Gospel Herald Obituaries - January, 1977

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 1 - January 4, 1977, page 14.

Hostetler.- Mamie, daughter of Christian H. and Sadie (Zook) Byler, was born in Cass Co., Mo., Mar. 16, 1895; died at West Liberty, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1976; aged 81 y. On Jan. 21, 1920, she was married to Stephen S. Hostetler, who preceded her in death on May 11, 1969. Surviving are 3 sons (Harold E., Earl, and S. Paul), 7 daughters (Norma E., Eileen-Mrs. James A. Botkin, Pauline-Mrs. Glenn Towles, Ruth- Mrs. Richard M. Craig, Ella Mae-Mrs. J. Lowell Kauffman, Rose Marie-Mrs. Daniel C. Smith, and Nellie-Mrs. Richard Lindemer), 25 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Nellie-Mrs. Chauncey Kauffman and Mildred-Mrs. John M. Allgyer), and 2 brothers (Paul and Mark). She was a member of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 15, in charge of George Dunn, Duane Beck, and Richard M. Craig; interment in Highland Memory Gardens.

Kratz.- Mary M., daughter of Amos Daniel and Anna May (Lehman) Wenger, was born at Millersville, Pa., Jan. 14, 1903; died of a heart attack at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Harrisonburg, Va., Oct. 19, 1976; aged 73 y. On Aug. 28, 1929, she was married to Leonard E. Martin, who preceded her in death on June 12, 1930. On July 12, 1932, she was married to Warren A. Kratz, who died on Jan. 8, 1968. Surviving are 3 children (Joanne-Mrs. Robert Good, Ruby-Mrs. John Petersheim, and Paul), 5 grandchildren, 3 sisters (Anna May-Mrs. John Garber, Ruth-Mrs. Arlin Snider, and Rhoda), and 3 brothers (Amos D., Paul L., and Chester L.). She was a member of Pike Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 21, in charge of Lloyd Horst, Chester Heatwole, and Charles Heatwole; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Lowery.- Nellie P., daughter of Sam and Willa Anna Pannell, was born in Nelson Co., Va., Sept. 19, 1892; died on Dec. 6, 1976; aged 84 y. Surviving are 3 daughters (Fleecy Lowery, Mrs. Martha Brown, and Mrs. Mary Carper), 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Lynside Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 8, in charge of Herman E. Ropp and Vance R. Brydge; interment at Sherando United Methodist Church cemetery.

Neuhouser.- Hatte Kathryn, daughter of Eliza and George Tonkel, was born in Allen Co., on April 30, 1895; died suddenly of a massive heart attack on Oct. 23, 1976; aged 81 y. On May 13, 1914, she was married to Joseph S. Neuhouser, who preceded her in death on July 6, 1962. Surviving are 2 sons (Calvin and David), 4 daughters (Bonnie, Lorraine, Eva Leis, and Mary Crossgrove), 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters (Mina Soule, Eva Garman, and Bertha Killian). She was a member of the Anderson Mennonite Church, where her husband was pastor for many years.

Yoder.- John M., son of Mose and Magdalena (Plank) Yoder, was born near Wellman, Iowa, Apr. 18, 1886; died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 13, 1976; aged 90 y. On Nov. 1, 1914, he was married to Nancy Guengerich, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Hazel, Ruth, and Doris-Mrs. Sam Spicher), one son (Edward), 8 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Francis and Kores). He was a member of the Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 16, in charge of David W. Mann; interment in Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale, Ariz.

Zehr.- Jacob W., son of John and Lydia (Springer) Zehr, was born in Foosland, Ill., Oct. 6, 1900; died at Fisher, Ill., Dec. 9, 1976; aged 76 y. In 1929 he was married to Lovina Ropp, who survives. Also surviving are one brother (Silas) and one sister (Rozina Zehr). He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 11, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum and Phil Helmuth; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 2 - January 11, 1977, page 38.

