Alderfer, Jacob M., son of Philip G. and the late Katie (Moyer) Alderfer, was born April 19, 1891; passed away Nov. 15, 1956; aged 65 y. 6 m. 27 d. His sudden death was caused by a heart attack. On Jan. 27, 1912, he was united in marriage to Mary N. Clemens who survives along with the following children (Sara Kathryn-Mrs. Ezra Derstine, Souderton, Pa.; Walton C., Harleysville, Pa.; Wellington C., Telford, Pa.; and Betty, at home), also 6 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters (Melvin M., Mrs. Lizzie Heckler, Mrs. Elias Landis, Lewis M., all of Harleysville; Mrs. Isaiah Landis, mainland), and his aged father, residing at Harleysville. Funeral services at the Salford (Pa.) Church, where he had been a faithful member, were in charge of John E. Lapp and Henry L. Ruth, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Birkey, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Fannie (Birkey) Litwiller, was born near Hopedale, Ill., Nov. 15, 1873; died in a physician's office at Manson, Iowa, on Jan. 4, 1957; aged 83 y. 1m. 20 d. Her death was sudden but not expected as she had been suffering from a heart condition for the past 10 years. She had lived at Manson for the last 40 years. On Dec. 6, 1903, she was married to Andrew C. Birkey, who survives. Also surviving are 5 sons and daughters (Fanny-Mrs. Lee Zimmerman, Rockwell City, Iowa; Harvey Conneautville, Pa.; Esther-Mrs. Lester Oyer, Clarence, and Viola-Mrs. Willard Oyer, all of Manson), 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (John and Amos, Hopedale; Aaron, Morton, Ill.), and one sister (Mary-Mrs. Joe Springer, Hopedale). An infant son, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters preceded her in death. In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church and was a faithful member until her death. Funeral services at the Manson Church on Jan. 7 were in charge of Nick Stoltzfus and Ed Birkey with burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Childers, David Lee, infant son of Lloyd and Mildred Childers, Eaglesham, Alta., was stillborn on Dec. 15, 1956. Surviving are the parents and 3 sisters (Arlene, Glenda, and Beverly). Graveside services were held Dec. 18 at the Pleasant Heights Cemetery in charge of Rollin Yoder.
Cressman, Daniel M., son of the late David and Mary (Martin) Cressman, was born near Baden, Ont., Jan. 2, 1875; died at his home in St. Jacobs, Ont., Jan. 18, 1957, after an illness of about 4 years; aged 82 y. 16 d. He had farmed in the community of St. Jacobs all his life. On April 7, 1896, he was married to Leah Weber who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Amos, Elmira; Daniel, St. Jacobs), one daughter (Mary Ann-Mrs. Michael Bowman, St. Jacobs), one brother (David, Elmira), 2 sisters (Mrs. David Martin, St. Jacobs, and Mrs. Moses Horst, Elmira), 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Three sons, 2 brothers, and one sister predeceased him. He joined the Mennonite Church at the age of 19 and remained a faithful member until his death. Funeral services were held at the St. Jacobs Church on Jan. 20 in charge of Roy S. Koch, assisted by Noah Hunsberger. Burial was made in the St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery.
Good, Mary, daughter of Joseph and Barbara Naffziger, was born March 31, 1871, near Delavan, Ill.; on Jan. 12, after an illness of 3 weeks, she departed this life at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Melvin Grieser, Dewey, Ill.; aged 85 y. 10m. 12 d. In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and became a member of the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill. At the time of her death she was a member of the East Bend congregation near Fisher, Ill. On Feb. 4, 1892, she was married to Peter Good, who preceded her in death in 1946. They made their home in Livingston County until 1900 when they moved to Champaign County, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Surviving are 5 daughters (Mrs. Ezra Yordy, Eureka, Ill.; Mrs. Emanuel Birky, Kouts, Ind.; Mrs. Jesse Heiser, Fisher, Ill.; Mrs. Lester T. Hershey, Aibonito, Puerto Rico; Mrs. Melvin Grieser, Dewey, Ill.), 4 sons (Leroy, Ivan and Joseph, Rantoul, Ill.; Arthur, Paxton, Ill.), one brother (Benjamin, San Diego, Calif.), 33 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. Four sisters and 3 brothers preceded her in death. She constantly sought the will of the Lord for her life and constantly yielded herself to it. She found great delight in entertaining guests, and speaking with her was always an inspiration. Her witness and testimony will continue to live on in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her happiness was complete as one by one they made their decision to follow her Lord. Funeral services were held on Jan. 15 in East Bend Church in charge of Howard J. Zehr.
Lehman, David, son of Jacob and Mattie (Stutzman) Lehman, was born at Milford, Nebr., Nov. 28, 1883; passed away at the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Jan. 18, 1957; aged 73 y. 1 m. 20 d. He united with the East Fairview congregation, Milford, Nebr., at the age of 18 and was a faithful member of Lower Deer Creek, Kalona, Iowa, at the time of his death. On Feb. 16, 1905, he was married to Anna Saltzman, who preceded him in death, Feb. 9, 1947. To this union 5 children were born (Elma-Mrs. Forest Erb, Sterling, Ill., Enos, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Chester, Albany, Oreg.; Mrs. Ada Schrock and Frieda-Mrs. Clarence Bender, with whom he made his home, both of Iowa City). At the age of 6 years his mother passed away and from that time his home was with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Beckler. Surviving, besides the above-named children, are his stepmother (Mrs. Emma (Roth) Lehman), a brother, (Joe, Orland, Calif.), a sister (Mrs. Ella Roth, Twin Falls, Idaho), 2 half brothers, 8 half sisters, 27 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 foster brothers, and 5 foster sisters. One brother and 2 grandchildren preceded him in death. In 1918 he, with his family, moved to Wood River, Nebr., and in 1938 to Kalona, Iowa, where he resided until death. In March, 1956, he underwent surgery for lung cancer from which he never regained his former health. He had a deep interest and concern for the church and during his period of illness he called for the observance of the ordinance of anointing at the hospital and communion in the home. Funeral services were held Jan. 21 in charge of John Y. Swartzendruber and George S. Miller, with burial in the Lower Deer Creek Cemetery.
