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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.

2009  R


  Raber, John Henry;   Ramseyer, Margery L. McFadden;    Ranck, Lester H.;   Reedy, Betty J. Holbert;   Regier, Phyllis Ann Bartel;   Renno, Mildred;     Ressler, Anna Mary LehmanRhodes, Anthony Lawrence;   Rhodes, Charles Lindamood;   Rhodes, Eber Ancil;    Rice, Miranda Lyn Irene;    Rice, Raymond R.;  Richard, Eunice Marie Amstutz;   Richard, Phil L.;   Riegsecker, Lueen Mae Grieser;    Ritter, Elsie Kathryn Witmer;   Roberts, Roy Charles;   Roes, Anna Mae Widrick ; . . Rogalsky, Hans ; . . Rohrer, Grace Lucille Shank;   Rohrer, Grace N. Sliger;   Rohrer, Herman Holmes;   Rohrer, J. Edwin;   Rohrer, Sanford;   Rohrer, Shirley J.;   Ropp, John L.;    Ross, Rebecca Sue Moyer;   Rotenberger, Laura A. Shelly;   Roth, Delmer Darrell;   Roth, Edna M. Reschly;  Roth, Shirley A. Garber ; . . Rudolph, Amos H. ; . .   Ruhl, Lester G.;   

Raber, John Henry,
71, of Sarasota, FL died April 12, 2009 at the same place from cancer.  He was born December 9, 1937 and married to Ann Stutzman, who survives.

Surviving are a son, Todd & Joetta Raber of Sarasota, two daughters, Lisa & Randy Teague of Akron, OH, and Tonya & Terry Herschberger of Osprey, FL, seven grandchildren, six brothers: Wayne of Ravenna, OH; Al of Phoenix, AZ; David of Antrim, OH; Alfred of Hartville, OH; Leroy of Columbus, OH; Verton of Atwater, OH; and three sisters: Lydia Miller of Middlebury, IN; Keturah Sommers of Minerva, OH; and Alice Troyer of Hartville, OH.

Memorial services were held April 18, 2009 at Bay Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota, FL with burial in Bethel Cemetery, Sarasota, FL.

Submitted by: Judi Mullett, Sarasota, FL
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Ramseyer, Margery L. McFadden
, 91 of Wooster, OH died August 17, 2009 at Smithville Western Care Center. She was born Feb. 14,1918 in Smithville, OH to Albert H. and Effie (Lytle) McFadden and married Ivan D. Ramseyer in 1936. He died July 12,1963.

She was an active member of Oak Grove Mennonite Church.

Survived by her family Roger D. and Beverly Ramseyer, Smithville, OH, Elaine and James Blosser, Columbus, OH, Janet and Eldon Birky, Archbold, OH, Beth and Clyde Stutzman, Syracuse, IN and daughter-in-law Sue (Loren) Buchwalter, Wooster, Oh. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son, Larry J. Ramseyer, an infant grandson, half brothers and sisters Ethel Weidman, Florence Anstine, Glenn McFadden and Raymond Seigle.

A Celebration of Life Service was August 21, 2009, at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, officiated by Rev. Douglas J. Zehr. Burial was prior to services at the church at Oak Grove Cemetery Smithville, OH.

Source: Gresser Funeral Home Orrville, OH
Submitted by; Leon Hertzler



Ranck, Lester H.
, 85, of Quarryville. PA, died July 10, 2009. He was born in Paradise Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa to Edwin and M. Helen Hershey Ranck. His wife was Mary R. Todd Ranck, they were married 64 years. He was a member of Mechanic Grove Mennonite Church, Quarryville, PA.

Survived by his wife and four children, Jay L. Ranck of Peach Bottom, PA; Judy L. married to James Thomas of New Providence, PA; Ronald L. married to Bonita Nissley Ranck of Leola, PA and Randall L. married to Patricia Groff Ranck of Lancaster. PA; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and two brothers, Donald Ranck and Frederick Ranck.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Ranck and Arthur Ranck.  

Funeral service was July 13, 2009 at Mechanic Grove Mennonite Church, with Bishop Richard L. Buckwalter and Pastor Wayne Kreider officiating. Interment was in Mechanic Grove Mennonite Cemetery, Quarryville, PA.  
Source: Lancaster OnLine, July 11, 2009
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler



Reedy, Betty J. Holbert
, 68, of Mt. Clinton, VA died July 24, 2009. She was born January 11, 1941 in Rockingham Co., VA to Roy G. Turner and Nellie Turner Holbert, was one of ten children. Her husband of 42 years was Willard E. S. Reedy. She was a member of Morning View Mennonite Church Singers Glen, VA.

Surviving are six children, three sons, three daughters, Janie Shaffer of Mt. Jackson, VA; Brenda Dawson of Crimora, VA; Willard Reedy and wife Mona, Jacob Reedy and wife Linda of Mt. Clinton, VA; Nelson Reedy and wife Theresa of Singers Glen, VA; Debbie Dean and husband Larry of Fulks Run, VA. Also surviving are five sisters, Gay Mitchell and husband Jimmy of Penn Laird, VA; Patsy Mayle and husband Bill of Verona, VA; Peggy Bowman and husband Byrl of Port Republic, VA; Franches Delp of Winchester, VA and Jean Collins of Easton, Maryland. Also surviving are nineteen grandchildren, and twenty-three great-grand children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willard, two brothers, Roy Lee and Billy Turner, and one sister Hazel Gibson.