Christophel.- Carl M., was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Dec. 26, 1903; died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Fla., Dec. 10, 1976; aged 72 y. On Sept. 20, 1925, he was married to Grace Hostetler, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Donald), 5 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Harold and James), and 2 sisters (Esther Christophel and Mrs. Florence Stauffer). He was a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Sarasota, Fla., in charge of Paul R. Yoder, Sr., and at Goshen, Ind., in charge of Dean Brubaker; interment in Prairie St. Cemetery, Elkhart, Ind.

Gascho.- Aaron, son of David and Barbara (Lichty) Gascho, was born in Waterloo Co., June 23, 1897; died of a heart attack at St. Agatha, Dec. 7, 1976; aged 79 y. On Nov. 9, 1930, he was married to Barbara Lebold, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Lyle and David), 3 daughters (Elaine, Thelma, and Geraldine), 12 grandchildren, and 5 sisters (Emma, Edna, Barbara, Fannie, and Irene). He was a member of St. Agatha Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 10, in charge of Nelson Martin and Allan Schwartzentruber; interment in St. Agatha Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Hartman.- Frank E., was born at Lima, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1893; died at East Manor Nursing Home, Dec. 7, 1976; aged 83 y. On April 4, 1920, he was married to Fannie Esch, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Robert L.), 5 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Pearl and James Hartman). He was a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 10, in charge of Paul R. Yoder, Sr.; interment in Palms Memorial Park, Sarasota.

Kennel.- Annie K., daughter of Isaac K. and Elizabeth (Kauffman) Mast, was born near Morgantown, Pa., Jan. 1, 1880; died at Tel Hai Rest Home, Honey Brook, Pa., Nov. 30, 1976; aged 96 y. On Jan. 17, 1905, she was married to Joseph G. Kennel, who preceded her in death on Mar. 13, 1949. Surviving are 2 daughters (Marian-Mrs. Leroy Zook, and Lena-Mrs. Menno Stauffer), 3 sons (Ira, Earl, and Vernon), 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one brother (David Mast). She was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen, Pa., where funeral services were held on Dec. 3, in charge of Abner Stoltzfus and Herman Glick; interment in church cemetery.

Keyser.- Anna Mary, daughter of Henry and Mathilda (Seachrist) Rittenhouse, was born in Franconia, Pa., Nov. 2, 1888; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 13, 1976; aged 88 y. She was married to Nathan G. Keyser, who preceded her in death on July 6, 1969. Surviving is one daughter (Alma Keyser). She was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa., Dec. 16, in charge of Paul Ruth, Henry Ruth, Wayne Kratz, and Floyd Hackman; interment in Franconia Mennonite Cemetery.

Koerner.- Reuben P., son of Peter J. and Mary (Christophel) Koerner, was born near Cullom, Ill., Apr. 1, 1899; died Nov. 28, 1976; aged 77 y. In 1925 he was married to Ethel Morefield, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Duane, Francis, and Ronald), 6 grandchildren, one brother (Henry), 2 sisters (Susie Koerner and Mrs. Minnie Roeschley). He was a member of Cullom Mennonite Church most of his life. Funeral services were held at Cullom United Methodist Church; interment in West Lawn Cemetery.

Roth.- Milton, son of Moses and Catharine (Bast) Roth, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Oct. 27, 1913; died of a heart attack and other complications at K.W. Hospital, Kitchener, Dec. 11, 1976; aged 63 y. On Jan. 6, 1937, he was married to Melinda Yantzi, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Gerald, James, and John), 5 daughters (Margaret-Mrs. Jack Shelter, Betty-Mrs. Larry Gingerich, Karen-Mrs. Harold Davidson, Jane, and Sharon), 9 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Clarence and Elmer), and 4 sisters (Elmina- Mrs. Clayton Swartzentruber, Mrs. Luella Jacky, Mrs. Salina Wagler, and Erma-Mrs. Lester Swartzentruber). He was preceded in death by 2 daughters (Mae and Helen). He was a member of Hillcrest Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 14, in charge of Newton L. Gingrich; interment in East Zorra 16th Line Cemetery.

