Beechy, Sadie (Farver), was born May 12, 1872, in Holmes Co., Ohio; died Jan. 23, 1956, at Robison Memorial Hospital, Ravenna, Ohio, after an extended illness due to complications; aged 83 y. 8 m. 11 d. On Aug. 18, 1893, she was married to Abner Beechy, who preceded her in death in 1932. To this union were born 3 sons and 2 daughters. Four preceded her in death. Remaining are one daughter (Mrs. Neva Clapp, Kent, Ohio), 2 stepsons (Chester, Cleveland, Ohio; and Preston, Regina, Sask.), 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and one brother (John, Benton, Ohio). She was a member of the Plain View Mennonite Church near Aurora, Ohio, and was a faithful member until death. Funeral services were held at Bissler Funeral Home in Kent, with interment in Plainview Cemetery in charge of Eugene Yoder.
Denlinger C., Bertha, daughter of the late Benj. R. and Susanna M. Kreider, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 30, 1882; went to be with the Lord Feb. 8, 1956; aged 74 y. 8 d. She died at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Noah W. Wenger, Manheim, Pa., after a lengthy illness of chronic asthma. On June 16, 1904, she was untied in marriage to Benjamin L. Denlinger, to which union were born 3 daughters and one son (Elma K.-Mrs. Noah W. Wenger, with whom she resided the past 3 years; Mrs. Martha K. Hershey, Kinzers, Pa.; Ruth K.-Mrs. H. Richard Sauder, New Holland, Pa.; and Roy K., Gordonville, Pa.). Besides her husband and 4 children she is survived by 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters and one brother (Mrs. Anna M. Kreider, Ada-Mrs. Elmer G. Martin, and N. Elmer Kreider, all of Lancaster, Pa.). Preceding her in death were her parents, 2 grandchildren, a son-in-law, 2 brothers and one sister. She was a faithful member of the Stumptown Mennonite Church for over 50 years, and always enjoyed attending services when her health permitted. Funeral services at Mellinger's Mennonite Church were in charge of Lloyd M. Eby. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Douglas, John Albert, son of William Albert and Abbie (Dickerson) Douglas, was born Dec. 18, 1872; died Feb. 7, 1956, at his home near Buffalo, Ark.; aged 83 y. 1 m. 18 d. He was a lifelong resident of Baxter Co., Ark. At the time of his death he was a retired farmer and a member of the Mennonite Church. He will be remembered by many friends of the Mennonite work at Culp, Ark., because of her close association with the work there from the beginning. He with his wife, the former Maude Buckingham, moved to Culp in 1932 and moved to the Buffalo vicinity about 20 years later. Survivors include his wife, 3 sons (Jess, St. Joseph, Mo.; Ed, Mountain Home, Ark.; and Carl, Buena Vista, Colo.), 4 daughters (Lillie, Pueblo, Colo.; Mrs. Jewell Kirkland, Mountain Home; Mrs. Edna Ivens and Mrs. Darlene Herington, both of Buffalo, Ark.), 2 sisters (Mrs. Mamie Cox, Helene, Ark., and Mrs. Laura Smith, Bakersfield, Mo.), 20 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. His first wife and 4 children preceded him in death. Funeral services were conducted at the Mountain View Church in charge of Frank Horst, assisted by M. E. Bontreger. Burial was made in the Douglas Cemetery near Mountain Home.
Roth, Nancy Gardener, daughter of Daniel and Leah (Swartzentruber) Roth, was born March 5, 1870, at St. Agatha, Ont.; died Feb. 7, 1956, at the home of her son, Irvon, in Clarence Center, N. Y.; aged 85 y. 11 m. 2 d. on Nov. 25, 1890, she was united in marriage to Joel Roth, who preceded her in death, on May 21, 1948. Also preceding her in death were one son and 2 daughters. Surviving are 4 sons (William, Darrien, N. Y.; Daniel, Iowa City, Iowa; Emmerson, Hamlock, Mich.; and Irvon, Clarence Center, N. Y.), 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. From Tavistock, Ont., the Roth family moved to Pigeon, Mich., and in 1942, she with her husband went to live with their son Irvon. She was baptized and received as a member of the Mennonite Church in her youth, and was a member of the Clarence Center Congregation at the time of her death. Funeral services were conducted at the Clarence Center Church on Feb. 11 in charge of Edward Diener and Moses Roth. Interment was made in the Good Cemetery on Greiner Road.