Sleeper, Erma, wife of William Sleeper, was born at Pierceton, Ind., Dec. 31, 1891; passed away Jan. 12, 1957, after a long illness of cancer; aged 65 y. 12 d. She moved to Elkhart, in 1909 and on June 8, 1910, as married to William Edward Sleeper, who died May 24, 1952. Survivors include 5 sons (Edward J., Donald L., and Carl L., all of Elkhart; J. Fred, Kendallville, Ind.; and William Jr., South Milford, Ind.), 2 daughters (Ruth L., and Georgia-Mrs. Merle Newell, both of Elkhart), 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren 4 brothers (Pete, William, and Wilbur Hamman, all of Boyd, Wis.; and C. Floyd Hamman, Eau Claire, Wis.), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Otto Beigle and Mrs. George Edward Warner, both of Augusta, Wis.). She accepted Christ as her Saviour at the age of 15 while the family was living in Wisconsin. In 1938, while Bro. Milton Brackbill held meetings in the Belmont Mennonite Church, Elkhart, she reconsecrated her life, untied with the Belmont Church, and was a faithful member until her death. Funeral services were held at the Belmont Church on Jan. 15 in charge of S. Jay Hostetler, with burial in the Rice Cemetery.
Snyder, Steven John, son of John and Nona (Jantz) Snyder, Newton, Kans., was born March 6, 1954; died Jan. 9, 1957; aged 2 y. 10 m. 3 d. He had a heart ailment since birth. An operation by a specialist in Aug., 1956, seemed to give him a promise for a normal life, but God willed otherwise and he passed away while his mother was taking him to the Bethel Hospital following a fainting spell. Besides his parents, he is survived by a sister (Van Lee) and grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Snyder, Ashley, Mich.; and Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Jantz, Newton, Kans.), Funeral services were held at the Pennsylvania Church near Hesston, Kans., on Jan. 13 with Earl Buckwalter in charge. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Stutzman, Andrew L., son of Levi J. and Sarah (Miller) Stutzman, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, May 22, 1903; departed this life on Dec. 10, 1956, shortly after going to work; aged 53 y. 6 m. 18 d. On Nov. 24, 1927, he was united in marriage to Rosie Yoder, Clarence, N. Y. They lived in Clarence until 1944, when they returned to Wayne County. Surviving are his wife, one sister (Mrs. Andrew S. Mast, Fairbanks, Iowa), a half sister (Mrs. Eli Slabaugh, Clarence), 2 brothers (David, Kidron, Ohio, and Monroe, Big Prairie), and 3 half brothers (Eli, Apple Creek, Ohio; Albert, Millersburg, Ohio, and Levi, Mt. Hope). In his youth he was received into church fellowship in Holmes County. At the time of his death he was a faithful member of the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church on Dec. 12 with I. W. Royer, I. Mark Ross, J. William Detweiler, and J. Robert Detweiler taking part. Interment was made in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Yoder, Glen Leroy, son of Leroy and Esther Yoder, Hartville, Ohio, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, April 1, 1956; passed away Aug. 27, 1956, at the Aultman Hospital; aged 4 m. 27 d. Death was due to bronchial pneumonia. Surviving are his parents, grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Sol Miller, Hartville, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Dan N. Yoder, Apple Creek, Ohio), and great-grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Menno Miller, Hartville, and Mrs. Fanny Gross, Middlebury, Ind.), and other relatives. Funeral services at the Beachy Church, Hartville, Ohio, were in charge of Alvin Witmer and Paul W. Kandel.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Brenneman, Daniel, son of the late Nicholas and Catherine (Erb) Brenneman, was born March 20, 1895, in Ellice Twp., Ont.; died at his home, Tavistock, Ont., Jan. 17, 1957; aged 61 y. 28d. In his youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and became a member of the East Zorra A. M. Church where he was a faithful member until death. On Dec. 17, 1919, he was united in marriage to Salome Erb, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Beatrice-Mrs. Ivan Bender, South Easthope, Geoline-Mrs. Nelson Bender, East Zorra), 2 sons (Bruce and Lester) at home, one grandson, 2 brothers (Moses, East Zorra; Elmer, Newton), and one sister (Mrs. Simon Roi, East Zorra). One son and 3 brothers predeceased him. Funeral services at the East Zorra Church were in charge of Joel Swartzentruber, Andrew Zehr, and Henry Yantzi, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Herr, Douglas Jay, infant son of Elwood L. and Janet (Thomas) Herr, Sterling, Ill., was born march 8, 1956, at the Dixon Public Hospital, Dixon, Ill.; died Nov. 27, 1956, at the Children's Convalescent Home, Rockford, Ill., following an illness from birth. Surviving are his parents, the grandparents (Mrs. Ruth Herr, Sterling, Ill., and Rev. and Mrs. Harold E. Thomas, Johnstown, Pa.), also 5 great-grandparents and one great-great-grandfather. Burial was made at Science Ridge Cemetery, with J. Frederick Erb, A. C. Good, and Harold Thomas in charge.
