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.
2019
S2
Snyder, Mabel H., 83, of 1307 Apple St., Ephrata, died Monday, October 28, 2019 at Lincoln Christian Home.
Born in W. Earl Twp., she was the daughter of the late Aaron E. and Minnie (Hoover) Snyder.
Mabel was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.
She is survived by two nieces and four nephews: Arlene Martin, wife of the late Melvin Martin, Seneca Falls, NY, Edna Mae High, wife of Clair High, Lebanon, Marvin S. Hurst, husband of Ada Shirk, Savannah, NY, Earl S. Hurst, husband of Ruth Ann Martin, Ephrata, Raymond S. Hurst, husband of Lois Good, Denver, Aaron E. Hurst, husband of Janice Weaver, New Holland, and 43 grand-nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her sister Anna Mae wife of the late Phares Hurst, her stillborn twin sister, Miriam, three infant brothers John, Melvin, Leroy and two nephews, Lester S. Hurst and Phares S. Hurst, Jr.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 8:45 a.m. at Lincoln Christian Home with further services at 9:30 a.m. at Groffdale Mennonite Church with Bishop Curvin Zimmerman, Paul Newswanger, Richard Burkholder and Edwin Reiff officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held at Lincoln Christian Home on Wednesday (TONIGHT) from 5 – 8 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements.
Snyder, Mary S. Horning, 88 of Ephrata, formerly of New Holland, died Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Fairmount Homes after a lengthy illness.
Born in East Earl, she was a daughter of the late Paul G. and Mary M. (Shirk) Horning. She was married 68 years on May 19 to John E. Snyder, Jr.
Mary was a devoted mother, and homemaker, who contributed her talents at Hollinger's Gift Shop and Yoder's Restaurant & Buffet, and through tireless volunteer work at the New Holland Re-Uzit Shop. She was a member at Indiantown Mennonite Church where she was active in their sewing circle. Her hobbies included sewing bonnets, aprons and quilts as well as baking. She enjoyed and spent a great deal of time traveling with her family.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Richard, married to Kori (Zellers) Snyder of Berwyn, and Gary, married to Dana (Brookmyer) Snyder of Blue Ball; eight grandchildren, Peter, Nathan, Jordan, Emily, Reagan, Adam married to Kara (Horst) Snyder, Erin, and Cory married to Alyssa (Maxwell) Snyder; a great-granddaughter, Abigail; a brother, Paul S., married to Anna (Eberly) Horning of Ephrata; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are two sisters, Edna Zimmerman and Anna Martin; and a brother, Ivan Horning.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 16 at 11am at Indiantown Mennonite Church, 255 Indiantown Road, Ephrata. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Sunday at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland from 2-4pm and on Monday at the Church from 10-11am.
Sommerfeld, Shirley Ann Diller, 77, of Orrville, Wayne Co., OH died May 14, 2019 at Wooster, Wayne Co., OH from cancer. She was born September 27, 1941 at Orrville to Ira and Buelah (Brenner) Diller. On April 6, 1963 she was married to Keith Sommerfeld, who was born June 23, 1942 and survives.
Surviving are children, Daryl Sommerfeld and Lisa Sommerfeld Zuercher; two grandchildren, and two brothers, Irvin Diller and Fred Diller.
A sister, Mae Diller Lehman and two brothers, Wilmer Diller and Junior Diller preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held May 18, 2019 at Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, Kidron, Wayne Co., OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Spicher, Doris Arlene Yoder, 90, of Glendale, Maricopa Co., AZ died September 11, 2019 at the same place after a short illness.
She was born January 25, 1929 at Parnell, IA to John M. and Nancy J. (Guengerich) Yoder. John was born April 18, 1886 and died December 13, 1976. Nancy was born September 4, 1890 and died March 25, 1985.
On December 30, 1955 at Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ she was married to Samuel Aaron Spicher, who was born March 6, 1928 and died November 5, 2002.