Pastors Ric Gullman, Dwight Heatwole, and Harold Emswiler will conduct a graveside service July 26, 2009 at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Source: McMullen Funeral Home Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by; Leon Hertzler


Regier, Phyllis Ann Bartel,
86, of Moundridge died February 5, 2009 at Moundridge, KS.  She was born April 6, 1922 at Newton, KS to Jacob and Rosella (Bartel) Bartel.  On December 25, 1943 at Hillsboro, KS she was married to John Warren Regier, who was born February 13, 1921 and survives, along with a daughter, Kathy Regier.

Memorial services were held February 21, 2009 at Zion Mennonite Church, Moundridge, KS with burial in West Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Moundridge, KS.

Submitted by: Carla Stucky, Moundridge, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Renno, Mildred
, 100, of Belleville PA died October 21, 2009 at the same place.  She was born November 18, 1908 in Belleville, PA.  Burial was in Locust Grove Cemetery, Belleville, PA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin 


Ressler, Anna Mary Lehman


Anna Mary Ressler, age 86, of Landis Homes, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away at Landis Homes on Monday, January 19, 2009. She was the wife of the late Elmer R. Ressler who passed away on September 5, 2002. She was born in Myerstown, PA, daughter of the late Milo & Anna Seibel Lehman. She was presently a member of the West Bethany Fellowship of Landis Homes, and in the past she was a member of the former Kennett Square Mennonite Church. Mrs. Ressler was a homemaker and had worked at the Pocopson Home of West Chester as a nurses aide. She enjoyed quilting and needlework.

Surviving are 6 children: Elvin J. husband of Melanie Yoder Ressler of Atglen, Marlin G. husband of Catherine Neideigh Ressler of Lititz, Grace A. wife of Edmund F. Gregg of Annandale, VA, Richard R. husband of Susan Smoker Ressler of New Holland, Mark E. husband of Dana Green Ressler of Conowingo, MD, Ronald I. husband of Marlene Hoover Ressler of Millersville, 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 sisters: Edna Lentz of Grebel, PA, Esther wife of Ivan Weiler of Myerstown, Emma Huber of Manheim. She was preceded in death by 2 children: Mary Jane Ressler and David Lee Ressler, 5 siblings: Arthur, Irene, Margaret Lehman, Lillian Kurtz, Eleanor Hurst.

Funeral service will take place from the Millwood Mennonite Church, 441 Amish Road, Gap, PA on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing at the West Bethany Chapel of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and again at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in the Millwood Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Landis Homes Caring  Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Arrangements by the Shivery Funeral Home, Christiana & Paradise.

Submitted by: Robert Fish
& Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH
From: Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster, PA - 1/20/2009



Rhodes, Anthony Lawrence
, 35, of Dalton, Georgia died July 8, 2009 at the same place from complications of Type I diabetes.  

He was born October 9, 1973 at Dublin, Georgia to Robert Allen and Rose (Weaver) Rhodes.  Robert was born May 10, 1941 and died August 3, 2006.  Rose was born December 13, 1940 and survives.

On February 23, 2008 at Dalton, Georgia he was married to Mary Teresa Sanner, who was born November 25, 1968 and survives.

Surviving are his mother, a brother, Geoffrey and his wife, Leah Markowicz  Rhodes; a sister, Kathryn and her husband, J. Frank Rhodes-Reynolds; and nephews, Simon and Micah Rhodes.

His father preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held July 15, 2009 at Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church, Dublin, Georgia with burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Cadwell, Georgia.

Submitted by: Rose Rhodes, Dublin, Georgia
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rhodes, Charles Lindamood
, 85, of Broadway, Virginia died January 26, 2009 at Harrisonburg, Virginia.  He was born October 7, 1923 at Broadway, Virginia to Robert Neff and Mattie (Lindamood) Rhodes, Sr.  On July 26, 1974 he was married to Janet Dove, who was born January 6, 1930 and survives.

Surviving are two brothers, Jim Rhodes and Barry Rhodes.

Two brothers, Bob Rhodes and Don Rhodes and one sister, Nancy Showalter preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held January 29, 2009 at Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, Virginia with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Administrative Assistant
Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rhodes, Eber Ancil
, 90, of 1557 Silver Lake Road, Dayton, passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at his home. He had been in declining health for several years.

Mr. Rhodes was born on July 18, 1919, in Dayton and was the son of the late Webster C. and S. Mabel (Showalter) Rhodes. He was a farmer and member of the Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church.

On Feb. 20, 1947, he was united in marriage to Mary Grace Good, who survives.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons, Maurice C. Rhodes of Anmore, W.Va., Richard A. Rhodes and wife Lois of Harrisonburg, and Eber A. Rhodes Jr. and wife Melodie of Howardsville; three daughters, Judith Martin and husband Nelson of Dayton, Stella R. Showalter and husband Steven of Bridgewater, and Marjorie R. Shank and husband Nelson of Bridgewater; 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Rhodes is also survived by the following siblings: Reuben S. Rhodes of Harrisonburg, Luke C. Rhodes of Ashland Ohio, Esther Rohrer, John C. Rhodes, Ida Rohrer, Neil A. Rhodes, and Norma Koogler, all of Dayton.

