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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.

 2005 - C to F


Christner, Vernon J. ; . .   Clemens, Lois Gunden ; . .  Coon, Roland LeRoy ; . . Crossgrove, Patricia Blosser ; . . Davidhizar, Anna M. Wenger Metzler ; . . Davidhizar, Roy Willard ; . .   Derstine, Arlene Roth ; . .   Detweiler, Alvin “Al” F. ; . . Detweiler, Mary Jane ; . .  Dick, Franklin Thomas ; . . Diener, Clayton H ; . . Dunbar, Velma A. Detweiler ; . . Eash, Levi “Lee” ; . . Eby, Ivan Gingrich ; . .  Epp, Frieda Jantzen ; . . Epp, Henry D. ; . . Epp, Robert D. ; . . Fahlsing, Ernest H. ; . . Fisher, Virginia Heppner ; . . Franz, Emily Regnier ; . .  Frey, Janet L. Martin ; . .  


Christner, Vernon J.
, 76, of LaGrange, IN died October 23, 2005 at LaGrange, IN of natural causes.  He was born April 17, 1929 at LaGrange, IN to John S. & Gertie M. (Yoder) Christner. 

On May 12, 1951 he was married to Fannie Marie Miller, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Sherryl Rhinesmith, Nedra Watson, Marsha Pineda, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
 
The funeral was held October 27,2005 at Shore Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, IN with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Kim, Shipshewana, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Clemens, Lois Gunden
, 90, of Lansdale, Montgomery Co., PA died August 27, 2005 of a stroke.  She was born to Christian & Agnes (Albrecht) Gunden. 

She was married to Ernest Rittenhouse Clemens, who is deceased.

Surviving is a step-daughter, Pauline (John) Fisher, 2 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held August 31, 2005 at Dock Church, Lansdale, Montgomery Co., PA.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Coon, Roland LeRoy
, 53, of Archbold, OH died October 2, 2005 at Archbold, OH of a heart attack.  He was born August 7, 1952 at Wauseon, OH to Victory & Pauline (Nofziger) Coon. 

On March 14, 1974 he was married to Grace Armstrong, who survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Pauline Coon, children, Wendy (Mrs. John Michael) Coon, Jeremy Coon, Crystal Coon, and one grandchild.

The funeral was held October 7, 2005 at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH with burial in the Pettisville Cemetary, Pettisville, OH.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Crossgrove, Patricia Blosser
, 55, of Wauseon, OH died November 6, 2005 at Toledo, OH of Liver Disease.  She was born June 14, 1950 at Wauseon, OH to the late Noah & Eldora (Witmer) Blosser.  On August 17, 1996 she was married to Ronald Crossgrove, who survives.

Also surviving are siblings: David Blosser; Thomas (Carol) Blosser; Donald Blosser; Phillip (Mary Ann) Blosser; Dennis (Sherman) Blosser; and Mark Blosser.
He was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Blosser.

The funeral was held November 11, 2005 at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH with burial in Pettisville Cemetary, Pettisville, OH.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

 

Davidhizar, Anna M. Wenger Metzler

GOSHEN -- Anna M. Davidhizar, 91, of 64409 C.R. 15 died at 11:15 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 3, 2005) in Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

She was born Sept. 17, 1913, in Goshen to Noah and Susannah (Loucks) Wenger. She married Carl Ivan Metzler on Jan. 1, 1935. He died in April 1943. She married Roy W. Davidhizar on Nov. 22, 1945.

She survives along with five daughters, Doris (Walter) Smeltzer of Peoria, Ill., Genevive Hershey of Columbiana, Ohio, Marilyn (G. Keith) Miller and Norma (Allen) Mast, both of Goshen, and Mary Lambright of LaGrange; one son, Carl (Phyllis) Metzler of Goshen; one sister, Martha (Raymond) Troyer of Goshen; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Warren Wenger; three sisters, Amanda Weaver, Beulah Hoover and Hazel Hochstetler; and two grandchildren.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, C.R. 38 and C.R. 11, Goshen. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Officiating will be Pastor Wes Bontreger, assisted by Mrs. Davidhizar's son-in-law, Walter Smeltzer. Burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery.

Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rrefh.com.

Mrs. Davidhizar was a homemaker and sold produce at the Elkhart and South Bend farmers markets. She was a member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church and volunteered for many organizations, including World Missionary Press in New Paris and The Depot in Goshen.