Stutzman.- Floyd William, son of Dave and Emma (Jausi) Stutzman, was born at Cairo, Neb., May 21, 1920; died near Milford, Neb., Nov. 30, 1976; aged 56 y. On Jan. 14, 1945, he was married to Berneice Burkey, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Eugene, Floyd, Jr., Arnie, and Gary), 2 daughters (Virginia-Mrs. Rodney Troyer, and Marilyn-Mrs. Don Zeckmann), 12 grandchildren, his mother, 3 brothers (Arthur, Dean, and Larry), and 7 sisters (Lucille-Mrs. Gerhart Schieve, Anna Mae-Mrs. Alfred Troyer, Merna-Mrs. Joe Metejka, Nina-Mrs. Ervin Stutzman, Dora Lea-Mrs. Dennis Klanecky, Margaret-Mrs. Paul Tolles, and Elsie-Mrs. LeRoy Brown). He was preceded in death by his father and one sister (Elizabeth). He was a member of Cairo Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Milford Mennonite Church, in charge of Milton Troyer; interment in church cemetery.

Wagler.- Edna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wagler, was born in Waterloo Co., May 29, 1909; died of a heart attack at Nithview Home, New Hamburg, Ont., Dec. 7, 1976; aged 67 y. On Aug. 15, 1937, she was married to Harvey Wagler, who preceded her in death on July 24, 1962. Surviving are 8 sons (Milton, Ray, Erwin, Edward, Delford, Delton, Harvey, and Laverne), 2 daughters (Mary-Mrs. Norman Harrison, and Mrs. Ruth Gallon), 17 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Allan and Elton Wagler), and one sister (Elmina Wagler). She was a member of St. Agatha Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 10, in charge of Nelson Martin and Gerald Schwartzentruber; interment in St. Agatha Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Weaver.- Minnie H., daughter of Amos B. and Anna (Hoover) Sauder, was born in West Earl Twp., Pa, July 18, 1908; died at Denver Nursing Home, Stevens, Pa., Nov. 18, 1976; aged 68 y. On June 15, 1929, she was married to Elmer M. Weaver, who preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1963. Surviving are one son (Leon P.), one daughter (Anna Mae-Mrs. Edward Weber), 7 grandchildren, one great-grandson, 4 sisters (Mrs. Barbara High, Esther-Mrs. Irvin Reist, Lizzie-Mrs. Elmer Ebersole, and Mrs. Anna Groff), and 2 brothers (Amos and Daniel). She was a member of Metzler Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 22, in charge of Roy Martin and Richard Buch; interment in the church cemetery.

Yoder.- Edward, son of Jacob and Mary (Plank) Yoder, was born at Arthur, Ill., Nov. 24, 1907; died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 30, 1976; aged 69 y. On Feb. 11, 1932, he was married to Esther Schrock, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Willis), 4 daughters (Mrs. Mary Miller, Mrs. Leona Yoder, Mrs. Edna Otto, and Mrs. Ruth Ann James), 17 grandchildren, 3 brothers (Ora, Jonas, and Alvin), and 3 sisters (Lydia Whetstone, Mrs. Lena Beachy, and Mrs. Iva Swartzentruber). He was a member of Bay Shore Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 3, in charge of John Otto, Omar Mayer, and J. D. Hamel; interment in Palms Memorial Park.

Yoder.- Frank D., son of David and Eliza (Stutzman) Yoder was born in Johnson Co., Iowa, July 10, 1899; died of cancer at his home in Johnson Co., Iowa, Dec. 16, 1976; aged 77 y. On Feb. 24, 1921, he was married to Elva Kauffman, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Mary), 3 sons (L. David, Delmar, and Daniel), 3 grandchildren, and one sister (Lena R. Yoder). He was a member of Fairview Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 18, in charge of John L. Ropp, Morris Swartzendruber, and David Yoder; interment in Fairview Cemetery.