He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Cathy (Perri) Rhodes; four brothers, Mark A., Harry W., Frank W. and Daniel R.; and one sister, Edith Showalter.

The ministers of the church will conduct a funeral service on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.     

The body will be returned to the home at 1557 Silver Lake Road, Dayton, where the family will receive friends anytime until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily News Record - 12/1/2009
Harrisonburg, VA
From: Robert Fish



Rice, Miranda Lyn Irene
, of Pettisville, Ohio was born and died at Toledo, Ohio on September 7, 2009.  She was born to Nick and Valerie (Rupp) Rice.  Valerie was born September 8, 1982.

Surviving are her parents and a sister, Ashalyn Rice

Memorial services were held September 16, 2009 at North Clinton Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Fulton County, Ohio with burial in Pettisville Cemetery,  Pettisville, Fulton County, Ohio.

Submitted by: Audrey Rupp, Wauseon, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rice, Raymond R.
, 85, of Souderton died March 13, 2009 at Sellersville, Bucks County, PA.  He was born March 24, 1923 in Bedminster Township, Bucks County, PA to Henry and Annie (Rush) Rice.  On April 8, 1944 he was married to Esther A. Nyce, who died December 30, 2002.

Surviving are children, Lydia VanLuvanee & husband, Dennis of Mt. Pocono, PA; Lois Spengler & husband, Steven of Telford, PA; and Henry Rice & wife, Darla of Dublin, PA; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Also three sisters, Mary Kuhn & husband, Joseph of Sellersville, PA; Catherine Landis & husband, Henry of Souderton, PA; and Nora Nyce of Souderton, PA; and two sisters-in-law, Irene Rice of Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA; and Eleanor Rice of Delmar, MD.


A son, Jonas Ray Rice, a sister, Betty Hayes; two brothers, Paul & Abram Rice; and two brothers-in-law, Clarence Hayes and Henry Nyce preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held March 22, 2009 at Souderton Mennonite Summit View Auditorium, Souderton, PA with burial in Deep Run Mennonite Church East Cemetery, Perkasie, Bucks County, PA.
Submitted by: Lois Ann Wismer, Perkasie, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Richard, Eunice Marie Amstutz
, 82, of Creston, Wayne Co., Ohio died there on March 24, 2009 from cancer.  She was born December 30, 1926 at Dalton, Wayne Co., OH to Elmer J. [1892-1961] and Etta M. (Steiner [1895-1982]) Amstutz.  

On March 26, 1951 at Orrville, Wayne Co., OH she was married to Elmer J. Richard who was born October 26, 1926 and survives. They were married at the Martins Mennonite Church, by Rev. Stanford Mumaw then took a 10-day honeymoon trip to Florida.    

Surviving are children, Phil Richard (Sandra); Sidney Richard (Sandra); Kristina Gerber (Steve); and Kent Richard (Rita); 7 grandchildren, and a brother, Arlin Amstutz (Norma).

Three brothers, Arthur Amstutz (Mary, still living); Cletus and Clarence, and a sister, Mary Ellen preceded her in death.

Eunice was a full-time homemaker and worked hard on the family farm.  She was a member of the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church (Sterling, Ohio) until it closed in 1973, where she was a chorister for many years. She then joined Crown Hill Mennonite Church (Rittman, Ohio) and was a faithful member until her death. Her church family was important to her and she counted her church friends among those she loved most dearly.

Eunice's hobbies included doing crossword puzzles, writing, music, drama, gardening, flower gardening and arranging, and sending cards and letters. She spent much time personalizing each card and letter she sent so it would be special to the person receiving it.  She was editor of the Crown Hill Mennonite Church newsletter for 12 years. She was also an active member of The Gideon's Auxiliary from the early 1970's to the present.

In November of 1994, Eunice was diagnosed with breast cancer.  After surgery, she thought she had beat it. It returned several times in the following years, but each time she was able to defeat it. In March of 2007, it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized to her bones.  She took chemotherapy from mid-2007 through December 2008. Through it all, she kept her deep faith in God and her strong love for her husband, her children, and her grandchildren.

Memorial services were held March 30, 2009 at Crown Hill Mennonite Church, Rittman, Wayne Co., OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Phil L. Richard, Hesston, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Richard, Phil L.
, 56, of Hesston, Harvey County,  Kansas died June 7, 2009 at the same place.  He was born August 3, 1952 at Orrville, Wayne County, Ohio to Elmer J. and Eunice M. (Amstutz) Richard.  On October 23, 1999 at Akron, Pennsylvania he was married to Sandi K. McLaughlin, who survives.

Surviving are a brother, Sidney (Sandi J.) Richard; a sister, Kristina Richard (Steve) Gerber; and a brother, Kent (Rita) Richard.

He was employed as communications director at Hesston College.

Memorial services were held June 10, 2009 at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas with burial in Crown Hill Mennonite Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio.

Submitted by: Norma Diller, Hesston, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Riegsecker Lueen Mae Grieser
, 78, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died June 27, 2009  at the same place a from stroke.  She was born March 20, 1931 in Fulton Co., OH
to Charles and Sophie (Rupp) Grieser.  On December 6, 1953 at Archbold she was married to Edward Dale Riegsecker, who died June 13, 1988.

