Gospel Herald Obituaries - August, 1977

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 30 - August 2, 1977, page 590.

Groff.- Myron D., son of Elias R. and Marian E. (Mohler) Groff, was born at Holtwood, Pa., July 17 1966; died at St. Joseph Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., after being struck by lightning on July 7, 1977; aged 10 y. He is survived by his parents, one brother (Steven Lee), one sister (Evonne Christine), maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Galen K. Mohler), maternal great-grandmother (Mrs. Katie M. Mohler), and his paternal grandfather (Clayton B. Groff). He attended the Rawlinsville Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 10, in charge of David Thomas, Paul L. Hess, and Harold H. Hess; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Martin.- John G., son of Abram S. and Barbara (Geigley) Martin, was born in East Earl Twp., Apr. 4, 1882; died at the Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., May 30, 1977; aged 95 y. On Noy. 16, 1905, he was married to Cora Huber, who died in 1962. Surviving are one daughter (Elva-Mrs. Norman B. Kready), one son (Abram H.), 11 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. One daughter (Anna Elizabeth-Mrs. Earl Wert) died in 1974. He was a member of Landis Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 2, in charge of Elam W. Stauffer and Earl Wert; interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Miller.- Titus Earl, son of David F. and Alice (Mann) Miller, was born in Elkhart, Ind., June 10, 1899; died in Pueblo, Colo., June 11, 1977; aged 78 y. On June 29, 1924, he was married to Alma Springer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Keith R. and Virgil M.), 2 daughters (La Von-Mrs. Neivus Moss and Celia-Mrs. Winston Coatney), 9 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was a member of the Pueblo Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held in charge of John E. Gingrich; interment in Roselawn Cemetery.

Peters.- Martha L., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. ____Schmidt, was born at Newton, Kan., Sept. 1, 1915; died of cancer at La Porte County Hospital, La Porte, Ind.. July 2, 1977; aged 61 y. On Aug. 1, 1940, she was married to Abe Peters, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Edwin and Galen), 2 daughters (Lois-Mrs. James Loflin and Janice-Mrs. Harold Gingerich), 7 grandchildren 2 brothers (Jake and Fred), and 5 sisters (Olga- Mrs. Henry Pankratz, Alice-Mrs. John Kirksen, Esther-Mrs. Herb Klassen, Mary-Mrs. John Golden, and Helen-Mrs. Art Janzen). She was a member of the East Goshen Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Yoder-Kulp Funeral Home on July 5, in charge of Cliff Miller and Ken Rupp, and at the Goessel Mennonite Church on July 7, in charge of Leonard Wiebe; interment in Tabor Church Cemetery, Newton, Kan.

Roggie.- Samuel C., was born at Croghan. N.Y., Mar. 7, 1903, died of heart failure at Lowville Hospital on June 9, 1977; aged 74 y. On Nov. 18, 1930, he was married to Bertha Yousey, who survives. Also surviving are 6 sons (Ralph, Richard, Alvin, Daniel, Edward, and Andrew), 2 daughters (Doris-Mrs. Alvin Steria and Martha-Mrs. James Nortz), 28 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandson, one brother, and 4 sisters. He was a member of the Croghan Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on June 12, in charge of Richard Zehr; interment in the Croghan Mennonite Cemetery.

Zehr.- Howard J., son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wolber) Zehr, was born at Deer Creek, Ill., Mar. 24, 1916; died of cancer at his home in Elkhart, Ind., July 13. 1977; aged 61 y. On June 21, 1942, he was married to Edna Good, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Howard, Jr., Edward, and Jonathan), one daughter (Ellen), 3 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Robert and Arthur), and 4 sisters (Edna Zehr, Esther Litwiller, Florence Pyles, and Mildred Raeuber). He was ordained to the ministry on Apr. 19, 1942, and served pastorates at Freeport, Ann Street, and East Bend in Illinois and Prairie Street at Elkhart, Ind. He was ordained bishop in 1948. He was a member of the Southside Fellowship. Memorial services were held at the Prairie Street Mennonite Church on July 15, in charge of Harold Bauman, A. J. Metzler, and David Augsburger; interment in the Prairie Street Cemetery.

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Gospel Herald, August 2, 1977, page 586.

"A tribute to Howard Zehr" by Dan Shenk

On July 13, the day of Howard J. Zehr's death, friend and co-worker Harold E. Bauman stated: "Howard died this morning after a long and painful illness which conquered his body but not his spirit. His faith and his cheerful spirit continued to the end."
In his 61 years Howard carried with him a readiness to testify to the goodness of God- and an abiding affection for the Mennonite Church. In his faith and his friendships he communicated a contagious enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Beginning with his first pastorate in 1942 in Freeport, Ill., Howard served his Lord through the Mennonite Church for 34 years until 1976 when health problems caused him to step aside from active duty. During those years he served in four pastorates; as secretary of South Central Conference; as executive secretary for Mennonite General Conference (during the critical church restructuring period); as evangelism secretary for Mennonite Board of Missions; and as stewardship, evangelism, and leadership associate secretary for Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries.
Howard, who often traveled in connection with his work, had a gift for relating warmly to the hundreds of people he encountered throughout the church. He had a way of seeming more like a favorite uncle than a visiting outsider. On these trips, according to Howard's wife, Edna, he became known for pitching in and helping with the dishes-much to the amazement (and appreciation) of hostesses.
Howard and Edna (Good) were married in 1942. They have four children: Howard, Jr., Talladega, Ala.; Edward and Ellen, Chicago, Ill.; and Jonathan, Westport, Wash.
As part of a 1976 Christmas gift to his children, Howard wrote: "I am profoundly grateful for the many spiritual brothers and sisters I have learned to know throughout the world and ... for my family and all they have contributed to my life. I am grateful to God for the church which entrusted me with significant assignments. I feel a deep sense of peace within my heart and look forward to a still richer and fuller life in the world to come."
In an article which appeared in Gospel Herald (Dec. 7, 1976) Howard expressed his view of death-and life-another way: "The scene we have from our living room is Prairie Street Cemetery. I took my Bible and opened it to John 8 where Jesus said, 'He that believeth on me shall not see death.' I could look at those old tombstones and say, 'I have a faith which defies any power you might have!' I could say that, yes, I may be out there before I thought I would be, but only my body will be there; I will never be there. Because 'I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day.'"

