Gospel Herald Obituaries - February, 1978

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Gospel Herald- Volume 71, Number 6 - February 7, 1978 - page 126

Albrecht, Herbert (Harvey), son of Joseph and Lydia (Erb) Albrecht, was born on Mar. 25, 1904; died of cancer at Stratford, Ont., Dec. 17, 1977; aged 73 y. On June 29, 1932, he married Viola Iutzi, who died on Dec. 6, 1971. Surviving are one brother (Elmer), 3 sisters (Adeline ­ Mrs. Joel Stere, Katie ­ Mrs. Josiah Roth, and Lucinda ­ Mrs. Irvin Stere). He was preceded in death by one son (Douglas). He was a member of Tavistock Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 20, in charge of Wilmer Martin; interment in East Zorra 16th Line Cemetery.

Bontrager, John K., was born at Shipshewana, Ind., Jan. 9, 1884; died at his home in Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 12, 1978; aged 94 y. In 1905, he married Fannie Yoder, who died in 1974. He became an Amish minister when he was 23 years and a bishop when he was 26 years. In 1915, he left the Amish Church and established the Conservative Mennonite Church in western New York. Surviving are 5 sons (Chris, Eli, Clarence, Amos, and John, Jr.), 4 daughters (Martha Jantzi, Edna Schlabach, Frances Greaser, and Rosa Yoder), 41 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and one brother (Levi). Funeral services were held at Alden Mennonite Church, Jan. 15, in charge of Titus Kauffman and Richard Bender; interment in Union Cemetery.

Good, Martha, daughter of Jonathon and Emma (Rudy) Martin, was born on Mar. 5, 1892; died at K-W Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., Jan. 8, 1978; aged 85 y. She married Amos C. Good, who died in Oct. 1972. Surviving are 2 sons (Edward and Walter), 4 daughters (Elma ­ Mrs. Gladwin Bender, Nina ­ Mrs. Oren Gimbel, Martha Good, and Pearl Good), 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Irvin and Urias), 2 sisters (Hannah ­ Mrs. Irvin Lichty, Barbara ­ Mrs. Moses Roth), and one stepbrother (Melvin Hunsperger). She was preceded in death by one son (Vernon), one daughter (Mary), one grandchild, 6 brothers, and one sister. She was a member of Nith Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 11, in charge of Amzie Brubacher; interment in church cemetery.

Herr, John H., Jr., son of John R. and Mary Emma (Huber) Herr, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 17, 1897; died unexpectedly at Holtwood, Pa., Sept. 27, 1977; aged 80 y. On Oct. 29, 1918, he married Elizabeth R. Hess, who died on May 27, 1940. In June 1947, he married Elizabeth Reinhard, who survives. On Mar. 12, 1931, he was ordained deacon to serve Mechanic Grove and New Providence congregations. Surviving in addition to his wife are 6 children (Paul, Betty ­ Mrs. John Peifer, Mark, Alma ­ Mrs. Willis Groff, Glenn, and Merle). He was a member of Mechanic Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 1, in charge of Paul Myer, Harry Brenneman, Ellis Kreider, and Clayton Keener; interment in New Providence Mennonite Cemetery.

Horst, Esther H., daughter of Abram S. and Gertrude (Gehr) Horst, was born in Washington Co., Md., July 31, 1916; died of a heart attack at the Washington Co. Hospital, Jan. 8, 1978; aged 61 y. On Mar. 6, 1945, she married John Peachey, who died on Sept. 19, 1967. On Dec. 21, 1974, she married Benjamin Horst, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Blaine Peachey), 12 stepchildren (Mary Martin, Christian C., Martin L. and Joseph S. Peachey, Sarah ­ Mrs. Charles Martin, Mary ­ Mrs. Stanley Horst, Nevin, Lauren B., Maurice L., David A., Glenn R., and Lowell W. Horst), 53 stepgrandchildren, 35 step-great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (Preston G., Clarence A., and Karl E., and 4 sisters (Leona Horst, Virginia ­ Mrs. Lloyd Martin, Kathryn ­ Mrs. Harry Christ, and Beulah Horst). She was preceded in death by one daughter (Martha Ann), and 2 sisters (Genevieve ­ Mrs. John Kurtz, and Hilda ­ Mrs. Henry Hunsberger). She was a member of Mt. Zion Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Cedar Grove Mennonite Church on Jan. 11, in charge of Nelson L. Martin, Abram Baer, Adam Martin, and Richard Oberholzer; interment in Clear Spring Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Kurtz, Keturah L., daughter of Samuel T. and Annie (Stayrook) Yoder, was born at Belleville, Pa., May 12, 1905; died of cancer at Lewistown, Pa., Jan. 8, 1978; aged 72 y. On Mar. 13, 1948, she married Jonathan Kurtz, who died on Aug. 26, 1964. Surviving are one stepdaughter (Lela ­ Mrs. Clarence Kauffman), 2 stepgrandchildren, and one sister (Katie ­ Mrs. David Yoder). Funeral services were held at Locust Grove Church, Jan. 11, in charge of Erie Renno and Gerald Peachey; interment in church cemetery.

