Back to MennObits Index Page
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.

2008 A to B


  Aeschliman, Viola Sauder;   Albrecht, Alfred J.;   Albrecht, Oleeda Sutter;   Alderfer, Clyde J.;    Alderfer, Durrell G.;   Armstrong, Lloyd E.;   Arndt Doug E.;   Arner, James FranklinAsh, Bertha S. Byler;   Auker, Mary K. Good;   Auker, Merrill S.;   Auker, Reuben S.;  Bachman, Melvin E. ; . . Badertscher, John Frederick;   Baer, Catherine Neuhauser;   Balzer, Ruth Josephine Mosiman;   Beachy, Henry;   Beachy, Leah P. Bender, Ivan I.;   Bender, Monroe I. ; . . Benner, Roy D.;   Benner, Wilmer J.;   Bergthold, Reuben Henry;  Bert, John S.;   Betzelberger, H. Robert;    Birkey, Vietta Zimmerman;   Bishop, Jacob H.;   Bishop, Luella H.;   Bishop, Paul Loux;   Bixler, Roland;   Blosser, Eugene Edward;   Blough, Ronald Lamar;   Blucker, Clara Miller;   Boehnert, Addison Laurin;   Boese, Harold E.;  Boettger, Edith Yoder;   Boll, Grace Witmer;    Bontrager, Albert C.; . . Bontrager, Charlotte Ruth Miller ; . .Bontrager, Gideon J. ; . . Bontrager, Ora C. ; . . Bontrager, Perry M. ; . . Borgendale, Rosalie Ruth Schroeder;   Borntreger, Emma Frey Miller;  Brady, Christine Lynn Butts;   Brandt, Ruth Emma Enns;   Brenneman, Eva Lavern Yoder ; . . Brenneman, Virgil J. ; . .   Brenner, William E.;  Britsch, Irene M. Wyse;   Broach, Judy Elaine Wilhelm;    Brubacher, Mary S.;    Brubacher, Melvin M.;   Brubacher, Richard A.;   Brubacher, Vera Faye Culp   Brubacker, Aaron S.; . . Brubaker, Alma R. Graybill ; . . Brubaker, Anna E. ; . .  Brubaker, Betty J. Eberly;   Brubaker, Eva Z. Martin;   Brubaker, George B.; Brubaker, Nora Stauffer ; . . Brubaker, S. Inez Ressler ; . . Brubaker Verna H. Martin;   Brubaker, William B.;    Brunk, Don Wendell;  Brydge, Rachel Ellinger;   Buckwalter, Emma B.;  Buerge, Dennis ; . . Burkholder, Anna "Leota" Eash ; . .   Burkholder, John H.;    Burky, Lloyd G. ; . . Byler, Daniel Sanford ; . .  


Aeschliman, Viola Sauder

(1914 - 2008)
WAUSEON - Viola Aeschliman, 94, of Wauseon, died early Wednesday morning, July 16, 2008, at the Fulton County Health Center, Wauseon.

Born Feb. 25, 1914, near Archbold, to Katie (Nofziger) and Samuel Sauder, she married Omar Aeschliman on Nov. 5, 1933, and he preceded her in death in 1972.
A resident of Wauseon since 1950, she was a homemaker and child care provider for many years.

She was a charter member of the Zion Mennonite Church in Archbold.

Surviving are a son, Donald Aeschliman of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two daughters, Mary (and husband, Carl) Gibson of Nickelsville, Va., and Joyce Shehorn of Wauseon; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two daughters, Shirley Christenson and an infant, Betty Lucille; a son-in-law, Bill Shehorn; two brothers, Edwin Sauder and Melvin Sauder; and four sisters, Emma Grieser, Fannie Sauder, Laura Roth and Carrie Miller.

Visitation will be Friday from 4-8 p.m. in the Zion Church fellowship hall.
Memorial services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Zion Mennonite Church with Pastors Sherm Kauffman and Mona Sauder to officiate. Interment will precede at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Pettisville Cemetery. Short Funeral Home in Archbold is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Mennonite Church.

www.bryantimes.com> The Bryan [Ohio] Times, 17 Jul 2008]
Submitted by: Mona Mann



Albrecht, Alfred J.,
84, of Goshen, IN died June 23, 1008 at Goshen, IN.  He was born January 22, 1924 at Middlebury, IN to Aaron and Kathryn (Hooley) Albrecht.  On June 10, 1951 at Hopedale, IL he was married to Miriam M. Sutter, who was born May 16, 1923 and survives.

Surviving are a daughter, Trish (James) Yoder, a son, James (Coralyn) Albrecht, four grandchildren, a sister, Luella (Lavern) Gerig, and two brothers, Willard (Mary) Albrecht, and Leonard (Shirley) Albrecht.

Al taught at Goshen College for 23 years as professor of communication, four years at Indiana University, and three years at the University of Vermont.  He was the first president of Aux Chandelles, now the Association for the Disabled of Elkhart County.  He was executive secretary for the Intercollegiate Peace Speech Assn., co-founder of the Pennsylvania Deitsch Society, and a parliamentarian for many years for Mennonite Church General Assemblies.

Memorial services were held June 26, 2008 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with burial in Violett Cemetery, Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN.

Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Albrecht, Oleeda Sutter
, 89, of Tiskilwa, IL died September 8, 2008 at Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL from Parkinson's Disease / Multiple System Atrophy.  She was born June 22, 1919 at Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL to Levi Samuel and Alma (Nafziger) Sutter.  Levi was born October 26, 1887 and died November 11, 1975.  Alma was born September 10, 1891 and died December 30, 1976.

On June 11, 1944 at Hopedale Oleeda was married to Marion Niles Albrecht, who was born May 10, 1919 and survives.

Surviving are children, Arlee (Richard) Blackburn, Wayne (Annette) Albrecht, Connie (Elvin) Krabill, Sylvia Aschliman, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and siblings, Edna (Roy) Springer, Lela Sutter, Miriam Albrecht, Willis (Esther) Sutter, Earl (Margaret) Sutter, and Jean (John) King.

Her siblings, Ina Sutter, Vernal Sutter, Dennis Sutter, and Alice Wenger preceded her in death.

Oleeda attended Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana and later graduated from  Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.  She taught elementary school for over twenty-one years. She was active serving the church as both a Sunday School and Bible School teacher, as well as being an elder and active in the Women's Missionary and Service Commission both in the local church and the Illinois Mennonite Conference.

Memorial services were held September 13, 2008 at Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, IL with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Arlee (Albrecht) Blackburn, Lombard, IL
and Jane Sears, Tiskilwa, Illinois
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Alderfer, Clyde J.
, 60, of Coopersburg, PA died April 12, 2008 at Coopersburg, PA.  He was born February 6, 1948 to Abram C. and Catherine (Johnson) Alderfer.

Surviving are three brothers, Philip Alderfer, Paul Alderfer, and David Alderfer.

His parents preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held April 19, 2008 at Salford Mennonite Church, Harleysville, Montgomery County, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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



Alderfer, Durrell G.
, 75, of Harleysville, PA died February 26, 2008 at Souderton, Montgomery County, PA.  He was born April 26, 1932 at Harleysville, Montgomery County, PA to Allen and Eva (Godshall) Alderfer married to Margaret Landes.

Surviving are a daughter, Doreen Bender & Paul; son, Timothy Alderfer & Karen; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A son, Daniel Alderfer preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held March 5, 2008 at Salford Mennonite Church, Harleysville, Montgomery County, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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



Armstrong, Lloyd E.
, 84, of Archbold, Ohio died March 3, 2008 at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, Archbold, Ohio.  He was born April 25, 1923 at Stryker, Ohio to Clifford "J.C." and Barbara (Short) Armstrong.  On March 18, 1945 he was married to Thelma Rufenacht, who survives.

Surviving are one son, Larry (Beverly) Armstrong of Archbold; two daughters, Joan, (Howard) Greene of Surprise, Arizona; Nancy (Jim) Emens of Waldron,
Michigan; a brother, Jesse Armstrong, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A son, Keith, two brothers, Carl Armstrong and an infant Robert; three sisters, Pearl Sigg, Aretha Hausch, and Hilda Dohm preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held March 8, 2008 at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, Ohio.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Dana Short, Archbold, Ohio
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Arndt Doug E.
, 55, of North Canton, Ohio died January 8, 2008.  He was born September 23, 1952 at Canton, Stark Co., Ohio to Fred and Arlene Arndt married to Becky Horning.

Surviving are his parents, wife, and children, Jamie Arndt; Catlin Arndt; step-children, Melissa, Monica, Kevin, and Daniel.

Memorial services were held January 12 2008 at Reed Funeral Home, North Canton, Ohio.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Leah Knotts, Hartville, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Arner, James Franklin
, 92, of Louisville died December 24, 2008 at Massillon, StarkCo., OH.  He was born June 6, 1916 at East Sparta, Stark Co., OH to Frank and Hazel (Kopp) Arner.  On July 14, 1939 at Louisville, Stark Co., OH he was married to Loretta M. Krabill, who was born March 21, 1915 and died in December 2004.

Surviving are a son, Stanley & Nancy Arner, a daughter, Mary Ellen Greek, seven  grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and a sister, Loretta Krause.

A son, Daryl Arner, and two brothers, Glen Arner, and Stanley Arner preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held December 29, 2008 at Beech Mennonite Church, Louisville, Stark Co., OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Alma Schloneger, Louisville, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Ash, Bertha S. Byler
, 91, of New Holland, PA died February 15, 2008 at Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA from presumed Peritonitis.  She was born July 15, 1916 at Atglen, Chester Co, PA to David and Sarah (Stoltzfus) Byler.  On February 10, 1962 she was married to Orval Ash, who was born August 8, 1917 and died July 16, 2008.

Surviving are stepchildren, Jon Ash, Melvin Ash, Ruth Christner, 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Two sisters, Mary Sweigart and Emma King, and one brother, Marcus Byler preceded her in death.

She worked at sewing factories, enjoyed reading her bible, crocheting and sewing. She was a member of Maple Grove Sewing Circle, taught bible school and
Sunday school.

Memorial services were held February 18, 2008 at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Atglen,  Chester Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Ruthann Bruner, Atglen, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Auker, Mary K. Good
, 80, of New Holland, PA. She died June 20, 2008 at Hospice of Lancaster County. She was born in East Earl, PA to Clarence Good and Bertha (Weaver) Good Martin. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Aaron Martin.  She is survived by her husband, Ralph L. Auker.

A member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church, East Earl, PA.

