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.
2021
T to V
Thomas, Betty Louise Miller
February 7, 1926 - February 18, 2021
Betty Louise Thomas, 95, of Goshen, died Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Courtyard Healthcare.
She was born February 7, 1926 in Goshen to O. Melvin and Fannie (Slabach) Miller.
On May 6, 1945 she married Raymond Thomas. He died July 15, 2004.
She was a volunteer at Goshen General Hospital for 47 years and volunteered at Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry signing Bibles for 10 years. She worked at Yoder’s Department Store, Shipshewana selling shoes for 20 years.
She was a member of Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church.
Survivors include two sons, Kenneth (Elaine) Thomas of Goshen and Keith Thomas (friend, Brenda Powers) of Middlebury; a daughter, Ginny (Keith) King of Goshen, eight grandchildren, Sabrina Pletcher, Sheila Schmidt, Kelly Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Kami Thomas, Ben King, Nate King and Joel King and 15 great-grandchildren, Reese, Mason and Bryce Pletcher, Jerry and Raymond Schmidt, Victoria Thomas and Josiah, Abigail, Madison, Sadie, Peyton, Madilyn, Olivia, Emma and Nora King.
Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Maurice, Mervin and Melvin J. Miller; a granddaughter, Kimberly Thomas and two great-grandsons, Bennett King and Leland King.
Friends may call Saturday, February 20, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service on Sunday at Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church. Revs. Randall Riegsecker and Roy Rodes will officiate.
Burial will follow in Clinton Union Cemetery.
Thomas, Paul H.
March 22, 1932 - April 15, 2021
GOSHEN - Paul H. Thomas, 89, passed away April 15, 2021, at his home in Goshen surrounded by family.
He was born March 22, 1932, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Martin and Anna (Harnish) Thomas.
On June 14, 1958, in Elyria, Ohio, he married Elvalou "Lou" Parker; she preceded him in death on Dec. 28, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two children, Vicki and Philip, and three sisters, Esther Eisenberger, Rhoda Martin and Ruth Taylor.
Surviving are two sons, Steve (Linda Lehman) Thomas and Tim (Nitza Rosario) Thomas; seven grandchildren, Matt Thomas, Jeremy (Chelsea Noble) Thomas, Maria Thomas, Justin Thomas, Brian Gish, Kevin Gish and Jade Thomas; and one great-granddaughter, Lily Thomas. Also surviving are two daughters-in-law, Ana Thomas and Charlene Mast.
Paul worked as a statistician at Miles Laboratory for 30 years, was a member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church and was a dedicated volunteer at The Depot for many years. He had a passion for gardening and enjoyed do-it-yourself projects.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 15, at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. The memorial service will be 11 a.m. followed by a fellowship meal. A private family burial will be held at Violett Cemetery in Goshen. Memorial donations may be given to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) or to the Goshen Hospice.
Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Thomas, Vernon S.
December 19, 1929 - January 9, 2021
Vernon S. Thomas, 91, of Middlebury, died at 9:27 am, on Saturday, January 9 at Goshen Health Hospital. He was born on December 19, 1929, in Middlebury, to Sam and Lizzie (Yoder) Thomas. On February 22, 1953, in Townline Mennonite Church, he married Dorothy Mae Kropf; she died December 6, 2020.
Surviving are two daughters, Shirley (Merlin) Miller of Middlebury, Doris (Thomas) Johns of Topeka; five sons, Larry Thomas, Richard (Trula) Thomas, Norman Thomas, Don (Cheryl) Thomas, Mark (Susan) Thomas all of Middlebury; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Edna Thomas of Goshen; brother, Orval Thomas of Grabill.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; one granddaughter; four sisters, Irene Yoder, Ella Thomas, Diana Mast, Orpha Troyer; three brothers, Henry, Ralph, and Melvin Thomas.
Vernon was a farmer and a member of Townline Mennonite Church. He was a lifetime member of the National Holstein Association and the Elkhart County Holstein Directors. He served on the Elkhart County Dairy Board and the Elkhart County DHIA Board for more than 20 years. Vernon and Dorothy helped many years at the Gospel Echoes Auction and oversaw the pancakes and sausage breakfast at the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale.
Visitation will be from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 12 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Wednesday, January 13 at Townline Mennonite Church, Shipshewana. Services will be conducted by Andrew Eversole. Burial will be in Townline Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Memorials may be given to Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry. The family and funeral home encourage anyone attending the services please wear a face covering.
Troyer, Alberta L. Cross
January 10, 1927 - December 10, 2021
Alberta L. Troyer, 94, of Goshen, died peacefully with her family at her side at 12:05 pm on Friday, December 10 at Goshen Health Hospital. She was born on January 10, 1927, in Middlebury, to Albert and Iva (Harshberger) Cross. On June 15, 1946, in Griner Mennonite Church, she married Elroy Troyer, he died November 21, 2019.
Surviving are two daughters, LaVonda (Rick) Waldron of New Paris, Jolene (Glen) Miller of Goshen; three sons, Steven Troyer of Union, MI, Kerm (Micki) Troyer of Middlebury, LaVon (Paige) Troyer of Bristol; son-in-law, Roger Egli of Lexington, KY; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; sister, Esther Artley of Goshen; brother, LeRoy (Esther) Cross of Goshen.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Sue Egli; grandson, Dustin Troyer; brother, William Cross; sister, Gladys Jones.