Landis, Mary G., daughter of Abraham and Marietta (Godshall) Hagey, was born in Franconia Twp., Pa., Sept. 28, 1908; died very suddenly at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Jan. 14, 1978; aged 69 y. In Sept., 1927, she married Marvin K. Landis, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Joan ­ Mrs. Brian Alderfer), 2 sons (Merrill H. and Glenn H.), 6 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Katie Bergey, Mrs. Verna Nice), and 3 stepsisters (Mrs. Verna Alderfer, Mrs. Madeline Souder, and Mrs. Stella Landis). She was a member of Souderton Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 17, in church cemetery.

Lark, James H., son of James and Lela Lark, was born in Savannah, Ga., May 4, 1888; died at Veterans West Side Hospital, Chicago, Ill., Jan. 10, 1978; aged 89 y. In 1918, he married Rowena ___ who preceded him in death. On Feb. 18, 1945, he was ordained minister of Bethel Mennonite Church of Chicago, which he founded. He became the first black bishop ordained in the Mennonite Church. He was active in church extension work in Saginaw, Mich.; Los Angeles, Calif.; East St. Louis, Mo.; Allensworth, Calif.; and Wichita, Kan. Surviving are 6 children (James H., Juanita Jewel Bell, Essie Jean Lyons, Rowena Winters Love, Emma Waters, and Alexander), and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. LeRoy Bechler officiated at the memorial services at Bethel Mennonite Church, Chicago, Ill., Jan. 14, and at the St. Rest Baptist Church, Fresno, Calif., Jan. 17; interment at Fresno Memorial.

Mann, Cleo Aaron, son of Tobias and Saloma (Eckhart) Mann, was born in Elkhart, Ind., May 11, 1900; died of a heart attack, Jan. 13, 1978; aged 77 y. On Aug. 28, 1924, he was married to Nellie Marie Miller, who survives. In 1936, Cleo and Nellie helped to begin Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind., where he was ordained a deacon in 1949. In 1953, he was licensed to the ministry to serve as pastor in Indianapolis Ind., to the men in I-W service and the medical students and their families. This led to the founding of the First Mennonite Church and his ordination to the ministry in 1956. Since retirement in 1966, he served interim pastoral assignments at Eugene (Ore. ) Mennonite Church, Nampa (Idaho) Mennonite Church, and Portland (Ore.) Mennonite Church. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are one daughter (Dorothy ­ Mrs. J. Alton Horst), one son (David), 8 grandchildren, 2 brothers (W. Earl and William), and 3 sisters (Lela Mann, Helen Patrick, and Mary Mann). Funeral services were held at Prairie Street Mennonite Church on Jan. 16, in charge of Russell Krabill and Simon Gingerich; interment in church cemetery.

Miller, John Henry, son of Monroe and Anna (Garber) Miller, was born at Goshen, Ind., April 19, 1911; died at Chippenham Hospital, Richmond, Va., of a stroke, Jan. 7, 1978; aged 66 y. On Jan. 6, 1934, he married Catherine Kramer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Mrs. Harold Ritchie and Donna S. Miller), 2 sons (Harold M. and John R. ), 3 foster daughters (Mrs. Philip Detweiler, Delores, and Ida Phillips), 3 foster sons (Frank Newcomb, David Jordan, and Michael Irby), 3 grandchildren, 5 foster grandchildren, 2 sisters (Ruth Kauffman, Esther ­ Mrs. William Miller), one brother (Vernon), and one stepsister (Cleone ­ Mrs. Era Stutzman). He was a member of Morning View Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Lindale Mennonite Church on Jan. 10, in charge of Dwight Heatwole, Ernest Gehman and Ralph Ziegler; interment in church cemetery.

Schrock, Russell A., son of Aaron and Jenny Schrock, was born near Topeka, Ind., Sept. 11, 1896; died of an apparent heart attack at Goshen, Ind., Dec. 22, 1977; aged 81 y. On Sept. 12, 1914, he married Ida Pearl Miller, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Harold and Vernon M. ), 9 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son (Leonard). He was a member of North Goshen Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 26, in charge of Don Brenneman; interment in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Stutzman, Joseph E., son of Joseph and Minerva (Selzer) Stutzman, was born in Mantua, Ohio, Sept. 4, 1915; died in Lancaster Co., Pa., Aug. 28, 1977; aged 62 y. On June 30, 1940, he married Cora Miller, who survives. Also surviving are 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 sisters. He was a member of Rawlinsville Mennonite Church, where memorial services were held, in charge of David Thomas, Harold Hess, and Ralph Shank; interment in Rawlinsville Mennonite Cemetery.

Unzicker, Dorothy, daughter of William and Anna (Oyer) Unzicker, was born at Fisher, Ill., Jan. 24, 1919; died of cancer at Edgewater Hospital, Chicago, Ill., Jan. 13, 1978; aged 59 y. Surviving are 3 brothers (Ervin, Alvin J., and Ellis) and 2 sisters (Esther Unzicker and Clara ­ Mrs. Elmer Springer). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 17, in charge of Wilbur Nachtigall and Clyde Ingold; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens, Fisher, Ill.