Yordy.- Herbert Wayne, son of Amsy and Ella (Zehr) Yordy, was born at Flanagan, Ill., Dec. 25, 1928; died of a heart attack at Flanagan, Ill., Dec. 16, 1976; aged 47 y. On Aug. 17, 1957, he was married to Ruth Kenyon, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children (Joe, Jim, and Judi), and one brother (Delmar Yordy). He was a member of Waldo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 18, in charge of Robert Harnish; interment in Waldo Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 3 - January 18, 1977, pages 62.

Detweiler. Paul S., was born in Bucks Co., Pa., Mar. 31, 1901; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Nov. 25, 1976; aged 75 y. On Nov. 20, 1920, he was married to Katie H. Krupp, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Paul K. and Lloyd K.), one daughter (Betty K.-Mrs. Jonas C. Hagey), 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Florence S. Ward and Mrs. Edna S. Reinford), one brother (Irwin S. Detweiler) and one stepbrother (Samuel M. Detweiler). He was a member of the Lansdale Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held on Nov. 29, in the Rockhill Mennonte Church, in charge of Jacob Z. Rittenhouse and Norman H. Bechtel; interment in Rockhill Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Frey. Harvey B., son of Jacob C. and Mary (Burkholder) Frey, was born at Pettisville, Ohio, June 21, 1901; died of a stroke at Detwiler Manor,Wauseon, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1976; aged 75 y. On Jan. 22, 1924, he was married to Bertha Short, who preceded him in death on Nov. 29, 1974. Surviving are 6 sons (James, Merle, Vincent, Carl, Ronald, and Edward), 20 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Ed B. and Ora Frey), and 2 sisters (Pearl-Mrs. Sylvan Rupp and Bessie-Mrs. Charles Miller). He was preceded in death by 2 daughters (Arlene Waidelich and Miriam), one son (Paul), 2 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters. He was a member of the West Clinton Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held in charge of Edward Diener and Walter Stuckey; interment in Pettisville Cemetery.

Nofziger. Viola, daughter of Christian and Magdalene (Stuckey) Lugbill, was born at Henry Co., Ohio, Apr. 7, 1892; died at Fairlawn Haven, Archbold, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1976; aged 84 y. On Oct. 14, 1915, she was married to Myron D. Nofziger, who preceded her in death on June 3, 1964. Surviving are 2 daughters (Dorothy-Mrs. Ora Nafziger and Louetta-Mrs. Otto Warkentin), one son (Myrl), 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 27, in charge of Ellis B. Croyle; interment in the Pettisville Cemetery.

Ruth. Sallie M., daughter of Charles and Rosa (Moyer) Ruth, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., Aug. 24, 1900; died of cancer at Rockhill Mennonite Home, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 6, 1976; aged 76 y. Surviving are one foster daughter (Dorothy-Mrs. Dennis Masters), 2 brothers (Winfield M. and Linford M. Ruth), and 2 sisters (Edna-Mrs.Paul Hunsberger and Cora-Mrs. Levi Hange). She was a member of the Line Lexington Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 9, in charge of Daniel M. Longenecker; interment in Line Lexington Mennonite Cemetery.

Seitz
. Miriam Lolita, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hess) Seitz, was born at Newville, Pa., Feb. 10, 1909; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 6, 1976; aged 67 y. Surviving are 2 brothers (Marlin and Kenneth Seitz). She was a member of the Lansdale Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Eastern Mennonite Home and at Slate Hill Mennonite Church on Dec. 8, in charge of Jacob Z. Rittenhouse and Wayne N. Kratz; interment in Slate Hill Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Steir. Anna, daughter of Henry and Jamesino (Rogers) Nicholson, was born at Granpian, Pa., Nov. 5, 1898; died at Frick Community Hospital, Mt. Pleasant, Pa., Dec. 19, 1976; aged 78 y. On July 22, 1916, she was married to Reynolds M. Steir, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Thelma-Mrs. Lib DeRosa and Betty-Mrs.Cecil Anderson), one son (Donald), 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters (Mrs. Elizabeth Rafferty, Mrs. Marian Thompson, Eva-Mrs. Clair Thompson, and Mrs. Carla Tomlinson), and 2 brothers (Jack and Thomas Nicholson). She was a member of the Scottdale Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the James Murphy Memorial Home on Dec. 22, in charge of John M. Drescher; interment in the Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville, Pa.