Surviving are children, Sandra (Terry) Aeschliman, Rita (Russ) Rupp, Beverly (Larry) Bonilla, and Alan (Tammy) Riegsecker, 13 grandchildren, two sisters, Virginia (Kenneth) Lee, and Berneda (Dean) Wyse, and three brothers. Paul (Evelyn) Grieser, Willard (Marilyn) Grieser, and Glenn (Karen) Grieser.

A brother, Herb Grieser preceded him in death.

She was a 1W participant, did lawn & garden work, made noodles, traveled, and was a SS teacher.

Memorial services were held July 1, 2009 at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, Fulton Co., OH with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, Fulton Co., OH.

Submitted by: Dana Short
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Ritter, Elsie Kathryn Witmer
, 88, of Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA died October 22, 2009 at the same place.  She was born October 28, 1920 in Franklin County, PA to Aaron and Maria Elizabeth (Kuhns) Witmer.  She was married to _____ Ritter.

Surviving are children, Brenda Rexrode and Willard; Clayton Eugene and Annette; Sandra Lucas and Steven; James Allen & Deborah; 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Memorial services were held October 25, 2009 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA with burial in Weavers Cemetery, Harrisonburg, VA.

Submitted by: Ann B. Hensley, Harrisonburg, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
---------------

Ritter, Elsie Kathryn Witmer, 88, of Harrisonburg, VA died October 22, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. (previously of Heritage Haven).  She was born October 28, 1920 in Franklin Co., PA to Aaron and Maria Elizabeth Kuhns Witmer.

She was a member of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.

Surviving are four children, Brenda Rexrode and husband Willard, Bridgewater, VA; Clayton Eugene Ritter and wife Annette, Harrisonburg, VA; Sandra Lucas and husband Steven, Harrisonburg, VA; James Allen Ritter and wife Deborah, Harrisonburg, VA; six grandchildren, Dr. Kathryn Rexrode Moats and husband Doyle Moats Jr.; Ryan Eugene Ritter and wife Melissa; Amanda Michelle Lucas and fiancé Adam Adongo; Jason Scott Ritter; Laura Lucas Cruz Lobo and husband Armando; Leah Ritter Conrad and husband Camron; two great grandchildren, Alex Christian Lucas and Adam Scott Ritter.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A memorial service was October 25, 2009 at the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church conducted by Pastor Mark Keller.
Obit files of Mcmullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler



Roberts, Roy Charles
, 95, of Harrisonburg, VA died there on March 27, 2009.  He was born October 2, 1913 at Locust Grove, Oklahoma to Charles and Ella (Moore) Roberts.  He was married to Naomi J. Yoder, who was born May 1, 1921.

Surviving are children, Rebecca Scott, Mitchell/Mark, and Sarah Holmes/Don, and
four grandchildren.

A son, Benjamin, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held April 18, 2009 at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rockingham County, VA.

Submitted by: Ann B. Hensley, Harrisonburg, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Roes, Anna Mae Widrick
, 73, of Beaver Falls, NY died August 9, 2009 at Lowville, Lewis Co., NY under the care of her family and the 4th floor nursing staff at Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.  She was born August 19, 1935 at Lowville, NY to John S. and Elizabeth (Roggie) Widrick.  On October 18, 1958 she was married to Raymond D. Roes, who was born November 11, 1933 and survives.

Surviving are children, Kevin & Carol Roes, Sandra Oblick, Merle & Sherry Roes, Donald & Brandi Roes, and Sharon & Delvin Lehman, 11 grandchildren, a sister, Nina & Edward Monnat, and a brother, Edward & Catherine Barnes.

Seven brothers--Amos, Ernest, Chris, Ervin, Andrew, Lawrence and Clayton
Widrick preceded her in death.

Anna Mae was an active member of the Lowville Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and religious classes. She was involved in the ladie Faithful Workers Sewing Circle, the kitchen committee, helping with numerous funeral meals, and where she was needed within the Mennonite commmunity, she loved to help others. She loved her gardens, and her strawberry patch in C-ville. Anna Mae enjoyed canning, cooking and baking...her pies could be found in local stores and at the Lewis County General Hospital Gift Shop.

Memorial services were held August 12, 2009 at Lowville Mennonite Church, Lowville, NY with burial in Conservative Mennonite Cemetery, Croghan, Lewis Co., NY.
Submitted by: Sue Boldt, Lowville, NY
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rogalsky, Hans
, 94, of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil died June 15, 2009 at the same place.

He was born October 9 1917 at Slavgorod Halbstadt Siberia to Jakob Franz and Sara (Reimer) Rogalsky. Jakob was born December 14, 1882 and died April 27, 1947. Sara was born September 25, 1884 and died August 15, 1977.

On April 12, 1939 at Sao Paulo, Brazil he was married to Margarethe Pries, who was born March 25, 1916 and died May 27, 1987.

Surviving are children, Lorchen and Peter Quiering; Olga und Heinz Schirmacher; Helmut; and Ingriet.

A son, Hans Rogalsky, and siblings, Franz, Jakob, Peter, Abram, Heinrich, Heinrich, and Maria preceded him in death.