Hershey, Amos H., son of David and Fanny Hershey, was born near Manheim, Pa., Nov. 29, 1856; died Jan. 17, 1957; aged 100 y. 1 m. 19 d. He was united in marriage to Lavina N. Hostetter on Nov. 24, 1881. She passed away at the age of 91, five months before their 70th wedding anniversary. He was a member of the Mennonite Church for 62 years, and a charter member of the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities which was organized in 1914. He is survived by the following children (Fannie H. Lapp, Alice H. Mumaw, Harry, and M. Esther, all of Manheim), 3 grandchildren, and one-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held in the Manheim Church with Homer Bomberger and Ira Huber officiating. Burial was made in the Kauffman Cemetery.
Hess, Hettie K., widow of the late Abram L. Hess, and daughter of the late Samuel and Lydia (Lesher) Horst, was born near Maugansville, Md., Nov. 2, 1871; died at her home near Marion, Pa., on Jan. 13, 1957, after an illness of several months; aged 85 y. 2m. 11 d. Surviving are 2 daughters (Lydia R., at home, and May-Mrs. Henry Baer, Marion), 3 grandsons, 2 great-grandchildren, and a brother (S. Lesher, Maugansville). She accepted Christ in her youth and was a faithful member of the Marion Church for many years. One of her great delights in her declining years was to make garments and give them to those in need in the name of her Lord. Funeral services are Marion church on Jan. 15 were in charge of J. Irvin Lehman, Norman Martin, and Merle Cordell, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
King, Isaac Milton, was born June 5, 1880, in Logan Co., and always lived in the West Liberty, Ohio community. He was married Feb.23, 1915, to Bess J. Hooley, who survives. A son, Kenneth, was born June 4, 1916, but did not live. Two sisters (Mrs. Effie King, West Liberty, and Mrs. Viola Shank, Bellefontaine), and one brother (David P., Orrville), also survive. In 1913 he had the misfortune to fall off a scaffold and sustained severe injury from the effects of which he never recovered. Despite physical disabilities he set up a small business of his own in upholstery and cabinet work, which he operated until 1949. Since that time he had been a semi-invalid, but was critically ill only about 10 days. He became a member of the church at an early age and attended services regularly as long as he was able. He taught a Sunday-school class and acted in the capacity of treasurer in the South Union Church for many years. Funeral services were held Jan. 14 at the South Union Church in charge of Stanley Shenk with Nelson Kanagy assisting. Burial was made in the South Union Cemetery.
Landis, Anna Mary, daughter of the late Joseph and Rachel (Shank) Barkdoll, was born in Washington Co., Md., on Sept. 17, 1899; passed away at her home near Shippensburg, Pa., on Jan. 16, 1957, after a lingering illness; aged 57 y. 4 m. She was a member of the Chambersburg Mennonite Church. Surviving are her husband, Menno E. Landis, and the following sons and daughters (Menno E., Jr., and Robert, both of Chambersburg; Daniel O., Richard L., and Ray L., all at home; Mrs. Garnet Kiefer, Chambersburg; Mrs. Ellis L. Martin, Shippensburg, and Mrs. Donald Martin, Wilmington, Del.), also 2 brothers and a sister (Eli, Williamsport, Md., Henry, and Mrs. Aaron Oberholzer, both of Hagerstown, Md.), a half sister (Mrs. Leroy Wise, New Cumberland), and 5 grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Chambersburg Mennonite Church on Jan. 18 by Amos Martin, Harold Hunsecker, and Omar Martin, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Lehman, Mary, was born near Kidron, Ohio, on Nov. 5, 1887, to John and Anna (Swartz) Kratzer; died at the Community Osteopathic Hospital in Orrville, Ohio, on Jan. 18, 1957, following a brief illness; aged 69 y. 2m. 13 d. As a young girl she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and was received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Church, attending faithfully at the Kidron Church. She resided on the farm home of her birth until last February, when they moved to Kidron. Surviving are her husband, Noah J. Lehman, whom she married Dec. 29, 1910, 4 sons (Edwin S., and Dennis D., both of Kidron; Clarence A., San Francisco, Calif.; and Harold L., Cleveland, Ohio), 3 daughters (Lorene-Mrs. Raymond Yoder, Louisville, Ohio; Pauline, at home, and Anna-Mrs. Marion Nussbaum, Orrville), 14 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (John and Fred, both of Orrville). One sister and one brother preceded her in death. Funeral services were held Jan. 20 at the Kidron Church in charge of Reuben Hofstetter, Isaac Zuercher, and Allen Bixler, with burial in the church cemetery.
Mishler, Lena, daughter of David and Susan (Mawry) Gingerich, was born June 10, 1878, in Wayne Co., Ohio; passed away Jan. 21, 1957, at the home of her daughter near Centerville, Mich.; aged 77y. 7m. 11 d. She was the last survivor of a family of 7. On Feb. 19, 1907 , she was married to Samuel Mishler, from whom she lived separately since 1930. Surviving are one daughter (Laura-Mrs. Leroy Rhinesmith) with whom she lived since 1930, one son (Earl, Jackson, Mich.), and 5 grandchildren. Two children died in infancy. She accepted the Lord at the age of 16 and has been a member of Frame Mennonite Church near Goshen, Ind., for the past 30 years. Funeral services were held Jan. 24 at the Townline Conservative Mennonite Church in charge of Vernon E. Bontreger and Edwin Yoder.
