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Lazarus Project

An expanded obituary project of MennObits.  Includes additional information of obituaries appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers.  
Source of individual obituaries given with each record.  Project managed by Thelma Martin.

2004  R


Ramer, Mary Elizabeth Bechtel ; . . Ramer, Rhoda Martin ; . . Reeser, Brenda J.;   Reiff, A. Grace;   Reiff, Anna N.;   Reiff, Edwin M.;   Riehl, Katie B.;   Riehl, Lizzie F.;   Rohrer, Jacob G.;  


Ramer, Mary Elizabeth Bechtel

Dec. 25, 1920-June 7, 2004

NAPPANEE -- Mary Elizabeth Ramer, 83, of 25403 C.R. 42, died at 10:10 a.m. Monday (June 7, 2004) at home after a yearlong illness.

She was born Dec. 25, 1920, in Elkhart County, to William Henry and Effie (Weaver) Bechtel. She married Roy W. Ramer on Oct. 17, 1943.

He survives, along with five daughters, Evelyn (Lester) Martin of New Paris, Carolyn (Glenn) Martin of Nappanee, Marlene Martin of Goshen, Ina (Ron) Martin of Elkhart and Alta (Stanley) Martin of Goshen; one son, Marvin (Charlene) Ramer of Nappanee; one sister, Pauline Killian of Elkhart; two brothers, Edgar (Ruth) and James (Suetta) Bechtel, both of Goshen; 51 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one grandson; one son-in-law, Carl Martin; one sister, Catherine Lois Ramer; and two brothers, Clarence and infant David Jancy Bechtel.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the home of her son, Marvin Ramer, 67928 C.R. 11, where a prayer service will be at 9 a.m. Thursday. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church, at C.R. 11 and C.R. 38, Goshen. Home Ministry will officiate. Burial will follow in Yellow Creek Frame Cemetery. Rieth-Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Ramer was a homemaker and a member of Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
June 8, 2004
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Ramer, Rhoda Martin

HARPER - Rhoda M. Ramer, 86, died Oct. 13, 2004, at Harper Hospital.

She was born Oct. 22, 1917, in York County, Pa., the daughter of Enos and Anna Gehman Martin. A Harper resident, she was a homemaker and school teacher, having taught at the Pleasant Valley and Freeport schools.

She belonged to Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church and WMSC - the church sewing circle - and she taught a Sunday school class for the youth.

On Oct. 15, 1950, she married Elmer Ramer at Lancaster, Pa. He survives.

Other survivors include: two sons, Stephen, Washington D.C., and Everett Ramer, Pittsburgh, Pa.; a daughter, Lois Gulin, Wichita; a brother; four sisters; and four grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, Harper. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Harper.

Memorials may be sent to Mennonite Mission Network, in care of Elliott Funeral Home, Harper.

Hutchinson News
Hutchinson, KS
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

-----------------

On the cover of Rhoda's bible is a sticker that reads, "A good laugh is sunshine in a house."

Laughter came naturally to Rhoda Martin who was born on October 22, 1917 in York County, Pennsylvania. She was the fourth child in a family of 16, eight boys and eight girls. Times were hard but their sense of humor brought much sunshine to their home. Rhoda left home at the age of 14 to work as a maid, sending her wages home to support her family. She was active in the church, teaching Sunday School and helping start new churches in inner-city neighborhoods.

Her love for learning and a desire to work with young people led her to Hesston College to prepare herself for teaching. Rhoda was already in her late twenties and became a resident assistant in the girl's dormitory. At Hesston College she began relationships with young people from the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church in Harper, Kansas. Rhoda was then hired to teach in the two-room Pleasant Valley School, located just east of Harper. She used her enthusiasm and creativity to make school a fun learning experience, and left a lasting impression on her students.