"Hans Rogalsky wurde am 15 Juni 2009 im Alter von 94 Jahren und 8 Monaten heimgerufen. Er wurde seinen Eltern Jakob Franz Rogalsky und Sara geb. Reimer am 9 Okt 1914 in Halbstadt in Slavgorod, Sibirien als fünfter Sohn von acht Kindern geboren. Es war eine sehr schwierige Zeit für die junge Familie Rogalsky, denn viele Verwandte und Bekannte versuchten Russland zu verlassen.

Die Gründe für die Auswanderung der meisten Mennoniten in den 1920er Jahren, waren vor allem religiös, ökonomisch und politisch motiviert. Da waren das Verbot des Religionsunterrichts in der Grundschule, die Verfolgung der Prediger, Lehrer und Reichen, der zunehmende Entzug des Wahlrechts und die extrem hohe Besteuerung der Bauern.

Als es 1929 zu Gerüchten kam, dass einige Familien die Auswanderungserlaubnis erhielten, stürmten tausende Familien nach Moskau.

„Ich war 14 Jahre alt als wir nach Moskau reisten und wurde in Moskau 15. Dort wohnten wir drei Monate mit sieben Familien in ein Haus wie Heringe im Fass. Wir mussten sehr sparsam mit unser Geld umgehen und die richtige Summe zur Erstellung der Pässe beiseitelegen".

Für den Pass für eine Person über 16 Jahre wurden 200 Rubel erhoben, für eine Person unter 16 Jahre - 100 Rubel. Auf diese Weise kamen allein die Pässe für eine große Familie auf 1.000 und mehr Rubel zu stehen.

Es folgten Verhaftungen, häufige nächtliche Besuche von der Miliz in den Quartieren. Im Verlaufe von zwei Tagen (17. und 18. November) wurden täglich vier Züge nach Sibirien und nach dem Süden abgefertigt um die Ausreisewillige zurück in ihre „Heimat" zu verfrachten. In Güterwagen, die nicht alle Öfchen hatten, und wenn sie vorhanden waren, dann war kein Heizstoff da, waren 40 bis 60 Menschen zusammengepfercht. Aus Angst vor Fluchtgefahr machten die Wachsoldaten auf Stationen die Türen nicht auf, was natürlich das Sterben vieler Kinder an Hunger und Unterkühlung zur Folge hatte. Als nun die Menschen heimgekehrt waren, stand der Winter vor der Tür, sie selbst jedoch waren ohne Brennstoff und Lebensmittel geblieben. Wer die Regierungsorgane um Hilfe bat, musste vorerst schriftlich bestätigen, dass sie nie mehr Ausreiseversuche unternehmen würden.

„Vater gab bei den Behörden an, dass wir alles stehen und liegen gelassen hatten und Russland nun wegen dem Kommunismus verlassen wollten. Wir haben alles was wir verkaufen konnten auf einem Basar verkauft, damit wir damit die Papiere bezahlen können. Unser Land haben wir zurückgelassen, und mein ältester Sohn Franz ist im Militär".

Kanada war das Land wo sie eigentlich hin wollten, wo schon viele Verwandten wohnten, doch die konservative Regierung verweigerte die Einreiseerlaubniss. Es war finster und hoffnungslos geworden, doch wie ein Stern in einer tiefdunklen Nacht, tauchte dann und wann Prof Auhagen bei den Flüchtlingen auf und ermutigte sie auszuharren. „Habt Geduld, am 25ten November wird der Reichstag in Berlin eine Entscheidung treffen".

So wurde der 25te November tatsächlich für 6000 Seelen ein Tag der Erlösung. Was dies für Familie Rogalsky tatsächlich bedeutete, wie auch für die vielen, die an diesem Tag die Freiheit erlangten, kann man als junger Mensch heute kaum mehr fassen. Sie wussten wem sie dieses Wunder zu verdanken hatten und so wurde dieses Datum für die Befreiten und deren Nachkommen zu einem Feier- und Dankesstag.

Der Weg führte von Moskau mit dem Zug nach Deutschland, zuerst nach Hammerstein und dann nach Mölln.

Am 16 Januar 1930 ging dann der erste Flüchtlingstransport von Mölln nach Brasilien. Auf diesem Schiff befand sich die Familie David Johann Pries und seine Frau Anna Käthler mit Familie, Hans Rogalsky seine zukünftige Schwiegereltern.

Die Tür nach Kanada wurde ihnen geschlossen und so reisten sie mit dem Schiff Cap Norte von Hamburg 14 Tage in ihre neue Heimat Brasilien. „Wir sahen nur Wasser und Himmel. Wir kamen dann nach Rio, da waren wir zwei oder drei Wochen, da bekamen wir Bohnen und Reis zu essen, bis wir eingebürgert wurden. Dann fuhren wir mit dem Itajai Dampfer von Rio der Küste entlang und landeten im September 1930 im sogenannten Kraultal in Santa Catarina auf die Ländereien der Hanseatische Kolonisationsgesellschaft, sozusagen im unberührten Urwald. Hier wurde allen Flüchtlingen das Land zugeteilt.