Rhodes, Anna Rebecca, daughter of Daniel S. and Katie (Brenneman) Brunk, was born June 30, 1881, near Lima, Ohio; passed away Jan. 22, 1957, at the Mennonite Hospital, La Junta, Colo., following an illness of 4 months; aged 75 y. 7 m. 23 d. she grew up in the Lima, Ohio, community where early in youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church. On Feb. 14, 1901, she was united in marriage to Amos W. Rhodes, Harrisonburg, Va. They lived first at Elida, Ohio, and then moved to the La Junta community in 1903. Bro. Rhodes retired as a farmer in 1946, and the couple moved to La Junta in 1948. She was very active in church work, serving as superintendent of the primary department for a number of year, and furnished transportation and taught in the first summer Bible school started in La Junta. She always served in some capacity in the church until the last few years when her health failed. She an and her husband were the only charter member s of the La Junta Mennonite Church, organized in 1903, who were still living in La Junta at the time of her death. Besides her husband, she is survived by 4 sons (Marvin, John ,and Vernon, all of La Junta, and Paul, Colorado Springs, Colo.). A daughter preceded her in death. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the La Junta Church on Jan. 26 with E. M. Yost officiating, assisted by Bro. J. W. Shank.
Rissser, John P., son of the late Samuel and Anna (Peters) Risser, was born Aug. 31, 1873; passed away Dec. 12, 1956, at the Oreville Mennonite Home, Lancaster, Pa. He was a member of Rissers's Mennonite Church. Surviving are the children (Mae-Mrs. Elmer Sentz, Mt. Joy, Pa.; Grace-Mrs. Oliver Sager, Elizabethtown, Pa.; Mrs. Anna Hoover, Harrisburg, Pa.; Clayton, Annville, Pa.; Harold, Columbia, Pa.; Christian, and Harry, both of Elizabethtown), 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and a sister (Mrs. Amos Caslow, Hummelstown). Funeral services were conducted by Noah W. Risser and Walter Oberholtzer from the Miller Funeral Home, Elizabethtown, on Dec. 15, with burial in Risser's Cemetery.
Schmitt, Donald W., was born Feb. 9, 1938, to Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Schmitt, Kitchener, Ont.; passed away suddenly at the K & W Hospital on Jan. 20, 1957; aged 18 y. 11m. 11 d. At the age of ten he accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a member of the Mannheim (Ont.) Mennonite Church, to which he remained faithful to his death. Surviving are his parents, one sister (Margaret), and one brother (Stewart), and a large number of friends, classmates, and relatives. Funeral services were conducted Jan. 24 at the Mannheim Church in charge of Osiah Horst and Howard Good.
Shaffer, George, 81, son of Emser and Lucy (Mentzer) Shaffer, died Jan. 22, 1957, in the South Side Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of North Lima, Ohio, and a member of the North Lima Mennonite Church. His wife, Nettie Null, died in March, 1946. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Anna Wolfgang, North Lima; 2 nephews and 4 nieces. Funeral services were held Jan. 24 at the Seederly-Beilhart Funeral Home in North Lima in charge of David Steiner, with burial in the Village Cemetery.
Sherk, Elizabeth Anna, daughter of Amanda and the late Robson Jewett, was born in York Co., Ont., on April 5, 1894; died at her home near Selkirk, Ont., on Jan. 8, 1957; aged 62 y. 9 m. 2 d. In Sept. 1922, she was married to Gordon Sherk, Selkirk, Ont., where they have resided since. For over two years she suffered from cancer, and through times of extreme pain she patiently bore it with enduring faith in her Lord and Saviour. As a young girl she was converted and became a member of the Rainham Mennonite Church, where she served her Lord till death. Surviving are her husband, a son (Roy, at home), (Ruby-Mrs. Howard Zinkan, Drumbo, Ont.), her mother at the Fairview Mennonite Home, Preston; a brother (Edwin, near Preston), and 18 nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held in the Rainham Church on Jan. 9, 1957, in charge of A. Lewis Fretz and assisted by Ira Brubacher. Burial was made in the Lake Shore Cemetery.
Yeager, Edward, son of John and Sarah (Evans) Yeager, was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Oct. 14, 1879; passed away in the Chambersburg, (Pa.) Hospital Dec. 14, 1956; aged 77 y. 2 m. Although he had been in failing health for some time, death came suddenly as a result of a coronary Thrombosis. On May 11, 1902, he was united in marriage to Annie Ernst, who survives. Together they accepted Christ as their Saviour and united with the Marion Mennonite Church on May 16, 1903, later transferring their membership to the Pleasant View Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member. To this union were born 7 sons and 3 daughters (Roy, Frank, Raymond, Earl, Glenn, and Martha-Mrs. Henry R. Ebersole, all of Chambersburg, Pa.; Milton, Hagerstown, Md.; Esther, at home, and Mary Emma, who preceded him in death.) Also surviving are 24 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (John, Chambersburg and Robert, St. Thomas, Pa.). Funeral services were held at the Pleasant View Church on Dec. 18 in charge of John B. Sollenberger, Amos E. Martin, and Walter H. Lehman, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Mentzer, David B., born Nov. 2, 1878; died Jan. 17, 1957, at the Waynesboro Hospital where he had been since Oct. 13 with a broken hip. He was a member of the Pond Bank Mennonite Church, one of the results of the work at Fox Hill. He is survived by 2 daughters (Mrs. James Bell and Mrs. Irene Reed, both of Waynesboro), 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and a sister (Mrs. Lloyd Kline, Waynesboro, Pa.). Funeral services were held in the Grove Funeral Home in charge of Harvey E. Shank, with interment in the Quincy Cemetery.