Survived by her husband, a daughter, Trudy married to Richard M. Weaver, Ephrata, PA; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy (Musser) Auker, New Holland, PA; six grandchildren: Amy Auker, Marjorie Rutkowski, Chad Weaver, Kristi Weaver, Charles Eckenroth, Christopher Eckenroth; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Arlene married to Lawrence Redcay, New Holland, PA; two brothers: Glenn married to Carol Good, Mountville, PA and Wilmer married to Doris Good, Bedford, PA; a step-brother, Jay Martin, and a step-sister, Laverne Herr. She was preceded in death by a son, Barry L. Auker.

Funeral service was June 20, 2008 at Weaverland Mennonite Church with Bishop C. Kenneth Martin, Pastor Brian Martin, and Pastor Leon Hurst officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.  
Source: Groff-High-Eckroth Funeral Home, New Holland, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH


Auker, Merrill S.
, 90, of Thompsontown, PA died May 31, 2008, at the Lewistown Hospital. He was born on July 19, 1917, in Delaware Twp., Juniata Co., PA, to Jacob and Sally (Wert) Auker. His wife of nearly 63 years, Althea E. (Swartz) Auker, whom he married on Sept. 30, 1945, survives.

Survived by his wife and children: Delmar D. Auker and his wife, Elaine, of Thompsontown, PA; Connie Hartzler, of Belleville, PA; Sam N. Auker and his wife, Janice, Montrose, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Brett Auker, Chad Auker, Kim Tusing, Sean Auker, Erin Auker, Chris Hartzler, Heather Boring, and eleven great- grandchildren. He is the last of his immediate family having been preceded in death by two brothers, John Auker, and Jacob Auker; three sisters, Elva Brubaker, Mary Graybill, Ruth Auker and one son-in-law, John Hartzler. He was a member of the Delaware Mennonite Church, East Salem, PA.

He was a farmer and retired in 1973, he worked as an aid at the Selinsgrove State School, until his retirement in 1985.

Funeral service was June 6, 2008, from the Delaware Mennonite Church, East Salem, OH with the Rev. Glenn D. Hosler and Pastor Roy L. Brubaker officiating. Internment was at Delaware Mennonite Cemetery, East Salem, PA.

Source: Obit files of Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., McAlisterville, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler


Auker, Reuben S., 75, of Ephrata, entered into rest at United Zion Retirement Community, Warwick Township, on Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Born in Ephrata Township, he was a son of the late Reuben W. and Florence (Seibel) Auker. He was the husband of the late Lydia G. (Heiser) Auker who preceded him in death in 2002.

A member of Reinholds United Zion Church, he enjoyed traveling. Prior to retirement in 1994, he had worked as a roofer for GSM Ephrata for 28 years. He enjoyed gospel music, was a former Trustee at the Ephrata United Zion Church and was an overseer of the Small Group Visitation at his church. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Auker is survived by three sons, Reuben L., husband of KarLee (Hostetter) Auker of Manheim, Melvin E., husband of Martha (Watts) Auker of Ephrata, and Barry L., husband of Kathy (Young) Auker of Ephrata, a daughter, Lydia Jean, wife of William Bond of Lititz, a sister, Florence, wife of John Good of Ephrata, sister-in-law, Verna Enslow of Elizabethtown, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents and wife, Mr. Auker was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Phares Auker, a foster brother, Russell Moll, and a sister, Mary Redcay.

A viewing will be held at the Ephrata United Zion Church, 408 E. Fulton Street, Ephrata, from 6 to 8 PM on Sunday, September 14th, and also one hour prior to services on Monday. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday at the church with Pastors Leon Eberly and Jay Showalter officiating. Interment will follow in the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery, East Cocalico Township.

Memorial contributions in Reuben's memory may be sent to the Reinholds United Zion Church, c/o Leon Eberly, 19 Bloomfield Drive, Ephrata, PA 17522. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata.

Submitted by: Robert Fish
Published in Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster, PA - 9/12/2008


Bachman, Melvin E.
, 83, of Goshen, IN died August 4, 2008, at Greencroft Healthcare

He was born in Pomeroy, IA, on June 9, 1925, to Aaron and Emma (Egli) Bachman. He married Erna Roth on February 8, 1948 in Milford, Nebraska. He was a member of East Goshen Mennonite Church where he served as an usher. In Iowa he was a member of the Manson Mennonite Church and there he also served as an usher and an Elder.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters, Nancy (Larion) Swartzendruber of Goshen, IN; Shelley (Scott) Holland of Pomeroy, IA and Anita (Mark) Gingerich of Dakota Dunes, SD; two sons, John (Julie) Bachman of Goshen, IN and Steven (Brenda) Bachman of Middlebury, IN; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Laurene Yoder of Iowa City, IA, and Dorothy Bender of Kalona, IA,; and a brother, Lloyd Bachman of Fort Dodge, IA.

Preceded in death by four sisters, Elna Brenneman, Laverne Slagle, Vilma Brenneman and Ellen Miller; and three brothers, Elmer, Lyle and Merle Bachman; and a granddaughter, Maria Bachman in 1994.

A memorial service was August 9, 2008 at the North Goshen Mennonite Church. Officiated by Pastor Steve Slagel of the East Goshen Mennonite Church.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, IN
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Badertscher, John Frederick
, 71, of Bluffton, OH died January 5, 2008 at Bluffton, OH.  He was born March 30, 1936.  Surviving are two sisters, Martha Hostetler and Mary Stahlman.

Memorial services were held January 13, 2008 at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, OH with burial in Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery, Bluffton, OH.

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


Baer, Catherine Neuhauser
, 85, of Goshen, IN died August 29, 2008 at Goshen, IN.  She was born January 15, 1923 at Pigeon, MI to William and Anna S. Neuhauser.  On July 27, 1949 at Pigeon, MI she was married to Joseph F. Baer, who was born November 3, 1925 and survives.

Surviving are children, Joseph N. (Patricia) Baer, David L. (Patricia) Baer,
4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Irene (Levi) Riegsecker and Vera (Virgil) Kindy.

A daughter, Twila Rose Baer and a brother, John Neuhauser preceded her in death.

Catherine was a thrifty homemaker, a Sunday school teacher, church worker, and quilter, and volunteered at Greencroft, Inc., and College Mennonite Church.  She was a long-time supporter of Mennonite Central Committee.

Memorial services were held September 6, 2008 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen.
Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman, Goshen IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

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

Baer, Catherine N. Neuhauser

GOSHEN -- Catherine N. Baer, 85, of Greencroft Healthcare, Goshen, died Friday (Aug. 29, 2008) at 5:30 p.m. at Greencroft.

She was born to William and Ann Neuhauser on Jan. 15, 1923, in Pigeon, Mich. On July 27, 1949, she married Joseph F. Baer in Pigeon.

He survives, along with two sons, Joseph N. (Patricia) Baer of Alden, N.Y., and David L. (Patricia) Baer of Goshen; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Irene (Levi) Riegsecker of Goshen, and Vera (Virgil) Kindy of Midland, Mich.

She was preceded in death by one brother, John Neuhauser, and one daughter, Twila Rose Baer.

She was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a thrifty homemaker, a Sunday school teacher, church worker, quilter, volunteer at Greencroft and College Mennonite Church and a friend to many. She was a long-time supporter of the Mennonite Central Committee. She donated her body for medical research.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at College Mennonite Church, 1900 S. Main St., Goshen. The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Klaudia Smucker and Dee Swartz will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500, 21 S. 12th St., Akron, Pa., 17501. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main St., Goshen, is assisting the family with arrangements.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Sept. 1, 2008
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Balzer, Ruth Josephine Mosiman
, 91, of Whitewater, KS died July 10, 2008 at Newton, Harvey Co., KS.  She was born July 27, 1916 at Elbing, Butler Co., KS to Fred and Mary (Ingold) Mosiman.  On June 21, 1942 at Elbing, KS she was married to Waldo I. Balzer, who survives.

Surviving are children, Mike & Kathy Balzer, Ray & Janet Franz, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A son, Larry Joe Balzer preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held July 14, 2008 at Grace Hill Mennonite Church,  Whitewater, Butler Co., KS with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Debbie Claassen, Whitewater, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Beachy, Henry
, 92, of Kalona died August 5, 2008 at Kalona, Washington Co., Iowa from natural causes.  He was born July 3, 1916 at Kokomo, Howard Co., Indiana to Menno and  Mary (Troyer) Beachy.  On March 8, 1941 he was married to Alma Slabach.

Surviving are children, Mary and Wilbur Litwiller, Emma and John Simmons, Merle and Marlinda Beachy, 8 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Two brothers, Benjamine Beachy and Eli Beachy, and one sister, Katie Beachy preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held august 8, 2008 at Kalona Mennonite Church, Kalona, Iowa with burial in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Kalona, Washington Co., Iowa.

Submitted by: Bonnie Pickard, Kalona, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Beachy, Leah P.
, 65, of Goshen, IN died November 28, 2008 at Goshen from cancer.  he was born June 18, 1943 at Plain City, Ohio to Neil E. and Emma (Kramer) Beachy. 

Surviving are her mother, Emma Miller (4/23/1925), step-father, George Miller and siblings: Roger (Terry) Beachy, Phillip (Jan) Beachy, Kenneth Beachy, Jeffrey (Margaret) Beachy, and Verionica (Wayne) Denlinger.

Her father preceded her in death.

Leah graduated as valedictorian in 1960 at Bethany Christian High School, Goshen, Ind.  She graduated in 1964 from Goshen College with a bachelor of arts in social work.  She received a Medical Records Technician certificate in Danville, Ill., and worked for Medica Corp, Minneapolis, Minn., as the supervisor of credentialling.

Memorial services were held December 20, 2008 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN.

Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman, Goshen IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Bender, Ivan I.
, 86, of Kalona, died April 7, 2008  at Kalona, Washington Co., Iowa from natural causes.  He was born May 12 1921 at the same place to Ira D. and Lena (Miller) Bender.  On December 16, 1941 he was married to Mattie Miller, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Marvin Bender, Rufus Bender, Esther Bell, Ezra Bender, Serena Zahradnek, Cecil Bender, Morris Bender, 27 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a brother, Lloyd I. Bender, and a sister, Ruby Miller.

A grandson, Paul David Bender, two sisters, Dorothy Shetler and Mary Bender, and one brother, Monroe Bender preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held April 11, 2008 at Kalona Mennonite Church, Kalona, Iowa with burial in Sharon Hill Cemetary, Kalona, Washington County, Iowa.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Bonnie Pickard, Kalona, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bender, Monroe I.
, of Kalona, Iowa died March 23, 2008. He was born [Nov. 28, 1922*] near Kalona, IA to Ira D. and Lena Miller Bender. He married Barbara Coblentz on January 17, 1943. The couple farmed in the area until moving to Washington in 1974. After Barbara's passing Monroe moved to Pleasantview Home Kalona, IA.