Dieser Anfang in Brasilien war für alle Flüchtlinge ein Elend schwerer Anfang. Wie diese Siedler mit den ersten schockierenden Eindrücken dieser südlichen Welt, fremder Menschen, fremder Sprache und vor allem dem bedrohlichen und undurchdringlichen Urwald fertig wurden kann eigentlich nur aus eigenem Erleben nachempfunden werden.

Hans erzählt mit Weinen und Lachen von dieser Zeit. „Die erste Saat wurde ausgesät, und was die Rehe und Vögel nicht auffraßen, wurde von den Wildschweinen zerstört".

Es dauerte nicht lange und viele der Siedler von Stolz Platau verließen die neue Siedlung weil es sehr schwierig war. Hans zog 1935 nach Sao Paulo, wo er seine zukünftige Frau Margarethe Pries, die er bereits in Santa Catarina schon mal begegnet war, kennenlernte und arbeitete bei einer englischen Familie Wellington. 1939 fuhren sie gemeinsam zum Kraul nach Santa Catharina wo sie heirateten.

Später zogen Hans und Margarethe nach Curitiba Boqueirao wo sie dann ihre endgültige Heimat in der Mennonitengemeinde fanden. Ihnen wurden 5 Kinder geschenkt, Lorchen, Olga, Hans (heimgegangen), Helmut und Ingriet.

In viele meiner Gespräche mit Opa, über die Geschichte der Familie ist mir ein Satz von ihm tief eingeprägt geblieben. Ich weiß wohin ich komme... in die Hände Jesu!"

Memorial services were held at Mennoniten Gemeinde, Boquierao, Curitiba with burial in Boquierao, Curitiba, Parana.

Submitted by: Hermann Schirmacher
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rohrer, Grace Lucille Shank
, 85, a resident of Dayton, VA died January 21, 2009. She was born May 5, 1923, in Rockingham Co., VA to Amos and Mary Beery Shank. She was married to Emory J. Rohrer he died June 24, 2005.

She was a member of the Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church.

Surviving are two sons, George Rohrer and wife, Rev. Karen Church; Ralph Rohrer; one daughter, Phyllis Burkholder and husband Waylan Burkholder, all of Dayton, VA; four grandchildren, Stephen Rohrer, Anthony Rohrer, Martin Burkholder and William Burkholder and two great grandchildren.

Funeral service was January 23, 2009, at Riverdale Old Older Mennonite Church. Burial was in the  Riverdale Old Older Mennonite Cemetery, Dayton, VA

Source: Obituary Files of McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH



Rohrer, Grace N. Sliger
, 87, of Wilmot, OH died January 7, 2009, at Walnut Hills Nursing Home. She was born in Hume, Ill., on May 2, 1921, to Blaine and Tillie (Flohr) Sliger and married Earl Rohrer on Aug. 17, 1941. He died Nov. 30, 2008. 

Survived by children, Darlene (Larry) Sharp and Nancy (Donald) Spiker, both of Wilmot, OH; Joyce (Mark) Duff of Massillon, OH; Kenneth (Shirley) Rohrer of Navarre, OH and Edwin Rohrer of Wilmot, OH; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Sliger of Waynesboro, Pa.

In addition to her husband Earl, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Sliger; and a granddaughter.
  
Funeral service was January 10, 2009 at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church near North Lawrence, VA with Pastors Danny Glick, Rod McBride and Robert Craven. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Mennonite Cemetery near North Lawrence, VA.

Submitted by; Leon Hertzler



Rohrer, Herman Holmes
, 90, of Sarasota, FL died June 26, 2009 at Bradenton, FL of complications from an aneurysm.  He was born February 7, 1919 at Columbiana, OH and was married to Maybelle Neuhouser.

Surviving are a son, Douglas of Myakka City; and daughters, Marilyn Davie of Aliquippa, Pa.; and Pam & (Scott) Crawford of Bradenton, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and a brother, Gilbert of Harrisonburg.

 Memorial services were held June 30, 2009 (when) at Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota, FL with burial in Manasota Memorial Park, Bradenton, FL.

Submitted by: Judi Mullett, Sarasota, F
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rohrer, J. Edwin
, 60, of Paradise Twp. Lancaster Co., PA, died December 30, 2009. He was born 1949 in LancasterCo., PA to F. Edwin and Marion (Ranck) Rohrer. Ed was the loving husband of Linda (King) Rohrer. They celebrated 37 years of marriage in 2009.

Ed was an active member of Ridgeview Mennonite Church. His focus in life was to serve others. Until recently, Ed had been a life-long dairy farmer. An avid hunter, Ed was a member of Sugar Run Hunting Club in Tioga Co., PA

Survived by his wife Linda, his parents,; a daughter, Kelly, married to Timothy D. Smith of Lancaster, PA; a granddaughter, Ella Morgan; a brother, Roger M., married to Kandy (Mellinger) Rohrer of Strasburg, PA  and their three children Todd, Mark and Ashlee; and a nephew and niece: Matthew and Corinne McGonagle, both of Boston, MA. Ed was preceded in death by his two sons, Scott and Ryan, and his sister, Marilyn Rohrer McGonagle. Private services and interment took place at Ridgeview Mennonite Church. Gordonville, PA.
Source: LOL January 10, 2010
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler



Rohrer, Sanford
, 85, of Wadsworth, OH died August 29, 2009 at Altercare of Wadsworth. He was born December 5, 1923 in Wadsworth, OH to Samuel and Ella (Rohrer) Rohrer. He married Alice Light on December 5, 1944.  