Transcribed by Carl and Doris Metzler, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 71, Number 7 - February 14, 1978 - page 142

Baer, Lois May, daughter of Aaron and Anna (Martin) Keener, was born at Cearfoss, Md., May 6, 1914; died of a heart attack at Washington County Hospital, Hagerstown, Md., Nov. 30, 1977; aged 63 y. On June 6, 1934, she was married to Abram M. Baer, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Anna Katherine ­ Mrs. Nathan Lehman), one son (Lauren), 2 foster daughters (Doris ­ Mrs. Bill Garland, Sheila ­ Mrs. Josey Joseph), one foster son (Donald Mason), 2 grandchildren, 5 foster grandchildren, 4 brothers (Edgar M., Leavitt M., Aaron E., and Nathan P.), and one sister (Mary ­ Mrs. Walter Oberholzer). She was preceded in death by one grandson and one brother (George M.). She was a member of Mt. Zion Mennonite Church, Mapleville, Md. Funeral services were held at Cedar Grove Mennonite Church, in charge of Adam R. Martin, Richard Oberholzer, and John F. Grove; interment in Mt. Zion Church Cemetery.

Becker, Henry A., son of Peter and Anna (Boese) Becker, was born at Aberdeen, Idaho, Oct. 10, 1910; died at La Junta, Colo., Nov. 1, 1977; aged 67 y. On June 25, 1946, he was married to Nellie Buller, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Randolph, Stanley, and Lyle), one daughter (Alice), and 4 sisters (Linda, Agnes, Kathryn, and Esther), and one brother (Eldon). He was preceded in death by one brother. Funeral services were held at Glendive Mont., Nor. 5, in charge of Harry Gascho; interment in Dawson Memorial Park.

Cherrey, Marguerite (Beisel), died at Palmerston and District Hospital, Ont., Dec. 22, 1977; aged 77 y. She was married to John Cherrey who preceded her in death. Surviving are one daughter (Irene ­ Mrs. Clarence Robinson), one son (Russel), 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mrs. Harry Rolls). She was preceded in death by one infant daughter, 2 brothers, and one sister. Funeral services were held at Moorefield Mennonite Church, where she was a member, Dec. 24, in charge of Curtis Bender; interment in Bethesda Cemetery.

Clemmer, Luke Ryan, son of James and Elaine (Derstine) Clemmer, was born at Bucks Co., Pa., May 7, 1977; died of heart failure due to congenital defects, at Grand View Hospital. East Rockhill Twp., Jan. 14, 1978; aged 8 m. Surviving are his parents, one brother (Jeremy Brian), maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Chester Derstine), and paternal grandmother (Mrs. Anna Clemmer). Funeral services were held at Deep Run Mennonite Church East on Jan. 16, in charge of Richard Detweiler; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Early, Donna, daughter of Levi and Mamye (Wyse) Roth, was born in Wayland, Iowa, July 28, 1940; died of cancer at Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 11, 1978; aged 37 y. On Mar. 20, 1965, she was married to Allen K. Early, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Brenda Kay), one sister (Dorothy ­ Mrs. Harold Boese, and 2 brothers (James and David Roth). She was a member of Weavers Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 11, in charge of Alvin Kanagy, Mahlon Blosser, and Jonathan Kanagy; interment in Weavers Cemetery.

Gardner, Dora, daughter of Levi and Ellen (Stutzman) Miller, was born in Lagrange Co., Ind., Aug. 15, 1886; died at Greencroft Nursing Home, Goshen, Ind., Jan. 19, 1978; aged 91 y. On Jan. 1, 1912, she was married to Jesse E. Gardner, who died on Aug. 17, 1966. Surviving are 4 daughters (Ellen ­ Mrs. Sam S. Miller, Verda ­ Mrs. Robert Ewing, Mary ­ Mrs. Merle Neuhouser, and Olene ­ Mrs. Robert Garber), 3 sons
(Victor, Charles, and Frank), 26 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mrs. Elwyn Blough). She was a member of Clinton Brick Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 22, in charge of John Steiner and Marlin Miller; interment in Forest Grove Cemetery.

Hartzler, Joseph G., son of Joseph Z, and Mary Ann (Byler) Hartzler, was born in Allensville, Pa., Sept. 18, 1880; died at his home in Hydro, Okla., Jan. 12, 1978; aged 97 y. On Feb. 27, 1906, he was married to Martha Heatwole, who died on Nov. 25, 1951. On June 15, 1959, he was married to Laura Lane who died on Aug. 12, 1965. Surviving are 2 sons (Willard and Clifford Hartzler), 4 daughters (Mildred Myers, Ethel Lind, Ida Slagell, Leona Sayer), 2 stepsons (Robert and John Lane), 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, one sister (Fannie Brenneman), and one brother (Herbert Hartzler). He was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters. In 1923 he was ordained to the ministry and served the West Liberty congregation in McPherson, Kan. In 1925 he was ordained bishop and served the following churches in Kansas: Hutchinson, Pennsylvania, Spring Valley, and Larned. Funeral services were held at
Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Hydro, Okla., on Jan. 15, in charge of Chester Slagell, and at West Liberty on Jan. 16, in charge of Chester Slagell, Ed Birkey, and M. M. Troyer; interment in West Liberty Cemetery.

Herner, Gertrude, daughter of John and Magdalena (Schwartzentruber) Litwiller, was
born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Aug. 9, 1897; died of cancer at Kitchener, Ont., Jan. 4, 1978; aged 80 y. On Mar. 4, 1919, she was married to Benjamin Herner, who died on Dec. 30, 1966. Surviving are 2 sisters (Ida ­ Mrs. Norman Gascho, Alice ­ Mrs. Rueben Bender). One child died in infancy and 2 brothers (Herbert and Clayton Litwiller) preceded her in death. She was a member of St. Agatha Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 7, in charge of Nelson Martin and Allen Schwartzentruber; interment in St. Agatha Cemetery.