Yoder, Ida Egli, daughter of Dan and Susan (Yoder) Kauffman, was born Nov. 18, 1887, near Hubbard, Oreg.; passed away Dec.26, 1956, at Canby, Oreg.; aged 69 y. 1 m. 8 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in her early teens and was a faithful member of the Zion Church at Hubbard until her passing. She married Jacob Edward Egli on Oct. 14, 1906. To this union were born 12 children-6 boys and 6 girls. On Sept. 11, 1938, she was married to John Yoder. Surviving are her husband, John Yoder, Hubbard; 10 children (Ira Egli, Portland, Oreg.; Vernon Egli, Valsetz; Viola Egli, Canby; Gladys-Mrs. Dan Yoder, Hubbard; Dan Egli, Potters Valley, Calif.; Willis Egli, Salem; Elsie-Mrs. Glenn Cutsforth, Canby; Marvin Egli, Molalla; Lela-Mrs. Vernon Landis, Molalla; and Lloyd, Oswego, Oreg.), 22 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, one brother (Dan, Chicago, Ill.), and many other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her first husband, 2 children, her parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services held at the Zion Church on Dec. 30 were conducted by Allen H. Erb and Edward Kenagy, with burial in the Zion Cemetery.
Yoder, Lela Nancy, daughter of Noah W. and Catherine Yoder, was born March 2, 1905; passed away Jan. 2, 1957; aged 51 y. 10 m. She is survived by 3 sisters (Priscilla-Mrs. O. J. Hartzler; Lucy-Mrs. John E. Miller, Filer, Idaho, and Nellie-Mrs. C. V. Hartzler), one brother (Reuben), and many other friends and relatives. During her brief illness she suffered several strokes and death came as a result of cerebral hemorrhage. She was
engaged in voluntary service at MCC headquarters, Akron, Pa., at that time. Early in life she accepted Christ and united with the Sycamore Grove congregation, Garden City, Mo., where she held her membership until death. She cared for her mother for many years and will be remembered for the many deeds of thoughtfulness and help to others. Funeral services were held at the Sycamore Grove Church on Jan. 6 in charge of James D. Yoder, with interment in the Clearfork Cemetery.
Yoder, Mary Elizabeth, youngest child of Joshua and Martha Kenagy, wasborn near Topeka, Ind., June 20, 1877; passed away at her home near Garden City, Mo., Jan. 5, 1957; aged 79 y. 6m. 16 d. She was the last of a family of 6 children. Her parents both passed away within a year when she was 12 years old., after which she worked in different homes, making her home with her sister, Mrs. Simon R. Yoder, in Indiana, and then moving to Missouri with them in about 1898. On Dec. 31, 1899, she was united in marriage to John B. Yoder. To this union were born 4 children (Forrest G., Eureka, Ill.; Frances E. Miller, and Lela F., Nampa, Idaho, and Walter L., Garden City). On Dec. 31, 1949, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, with all the children and grandchildren present. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church, remaining a faithful member until death. She was preceded in death by her husband, Aug. 13, 1951, and an infant grandson. She is survived by her 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. She had been in failing health for the past 6 months. Funeral services ere held at the Sycamore Grove Church on Jan. 9 in charge of James D. Yoder, with Glenn Yoder assisting. Interment was made in the Clearfork Cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
Arnold, Bernice, daughter of the late John T. and Martha (Davis) Thacker, was born in Augusta Co., Va., on July 27, 1875; passed away suddenly on Nov. 24, 1956, while visiting her daughter, Mr. M. L. McCormick, in Waynesboro, Va.; aged 81 y. 3 m. 25 d. On Dec. 27, 1898, she was married to Cornelius Adolphos Arnold, who preceded her in death in 1940. She united with the Springdale Mennonite church in 1898, and was a faithful member until her death. Surviving are 2 daughters (Mrs. Ada Davis and Mrs. Mary McCormick, both of Waynesboro), 5 sons (Harry W. and Fay W., both of Waynesboro; Raymond C., Baltimore, Md.; Fred C., Staunton, Va.; and Charles R., Stuarts Draft, Va.), 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters (Mrs. C.H. Lovegrove, Waynesboro; Mrs. J. C. Bosserman, Staunton; Mrs. Sidney Nicely, Lexington), and 4 brothers (John C. and Guy, Staunton; Floyd O., Stuarts Draft; and Roy, Waynesboro). Funeral services were conducted at the Springdale Church on Nov. 27, in charge of Franklin Weaver, assisted by Charles Grove. Interment was made in the church cemetery.
Bender, Bena, daughter of the late Peter and Bena Zehr, was born in Oxford Co., Ont., on Feb. 19, 1875; died at Tavistock, Ont., Dec. 11, 1956; aged 81 y. 9 m. 22 d. Death was caused by a stroke 3 days previous. On Oct. 4, 1898, she was married to Joseph R. Bender, who preceded her in death in Oct., 1948. She accepted Christ in her youth and was a member of the East Zorra A. M. congregation. Surviving are a son (Peter) a daughter (Bena), 6 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her family. Memorial services at the church were in charge of Daniel Wagler, Peter Nafziger, and Henry Yantzi with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Bender, Jacob, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Bender, was born Jan. 9, 1873; passed away following a short illness at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Lichti, East Zorra, Ont.; aged 83y. 11m. 14 d. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and was a member of the East Zorra A. M. Church until death. On Dec. 8, 1895, he married Magdalena Ramsyer, who preceded him in death in November, 1947. To this union were born 5 sons and 4 daughters. One son, Elgin, preceded him in death. Surviving are 8 children (Milton, Clarence, N. Y.; Abner, South Easthope; Lorne and Clayton, East Zorra; Barbara-Mrs. John Lichti, Luella-Mrs. Nick Jutzi, East Zorra; Lydia-Mrs. Joe Bender, South Easthope; Mrs. Druscilla Jutzi, East Zorra), 34 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mrs. Christian Jutzi, East Zorra). Funeral services were conducted at the East Zorra Church in charge of Daniel Wagler and Henry Yantzi, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Bowers, Carol Sue, daughter of Harley C. and Bertha Bowers, Albuquerque, N. Mex., was born June 14, 1955; passed away Feb. 54, 1957; aged 1 y. 7m. 20 d. Surviving are her parents, 4 sisters (Mrs. Wayne Follmar, Phoenix, Ariz.; Barbara Bowers, St. Paul, Minn.; Mrs. Don Larson, Albuquerque, N. Mex.; and Ruth Ann, at home), one grandfather (J. S. Miller, Greenwood, Del.), and many relatives and friends. Services were conducted in the funeral parlor in charge of the pastor, Joe H. Yoder, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park.