Surviving are children, Jeff (Jennifer) Spicher; Julie (Gary) Hedine; and Jeannine (Bruce) Janzen; and four grandchildren.
Two sisters, Hazel C. Yoder and Ruth E. Yoder and a brother, Edward J. Yoder preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held September 21, 2019 at Trinity Mennonite Church, Glendale, AZ with burial in Trinity Mennonite Church Columbarium.
Stahl, Deloris J. Hofer, 89, of Freeman, Hutchinson Co., SD died August 16, 2019 at the same place.
She was born June 17, 1930 at Freeman, SD to Joseph L. and Anna (Kleinsasser) Hofer. Joseph was born April 13, 1905 and died March 5, 1986. Anna was born December 20, 1908.
On August 10, 1952 at Freeman she was married to John M. Stahl, who was born November 6, 1927 and died December 4, 2018.
Surviving are children, Jacquelinne (Alex) Skibine; Marilyn (Dirk) Giseburt; and John David (Darsi St. Louis) Stahl; seven grandchildren, and two brothers and a sister, Harvey (Diane) Hofer; Delmer (Shirley) Hofer; and Arlyss (Percy) Brockmueller.
Memorial services were held August 20, 2019 at Hutterthal Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Stanbrough, Ronald H., 63, of Huntingdon, PA died September 1, 2019. He was born August 27, 1956 to Leroy and Lucretia Stanbrough. On September 21, 1985 at Belleville, Mifflin Co., PA he was married to Pearl L. Kauffman, who survives.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a brother, William Stanbrough and a sister, Judith Grove.
Memorial services were held September 6, 2019 at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Belleville, PA.
Stauffer, Blaine Edward
September 19, 2016 - October 19, 2019
Blaine Edward Stauffer, 3, Nappanee, died 5:57 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. He was born Sept. 19, 2016, in Goshen, to James & Janette (Martin) Stauffer.
Surviving are his parents, James & Janette Stauffer, 5 siblings, Marissa, Delphine, Rosene, Bradley, Jolen Stauffer, all of Nappanee, grandparents, Marlene Martin, Goshen, William & Beverly Stauffer, New Paris and great-grandmother, Margaret Ramer, New Paris.
Preceding him in death are his grandpa, Carl Martin, uncle, Edward Martin, great-grandparents, Caleb & Elsie Stauffer, Maynard & Leona Martin, Roy & Mary Elizabeth Ramer and James Ramer.
Blaine was a member of the Wisler Mennonite Church.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 and 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 at Harrison Christian School, 64784 CR 11, Goshen. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 at the Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church, Goshen. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, is handling arrangements.
Stauffer, Eric C., 16 of Sunbury entered into rest on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. He was the son of Jeremy L. and Judith Z. (Nolt) Stauffer of Sunbury. Eric was born on November 24, 2002 in Reading, Berks County.
Eric was a tenth grade student at Shade Mountain Mennonite School and attended Shade Mountain Mennonite Church, Mt. Pleasant Mills.
In addition to his parents, Eric is survived by two sisters and a brother: Audrey Stauffer and Sharla Stauffer and Jarron Stauffer; paternal grandparents, Samuel and Mary Ellen Stauffer; maternal grandparents, Earl and Verna Nolt; paternal great-grandmother, Verna Fox, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends and family are invited to the viewing on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and again from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Shade Mountain Mennonite Church, 134 Centerville Road, Mt. Pleasant Mills. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the church with a viewing to follow the service. Officiating will be the Shade Mountain Mennonite Church Ministry. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
The George P. Garman Funeral Homes, Inc., 9366 Rt. 35, Mt. Pleasant Mills is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Stauffer, Katie B. Martin, 76, of Selinsgrove, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, at her home. She was the wife of Marvin S. Stauffer who survives. Friends and family are invited to the viewing from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the family home, 2965 Produce Road, Selinsgrove. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, at the family home with further services at 10 a.m. at Stauffer Mennonite Church, Produce Road, Port Trevorton.
Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
Stauffer, Steven T., 59, of Ephrata, passed away Friday, December 6, 2019, at home.
He was born in Ephrata to Esther (Sensenig) Stauffer of Ephrata and the late Edwin S. Stauffer.
Steven was a 1979 graduate of Ephrata High School and worked at Cenveo Publisher Services, Lancaster. He was a NASCAR and Phillies fan, and a Lego model builder.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by three brothers, Edwin D., husband of Sarah (Quigg) Stauffer of Ephrata, Ronald L. Stauffer of Denver, Dennis R., husband of Heidi (Ebersole) Stauffer of Ephrata; two nieces, Brittany and Sophia Stauffer, and a great-nephew, Brandon Davies.
A viewing will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Mohler Church of the Brethren, 21 E. Mohler Church Road, Ephrata, followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Carl Brubaker officiating. Interment will take place in Mohler Brethren Cemetery.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Steiner, Mary Ann Steiner
July 7, 1955 - August 9, 2019
Mary Ann Steiner, 64, of Smithville, unexpectedly passed from this life, at her home, on Friday, August 9, 2019.
She was born near Dalton on July 7, 1955 to the late Samuel and Orpha (Neuenschwander) Steiner and married James L. Steiner on April 23, 1983 and he survives. They enjoyed 36 year of married life.
Also surviving are 5 children, 4 sons, Kendall (Joy) of Sterling, Kerwin (Cherilyn) of Dalton, Norvin and Darin of Smithville; a daughter, Lynelle Amstutz (Jeff) of Dalton; 6 grandchildren; Klarissa, Tevon, Jamin, Anika, Krista and Kelsey; 6 brothers and 3 sisters, Wilbur (Ann) of Smithville, Irvin (Sally) of Lebanon, PA, Vilas, Clifford (Densie) and Maynard (Cheryl), all of Dalton, Olen (Garneta) of Apple Creek, Miriam, Arlene and Esther, all of Dalton; a sister-in-law, Dorothy of Fredericksburg.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, John and Oris; and a niece, Angela.
At the time of her death she was a member of the Valley View Mennonite Church near Dalton.
Friends may call on Tuesday, August 13 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the East Union Mennonite Church, 10678 E. Old Lincoln Way, Orrville where services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM. The Valley View ministry will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
Steiner, Paul Edward
March 13, 1930 - May 13, 2019
Paul Edward Steiner, 89, of North Lima, Ohio passed away Monday, May 13th in Wichita, Kansas. He was born March 13, 1930 to the late David and Naomi (Hartzler) Steiner and stepmother Katie (Smucker) Steiner.
He married his high school sweetheart, the late Jean (Mellinger) Steiner, July 12 1951. They spent their years together dedicated to their church, riding bikes, visiting gardens and traveling here and abroad. They also built the first underground home in Mahoning County.
Paul worked at Kaiser Aluminum and National Refractories as a supervisor until his retirement. After that he worked at Mellinger’s Garden Center and for the last several years he worked in the Salem Walmart assembling bikes, grills and in the garden center. For many years he was a Sunday school teacher and an elder at North Lima Mennonite Church.
He is survived by his children, Elaine (Chris) Williams, Beverly (Kevin) Kimmel, and Philip (Mariellen) Steiner. His brothers Albert (Carol) Daniel (Vera), Samuel (Sue), a sister Martha Sue Headings and preceded in death by his sister Joanna (Dave) Witmer. He leaves 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be at 11:00AM on Saturday May 18th at North Lima Mennonite Church in North Lima. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00PM Friday evening May 17th and from 10:00-11:00AM Saturday also at North Lima Mennonite Church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Pregnancy Center of Mahoning County (pregnancyhelpcenter.com) or the Mennonite Central Committee (mcc.org).
The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.