Hershey, Willis H., son of Ephraim L. and Kate (Hoover) Hershey, was born in Leacock Twp., Pa.; died of a stroke on Jan. 2, 1978; aged 81 y. He was married to Ruth Hershey, who survives. Also surviving are 6 children (Marion ­ Mrs. Peter Smith; Mildred ­ Mrs. Alan Steffy, Dorothy ­ Mrs. Mark Stauffer, Katherine ­ Mrs. Wilmer Huddle, Huldah, and J. Robert), 18 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters
(Alice ­ Mrs. Lemon Hershey, Lena ­ Mrs. Samuel Finkbiner, Ada Hershey, and Mary Brackbill), and 2 brothers (Henry and John). He was a member of Paradise Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 5, in charge of Harold Book, Clair Eby, and Fred Martin; interment in church cemetery.

Johns, Margaret, daughter of Allen and Sarah (Lehman) Rickert, was born in Columbiana, Ohio, Mar. 11, 1884; died at Louisville, Ohio, Jan. 9, 1978; aged 92 y. On Dec. 24, 1910, she was married to Otis N. Johns, who died on Apr. 23, 1975. Surviving are 3 daughters (Gladys ­ Mrs. Rollin Krabill, Velma ­ Mrs. Arthur Miller, and Lois ­ Mrs. Glen Yoder), one son (David), grandchildren, and 1l great-grandchildren. One daughter (Esther) preceded her in death. She was a member of Louisville Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 12, in charge of Calvin J. King and Richard R. Ross; interment in Beech Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Kennel, Ada E., daughter of John A. and Emma (Kauffman) Kennel, was born near Atglen, Pa., Aug. 17, 1913; died of emphysema Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital, Aug. 28, 1977; aged 64 y. Surviving are 4 sisters (Lena, Minerva, Rebecca ­ Mrs. Elmer Beiler, and Mary Emma ­ Mrs. Ephraim Nafziger), and one brother (John A., Jr.). She was a member of Millwood Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Sept. 1, in charge of Reuben Stoltzfus, Noah Hershey, and Aaron Kauffman; interment in Millwood Cemetery.

Martin, Elmer J., son of Eli M. and Lydia (Weaver) Martin, was born in New Holland, Pa., Oct. 10, 1889; died in Fairmount Rest Home, Ephrata, Pa., Jan. 8, 1978; aged 88 y. On Oct. 30, 1918, he was married to Verna E. Musser, who survives. Also surviving are 5 daughters (Florence E. ­ Mrs. Amos B. Stauffer, Virginia M. ­ Mrs. Phares S. Stauffer, Vera A. ­ Mrs. Phares H. Shirk, Marian I. ­ Mrs. Walter B. Shirk, and June N. ­ Mrs. Edward N. Martin), 6 sons (Chester M., Fred M., Stanley M., Lloyd M., Earl M., and Melvin M.), 73 grandchildren, 23 great-grand-children, 2 sisters (Anna ­ Mrs. Samuel Horst, Florence ­ Mrs. Harlan B. Heller). He was preceded in death by one son (Shelley M.), and 3 grandchildren. He was a member of Metzler Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 12, in charge of Amos H. Sauder, Roy B. Martin, and Parke M. Heller; interment in Mennonite Cemetery, New Holland, Pa.

Correction: An error was made in the obituary of Elmer J. Martin printed in the Feb. 14 issue. Two sisters (Anna Horst and Florence Heller) preceded him in death. They are not survivors, as printed.

Mayer, Catharine, daughter of John and Catharine (Brunk) Everatt, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., June 13, 1905; died of a heart attack at Kitchener, Ont., Jan. 10, 1978; aged 72 y. On June 23, 1926, she was married to Elmer Mayer, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Cecil), 2 grandchildren, one brother (Sydney), and 4 sisters (Amanda ­ Mrs. Benjamin Roth, Vera ­ Mrs. Raymond Herrie, Seleda ­ Mrs. Lorne Kropf, and Erma ­ Mrs. Milford Knaar). She was a member of St. Agatha Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 13, in charge of Nelson Martin and Elmer Schwartzentruber; interment in St. Agatha Cemetery.

Peachey, Rebecca A., daughter of Abram and Rebecca (Byler) Zook, was born at Belleville, Pa., June 13, 1904; died of heart failure at Lewistown, Pa., Jan. 12, 1978; aged 73 y. On Mar. 27, 1921, she was married to Moses J. Peachey, who died on Aug. 20, 1971. Surviving are 2 daughters (Mary ­ Mrs. Rufus Yoder, Sadie ­ Mrs. Ernest Byler), 2 sons (LeRoy L. and Chester F.), and one sister (Mrs. Amos Arie Peachey). She was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 15, in charge of Paul H. Stoltzfus; interment in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Transcribed by Carl and Doris Metzler, Indiana

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Gospel Herald- Volume 71, Number 8 - February 21, 1978 - pages 165,166

Blosser, Dan J., son of Daniel A. and Mary (Showalter) Blosser, was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Mar. 9, 1899; died of cancer at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 25, 1978; aged 78 y. On Dec. 3, 1919, he was married to Grace Heatwole, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Mrs. Emory Good), and one son (Sanford Blosser), 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grand-children, 2 sisters (Mrs. Homer R. Suter and Marie Blosser), and 2 brothers (M. O. Blosser and Mahlon Blosser). He was a member of Weavers Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 28, in charge of Alvin Kanagy, Glendon Blosser, and Jonathan Kanagy; interment in Weavers Cemetery.