On October 15, 1950 Rhoda married Elmer Ramer. She enjoyed farm life, especially taking care of baby animals. Together Elmer and Rhoda raised three children. During these years she was very active in the church: teaching youth Sunday School, directing Vacation Bible School, sponsoring a club for Junior-High girls known as the Cheeri-O Club, and teaching in Good News Clubs in a poor section of Wichita.

In 1959 the laughter left Rhoda's home as she began a 20-year struggle with depression. The loving care of the Pleasant Valley Mennonite congregation, family, and friends in the community will be long appreciated. During this time Rhoda also survived breast cancer. Thanks to God, in 1979 Rhoda was healed from her depression in a miraculous way. Suddenly the laughter came back and she became much like her old self: active in the church and fun to be with.

In her later years Rhoda enjoyed her four granddaughters immensely! Being a kid at heart, each visit was filled with games, stories, fun, and much laughter.

Rhoda was generous and eager to help others, willing to think the best of them and not wanting to pass judgment. Through all of her life she maintained an abiding faith that God would never leave her or forsake her. Rhoda will always be remembered for her jokes, laughter, and her desire to encourage others. We grieve her departure, but rejoice in the fact that a loving and gracious God has welcomed her to a place of deliverance and rest.

Memorial service was held October 16, 2004.

Transcribed and edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
From: Funeral Program
Submitted by: Don Stutzman, Halstead, KS



Reeser, Brenda J.
,

Born: 6-8-1957, Lancaster, Pa.  Died: 4-23-2004, Leola, Pa.

Daughter of: Kenneth L. and Elizabeth Simpson Reeser.

Brenda was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Leola, Pa.  She had worked for Tyson Foods in New Holland, Pa.

Services: Groffdale Mennonite Church, 168 N. Groffdale Road, Leola, Pa. on Monday, April 26, 2004, at 2:00 pm. with Rev. James Leaman and Rev. Craig Sensenig officiating. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
Original Obituary and photo may be obtained from
Intelligencer Journal, published Saturday,
April 24, 2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard




Reiff, A. Grace


Born: 8-24-1919, East Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. Died: 1-17-2004, Ephrata, Pa.

Wife of: Amos M. Reiff, who survives.  Daughter of: Late Ferree and Lizzie Weaver Esbenshade.

Other survivors: Sons, J. Titus (Miriam Kready) Reiff of New Holland, Pa., F. Charles (Brenda M. Andrew) Reiff of Ephrata, Pa., and Amos R. Jr. (Rose Burkholder) Reiff of Akron, Pa.   Daughters, Betty J. (Vernon) Beiler of Morgantown, Pa., and Darlene F. (Jesse) Weaver of Lebanon, Pa.
Grandchildren: 15. Great-Grandchildren: 20. Brothers, Adam (Alta Burkhart) Esbenshade of New Holland, and Ferree Jr (Marian Smoker) Eshbenshade of New Holland.

Grace was a Member of Weaverland Mennonite Church, East Earl, Pa. She was a production worker for Weaver Poultry from 1963-1987 and Spring Glen Foods from 1987-1995.

Services: Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Weaverland Rd., East Earl, Pa. on Wed., 1-21-2004, at 2:00 p.m. with Bishop C. Kenneth Martin and Rev. Leon Hurst officiating.  Interment in adoining cemetery.

Original Obituary and photo may be obtained
 from Lancaster Intelligencer Journal,
published, Monday, 1-19-2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard



Reiff, Anna N
.

Born: 4-9-1923, Salisbury Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. Died: 5-6-2004, New Holland, Pa.

Wife of: Samuel G. Reiff (7-22-1923/8-1971).  Daughter of: late Mahlon and Lena Nolt Weaver.