Steiner, Tilman
April 20, 1933 - June 11, 2019
Tilman Steiner, 86, of Salem, Ohio, passed away at his daughter’s home in Greenfield, Ohio, after a lengthy illness.
He was born on April 20, 1933, in Kidron, Ohio, and passed to his eternal reward on June 11, [2019] at the age of 86 years, 1 month, and 22 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Eliza (Neuenschwander) Steiner, his seven brothers, three sisters, and one grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma (Eberly) Steiner, whom he married on June 30, 1956. They enjoyed nearly 63 years together.
He is also survived by his eight children; Larry (Eva) Steiner of Barwick, Ontario, Lamar (Gloria) Steiner of West Liberty, Kentucky, David (Regina) Steiner of Salem, Ohio, Verna (Joseph) Diller of Greenfield, Ohio, Eileen (Jonathan) Diller of Rutledge, Missouri, Wilbur (Grace) Steiner of Leetonia, Ohio, Norma Steiner of Dalton, Ohio, and Arlin (Carol) Steiner of Columbiana, Ohio; 53 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
In his youth, he received Jesus as his Savior and faithfully served the Lord the remainder of his life. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Valley View Mennonite Church in Dalton, Ohio.
Find A Grave # 190503213
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin
Stoltzfus, Irene M. Nolt, 84, formerly of 1244 Springville Rd., East Earl, died Saturday, July 19, 2019 following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis at Garden Spot Village where she had most recently resided. Her husband Benjamin “Ben” B. Stoltzfus survives. They had celebrated their 60th anniversary last November.
Born in Clay Twp., she was the daughter of the late Noah W. and Edna (Martin) Nolt.
Irene was the office manager for B & I Electrical which she founded and operated with her husband Ben until her retirement.
She was a member of Stumptown Mennonite Church and an associate member of the Community Church at Garden Spot Village.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother Melvin married to Edie Nolt, Ephrata, a sister Emma Krantz, Kirkwood, and a brother-in-law Paul Moyer, Reinholds.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Alta Good and Vera Moyer and two brothers-in-law Paul Krantz and Lloyd Good.
Ben would like to extend his thanks to Dr. Silverstein, Jan Brightman, Hospice and Community Care, skilled nursing and nurses aides at Garden Spot Village, pastors and prayer partners for their support and care for Irene.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on July 25, 2019 at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Friends will be received at the chapel on Thursday from 2 – 3 p.m. Interment will be private in Stumptown Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Garden spot Village Benevolent Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557, CrossNet Ministries, P. O. Box 154, New Holland, PA 17557 or Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements.
Stoltzfus, John Eli
October 19, 1937 — January 28, 2019
John Eli Stoltzfus, 82, of Apple Creek, died January 28, 2019 at Shady Lawn Nursing Home, in Dalton.
Friends may call Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Fairlawn Mennonite Church. Memorial services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Duane Detweiler officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, Ohio 44691.
John was born October 19, 1937 in Bellefontaine, Ohio to Eli and Lena Smucker Stoltzfus.
John married Beverly Ann King on October 28, 1956.
John served in in alternative services in Cleveland for two years, worked for Orrville Products for 9 years, and for Mast Lepley Silo Flying Dutchman and Singer Products for 18 years before his retirement. He was then self-employed at Rand K Hoists and raised Appaloosa ponies. John was a founding member of the POA Horse Club. His equine care and training of horses was his greatest love and pastime. He always wanted to be known as someone who gave 110%, who loved his family deeply, and as a kind man who lived without regrets. He gave thanks every day and was grateful for his wife who cared for him daily during his illness.
John will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; sons Ron (Sharon) of Knoxville, TN, Kenny Lee of NC, Michael David (Leslie) of Orrville, daughter-in-law Darlene of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren Annaliese (Thomas) Fedorchak, Justin, Zachary, Presley, David (Allyson) Stoltzfus, and Leanne (Austin) Rose, Michaela Stoltzfus, Rachel and Brianna Figley; great-granddaughter Lily Fedorchak; sisters Barbara Miller of IN., Carol (Howard) of N. Manchester, IN, Rowena (John) Borntrager of Peoria, AZ.