Survived by six children and their spouses: Clara Mae and Webster Rhodes of Nashwauk, MN, Lloyd and Joyce Bender of Kalona, IA; Salinda and Bill Swartzendruber of Bellevue, NE, Donna and Fred Rhodes of Columbiana, OH, Kenneth and Bernice Bender of WA, and Cletus and Mary Bender of Columbus Junction. IA. 22 grand children, 60 great grandchildren, one sister, Ruby and husband Owen Miller, of Oxford, IA and two brothers, Ivan Bender and Lloyd and Barbara Bender both of Kalona, IA.

Funeral Services was March 16, 2008 at Fairview Mennonite Church, Kalona, IA

Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona, IA
Submitted by Leon Hertzler
*Added by: Thelma Hoover Marti



Benner, Roy D.
83, of Gap, PA died November 1, 2008. He was born in White Horse, PA, to Joseph & Anna Buckwalter Benner. He was married to Mary E. Hershey Benner   for 62 years.

A member of Old Road Mennonite Church, Gap, PA. he was a Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a farmer for 36 years. Afterwards he  was an Amish taxi driver.

Surviving is his wife and 6 children: Calvin husband of Sharon Haftle Benner of Elizabethtown, PA; Annetta J. Moyer of Narvon, PA; Carol J. wife of Mike Stoltzfus of Bedford, PA; Robert H. husband of Betsy Wilde Benner of Gap, PA; Herbert H. husband of Melanie Hoover Benner of Gap, PA and  Dale H. Benner at home, 22 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, sister: Rosene wife of Wilmer Nolt of Ephrata, PA. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Mary Frances Stoltzfus, 2 siblings: Miriam wife of Paul Eby of Lititz, PA and Wilmer husband of Alberta Steffy Benner of New Holland, PA.

Funeral service was November 5, 2008 at the Old Road Mennonite Church with Pastor Richard L. Buckwalter and Pastor Kendall Kurtz officiating. Interment was in the Old Road Mennonite Cemetery, Gap, PA. 
Source: Lancaster OnLine, November 03, 2008
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH


Benner, Wilmer J.
, 89, of Garden Spot Village, [New Holland, PA] died Tuesday, April 28, 2008  formerly of Bowmansville, [PA]. Born at White Horse, [PA], son of Joseph and Anna (Buckwalter) Benner. He married  Alberta (Steffy) Benner. Wilmer was a farmer and a lifetime member of Old Road Mennonite Church in White Horse, [PA].
 
Surviving are his wife are four children, Louise, married to the Rev. Irvin Martin of Mohnton, [PA] Lonita, married to Dale Myer of Chagrin Falls, OH, Marlin, married to Suzanne (Koenig) Benner of Mohnton, [Pa] and Eileen, married to Samuel Ringler of Narvon, [PA]; eight grand-children; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Rosene & Wilmer Nolt of Ephrata, [PA]; and a brother, Roy & Mary (Hershey) Benner of White Horse [PA]. Preceding him in death is a grandson, Gregory Myer; a great grandson, Austin Plank; and a sister, Miriam Eby.
  
Funeral services were held May 3, 2008 at Old Road Mennonite Church, 5795 Old Philadelphia Pike, White Horse,[PA], with Rev. Robert Benner and Rev. Kendall Kurtz officiating. Interment was in the Old Road Mennonite Cemetery/      
He was a member of Mennonite Church USA          
Published April 30, 2008 Lancaster On Line
Submitted & Edited  by: Leon Hertzler,  Newport, NH 



Bergthold, Reuben Henry
, 94, of Reedley, CA died March 13, 2008 at Reedley, CA from natural causes.  He was born October 31, 1913 at Reedley, CA to Henry and Marie (Mueller) Bergthold.  On November 30, 1940 at Reedley, CA he was married to Hildur Ahlstrom, who was born April 3, 1918 and died January 30, 2006.

Surviving are children, Aleta Rempel, Bruce, Dean, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Two brothers, Art and Louis, and a sister, Ruth Asplund preceded him in death.

Reuben was the Assistant Postmaster in Reedley for 30 years and worked for Mennonite Aid Plan for another 20 years.  He and his wife, Hildur, braided many rugs which they donated to the Mennonite Central Committee.

Committal services were held March 17, 2008 at Reedley Cemetery, Reedley, CA.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Dee Patrick
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bert, John S.
, 65, of Mountville, PA died July 17, 2008 at Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA from multiple myeloma.  He was born November 5, 1942 at Shippensburg, Franklin Co., PA to John and Lela (Myers) Bert.  On August 28, 1971 at Grantham,
Cumberland Co., PA he was married to Loine F. Engle, who was born January 25, 1939.

Surviving are his wife, two sons, Kendric Bert and Daryl Bert, and two grandchildren.

Memorial services were held July 20, 2008 at Glossbrenner United Methodist Church, Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co., PA with burial in Air Hill Cemetery, Chambersburg, Franklin Co., PA.

Submitted by: Loine Bert Mountville, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Betzelberger, H. Robert
, 82, of Delavan, IL died January 9, 2008 at Lincoln, IL .  He was born August 2, 1925 at Chillicothe, IL to Harry and Naomi (Webb) Betzelberger.  On January 13, 1961 he was married to Betty Garber Christophel, who was born November 23, 1924 and survives.

Surviving are children, Bob (Vera) Betzelberger, Loren (Trish) Christophel, Kathy (Mark) Smith, Sheila (Wayne) Cobb, 8 grandchildren, and a sister, Sue Arthur.  One brother preceded him in death.

He was a retired farmer and a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church. He was retired President of Delavan Mutual Ins. Co. and upon retirement served as a tutor at the Lincoln Correctional Center and at several public schools in the Lincoln and Springfield area. He also served on
the Delavan School Board and as a 4-H leader for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopedale Mennonite Church or Lincoln Christian Village.

Memorial services were held January 18, 2008 at Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL with burial in Prairie Rest Cemetery, Delavan, IL.

Submitted by: Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, IL
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Birkey, Vietta Zimmerman
, 92, of Goshen, IN died October 26, 2008 at Goshen.  She was born March 1, 1916 at Milford, NB to Jake and Phoebe (Redinger) Zimmerman.  On March 4, 1936 at Manson, IA she was married to Clarence E. Birkey, who died February 10 1995.

Surviving are children, Ronald A. (Lorraine) Birkey, Roger J. Birkey, Barbara A. Birkey, Carol J. (David) Pratt, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and a brother, Jake Zimmerman.

Five sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.

She worked in the Goshen College cafeteria for 20 years.

At her request no services were held with burial in Violett Cemetery, Goshen, IN.

Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman, Goshen IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bishop, Jacob H.
, 92, of Telford, PA died August 23, 2008 at Quakertown, PA.  He was born May 27, 1916 at Hilltown, PA to Warren and Ida (Hess) Bishop.  On April 5, 1980 he was married to Clara Thoms, who was born October 12, 1921 and survives.

Surviving are children, Ruth Ann Fite & husband Robert, Stepdaughter, Elizabeth Goad; Stepson, Harry Sheets, 2 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, two brothers Webster Bishop & Caroline and Darwin Bishop & Florence, and a sister, Luella Bishop.

His parents, first wife, Evelyn Freed Bishop, who died May 3, 1979, two sons, Jacob and  Craig, two brothers, Gilbert Bishop and Willard Bishop, and two sisters, Marian Gross, and Ruth Bishop preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held August 26, 2008 at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Blooming Glen, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Peggy Buzzard Blooming Glen, PA
Blooming Glen Mennonite Church
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bishop, Luella H.
, 93, of Quakertown died September 6, 2008 at Quakertown, PA.  She was born December 4, 1914 to Warren and Ida (Hess) Bishop.

Surviving are two brothers, Darwin Bishop and wife, Florence; and Webster Bishop and wife, Caroline.

Sisters: Ruth Bishop and Marion Gross, and brothers: Willard Bishop, Jacob
Bishop, and Gilbert Bishop preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held September 14, 2008 at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Blooming Glen, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Peggy Buzzard, Blooming Glen, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bishop, Paul Loux
, 75, of Perkasie, PA died December 15, 2008 at Perkasie, Bucks Co., PA.  He was born August 24, 1933 in Hilltown Twp., Bucks Co., PA to Leon and Lizzie (Loux) Bishop.  On June 11, 1955 he was married to Betty Arlene Derstine, who was born November 22, 1935 and survives.

Surviving are children, Sharon Moyer and Neal, Denise Rick and Tom, Kevin Bishop and Cindy, Keith Bishop and Kelly, 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and a brother, Lloyd Bishop and Marie.

A brother, Marvin Bishop and a sister, Irene Bishop preceded him in death.

He was a farmer.

Memorial services were held December 18, 2008 at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Blooming Glen, PA, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Peggy Buzzard
Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Blooming Glen, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bixler, Roland
, 95, of Woodbridge, CT died September 3, 2008 at Woodbridge.  He was born November 17, 1913.  On July 1, 1939 he was married to Margaret Mabel Triplett, who was born September 15, 1917 and survives.

Memorial services were held at Woodbridge, CT.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Blosser, Eugene Edward
, 91, of Wellman, Iowa died June 8, 2008 at Wellman, Iowa.  He was born March 27, 1917 at South English, Iowa to Perry and Ada V. (Lahman) Blosser.  On August 7, 1984 at Wellman, Iowa he was married to Elsie Zook, who survives. Eugene was preceded in death by his first wife, Louella. Eugene and Louella were married in Hong Kong on September 9, 1949. She died in 1983
from brian cancer.

Surviving are children, Philip Blosser and wife Amy, Rachel Blosser Derstine and husband Rodney Derstine, Meiko Blosser Schoemig and husband Ewald Schoemig, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A son, Thomas Yoshiro, brothers: Wilmer, Aquila, Dwight, Menno, Oren and Amos and sisters: Abbie Zook and Mary Kate Yoder also preceded him in death.

Eugene Blosser was a career missionary in China and Japan.

Memorial services were held June 9, 2008 at Wellman Mennonite Church, Wellman, Iowa with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Jennifer Archer, Wellman, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Blough, Ronald Lamar
, 54, of Windsor, CO died August 22, 2008 at Windsor, CO from cardiac arrest.  He was born October 28, 1953 at Canton, OH to Robert Samuel Blough and  Mary Edna Nisly Blough Miller.  On June 21, 1975 at Burton, OH he was married to Rhoda Miller.

Surviving are his wife, his mother, children, Bethany Simpson & husband John; Brooke Blough; a grandchild, expected in November; two sisters, Brenda LaTulippe husband Keith; Dolores Blough; and a brother, Dwayne Blough wife Pam.

His father preceded him/her in death.