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald, December 7, 1976, pages 934-935.

A sense of freedom
by Howard J. Zehr
as interviewed by Dorsa J. Mishler

Editor's Note: Howard J. Zehr was a pastor for 22 years. Following this he was conference secretary for South Central Conference and the last executive secretary of Mennonite General Conference. From 1972 to 1976 he served as associate secretary for Evangelism, Leadership, and Congregational Planning with Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries, Elkhart, Indiana.
In April 1975 Howard began to experience severe and unpredictable lower back pains. About eight months later, after numerous tests, doctors discovered a tumor embedded in his left hip, quite inaccessible to either biopsy or surgery. On February 14, 1976, Howard began a full disability leave of absence.
In the intervening months Howard has been called on by a number of congregations and groups to share concerning his spiritual pilgrimage and recent experiences. As his health permits, Howard has complied. On July 28 he gave his testimony in a chapel service at Greencroft Center, Elkhart, Indiana. He chose to share by way of an unrehearsed interview-style format in which he shared his pilgrimage, followed by a focus on recent experiences. Howard was interviewed by Dorsa J. Mishler, Personnel Secretary with Mennonite Board of Missions. This article is an excerpt from the latter portion of that chapel service.

Dorsa Mishler: Howard, I want to thank you for your willingness to share what you're sharing with us today because I feel that you have some very significant things to say to us. You have had a very full life, Howard, but now you are considered fully disabled. What is God saying to you in this experience?
Howard Zehr: Being disabled puts one in a category all its own. It is something entirely different from retirement. I think I probably had a little taste of retirement when I concluded my work with Mennonite General Conference in 1972. Disability is something entirely different. Because retirement, well . . . here's Paul Bender. He retired and look how many more jobs he's taken on. John Mosemann retired and he's taking on several jobs.
DM: A. J. Metzler . . . .
HZ: A. J. Metzler has taken on many, many jobs. But I don't have the option of taking other jobs because I'm just not able to. Disabled. And my situation is unpredictable. Some days I might feel pretty good and I almost feel guilty- wonder why in the world I can't carry a full-time job. But it isn't long until I'm quite the other way. I have some pain most of the time, except when I take medication.
During the 1975 Thanksgiving season, I believe it was, I became newly aware of the song "My God, I Thank Thee." That was shortly after I knew the diagnosis was cancer. I especially noted the third verse: "I thank Thee more that all our joy is touched with pain; that shadows fall on brightest hours, that thorns remain, so that earth's bliss may be our guide, and not our chain." Since I've been living with this affliction, I feel a greater sense of freedom than I have in all my life. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but I have a freedom from fears, I have a freedom from anxieties. I'm just free.
I think it's explained by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' book. On Death and Dying. She says we haven't learned to live until we have come face to face with the possibility of our own death. When we can do that, then we have learned to live. And I want to strongly affirm that this is what I experience. It's only as we learn to do what Jesus says, "Come and die; in so doing, you learn to live." You have the fullness of life when you're willing to die. I knew throughout my lifetime that I hadn't really faced that because I still had a lot of anxieties, and there were some things I wasn't quite ready to deal with. But when I faced the possibility of my own death, it freed me. I feel like a person who has been set free.
DM: Was this an automatic thing, that just immediately . . . ?
HZ: No, it has been a growing thing. There have been persons who have been extremely helpful to me through this experience, and I think it's worthy of public mention: my wife, Edna (her gracious spirit, her helpfulness); my brother Harold Bauman, who is most sensitive; my brothers and sisters in the offices of Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries who have really supported me; Southside Fellowship, which has been tremendous.
I don't very often suggest that people read what I write, but here's a time I'd recommend that you read my article in the July issue of Sharing magazine. I had entitled it something different, but they put it, "I Have Been Ill and You Helped Me." I'd like to have you read that because I believe we do have a loving, caring church. I won't let anybody tell me that the Mennonite Church isn't evangelistic. I think it's one of the most evangelistic churches in existence because of the kind of evangelism, the kind of authenticity and caring it has in its evangelism. I've found this caring demonstrated in my experience.
DM: This growing experience of losing yourself, I guess, it was a growing spiritual experience. . . . ?
HZ: Right. The very week that I was to start undergoing chemotherapy treatments I was home alone. And the scene we have from our living room is Prairie Street cemetery. I took my Bible and opened it to John 8 where Jesus said, "He that believeth on me shall not see death." I could look at those old tombstones and say that I have a faith which defies any power you might have! I could say that, yes, I may be out there before I thought I would be, but only my body will be there; I will never be there. Because "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
I told a seminar group the other day that the phoniness that I may have carried in some of my preaching and living is pretty well gone. I feel a purification, a sanctification of life that has been happening through all this because I've been brought nearer to God-now that I see the curtain that's going to fall.
DM: I'd like to be sure I understand what you meant when you said "the phoniness" back there.
HZ: Well, I don't feel I was authentic as a person. I think some of my preaching had kind of a shallow ring at times because I didn't really experience my message as deeply as I should have.
DM: But probably as deeply as you could have at that point.
HZ: Yes.
DM: We do appreciate your sharing with us in this way, Howard. It may not have been easy for you. I know the experience is not easy. But this way we can walk with you a bit more fully, with more understanding, and more as brothers and sisters.
HZ: I appreciate that very much. It wasn't easy to move out of the office here at Greencroft Center-the finest office I've had in all my life. I was there only a few months. In fact, all the time I was there I had pain. It wasn't easy at all. But it's marvelous what you can do when the Lord walks with you, and when you have brothers and sisters around you to support you. The reality of Moses' words to Israel, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be," have become real to me. I believe the Scriptures come alive as we experience them.