Bowman, Annie, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Shantz) Bowman, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Nov. 9, I889; died at Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital, Jan. 5, 1978; aged 88 y. She was the last surviving member of her family. She was preceded in death by one sister (Minerva ­ Mrs. Titus Rosenberger), and 3 brothers (Weston, Aaron, and Tobias). She was a member of Geiger (now Wilmot) Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Steinman Mennonite Church on Jan. 7, in charge of Stanley D. Shantz.

Geiser, Allen F., son of Frederick and Marian (Zuercher) Geiser, was born at Kidron, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1888; died at Shady Lawn Nursing Home, Dalton, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1978; aged 89 y. On Feb. 6, 1938, he was married to Anna Witmer Wenger, who survives. Also surviving are 2 stepgrandchildren, 2 stepgreat-grandchildren and a half brother (David Geiser). He was a member of Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 29, in charge of Ray Himes and Reuben Hofstetter; interment in Sonnenberg Mennonite Cemetery.

Gingerich, Anna G., daughter of John K. and Katie (Gingerich) Roth, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Feb. 15, 1901; died in the K-W Hospital on Oct. 6, 1977; aged 76 y. On Oct. 1, 1923, she was married to Edmund G. Gingerich, who died on Jan. 24, 1976. Surviving are 8 children (Norma Rozetta ­ Mrs. John Ramer, Nevin Ray, Naomi Ruth ­ Mrs. J. V. Billedeau, Neil Ronald, Norraine Rosanna ­ Mrs. Charles Hadland, Newton Roy, Nelda Rosmund ­ Mrs. Douglas Horst, and Nathan Robert), 33 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Mary ­ Mrs. Allen Leis). She was preceded in death by one brother and one grandchild. She was a member of Wilmot Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Steinman Mennonite Church on Oct. 9, in charge of Stanley D. Shantz.

Graber, J. D., son of Daniel and Fannie (Conrad) Graber, was born at Wayland, Iowa, Oct. 18, 1900; died of a stroke at Goshen, Ind., Jan. 25, 1978; aged 77 y. On June 28, 1925, he was married to Minnie Swartzendruber, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Ronald), one daughter (Eleanor ­ Mrs. Alan Kreider), 7 grandchildren, one brother (Chris L.), and 4 sisters (Verna ­ Mrs. Willard Smith, Elizabeth Stoltzfus, Lena and Esther Graber). He was ordained to the ministry in 1925 and to the office of bishop in 1939. He and his wife served as missionaries to India from 1925-1942. A family service was held at Goshen, Ind., Jan. 28 with interment in Prairie Street Cemetery. A memorial service was held at Prairie Street Mennonite Church on Feb. 11, in charge of Ernest Bennett and John H. Mosemann.

Groff, Samuel S., son of Jonas N. and Anna Mary (Snavely) Groff, was born at Ephrata Twp., Pa., Feb. 8, 1897; died at Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 28, 1978; aged 80 y. On July 27, 1935, he was married to Stella Brubaker, who died on Aug. 17, 1972. Surviving are 2 daughters (Anna E. Groff and Alta Mitchell), one granddaughter, 3 brothers (Landis, Milton, and Gabriel Groff), and one sister (Susan ­ Mrs. Elmer Stauffer). He was a member of Ephrata Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 31, in charge of J. Elvin Martin and Wilbert Lind; interment in Metzlers Mennonite Cemetery.

Hartman, Emma E., was born in Wakarusa, Ind., July 17, 1885; died at Goshen Nursing Home, Goshen, Ind., Jan. 13, 1978; aged 92 y. In December 1939, she was married to Christian Hartman, who died in 1958. Surviving are one foster son (Malard Vantine) and one sister (Mrs. Mary Christophel). She was a member of North Main Street Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Wright-Yoder Funeral Home on Jan. 16, in charge of Howard Dunlap; interment in Union Center Cemetery.

Hershberger, Wilma, daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Garber) Smeltzer, was born at Wakarusa, Ind., Mar. 8, 1892; died at LuAnn Nursing Home, Nappanee, Ind., Nov. 14, 1977; aged 85 y. On Apr. 1, 1911, she was married to Leander L. Hershberger, who died in May 1950. Surviving are 2 sons (Clyde and Lowell Hershberger), 2 daughters (Gladys ­ Mrs. Palmer Cone, Verda ­ Mrs. Lloyd Good), 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one brother (Paul Smeltzer), and one sister (Mrs. Verda Berkey). She was preceded in death by one daughter (Maxine ­ Mrs. Ivan Yoder) and an infant daughter. She was a member of North Main Street Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 17, in charge of Howard Dunlap and Homer North; interment in Union Center Cemetery.

Hochstetler, Fannie I., daughter of Ira and Katie (Stutzman) Chupp, was born in Cheyenne Wells, Colo., Apr. 28, 1911; died of heart disease at Elkhart Hospital, Oct. 17, 1977; aged 66 y. On Sept. 14, 1931, she was married to Moses J. Hochstetler, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Lee and Ray), 2 grandchildren, and 3 brothers (Edward, Levi, and Milford). She was a member of North Main Street cong., where funeral services were held Oct. 20, in charge of Howard Dunlap.