Stidham. Susie daughter of Sam and Adeline (Deaton) Spicer, was born at Gayscreek, Ky., Nov. 28, 1917; died of a heart ailment at Appalachian Hospital, Hazard, Ky., Dec. 28, 1976; aged 59 y. On June 12, 1936, she was married to Marcus Stidham, who survives. Also surviving are 7 daughters (Nellie-Mrs. Elmer Brenneman, Mary-Mrs. Lester Miller, Marie-Mrs. Frank Knotts, Barbara-Mrs. Edmond Howard, Pauline-Mrs. Bradley Haddix, Patricia-Mrs. Obed Noble, and Beulah Ruth), 2 sons (Marcus, Jr., and John Larry), 4 stepdaughters (Rosie-Mrs.Harlan Spicer, Mae-Mrs. Billy Smith, Stella Smith, and Lillie-Mrs. Jacob Smith), 2 stepsons (Sam and Oscar), 12 grandchildren, 29 stepgrandchildren, 13 stepgreat-grandchildren, one sister (Oma-Mrs. Hobart Stamper), and 5 brothers (Dock, Jack, Dewey, Jim, and Miles). She was preceded in death by one daughter (Betty Ellen), one sister (Bessie Sizemore), and 3 brothers (Paul, Monroe, and Gran). She was a member of the Buckhorn Creek Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Watts & Spencer Funeral Home on Dec. 30, in charge of Eldon Miller; interment in the Stidham-Smith Cemetery, Barwick, Ky.

Wagler. Richard James Cornell, son of Jacob and Dorothy (Kuepfer) Wagler, was born in Listowel, Ont., June 8, 1960; died suddenly in a car accident on Dec. 10, 1976; aged 16 y. Surviving are his parents, one brother (Bobby), 2 sisters (Marjorie and Sharon), and his grandparents(Mrs. Mary Kuepfer and Mr. and Mrs. Sol Wagler). He was a member of the Riverdale Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 13, in charge of David K. Jantzi and Menno Zehr.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 70, Number 4 - January 25, 1977, page 86.

Birky.- Alvin Levi, son of Christian and Barbara (Wittrig) Birky, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Oct. 30, 1897; died of a heart attack at Spencerville, Ind., Dec. 28, 1976; aged 79 y. On Aug. 28, 1918, he was married to Elizabeth Heiser, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Delilah-Mrs. Paul Stamm, Margie-Mrs. Jesse Liechty, and Edith-Mrs. John C. King), one son (Eldon), 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one brother (William). He was a member of the North Leo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 31, in charge of Alvin Beachy, Roy Yoder, and Clifford Miller; interment in Leo Cemetery.

Carter.- Clarence E., son of Edward and Manilla (Deadrick) Carter, was born on Sept. 5, 1927; died in the Waynesboro (Va.) Hospital on Dec. 25, 1976; aged 49 y. He was married to Wilda Mae Brydge, who survives. Also surviving are his mother, 3 children (David, Mrs. Linda McFann, and Mrs. Susan Bobbins), and 2 grandchildren. He was a member of the Lynside Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held on Dec. 28 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Staunton, Va., in charge of Vance Brydge and Herman Ropp.

Hackman.- Henry D., son of Samuel F. and Katie (Detweiler) Hackman, was born in Franconia Twp., Pa., May 7, 1884; died at Hatfield Mennonite Home, Hatfield, Pa., Jan. 2, 1977; aged 92 y. On Dec. 24, 1906, he was married to Annie Kratz, who preceded him in death on Aug. 25, 1964. Surviving are one son (Arthur), one daughter (Ella), 4 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Samuel D. and Raymond D.). He was preceded in death by one daughter (Alverda) and one son (Earl). He was a member of the Plains Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 1, in charge of Gerald Studer, John Lapp, and George Long; interment in Plains Cemetery.