John was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Anna Detweiler Stoltzfus, son Larry John, sister Rose.
A special thank to the caregivers at LifeCare Hospice and Shady Lawn Nursing Home for their loving care over the last several months.
Stoner, Irene H. Zimmerman, 99, of Ephrata, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Fairmount Homes, Inc.
She was born in Brecknock Township to the late William F. and Sally (Harting) Zimmerman and was the wife of Clarence Stoner.
Irene was a member of Metzler Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Her family knew her as a diligent praying mother. She enjoyed her winter home in Florida, quilting, canning, flowers and gardening. Irene was a very creative person who loved art.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Nancy, wife of Bruce Heimbach, Clifford, husband of Betty (Martin) Martin, Linda, wife of Smokey Fasnacht, Carolyn, wife of Daniel Kopp, Lois, wife of the late Mark Stout, Cynthia, wife of Lynn Weaver; a daughter-in-law, Dorcas Martin; step children, Ruth Ann, wife of Wilmer Ebersole, Marlene, wife of Charles Bomgardner, Wilmer, husband of Janice Stoner, Alvan, husband of Joyce Stoner, Dale, husband of Ruth Ann Stoner, Nevin, husband of Tammy Stoner, June, wife of Lloyd Weaver, Marilyn, wife of Lester Sensenig; a step son-in-law, Allen Martin; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Violet Good, Mabel Sensenig and Warren Zimmerman.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry F. Martin; a son, Kenneth Lee Martin; a step daughter, Elaine Martin; sons-in-law, Irvin Newswanger and Clifford Horst; siblings, Chester, Lloyd, Irwin, Bessie, Marie and Jane.
A viewing will be held Friday, September 27, 2019, from 6 to 8 pm, at Metzler Mennonite Church, 515 W. Metzler Road, Ephrata. An additional viewing will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 9 to 10 am, at the church, followed by her funeral service at 10 am, with Pastor David Buch officiating. Interment will take place in the Metzler Mennonite Cemetery.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Stutzman, Erma J. Kauffman Swartzendruber, 81, of Goshen, died Friday, January 18, 2019, at Goshen Hospital after battling Alzheimer’s since 2013.
She was born August 23, 1937 in Sturgis, Michigan, to Alfred and Arie (Slabach) Kauffman.
On May 14, 1961 she married Cecil Swartzendruber in Goshen. He died January 24, 2011. On December 14, 2013 she married Melvin Stutzman.
He survives along with a daughter, Debra (Shane) Gascho of Mount Pleasant, Michigan; two sons, Roger (Kami) Swartzendruber and Jeff Swartzendruber, both of Goshen; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Lanfear of Atlanta, Georgia; and three brothers, Steve (Nila) Kauffman of Goshen, Nelson Kauffman of LaGrange and Ron (Jane) Kauffman of Howe.
Mrs. Stutzman worked as a bookkeeper for her first husband’s business, Cecil’s Heating and Cooling. She enjoyed reading, sightseeing and long get away weekends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 22, 2019, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and one hour prior to the 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2019, funeral service at Pleasant View Church. Pastors Tyler Hartford and Ron Diener will officiate.
Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Jefferson Food Pantry or Pleasant View Church.
Summers, Edith Marlene Brenneman, 83, of Iowa City, Johnson Co., IA died September 14, 2019 at the same place. She was born November 14, 1935 at Washington Co., IA to Lloyd J. and Cora M. (Yoder) Brenneman. On August 26, 1961 at Iowa City she was married to Robert Wendell Summers, who died October 11, 2015.
Surviving are children, Kristine Anne Stalter (Timothy); Rebecca Summers Truszkowski (Joseph); and Rachel Karin Hardy (Jonathan); six grandchildren, and a sister, Goldie Swartzendruber.