Hostetler, W. Lloyd, son of Milton B. and Mattie (Miller) Hostetler, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Mar. 10, 1908; died at Sugarcreek, Ohio, Jan. 24, 1978; aged 69 y. Surviving are 2 sisters (Alice ­ Mrs. Glen O. Mast, Mrs. Mary E. Osborne) and one brother (Orris). He was a member of Walnut Creek Mennonite Church. Memorial services were held at Lingler Funeral Home, Jan. 29, in charge of Erv Schlabach; interment in church cemetery.

Landis, Elam O., son of John L. and Anna Mary (Overholtzer) Landis, was born at Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 15, 1906; died at Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 10, 1977; aged 71 y. On Dec. 31, 1931, he was married to Ruth F. Carman, who survives. Also surviving are 7 children (Miriam ­ Mrs. David Bowman, Mark, John, Ruth ­ Mrs. John Lutz, Elizabeth ­ Mrs. Kenneth Nissley, Rhoda ­ Mrs. Frank Cicero, and James), 20 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Edna O., Anna Mary ­ Mrs. Earl Charles). He was a member of Landis Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 14, in charge of Elam Stauffer; interment in Landis Valley Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Miller, Rebecka, daughter of Ruben and Susan Schrock, was born in Lagrange, Ind., Nov. 20, 1891; died at Friendship Manor, Hutchinson, Kan. On Feb. 6, 1913, she was married to Fred N. Miller, who preceded her in death. Surviving are 5 daughters (Verna Yoder, Fern Lemler, Pearl Troyer, Sue Weitting, and Sylvia Rhinesmith), 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (Tobe, Sam R., and John Schrock), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Kate Yoder and Mrs. Sue Miller). She was a member of Yoder Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 2, in charge of John Landis; interment in church cemetery.

Moffet, Richard L., son of W. Clarence and Bertha (Linn) Moffet, was born at Lewistown, Pa., June 9, 1936; died of massive pulmonary edema at Belleville, Pa., Jan. 26, 1978; aged 41 y. On Mar. 29, 1958, he was married to Louise Williams, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Eric and Brian), one daughter (Jill), 2 sisters (Janice ­ Mrs. Robert Doty, Eileen ­ Mrs. Ray Wilson), and one brother (Prentiss). He was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 30, in charge of Paul H. Stoltzfus; interment in Juniata Memorial Park.

Musser, Lizzie G., daughter of Israel L. and Susie (Geigley) Musser, was born in Brecknock Twp., Pa., Dec. 28, 1903; died at Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 26, 1978; aged 74 y. Surviving are 3 sisters (Anna G. Musser, Mary ­ Mrs. Eli Gehman, and Susanna G.), and one brother (Amos G.). She was a member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Bowmansville Mennonite Church on Jan. 30, in charge of Luke L. Horst and James R. Hess; interment in Bowmansville Mennonite Cemetery.

Peifer, Amos G., son of Monroe and Lydia (Groff) Peifer, was born in East Lampeter Twp., Pa., Aug. 27, 1900; died at the Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 27, 1977; aged 77 y. On Sept. 4, 1929, he was married to Mary Buckwalter, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Jane ­ Mrs. Guy Eshelman, Ann ­ Mrs. Larry Denlinger), 7 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Mrs. Bessie Kreider, Anna ­ Mrs. Aaron T. Harnish). He was a member of Landis Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 30, in charge of Elam Stauffer, Lester Hoover, and Irwin Weaver; interment in Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery.

Schlabach, Polly, daughter of Eli and Lydia (Miller) Herschberger, was born at Arthur, Ill., May 19, 1903; died at St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur, Ill., Dec. 23, 1977; aged 74 y. On Jan. 20, 1929, she was married to Albert E. Schlabach, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Leland and LeRoy), 2 daughters (Lydia ­ Mrs. Richard Tester, Martha ­ Mrs. Frank Usnick), 8 grandchildren, and 4 brothers (Christian, John, Noah, and Harvey). She was a member of Arthur Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 27, in charge of Paul Sieber; interment in Arthur Cemetery.

Showalter, Lydia, was born at Minier, Ill., Apr. 12, 1892; died at Rader's Nursing Home, Dayton, Va., Jan. 22, 1978; aged 85 y. She was married to Luke Showalter, who died on Oct. 7, 1974. Surviving are 2 sons (Kenneth and Harold), 2 daughters (Barbara Crider and Alta Rohrer), 4 sisters (Emma Springer, Bertha and Katie Kauffmann, and Anne Litwiler), and one brother (John Kauffmann). She was a member of Trissels Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Zion Mennonite Church, in charge of J. Ward Shank, Michael Shenk, and Dwight Heatwole; interment in Zion Cemetery.

Stauffer, Shannon David, son of H. Glenn and Arlene (Good) Stauffer, was born in Sellersville, Pa., Feb. 7, 1972; died at Melmark Children's Home, Jan. 26, 1978; aged 5 y. Surviving are 2 brothers (Dennis E. and Kenneth D), 2 sisters (Glenda ­ Mrs. Steven Frederick, Crystal D. ), maternal grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Paris Good), and paternal grandmother (Mrs. Esther Stauffer). One brother (Duane Alan) preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at Elizabethtown Mennonite Church on Jan. 29, in charge of Walter Keener, Richard Frank, Elam Stauffer, and John Freed; interment in Good's Mennonite Cemetery.