Memorials may be given to Project AmaZon Medical Boat, a Brazil mission.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart IN
Feb. 2005
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



 

Davidhizar, Roy Willard

GOSHEN - Roy Willard Davidhizar, 86, of 64409 C.R. 15, died at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday (May 11, 2005) at Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

He was born Nov. 8, 1918, in New Paris, to Calvin W. and Lizzie L. (Culp) Davidhizar. He married Anna M. Wenger on Nov. 22, 1945. She died Feb. 3, 2005.

He is survived by three daughters, Marilyn (G. Keith) Miller and Norma (Allen) Mast, both of Goshen, and Mary Lambright of LaGrange; two stepdaughters, Doris (Walter) Smeltzer of Peoria, Ill., and Genevive Hershey of Columbiana, Ohio; a stepson, Carl (Phyllis) Metzler of Goshen; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nine stepgrandchildren; 13 stepgreat-grandchildren; a sister, Ethel F. Hershberger of Goshen; and a brother, Virgil S. Davidhizar of Goshen.

He was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Leonard Hershey and Weldon Lambright; a sister, Ruth L. Davidhizar; a grandson; and a stepgranddaughter.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, Goshen, and one hour prior to Saturday's 10 a.m. services at the church. Pastor Wes Bontreger and Katie Cunningham, both of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery.

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent at www.rrefh.com

Mr. Davidhizar was a farmer who had worked at Travel Equipment in Goshen and Newmar in Nappanee. He was a member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.

Memorials can be given to World Missionary Press, New Paris.

The Truth, Elkhart, IN
May 13, 2005




Derstine, Arlene Roth
, 85, of Souderton, Montgomery Co., PA died October 19, 2005.  She was born to Elmer & Caroline (Kemmerer) Roth. 
She was married to Stuart Derstine, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Nancy Greaser, Diane Detweiler, Lee Derstine, John Derstine, and David Derstine, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
 
The funeral was held October 22, 2005 at Souderton Mennonite Church, Souderton, Montgomery Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Detweiler, Alvin “Al” F
., 76, of Boyertown, PA died December 3, 2005 at Boyertown, PA of cancer.  He was born in 1929 to the late Mahlon & Hannah (Freed) Detweiler.  He was married to Katherine “Kass” Yoder, who survives.

Surviving are children, Twila Nazario, Philip Detweiler, Leona Kolb, Steven Detweiler, Douglas Detweiler, Suzi Weiss, Kenton Detweiler, Aleta Kulp, Carol Smith, Marc
Detweiler, Karla Moonsamy, Krista Detweiler, 33 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held December 9, 2005 at Boyertown Mennonite, Boyertown, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Detweiler, Mary Jane
, 79, of Lansdale, PA died December 1, 2005 at Lansdale, PA.  She was born September 18, 1924 to James & Alma (Groff) Rudy.  As Mary Jane Rudy she was married to Richard Clemmer Detweiler, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Donna Louise Detweiler, John Richard, Ann Elizabeth Detweiler, and 7 grandchildren.

Also surviving are siblings, John H. Rudy, Clarence E. Rudy, Paul Rudy, Sarah Sauder, and Nancy Martin.

The funeral was held December 4, 2005 at Souderton Mennonite, Souderton, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Joanne, Souderton Mennonite
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Dick, Franklin Thomas,
68, of Henderson, NE died November 16, 2005.  He was born to the late Frank H. & Hazel (Carnes) Dick.  He was married to Pat Huebert, who survives.

Surviving are children, Patrice (Scott) Gaines, Corey (Stacy) Dick, Step-Mother, Tena Dick, and 4 grandchildren.

The funeral was held November 18, 2005 at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, NE.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Diener, Clayton H.
, 90, of Hesston, Harvey County, Kansas died June 4, 2009 at the same place.  He was born December 10, 1918 at Proctor, Missouri to Harry and Amanda Diener.  On July 22, 1945 he was married to Inez Snyder, who survives.

Surviving are children, Don and Maria Diener, and Dwight Diener.

Memorial services were held June 8, 2009 at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas with burial in Eastlawn Cemetery, Harvey County, Kansas.

Submitted by: Donna Koehn, Hesston, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Dunbar, Velma A. Detweiler

March 31, 1912 - January 22, 2005

Velma A. (Detweiler) Dunbar was born on March 31, 1912, in Harper, Kansas to William E. and Emma Shepp Detweiler. She died on January 22, 2005, at Newton Medical Center in Newton, Kansas. She was the fifth of seven children. Paul, Bertha King, Pearl, Ernest, Justus and Emily Diller preceded her in death.