Two brothers, Virgil Brenneman and Arden Brenneman; and two sisters, Pearl Miller and Wava Stutzman preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held October 5, 2019 at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City, Iowa City, IA.
Sutter, Lela V.
July 24, 1921 - June 11, 2019
Lela V. Sutter, 97, of Goshen, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Greencroft Healthcare where she had been a patient for five months.
She was born July 24, 1921 in Hopedale, Illinois to Levi and Alma (Nafziger) Sutter.
Survivors include two brothers, Willis Sutter of Eureka, Illinois and Earl (Margaret) Sutter of Goshen; and a sister, Jean (John) King of Aiken, South Carolina.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Vernal and Dennis Sutter; and five sisters, Ina Sutter, Edna Springer, Oleeda Albrecht, Miriam Albrecht and Alice Wenger.
Also surviving are eight nephews and 13 nieces, whom she loved and enjoyed spending time with them.
Lela received a Registered Nursing Degree from Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Illinois; a Bachelor of Science Degree from Goshen College; and a Public Health Certificate from Loyola University, Chicago.
She worked for 27 years as a school nurse at York High School, Elmhurst, Illinois with 24 of those years as head nurse.
Lela took two years during her career for service. Her first leave of absence was to serve with Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities at Mathis, Texas. While at Mathis, she saw a need for maternity care and raised money in the community to build a maternity clinic. She raised $2400 for materials. Mennonite Voluntary Service young men built the building. It had four beds, an office, and a delivery room. It served the migrant population.
During her second leave, she served as Dean of Women at Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas for one year.
Lela requested cremation. Her remains will be buried at the Hopedale, Illinois Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
A member of College Mennonite Church, memorial gifts may be directed to the Sutter Family Scholarship Fund at Goshen College or to the church Jubilee Fund.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
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Sutter, Lela V., 97, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died June 11, 2019 at the same place. She was born July 24, 1921 at Hopedale, IL to Levi and Alma (Nafziger) Sutter.
Surviving are two brothers, Willis Sutter of Eureka, Illinois and Earl (Margaret) Sutter of Goshen; and a sister, Jean (John) King of Aiken, South Carolina.
Two brothers, Vernal and Dennis Sutter; and five sisters, Ina Sutter, Edna Springer, Oleeda Albrecht, Miriam Albrecht and Alice Wenger preceded her in death.
Lela received a Registered Nursing Degree from Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Illinois; a Bachelor of Science Degree from Goshen College; and a Public Health Certificate from Loyola University, Chicago.
She worked for 27 years as a school nurse at York High School, Elmhurst, Illinois with 24 of those years as head nurse.
Lela took two years during her career for service. Her first leave of absence was to serve with Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities at Mathis, Texas. While at Mathis, she saw a need for maternity care and raised money in the community to build a maternity clinic. She raised $2400 for materials. Mennonite Voluntary Service young men built the building. It had four beds, an office, and a delivery room. It served the migrant population.
During her second leave, she served as Dean of Women at Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas for one year.
Lela was an active member of the Lombard, IL, Mennonite Church. She often served in positions where her perceptive Christian vision and decision-making skills were highly appreciated. She moved to Greencroft in 1982. She was a member of College Mennonite Church and the Home Builders Sunday School class. Her church, family, and friends were important to her.
Memorial services were held July 26, 2019 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with burial in Illinois Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale, IL.
Swarr, Bertha Carolyn Wenger, 86, of Harrisonburg, VA died April 9, 2019 at the same place. She was born April 13, 1932 at Versailles, MO to Jesse Walter and Ella (Lehman) Wenger. On May 8, 1955 at Versailles, MO she was married to Paul Leaman Swarr, who was born November 10, 1927 and survives.
Surviving are children, David (and wife Sharon) Swarr; Evelyn (and husband Jay) Hostetter; and Carolyn (and husband Carl) Stauffer; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
She spent 30 years under MBM in Israel and 20 years with YWAM.