Ron was the pastor of Greeley Mennonite Church, Greeley, CO. He received his masters of divinity degree at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA. He was a master carpenter as well as a pastor. He was an avid birder and gardener, and enjoyed the outdoors. He also enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for his family and friends. He always had a story and a listening ear.

Memorial services were held August 27, 2008 at Greeley Mennonite Church, Greeley, Colorado.

Submitted by: Phyllis Schultz, Greeley Colorado
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Blucker, Clara Miller
, 89, of Goshen, IN died February 9, 2008 at Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN.  She was born November 19, 1918 at Blooomfield, Montana to Francis and Magdelena (Wagler) Miller Sr.  On February 21, 1942 at Fentress, Virginia she was married to Ervin Blucker, who died December 2, 1981.

Surviving are children, Diann (Chuck) Grise, Vernon (Elaine) Blucker, Dan (Carol) Blucker, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.  Also surviving are a sister, Ruth Leatherman, and two brothers, Phil Miller, and Francis Miller Jr.

Four sisters, Margaret Miller, Agnes Leatherman, Leona Miller, and Vera Troyer, and three brothers, Abner Miller, Joseph Miller, and Roy Miller preceded her in death.

Mrs. Blucker was a homemaker and a member of North Goshen Mennonite Church where she was part of the Mennonite Women's group.  She also volunteered at World Missionary Press

Memorial services were held February 13, 2008 at Yoder Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN (where) with burial in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN.

Submitted by: North Goshen Mennonite Church
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Boehnert, Addison Laurin
, 96, of Lyndhurst, Virginia died May 25, 2008 at Stuarts Draft, Virginia.  He was born July 18, 1911 at Ronan, Montana to Gustav A. and Mary Clara (Laurin) Boehnert.  On March 21, 1981 he was married to Lena Nitz Morris, who was born June 4, 1913 and died June 18, 2006. His first wife, Ressie Margaret Harner Boehnert, died August 18, 1978.

Surviving are one grandchild, and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held May 28, 2008 at Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Home, Waynesboro, Virginia with burial in the Springdale Mennonite Church Cemetery, Waynesboro, Virginia.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Nancy L. Stoll, Waynesboro, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Boese, Harold E.
, 82, of Wayland, Iowa died December 18, 2008 at Iowa City, Iowa from heart disease.  He was born May 12, 1926 at Wayland, Iowa to Harris and Eva (Reschly) Boese.  On January 9, 1949 at Wayland, Iowa he was married to Dorothy Roth, who was born July 30, 1928 and survives.

Surviving are children, Dean (Terri) Boese; Kathie (Bill) Grimm; Karen (Mike) Bates; Shirley (Gary) Wade; Annette (Merlin) Boshart; Gary (Marlene) Boese; 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Lucille Schantz.

His parents, a son Keith Boese and a brother, Orie Boese preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held December 22, 2008 at Bethel Mennonite Church Wayland, Iowa with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Brenda Slabaugh, Wayland, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Boettger, Edith Yoder
, 86, of Tofeild died May 27, 2008 at Tofield, Alberta, Canada.  She was born January, 23, 1922 at Tofeild, Alberta to David L. and Lacinda (Stauffer) Yoder.  She was married to Marvin Boettger.

Surviving are three sons, Derril (Wanda), Elwood (Heather), and Jerry (Val),
eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held May 31, 2008 at Salem Mennonite Church, Tofield, Alberta with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Tyler Weber, Camrose, Alberta, Canada
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Boll, Grace Witmer,
86, of Landis Homes, Lititz, PA died October 15, 2008 at The Heart of Lancaster Hospital, Lititz, PA. She was born in West Earl Twp. Lancaster Co., PA, to David K. and Amelia (Bollinger) Witmer. She was the wife of John H. Boll of Landis Homes.

A member of Metzler's Mennonite Church of Ephrata, PA. Surviving in addition to her husband are three stepdaughters, E. Lorraine wife of Walter H. Shirk of New Holland, PA; Mabel Jean wife of Dennis E. Baum of Manheim, PA; Lois M. wife of William B. Stauffer of Liberal, MO; two stepsons, J. Nevin husband of Mary (Stoltzfus) Boll of Lititz, PA; Jay H. husband of Lois (Ginder) Boll of Mt Joy, PA; seven step-grandchildren; 21 step-great grandchildren; two sisters, Katie Martin of Lititz, Barbara Hershey-Baxter of Manheim, PA; and a brother-in-law, Mahlon Detweiler of Myerstown, PA. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd Witmer, two sisters, Emma Martin and Alma Detweiler, and an infant sister, Amelia Witmer.

Funeral service was October 21, 2008 at West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes Retirement Community, Lititz, PA with Richard Buch, Nevin Horning, and Nelson W. Martin officiating. Interment was at Hernley Mennonite Cemetery, Manheim, PA  
Source: Lancaster OnLine  October 17, 2008
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH



Bontrager, Albert C.
, 88, of Nappanee, IN died March 11, 2008 at Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, IN after a sudden illness.  He was born September 9, 1919 at Yoder, Kansas  to Henry and Clara (Schrock) Bontrager.  On May 1, 1943 in Wakarusa, IN he was married to Vivian Celia Blosser, who was born December 18 1924 and died August 24, 2006.

Surviving are children, Phillip (Marlene) Bontrager, Duane (Peggy) Bontrager,
Kevin (Sherry) Bontrager, 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, three brothers. Harvey Bontrager, Rudy Bontrager, and Floyd Bontrager, and a sister, Barbara Bontrager.

A daughter-in-law, Sheryl Bontrager, granddaughter, Lori Bontrager, a brother, Jonas Bontrager, and three sisters, Esther Bontrager, Susan Kauffman, and Elizabeth Bontrager preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held March 14, 2003 at Holdeman Mennonite Church, Wakarusa, Indiana with burial in the Olive Cemetery, Elkhart, IN.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Loretta Newcomer
Holdeman Mennonite Church, Wakarusa, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Bontrager, Charlotte Ruth Miller
, 74, of Elkhart, IN died April 12, 2008, at Hubbard Hill Estates. She was born in Elkhart on August 27, 1933, to Joni and Charlotte (Kauffman) Miller. She married Marion Bontrager in Sturgis, Michigan on November 2, 1952.

She was a member of the Belmont Mennonite Church.

Survived by her husband, a daughter, Jolene (Dick) Lehman of Elkhart, IN; a son, Robert (Beth) Bontrager of Corvallis, OR; and five grandchildren, Scott and Brent Lehman and Jesse, Erin and Kevin Bontrager.

Preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Miller Bontrager and Dorothy Miller Hochstetler; and three brothers, Alfred, Rollin and Walter Miller.

A memorial service was April 16, 2008, at Belmont Mennonite Church, Elkhart, IN. Rev. Willard Swartley and Pastor Larry Rohrer will officiate. A private family burial was in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, IN.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, IN
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Bontrager, Gideon J.,
86, of Goshen, IN died September 23, 2008, at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born in Goshen on September 5, 1922, to Jacob and Fannie (Schrock) Bontrager. His wife was Verna Chupp married on February 3, 1949 in Nappanee, IN

He was a member of the Mount Joy Mennonite Church, Goshen. He did his CPS in Hill City, South Dakota. He volunteered at MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service).

Survived by his wife, Verna; a daughter, Karen (Bert) Stutzman of Goshen, IN; three sons, Larry G. (Norma) Bontrager of Middlebury, IN; Gene A. (Cinde) Bontrager of Goshen, IN; and James W. (Kris) Bontrager of Winona Lake, IN; eight grandchildren; and sisters, Viola (Crist) Gingerich of Shipshewana, IN and Ida Helmuth of Goshen, IN.

Preceded in death by a son, Paul L. Bontrager; two sisters, Clara Gingerich and Laura Ropp; and five brothers, Simon, Ezra, Lloyd, Daniel and Elam Bontrager.

Funeral service was September 26, 2008 at Mount Joy Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN Pastor Ben Shirk and cousin Marion Bontrager will officiate. Burial was in Clinton Union Cemetery, Goshen, IN.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, IN.
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Bontrager, Ora C
., 85, of Goshen died June 15, 2008 at Goshen, Indiana after an extended illness.  He was born June 21, 1922 in LaGrange County, Indiana to Christian and Mary Ann (Miller) Bontrager.  On August 10, 1962 in Elkhart
County, Indiana he was married to Katie Eash, who was born November 30, 1931 and survives. His first wife, Anna Kauffman, died October 31, 1961.

Surviving are a daughter, Deloris (Doug) Hostetler, Topeka, IN, a son, DeWayne (Sarah) Bontrager, Topeka, IN, five grandchildren, and a sister, Alice Bontrager, Topeka, IN.

Two sisters, Elizabeth Yoder and Inah Hochstetler preceded him in death.

Ora worked as the manager for Tools Unlimited, Honeyville, IN and was the
owner/operator of Bontrager Plumbing and Heating from 1960-1975 and owner of Bontrager Hardware from 1965-1975.  He later drove school bus for the Westview School Corporation.  He was former president of Shipshewana Town Board.

Memorial services were held June 18, 2008 at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen, Elkhart County Indiana with burial in Miller Cemetery, Elkhart County, Indiana.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Karen Troyer, Secretary
Clinton Frame Mennonite church, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Bontrager, Perry M.
, 83 of Kalona, Iowa died August 25, 2008. He was born February 5, 1925 in Buchanan Co., Iowa to Menno JS and Fannie (Yoder) Bontrager. In 1944 Perry served in the Civilian Public Service in Terry, Montana and later traveled to Greece on a cattle ship. On January 26, 1947 Perry married Mabel Miller they have six children. Perry was baptized in his youth in the Old Order Amish Church. After his marriage he transferred his membership to Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church.

Survived by his wife, Mabel, and children, Miriam (Dave) Miller, Riverside, IA; Ruth (Paul) Hershberger, Kalona, IA; Dan (Gloria) Bontrager, Iowa City, IA; Lois (Marc) Plank, Wellman, IA; Dave (Mary) Bontrager, Iowa City, IA and Steve (Peggy) Bontrager, Tulsa , OK, sisters, Lovina Miller and Suvilla (Joseph) Hershberger, all of Kalona, IA and Edna Yoder and Esther Tate, both of Iowa City, IA and brother, Joe (Betty) Bontrager, Fresno, CA. 17 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, numerous cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, Amos and Clarence, two brothers-in-law, Ruben M Miller and Earl M. Yoder, two nephews, Phillip Hershberger and Marvin Miller and great grandsons, Boston and Kai Hershberger.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was August 28, 2008 at Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church, Kalona, IA officiating was Pastor Elmer Miller. Interment was in the East Union Cemetery, Kalona, Iowa

Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona, IA
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Borgendale, Rosalie Ruth Schroeder
, 80, of Wamego, KS died May 13, 2008 at Wamego, Pottawatomie Co., KS.  She was born February 24, 1928 at Newton, Harvey Co., KS to Jacob I. and Anna M. (Peters) Schroeder.  On August 10, 1952 at Newton, KS she was married to Llewellyn V. Borgendale.