Hurst, Luke A., youngest son of Weaver W. and Maggie (Auker) Hurst, was born near Spring Grove, Pa., Jan.11, 1910; passed away Dec. 6, 1955; aged 45 y. 10 m. 25 d. Death is believed to have been due to injuries received in a car accident which was caused by a heart attack while driving near Blooming Glen, Pa., about 80 miles from his home. On Jan.2, 1932, he was joined in marriage to Sallye Rhodes. The same year he was called of the Lord to enter the mission field in Reading, Pa., and they left their newly established home to answer the call. During the 25 years that followed he gave unstintingly to the establishing of the Mennonite Girls' Home, Twelfth Street, and also Fairview Street Mission, and later a mission and Sunday school for the colored on Seventh Street, also in Reading. On May 22, 1949, he was ordained to the ministry, taking oversight of the Seventh Street work. He also served on the conference board for high schools and was much interested in establishing Christian day schools. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, 2 sons (Luke, Jr., E. M. C.; and Paul, who was with his father in the accident, but escaped injury), 5 daughters (Eunice C., Louis A., Grace S., Mary Louise, and Sharon, all at home), his 85 year-old father, who resided with him, 2 brother (Raymon, San Francisco, Calif.; and Paul, Union Grove, Pa.), and 2 foster sister (Sarah-Mrs. Silas Brubaker and Helen-Mrs. George Weaver, both of New Holland, Pa.). He was preceded in death by his mother, who had also resided with him. Two funeral services were held the first one on Dec. 10, at Twelfth and Windsor St., Reading, and the second at Weaverland, Dec. 11, with large crowds, attending both services. Paul Grabill officiated with Lloyd Horst and Daniel Lehman assisting. Interment was made in the Weaverland Cemetery.
Martin, Craig, infant son of Roy D. and Ruth (Yoder) Martin, Waynesboro, Va.; was stillborn Jan. 31, 1956. Surviving with the parents, are 2 brothers (Kirk and Eric) and grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. John martin, Waynesboro, Va.; and Mr. and Mrs. K. A. Yoder, Sarasota, Fla.). Services were conducted by the graveside in the Springdale Cemetery Feb. 2, by J. R. Driver.
Rich, Ellen, daughter of Jonathan and Jacobena (Augsberger) Nofziger, was born Jan. 4, 1888, at Stuttgart, Ark.; entered her eternal rest Feb. 11, 1956, in her home in Archbold, Ohio; aged 68 y. 1m. 8 d. Her sudden passing was the result of a heart attack. On March 21, 1906, she was united in marriage to John Rich, who preceded her in death on March 24, 1951. To them were born 3 children (Clarence and Lester of Archbold; and Olive, Goshen, Ind.). Her mother passed away in 1924 and her father in 1950. Her brothers and sisters are: Ida-Mrs. John Wyse, and Jennie, Archbold; Harvey, Wauseon; and Simon, Stuttgart, Ark. She was a Christian from her youth, a loyal supporter of her church, and a regular attendant. Her devoted living made immeasurable contributions to her family, the church, and the community. Her transition into life in the most complete sense leaves her 3 children and 6 grandchildren to continue their labors for the kingdom. Memorial services were held Feb. 14 at the Central Church near Archbold, Ohio, with Dan Sommers officiating. Interment was made in the Pettisville Cemetery.
Snyder, Urias, son of the late Martin and Mary Snyder, was born Nov. 30, 1874; died Feb. 7, 1956, at the K & W Hospital after a short illness; aged 81 y. 2 m. 8 d. He was born and raised in the Westside district of Waterloo and also farmed there for many years. He was converted in his early years and united with the David Eby Church, and later the Erb Street Mennonite Church. He also served as church treasurer for many years. He is survived by his second wife, the former Sabina Shantz, a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lavina Snyder and a granddaughter, Judith Ann Snyder, of Hamilton. Also surviving are 3 brothers (Allan, Bridgeport; Ervin, Kansas City, Kans.; and Milton, London, Ont.), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Alvina Shirk, Bridgeport; and Mrs. Nelson Shuert, Kitchener). He was predeceased by his first wife, Susannah Shantz, in 1928, and by a son, Lorne, in 1949, and a brother and sister. Services were held at the Erb Street Church, conducted by J. B. Martin and Clare Shantz.