Howard's last letter to Gospel Herald

The occasion for writing at this time is in response to your editorial in the Nov. 2 issue. This should indeed be of great concern to every leader and every member of the Mennonite Church, and it should cause us each to do some serious heartsearching. Why, oh why, do we have to have such shortage of funds to carry out the church's ministry in a time of the greatest affluence Mennonites have ever experienced? I write with some sense of urgency, with deep concern and conviction, because I think this may well be my last letter to the Gospel Herald. As you know, I am suffering from cancer and I have a feeling within me that my time is short. This causes me to write with a great sense of urgency and deep concern because of my love for the brotherhood, my deep involvement in the life and ministry of the Mennonite Church, and my sincere belief that God has been calling us to a much-needed and a unique ministry in our time.
I am grateful to the many who have prayed for my health but I feel the Lord's answer to me has been, "My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is being made perfect through weakness." This experience has indeed given me a new understanding of stewardship. Many of my days are spent alone here at home since I am disabled. I move about the house from room to room and look at the things that I have called ours. Some of these are quite personal. And then I realize that every one of these will soon be given up. They do not belong to me. They belong to God.
I challenge every member of the Mennonite Church to reexamine his/her own stewardship. I challenge every leader of the Mennonite Church to take a new and more objective look at the programs that are being carried out, for there is a great gap somewhere. Let us not blame one another but rather be asking, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
-Howard J. Zehr, Elkhart, Ind.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 31 - August 9, 1977, page 606.

Beck.- Lisa Lynn, daughter of Ronald E. and Carol Jean (Kauffman) Beck, was born at Wauseon, Ohio. Sept. 4, 1967; died of a cardiac arrest at Fulton County Health Center, Wauseon, Ohio, July 8, 1977; aged 9 y. Surviving are her parents, one sister (Lori Lynn), paternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Dale Beck), maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Short), and paternal great-grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Britsch). Funeral services were held at the Zion Mennonite Church on July 11, in charge of Ellis Croyle and P. L. Frey; interment in Pettisville Cemetery.

Brubacher.- Shawn Derrick, daughter of Amzie and Doris (Brubacher) Brubacher, was born at Elkhart. Ind., Oct. 4, 1970; died at Toronto, Ont., July 1, 1977; aged 6 y. Surviving are her parents, one sister (Cheryl), maternal grandparents (Ezra and Salome Brubacher), and paternal grandmother (Mrs. Menno B. Brubacher). Funeral services were held at the Danforth Mennonite Church on July 4, and at Elmira Mennonite Church on July 5, in charge of Osiah Horst and Vernon Leis; interment in Elmira Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Collins.- Edith, daughter of Levi and Annie (Wingard) Blough, was born at Johnstown, Pa., Apr. 20, 1902; died at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Harrisonburg, Va., July 10, 1977; aged 75 y. Surviving are 2 daughters (June Marie Weaver and Marlene C. Showalter), 2 sons (Robert E. Collins and Ronald C. Collins), 17 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Margaret Speigle and Katie Thomas). She was a member of the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 12, in charge of Samuel Janzen and Harold Eshleman; interment in Trissels Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Graybill.- Melvin M., son of Ira T. and Nora (Martin) Graybill, was born at New Holland, Pa., Apr. 8, 1923; died at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., July 12, 1977; aged 54 y. On Apr. 17, 1943, he was married to Dorothy Brubaker, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Joan B.-Mrs. John L. Horst), 2 sons (Robert B. and Dale B.), 2 grandchildren, one brother (S. Lester), and 4 sisters (Mrs. Samuel Siegrist, Alma-Mrs. Aaron Harbold, Ruth I. Smith, and Mildred-Mrs. David Tillman). He was a pastor of the Mt. Joy Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Joy Mennonite Church on July 15, in charge of Raymond Charles, Henry Frank, and Shelley Shellenberger; interment in Kraybill Mennonite Cemetery.

Habermehl.- Kevin James, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Habermehl, died in an accident at Roanoke, Va., July 13, 1977; aged 19 y. Surviving are his parents, 3 brothers (Brian, Bruce, and Kirby), one sister (Anita), and maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. George Shoemaker). Funeral services were held at the Bethel Mennonite Church, Elmira, Ont., July 17, in charge of Simeon Hurst; interment in Bethel Mennonite Cemetery.