Heiser.- Joseph A., son of Joseph and Barbara (Bachman) Heiser, was born in Morton, Ill., Aug. 22, 1888; died at Fisher, Ill., Jan. 1, 1977; aged 88 y. On Dec. 15, 1909, he was married to Fannie Schrock, who preceded him in death on Dec. 17, 1950. Surviving are 2 sons (Leslie and Willard), 3 daughters (Mrs. Alta Detweiler, Mrs. Mabel Teuscher, and Edna-Mrs. Alva Cender), 17 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. He was a bishop in the Mennonite Church and a minister of the East Bend Mennonite Church for 35 years. Private funeral services were held at the Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, Ill., on Jan. 3, in charge of Merle Conklin; memorial services were held at the Gibson City Bible Church on Jan. 4, in charge of Merle Conklin, Clyde Ingold, Irvin Nussbaum, and Wendall Arms; interment in East Bend Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Kauffman.- Elmer, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Dec. 9, 1894; died of an apparent heart attack at Ligonier, Ind., Dec. 11, 1976; aged 82 y. On Aug. 25, 1920, he was married to Ella Yoder, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Elmer "Bud," Jr., Richard, and Kenneth), 4 daughters (Thelma Kauffman, Mrs. Betty Stutzman, Mrs. Clara Mae Gingerich, and Mrs. Janice Schrock), 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, one brother (Abram), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Anna Utzy and Mrs. Ada Utzy). He was a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 16, in charge of Joe J. Swartz; interment in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Lehman.- Galen Jay, son of Ivan J. and Elsie (Metzler) Lehman, was born at Columbiana, Ohio, Dec. 3, 1922; died of a heart attack at the Salem Community East Hospital, Salem, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1976; aged 54 y. On July 10, 1948, he was married to Doris Grim, who survives. Also surviving are 2 children (Keith J. and Karen J.), his mother, and one sister (Dathryn Albrecht). He was a member of the Midway Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 16, in charge of Richard Bartholomew; interment in the Midway Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Miller.- Eli M., son of Moses and Mary (Miller) Miller, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Apr. 15, 1887; died in the Parkview Hospital, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Dec. 31, 1976; aged 89 y. On Dec. 10, 1910, he was married to Sarah Brenneman, who preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 1971. Surviving are 3 daughters (Mrs. Mable Lengacher, Mrs. Mary Akerman and Mrs. Esther VanScoder), 5 sons (Mose, Joe, Edwin, Eli, Jr., and Albert). He was preceded in death by one daughter (Mrs. Magdeleana Swartzendruber). He was a member of the Hicksville Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 3, in charge of John Yoder and Jacob E. Schrock; interment in the Lost Creek Cemetery.

Moyer.- William D., son of Ephraim and Marie (Detweiler) Moyer, was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Jan. 28, 1888; died at the home of his daughter on Dec. 31, 1976; aged 88 y. He was married to _____, who preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1961. Surviving are one daughter (Alma D.-Mrs. Harvey C. Freed), one son (Willis D.), a foster son (Leroy M. Hackman), 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 4, in charge of Floyd Hackman, Earl Anders, and Curtis Bergey; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Nofziger.- Ida G., daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Schlatter) Yoder, was born in Grabill, Ind., Mar. 29, 1900; died at the Fulton Co. Health Center, Wauseon, Ohio, Dec. 24, 1976; aged 76 y. On Nov. 11, 1920, she was married to Clarence I. Nofziger, who survives. Also surviving are 4 daughters (Waneda-Mrs. Melvin Gerig, Letha-Mrs. Marvin Waidelich, Arlene-Mrs. Wayne Springer, and Marilyn-Mrs. David Verbeck), 4 sons (Herbert, Melvin, Alvin, and Burdell), 36 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and 4 grandchildren. She was a member of the West Clinton Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 26, in charge of Edward Diener and Olen Nofziger; interment in Pettisville Cemetery.