Yoder, Alvin J., son of Jacob V. and Caroline (Bliele) Yoder, and a lifelong resident of the Nappanee vicinity, was born Feb. 18, 1887; died at the Elkhart General Hospital, Feb. 14, 1956. He had been in failing health for the last months and was taken to the hospital about 12 days before his death. He would have been 69 years of age of Feb. 18. On Jan. 20, 1912, he was united in marriage to Ruth N. Weldy, who survives him with her two sons, Herschel of Ligonier and Leonard of Wakarusa. One daughter died in infancy. Also surviving him are 3 brothers (Jesse, Plymouth, Ind.; William, South Bend, Ind.; and John, Elkhart, Ind.), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Lee Mullet and Mrs. Russell Hostetter of Nappanee; and Mrs. Ward Stahly, of Elkhart). In his youth he accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church where he served these many years. In a service with him just before going to the hospital he expressed himself as having peace with God, and one of his last desires before his spirit took its flight was that God would take him home. Services were conducted at the North Main Street Church in Nappanee by Homer F. North, assisted by J. C. Wenger. Burial was made in the Olive Cemetery.
Yoder, Paul Edwin, son of Ambrose R. and Katie (Kauffman) Yoder, was born at Allensville, Pa., July 15, 1952; died Dec. 1, 1955, due to an accident at his home; aged 3 y. 4 m. 16 d. He is survived by his parent, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters (Darwin, Linda, Kenneth, and Arla), and his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Harry Yoder, Mt. Union, Pa.; and Mr. and Mrs. Alphie Kauffman, Belleville, Pa.). Funeral services were held at the Locust Grove Church in charge of Eire Renno and Louis Peachey.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Bixler, Nathan Wesley, son of the late Michael and Catherine Bixler, was born May 16, 1884, in Allen Co., Ind.; died in his home in Adrian, Mich., on Feb. 15, 1956; aged 71 y. 8m. 30 d. He never married and lived with his sister, Mrs. Ella Hughes. He moved from Topeka, Ind., to Adrian in 1925. He had been a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Lilly. Surviving are one brother, William A., of Garrett, Ind.; 5 sisters, Mrs. Rosetta Calvin, Mishawaka, Ind.; Mrs. Clara Miller, Ligonier, Ind.; Mrs. Celia Blosser, Wakarusa, Ind.; Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Iva Bennett of Adrian, Mich. A prayer service was held Feb. 18 in the Braum Funeral Home, in Adrian with G. Arthur Valentine officiating. Funeral services held in the Christner Funeral Home in Topeka were conducted by Edwin J. Yoder, with burial in the Maple Grove Cemetery.
Freed, Robert, son of Henry and Ida Mae (Delp) Freed, Line Lexington, Pa.; died Feb. 1, 1956, at the Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.; aged 14 y. 6m. 12 d. Death was caused by a brain tumor. He was baptized on Oct. 5, 1952, as a member of Line Lexington Mennonite Church, and was a regular attendant at Sunday school and church. Besides his parents he is survived by 4 brothers (Henry Jr., Russel, Ralph, and Ronald), his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Delp and Mrs. Arminta Freed). Services were held at the Line Lexington Church on Feb. 5 conducted by Claude B. Meyers and Merle Ruth. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Good, Jerry Lynn, son of Vernon and Hazel (Heatwole) Good, Logan, Ohio, was born Dec. 14, 1955; died Dec. 15, 1955. Graveside services were held at Turkey Run Mennonite Church on Dec. 16 with Marion Good officiating.
Hostetler, Frank H., son of Abram and Drusilla (Yoder) Hostetler, was born March 22, 1874, near Goshen, Ind.; departed this life Feb. 20, 1956, at Nampa, Idaho. Had he lived until March 22, he would have been 82 years old. He with his parents moved to McPherson Co., Kans., when he was 10 years of age. He attended Elkhart Institute, Elkhart, Ind., and taught school for 6 years, after which he prepared himself for the veterinary profession. On April 7, 1898, he was married to Dessie Yoder. They lived in McPherson Co., until 1905, when they moved to Idaho, where he practiced his profession until a few years prior to his death. He was a member of the Mennonite Church since youth, serving for years as a Sunday-school superintendent, mission board member, trustee and church treasurer. He leaves besides his wife, one son (Leon, Boise, Idaho),2 daughters (Vertie-Mrs. Harold Bailey and Adelia-Mrs. Christ Roth, both of Nampa, Idaho), 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. A son, Dr. Orval Hostetler, and a daughter, Anna Velma preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the Alsip Chapel, Feb. 23 with D. A. Good and Robert Garber in charge. Interment was made at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery.
