Gospel Herald Obituaries - January, 1980

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Gospel Herald - Volume 73, Number 1 - January 1, 1980, page 14.

Alexander.- Kingsley J., son of Eliza Alexander, foster son of Samuel A. and Kitty (Geil) Shank, was born at Broadway, Va., May 5, 1906; died of respiratory illness at Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 6, 1979; aged 73 y. He was married to Hilda Weaver, who preceded him in death on Nov. 22, 1961. He is survived by two sons (Donald and Gary), 1 daughter (Shirley-Mrs. Sam Shiftlett), 6 grandchildren, one great-grandchild. He was a member of the Lindale Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on Dec. 9, in charge of Linden M. Wenger; interment in the Timberville Brethren Cemetery.

Beachy.- Wayne Ellis, son of Joseph E. and Pearl Beachy, was born in Iowa City, Iowa, Feb. 27, 1947; died at his home near Hutchinson, Kan., Dec. 7, 1979; aged 32 y. On Jan. 1, 1971, he married LaVera Troyer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Ryan Joseph and Micah Wayne), his parents, 2 brothers (Ken and Roger), 2 sisters (Linda and Mrs. Karen Kropf), and his grandmother (Mary Stutzman). He was a member of the Yoder Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 10, in charge of Oliver Yutzy, John Landis, and Edward Yutzy; interment in the church cemetery.

Derstein.- Wallace H., son of Henry Z. and Hannah (Hagey) Derstein, was born in Hatfield Township, Pa., Apr. 18, 1895; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., July 9, 1979; aged 84 y. On May 6, 1916, he was married to Mary Ellen Kratz, who preceded him in death in Nov. 1931. On Jan. 1, 1933, he was married to Emma 0. Gross, who survives. He is survived by 4 sons (Harvey K., Henry K., Paul G., and Wallace), 7 daughters (Naomi-Mrs. John Ressler, Ruth G.-Mrs. Earl H. Alderfer, Esther G.-Mrs. David Friesen, Miriam G.-Mrs. Glen Miller, Mary G., Martha G.-Mrs. Wayne Marcho, and Rachel G.-Mrs. Charles Leathennan), 32 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Ellen Rittenhouse and Mary Godshall). He was preceded in death by a son (Nelson) in 1944. He was a member of the Lansdale Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Plains Mennonite Church on June 13, in charge of Jacob Z. Rittenhouse, Norman Bechtel, and Gerald C. Studer; interment in the church cemetery.

Hershey.- Harry E., son of Ephraim and Annie (Engle) Hershey, was born in E. Donegal Twp., Mar. 19, 1898; died in an automobile accident in Mt. Joy Twp., Pa., Dec. 1, 1979; aged 81 y. On Oct. 19, 1922, he was married to Ada N. Fridy, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Robert E., Charles E., Harry E., and John H.), one daughter (Pauline H. Engle), 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Engle and Abram). He was a member of the Elizabethtown Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 5, in charge of Walter L. Keener and Richard H. Frank; interment in the Cross Roads Cemetery.

Hofstetter.- Phyllis Ann, daughter of Milton and Fern (Gerber) Hofstetter, was born in Orrville, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1958, died of a pancreas disease at the Massillon Hospital on Dec. 11, 1979; aged 21 y. She is survived by her parents, 2 brothers (Earl and Harold), 5 sisters (Betty-Mrs. Michael Prater, Doris, Mary Jean-Mrs. Rod Arney, Irene, and Barbara), and her maternal grandfather (Aden Gerber). The memorial service was held in the Kidron Mennonite Church on Dec. 14, in charge of Bill Detweiler, Joe Gerber, and Reuben Hofstetter; interment in the church cemetery.

Lichty.- William R., son of Christian and Annie (Roth) Lichty, was born at St. Agatha, Ont, Feb. 15, 1899; died at Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital on Dec. 6, 1979; aged 80 y. In Feb. 1919, he was married to Lucy Overholt, who preceded him in death in 1925. On Jan. 24, 1933, he was married to Beatrice Mary Jantzi, who survives. He is also survived by 2 sons (Glenden and Keith), 3 daughters (Dorothy- Mrs. Lee Hoist, Delphine-Mrs. Leonard Schwartzentruber, and Gloria-Mrs. Sanford Bender), and 15 grandchildren. He was a member of the Steinmann Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 9, in charge of Vernon B. Zehr and Fred Lichti; interment in church cemetery.