Schrock.- Josephine, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Roeschley) Yordy, was born in Flanagan, Ill., Aug. 14, 1886; died at Maple Lawn Homes, Eureka, Ill., Jan. 3, 1976; aged 90 y. On Dec. 17, 1907, she was married to Albert Schrock, who preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 1917. Surviving are 2 sons (Elmer and Orval), one daughter (Eunice-Mrs. Olen Kandel), 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 brothers (Ezra, Jonas, and Alvin). She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 5, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum; interment in the East Bend Cemetery.

Sutter.- Alma, daughter of John and Lydia (Litwiller) Nafziger, was born near Minier, Ill., Sept. 10, 1891; died at the home of her daughter in Bloomington, Ill., Dec. 30, 1976; aged 85 y. On Dec. 25, 1912, she was married to Lee Sutter, who preceded her in death in Nov. 1975. Surviving are 4 sons (Vernal, Dennis, Willis, and Earl), 7 daughters (Ina Sutter, Mrs. Edna Springer, Mrs. Oleeda Albrecht, Lela Sutter, Mrs. Miriam Albrecht, Mrs. Alice Wenger, and Mrs. Jean King), 24 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Amos and Orrin), and 5 sisters (Mrs. Agnes Hartzler, Mrs. Leah Good, Martha Nafziger, Mrs. Mary Imhoff, and Mrs. Fannie Sommer). She was preceded in death by an infant sister. She was a member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 3, in charge of James Waltner, Carl Newswanger, and Aden Yoder; interment in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

Swartley.- Ida, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Dirks) Myers, was born at Doylestown, Pa., June 24, 1889; died at Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa., Dec. 20, 1976; aged 87 y. On Dec. 25, 1920, she was married to William Henry Swartley, who preceded her in death. Surviving are 2 daughters (Marian-Mrs. Herbert Myers and Dorothy-Mrs. John Martins), 5 sons (Emerson, Henry, John, Clifford, and Willard), 2 brothers (Clayton and Alfred Myers), 2 half brothers (James and Jesse Myers), and 2 half sisters (Mrs. Laura Moyer and Mrs. Jane Siegfried). She was preceded in death by a son (Kenneth), a brother (Samuel), 2 sisters (Anna Landis and Elsie Kulp), one half brother (Harry Myers), and one half sister (Sara Myers). She was a member of the Doylestown Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Eastern Mennonite Home and Doylestown Mennonite Church on Dec. 23, in charge of Joseph Gross, Wayne Kratz, Silas Graybill, and Roy Bucher; interment in Doylestown Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Vershure.- Arlotte Anna, daughter of Claude and Hulda Travis, was born at Edgar, N.D., Nov. 18, 1912; died at her home near Cass Lake, Minn., Sept. 9, 1976; aged 63 y. On Sept. 26, 1936, she was married to Clarence Vershure, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Claude) and one brother (Edward Travis). She was a member of the Cass Lake Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Missionary Alliance Church on Sept. 18, in charge of Harry Gascho; interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Cass Lake.

Wingard.- Emma, daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Stalter) Hostetter, was born in Richland Twp., Pa., June 10, 1891; died at the Windber Hospital on Jan. 3, 1977; aged 85 y. She was married to Ralph Wingard, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Ruth-Mrs. Landis P. Beckley, Wilma-Mrs. Robert Hostetler, and Shirley-Mrs. Paul Shumaker), 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one brother (Waldo Hostetler). She was preceded in death by 3 sons (Arthur, Galen, and Marlin), and 4 brothers (Clyde, Newton, Abram, and Forrest). She was a member of the Weaver Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 6, in charge of Harry Y. Shetler and Harold E. Thomas; interment in Richland Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald, January 25, 1977, page 83.