Kornhaus, Melvin D., son of Adam and Anna (Butler) Kornhaus, was born Sept. 27, 1872, in Wayne Co., Ohio. Several years after his marriage to Lulu Rohrer on Nov. 26, 1896, he moved to a farm east of Orrville, Ohio, residing in the same community until the death of his wife in 1952. Since then he lived with his children and passed to his eternal reward at the home of his daughter, Elma on Feb. 13, 1956, due to declining health for several years; aged 83 y. 4 m. 16 d. At the age of 24 he made his decision for Christ and became a member of the Martins Mennonite Church where his father had served as minister and bishop for a number of years. He served as superintendent of the Sunday school and many years as a teacher. He had a keen interest in the welfare of the church. He was preceded in death by his wife, an infant son, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers. He is survived by 2 daughters (Elma-Mrs. Albert Horst, Dalton; Esta-Mrs. Raymond Burkholder, Orrville), 2 sons (David and Forest of Orrville), 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Services were held at the Martins Church in charge of J. Robert Detweiler and Stanford Mumaw, with interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Laird, Roscoe Conklin, a life-long resident of southern York Co., Pa., son of Amos and Elizabeth Laird, was born April 2, 1885; died Feb. 1, 1956, after 23 weeks of illness; aged 70 y. 10 m. 30 d. He is survived by his wife (Sallie Obermeiler Laird), 3 sons and 4 daughters. He found Christ as his personal Saviour the last year of his life, was baptized and became a member of the Wintertown Mennonite Mission. Funeral services held at the Burg Funeral Home of Red Lion, Pa., were in charge of Joseph Martin and Ralph Miller.
Landis, Sarah, daughter of the late John and Mary (Imhoff) Lehman, was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, on March 1, 1862; died Jan. 28, 1956; aged 93 y. 10 m. 28 d. After her marriage to William H. Landis in 1884 they went to Wayne Co., Ohio, where she lived the greater part of her active life. She was preceded in death by her husband on April 18, 1922. She and her sister Lydia went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Walter Martin near Orrville, Ohio, in 1941 where she remained until death. Her last illness was of short duration. She was a faithful member of the Chester Mennonite Church since early married life. Her eldest daughter preceded her in death in 1905, also a brother Henry. Surviving are 2 sons and 2 daughters (John and Ida Wenger of Wooster, Ohio; Harry and Emma Martin of near Orrville, Ohio), a sister Lydia, with whom she shared her household duties, 2 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 5 nephews, and many relatives and friends. Two grandchildren preceded her in death. Although nearly blind for the last two years, she did not complain but was always satisfied with whatever her lot in life was. She was always willing to sacrifice her time and pleasure to care for the sick. Funeral services were held on Jan. 31 at the Chester Mennonite Church in charge of Louis Amstutz, Abram Good, and Frank Nice with interment in adjoining cemetery.
McClain, Marguerite Brown, daughter of the late Amos and Fannie C. Brown, was born at Mt. Zora, Md., on June 26, 1905; passed away Dec. 31, 1955, at Nottingham, Pa.; aged 50 y. 6m. 5 d. She was married to Allen McClain, on Jan. 1, 1925. Their home was blessed with 9 children; one daughter, Velma, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, 8 children (Allen Jr., Oxford; Ruth-Mrs. William Bryon, Lincoln University; Margret, Philadelphia; Claude, U. S. Marines; Howard, Oxford; Anna, Richard, and Doris, at home), 2 sisters (Frances-Mrs. Samuel Lewis, Pearl Jones, Philadelphia), 2 brothers (Richard and Mort, Port Deposit, Md.), and 8 grandchildren. She was a Christian for 4 years and left a radiant testimony in her home and wherever she went. Although she suffered intense pain at times, she always had a smile. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Vernon Mennonite Chapel, Oxford, on Jan. 4 with J. Lloyd Kreider and Lester Miller and Aquila Stoltzfus in charge. Her body was laid to rest in Mt. Zora Cemetery, Md.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
McDorman, Sarah C., daughter of John and Catherine (Denning) McDorman, was born March 6, 1873, near Normal, Ill.; passed away in St. Lukes Hospital, Feb. 4, 1956; aged 82 y. 10 m. 28 d. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and 2 sisters. She was the last of the family. She leaves one cousin, Mrs. Emily Love, Hutchinson, Kans. Sadie, as she was called, accepted Christ in her girlhood days and united with the Methodist Church, later after moving to East Lynn, Mo., she and her sister, Ida, joined the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church, where she was a faithful member to the last. She had chosen Ps. 23 for Scripture reading, the text, songs, and a number of other arrangements for her funeral . She also express her thanks to her many friends for their loving deeds of kindness to her. Burial was made in the Clearfork Cemetery; James D. Yoder, pastor of Sycamore Grove Church, officiating, assisted by S. S. Hershberger.