Survivors: Sons, Samuel W. (Elva Huber) Reiff of New Holland, Pa., Lloyd W. (Laura Redcay) Reiff of Strasburg, Pa., Eugene W. (Linda Martin) Reiff of Ephrata, Pa., Kenneth W. (Mabel Weaver) Reiff of Denver, Pa., David L. (Tamra Houck) Reiff of Reinholds, Pa. and John W. (Sarah Johnson) Reiff of Mount Joy, Pa.   Daughters, Lena (Leonard) High of Denver, Pa., Emma J. (Melvin) Weaver of Ickesburg, Pa., Arlene (Warren) Fox of Martindale, Pa., and Martha Jane (Rutherford) Cline of New Holland, Pa. Grandchildren: 26.  Great-grandchildren: 24.  Brother, Enos Weaver of New Holland, Pa.  Sisters, Elizabeth (Lester) Martin, and Martha Martin, both of Ephrata, Pa.

Preceded in death by sisters, Emma Martin and Mary Weaver; and brothers, Michael N., Franklin and Henry Weaver.

Anna was a member of Pequea Mennonite Cem., Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa.

Services: Pequea Mennonite Church at 2:15 pm. on Monday May 10, 2005. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Original obituary may be obtained from
 Intelligencer Journal, published
Saturday, May 8, 2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard


Reiff, Edwin M.


Born: 12-6-1908, West Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa.  Died: 10-8-2004, Cumberland Co., Pa.
Husband of: (1) Barbara N. Hoover Reiff, died 7-22-1985 (2) Lena Sensenig Reiff, who survives.
Son of: Late Elam and Lizzie Martin Reiff.

Other survivors: Sons, James Reiff of Ephrata, Pa., Amos Reiff of Shippensburg, Pa., Paul Reiff of Leola, Pa.,
Reuben Reiff of Ephrata, Pa. Daughters, Rachel Horst of Ephrata, Mary Hoover of Ephrata, Martha Burkholder of Goshen, Ind. Grandchildren: 53.  Great-grandchildren: 257. Great-great-grandchildren: 2.  A brother, Ivan Reiff of Akron, Pa.  Sisters, Susan Hoover of New Holland, Pa., and Martha Martin of Denver, Pa.

Preceded in death by a son, Martin H. Reiff, a daughter, Barbara Reiff and several brothers and sisters.

He was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

Services: Viewing at home of Paul Reiff, 72 Balmertown Rd., Leola, Pa. 2-8 pm on Tuesday 10-12-2004 and funeral on Wednesday at 9:00 am from Groffdale Mennonite Church. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
Original obituary may be obtained from
Intelligencer Journal, published
Monday, 10-11-2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard



Riehl, Katie B
.

Born: 6-25-1934, Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. Died: 5-3-2004, Lancaster, Pa.

Wife of: Elam B. Riehl for 49 years, who survives.  Daughter of: Late, Leroy and Fannie Blank Stoltzfoos.

Other survivors: Daughters, Naomi (Eli) Stoltzfus of Talmage, Pa., Barbie (Raymond) Fisher of Gap, Pa., Verna (Elvin) Fisher of Warsaw, NY, Fannie (Mark) Fisher of Gordonville, Pa.  Sons, Sam. (Lena Mae Stoltzfus) Riehl and Marvin (Sadie King) Riehl, both of Gap, Pa. Grandchildren: 30.
Great-grandchildren: 1.  Sisters, Annie Zook of Paradise, Pa., Mary (John) Petersheim of Kinzers, Pa., Hannah (Sam) Smucker of Lancaster, Pa., and Naomi (Leroy) Stoltzfus and Rebecca (Amos) Stoltzfus, both of Gap, Pa.  Brothers, Levi (Hannah Allgyer) Stoltzfoos of Christiana, Pa., and David (Emma Stoltzfus) Stoltzfoos of Kinzers, Pa.

Preceded in death by a sister, Susie Stoltzfus.

Services: West Haven Amish Mennonite Church, Peters Road, New Holland, Pa. on Wed. May 5, 2004, at 10:00 am with interment in adjoining cemetery.

Original obituary may be obtained from
Intelligencer Journal, published,
Tuesday, May 4, 2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard



Riehl, Lizzie F
.