Brubacher, James Richard, son of Harold and Eral Brubacher, was born Jan. 23, 1957, at Kitchener, Ont.; died Feb. 3, 1957; aged 11 days. Surviving are the parents, 2 sisters (Elizabeth Ann and Margaret), one brother (Paul), grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Cressman, Kitchener, and Mrs. Elizabeth Brubacher, Waterloo). Funeral services were held from the Dreisinger Funeral Chapel in Elmira, Ont., Feb. 5 by Roy S. Koch. Burial was made in the St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery.
Bucher, Ella E., wife of Levi W. Bucher, Manheim, Pa.; and daughter of the late Michael F. and Maria (Eby) Hostetter, was born in Penn Twp., Pa.; died at her home on Jan. 22, 1957, after a long illness; aged 77y. She was a member of the Manheim Mennonite Church. In addition to her husband, she is survived by these sons and daughters (Norman, and Kathryn-Mrs. Christian Bomberger, both of Lititz, Pa.; Grace-Mrs. Harry Zimmerman, Manheim; Ellen-Mrs. John G. Herr, Hollywood, Pa.; and Martin, Lititz), 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Jan. 25 at the Manheim Church in charge of Ira Huber, with interment in the Erb Mennonite Church.
Byler, Benjamin L., son of Benjamin L. and Rebecca (Peachey) Byler, was born Oct. 12, 1868; passed away June 4, 1956, at his home near Belleville, Pa.; aged 87 y. 7 m. 24 d. In Jan. 1890, he was married to Sarah B. Swarey, who preceded him in death 21 years ago. Surviving are 5 children (John B. and Benjamin R., Millcreek; David H., Belleville; Joseph A., Allensville, and Annie-Mrs. Jesse J. Yoder, Belleville), 23 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. He was a faithful member of the Amish church. Funeral services were held at the home on June 7 conducted by Daniel king and Jesse Spicher, with burial in the Locust Grove Cemetery.
Combs, Joseph P., son of the late John and Sarah Combs, was born Dec. 18, 1869, at Needmore, W. Va.; departed this life Jan. 23, 1957, Weston; aged 87 y. 1 m. 5 d. He was married on Oct. 9, 1892, to Lula Bradfield, who survives. To this union were born Vergie, who preceded him in death, and one son (Adolph W., Martinsburg); also surviving are 2 grandsons, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church at Needmore, where funeral services were conducted on Jan. 26 in charge of S. A. Shank, assisted by B. S. Bright, with burial in the church cemetery.
Cook, Lillie H., daughter of the late J. A. and Minnie (Tutwiler) Harshbarger, was born in B--- Va., Nov. 3, 1883; passed away at her home in Stuarts Draft, Va., Nov. 17, 1956; aged 73 y. 14 d. She died as she was sitting at the table, listening to her husband read the Bible which she often did as she was blind. She was a faithful member of the Lynside Mennonite Church. She was married to Samuel D. Cook on March 29, 1906. She is survived by her husband, 3 daughters (Mrs. Reda Zimmerman, Mt. Solon, Va.; Mrs. Eleanor Falls, Waynesboro, Va.; and Ruth, at home), 3 sons (N. Warren, John R., both of Waynesboro, and J. David, Jr., Stuarts Draft), 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, her stepmother, 2 sisters (Rozie Harshbarger, Weyers Cave, and Mrs. C. E. Shull, Bridgewater, Va.), 4 brothers (Mark, Weyers Cave, Boyd, Blacksburg, Va.; J. C. and J. L., both of Mt. Sidney, Va.). She was preceded in death by a daughter, a sister, and a brother. Funeral services were held Nov. 20 at the Lynside Church, Lyndhurst, Va., in charge of Silas W. Brydge and Perry Burkholder. Interment was made in the Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery near Mt. Sidney, Va.
Detwiler, Enos, was born in Michigan on March 4, 1898; died at the K-W Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., after a lingering illness on Jan. 29, 1957; aged 58 y. 10 m. He was a member of the Elmira Mennonite Church since 1924. Surviving are his wife, the former Lucinda Bowman, 2 sons (Mahlon and Carl, both of West Montrose), one daughter (Pauline, of Toronto), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Annie Ramer, Markham; Mrs. Eden Cressman, St. Jacobs, and Sevilla Dettwiler, Zurich). One brother (Bishop Reuben Dettwiler) predeceased him in 1951 and three brothers predeceased him in infancy. A memorial service was held at the Elmira Mennonite Church on Thursday, Jan. 31, with Howard S. Bauman in charge, assisted by Oliver D. Snider. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery.