Horst.- Elias, son of Daniel B. and Annie (Weber) Horst, was born in Woolwich Twp., Ont., Mar. 3, 1905; died at K-W Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., July 5, 1977; aged 72 y. On July 13, 1929, he was married to Margaret Lorenz, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Donald), 2 daughters (Elizabeth-Mrs. Glen Brubacher and Delphine-Mrs. Lloyd Martin), 8 brothers (Sam, George, Moses, Dan, Simeon, Nathaniel, Osiah, and Aaron), and 3 sisters (Lavina Wrasse, Annie-Mrs. Addison Bauman, and Lydia Ann-Mrs. Howard Bauman). He was a member of the Elmira Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 7, in charge of Vernon Leis and Steve Dick; interment in the Elmira Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Miller.- Ruth B., daughter of Noah 0. and Minerva Ellen (Beery) BIosser, was born at New Stark, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1893; died at Goshen, Ind., July 9, 1977; aged 83 y. On June 20, 1918. she was married to Ernest E. Miller, who died on Jan. 14, 1975. Surviving are one daughter (Thelma-Mrs. Weyburn Groff), one son (Donald C. Miller), one brother (Paul Blosser), and one sister (Esther- Mrs. Daniel Hostetler). She was a member of the College Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 11, in charge of Arnold C. Roth and John H. Mosemann; interment in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery.

Oswald.- Ben, son of Jacob and Margaret Oswald, was born in Cuming Co., Neb., Sept. 1, 1895; died at his home in Beemer, Neb., July 14, 1977; aged 81 y. On Dec. 21, 1916, he was married to Leah Oswald, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Esther and Evelyn-Mrs. Eddie Stutzman), one son (Ervin), 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Lizzie-Mrs. Chris Schantz and Lena-Mrs. John Erb), and 4 brothers (Sam, Dan, Amos, and Reuben). He was preceded in death by one son (Earl), 4 brothers (Jacob, Peter, Joseph, and William), and one sister (Barbara-Mrs. Chris Erb). He was a member of the Beemer Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on July 16, in charge of Earnest Kauffman and Ivan Troyer; interment in the Beemer Cemetery.

Roi.- Sheri Ann, infant daughter of Robert and Patricia Roi, was born on July 5, 1977; died on July 7, 1977; aged 2 d. Surviving are her parents. Graveside services were held at Geiger Cemetery in Ontario.

Schrock.- Ida, was born in Lagrange Co., Ind., Oct. 4, 1902; died at the Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, Ind., July 5, 1977; aged 74 y. She was a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 7, in charge of Joe Swartz; interment in Yoder Corner Cemetery.

Shantz.- Wayne S., son of Joseph and Lydia (Snyder) Shantz, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Jan. 27, 1916; died while at work on July 6, 1977; aged 61 y. On June 12, 1940, he was married to Susie Marie Wanner, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Martha-Mrs. Ralph Bean, Gloria Jane-Mrs. Garry Spencer, and Pauline Grace-Mrs. Barry Hunter), 2 sons (Mark Wayne and Keith Neil), 4 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Alice-Mrs. David Cressman and Louise-Mrs. David Jantzi). He was preceded in death by one daughter (Esther Marie), one son (David Leroy), and one brother (Vernon). He was a member of the Geiger Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Steinman Mennonite Church on July 9, in charge of Stanley D. Shantz and J. Lester Kehl; interment in Gieger Church Cemetery.

Schutte.- William Johannes, was born in Amsterdam, Holland; died in Dentlein, Germany, May 3, 1977; he was married to Jacoba E. M. Schutte-Bakker. Surviving are 2 daughters (Jetty _____ and Marijke Kyler) and one son (Peter).

Tice.- Effie, daughter of William and Nancy (Drew) Dwyer, was born at Weston, Maine, Apr. 29, 1892; died at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Harrisonburg, Va., July 12, 1977; aged 85 y. On Jan 14, 1911, she was married to Roscoe A. Howard, who died on Nov. 1, 1930. On July 29, 1955, she was married to Simon D. Tice, who died on Sept. 3, 1976. Surviving are one son (Neil R. Howard), one daughter (Mrs. Harold W. Driver), 5 stepchildren (Catherine Tice, Mrs. Phillip Miller, Elva-Mrs. John Kornhaus, Mrs. Levi Jost, and Alva Tice), 7 grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 14, in charge of Samuel Janzen and Craig Hendrix; interment in Weaver Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 32 - August 16, 1977, page 630.

Alderfer.- Levi L., son of Levi and Sarah (Landis) Alderfer, was born in Salford Twp., Pa., Oct. 14, 1886; died at Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa., July 20, 1977; aged 90 y. He was married to Edna D. Clemmer, who died in Aug. 1975. Surviving are 4 daughters (Mrs. Alma Clemmer, Mrs. Mary Anders, Martha-Mrs. Curtis Mininger, and Edna-Mrs. Merrill Freed), 2 sons (Abram C. and Levi C., Jr.), 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Eastern Mennonite Home on July 23, in charge of Leroy Godshall, Floyd Hackman, and Curtis Bergey; interment in Franconia Mennonite Cemetery.

Beidler.- Elizabeth, daughter of George and Sarah (Pennepacker) Reiter, was born near New Berlinville, Pa., May 17, 1897; died at the Allentown and Sacred Heart Hospital Center, Allentown, Pa., July 9, 1977; aged 80 y. On June 20, 1920, she was married to Warren E. Beidler, who survives. Also surviving is one son (Gordon R.), 2 sisters (Susan-Mrs. Charles Childs and Agnes-Mrs. Nelson Yoder), and one brother (George P. Reiter). She was a member of the Bally Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 12, in charge of James C. Longacre and Paul E. Longacre; interment in the Church Cemetery.