Velma enjoyed life on the farm growing up, learning a work ethic of diligence while young that continued her entire life. She enjoyed attending grade school, walking or riding a horse the 2'/a miles to Pleasant Valley School. She was unable to pursue her desire for a formal extended education, but gained a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom through the teachable spirit with which she met her life experiences. At the age of fourteen Velma began a long career of working in people's homes doing everything from housekeeping, cooking and caring for children to milking cows and fieldwork. Later she provided loving and patient care for her aging father and then for other elderly persons. She also worked as a dietician's assistant at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kansas. From Newton, she moved to Hesston in 1979, where she lived in Hickory Homes and Schowalter Villa, and even there her care giving continued to family and friends. She was generous with her time, energy and resources, always ready to help others. Someone once said of her, "Velma gives more with less than anyone I know."

During a revival meeting at the age of nine, Velma made the decision to trust Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord and she faithfully followed Him throughout her life. She was a committed member of the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church and Chikaskia Baptist Church in Harper and of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton. Her life of faith in God was seen in the trust she placed in Him throughout her life, including in her optimistic spirit and the graciousness and flexibility with which she met each challenge and change. Laughter sprang easily from within her. Velma was a conscientious and diligent worker, whatever the task. She was able to look life full in the face with a wonderful blend of realism and optimism, and one always left a visit with her encouraged rather than discouraged.

Velma was married to Howard Dunbar on April 1, 1954. Howard died in November of 1969 in Newton. In 2004 a step-son, Marlin, of Kirksville, Missouri also died. A second step-son, Gene, of Clearwater, Kansas and six grandchildren remain. She also leaves fourteen nephews and nieces. "Aunt Velma" played a special role in their lives as she added an important family link when their parents passed away. She was blessed with an incredible memory and they took advantage of that to hear her stories of the past. One of her early home employments also resulted in a lifelong relationship with Velma being "Special Mother." Family was very important to Velma and each member of her extended family was blessed by her unique interest in them.

Funeral services were held at the Schowalter Villa Chapel in Hesston, Kansas on Tuesday, 25, 2005, with burial in the Hesston City Cemetery. Velma's legacy of faith, love, optimism and serving now lives on in the lives of those who :mew and loved her.

Transcribed and edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
Source: Funeral program
Submitted by: Don Stutzman, Halstead, KS



Eash, Levi “Lee”
, 68, of Carlsbad, New Mexico died 12/24/2005.  He was born to Enos & Mary (Hershberger) Eash.  He was married to Eileen Stichter, who survives.

Surviving are children, Joanna Harrison & spouse Duane; John Kenton Eash, and 2  grandchildren.

The funeral was held December 31, 2005 at Goshen, Indiana.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Eby, Ivan Gingrich
, 82, of St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada, died September 10, 2005 at St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada.  He was born August 27, 1923 at St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada to Menno & Melinda (Gingrich) Eby. 

On September 28, 1947 he was married to Irene Weber, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Duane Eby, Evelyn Sauder, 5 grandchildren, and  a stepsister, Luella (Hoffman) Snider. 

He was predeceased by siblings, Barbara Weber (husband Howard), Almeda Martin (husband Orville), Lovina Weber (husband Nelson), Rebecca Gingerich (husband Alvin), Milton Eby (wife Agnes), Bretton Snider (wife Luella) - step brother in law.

The funeral was held September 14, 2005 at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Karen Sauder, St. Jacobs , ON
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



 
Epp, Frieda Jantzen
, 101, of Beatrice, Nebraska died September 18, 2005. She was born February 14, 1904 at Plymouth, Nebraska to Alexander, & Helen (Ensz) Jantzen.

On November 29, 1928 she was married to Herman Epp, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Kenneth Epp & wife, Erna; Alan Dean Epp & wife, Eunice; Richard Epp & wife, Marilyn; Lucille Engbrecht & husband, Roger; 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a sister, Bertha Jantzen Penner.

The funeral was held September 23, 2005 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, Nebraska with burial in the Mennonite Cemetery, Beatrice, Nebraska.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Marj Shoemaker, Beatrice, NE
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Epp, Henry D
., 83, of New, Minnesota, died August 18, 2005 at New Ulm, Brown Co., Minnesota of old age.  He was born January 20, 1922 at Mountain Lake, Cottonwood Co., Minnesota to Danial P. & Susan (Flaming) Epp.  Susan Epp was born June 27, 1884 and died May 4, 1922.