Surviving are children, Jerry Borgendale; Kevin Borgendale and wife Lourdes; Patty Vishnefske and husband Mark, seven grandchildren, and a brother, Vernon Schroeder.

A son, Lou, Jr.; a daughter, Carol Hill, two brothers, Arnold Schroeder and Arthur Schroeder; and two sisters, Louise Schroeder and Florence Schroeder preceded her in death.

Rosalie Schroeder Borgendale graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1952
from St. Francis School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas.

Memorial services were held May 17, 2008 at Bernard's Catholic Church, Wamego, Pottawatomie, Co., KS with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Submitted by: Kathy Kajinami, McPherson, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Borntreger, Emma Frey
, 87, died July 9, 2008 at Affinity Medical Center [Masillon, OH] following a brief illness.  She was born April 16, 1921 at Plain City, OH.  She was married to Adam Borntreger, who is deceased.

Surviving are a daughter, Betty Weber of Wilmot; two step children, Bertha (Bill) Gingerich of Burton; Basil (Eva) Borntreger of Oregon; two grandchildren, numberous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, four sisters, Sue Miller of Hartville, Ellen Shmidtt-Frey of Sarasota, FL, Dena Miller of Mifflinburg, PA, Mayrann (Jonas) Yoder of Jamesport, MO.

A daughter Edna Faye Miller, a son, Robert E. Miller, sisters, Amanda Hutchins, and Katie Miller, brothers, Andy, Ben Freeman and Simon Frey preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held July 12, 2008 at Longenecker Mennonite Church, Dundee, Ohio with burial in Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, Ohio.

Submitted by: Lori Wengerd
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

 -----------------

Borntreger, Emma Frey Miller

Born in Plain City, OH on Apr. 16, 1921 - Departed on Jul. 9, 2008 and resided in Apple Creek, OH. 

Visitation: Friday, Jul. 11, 2008 
Service: Saturday, Jul. 12, 2008 
Cemetery: Berlin Cemetery 

Emma F. Borntreger, 87, a resident of Brewster Parke and formerly of Apple Creek, died Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Affinity Medical Center, Doctors Campus following a brief illness.

She was born in Plain City on April 16, 1921 to Samuel B. and Dinah (Kurtz) Frey and had lived in Burton for 39 years prior to moving to Apple Creek. She was a member of the Longenecker Mennonite Church and had previously worked at Country Lawn Nursing Home and retired from Winesburg Elementary as a cook in 1997.

She is survived by a daughter, Betty Weber of Wilmot; two step children, Bertha (Bill) Gingerich of Burton and Basil (Eva) Borntreger of Oregon; two grandchildren and numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; four sisters, Sue Miller of Hartville, Ellen Shmidtt-Frey of Sarasota, FL, Dena Miller of Mifflinburg, PA and Maryann (Jonas) Yoder of Jamesport, MO.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Andrew Miller and Adam Borntreger; a daughter, Edna Faye Miller; a son, Robert E. Miller; sisters, Amanda Hutchins and Katie Miller; and brothers, Andy, Ben, Freeman and Simon Frey.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Longenecker Mennonite Church near Winesburg with Pastor Dennis Hostetler officiating. Burial will be in the Berlin Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 PM at the Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton or one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

Spidell Funeral Home,Brewster, OH
Submitted by: Eva Borntreger, Lebanon, OR



Brady, Christine Lynn Butts
, 55, of Reedley, CA died March 1, 2008 at Reedley, CA from cancer. She was born February 3, 1953 at Dinuba, CA to Merle Richard and Madie (Neufeld) Butts.  Merle was born January 24, 1927 and died December 31, 2004.  Madie was born December 3, 1928 and survives.

She was married to Chris Brady.

Surviving are children, Kelly, Ann (Rudy) Aceves, Katie, two grandchildren, a sister, Donna Freidenber, and a brother, Jeff.

Memorial services were held March 11, 2008 at Sierra View Homes, Reedley, CA with burial in Reedley Cemetery, Reedley, CA.

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


Brandt, Ruth Emma Enns
, 95, of Hutchinson died April 15, 2008 at Hutchinson, KS.  She was born August 9, 1912 at Goessel, KS  to Pete and Emma (Thurman) Enns.  She was married to Elmer  Brandt.  She was first married on March 22, 1936 to Alfred Fischer.

Surviving are children, Darrell D and Claire Fischer, Merle I. Fischer, Dennis O. and Janet Fischer, Loren and Leona Brandt, Judy and Abram Schmidt, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Ella Kroeder and Lynda Schmidt.

A daughter, Eileen preceded him/her in death.

Memorial services were held April 21, 2008 at Tabor Mennonite Church, Goessel, Kansas with burial in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS.

She was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Kim Funk
Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Brenneman, Eva Lavern Yoder
, 88, of Kalona, Iowa died November 25, 2008 at Kalona, Washington County, Iowa from natural causes.  She was born August 11, 1920 at Frytown, Washington County, Iowa to Eli and Esther (Brenneman) Yoder.  On June 2, 1940 at Riverside, Washington County, Iowa she was married to Elwyn Brenneman, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Jeanette and Bob Bulechek; Charlene and Gary Mullet; Larry and Kathy Brenneman; Debbie and Don Birky; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Wilbur Yoder and Raymond and Doris Yoder, and two sisters, Luella Yoder and Verna Gingerich.

Five brothers, Ivan Yoder, Lyle Yoder, Marvin Yoder, Duane Yoder, and Calvin Yoder preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held November 29, 2008 at Kalona Mennonite Church, Kalona, Iowa with burial in East Union Cemetery, Kalona, Iowa.

Submitted by: Bonnie Pickard, Kalona, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin




Brenneman, Virgil J.
, 86, of Goshen, IN died at his home June 10, 2008. He was born in Kalona, IA, on November 27, 1921, to Ephraim and Anna (Christner) Brenneman. He married Helen Good on November 3, 1946 in Amsterdam, Holland. She preceded him in death on January 13, 1994. Mr. Brenneman moved to Goshen coming from Iowa City, Iowa. A pastor, Mr. Brenneman pastored for seven years in Iowa City, IA. In 1959 moved to Goshen, IN to serve as the first pastor of Waterford Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN from 1959 to 1962. He then worked for Mennonite Board of Missions in student and young adult services from 1962 to 1974. A member of Assembly Mennonite Church.

Survived by two daughters, Tobi (Joe) Goldfus of Frederick, MD, and Beki (Carl) Denman of Indianapolis, IN; two sons, Don (Tana) Brenneman of San Francisco, CA and John Brenneman of Goshen, IN; a foster daughter, Loretta (Jack) Birky of Elmira, OR; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Milford Brenneman of Anaheim, CA, and Ivan Brenneman of Marine, CA; and three sisters, Jane Miller of Kalona, IA; Mary Gingerich of Nashwauk, MN, and Mildred Yoder of Donnellson, IA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and three brothers, David, Gaylord and Evan Brenneman.

A memorial service was June 14, 2008, at Assembly Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN. Pastors Mary Lehman Yoder and Lois Kaufmann will officiate. A private family burial service was prior to the memorial service.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, IN.
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Brenner, William E.
, 84, of Wooster died May 18, 2008 at Wooster, Wayne Co., OH.  He was born October 9, 1923 at Wadsworth, Summit Co., OH to Herman and Erma (Brenneman) Brenner.  On December 6, 1997 at Smithville, Wayne Co., OH he was married to Ida Mae McFadden (Yoder), who was born May 14, 1918 and survives.

His first wife, Ruth L. Hartzler, whom he married January 5, 1945 died April
30, 1994.  His second wife, Edna Nussbaum died shortly after their marriage.

Surviving are children, Marlin (Ann) Brenner, Marla (Robert) Mast and Marian (Rex) Beeler, six grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren, and siblings: Bernice (Dallas) Nussbaum, Eileen (LaVern) Horst, Donna (Henry) Gable and Ellen (Marion) Steiner.

 Two sisters, Buelah (Ira) Diller and Mariam (Charles) Jeanneret preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held May 22, 2008 at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, Smithville, Wayne Co., OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Carol Phillimore, Smithville, Ohio
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Britsch, Irene M. Wyse


September 10, 1914 - May 31, 2008

Irene M. Wyse was born September 10, 1914 to William M. and Dinah (Roth) Wyse near Archbold, Ohio.  She began working at the Archbold Ladder Factory as a teenager and later enjoyed the friendship of Olen Britsch who worked in the office at the factory.  They were married November 25, 1937 in a ceremony following the Thanksgiving Day worship service at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH.  A daughter, Maretta, was born in 1942 and a son, Calvin, in 1947.

Irene and Maretta moved to Sarasota, Florida in August, 1943 and lived with her sister Stella and Henry Crossgrove while Olen was in a Civilian Public Service camp at Sidling Hill, PA.  Irene worked in the celery fields for Henry.  In the fall of 1944 she, Olen and Maretta moved to Malcolm, NE where Olen was the business manager for a CPS camp.  They returned to Archbold in April 1946.

She was a homemaker as she raised their children, enjoying gardening, reading, quilting, entertaining and volunteering.  She kept a notebook, listing the books she read, starting in 1953 until recent years when her failing eyesight prevented her from reading.  She read through the Bible every year, using various translations.  Many Sunday afternoons were spent writing letters to friends and missionaries.  During her adult years, Irene often taught Summer Bible School and Sunday School to children and adults, primarily at Bancroft Mennonite Church (now Toledo Mennonite) where she and Olen attended for over 30 years.

Her volunteer work benefited many organizations, including Fulton County Health Center, Meals on Wheels, Bancroft Mennonite Church, Zion Mennonite Church, Fulton County Cancer Society, Fairlawn Haven, Little Eden Camp and the Gideons.  Besides her volunteer work, she and Olen generously supported Mennonite organizations, especially Mennonite Education Agency, Mennonite Central Committee, and Mennonite Mission Network.

Irene enjoyed exercise, sometimes walking as much as five miles a day.  She was an avid Scrabble player and enjoyed playing board games with her children and grandchildren.  She also enjoyed travel, taking trips to Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Canada, Puerto Rico, the British Isles and Hawaii.  Many of these trips were related to Olen's involvement in MEDA.  She and Olen enjoyed visiting their children in Pennsylvania and Colorado.  After Olen died in 1978, Cal and Cheryl moved to Archbold and Irene frequently visited her daughter's family in Colorado.

Music was an important part of her life.  She listened to classical music on records and radio throughout the years as well as attending many concerts, especially the Toledo Symphony and the Zion Mennonite Church Choir.