Miller, Margaret, daughter of Shem and Elizabeth (Hooley) Kauffman, was born Nov. 8, 1888, near Belleville, Pa.; departed this life after a short illness on Feb. 16, 1956, at the community hospital, Nevada, Mo.; aged 68y. 3m. 8d. Early in life she accepted Christ and united with the Mennonite Church. She was always interested and concerned in the spiritual welfare of those in her charge. She was united in marriage to Roy Miller on Dec. 1, 1917. To this union were born 3 daughters and 2 sons (Verna-Mrs. Ralph Detwiler, Leonard, Mo.; Waldo E., Harper, Kans.; Wilmer D., Walker, Mo.; Elizabeth and Pauline-Mrs.Wallace Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa). Her parents, stepfather, 3 sisters and a brother preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing the immediate family, one sister (Keturah-Mrs. Fred Dreier, Hesston, Kans.), 3 brothers (Chris, Hesston; J. Chauncy, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Levi, Detroit, Mich.), 2 stepsisters (Ida-Mrs. S. D. Miller, Conway, Kans.; Mrs. Anna Johnson, Lyons, Kans.), 5 stepbrothers (Roy A. Zook, Pueblo, Colo.; Paul, North Hollywood, Calif.; John, Tofield, Alta.; and Menno, Redlands, Calif.), also 24 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Services at the West Liberty Church near Windom, Kans., were in charge of M. M. Troyer, J. G. Hartzler and Irvin Nussbaum. Interment was made in the West Liberty Cemetery.
Miller, Samuel D., was born near Berlin, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1878; died in his home in Berlin on Feb. 14, 1956; aged 78 y. 1 m. 1 d. In his youth he confessed Christ as his Saviour and was baptized and received as a member of the Martins creek Mennonite Church. At the time of his death he was a member of the Berlin Mennonite Church. In 1901 he was married to Hettie Mast. She preceded him in death in the fall of 1950. To this union were born 2 daughters (Eva-Mrs. Ervin Miller, Smithville, Ohio, and Elsie-Mrs. Ira Hochstetler, Berlin). He leaves to mourn his departure his 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers and one sister (Eli and Calvin of Millersburg, Noah of Berlin, Levi of Iowa, and Mrs. Fannie Helmuth of Oregon), and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the Berlin Church by S. W. Sommer, D. D. Miller, and Paul Hummel on Feb. 16.
Schrock, Jennie Fuller, daughter of Bro. and Sister D. Y. Hooley, was born Nov. 20, 1896, near Garden City, Mo.; passed away at her home near Goshen, Ind., on Feb. 9, 1956; aged 59 y. 2 m. 20 d. In her youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church of which she was faithful member until death. She always did her part in everything that she could. On March 1, 1917, she was united in marriage to Noah J. Schrock. To this union were born 3 sons and 4 daughters (Frank, Goshen, Ind.; Hazel-Mrs. John Hostetler (deceased); Orval, Ligonier, Ind.; Beulah-Mrs. John Buller, Topeka, Ind.; Grace Ellen (deceased); Margaret-Mrs. Ernest Hiebert, Mountain Lake, Minn.; and Lyle, at home). Surviving besides her family are her mother, Mrs. Hooley of Elkhart, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, 6 brothers and 4 sisters (Carl, California; Jesse (twin brother) Oklahoma; Daniel, Middlebury, Ind.; Walter, Elkhart; Willard and Harold of Idaho; Ruth-Mrs. Roy Miller and Nettie-Mrs. Daniel Reber, Kansas; Martha-Mrs. Glen Rogers of Elkhart, and Jewel, at home). She was patient, a faithful companion and wonderful mother. Funeral services were held Feb. 12 from the Maple Grove Church in Topeka, Ind., conducted by Ellis Croyle, C. Norman Kraus, and Edwin J. Yoder. Burial was made in the Maple Grove Cemetery.