Martin.- Emma, daughter of John and Susie (Burckhart) Kilmer, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 4, 1908; died of a heart attack at Wakarusa, Ind., Dec. 1, 1979; aged 71 y. On Dec. 23, 1930, she was married to Homer Martin, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Nelson and Virgil), 3 daughters (Mary-Mrs. James Christophel, Dorothy-Mrs. Melvin Keim, Erma-Mrs. Leon Yost), 13 grandchildren, 5 stepgrandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Henry and David), and 2 sisters (Melissa-Mrs. Elvin Horst and Martha-Mrs. Norman Begly). She was a member of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church where funeral services were held Dec. 4 in charge of Bob Detweiler; interment in church cemetery.

Martin.- Mary Ann, daughter of Noah and Mary Ann (Weber) Martin, was born in Woolwich Twp., Jan. 15, 1909; died at Victoria Hospital, London, Ont., Oct. 29, 1979; aged 70 y. On Feb. 9, 1932, she was married to Menno B. Martin, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Esther-Mrs. Melvin Weber), 2 sons (Floyd and George), 12 grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Lucinda-Mrs. Israel Frey and Lydia-Mrs. Urias Weber). She was a member of the Hawkesville Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 1, in charge of Simeon Horst and David Garber; interment in the church cemetery.

Reschly.- Joseph N., son of Joseph and Barbara (Nebel) Reschly, was born near Wayland, Iowa, Jan. 30, 1899; died at Washington, Iowa, Dec. 8, 1979; aged 80 y. On Feb. 11, 1922, he was married to Anna Hunt, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Donald, James, and Robert) 2 daughters (Alice-Mrs. Donald Davis and Susan-Mrs. Harold Gilmere), 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers (Henry, Ervin, and John), and 2 sisters (Eval-Mrs. Harris Boese and Emma-Mrs. C. H. Roth). He was preceded by 3 children, 2 sisters, and 4 brothers. He was a member of the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 10, in charge of Orie L. Roth and Robert Hartzler; interment in the church cemetery.

Stuckey.- John Willard, son of Peter J. and Anna (Short) Stuckey, was born in Fulton County, Ohio, Dec. 19, 1911; died in Archbold, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1979; aged 68 y. On Apr. 12, 1934, he was married to Bertha Frey, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Annabelle-Mrs. Robert Lerch, Orlene-Mrs. Walter Mason, and Louise-Mrs. Steve Rudo, Jr.), one son (Allen), 9 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Orrville and Chauncey), and 2 sisters (Alta-Mrs. Otto Nafziger and Mary Stuckey). He was a member of the Lockport Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 14, in charge of Charles Kamp, Walter Stuckey, and Keith Leinbach; interment in the church cemetery.

Zehr.- Dolores L., daughter of Elmer and Rosella (Roggie) Lehman, was born in Croghan, N.Y., Dec. 8, 1932; died of acute cardiopulmonary failure as a consequence of terminal cancer, at Buffalo, N.Y., Dec. 1, 1979; aged 47 y. On Oct. 23, 1954, she was married to Michael M. Zehr, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Keith Michael, Sheldon Lee, and Darwin Robert), one daughter (Elaine Carol), 4 brothers (Gilbert, Lawrence, Milton, and Elmer), 3 sisters (Maietta-Mrs. Arnold Moshier, Ella Mae-Mrs. Jay Lehman, and Cleo), and 26 nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Mennonite Church of Amherst. Funeral services were held at the Clarence Center Mennonite Church on Dec. 4, in charge of Richard Bender, Walter Smeltzer, and Titus Kauffman; interment in the Good Cemetery, Clarence, N.Y.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 73, Number 2 - January 8, 1980, page 30.

Cressman.- Mary Ann, daughter of Norman and Emma Shantz, was born in Wilmot Twp., Jan. 13, 1897, died at her home in Cambridge, Ont., Nov. 20, 1979; aged 82 y. On Jan. 4, 1922, she was married to Omar Cressman, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Clayton), one daughter (Ethel-Mrs. Lyle Woolner), 4 sisters (Iona Leis, Reta Gingerich, Edith Nahrgang, and Erlene Leis), 4 brothers (Elmon, Irvin, Layton, and Delton), 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Preston Mennonite Church, where the funeral service was held on Nov. 22, in charge of Willis Breckbill; interment in the Blenheim Cemetery.