Surived by sons Roger Rohrer, Ken (Norma) Rohrer and Jack (Mona) Rohrer all of Wadsworth, OH; grandchildren Athena, Geof, Mark, Jason, Jesse, great-grandchildren Gabee and Laci, brother James (Mary June) Rohrer of Virginia, and sister Mary (Demp) Frye of Wadsworth, OH.

He was preceded by his wife, Alice, brother Paul Rohrer, and sisters Ava Horst, Anna Lois Rohrer, and Mabel Geiser.

A Memorial Service was September 5, 2009 at First Mennonite Church, Wadsworth, Ohio with Pastor Rachel Siemens officiating. A private burial was conducted at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Source: Roberts Funeral Home, Wooster, OH
Submitted by; Leon Hertzler



Rohrer, Shirley J
., 73, of Wadsworth, OH died October 06, 2009 at Akron City Hospital Akron, OH. She was born February 22, 1936 in Chevrolet, KY.

Survived by a son Michael J. Maharas of Michigan; Sisters Linda Steele of Michigan and Lena (Ed) Briehler of New Jersey; Brother Billy Roger (Jean) Green of Michigan; Mother in Law Alice Rohrer of Wadsworth, OH; Sister in Laws Linda (Tom) Swartz of Wadsworth, OH and Becky (Doug) Westney of Florida; many nieces and nephews; good friends Dave and Marla Meszar of Medina, OH.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Wayne C. Rohrer (2001); mother Gladys (Bray), Stepfather Hubert Green and brother John Dexter Green.

Funeral Service was October 9, 2009 at Hillcrest Chapel at Roberts Funeral Home Wooster, OH with pastor Rachel Siemen of the First Mennonite Church of Wasdsworth. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be at the First Mennonite Church following the ceremony.

Source: Roberts Funeral Home, Wooster, OH
Submitted by; Leon Hertzler



Ropp, John L.
, 87 of Kalona, IA died August 27, 2009 at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona. He was born September 29, 1921, near Kalona, IA to Sol C. and Vesta (Yoder) Ropp.

He was married on December 21, 1949, to Violet Martin in Kitchener Ontario. They lived in Nashwauk, MN and worked as church planters over 13 years. In 1963 they moved to Kalona, Iowa where he was a pastor at the Fairview Conservative Mennonite Church, he and Violet moved to Carlsbad, NM in 1989 where they enjoyed exploring New Mexico. In 2008 John returned to Kalona. He was a member of the Fairview Mennonite Church in Kalona, Iowa and the Carlsbad Mennonite Church in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Survived by his children: Leland Ropp of Brighton, Michigan, Lowell Ropp of Woodstock, Georgia and Ruth Ann Ropp of Carlsbad, New Mexico; 6 brothers Leroy and Emil of Kalona, Wesley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Morris of Bemidji, Minnesota, Paul of Sarasota, Florida and Herman of Harrisonburg, Virginia; four sisters: Cleora Yoder of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Anna Mae Miller of Kalona, Iowa, Cora Miller of London, Ohio and Norma Nisly of Kalona, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Violet.

Funeral Service was August 30, 2009, at the Fairview Conservative Mennonite Church in rural Kalona. Rev. John Hershberger, Rev. David L. Yoder, and Rev. Don Swartzentruber will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Carlsbad Cemetery in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Source: Obit files of Yoder-Powell Funeral Home
Submitted by; Leon Hertzler



Ross, Rebecca Sue Moyer
, 53, of Doylestown, PA died April 23, 2009.  

She was born October 20, 1955 to Willard Paul and Elizabeth (Chittick) Moyer.  Willard was born February 17, 1918 and Elizabeth was born January 12, 1919.  They both survive.

Also surviving are a daughter, Karin N. Ross, a son, Michael D. Ross, and one grandchild.
Submitted by: Jodi Clark, Doylestown, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Rotenberger, Laura A. Shelly
, 80, of Quakertown, PA died November 2, 2009 at Allentown, PA from cancer.  She was born June 12, 1929 at Quakertown, PA to Raymond and Rebecca (Rice) Shelly.  She was married to Norman R. Rotenberger.

Surviving are children, Mark R. (Sherrie), Neal R. (Gayle), Olin D. (Marie), Perry C. (Sandy), and LouAnn Newman (Robert), 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

A brother, Lester Shelly preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held November 7, 2009 at West Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Mary Grace Shenk, Interim pastor, Quakertown, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Roth, Delmer Darrell
, 88, of Milford, Seward Co., NE died August 7, 2009 at the same place.  He was born September 12, 1920 at Milford. On June 8, 1941 at Milford, NE he was married to Violet Stutzman, who died in 2001.

Surviving are children, Yvonne & Robert Bontrager, Lenore & Victor Meyer, Russell & Char Roth, Cecil & Judy Roth, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held August 9, 2009 at Bellwood Mennonite Church, Milford, NE with burial in Milford Mennonite Cemetery, Milford, NE.