As a mother and grandmother she prayed for her son, Calvin (Cheryl), daughter Maretta (Arlin) Buller, and grandchildren, Andrea (Jason) Golden, Anthony (Farrell) Buller, Ryan Britsch, Kari Britsch, and Matthew Britsch.

Her only brother, Wilbur, preceded her in death.   Surviving are sisters Stella Crossgrove, Lucille Crossgrove, Marjorie (Lester) Nafziger, and Lodema Nafziger.  Sisters-in-law are Lorraine Wyse, Meredith Beck, and Doris Britsch.  She appreciated the wonderful care she received the last four years at Fairlawn Haven and considered the staff among her friends.

Irene's burial took place at the Pettisville Cemetery prior to this Memorial Service at Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio. 
Pastors: Sherm Kauffman and Mona Sauder..
Organist/Pianist:    Jim Sauder
Song Leader: Cheryl Britsch
Trumpeter:     Arlin Buller
Submitted by granddaughter: Andrea Kristine Buller Golden
--------------------------

Britsch, Irene M. Wyse, 93, of Archbold died May 31, 2008 at Archbold, Fulton County, Ohio from colitis as a consequence of clostridium difficile. 

She was born September 10, 1914 near Archbold to William M. and Dinah J. (Roth) Wyse.  William was born June 30, 1890 and died September 17, 1976.  Dinah was born July 28, 1893 and died October 1, 1984.

On November 25, 1937 at Archbold she was married to Olen L. Britsch, who was born November 7, 1915 and died November 11, 1978.

Surviving are children, Maretta (Arlin) Buller, Calvin (Cheryl) Britsch, five grandchildren, four sisters, Stella Crossgrove, Lucille Crossgrove, Marjorie (Lester) Nafziger, and Lodema Nafziger.

A brother, Wilbur M. Wyse preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held June 3, 2008 at Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH  with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, Fulton County, Ohio.

Submitted by: Daughter, Maretta Buller, North Newton, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Broach, Judy Elaine Wilhelm


Judy Elaine Broach, 46, of Tuscola, formerly of Arthur, passed away at 4:18 p.m. on Sunday, February 10, 2008, at her residence.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, February 15, at Hilligoss-Shrader Funeral Home in Tuscola with Rev. Kathy Murphy officiating. Visitation was held prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Burial was in Tuscola Township Cemetery in Tuscola.

Mrs. Broach was born October 16, 1961, in Tuscola. She was the daughter of George and Freda Beachy Wilhelm. She married Anthony J. Broach July 15, 1995, in Beaufort, South Carolina. He survives.

Other survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Renee Elam and significant other, Jason Elder of Tuscola; a son, Jacob P McDowell and wife Alicia of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters, JoAnn Maquet and husband Bill of St. John's, Arizona, and Janet Dehart and significant other John Troutt of Mattoon; a grandson, Spencer E., Elder; and two nephews, Rob Dehart of Tuscola and Brad Dehart of Arthur.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jesse Wilhelm.

Mrs. Broach worked as a cook at Tuscola Health Care Center for 14 years.

Memorials were suggested to Sarah Bush Lincoln Cancer Center or Lincolnland Hospice.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.ligossshraderfh.com.

From: Arthur Graphic-Clarion, Arthur, IL, Thurs., February 21, 2008
Submitted by: Liz Kauffman, Arcola, IL
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Brubacher, Richard A.
, 84, of Kalona, Iowa died July 4, 2008 at Kalona, Washington County, Iowa from natural causes.  He was born May 3, 1924 at Baczow, Poland to Alfred and Adek (Orth) Brubacher.  On September 9, 1950 at Black Creek, British Columbia, Canada he was married to Maria Willer.

Memorial services were held July 8, 2008 at Kalona Mennonite Church, Kalona, IA
with burial in Sharon Hill Cemetery Kalona, IA.
Submitted by: Bonnie Pickard, Kalona, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Brubacher, Mary S.
, 63, of 224 Reading Rd., East Earl, died Monday, May 19, 2008 at home.

Born in Brecknock Twp., she was the daughter of Lydia M. (Shirk) Brubacher of Narvon and the late Jesse K. Brubacher.

Mary was employed in the bakery at Shady Maple Farm Market for more than 30 years.

She was a member of Spring Grove Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by nine siblings: Ivan S. married to Elva (Shirk) Brubacher, Narvon; Annie S. Brubacher, Narvon; Jesse married to Anna (Nolt) Brubacher, Denver; Mabel S. married to Isaac Martin, Newville; Reuben S. married to Mabel (Martin) Brubacher, Narvon; Benjamin S. married to Joanne (Stauffer) Brubacher, Mohnton; Eva S. married to Henry Stauffer, New Holland; Naomi S. married to Irvin Brubaker, Narvon and Vera S. married to
Aaron Martin, Cerulean, KY.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Bertha Brubacher.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, May 23, at 9 AM at the home of Irvin Brubaker, 834 Lambert Rd., Narvon with further services at 9:30 AM at Bowmansville Mennonite Church with Bishop Titus Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held at the Irvin Brubaker home on Thursday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. Kindly omit flowers. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements.

Intelligencer Journal - 5/21/2008
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish
 


Brubacher, Melvin M.


BRUBACHER, Melvin M. - Peacefully, on Friday, March 7, 2008, at his home, RR 1, St. Clements, Melvin M. Brubacher, in his 90th year.

Father of Harvey and Viola Brubacher of RR 1, Wallenstein, Salome and Noah Brubacher of RR 3, Wallenstein, Elmer and Mary Brubacher of RR 2, Drayton. Step-father of Elam and Nancy Martin of RR 1, Mount Forest, Lizzie and Allan Wideman of RR 1, St. Clements, Martha and Aaron Jantzi of Milverton, Mary and Edgar Brubacher of RR 3, Harriston. Also survived by 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; 22 step-grandchildren and 22 step-great-grandchildren; two brothers; three sisters; one step-brother and one step-sister.

Predeceased by his first wife, Leah Martin (1995); his second wife, Mary Ann Martin (2005); his parents, Israel and Mary Brubacher; his step-mother, Magdalena Reist; three sisters and two step-great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the home of Allan Wideman, RR 1, St. Clements on Saturday, March 8 (today) from 1-5 p.m. Transfer will then be made to the home of Noah Brubacher, RR 3, Wallenstein for visitation on Sunday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. where funeral service will be held on Monday morning at 9 a.m. then to the South Peel Mennonite Meeting House for further service and burial in the adjoining cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.
Waterloo Record - 3/8/2008
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Submitted by: Robert Fisher



Brubacher, Vera Faye Culp

Born May 15, 1922 Died November 3, 2008

Vera Faye Culp was born on May 15, 1922 to Oliver and Lottie (Bixler) Culp at their home on CR 44, east of CR 11. Vera was the youngest child with three older siblings, Esther, Ruth, and Lloyd. Vera attended Miller's one-room school for all eight grades, walking 3'/z miles to school each day. Vera attended Yellow Creek Mennonite Church from birth and was baptized on April 12, 1936 at age 14. She began teaching Sunday School at the age of 18, teaching first graders, then three year olds for 37 years, touching the lives of approximately 400 children before retiring in 1977. She was also very active in Women's Sewing and Mennonite Women, cutting squares for comforters and binding all the quilts until her eyesight diminished a few years ago. She also volunteered at World Missionary Press and enjoyed the Golden Heirs group in Wakarusa.

Vera was employed at Smoler's dress factory in Elkhart as a buttonholer for 35 years.

In 1963, Vera had a house built on County Road 7 near SR 119 where she lived with her mother until her marriage to widower and neighbor, Sidney K. Brubacher on November 4, 1977. Vera became an instant mother with two step-sons: Levon Brubacher, married to Mary Ellen (Flora) who lives on CR 7 and Randy Brubacher, who lives in Warsaw, IN. Vera and Sidney had four grandsons and eight great grandchildren.

Vera enjoyed sewing, reading, traveling and collecting colored glass and babysitting. After Sidney died on February 3, 1999, she lived alone in her home and was rarely home due to her love of people and activity. As her health declined, she remained in her home with the help of family and neighbors until her recent illness.

Vera peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning, November 3rd at 7:25 am at Miller's Senior Living Center's Rehabilitation Unit in Wakarusa following a brief illness. She was 86 years young.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney, her parents, Oliver and Lottie Culp, her sisters Esther Stickel and Ruth Bauman, and her brother Lloyd B. Culp.

She is survived by her step sons Lavon and Randy Brubacher, four step grandsons, Kevin, Kenton, Kamron and Kraig Brubacher and eight step great grandchildren. She is also survived by two nieces, Deloris Jones and Marilyn Truex, four nephews, Lee Bauman (Julia), Ron Bauman (Kay), Arden Stickel and Steve Stickel as well as 19 great nieces and nephews, 18 great great nieces and nephews and 6 great great great nieces and nephews.

Vera will be remembered for her cheerful spirit, her love of God and the church, her love for her family, and the Wakarusa community. Vera would say, "I look forward to getting up every day to see what that day will bring." She truly walked by faith and not by sight.

Written and read by Rev. Katie Cunningham Pastor of Visitation and Senior Care
Yellow Creek Mennonite Church November 6, 2008



Brubacker, Aaron S.


PORT TREVORTON - Aaron S. Brubacker, 67, passed away on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at his residence.

He was born May 12, 1941, in Ephrata Township, Lancaster County, a son of the late Aaron A. and Rebecca W. (Sensenig) Brubacker. On Dec. 30, 1961, he married the former Lena S. Stauffer who survives. His passing breaks a marital union of 46 years.  He attended school in Lancaster County.

Mr. Brubaker was a former employee of Agri Inc., Lancaster County and was later engaged in farming. Following his retirement he had his own woodcraft shop.

He was a member of (Stauffer's) Riverview Mennonite Church, Liverpool.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 13 children and their spouses, Vernon S. and Cheryl Brubacker of Homer City, Kevin S. and Elizabeth Brubacker, and Nelson S. and Gloria Brubacker, all of Lyndonville, N.Y., Wayne S. and Beth Brubacker of Homer City, Amon S. and Mary Brubacker of Selinsgrove, Lamar S. and Mabel Brubacker of Liverpool, Glen S. and Charlotte Brubacker of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Philip S. and Lavina Brubacker, Joann S. Brubacker, Janice S. Stauffer wife of Ray, and Doreen S. Brubacker, all of Port Trevorton, Joyce S. Stauffer wife of Jeffrey of Homer City, and Carol S. Weaver wife of Brandon of Port Trevorton; 44 grandchildren; three brothers and one sister-in-law, Amon S. Brubacker, Titus S. Brubacker, and Luke S. and Ida Ann Brubacker, and one sister and brother-in-law, Anna S. Martin wife of Clarence, all of Ephrata; three sisters-in-law, Elsie Brubacker of Myerstown, Eva Brubacker of Port Trevorton, and Mary Brubacker of Mt. Pleasant Mills.