Born: 8-1-1915, Earl Twp., Lancaster co., Pa.  Died: 2-23-2004, Rehrersburg, Pa.

Wife of: (1) Late Jonathan L. Beiler (2) Late Aaron D. Riehl.  Daughter of: Late Christian S. and Sarah Fisher King.

Survivors:  Stepdaughters, Esther (Ben) Lapp of Rehrersburg, Pa., with whom she lived , Amanda (Menno) Stoltzfus, Rebecca Stoltzfus, both of Ronks, Pa., Susie (Henry) Riehl of Bird-In-Hand, Pa. and Sarah (Samuel) Fisher of Limestone, Tenn.  Stepsons, John E. of Keystone Hieghts, Fla, Gideon P. (Malinda) Riehl of Narvon, Pa. and Emanuel (Sara Ann) Riehl of Kinzers, Pa. Step-grandchildren: 74.  Many Step-great-grandchildren.
Sister: Anna F. Stoltzfus of Quarryville, Pa.

Preceded in death by sisters, Katie, Dora, Rhoad and Sarah King; and brothers Benjamin, Jacob, Joel, Christian and Enos King.

Lizzie was a homemaker and member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Services: From the home of Isaac R. Huyard, 144 W. Huyard Road, New Holland, Pa., on Wed., Feb. 25, 2004 at 12 noon. Interment in
Myers Amish Cem., Leola, Pa.
Original obituary may be obtained from:
 Lancaster Intelligencer Journal,
published Wed., 2-25-2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard

  

Rohrer, Jacob G.


Born: 11-22-1921, East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa.  Died: 8-16-2004, Kinzers, Pa.

Husband of: Verna R. Weaver Rohrer, who survives.  Son of: Late Clayton M. and Elise Gehman Rohrer.

Other survivors: Sons, James (Rosalee Brubacher) Rohrer of Fairview, Mich., David (Martha Witmer) Rohrer, and Jesse, both of Richland, Pa., Mark (Rebecca Shafer) Rohrer of Harriston, Ontario, and Jonathan (Julia Anderson) Rohrer of East Berlin, Pa.  Daughters, Miriam (Ivan) Kreider, Kinzers, Pa., Mary Rohrer of Marshall, Ind.  Rachel (Ernest) Fisher of New Waterford, Ohio, Rhoda Rohrer of New Holland, Pa., Alma (David) Shafer of Meadville, Pa., Lois (Earl) Neuenschwander of Kensington, Ohio, Esther (Gerald) Kreider, and Clara Rohrer, both of Conrath, Wis., Susie (Doyle)Zimmerman of Abbottstown, Pa., Elsie (Philip) Lehman of Wrightsville, Pa. and Vera Rose Rohrer of Lititz. Grandchildren: 65. Great-grandchildren: 33.  Brothers, Nelson G. (Pauline Lefever) Rohrer of Quarryville, Pa. and Daniel Rohrer of Lancaster, Pa.  Sisters, A. Marie Rohrer and Elsie June (Marlin) Lehman, both of Lititz, Pa., Esther Mae (Roy) Martin of Manheim, Pa. and Martha G. (Amos) Ramer of New Paris, Ind.

Preceded in death by as sister, Ruth Eberly and brothers, Enos G., Elmer G., John C. and Paul G.

He was a member of Grace Mennonite Fellowship Church, Ephrata, Pa.

Services: Denver Mennonite Church, Monroe Street, Denver, Pa. on Saturday, August 21,2004, at 9:30 am with Bishop Daniel Stauffer, Bishop Earl Horst, Deacon Clair Weaver, Ezra Martin and Elmer Martin, officiating.

Interment in Grace Mennonite Fellowship Church Cem., Ephrata, Pa.

Original obituary may be obtained from
Intelligencer Journal, Lanc., Pa., published
8-18-2004, Lancaster, Pa.
Submitted by: Peggy Reichard

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