


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