He was preceded by one grandson, Cleason Brubacker, five brothers, Harvey S., Leroy S., Amos S. Phares S. and Rufus S. Brubacker, and two sisters, Martha S. Martin and Katie S. Gehman.

Family and friends are invited to Mr. Brubacker's home at 369 Flanders Road, Port Trevorton from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, for the visitation. Further services will be at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the residence and will continue at 9 a.m. at (Stauffer's) Riverview Mennonite Church, Old Trail and Oriental Road, Liverpool.  Burial will be made in the adjoining church cemetery.

The George P. Garman Funeral Homes, Inc., 9366 Route 35, Mt. Pleasant Mills, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Sunbury Daily Item - 12/24/2008
Sunbury, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Brubaker, Alma R. Graybill
, 84, of McAlisterville, PA died October 27, 2008 at Lewistown Hospital. Born November 26, 1923, in Walker Twp., Juniata Co., PA, to Ira and Lucy (Brubaker) Graybill. Her husband of nearly 64 years, Paul S. Brubaker, whom she married on December 10, 1944. She was a member of the Lost Creek Mennonite Church, Oakland Mills, PA

Survived by her husband Paul and her children: Dorothy Yoder and her husband John, of Mill Creek, Dwain Brubaker and his wife Peggy, of Mifflintown, Kathy Brown and her husband Dave, of Greencastle, Ray Brubaker and his wife Phyllis, of McAlisterville, Marvin Brubaker and his wife Jan, of Harrisburg; one brother, Chester Graybill and his wife Ruth, of Soudertown; two sisters, Ethel Brubaker and her husband Darwin, of Mifflintown and Ester Peachy and her husband, Leonard, of Belleville; and she leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Richard Brubaker, a sister Anna Saner and a brother, Wilbur Graybil.

Funeral services was October 31, 2008 from the Lost Creek Mennonite Church, Oakland Mills with Pastor Roy Brubaker officiating. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery.

Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., McAlisterville, PA
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Brubaker, Anna E.
, 79, of Locust Grove Retirement Village December 29, 2008. She was born July 6, 1929, at Center, Walker Twp., Juniata Co., PA to Mahlin H. Brubaker and Elizabeth (Moyer) Brubaker. She lived her entire life in Juniata County, including 65 years in the McAlisterville area. Anna was a member of the Living Water Christian Fellowship, Mifflin, PA

Several cousins survive her. She was the last of her immediate family

Anna has been preceded in death by two sisters and one brother, Emma M. (Brubaker) Hower in October 1985, Florence M. Brubaker in August 2008, and an infant brother in April 1924.

Funeral service was December 31, 2008, from the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., McAlisterville with Rev. Gary Krabill officiating. Interment was in the Lost Creek Mennonite Cemetery, Oakland Mills.

Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., McAlisterville, PA
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Brubaker, Betty J. Eberly
, 83, of Ship Bottom, NJ, (formerly of Akron) entered into rest at her NJ residence on Thursday, February 28, 2008.

Born in Lancaster, she was a daughter of the late John and Catherine (Horn) Eberly. She was the wife of Arthur P. Brubaker. They had recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

In 1973, Betty and her husband moved to New Jersey.

Betty was a member of the former Ship Bottom Union Church. She worked as a waitress for the former D&B Diner in Ephrata and the Akron Restaurant as well as several restaurants in NJ. She enjoyed visiting the casinos.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons, Richard Brubaker, DE and Robert Brubaker of New Orleans, LA, two grandchildren, Heidi Brubaker, and Dana Brubaker, and one great-grandchild, Kyah Eisbrudener.

She was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the Stradling Funeral Home, 30 N. 9th Street, Akron, with Rev. Earl M. Sensenig officiating. Interment will follow in the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

A viewing will be held one hour prior to services on Wednesday.  Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata
Intelligencer Journal - 3/1/2008
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Brubaker, Eva Z. Martin


MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS - Eva Z. Brubaker, 80, of Mount Pleasant Mills, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2008, at her residence; she was the wife of the late Paul S. Brubaker.

Eva was born on Dec. 18, 1927, in New Holland, a daughter of the late Weaver and Mary (Zimmerman) Martin.

She was a member of Chapman Old Order Mennonite Church, Port Trevorton.

Mrs. Brubaker is survived by her 12 children and spouses; Earl and Dorothy Brubaker of Port Trevorton; Lester and Ruth Brubaker of Scottsville, Ken.; Marvin and Eva Brubaker of Port Trevorton; Norman and Janet Brubaker of Mount Pleasant Mills; Melvin and Ellen Brubaker of Port Trevorton; Edwin and Virginia Brubaker of Mount Pleasant Mills, Carl and Lavonna Brubaker of Port Trevorton; Gladys Stauffer of Mount Pleasant Mills and Leon Stauffer of Mount Pleasant Mills; Elsie Brubaker of Mount Pleasant Mills; Ada Brubaker of Port Trevorton; Alice Martin wife of Ethan of Port Trevorton, and Mary Brubaker of Mount Pleasant Mills; 98 grandchildren; 60 great grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Martin, Lloyd Martin husband of Florence, all of New Holland; two sisters, Fannie Hoover wife of Titus of Port Trevorton, and Anna Wenger wife of James of Liverpool; nieces; and nephews.

Eva was preceded by two children in infancy; two grandsons; three brothers; and three sisters.

Family and friends are invited from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday to the home of her daughters Elsie and Mary Brubaker at 435 Clark Hill Road, Mount Pleasant Mills. Services will be at noon on Monday from the daughters' residence with further services at 1:15 p.m. Monday at Chapman Old Order Mennonite Church Blackwoods Road, Port Trevorton.  Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

The George P. Garman Funeral Homes Inc., 9366 Rt. 35 Mount Pleasant Mills entrusted with the arrangements.
Sunbury Daily Item - 7/5/2008
Sunbury, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Brubaker, George B.


Preacher George B. Brubaker, 88, of 520 Sheridan Rd, Womelsdorf, died Friday, September 5, 2008 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. He was the husband of Susie B. Horst Brubaker with whom he was married to for 67 years.

He was born July 16, 1920 in Myerstown, a son of the late Levi and Leah Bauman Brubaker. He was a farmer and later in life he was employed for 18 years at Rigidply Rafters Inc., Richland. George was a member of the Martin's Mennonite Church of the Weaverland Conference where he served as a preacher for 42 years.

Surviving in addition to his wife are sons, Earl E. husband of Minerva Martin Brubaker, Loysville; Mervin Lee husband of Rhoda Shirk Brubaker, Womelsdorf; George Jr. husband of Rebecca F. Hoover Brubaker, Landisburg; daughters Lena Mae wife of Allen Weaver, Anna Mary wife of Marvin H. Hoover and Sarah Ellen wife of Melvin N. Zimmerman, all of Womelsdorf; Arlene H. wife of Walter Horst, Newmanstown; Joan H. wife of Reuben O. Martin, Myerstown; Susan Jane wife of Daniel L. Horst, Ephrata; 58 grandchildren; 171 great grandchildren; sister Lena wife of Harold Fox, East Earl. He was preceded in death by brothers Harry, Alvin, Allen and William Brubaker; sisters Nancy Miller, Mabel Kilmer and Eva Beiler.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9:30 AM in the Martin's Mennonite Church, Church Road, Womelsdorf. Friends may call on Tuesday from 1 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Fairview Mennonite Reception Center, Jackson Road, Lebanon. PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS. Clauser Funeral Home, Inc., is handling the arrangements.
wers. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata.
Intelligencer Journal - 9/8/2008
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Brubaker, Nora Stauffer


Nora Stauffer Brubaker, of Ephrata, died on Friday, November 7, 2008 at Ephrata Manor. She was the wife of Amon Sensenig Brubaker for 60 years.  Born in Ephrata Township, Lancaster County, she was the daughter of the late Frank Stauffer and Barbara Stauffer Stauffer.

Nora was a member of the Mohler Church of the Brethren in Ephrata, where she taught Sunday School in her earlier years. She enjoyed flower gardening, reading and hiking.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons: Gene L., husband of Donna (Fry) Brubaker of Petersburg, PA, Kurtis L., husband of LuAnn (Stull)
Brubaker of Denver, PA and Randall K., husband of Ann Marie (Hetrick) Brubaker of Narvon, PA; two daughters: Gloria F., wife of Roy Kunkle of Mohnton, PA and Anita K., wife of Daniel Ellenberger, of Stevens, PA; 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Thomas Stauffer of Reamstown, PA and Calvin Stauffer of Port Trevorton PA; and four sisters: Barbara Zimmerman of Lancaster, PA, Lilly Martin of Elkhorn, KY, Maude Auker of Ephrata, PA and Sally Zimmerman, wife of Eli Zimmerman of Missouri.

Nora was preceded in death by two brothers: Frank and Ezra Stauffer, and four sisters: Alice Bauman, Edna Bauman, Della Martin and Amelia Auker.

Friends will be received at Mohler Church of the Brethren, 21 E. Mohler Church Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522 on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and on
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church with the Reverend Glenn Faus officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
Intelligencer Journal - 11/10/2008
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


Brubaker, S. Inez Ressler
, 94, died October 19, 2008, at Orrville Pointe in Orrville., OH

She was born in Nappanee, IN on June 3, 1914 to Joseph L. and Mary (Wenger) Ressler. She was united in marriage to Oren W. Brubaker on June 6, 1937, in North Lawrence, OH. He died on December 30, 1986. She was a member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church She along with her husband, Oren, served as home missionaries.

Survived by sons, Richard Ray (Pamela) Brubaker of Pekin, IL, Earl W. (Shirley) Brubaker of Tacoma, WA, Willard R. (Arlene) Brubaker of Orrville, OH, Glenn M. (Shirley) Brubaker of Cross Hill, SC, and Dennis C. Brubaker of South Point, GA; daughter, Doris J. (Michael) Motte of Waxhaw, NC; 19 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; brothers, Earl (Ruby) Ressler of Alberta, Canada and Ellis (Sadie) Ressler of N. Lawrence, OH; sisters, Dorcas Ross of Kidron, OH, Evelyn (Evan) Taylor of Dalton, OH and Marjorie (Joseph) Kotva of Bedford, OH.

Preceded in death by a daughter, Alice May Schrage, brother, Paul Ressler, and sisters, Edna Brubaker, Mabel Burkhart, Retha Kauffman and Mary Ilene Ressler.