Kinzie.- Marjorie Catherine, daughter of Harry and Katherine Kinzie, was born in Blair, Ont., on Mar. 22, 1915; died at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Dec. 8, 1979; aged 64 y. She was a registered nurse and served as head nurse of the Ont. Training School for Boys in Cobourg for 27 years. Surviving are 3 brothers (Earl, Edward, Harry Jr.) and 3 sisters (Elizabeth McCracken, Isabel-Mrs. Willard Cressman, Ruth-Mrs. Howard Dettweiler). She was a member of the Preston Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec 12, in charge of Willis Breckbill and Rufus Jutzi interment in the Hagey Cemetery.

Rogers.- Susie, daughter of Jerry and Rebecca (King) Stutesman, was born in Stuttgart, Ark., Nov. 28, 1894; died of a heart attack, at Tolfree Memorial Hospital, West Branch, Mich., Dec. 7, 1979; aged 84 y. On Apr. 23, 1916, she was married to Milton Rogers, who preceded her on Feb. 19, 1972. She is survived by 3 daughters (Eula-Mrs. Alvin Swartz, Hilda-Mrs. Chris Dahl, and Josephine-Mrs. Oland E. Kaufhnan), 2 sons (Ray and Boyd), 17 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Fairview Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 11 in charge of Virgil Hershberger and Ellsworth Handrich; interment in church cemetery.

Strauss.- Roy, born in Miami County, June 22, 1889; died at LuAnn Nursing Home, Nappanee, Ind., Dec. 15, 1979; aged 90 y. On Mar. 16, 1916, he was married to Pearl Hochstetler, who preceded him on Apr. 26, 1979. He is survived by one son (Lyle) 4 daughters (Laura Mae-Mrs. Glen Hondrich, Joan-Mrs. Lawrence Walsh, Betty-Mrs. Mearl Weldy, Jane-Mrs. Henry Gehman). Two daughters preceded him (Jean-Mrs. Galen Phillips and Dorothy-Mrs. Ed Johnson). He was a member of the North Main Street Mennonite Church, Nappanee, Ind., where funeral services were held on Dec. 17, in charge of John C. King; interment in the Union Center Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 73, Number 3 - January 15, 1980, page 46.

Burkhart.- Edwin G., son of David and Mary Ann (Good) Burkhart, was born in Bowmansville, Pa., Dec. 4, 1896; died at Ephrata, Pa., Dec. 14, 1979; aged 83 y. On Feb. 10, 1925, he was married to Caroline D. Witwer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Richard and Clifford), 2 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and one brother (Paul G. Burkhart). He was a member of Ephrata Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 18, in charge of J. Elvin Martin, Noah G. Good, and Wilbert Lind; interment in Metzlers Mennonite Cemetery.

Derstine.- Ethel S., daughter of Abram and Emma (Smith) Moyer, was born at Blooming Glen, Pa., Apr. 26, 1897; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 14, 1979; aged 82 y. She was married to Norman A. Derstine, who died in 1974. Surviving are one daughter (Ruth-Mrs. Merle S. Bryan), 3 sons (Ralph, Harold, and Robert), 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers (Harold and Arnon) and 2 sisters (Lillian Bishop and Bessie Moyer). She was a member of Souderton Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Eastern Mennonite Home and Souderton Mennonite Church, Dec. 18, in charge of Paul J. Glanzer, Richard C. Detweiler, and Russell B. Musselman; interment in Souderton Mennonite Cemetery.