Submitted by: Pam Erb, Milford, NE
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Roth, Edna M. Reschly
, 87, of the Parkview Home in Wayland, IA, died Monday, December 21, 2009.

The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 27th at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church in Wayland, IA, and also following the committal at Sugar Creek Cemetery. Services will be held at 2:30 on Sunday at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church with Pastor Nathan Luitjens officiating. Memorials have been established to the Parkview Home.

The daughter of William and Katie (Swartzendruber) Reschly, Edna was born May 27, 1922 in Henry County, IA. She was a graduate of Olds High School. On March 13, 1943, she married Ray Roth at her parents home in Olds. He preceded her in death on September 30, 1999.

Edna was a homemaker who helped her husband with the work of their farm. She also raised chickens and enjoyed gardening. Edna was a lifetime member of the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. She taught Bible school at Pleasant View Mennonite Church. Edna was a member of the Sugar Creek Mennonite WMSC, the Mt. Pleasant Quilt Club, Olds Lioness Club and Gideons International. Spending time with family and friends was especially enjoyable for Edna.

Edna is survived by five sons, Fred (JoAnn) Roth of Olds, IA, Larry (Charla) Roth of Olds, IA, Lynn (Karen Wiens) Roth of Palmer Lake, CO, Reynolds (Sandy) Roth of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and G. Lamar (Karla) Roth of Hesston, KS; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Irene Pankoke, of Winfield, IA,

Along with her husband, both parents, three brothers, Floyd, Harold, and Ralph Reschly, and one sister, Ruth Kauffman precede her in death.

Source: Olson Powell Memorial Chapel Obituary; Mt. Pleasant, IA
Submitted by: Ann Miller White
Lincoln, NE
 


Roth, Shirley A. Garber

MORTON, IL - Shirley A. Roth, 81, of Eureka, formerly of Morton, died at 10:36 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009, in the Methodist Medical Center's emergency room in Peoria, IL.

She was born Oct. 30, 1927, in Eureka to Ora and Ella (Roth) Garber. She married Nelson M. Roth Sr. on Nov. 11, 1945, in Morton.

Surviving are her husband of Eureka; two sons, Nelson (Pam) Roth of Gulfport, Miss., and Ken (Kathleen) Roth of Tremont; one daughter, Anita Roth of Groveland; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her stepmother, Ina Garber of Eureka; and one sister, Virginia (Robert) Weaver of Peoria.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Shirley was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Morton and its quilting circle at church and served as a Sunday School teacher for many years.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009, at First Mennonite Church in Morton, with Pastor Doane Brubaker officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Sunday at the church. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Tremont. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Maple Lawn Health Center, 700 N. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530.

Published in the Peoria Journal Star on 7/10/2009
FindAGrave
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



 

Rudolph, Amos H.
August 6, 1927 - November 29, 2009

Amos H. Rudolph, of Lebanon, went to his eternal reward at his home on Sunday, November 29, 2009, at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 23 days.

He was the husband of Pauline V. (Kimble) Rudolph, his wife of 62 years.

He was born August 6, 1927, in Washington County, MD, the son of the late Virlus and Susanna (Horst) Rudolph. He was a member of the Dohner Mennonite Church, Annville, PA.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his six sons, Joseph husband of Alta of Upper Tract, WV, A. Wayne husband of Ruth of Lebanon, Jesse husband of Linda of Leburn, KY, Andrew husband of Caroline of Bluford, IL, Philip husband of Mariam of Morrison, TN and Daniel husband of Dawn of Saltiga, Java, Indonesia; four daughters, Anna Mae wife of Richard Horst of Hagerstown, MD, Ruth wife of Freeman Yoder at home, Sarah wife of Charles Sweigart of Roaring Spring, PA and Rebecca wife of David Kreider of Bethel, PA; brothers, David Rudolph and John Rudolph, both of Smithsburg, MD, Noah Rudolph of Carlisle,PA, Nathan Rudolph of Shady Grove, PA and Paul Rudolph of New Oxford, PA; sisters, Esther wife of Chester Weaver of Carlisle, PA Mary wife of Galen Hess of Dillsburg, PA and Martha wife of Roy Petre of Hagerstown, MD, and 66 grandchildren and 80 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson A. Dale Eby.

The family will receive visitors at the Dohner Mennonite Meetinghouse on Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the church. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.



Ruhl, Lester G.
, 74 of Elizabethtown, PA died February 25, 2009 at home. He was born in Mount Joy Twp., Lancaster Co., PA to Irwin G. and Orlena Greiner Ruhl. He was the husband of Ruth L. Kreider Ruhl. They were married for 53 years in October 2008.

A member of Rissers Mennonite Church, Elizabethtown, PA.

Survivied by his wife and  two daughters, Arlene, wife of William Heistand, Elizabethtown, PA; Janet Ruhl, Elizabethtown, PA; two sons, Nelson, husband of Elaine Ruhl, Elizabethtown, PA; Nevin, husband of Janis Ruhl, Mount Joy, PA; ten grandchildren and a brother, Harvey Ruhl.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul G. Ruhl. Funeral Service was March 1, 2009 at Rissers Mennonite Church, Interment was in the Rissers Mennonite Cemetery Elizabethtown, PA..
Source: Obituary files of Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH

Harrisburg Pariot News, Harrisburg, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH


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