Funeral service was October 23, 2008 at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, with Pastor John Miller officiating. Burial was in Pleasant View Mennonite Cemetery, North Lawrence OH.

Auble Funeral Home, Orrville, OH
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Brubaker Verna H. Martin
, 65, of Colby, WI, died Tuesday April 15 at her home. Burial will be at 9:30 AM Monday, April 21st at Marathon Mennonite Church Cemetery in the town of Frankfort, WI, funeral to follow. Visitation will be from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the home of the deceased.

Verna was born July 14, 1942 in Lancaster County, PA to Henry and Emma Martin. She married Isaac Brubaker on Sept. 28, 1963.

She was preceded in death by her father Henry, brother-in-law Richard and granddaughter Glenda. She is survived by her mother, Emma, her brothers Marvin (Esther) Martin of Rose Center, NY, Alvin (Edna) Martin, Riestville, PA, Lawrence (Vera) Martin, Lebanon, Leroy (Emma) Martin, Denver and sisters Laura (Martin) Groff, Ephrata, Naomi (Peter) Shirk, Denver, Edith (Aaron) Zimmerman, Waterloo, NY, Louella (Isaac) Wenger, New Bloomfield, Mary Ann (Luke) Horning, Newmanstown, Alma (Titus) Martin, Bowmansville, Sarah (Vernon) Good, East Earl,
children David (Edwina) Brubaker, Unity, WI, Ivan (Mary) Brubaker, Shippensburg, Rosanna (Marvin) Martin, Colby, WI, Larry (Marian) Brubaker, Colby, WI, Henry (Esther) Brubaker, Edgar, WI, Harvey (Anna Mary) Brubaker, Glenn (Lorrene) Brubaker, Athens, WI and 45 grandchildren.
 
Intelligencer Journal - 4/18/2008
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Brubaker, William B.
, 82, 940 Church Rd., Wolmesdorf, died Friday, March 21, 2008 in the home of his daughter at 318 Rt. 501 North
Myerstown. He was the husband of the late Esther Z. Martin Brubaker.

He was born in Myerstown on April 3, 1925, son of the late Levi and Leah Bauman Brubaker. He was a retired owner of a bread and store
business and a dairy farmer. He was a member of the Martin Mennonite Church of the Weaverland Conference.

He is survived by sons Leon M. and wife Bonnie Brossman Brubaker, Stoughsburg; Levi Lee and wife Emma Hoover Brubaker, Stevens; Eugene
M. and wife Grace Martin Brubaker, Bernville; Nelson Ray and wife Anna Newswanger Brubaker, Wolmesdorf; daughters: Nancy M., wife of
Ray Zimmerman, Lebanon; Erla May, wife of Clarence Zimmerman, Myerstown; 42 grandchildren; 86 great grandchildren; brother George
and wife Susie Brubaker, Wolmesdorf; sister: Lena, wife of Harold Fox, Terre Hill. He was preceded in death by daughter: Lydia Jane
Brubaker; grandson: Milford Brubaker; brothers: Henry Brubaker, Alvin Brubaker; sisters: Nancy Miller, Mable Kilmer and Eva Beiler.

Funeral service Monday at 9:30 AM, Mt. Zion Mennonite Church, Bethel Twp. Lebanon County. A viewing will be held Sunday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8
PM in the Fairview Mennonite Reception Center, 141 Jackson Rd., Lebanon. Please omit flowers. Interment, Mt. Zion Mennonite Church
Cemetery. The Clauser Funeral Home, Inc., Schaefferstown is in charge of arrangements.
Intelligencer Journal - 3/23/2008
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish



Brunk, Don Wendell
, 72, of Harrisonburg, VA died January 4, 2008 at Harrisonburg, VA.  He was born March 3, 1935 at Harrisonburg, VA to the late Orvin Daniel and Mary (Coakley) Brunk.  On April 14, 1956 he was married to Patricia A. Bremmerman, who was born August 16, 1937 and survives.

Surviving are children, Kenneth J. & Donna Brunk, Alan C. & Patty Brunk, 1 grandson, and 2 step-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two brothers, Gerald L. & Sharon Brunk, and Dale C. & Rachel Brunk.

Memorial services were held January 7, 2008 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA with burial in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, Harrisonburg, VA.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Ann Hensley, Harrisonburg, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Brydge, Rachel Ellinger
, 93, of Lyndhurst, Virginia died December 4, 2008 at Fishersville, Augusta County, Virginia after an extended illness. She was born September 16, 1915 in Augusta County, Virginia.  She was married to Silas W. Brydge.

Surviving are a son, Leonard Lee Brydge, his wife Jean, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild and siblings: Richard Ellinger, J. T. Ellinger, Cartherine Williams and Husband Fred.

A daughter, Karen Joy Brydge Hodge and siblings; Andrew Ellinger, John Ellinger, Donald Ellinger, Larry Ellinger, Wyonna Hodge, Evelyn Craun and Mabel Kiblinger preceded her in death.

A graveside service was held December 9, 2008 at Riverview Cemetary, Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia.

Submitted by: Dennis R. Kuhns
Pastor Lynside Mennonite Church, Lyndhurst, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Buckwalter, Emma B.
89, of Mennonite Home, Lancaster, PA died  July 30, 2008. She was born in East Lampeter Twp, Lancster Co., PA to Enos R. and Maria H. Book Buckwalter. A member of Mellinger Mennonite Church, Lancaster,PA. She is survived by a brother, Enos R. Jr., husband of Anna Buckwalter of Lancaster,PA; two sisters: Miriam B. Buckwalter of Lititz, PA; Elizabeth B. Hess of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; six nephews and five nieces. She was preceded in death by sisters, Anna M. and Alma B. Gehman.
Funeral service was August 2, 2008 at Mellinger Mennonite Church, With burial in the Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.  
Source: Lancaster OnLine, July 31, 2008
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH


Buerge, Dennis,
68, of Indianapolis, IN died May 9, 2008 at Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN from cancer.  He was born July 10, 1939 at Lebanon, OR to Claude and Clysta Buerge.  On June 18, 1966 at Shipshewana, IN he was married to Mildred Joann Miller, who was born April 12, 1940 and survives.

Also surviving are his mother, children, Kevin Buerge, IN; Anissa Haywood (Joey),WI; Karen Hanson (Joshua), OR, four grandchildren, two brothers, James and Del, and a sister, Rhonda Sahlstrom.

His father preceded him in death.

Dennis was an avid gardener and genealogy buff.

Memorial services were held May 17, 2008 at Shalom Mennonite Church, Indianapolis Marion Co., IN with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

He was a member of Mennonite Church USA.
Submitted by: Carol Bixler, Indianapolis, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Burkholder, Anna "Leota" Eash
, 85, of Goshen, IN died early Sunday, March 9, 2008, at The Courtyard of Goshen. She was born in Shipshewana, IN on April 12, 1922, to Sam T. and Katie (Eash) Eash. She married Levi Burkholder on October 18, 1952 at the Griner Mennonite Church. He survives. She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Conservative Mennonite Church.

Survived by her husband, Levi and two sons, Wayne J. (Claris) Burkholder and Dean C. (Rosann) Burkholder, both of Goshen; three grandchildren, Charlotte, Eric and Ashley; and great-granddaughter, Kylie.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Amy Troyer and Elnora Eash and three brothers, Joe, Leon, and Calvin Eash.

Funeral service was March 12, 2008 at the Pleasant Grove Conservative Mennonite Church. Rev. Randall Riegsecker, Rev. Roy Rodes and Rev. Cleo Orendorf will officiate. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Millersburg, IN.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, IN.
Submitted by Leon Hertzler



Burkholder, John H.
, 94, of Ephrata died April 1, 2008 at Fairmount Rest Homes, Ephrata, PA.  He was born November 7, 1913 to Aaron and Maggie (Hostetter)  Burkholder.  On May 7 1938 he was married to Minnie Peachey, died in 2003.

Surviving are children, Donald married to Ruth Ann Frey, Dennis and Derrill, all of New Holland, Dean, married to Pearl Kunkle, Delmar married to Tammy Pannebecker, and a foster daughter, Rita, married to Mervin Sweigart, all of Ephrata,along with seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Twin daughters, Jean and Janet, three sisters, Minnie Reiff, Ada Hoover, and Anna Lied and a brother, Jacob Burkholder preceded him in death.

He was a retired farmer who enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, and a
member of the Ephrata Mennonite Church.

Memorial services were held April 4, 2008 at Fairmount Homes, Ephrata, PA with burial in Martindale Mennonite Cemetery, Martindale, PA.

Submitted by: Wilma Ebersol, Ephrata, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Burky, Lloyd G.
, 92, of Sugarcreek died November 12, 2008 at Millersburg, Holmes Co., OH.  He was born June 2, 1916 at Sugarcreek, Tuscarawas Co., OH to Jacob and Esther (Wyss) Burky.  On May 3, 1947 he was married to Glendora Burky, who died September 10, 2007.

Surviving are son, Bruce (Bobbi) Burky; son Doug Burky; daughter, Lois Hochstetler, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held November 15, 2008 at Smith-Varns Funeral Home, Sugarcreek, OH with burial in Walnut Creek Mennonite Cemetery, Walnut Creek, Holmes Co., OH.

Submitted by: Gloria Mishler, Walnut Creek, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Byler, Daniel Sanford, 79, of Cortez, Colo., and formerly of Thompsontown, PA died on June 17, 2008, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Robert Martin. Born on Feb. 23, 1929, in Lewistown, Mifflin County, PA to David Henry and Amanda Barbara (Summers) Byler. On Dec. 10, 1949, Dan married Sadie Stella Sharp in Belleville, PA. Dan served as deacon at the Delaware Mennonite Church near Thompsontown from 1963 to 1976 and was a member of Gideon's International.

Surviving are his wife Sadie and nine children: Diane Hilton and her husband, Robert, of Ouray, Colo., Daniel S. Byler and his wife, Lynn, of Anthem, Ariz., Marian Good, and her husband, Luke, of Lancaster, Betty Martinez, and her husband, Gilbert, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Chester Byler, and his wife, Karen, Montrose, Colo., Mabel Tidwell, and her husband, Jim, of Toney, Ala., Nancy Martin, and her husband, Robert, of Cortez, Colo., Darla McNaughton, and her husband, Dean, of Duncannon, and Kevin Byler and his wife, Nicole, of Mechanicsburg; one sister, Lucy Graybill, of Mifflintown; 21 grand-children; and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by three infant grandchildren; one brother, Chester Byler; and one foster sister, Margaret Byler.

Funeral service was June 23, 2008, at the Delaware Mennonite Church, Thompsontown, with the Rev. Glenn D. Hosler and Rev. Linford Good officiating. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery.

Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., McAlisterville, PA.
Submitted by Leon Hertzler


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