Stutzman, Edna Mae, daughter of Andrew and Fanny Stutzman, was born in Harper Co., Kan., Jan. 10, 1905; died Jan. 20, 1978; aged 73 y. Surviving are one brother (Ralph), and 4 sisters (Maude ­ Mrs. Dave Yoder, Dorothy ­ Mrs. Frances Yoder, Ruth ­ Mrs. Norman Miller, and Mrs. Almeda Kauffman). She was a member of Crystal Springs Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 4, in charge of Grover Phillips; interment in church cemetery.

Wagler, Elmer, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Kuepfer) Wagler, was born in Mornington Twp,, Feb. 13, 1935; died suddenly at Listowel Memorial Hospital, Dec. 31, 1977; aged 43 y. Funeral services were held at Riverdale Mennonite Church on Jan. 3, in charge of David K. Jantzi and Menno Zehr.

Yoder, Harry J., son of Jonathan and Lydia (Custer) Yoder, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., May 3, 1886; died at Johnstown, Pa., Jan. 21, 1978; aged 91 y. In June 1914, he was married to Annie Sala, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Effie and Mary), 4 sons (Harry K., William J., Raymond Dean, and Robert J. ), 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Lydia Saylor and Catherine Shetler). He was a member of Kaufman Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 24, in charge of Stanley R. Freed and Curtis Godshall; interment in Blough Cemetery.

Yoder, Ora C., son of Noah J. and Fanny (King) Yoder, was born near Shipshewana, Ind., June 23, 1901; died at his home on Jan. 26, 1978; aged 76 y. On June 5, 1928, he was married to Ruth Smucker, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Leah Anne ­ Mrs. Merle Yoder), one son (Steven J. Yoder), 5 grandchildren, one sister (Carrie Yoder), and one brother (Elmer D. Yoder). He was preceded in death by Alma ­ Mrs. John Roth ­ and a sister (Lela). He was a member of Forks Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 2, in charge of John Yoder, Sylvester Haarer, and David Helmuth; interment in Townline Cemetery.

Zuercher, Eva B., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Zuercher) Sommer, was born near Kidron, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1890; died at her home at Orrville, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1978; aged 87 y. On Oct. 3, 1913, she was married to Nelson Zuercher, who died in 1963. Surviving are one grandson, 2 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Ida ­ Mrs. Reuben Hofstetter). She was preceded in death by one son (Homer, who died in 1977), 2 sisters (Martha Sommer and Mrs. Fannie Badertscher), and 3 brothers (Simon, Adam, and Hiram). She was a member of Kidron Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 24, in charge of Bill Detweiler, Lester Graybill, and Reuben Hofstetter; interment in Kidron Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Transcribed by Carl and Doris Metzler, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 71, Number 9 - February 28, 1978 - page 182

Bast, Samuel, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Schultz) Bast, was born near Wellesley, Ont., Aug. 21, 1904; died of a heart attack on Jan. 30, 1978; aged 73 y. He was married to Mary Schultz, who died in 1957. He was later married to Lena Stire Bast, who survives. Also surviving are one stepson (Glen), 5 stepdaughters (Laurene ­ Mrs. Edward Zehr, Audrey ­ Mrs. Gordon Steinman, Mary Ellen ­ Mrs. John Ruby, Phyllis ­ Mrs. Nyle Lichty, and Sharon ­ Mrs. Don Gingerich), 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one brother (Elvey Bast), and 5 sisters (Mary ­ Mrs. Mike Erb, Emma ­ Mrs. Sam Lebold, Laura ­ Mrs. Dan Welker, Clara ­ Mrs. Emanuel Zehr, and Vera ­ Mrs. Elmer Erb). He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. He was a member of Maple View Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 9, in charge of Newton Gingrich and Alvin Leis; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Feick, Vinetta, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Witmer) Schmitt, was born at Mannheim, Ont., Mar. 19, 1902; died of a heart attack at Kitchener, Ont., Dec. 21, 1978; aged 75 y. She was married to Herbert Feick, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Morgan, James, and Edward), 4 daughters (Ruth ­ Mrs. Don Snider, Doris, Aileen, and Grace ­ Mrs. Edward Snider), 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers (Lorne, Harold, Delton, and Edward Schmitt), and 3 sisters (Edna ­ Mrs. Harold Schiedel, Rita ­ Mrs. Clifford Krechtel, and Ethel ­ Mrs. Alson Bauman). She was a member of Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship ­ Mennonite, where funeral services were held on Dec. 23, in charge of Darrell D. Jantzi; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Freed, Christy Mae, daughter of Russell and Ruby (Byler) Freed, was born at Jakarta, Indonesia, Apr. 7, 1975; died of pneumonia and complications at Kandy, Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Feb. 2, 1978; aged 2 y. Surviving are her parents, one brother (Edward), one sister (Libby), paternal grandparents (Henry K. and Ida Freed), and maternal grandparents (Bennett and Lena Byler). Funeral services were held at Line Lexington Mennonite Church, Line Lexington, Pa., Feb. 8, in charge of Dan Longenecker; interment in Line Lexington Mennonite Cemetery.