Blank.- Menno K., son of Enos and Barbara (Petersheim) Blank, was born at Byerstown, Pa., Sept. 10, 1883; died at Welsh Mt. Samaritan Home, New Holland, Pa., July 12, 1977; aged 93 y. His wife preceded him in death. Surviving are 3 sons (Walter, Mervin, and Wayne), 4 daughters (Mable, Anna, Erma, and Esther), 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Millwood Mennonite Church on July 15, in charge of Herman Glick, Abner Stoltzfus, and Aaron Stoltzfus; interment in the Millwood Cemetery.

Frey.- Henry, son of Christian and Annie (Landis) Frey, was born in Greene Twp., Sept. 25, 1896; died at Menno Haven Nursing Home on July 19, 1977; aged 80 y. On Feb. 7, 1922, he was married to Sarah Cockley, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Vera-Mrs. Harvey Lehman), 2 sons (Paul K. and Clyde C.), 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Catharine and Fannie Frey), and 2 brothers (John and Christian). He was a member of the Chambersburg Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 21, in charge of Omar R. Martin and Preston Frey; interment in the Chambersburg Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Garber.- Jacob B., son of Amos and Lizzie (Reist) Garber, was born in Lancaster Co. Pa., July 17, 1894; died at the Mt. Pleasant Rest Home, Manheim, Pa., July 26, 1977; aged 83 y. On Nov. 2, 1915, he was married to Lizzie Mumma, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Parke M.), one daughter (Pearl M.-Mrs. J. Howard Longenecker), 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one brother (Paul R.), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Susie Musser and Mrs. Dorothy Moseman). He was a member of the Bossler Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 29, in charge of Harlan Hoover and Russell J. Baer; interment in Bossler Mennonite Cemetery.

Heatwole.- Waid H., son of Joseph Perry and Mary (George) Heatwole, was born in Augusta Co., Apr. 16, 1903; died in the Staunton Manor Nursing Home on July 21, 1977; aged 74 y. He was married to Emily Harner, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Leonard), 3 daughters (Ruby-Mrs. Murvine Miller, Shirley Jean Heatwole, and Welby-Mrs. Glenn Hite), and 4 grandchildren. He was a member of the Lynside Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Etter Funeral Home Chapel on July 24, in charge of Vance Brydge and Herman E. Ropp; interment in the Springdale Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Hershberger.- Alice, daughter of Mrs. Linda Viebranz, was born at Hartville, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1932; died of cancer at Sarasota, Fla., July 17, 1977; aged 44 y. She was married to Ezra Hershberger, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Wayne and Darryl), one daughter (Marlyn), her mother, and 3 sisters (Mrs. Vera McKinley, Mrs. Mabel Haven, and Josephine Miller). She was a member of the Tuttle Avenue Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 20, in charge of John H. Shenk and Stanlee Kauffman; interment in Palms Memorial Park.

Kreider.- Edith R., daughter of Tobias R. and B. Ellen (Ranck) Kreider, was born in Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 28, 1903; died at the Mennonite Home, Lancaster, Pa., July 21, 1977; aged 73 y. Surviving are 2 sisters (Mrs. Stella R. Shultz and Mrs. Anna R. Miller) and 3 brothers (Chester, Isaac, and Benjamin). She was a member of the East Chestnut Mennonite Church, Funeral services were held at the Bachman Funeral Home, Strasburg, Pa., July 23, in charge of James M. Shank; interment in Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery.

Kuhns.- Allen W., son of Abraham and Amanda (Nice) Kuhns, was born near Columbus, Kan., Nov. 18, 1883; died at the Liberty Nursing Home, Harrisonburg, Va., June 25, 1977; aged 93 y. On May 14, 1907, he was married to Anna Inez Shupe, who died on Apr. 2, 1963. Surviving are 6 daughters (Helen-Mrs. Clarence Freeman, Hazel-Mrs. John Hershberger, Eunice-Mrs. Wallace Shellenberger, Lois-Mrs. Woodrow Ramseyer, Inez-Mrs. Herbert Frye, and Miriam-Mrs. Bob Liechty), one son (James), 29 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Arthur and Edgar), and one sister (Eva). Funeral services were held at the Peacock-Frye-Almont Chapel, La Junta, Colo., in charge of H. James Martin; interment in the East Holbrook Cemetery.

Landis.- Simon H., son of Jacob and Annie (Hess) Landis, was born in Manheim Twp., Pa., died at the Duke Convalescent Home on July 3, 1977. He was married to Elizabeth Leaman, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Miriam-Mrs. Irvin Dellinger and Jane-Mrs. Eugene Hoover), 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (John H. and Warren H.), and one sister (Mrs. Katie Witmer). He was a member of the Landis Valley Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on July 6, in charge of Elam W. Stautfer and Lester Hoover.

Lintz.- Amanda, daughter of Ben and Elizabeth (Moose) Hartzler, was born at Smithville, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1885; died at the Brenn-Field Nursing Center, Orrville, Ohio, July 13, 1977; aged 91 y She was married to Charles T. Lintz, who died in 1952. Surviving are 2 step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother (Solomon) and 2 sisters (Lydia Hartzler and Mary Shoup). She was a member of Salem Mennonite Church, Wooster, Ohio. Funeral services were held at the Auble Funeral Home on July 15, in charge of Frank A. Sturpe; interment in Martins Mennonite Cemetery.