Eby, Ruth C., daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Mishler) Paulus, was born Oct. 9, 1891, in Elkhart Co., Ind.; departed this life Jan. 21, 1957, at the Elkhart General Hospital, following a six-week illness; aged 65 y. 3m. 12 d. On Oct. 8, 1910, she was united in marriage to Ralph Eby. They lived on their farm in this community until 1923, when they moved to Wakarusa where they established the Eby Auto Sales. After their retirement in 1942, when their two sons took over the business, they spent much of their time at their summer home in Canada., and also in Florida. She united with the Elkhart Valley Brethren Church in early life, and in 1909 she and her husband untied with the Olive Mennonite Church where she remained a faithful and active member. Her talent for singing was much used and appreciated in the service of the church. Surviving are 2 sons (Floyd and Carl), 5 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Daisy Ort Shupert, Elkhart, and Mrs. Effie Cripe, North Manchester), and 2 brothers (Floyd, Elkhart and Walter, Detroit, Mich.). Funeral services were conducted Jan. 24 in the Lienhart Funeral Home by Maynard Culp of the Christian Church and at the Olive Church by Elno Steiner, D. A. Yoder, and C. A. Shank. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Grove, Janet Mae, infant daughter of Kenneth E. and Mary Louise (Shertzer) Grove, died one hour after birth on Jan. 19, 1957, at the West Side Osteopathic Hospital, York, pa. Besides her parents she is survived by her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Rohrer L. Shertzer, Lancaster, Pa.; and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Grove, Hanover, Pa.). Burial was made in the York Road Cemetery, Hanover.
Hess, Charles M., was born Jan. 24, 1883, near Harrisonburg, Va., soon of Noah and Nancy (Minnich) Hess; passed away Feb. 2, 1957, after an illness of several months. At the age of 19 he went to Sterling, Ill. When a young man he accepted Christ as his personal Savour and later united with the Science Ridge Church at Sterling, and was a faithful member until death. On Dec. 18, 1906, he was married to Essie M. Landis, who died Oct. 1, 1954. To this union were born 6 children. One daughter died in infancy. Two brothers, 2 sisters, and a half sister also preceded him in death. Surviving are 3 daughters (Mrs. Ruth Miles, Toledo, Iowa; Mrs. Helen Wentling, Dixon, Ill.; and Mrs. Lois Johnston, St. Francisville, Ill.), 2 sons (Roy and Russell of Sterling), 16 grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Ida Ritchie, Linville, Va.), one half sister (Mrs. Betty Miller, Harrisonburg, Va.), and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Science Ridge Church on Feb. 5, with J. Frederick Erb in charge. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Hillen, George W., was born near Connellsville, Pa., July 26, 1883; died in the Uniontown Hospital Feb. 2, 1957; aged 73 y. 6 m. 7 d. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Hillen, these children (Charles Edward, Harry B., George A., Samuel A., Mrs. Viola Bowman, and Mrs. Wayne Sangston), also 2 brothers (Albert and Elias, Connellsville), 2 sisters (Mrs. Sarah Burkett and Mrs. Mary Breakiron), 26 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Masontown Mennonite church, where services were held Feb. 6 in charge of Paul Roth, Walter Campbell and Simon Hillen, with burial in the Masontown Cemetery.
Johnson, Harold Russell, was born June 24, at Fergus Falls, Minn. He accepted Christ as his personal Saviour in 1927 at the age of 13 and became a member of the Mennonite Church at Detroit Lakes, Minn. He married Evelyn Olson on Sept. 12, 1940, and they moved to Texas in 1949. To this union were born 3 girls and one boy (Betty, Mary Lou, Shirley, and Gary). Harold entered the hospital at Perryton, Texas, on July 2, 1956. Following a valiant struggle with the dread disease of cancer which lasted 6 _ months, he departed this life on Jan. 15, 1957; aged 42 y. 6 m. 21 d. These last days and weeks have shown him to be a man of great faith. Surviving are his wife, the four children, 6 brothers and 5 sisters (Floyd, Perryton, Texas; Elmer, Glendive, Mont.; Ralph, Faye, and Ruth King, all of Casselton, N. Dak.; Kenneth, Kindred, N. Dak.; Alice Danielson, Fargo, N. Dak., Earl and Ethel Moser, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; Marie Kenagy, Sarasota, Fla.; Grace Shantz, Hydro, Okla.), besides other relatives and friends. Funeral services which were held in the First Baptist Church of Gruver, Texas were in charge of Earl Showalter, assisted by W. G. Burton, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Gruver, and Paul H. Holdeman.
Kanagy, Amos H., son of the late Eli H. and Nancy (Hartzler) Kanagy, was born at Belleville, Pa., Sept. 2, 1887; died Jan. 21, 1957; aged 69 y. 4 m. 19 d. He was a faithful member of the Allensville Mennonite Church. He is survived by his wife, the former Emma Yoder, and 5 children (Irvin, Sherman, and Raymond, all of Belleville, and Huldah and Effie at home), 4 grandchildren, and 4 brothers (John, Allensville; Pius, Sarasota, Fla.; Eli, Orrville, Ohio, and Isaiah, Belleville). Funeral services held Jan. 23, were in charge of Raymond R. Peachey, Elrose Hartzler, and Jacob Weirich.
Koser, William B., son of the late William and Mary Ann (Behm) Koser, was born near Lancaster Junction, July 10, 1870; departed this life at the Elmdale Rest Home, Lititz, Pa., Dec. 23, 1956; aged 86 y.5 m. 13d. On Dec. 27, 1892, he was united in marriage to Stella H. Eitnier, who passed away 8 years ago. He was a member of the Landis Valley Mennonite Church for more than 40 years. Surviving is a son (Alvin E., Lititz). Funeral services were conducted by Ira D. Landis at the Beck Funeral Home, and burial was made in the East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery.