Finkbiner.- Christian H., son of Samuel and Lillie (Fager) Finkbiner, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 16, 1901; died at his home in Lancaster, Nov. 12, 1979; aged 77 y. On Nov. 25, 1926, he was married to Maude E. Snyder, who died Mar. 5, 1963. On April 16, 1966, he was married to Myra A. Herr, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Margaret Bollinger), 2 sons (Raymond and Jay), 8 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one sister (Louisa Benedict), and one brother (Samuel). He was preceded in death by a son (John). He was a member of Landisville Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Nov. 16, in charge of Raymond Charles, Arthur Miller, and Chester Kurtz. Interment in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

Kratz.- Walter M., son of Oliver and Anna (Moyer) Kratz, was born in New Britain Twp., Pa., Dec. 24, 1902; died of intracerebral hemorrhage, at Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 20, 1979; aged nearly 77 y. On Nov. 2, 1929, he was married to Hilda Derstine, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (James, John, and Ray), 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one son (Gerald). He was a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 24, in charge of Sheldon W. Burkhalter and Mark M. Derstine; interment in Blooming Glen Mennonite Cemetery.

Kulp.- Anna G., daughter of Wilson and Alice (Geissinger) Metz, was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., June 26, 1896; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 20, 1979; aged 83 y. She was married to Maurice F. Kulp, who died in April 1959. Surviving are one daughter (Marian M. Kulp) and one sister (Mrs. Mamie G. Godshall). She was a member of Souderton Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Eastern Mennonite Home, Dec. 24, in charge of Richard C. Detweiler and Russell B. Musselman; interment in Towamencin Mennonite Cemetery.

Lawson.- James J., son of Venigh and Margret (Meyers) Lawson, was born in Grant Co., Ind., July 4, 1894; died of a heart attack/stroke at Denver, Colo., Nov. 18, 1979; aged 85 y. On Nov. 9, 1920, he was married to Lydia Glantz, who died Dec. 13, 1972. Surviving are 2 daughters (Esther-Mrs. Leland Fouts, Ardis-Mrs. Melvin Hendichs), 2 brothers (Theron and Harold), 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters (Myrtle Hessler, Elizabeth Maryne, and Vivian Zanol). He was preceded in death by one son (Clarence). He was a member of Glennon Heights Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Moore-Howard Mortuary, Nov. 23, in charge of Roger Hochstetler; interment in Crown Hill Cemetery, Denver.

Moser.- Nathan Andrew, son of Daniel and Anna (Naftziger) Moser, was born at Croghan, N.Y., Nov. 23, 1906; died at his home in Clinton, N.Y., Dec. 15, 1979; aged 73 y. On Apr. 30, 1930, he was married to Anna Humenuk, who survives. Also surviving are one brother (E. A. Moser) and 2 sisters (Dorothy-Mrs. Nick Gingerich, Naomi-Mrs. Lloyd Boshart). He was preceded in death by one sister (Anna-Mrs. Joseph Widrick). Funeral services were held at Croghan Mennonite Church, Dec. 18, in charge of Richard Zehr and Thomas Manby.

Moyer.- Edith L, daughter of Henry G. and Elizabeth (Landis), was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., July 31, 1915; died at Abington, Pa., Nov. 16, 1979; aged 64 y. Surviving are 2 sisters (Lizzie Moyer and Ellen Hallman) and one brother (Horace Moyer). Funeral services were held at Towamencin Mennonite Church, Dec. 20, in charge of Joseph Basile and Harold Fly; interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Musselman.- Edgar, son of Jacob and Angeline (Snider) Musselman, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Jan. 14, 1900; died at Fairview Home, Cambridge, Ont., Dec. 21, 1979; aged 79 y. On Sept. 5, 1923, he was married to Nellie Irene Snider, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Elmer), 3 daughters (Nelda-Mrs. Ralph Shantz, Helen-Mrs. Mearl Steckly, and Arlene-Mrs. James Burnett), 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Preston Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 24, in charge of Willis Breckbill and Rufus Jutzi; interment in Hagey Cemetery.

Yoder.- William R., son of Henry and Eva (Blosser) Yoder, was born near North Lima, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1889; died at North Lima, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1979; aged 90 y. On May 7, 1918, he was married to Emma Horst, who died April 25, 1945. Surviving are one son (Robert H.), 4 daughters (Elsie, Elva, Verna, and Ruth Yoder), and one grandson. He was preceded in death by one sister (Ione Yoder) and 2 brothers (Noah B. and Noble E. Yoder). He was a member of North Lima Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 18, in charge of David C. Steiner, Richard Bartholomew, and Edwin Alderfer; interment in the Midway Mennonite Church Cemetery, Columbiana, Ohio.