Nyce.- Emma F., daughter of Henry M. and Emma (Freed) Nyce, was born at Elroy, Pa., Feb 2, 1911; died at her home on July 25, 1977; aged 66 y. Surviving are 6 sisters (Irene A. Moyer, Mrs Lydia F. Freed, Mrs. Marietta F. Kratz, Esther A.-Mrs. Raymond Rice, Margaret-Mrs. Sanford Kiser, and Nora-Mrs. Jacob Rice), and 2 brothers (Jacob F. and Norman F.). She was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on July 28 in charge of Earl Anders, Jr., Floyd Hackman, and Curtis Bergey; interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Stauffer.- Karla Jane, daughter of Edwin and Martha (Schrock) Wickey, was born at Sturgis Mich., July 16, 1957; died at Borgess Hospital Kalamazoo, Mich., May 23, 1977; aged 19 y. On May 22, 1977, she was married to Joe Stauffer, who survives. Also surviving are her parents, one brother (Kevin), and her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Ora Schrock and Mr. and Mrs. August Wickey). She was a member of the South Colon Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 26, in charge of Landis Martin, Jessie Stauffer, and Ora Schrock; interment in the Findley Cemetery.

Steir.- Reynolds M., son of John and Nora (Ammerman) Steir, was born at Patton, Pa., May 3, 1897; died at Mt. Pleasant, Pa., July 21, 1977; aged 80 y. On July 22, 1916, he was married to Anna Nicholson, who died on Dec. 19, 1976. Surviving are one son (Donald E.), 2 daughters (Thelma DeRosa and Ina E. Anderson), one sister (Mae Jenkins), and one brother (Cyrus Steir). He was preceded in death by 2 sisters (Mary Smith and Julie Cartwright) and 3 half brothers (Samuel, Harve, and Elli). He was a member of the Mennonite Church of Scottdale. Funeral services were held on July 24, in charge of John M. Drescher; interment in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville, Pa.

Wagler.- Elmer B., son of Noah and Magdalena (Bender) Wagler, was born at North Easthope Twp., Pa., Aug. 16, 1917; died at his home at New Hamburg, July 24, 1977; aged 59 y. On Sept. 10, 1944, he was married to Alice Magdalena Iutzi,* who survives. Also surviving are one son (David), one daughter (Linda), his mother, and 4 brothers (Henry, Ivan, Omar, and Lorne). He was a member of the Hillcrest Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 26, in charge of Vernon B. Zehr and Mahlon Bender; interment in 19th line, East Zorra.
*Transcriber's Note: perhaps Jutzi.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 33 - August 23, 1977, page 646.

Bare.- Ida E., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Christophel) Bauer, was born at Nappanee, Ind., Jan. 27, 1889; died at Anthony Hospital, July 14, 1977; aged 88 y. On Feb. 14, 1915, she was married to Joseph H. Bare, who died on Sept. 4, 1976. Surviving are 2 sons (Olin and Ivan), 2 daughters (Olive Bare and Marcella-Mrs. Bob Diller), 9 grandchildren, one great-grandson, 2 sisters (Mrs. Florence Cox, and Martha-Mrs. Herman Zielke), and one brother (John Bauer). She was preceded in death by 2 children (Rollo Joseph and Bertha Rebecca) and 4 brothers (Harley, Cletus, Noah, and Clinton). She was a member of Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 18, in charge of Fred Gingerich and Millard Osborne; interment in Pleasant Valley Mennonite Cemetery.

Denlinger.- Cora M., daughter of Daniel D. and Ida (Leaman) Eby, was born in Paradise Twp., Pa., Feb. 11, 1889; died at Pleasant View Rest Home, Manheim, Pa., Apr. 22, 1977; aged 88 y. On Nov. 11, 1909, she was married to Jacob P. Denlinger, who died on Oct. 7, 1976. Surviving are one son (Mark E.), one daughter (Mary-Mrs. Lester Harnly), 7 grandsons, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son (Raymond). She was a member of Paradise Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held, in charge of Clair Eby; interment in Paradise Church Cemetery.

DeWitt.- Marion, was born at West Branch, Mich., Aug. 9, 1922; died at Wauseon, Ohio, July 14, 1977; aged 54 y. She was married to Samuel DeWitt, who died in 1945. Surviving are one daughter (Janis-Mrs. Nelson Richer), one son (Jerry DeWitt), one stepson (Carl DeWitt), 7 grandchildren, 2 stepgrandchildren, 2 brothers (Dean and Herbert Robinson), and 2 sisters (Joan Robinson, and Leonore-Mrs. Angelo Medici). She was preceded in death by 2 sons (Richard James and Harold Leroy). Memorial services were held at Tedrow Mennonite Church on July 17, in charge of Carl V. Yoder; interment in Pettisville Cemetery.

Guntz.- Allen B., son of Henry 0. and Barbara (Buckwalter) Guntz, was born in Spring City, Pa., Mar. 23, 1892; died at Ephrata (Pa.) Community Hospital, July 2, 1977; aged 85 y. On Oct. 31, 1933, he was married to Mary Stauffer, who survives. Also surviving is one brother (John). He was a member of Vincent Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 6, in charge of Norman G. Kolb and Melvin Lauver; interment in Vincent Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Lehman.- Merle E., was born at Elton, Pa., Oct. 17, 1910; died of a stroke at Windber Hospital, Windber, Pa., July 3, 1977; aged 66 y. He was married to Ethel Fleegle, who survives. Also surviving are one half brother (Ray Holland) and 3 half sisters (Iva Hoover, Madlyn Johnson, and Rose Harman). He was a member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Blackburn Funeral Home on July 6, in charge of Charles Shetler; interment in Schellsburg Cemetery.