In tribute to Orie O. Miller

Early in the blustery winter evening of Jan. 10, Orie O. Miller slipped quietly from a coma to his death at Landis Retirement Home, near Lancaster, Pa. Born July 7, 1892, in Middlebury, Ind., he was approaching his 85th birthday. His funeral was held on Jan. 15 at the Ephrata Mennonite meetinghouse with friends and relatives from far and wide filling the building. The service lasted for approximately three hours.
Acquaintances sent in responses to Miller's passing. Many of these were read and there was much additional sharing by those who were present at the funeral.
"Everything," was Miller's one-word reply when asked by a friend what Christ and Christianity meant to him. Anyone doubting the profound sincerity of that simple response has only to look at the list of 65 church-related leadership positions he held during his life-some for as long as 45 years.
A Bible, the Mennonite Yearbook, and a world map, the three musts which Orie Miller always carried in his briefcase, formed the framework within which he lived his life.
The son of a minister, Daniel D. Miller, Orie had in his early years felt called to either the ministry or the mission field. However, although he was in the lot several times at his home church, Ephrata, he was never chosen.
Orie's gift was administration. "In my estimation, one dimension of his greatness was in relationship to institutions-his ability to create them and equally his ability to make them function within his expectations," commented Edgar Stoesz, an associate secretary at MCC.
Orie served on the Mennonite Board of Education for 45 years. He was active in bringing Goshen College, his alma mater, through its time of crisis in the midtwenties, and in the early thirties he helped reorganize the business office of Hesston College and to find a new president.
He was also active in the formation of, and served in leadership positions, with Mennonite Mental Health Services, Menno Travel Service, Mennonite Mutual Aid, Mennonite Indemnity, Mennonite Economic Development Associates, and Menno Housing.
On a broader scope, he has served with the board of directors of New York Biblical Seminary, as chairman of the National Service Board for Religious Objectors, as the first chairman of the Schowalter Foundation, and as Board member of the American Leprosy Mission.
But relief and mission work remained closest to Orie's heart. In 1919, he went into relief work in the Middle East. And on his way home from that work, he met four Russian Mennonites in Switzerland who had brought news of their suffering and pleas for help to European and North American Mennonites. Soon the Mennonite Relief Commission in the U.S. was asking him to consider leadership of a Russian relief unit.
With Arthur Slagel of Flanagen, Ill., and Clayton Kratz of Perkasie, Pa., he left for Russia on Sept. 1, 1920. Orie's interest in Mennonite refugees from Russia never ended.
When in 1924 Mennonite Central Committee was established as a permanent organization, Miller was involved in its administration and continued in a leadership role until retiring in 1963, at which time he was named life member and executive secretary emeritus.
Miller was just as interested in missions. He became the first editor of Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities publication Missionary Messenger in 1924. Then he was elected to the Board.
One of Orie's most far-reaching endeavors with Eastern Board was its first overseas program in Africa. He went with Elam and Elizabeth Stauffer and John and Ruth Mosemann to Africa in December 1933 to find the location of that mission. The two couples remained behind to open a mission station in what was then Tanganyika along the eastern coast of Lake Victoria.
Throughout the next decades, Orie provided leadership in opening new mission programs in Africa and Asia and in helping missionaries gradually turn churches over to local leadership.
A third idea to which Orie was dedicated was peace. Following World War I, he encouraged the Mennonite Peace Problems Committee to continue, although other Mennonite leaders thought its usefulness had ended. "Other wars are coming," he said.
That prophecy proved true and as World War II approached, Orie Miller was in the forefront of working out the Civilian Public Service program which provided a civilian administered alternate to military service for Historic Peace Church members.
When it became clear that the government had no funds for the CPS program, Clarence Dykstra of the Selective Service asked if the churches would be willing to administer the program and foot the bill. "With the help of God we'll try," Orie responded.
Orie O. Miller was asked to manage the operation and financing of the Mennonite camps and "poured himself into this task with characteristic energy and efficiency," commented Paul Erb in his biography of Orie. Although the program was criticized by some, it was a success and was the foundation of the alternative service program which MCC administered until the end of the draft.
His involvement with peace concerns resulted in his developing many relationships with leaders among the other historic peace churches such as M. R. Ziegler of the Church of the Brethren and Clarence Pickett of American Friends Service Committee.
Orie Miller's death leaves not only his second wife, Elta Myers Miller, his five children, and his three stepchildren, but also the entire Mennonite world with a sense of loss.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana


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Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved - Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA
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