Herr, Harry, son of Christian H. and Amanda (Book) Herr, was born in West Lampeter Twp., Pa., Feb. 1, 1885; died at the Mennonite Home near Harrisburg, Pa., Jan. 9, 1978; aged 92 y. He was married to Mary E. Harkins, who survives. Also surviving are one foster son (Marion A. Mort), one brother (Christian L.), and one sister (Maude C. Herr). He was a member of Willow Street Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 12, in charge of Robert A. Breneman, Emory H. Herr, and Amos D. Wenger; interment in Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery.

Miller, Emanuel D., son of Daniel E. and Emma (Hochstetler) Miller, was horn in Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 27, 1903; died at Goshen General Hospital, Jan. 30, 1978; aged 74 y. On Dec. 12, 1926, he was married to Lydian Slabaugh, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Ed R. and Raymond), 3 daughters (Wilma ­ Mrs. Milo Graber, Irene ­ Mrs. David Jones, and Catherine ­ Mrs. Omar Lantz), 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (Amanda ­ Mrs. Jake Mast, Mrs. Sylvia Chupp), 5 brothers (Levi, Monroe, Raymond, John, and Herman), 2 step-sisters, and 2 stepbrothers. He was preceded in death by one sister (Katie). He was a member of First Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 4, in charge of Samuel J. Troyer and Harold Yoder; interment in Grace Lawn Cemetery.

Myers, Mary E., daughter of Abraham and Amanda (Shrock) Slabaugh, was born in Miami Co., Ind., Feb. 1, 1894; died at Pleasant View Home, Wabash, Ind., Feb. 2, 1978; aged 84 y. On Nov. 29, 1916, she was married to Riley E. Myers, who died on Feb. 4, 1966. She was a member of Howard-Miami Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 4, in charge of Clayton Sommers and Lee Miller; interment in Mast Cemetery.

Poper, Cletus Franklin, son of Franklin and Beda (Turner) Poper, was born at Waynesboro, Pa., May 25, 1914; died of a heart attack at his home at Dallas, Tex., Jan. 19, 1978; aged 63 y. On Nov. 23, 1935, he was married to Ruth E. Swartz, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Lee), 3 daughters (Ruby ­ Mrs. Russell Kolb, Joan ­ Mrs. Paul Frey, and Shirley ­ Mrs. Norman Schwentor), 6 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Delbert and Daniel). He was preceded in death by one son (Richard) on Sept. 29, 1975. He was a member of Dallas Mennonite Fellowship, where memorial services were held. Funeral services were held at French Mortuary in Albuquerque, N.M., Jan. 24, in charge of Jacob Weirich and Jim Gordon; interment in Sunset Memorial Park.

Powell, Janet Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ross, was born at Belleville, Pa., Apr. 24, 1946; died of multiple sclerosis at Elkhart, Ind., Feb. 3, 1978; aged 31 y. On July 20, 1968, she was married to Clifford Powell, who survives. Also surviving are her father and 2 children (Clifford, Jr., and Chance). She was a member of Otelia Mennonite Church, Mt. Union, Pa. Funeral services were held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, Ind., Feb. 4, 1978, in charge of Cliff Miller; interment in Birch Hill Cemetery, Burnham, Pa.

Ranck, Elsie B., daughter of Harry and Emily (Ressler) Burkey, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 5, 1897; died at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa., Dec. 25, 1977; aged 80 y. In Mar. 1917, she was married to LeRoy Gochenaur, who died on May 28, 1929. In Apr. 1944 she was married to C. Z. Martin, who died on Sept. 21, 1961. On June 21, 1969, she was married to Chester C. Ranck, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Robert H. Gochenaur), 2 daughters (Reba ­ Mrs. Abram T. Dagen, Elva ­ Mrs. Tobias G. Leaman, Jr.), 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one stepbrother, and 10 stepchildren. She was a member of New Providence Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held, in charge of Clayton Keener, Clyde Hostetter, and Harold Book; interment in New Providence Mennonite Cemetery.

Saltzman, Ben, son of John B. and Barbara (Lauber) Saltzman, was born near Shickley, Neb., May 13, 1903; died suddenly at his home on Feb. 1, 1978; aged 74 y. On Feb. 24, 1924, he was married to Gertrude Schweitzer, who survives. Also surviving are 5 sons (Roland, Don, Darreld, Aubrey, and Gary), 4 daughters (Ruby Kennel, Bonnie Stutzman, Mattie Kuhns, and Barbara Eichelberger), 22 grandchildren, 9 great-grand-children, and 2 sisters (Emma Steider and Elma Saltzman). He was preceded in death by one son (Gaylord), one grandson, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. He was a member of Salem Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 4, in charge of Lee Schlegel, Alvin Eichelberger, and Leland Oswald; interment in Salem Cemetery.

Sommers, Monroe, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Zook) Sommers, was born in Howard Co., Ind., Jan. 12, 1896; died at his home in Plevna, Ind., Jan. 31, 1978; aged 82 y. He was married to Nora Effie Horner, who died in 1976. Surviving are 3 sons (Daniel, Elvin, and Samuel), 2 daughters (Elaine ­ Mrs. Ronald Rich, Emma ­ Mrs. Joe Richards), 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 6 brothers, and 2 sisters. He was a member of Howard-Miami Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Feb. 2, in charge of Lee Miller and Clayton Sommers; interment in Mast Cemetery.

Transcribed by Carl and Doris Metzler, Indiana


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