Miller.- David W., was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Jan. 31, 1904; died at Sarasota, Fla., July 30, 1977; aged 73 y. He was married to Mattie Miller, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Homer), one daughter (Mrs. Vera Hershberger), 7 grandchildren, and 6 sisters (Mrs. Levi Mast, Mrs. Owen Hostetler, Mrs. Perry Lehman, Mrs. Edward Schlabach, Mrs. Ervin Bontrager, and Mrs. Anna Miller). He was a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 2, in charge of Paul R. Yoder, Sr.; interment in Palms Memorial Park, Sarasota, Fla.

Mishler.- Minnie, daughter of Lloyd and Florence (Hostetler) Gerber, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, May 16, 1920; died of an apparent heart attack at her home in Sugarcreek, Ohio, July 30, 1977; aged 57 y. She was married to Howard Mishler, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Doris-Mrs. Chester Nussbaum), 3 sons (William, Ronald, and Duane;, 4 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Herman and Galen), and one sister (Ruby). One brother preceded her in death. She was a member of Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, where a memorial service was held on Aug. 2, in charge of Erv Schlabach; interment in church cemetery.

Reeb.- Nellie, daughter of Christian and Barbara (Eigsti) Detweiler, was born at Milford, Neb., Jan. 2, 1897; died at Geneva, Neb., July 30, 1977; aged 80 y. On Feb. 27, 1917, she was married to Fred Reeb, who survives. Also surviving are 4 daughters (Lorene Lauber, Aldene Troyer, Della Beckler, and Lela Miller), 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, one sister (Barbara Reeb), one stepsister (Lydia Reeb), one stepbrother (Jake Birky), one half sister (Laverne Roth), and 2 half brothers (Fred and Perry Detweiler). She was preceded in death by her stepmother, one stepbrother, one half brother, and 4 sisters. She was a member of Salem Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 2, in charge of Lee Schlegel and Ron Kennel; interment in church cemetery.

Seitz.- Phillip Charles, son of Charles and Marie (Milko) Seitz, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1914; died at Grand Valley Hospital, Pryor, Okla., July 4, 1977; aged 63 y. On Sept. 3, 1938, he was married to Mildred Francis Rahrig, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Phillip John and David Paul), 2 daughters (Teresa Marie Egbert and Reita Mae Coblentz), 16 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Joseph and Paul), and 2 sisters (Helen Travis and Elizabeth Hance). He was a member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were in charge of William Briskey and Charles Black; interment in Zion Church Cemetery.

Smoker.- Abner B., son of David R. and Lydia (Stoltzfus) Smoker, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., May 18, 1899; died at Christiana (Pa.) Nursing Home, July 27, 1977; aged 78 y. On Jan. 16, 1921, he was married to Fannie E. Fisher, who survives. Also surviving are 5 sons (Norman, Earl, Abner, Jr., Levi, and Park), 3 daughters (Sara, Dorcas, and Martha), 26 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Joshua and Levi). He was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on July 30, in charge of Herman Glick, Abner Stoltzfus, and Aaron Stoltzfus; interment at Millwood Mennonite Cemetery.

Sturma.- Kalman, son of Joseph and Matilde Sturma, was born in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 23, 1912; died of pneumonia at Lagrange Co. Hospital, July 21, 1977; aged 64 y. On Sept. 29, 1930, he was married to Christine Buncak, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Mrs. Lillian Wasowicz), 2 sons (George and Kalman, Jr.), 6 grandchildren, and one brother (Joseph). He was a member of Shore Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 24, in charge of Harvey Chupp and Orvin Hooley; interment in Shore Cemetery.

Thomas.- Ella, daughter of Peter and Polly (Weaver) Blough, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Apr. 10, 1898; died at Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, Pa., July 26, 1977; aged 79 y. In 1920, she was married to Webster Thomas, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Paul E. and Leon E.), 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mrs. Jennie Saylor). She was preceded in death by one son (Charles). She was a member of Blough Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 29, in charge of Curtis D. Godshall, Sanford G. Shetler, and Stanley Freed; interment in church cemetery.

Umstead.- Emma, was born at Narcissa, Pa., May 9, 1904; died of leukemia at Sarasota. Fla., June 11, 1977; aged 73 y. She was married to Henry Umstead, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Mrs. Elaine Moser and Mrs. Ruth Esquirrell), 5 grandchildren, and one brother (Earl Buckman). She was a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Hawkins Funeral Home, Sarasota, June 13, in charge of Paul R. Yoder, Sr.; interment in White Marsh Memorial Park, Montgomery Co., Pa.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 34 - August 30, 1977, page 662.

Beck.- Amanda J., daughter of Martin and Judith (Johns) Baer, was born in Iowa, June 7, 1888; died at Wauseon, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1977; aged 89 y. On Nov. 29, 1907, she was married to Joseph Beck who died Jan. 30, 1964. Surviving are 6 children (Erma-Mrs. Red Rufenacht, Marjorie-Mrs. Laurel Short, Val, Delmar, Carl, and Arlene-Mrs. Pete Gasche), 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one sister (Mrs. Abbie Wyse). One daughter (Lois) preceded her in death. She was a member of the North Clinton Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Aug. 8, in charge of Olen Nofziger, Laverne Alt and Ed Diener; interment in Pettisville Cemetery.