On July 10, 1943 Henry was married to Elvira Grace Jones, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Gloria Jeanne Epp, Judy Olson, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and sisters, Clara Paulsen and Elizabeth Dick.

The funeral was held August 27, 2005 at United Church, New, Minnesota with burial in Jerusalem Cemetery, Lake Crystal, Minnesota.

Submitted by: Dennis Quiring, Newton, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Epp, Robert D
., 91, of Henderson, NE, died September 27, 2005 at Henderson, NE.  He was born March 2, 1914 at York County, NE, to Jacob M. & Maria (Peters) Epp. 

On October 2, 1935 he was married to Anna Peters, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Nola Rae Epp and Jerry (Vernelle) Epp, two grandchildren, and sisters, Louise Swan and Jeanette Regier.

The funeral was held September 30, 2005 at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, NE with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.

Submitted by: Tammy Ott , Henderson, NE
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Fahlsing, Ernest H.

May 30, 1915 - March 8, 2005

TOPEKA -- Ernest "Ernie" H. Fahlsing, 89, of 2440 S. 600 West, died at 2 a.m. Tuesday (March 8, 2005) at his home.

He was born May 30, 1915, in Freesoil, Mich., to Charles and Martha (Woebbeking) Fahlsing. He married Rozella Edna Yoder on Feb. 7, 1948, in Topeka.

She survives with one daughter, Kathleen A. (Daniel Mahynski) Fahlsing of Ludington, Mich.; one son, Roger A. (Leslie) Fahlsing of Hobart; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Edna Fahlsing of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by five sisters, Frieda Stoppenhagen, Minnie Carles Miller, Luella Perkins, Marie Fahlsing and Maria Fahlsing.

Online condolences may be sent at yoderculpfuneralhome.com.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main St., Goshen, where the services will be at 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Ken Bontrager of Silverwood Mennonite Church will officiate. Burial will be in Shore Cemetery in Shipshewana.

Mr. Fahlsing was a member of Silverwood Mennonite Church and a woodworker. He lived at Emma Lake, near Topeka, for the past 51 years and had worked as a plant engineer for Duo Therm in Topeka.

Memorials may be given to Parkview Hospice, American Lung Association, American Heart Association or Silverwood Mennonite Church.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
March 9, 2005
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Fisher, Virginia Heppner,
82, of Reedley, CA died December 11, 2005 at Reedley, CA  of cancer.  She was born May 27, 1923 at Reedley, CA  to Cornelius & Helen (Schultz) Heppner.  She was married to Robert L. Fisher, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Janet and Jay Hauge, Gayle and Jim Janzen, Bob and Laura Fisher,
8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held December 15, 2005 at First Mennonite Church, Reedley, CA with burial in Reedley Cemetary Reedley, CA.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Franz, Emily Regnier
, 26, of Sturgis, MI died October 22, 2005 of cancer.  She was born April 3, 1979 at Riverview, MI to James & Janette Regnier who survive. 

On March 1, 2003 she was married to Matthew Paul Franz, who survives with a daughter, Cecelia.
 
The funeral was held October 27, 2005 at Allen Park Chapel, Allen Park, MI with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Beth Miller,
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin





Frey, Janet L. Martin


CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Janet L. Frey, age 85, of 1838 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, died Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, in her home.

Born July 31, 1924, in Shippensburg, she was a daughter of the late Irvin and Bertha Hunsecker Martin.

She was married to the late Adin L. Frey on Oct. 26, 1943. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2006.

A homemaker and mother of six, Janet assisted and supported her husband with several local businesses, including the former Frey's Farm Dairy on Falling Spring Road.

She was a member of Chambersburg Mennonite Church, where years ago, she was active with the sewing circle and the Bible Release ministry.

Surviving her are five children, Eugene R. Frey and wife, Hazel, of Lancaster, Linda Horst and husband, John, of Clear Spring, Md., Fern Diller and husband, Eugene, of Greencastle, Miriam Hawbaker and husband, Wayne, of Greencastle, and Wilmer L. Frey and wife, Serita, of Deerfield, N.H.; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Frey of Chambersburg; 20 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Aside from her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert L. Frey, on Feb. 28, 1999; and five brothers, Melvin, Paul, Harry, Glen and Lester.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, at Chambersburg Mennonite Church, 1800 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, with the Rev. Jerry Roth officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Herald-Mail - 8/5/2009
Submitted by: Robert Fish


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