Yommer.- Freda, daughter of Menno E. and Minnie (Yoder) Hershberger, was born at Grantsville, Md., Jan. 12, 1908; died at Sacred Heart Hospital, Cumberland, Md., Dec. 20, 1979; aged 71 y. On Nov. 15, 1939, she was married to Qeamon Yommer, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Cleamon Edward), one brother (Alvin Hershberger), and 6 sisters (Mrs. Annie Beachy, Edna-Mrs. Melvin Yoder, Mrs. Grace Roberts, Mabel-Mrs. Henry L. Yoder, Ruth-Mrs. Simon Tice, and Leia-Mrs. Philip Bender). She was a member of Springs Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 24, in charge of John H. Kraybill and Roy Otto; interment in Grantsville Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 73, Number 4 - January 22, 1980, pages 63, 70.

Buckwalter.- Ralph E., 56, pioneer Mennonite missionary in Japan, died at 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 10 in Upland, Calif. He had been suffering from melanoma, a type of cancer, since 1978. Buckwalter and his wife, Genevieve (Lehman), workers at Mennonite Board of Missions, Elkhart, Ind., returned to the U. S. in late 1978 and again in mid-1979 for special treatment in Washington and Los Angeles. Since last June they had been living in an Upland apartment while Ralph received treatment as an out patient at the University of Southern California Medical Center. At the time of Ralph's death, Genny was present in Upland with their three children: Dawn, a Mennonite Mutual Aid employee at Goshen, Ind.; Rosemary Hershberger, a graduate student in Wichita, Kan.; and Michael, a sophomore at Hesston College. Also present at Upland was Takio Tanase, Ralph's longtime co-worker in Japan. Memorial services were held Jan. 11 at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Upland, and Jan. 13 at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston. Buckwalter was buried at Hesston, his hometown. A third memorial service is planned for Jan. 20 at College Mennonite Church in Goshen. The Buckwalters and Carl and Esther Beck were the first Mennonite missionaries in Japan. They arrived for language study and orientation in 1949 and began church planting effort in the northernmost island of Hokkaido in 1951. Today, a small but independent Japan Mennonite Church with 16 congregations stands as a result of the four missionaries' work. Japanese Mennonites paid most of Buckwaiter's medical and transportation bills during the past two years. Some of them traveled to U.S. to visit him in recent weeks.

Buckwalter.- Donald E., son of J. Morris and Voneda (Crunkleton) Buckwalter, was born on June 18, 1944; died at St. Petersburg, Fla., Dec. 4, 1979; aged 35 y. Surviving are his father, stepmother (Catherine Martin Buckwalter), 4 sisters (Mrs. Lauren K. Myers, Mrs. William Stoltzfus, Mrs. Diedrich Dueck, and Mrs. John M. Bassett), and 3 brothers (A. Lee, M. Laverne, and Mark E. Buckwalter). Funeral services were held on Dec. 8 at the Cedar Grove Mennonite Church, Greencastle, Pa., in charge of Michael Horst and John F. Grove.

Carper.- Rueben R., was born on Jan. 25, 1899; died at Riverside Hospital, Newport News, Va., Dec. 14, 1979; aged 79 y. He was married to Eva Weber, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters (Ruth-Mrs. Allen Eitzen, Hilda Carper, and Jean-Mrs. Bob Miller), one son (James), and 9 grandchildren. He was a member of Warwick River Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 17, in charge of Truman H. Brunk, Sr., and Carl Mericle; interment in Warwick River Church Cemetery.

Godshall.- Sandra Faye, daughter of Ernest D. and Eva (Halteman) Godshall, was born in Sellersville, Pa., Feb. 3, 1962; died of leukemia at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 29, 1979; aged 17 y. Surviving are her parents, 2 brothers (Ernest, Jr., and Kenneth), maternal grandmother (Mrs. Melvin Halteman), and paternal grandmother (Mrs. Charles Godshall). She was preceded in death by one brother (Ronald), who died on Feb. 27, 1978. She was a member of Plains Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Jan. 1, in charge of Gerald C. Snider, John E. Lapp, and Ernest Godshall, Jr., interment in Plains Cemetery.