Brenneman.- Edward J., son of Abraham and Sarah (Otto) Brenneman, was born in Iowa Co., Iowa, Aug. 12, 1897; died at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa, Aug. 7, 1977; aged 80 y. On Dec. 19, 1917, he was married to Fanny Hochstetler, who died Dec. 16, 1976; Surviving are 2 sons (Harold and Lynn). He was a member of the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Aug. 9, in charge of Dean Swartzendruber and Robert Yoder; interment in Lower Deer Creek Cemetery.

Erb.- Mary, daughter of John and Mattie (Gerber) Nafziger, was born in Perth Co., Ont., Mar. 11, 1888; died at Brunner Nursing Home, July 25, 1977; aged 89 y. On Feb. 8, 1911, she was married to Joseph R. Erb who died Dec. 2, 1965. Surviving are 2 sons (Ervin and Joseph), 2 daughters (Frieda-Mrs. John G. Erb and Marie-Mrs. Gordon Leis), 23 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 5 brothers, 3 sisters and 2 grandchildren. She was a member of the Maple View Mennonite Church where funeral services were held July 28, in charge of Alvin Leis and Jacob Roes; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Kropf.- Catherine, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Zehr) Brenneman, was born in East Zorra Twp., Ont., Feb. 6, 1891; died at Stratford Rehabilitation and Extended Care Unit, July 14, 1977; aged 86 y. She was married to John Kropf who died in 1966. Surviving are one son (Melvin), 3 daughters (Luella-Mrs. Gordon Burgetz, Alice-Mrs. Roy Martin, and Beatrice-Mrs. Edwin Cressman), 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one brother (Amos), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Lydia Bender, Mrs. Annie Zehr and Mrs. Lavina Brenneman). She was a member of the First Mennonite Church where funeral services were held July 17, in charge of Glenn Brubacher; interment in First Mennonite Cemetery.

Longenecker.- Phares B., son of Christ and Lavina (Bender) Longenecker, was born in W. Hempfield, Pa., July 18, 1892; died at Lancaster General Hospital. Lancaster, Pa., July 9, 1977; aged 85 y. Surviving are 3 daughters (Esther- Mrs. Paul Hiestand, Rebecca, and Lois-Mrs. Wilmer N. Kreider), 3 sons (J. Howard, Phares B., Jr.. and J. Wilmer), 2 brothers (Elam and Bender), and one sister (Rosa-Mrs. Herbert Lesher). He was a member of Bossler Mennonite Church where funeral services were held July 13, in charge of Harlan Hoover and Glenn Martin; interment in Bossler Cemetery.

Martin.- Anson M., son of Amos and Elizabeth (Martin) Martin, was born at Wallenstein, Ont., Mar. 25, 1888; died at K-W Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., July 28, 1977; aged 89 y. On Jan. 28, 1915, he was married to Lydia Ann Lichty who died May 13, 1976. Surviving are 3 sons (Clayton, Amos and Ervin), 2 daughters (Edna-Mrs. Emerson Weber and Adeline Martin), 20 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Christena Cressman and Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman), and one brother (Isaiah). He was preceded in death by 2 sons (Lincoln and George). He was a member of the Floradale Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Aug. 1, in charge of Lester Kehl and Amos Martin; interment in Floradale Mennonite Cemetery.

Roth.- Lucinda, daughter of Christian and _______ Erb, was born in Baden, Ont., Sept. 3, 1898; died at New Hamburg, Ont., Aug. 3, 1977; aged 78 y. On Mar. 29, 1922, she was married to Menno L. Roth who died July 12, 1952. Surviving are one son (Edgar), 3 daughters (Doris-Mrs. Dan Stere, Eileen-Mrs. Richard Wilhelm and Betty-Mrs. Gerald Schwartz), and 9 grandchildren. She was a member of the Steinmann Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Aug. 6, in charge of Vernon B. Zehr and Elmer Schwartzentruber; interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Sitler.- Melvin, son of Milton and Martha (Wideman) Sitler, was born at Mayton, Alta., Oct. 27. 1909; died of heart failure at Edmonton, Alta., Aug. 1, 1977; aged 67 y. On Sept. 28, 1941, he was married to Martha Roth who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Eunice and Sharon-Mrs. Timothy Burkholder), one son (Raymond), 2 grandchildren, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. He was preceded in death by one son (Irving), in 1975. He was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Aug. 5, in charge of Harold Boettger and Carl Hanen; interment in Salem Church Cemetery.

Winters.- Harry W., son of Jacob and Amanda (Smeltz) Winters, was born in Paradise Twp., Pa., Sept. 17, 1884; died at the Osteopathic Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., July 17, 1977; aged 92 y. On Nov. 28. 1911, he was married to Emma Senger who died in 1969. He is survived by one son (John W.), 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Kinzer Mennonite Church where funeral services were held July 21, in charge of Paul Clark and Clair Eby; interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Yoder.- Jake, son of Elmer and Susie (Kauffman) Yoder, was born at Arthur, Ill., Dec. 10, 1925; died of cancer at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich., July 29, 1977; aged 51 y. On Apr. 23, 1949, he was married to Fanny Yoder who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Donna-Mrs. Robert Schrock), 2 sons (Robert and James), his stepmother (Mary Yoder), 4 brothers (Rudy, Abe, Levi and Noah), and 3 sisters (Mattie Glick, Gertie Hagen and Katie Graber). He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. He was a member of the Locust Grove (Mich.) Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Aug. 2, in charge of Orvin Hooley and James Carpenter; interment in the Locust Grove Mennonite Church cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana


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