Memorial services were held May 11, 2019 at Ridgeway Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA with burial in Lindale Mennonite Church cemetery, Linville, VA.
Swartley, Lawrence A., 90, of Doylestown, PA died January 19 2019 at Souderton, PA. He was born February 6, 1928 in Buckingham Twp., _____ Co., PA to Elias and Mary Ann (Alderfer) Swartley. On September 20, 1952 he was married to Ruth M. Moyer, who was born March 1, 1931 and aurvives.
Surviving are children, Sharon Landes and her husband Ronald; Donald Swartley and his wife Sandy; Thomas Swartley and his wife Miriam; and Michael Swartley and his wife Jill; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Russell Gehman and Gordon Yoder and his wife Grace.
Three sisters, Naomi Yoder, Grace Detweiler, and Thelma Yoder preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held February 2, 2019 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA with burial in Blooming Glen Mennonite Church Columbarium.
Swartley, Ruth M. Moyer, 88, of Souderton, PA died June 3, 2019 at the same place. She was born March 1, 1931 in Bedminister Twp., _____ Co., PA to Dwight and Elizabeth (Yothers) Moyer. On September 20 1952 she was married to Lawrence A. Swartley, who was born February 6, 1928 and died January 19, 2019.
Surviving are children, Sharon Landes and her husband Ronald; Donald Swartley and his wife Sandy; Thomas Swartley and his wife Miriam; and Michael Swartley and his wife Jill; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and two brothers-in-law, Russell Gehman and Gordon Yoder and his wife Grace.
A brother, David Moyer, and two sisters, Mary E. Gehman, and Anna Marie Moyer preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held June 24, 2019 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA with burial in Blooming Glen Mennonite Church Columbarium, Blooming Glen, PA.
Swartley, Willard Myers
August 6, 1936 - November 6, 2019
Willard Myers Swartley, 83, Goshen, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, from natural causes.
He was born August 6, 1936 to William Henry Swartley and Ida Myers Swartley, at Gardenville, Pennsylvania.
On August 16, 1958, Willard married Mary Lapp in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, who survives.
He is also survived by a daughter, Louisa Renee Swartley Oyer (Gary Oyer), of Hesston, Kansas, and a son, Kenton Eugene Swartley (Emily Hertzler Swartley) of Cedar Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren: Kristen Swartley, Elkhart; Jeremy Swartley, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Jamie Swartley, Decorah, Iowa; Michelle Swartley, Bluffton, Ohio; John Oyer (Saralyn Murray Oyer), Hesston, Kansas; and Michael Oyer, Anchorage, Alaska;
and a sister, Dorothy Swartley Martens, Chester, Vermont.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Swartley, and six siblings: Marian Swartley Myers, Emerson, Henry Jr., John, Clifford and Kenneth.
Willard graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1954, and from Eastern Mennonite University in 1959, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart; Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois; and Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, where he earned a Ph. D. in New Testament Studies, in 1973.
Willard touched many lives through his pastoring and teaching career. After
he pastored for five years at the former Locust Grove Mennonite Church, Elkhart, he taught at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Conrad Grebel College, Kitchener, Ontario, and AMBS, Elkhart. In addition to teaching Willard wrote many books and articles, and was frequently invited to speak at conventions, conferences, and churches.
Willard and his wife Mary were longtime members at Belmont Mennonite Church, Elkhart, where visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 pm. Burial will take place at 9 am Saturday morning, Nov. 9, in the Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, followed by visitation at Belmont and a memorial service at 11 a.m., also at Belmont Mennonite Church, 925 Oxford St., Elkhart.
Memorial contributions may be made to AMBS, Elkhart, or a charity of your choice.