Strite, Daniel M., son of the late John S. and Catherine (Lesher) Strite, was born March 12, 1873, near Leitersburg, Md.; died at his home on Jan. 27, 1956, after an illness of 8 months; aged 82 y. 10 m. 15 d. He was born and died in the same house where he lived all his life. In Nov. 28, 1893, he united in marriage to Annie G. Horst. He and his wife united in church membership at Millers Church around the time they were married. He was ordained to the ministry on June 6, 1901, at Millers Church and served as minister there for 54 years, preaching his last sermon there on May 22, 1955, using the charity chapter for his text. That was the last time he was permitted to attend services. He was among some of the oldest ordained ministers in the Mennonite Church. With his passing away there was a complete change-over in the body of ordained men of Washington County in the last 28 years. One infant son preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife and the following children (Amos W., Cora M-Mrs. Fred Albin, Rhoda H.-Mrs. Harry Weber, Ruth N.-Mrs. Amos Martin, Martha G.-Mrs. Adin Strite, John Menno, all of Hagerstown, Md.), one sister (Mrs. Amanda Eshleman, Smithsburg, Md.), 26 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Jan. 31, 1956, at the Millers Mennonite Church with Irvin Shank and Samuel Martin officiating. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Bair, Edith, daughter of the late Martin M. and Mary (Longnecker) Frey, was born Sept. 17, 1885; died Jan. 1, 1956, after an illness of a number of years; aged 70 y. 3 m. 15 d. She was married to John E. Bair, who preceded her in death 16 years ago. She was a member of the Hanover, Pa., Mennonite Church, where she attended services faithfully whenever she could. Surviving are 4 children (Mrs. Vincent Hobaugh, Seven Valley's, Pa.; Martha Bair, Hanover; Mrs. Theron Hess, Shelltown, Md.; Daniel F., Littlestown, Pa.), 5 grandchildren, 4 brothers and sisters (Clarence C., York; Samuel A., and Allen l., Hanover, and Mrs. Arthur Landen, Baltimore, Md.). Funeral services were held at the Mennonite Church in Hanover with Richard Danner and Harvey Grove in charge. Interment was made in the York Road Cemetery, Hanover, Pa.
Biddle, Gilbert, was born in California on Feb. 10, 1918; passed away at the Bernalillo County Indian Hospital, Albuquerque, N. Mex., Feb. 16, 1956; aged 38 y. 6d. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Viola Mae, 2 daughters (Mrs. Martha Lard, Abilene, Kans., and Emma at home), 2 sons (Robert and Albert at home), and many other relatives and friends. He accepted Christ as his Saviour on May 20, 1955, and was received into the fellowship of the Bethel Mennonite Church in Albuquerque on July 17, 1953. Even though he was confined to his bed most of the time from his conversion to the time of his death, he loved his Saviour dearly and enjoyed the fellowship of the saints. His testimony was an encouragement to many. The son "O Happy Day," and Psalm 23 were his favorite selections; in these he found comfort and confidence. Funeral services were conducted in The Chapel in the Garden by Joe H. Yoder. His body was laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park.
Biser, L. Charles, son of the late Edward and Sarah (Delauder) Biser, was born in Frederick Co., Md.; died at his home on Feb. 23, 1956; after a lengthy illness; aged 64 y. He was a member of the Mennonite Mission, Ponsville. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lapole Biser; a daughter, Mrs. Effie E. Huntzberry; 3 sons, Austin E., Ellsworth and John, all of Hagerstown, Md. 3 sisters, Mrs. Effie Shoemaker, Frederick; Mrs. Millie Stickell, Hagerstown; Mrs. Helen Mongan, Security, Md.; a brother, William, Baltimore, Md.; 19 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held Feb. 26 in the Zittlestown Church of God, conducted by Amos J. Martin, and assisted by Harry Gonso, by Amos J. Martin, and assisted by Harry Gonso, Moses K. Horst and Mervin J. Martin. Burial was made in the Zittlestown Cemetery.
Burkey, Emma, daughter of the late George and Susan (Witmer) Culp, was born near Wakarusa, Ind., May 18, 1871; died at her home in Locke, Ind., Feb. 27, 1956; aged 84 y. 9 m. 9 d. She was united in marriage on Jan. 19, 1921, to Jerome Burkey, who survives. Also surviving are 2 brothers (John, Wakarusa, and Nelson, Chicago), one stepson (George, Syracuse), and one stepdaughter (Mary Burkey, Nappanee), 4 grandchildren, and one- great-grandchild. She united with the Mennonite Church in youth and was a member of the Holdeman congregation until 34 years ago when she transferred her membership to the North Main St. Church in Nappanee, of which she was a member until death. She had a great concern for the spiritual welfare of relatives and friends. Services were held at the North Main St. Church on March 1, with Homer F. North in charge and Ray F. Yoder assisting. Burial was made in the South Union Cemetery.