Jantzi.- Raymond W., son of Ezra N. and Katie (Lichty) Jantzi, was born in Wellesley Twp., Ont., Dec. 1, 1938; died on Nov. 6, 1979; aged 40 y. On June 4, 1960, he was married to Edna Jantzi, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Calvin and Wayne), 2 daughters (Myrna and Maxine), one brother (Gerald), and 2 sisters (Marlene-Mrs. Floyd Martin and Reta-Mrs. Enos Gerber). He was a member of Maple View Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 9, in charge of Jacob Roes, Alvin Leis, and Fred Augsburger; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Krabill.- Anna Mae, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Bair) Zeigler, was born at Columbiana, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1920; died at Wooster Community Hospital on Dec. 4, 1979; aged 59 y. On Aug. 25, 1945, she was married to Harold Krabill, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters (Sue-Mrs. Steve Veith and Diane), one son (Robert), her parents, one sister (Nancy-Mrs. Doyle Weaver), and one brother (Wilbur). She was a member of Oak Grove Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 7, in charge of Peter B. Wiebe; interment in Oak Grove Mennonite Cemetery.

Shirk.- Leroy B., son of Edward and Mary (Burkhart) Shirk, was born in Lancaster, Co., Pa., Nov. 6, 1897; died of kidney failure at Lebanon Co. Hospital on Dec. 20, 1979; aged 82 y. He was married to Edith Frankhouser, who died in August 1939. On Nov. 27, 1940, he was married to Emma C. Smith, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Warren, Mervin, Leroy, Jr.), 4 daughters (Esther-Mrs. Milton Swartzentruber, Helen S.-Mrs. Jim Gascho, Ruth S.-Mrs. Maynard Nisly, and Shirfey S.-Mrs. J. Lester Ebersole), 30 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son (Chester) and a granddaughter. He was a member of Fairhaven Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 23, in charge of Amos Martin, Lester Shirk, Lester Martin, and Robert Miller; interment in Weaverland Cemetery.

Yoder.- Elizabeth, daughter of John M. and Fannie Bontrager, was born in Yoder, Kan., Dec. 18, 1900; died suddenly in her home in Yoder, Kan., Dec. 19, 1979; aged 79 y. On Jan. 8, 1922, she was married to Manassa B. Yoder, who died on Feb. 16, 1977. Surviving are one daughter (Frances-Mrs. Charles Shearer), 3 sons (Floyd, Charles, and Johnny), 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 3 brothers (Jerry J., Emery, and Si Bontrager). She was a charter member of Yoder Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 24, in charge of John M. Landis and Ed Yutzy; interment in the church cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume 73, Number 5 - January 29, 1980, page 94.

Alderfer.- Arthur L., son of Franklin and Katie (Landis) Alderfer, was born in Bedminster, Pa., Apr. 23, 1905; died of pneumonitis multiple myeloma at Sellersville, Pa., Jan. 3, 1980; aged 74 y. On Apr. 24, 1926, he was married to Anna Keller, who survives. Also surving are 4 daughters (Arlene-Mrs. Claude Histand, Marion-Mrs. Garwood L. Meyers, Anna-Mrs. Harvey E. Meyers, and Evelyn-Mrs. Paul Meyers), one son (James), 23 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, one brother (William Alderfer), and one sister (Grace-Mrs. Walter Yoder). He was a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 5, in charge of David F. Derstine, Sheldon W. Burkhalter, and Mark M. Derstine; interment in Blooming Glen Mennonite Cemetery.

Hilty.- Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Nafziger) Reber, was born at Holden, Mo., Mar. 7, 1897; died of a heart attack at Dunlap Hospital, Orrville, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1980; aged 82 y. On Dec. 27, 1923, she was married to Noah Hilty, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Marvin) and 5 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son (Franklin). She was a member of Crown Hill Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 9, in charge of Lester Sutter, Reuben Hofstetter, and Dale Hilty; interment in Crown Hill Mennonite Cemetery.

Layman.- Charles F., son of Albert S. and Emma (Taylor) Layman, was born at Dale Enterprise, Va., July 5, 1889; died at Virginia Mennonite Home, Harrisonburg, Va., Nov. 25, 1979; aged 90 y. On Dec. 30, 1909, he was married to Lillie Ellen Good, who died in Nov. 1936. In Oct. 1937, he was married to Peachie Carr, who died June 21, 1962. On Feb. 17, 1963, he married Josie Kiser, who died Feb. 12, 1979. Surviving are 4 sons (Earl I., Carl A., Roy F., and Ward G. Layman), 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Weavers Mennonite Church, where memorial services were held Nov. 27, in charge of Lloyd Swartzendruber and Samuel Janzen; interment in Weavers Cemetery.