Swartz, Jon Charles "Chuck", 78, of West Liberty, Logan Co., OH died June 6, 2019 at the same place. He was born January 5, 1941 at Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN to Samuel C. and Eleanor (Reist) Swartz. On July 23, 1965 at Premont, TX he was married to Jeanie Davis, who was born March 18, 1942 and survives.
Surviving are children, Mark (Trish) Swartz, Jeremy (Susan Mattison) Swartz, and Heidi Swartz; three grandchildren, sisters: Linda Roth, Margaret (Sliff) Hensel, and Jan (Jim) Erb and brothers: Keith (Emma) Swartz, and Karl (Myra) Swartz.
A grandson, J. C. Swartz, preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held August 3, 2019 at Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty, OH.
Swartzentruber, Eldon E.
June 19, 1927 - December 23, 2019
Eldon E. Swartzentruber, 92, of Harrisonburg, passed away Dec. 23, 2019, in the home of his son at Kenbridge, Va. Eldon was born June 19, 1927, in Kalona, Iowa, and was the son of the late Enos C. and Magdalena Swartzentruber.
He owned and operated Country Shoe Repair until his retirement at the age of 85. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Fellowship Church, where he also served as minister.
On Dec. 19, 1950, he was married to Eldora Miller, who passed away on July 4, 2003.
On Sept. 25, 2004, he was married to Katie Gerber, who survives. Also surviving are five sons, James of Kalona, Iowa, Francis of Phoenix, Ariz., Howard of Kenbridge, Va., Nelson of Kenbridge, Va., and Jason of Glade Spring, Va.; two daughters, Beulah Miller of Osage, Iowa, and Berdella Kropf of Dayton, Va.; one sister, Sadie Mast of Spencer, Okla.; three stepsons, Harold Gerber of Kenabeck, Ontario, Nelson Gerber of Godshill, Ontario and Daniel Gerber of Priceville, Ontario; 48 grandchildren; and 61 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be on Friday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. Both will be at Pike Mennonite Church, 31 Pike Church Road, Harrisonburg. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Mennonite Fellowship Church Cemetery.
Sweigart, Mary W. Stauffer, 85, of Lititz, PA went home into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at the Hospice and Community Care Center in Mount Joy.
She is survived by sons Lou Anthony, husband of Anne Schlosser Sweigart of Royersford; Clifford, husband of Beverly Krieder Sweigart of Elizabethtown; Kenton, husband of Sue Rohrer Sweigart of Mount Joy; and a daughter, Crystal, wife of Douglas Martin of Brownstown. In addition, she was blessed to have 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren in her life. Mary was extremely proud to be the matriarch of this entire loving Sweigart family.
Husband, Arthur, and grandson, Jed, preceded Mary in death.
Mary was the daughter of Roy M. and Florence W. Stauffer of Lititz. Her twin sister, Martha, wife of James Garber, survives her. She is also survived by siblings Roy Stauffer of Lititz; Rhoda Oberholtzer of Lititz; Earl Stauffer of Elizabethtown; James Stauffer of Lancaster; Paul Stauffer of Landisville, Jean Eby of New Holland; and Shirley Burris of Elizabethtown, and was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Denlinger and Dorothy Tweed, and brother Robert Stauffer.
Mary's early years were spent helping at the Stauffer family market in Lititz. Her adult years were spent with her husband and children on the Mount Joy family dairy farm. She was an active member of Mount Joy Mennonite Church and for many years was a fourth grade Sunday School teacher who will be fondly remembered by her students for making learning fun. She ventured into her own catering business, and thoroughly enjoyed serving others. Mary had a gift for making things beautiful: whether it was planting flowers, decorating spaces, or serving food.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff and volunteers of the Hospice and Community Care Center in Mount Joy, as well as the staff at Landis Homes. The care, grace, and love that was shown to Mary and her family were truly a gift from God.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service honoring Mary's life at the West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543 on Monday, December 23, 2019, at 11:00 AM. Family and friends will be received at the West Bethany Chapel before the services from 9:00 until the beginning of the memorial service.