Burkholder, Emma M., daughter of the late Henry B. and Esther (Musser) Weaver, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., April 11, 1877; died Nov. 4, 1955, at the Lancaster General Hospital; aged 78 y. 6 m. 23 d. Death was caused by a stroke followed by a week's illness. She was a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church. On May 17, 1896, she was married to Adam Z. Martin. This union was blessed with 8 children. The husband died Oct. 15, 1935, also 4 children preceded her in death. On Jan. 4, 1941, she was married to Peter H. Zeigler, who passed away Jan. 12, 1942. On March 31, 1943, she was united in marriage with David W. Burkholder, who survives her. Also surviving are 3 daughters and one son (Bertha-Mrs. Harry O. Hoover, Bareville; Tobias W. Martin, East Earl; Lizzie-Mrs. Henry B. Hoover, Ephrata; Mary-Mrs. David H. Martin, New Holland), 5 stepchildren (Adam Burkholder, Pettisville, Ohio; Bertha-Mrs. Arthur Eicher, Archbold, Ohio; Ella--Mrs. Aaron Kloppenstein, Grabill, Ind.; Ervin Burkholder, Cozad, Nebr., and Edna Zimmerman, Archbold, Ohio), 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (Henry, Bareville; Benjamin, Blue Ball, and Joseph M., New Holland). She lived several years in Fulton Co., Ohio, and spent many winters in Florida. Funeral services were held from the late home in Blue Ball, Pa., and at the Weaverland Mennonite Church in charge of J. Paul Graybill and Alvin G. Martin. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Eby, Catherine K., daughter of the late Abram and Elizabeth (Kreider) Stauffer, was born in West Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., passed away Feb. 8, 1956, at the Oreville Mennonite Home, after an illness of two weeks; aged 83 y. 11 m. 28 d. On Oct. 21, 1896, she was united in marriage to Levi F. Eby. They lived on a farm in Rapho Twp., later in Landisville, and were guests at the Oreville Mennonite Home for the past 2 years. She united with the Mennonite Church shortly after their marriage and within the past year had the happy experience of seeing her husband saved. Grandma always enjoyed sewing and made many useful article for other people. She is survived by her husband, one daughter (Grace-Mrs. Christian Garber, Lititz), one son (John, Manheim), and 8 grandchildren. She was the last of her immediate family. Funeral services were held on Feb. 11, 1956, at the Nissley Funeral Home, Mt. Joy, Pa., in charge of Landis Brubaker and Christian Frank. Interment was made in the Landisville Mennonite Cemetery.
Eschman, Carl Henry, son of Henry and Maggie Eschman, was born March 13, 1902, at McPherson, Kans., passed away March 3, 1956, at Williamsburg, Iowa; aged 53 y. 11 m. 19 d. Death was due to a heart attack. He was married to Sarepta E. Rodgers on Dec. 31, 1944. Most of his life was spent in Kansas where he united with the Church of the Brethren. When coming to Iowa about 12 years ago, he transferred his membership to the West Union Church, Parnell, Iowa. His parents preceded him in death. Besides his wife he is survived by 3 sisters (Bertha and Minnie of Kansas, and Emma of California.). Funeral services were held at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman with Paul T. Guengerich and Harvey M. Yoder in charge. The body was returned to McPherson, Kans., for burial.
Garber, Clarence H., son of Joseph B. and Sarah Garber, was born near Akron, Pa., Oct. 17, 1922; went to be with his Lord on Jan. 8, 1956; aged 33 y. 2m. 22 d. On June 10, 1950, he was united in marriage to Martha Eshleman. In early manhood he yielded his life to God and united with the Mennonite Church at Lititz, Pa. His sincere, quiet devotion and constant readiness to serve reflected the true spirit of Christ in his life. In Oct. 1952, they moved to Denver, Colo., and united with the First Mennonite Church there. He is survived by his wife, his father, his stepmother, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters (Joseph, West Liberty, Ohio; Roy, Lancaster, Pa.; Jacob, New Holland, Pa.; Sarah-Mrs. Joseph Cramer, Lititz, Pa.; Elizabeth-Mrs. Martin Sensenig, New Holland, Pa.; Anna Mary-Mrs. Ernest Lefever, Millersville, Pa.; Kathryn-Mrs. David Gehman, Lititz, Pa.). His mother and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral services held at Denver, Colo., were in charge of E. M. Yost and Glenn Martin, and at the Rossmere Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa., by Daniel Miller, assisted by D. Stoner Krady and Melvin Lauver. Interment was made in the Hershey Mennonite Cemetery.