Smeltzer.- Mary, daughter of Peter B. and Emma (Huber) Yoder, was born in Elkhart, Ind., Oct. 24, 1900; died of a stroke at Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, Ind., Dec. 19, 1979; aged 79 y. On Oct. 4, 1928, she was married to Clarence R. Smeltzer, who died Feb. 8, 1966. Surviving are one daughter (Melba-Mrs. Frank Williams), one step-daughter (Ruth-Mrs. Dwight Newcomer), 4 sons (Dale, Glenn, Clifford, and David), 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one brother (D. A. Voder). She was preceded in death by 3 sons (James, Ralph, and Paul), one daughter (Doris), 4 stepsons (Roy, Vernon, Kenneth, and Maynard), and one stepdaughter (Viola). She was a member of Holdeman Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 22, in charge of Russell Krabill and Simon Gingerich; interment in Olive Cemetery.

Smith.- Bessie Virginia, daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Brunk), Miller, was born at Hinton, Va., Oct. 29, 1883; died at Virginia Mennonite Home, Harrisonburg, Va., Nov. 27, 1979; aged 96 y. On May 10, 1903, she was married to Kirby Franklin Smith, Sr., who died Mar. 4, 1968. Surviving are 4 daughters (Elizabeth Burkholder, Wilda Eaton, Rose Lambert, and Louise Burkholder), 3 sons (Joseph E., Robert S., and Kirby F.), 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and one brother (Walker B. Miller). She was a member of Weavers Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Nov. 30, in charge of Samuel Janzen and Lloyd Swartzendruber; interment in Weavers Cemetery.

Sommers.- Fannie, daughter of Joseph and Emma (Andrews) Mast, was born in Howard Co., Ind., July 22, 1889; died at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Wabash, Ind., Oct. 8, 1979; aged 90 y. On Oct. 26, 1911, she was married to Edwin Sommers, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Lloyd Clevenger, Ernest Sommers, Clyde Sommers, and Everett Sommers), one daughter (Okla Stodgell), 16 grandchildren, several great and great-great-grandchildren, and one sister (Marie Pittenger). She was a member of Howard-Miami Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Oct. 11, in charge of Emanuel Hochstedler and Ralph Stahly; interment in Mast Cemetery.

Yoder.- Arthur G., son of Gideon and Mattie (Miller) Yoder, was born in Johnson Co., Iowa, Dec. 18, 1883; died at Pleasantview Home, Kalona, Iowa, Jan. 2, 1980; aged 96 y. On Dec. 12, 1909, he was married to Lydia Swartzendruber, who died Feb. 21, 1914. On Sept. 23, 1923, he was married to Esther Miller, who died Nov. 21, 1967. Surviving are 3 sons (George, Gideon, and Willis Yoder), one daughter (Doris-Mrs. Marion Yoder), and 2 brothers (Dave G. and Willis Yoder). He was a member of Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 5, in charge of Dean Swartzentruber, Robert K. Yoder, and Lonnie Yoder; interment in Upper Deer Creek Cemetery.

Zehr.- Clara, daughter of Henry and Katherine (Good) Horsch, was born in Gilmore City, Iowa, May 27, 1904; died of cancer at Sandy Springs, S.C., Jan. 5, 1980; aged 75 y. On Feb. 18, 1926, she was married to Clarence Zehr, who died Apr. 13, 1974. Surviving are 3 sons (Eldon, Ronald, and Paul Edward), 3 daughters (LaDonna-Mrs. Gene Stoltzfus, Norma-Mrs. William Schrock, and Phyllis-Mrs. Larry Vogt), 2 foster sons (Merle and Gene Yordy), 19 grandchildren, 3 sisters (Elsie-Mrs. Dorance Birkey, Mrs. Lavina Schertz, and Katie-Mrs. Arthur Kennell), and one brother (Ervin Horsch). She was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 2 sisters. She was a member of Manson Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held Jan. 9, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Transcribed by: John Ingold, Indiana


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