Krabill, John J., son of the late Joseph and Lydia (Schloneger) Krabill, was born near Maximo, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1863; died in his home in Louisville, Ohio, on Feb.3, 1957; aged 93 y. 2m. 2 d. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Beech Mennonite Church in which he remained a faithful member until his death. On June 26, 1884, he was united in marriage to Anna Becher. They went to housekeeping on the farm where he was born and where they lived until moving to Louisville in 1935. Last June they observed their 72nd wedding anniversary. They were also blessed with comparatively good health these many years. Bro. Krabill's "house of clay" just gradually weakened until his soul departed to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, Feb. 3. He was the last surviving member of his family. Surviving are his widow, 2 daughters (Amanda-Mrs. Norman Lutz, Louisville, Ohio; and Mrs. Ida Ramseyer, Smithville, Ohio), 2 sons (Aaron D. and Mahlon O., both of Louisville), 17 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Two sons preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the Beech Church on Feb. 6 in charge of Eldon King, assisted by Delvin Nussbaum. Interment was made in the Beech Cemetery.
Kreider, Harry E., son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kreider, was born Oct. 2, 1874, in Sterling Twp., Ill.; passed away on Feb. 2, 1957; aged 82 y. 4 m. He was married in 1907 to Hettie Good, who preceded him in death in 1947. In 1934 he moved to Colorado, where he made his home until 1947, when he returned to Sterling. The last 2 years he resided in the Mennonite Home for the Aged, Eureka, Ill. He was a member of the Mennonite Church from the time of his youth. Surviving are 2 sons (Clarence, Harper, Kans.; and Theodore, Rock Falls, Ill.), 7 grandchildren, 4 brothers (Abram, John, and Ben, of Sterling; and Amos, Goshen, Ind.), and other relatives. He was preceded in death by a sister and a brother. Final rites were conducted in the Trouth Funeral Home, Sterling, Ill., on Feb. 3 with J. Frederick Erb officiating, assisted by A. C. Good. The body was then taken to Kansas where services were conducted in the Crystal Springs Mennonite Church on Feb. 5 with Alvin Kauffman officiating. Interment was made in the Crystal Springs Cemetery.
Martin, Elmer K., son of Samuel W., and Christianna (Keener) Martin, was born in Washington Co., Md., Nov. 15, 1890; died at the Washington County Hospital, Hagerstown, Md., Jan. 29, 1957; aged 66 y.2 m. 14 d. He was active in the ordinary duties of life when he suffered a heart attack at 9: 00 a. m., and was taken to the hospital where he died five hours later. He was a faithful member of the Reiff Mennonite Church from youth and served on the board of trustees for the last 14 years. Surviving are his wife, Fannie (Risser) Martin, one son (Abner, Hagerstown), a foster son (Paul Ebersole, Hagerstown), 8 grandchildren, 4 sisters (Fannie-Mrs. David Shank, Greencastle, Pa.; Maggie-Mrs. Amos Lehman, Chambersburg, Pa.; Christianna-Mrs. Martin E. Horst, Maugansville; and Mary-Mrs. Norman Diller, Hagerstown), and 3 brothers (Harvey K. and Adin K., Maugansville, Md. and Samuel K., Hagerstown). Four daughters preceded him in death. Funeral services on Feb. 2 at the Reff Church were in charge of Reuben Martin, Stanley Martin, and Moses Horst. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Miller, Christian W., son of Solomon and Barbara (Schrock) Miller, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Oct. 23, 1853; departed this life Jan. 17, 1957, at the Moot's Hospital, Pryor, Okla.; aged 103 y. 2m. 25 d. He was the last of a family of 15 children. He moved with his parents in Indiana when a small boy. When he was 21 years of age he went west and grew up with the country. These experiences remained clear in his mind up to the last. On Jan. 31, 1882, he was married to Catherine Landes at McPherson, Kans. This home was cheered by 7 children-the oldest son dying at birth and a daughter at the age of 5. Surviving are the 5 children (Mrs. Ella Weaver, Newton, Kans.; Charles D., Seneca, Mo.; Fannie Pearl, who made a home for him; H. Ray, Newton, Kans.; and Mrs. Mildred Janzen, Tulsa, Okla.), 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Soon after his marriage he was converted and made his home with the Spring Valley congregation near Canton, Kans. Here he was ordained to the ministry and served the congregation until he moved to Hesston in 1909. At the time of his death he was the oldest ordained man in the Mennonite Church. He and his family became charter members of the Hesston College congregation when it was organized. His wife died in 1938. In 1939, he moved to Adair, Okla., where he spent most of the rest of his life. His determination and zeal were a challenge to many. In his nineties he still walked nearly two miles to church on Sunday morning. He was active about the home until the last year during which he spent much time in the wheel chair, but he was not bedfast until he entered the hospital on Dec. 26, where he peacefully fell asleep 3 weeks later. Funeral services at Adair were in charge of Richard Birky, and Bro. Wall, and at the Hesston Church Milo Kauffman and Earl Buckwalter had charge. Burial was made at the Spring Valley Mennonite Cemetery.
Transcribed by Marcia Bickel, Kansas.
page 205
Mission News
The Amazon Valley Indian Mission releases the following information. The workers at Aragua Cema in Brazil have been laboring under heavy stress and strain which does exact its toll from the physical and mental system.
Word has been received by telegram that Bro. Howard Hammer is dead by an act of his own hand and that in the tragic incident the life of a native was also taken. The information from the field indicates that the tragedy was the result of a mental breakdown.
We are pleading for special prayer and continued support for the workers on the field and the Board as it takes future steps. We further wish to express our gratitude and thanks for the support you are giving this work which has been greatly blessed of God.
(Related articles are in the April 9, 1957 Gospel Herald and August 6, 1957 Gospel Herald)
Transcribed by Carolyn J. Lichti, Goshen, Indiana