Gregerson, Agnes, was born May 23, 1893, in South Dakota; passed away Feb. 5, 1956, at her home near Pennington, Minn.; aged 62 y. 8 m. 8 d. Her husband preceded her in death in July, 1955. Aggie (as she was called by those who knew her) found the Lord Jesus as her Saviour only 13 months ago. She was baptized last May, but her faithful church attendance, her consistent life and her ready testimony has touched many hearts in the community. Surviving are 3 children (Doris Lally, Minneapolis, Minn.; Harold, Pennington, and Vernon, Ann Arbor, Mich.) 3 sisters, one brother, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral service was held at the Kitichi Pines Mennonite Church near Pennington in charge of LeRoy Yoder.
Horst, Phares Strite, son of the late Abram S. and Fannie Catherine (Strite) Horst, was born May 2, 1885, in Maugansville, Md.; went to his heavenly home Jan. 30, 1956; aged 70 y. 8m. 28 d. He had surgery on Jan. 18, and was getting along very well. A few hours after returning home from the Washington County Hospital, the doctor visited him and said he stood the trip very well. Fifteen minutes later a blood clot caused his death. He was united in marriage to Carrie A. Shank on Dec. 18, 1910. To this union were born 3 sons and 3 daughters (Melvin S., who preceded him in death; John A., Big Spring, Md.; Carrie-Mrs. Paul S. Eby, Hagerstown, Md.; Leroy P., Williamsport, Md.; Bertha-Mrs. Glenn L. Eby, Hagerstown, and Frances A., at home). Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters (Abram S., Paramount, Md.; Michael S. and Henry S., Clear Spring, Md.; Nancy-Mrs. Jonas Horst, Hagerstown; Katie-Mrs. William Gehman, Lancaster, Pa.), half brother (Ortho, Clear Spring), half sisters (Lizzy-Mrs. Adin Horst, Hagerstown, Md., and Mrs. Ruth Clugston, Pa.). He accepted the Lord as his Saviour in 1910 and has been a faithful member of the Clear Spring Mennonite Church since that time. Funeral services were held at the Clear Spring Church on Feb. 3 in charge of Irvin Shank and Samuel Martin, with burial in adjoining cemetery.
Koch, Charles R., son of the late David and Elizabeth (Richert) Koch, was born March 16, 1878, at Conestogo, Ont.; passed away at the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital in Kitchener, Ont., after a brief illness on Feb. 25, 1956; aged 77 y. 11m. 9 d. On Aug. 24, 1904, he was married to Minerva Swartz, who predeceased him in 1954. He was also predeceased by one son (Stanley), 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Surviving are 6 sons (Lester and Orton of New Hamburg; Phares of Kitchener; Oliver of Conestogo; Roy, St. Jacobs, and Charles of Listowel), 3 daughters (Mabel-Mrs. Herbert Kufske, Kitchener; Gladys-Mrs. Norman Martin, St. Jacobs, and Vera-Mrs. Nelson Snyder of Waterloo), 3 sisters (Mrs. Leah Musselman, Kitchener; Lizzie-Mrs. George Reist, Rosedale, and Hannah-Mrs. Titus Hallman, Rochester, N. Y.), 40 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He farmed in Woolwich Twp., for many years, retiring from active life in 1941. He joined the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church as a young man and remained a member until his death. Funeral services were conducted at the St. Jacobs Church on Feb. 28, 1956, in charge of Howard S. Bauman, assisted by Noah Hunsberger and Oliver D. Snider. Interment was made in the cemetery at Three Bridges.
Shafer, Oran Albert Jr., son of Oran and Catherine (Buck) Shafer, Port Trevorton, Pa., was born June 16, 1955; departed this life as a result of an accident, Feb. 17, 1956; aged 8 m. 1 d. The accident occurred while the mother was doing the family washing in an adjoining hallway of the house and then went to hang up the wash. The child was playing on the kitchen floor. The door to the hallway apparently opened and the child crawled up to the 16-quart bucket of water and pulled himself up to it. In just a few minutes the mother found the baby's lifeless body hanging over the edge of the bucker, with his face down in the water. All efforts to revive him failed. He is survived by his parents, grandparents (Roger Shafer, Port Trevorton, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Buck, Spring Run, Pa.), and 2 great-grandmothers. Funeral services were held at the Susquehanna Mennonite Church by Donald Lauver and Walter Graybill, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.