Alberta was a homemaker and volunteered with MCC for 15 years. She was a member of North Goshen Mennonite Church where she was very active in the sewing circle and on the kitchen committee. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and loved to watch birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers for their loving care and support.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 15 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. A memorial service will be held at 10:45 am on Thursday, December 16 also at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by Alberta’s nephew Bill Cross. The family will hold a private burial in Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Faith Mission.
Troyer, Alivia Grace
November 30, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Alivia Grace Troyer, infant daughter of Dean Jay and Edna Mae (Lehman) Troyer, of Goshen, was born at 10:28 pm on Tuesday, November 30, and passed away at 1:25 pm on Wednesday, December 1, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.
Surviving in addition to her parents are her sister, Ava Troyer and brother, Jalin Troyer both at home; grandparents, David and Linda Troyer of Topeka and Orva and Freda Lehman of Goshen; great-grandfather, Harley Miller of Goshen; great-grandparents, Daniel and Ada Lehman of Shipshewana.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm on Friday, December 3, at the family's residence, 11473 County Rd. 32 Goshen. Funeral services will follow visitation beginning at 3:00 pm also Friday at the family’s residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Elroy Bontrager. Burial will be in Thomas Cemetery, Goshen.
Troyer, Jon S.
October 27, 1960 - March 19, 2021
ELIDA — Jon S. Troyer, age 60, was called into the presence of the Lord at 3:23 am Friday, March 19, 2021, at The Ohio State University-Wexner Medical Center surrounded by family.
Jon was born October 27, 1960 in Lima, OH to the late Leonard and Betty (Sauder) Troyer. On July 27, 1985 he married the love of his life, Cheryl Ann (Phillips) Troyer.
Jon was a 1979 graduate of Elida High School. He grew up on a farm in Elida and was a life-long farmer. He and his brother Craig, owned and operated Troyer Brother's Farm. Jon also worked part-time at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center as a Surgical Tech. Jon enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his wife and the "Wild Hogs". He also was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a nature lover and enjoyed playing softball. Jon had been an active member of FFA, 4-H and the Royal Family Kids Camp. Jon was a man of great faith and loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Salem Mennonite Church and he was a proud husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheryl Ann Troyer of Elida; five children, Joshua (Shannon Miller-Hancock) Troyer of Lima, Sarah E. (Joseph) Metzger of Delphos, Shane M. (Jasmine) Troyer of Findlay, Adam E. (Chloe Nulton) Troyer of Lima and Jessica M. (Kyle) Mack of Lima; eight grandchildren, Alec, Baeden, Arabella, Emersyn, Rain, Axle "Lane", Jayce and Reece; four siblings, Bev Hendricks of Telford, PA, Yvonne (Steve) Mallery of Fort Wayne, IN, Max (Janet) Troyer of Harrisonburg, VA and Craig (Cindi) Troyer of Elida; mother-in-law, Diana (Wayne) Millirans Phillips Good of Lumberton, NC; brother-in-law, Kevin (Lisa) Phillips of Lima, sister-in-law, Tracy (Keith) Blake of Tampa, FL and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by a daughter, Kaitlyn Marie Troyer on October 25, 1991; granddaughter, Aliyah Troyer; brother-in-law, Bob Hendricks and father-in-law, James R. Phillips.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am Friday, March 26, 2021, at Lima First Church, 1660 Findlay Road, Lima, Ohio 45801. Pastor Paula Belousek and Pastor Darrell Bucher will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Salem Mennonite Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday, March 24, and 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, March 25, at CHILES -LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL and from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Friday prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Troyer, Lyle K.
August 3, 1942 - August 11, 2021
Lyle K. Troyer, born August 3, 1942 to Lotus E. Troyer and Hilda P. (Kline) Troyer, finished his earthly race on August 11, 2021. He is a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend.
Lyle wanted to be remembered as stating “I have gratitude for who I am, the creature that God made me to be.”
He was an active member of Peace Mennonite Church in Elyria, Ohio, where he served as an elder for many years. Peace Mennonite Church supports many ministries dear to his heart, including the Gideons, Love INC, Mennonite Central Committee, and Joni and Friends “Wheels for the World.” The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts in honor of Lyle be sent to Peace Mennonite Church (9300 West Ridge Road, Elyria OH 44035).
Professionally, Lyle worked as a sales manager and school district treasurer. He sought to live out his faith in Jesus by being a servant in every area of his life, and sought the good of all he came into contact with.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Lila and his daughter Sharon. He is survived by wife Edna, sister Marj, son Mark and granddaughter Lucie.
Burial will be a private service, “Celebration of Life” will be held at a yet-to-be-determined date. Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Trumbo, Doris Jean Showalter
August 2, 1927 - August 20, 2021
Doris Jean Showalter Trumbo, 94, of Harrisonburg, and formerly of Broadway, died Aug. 20, 2021, at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She was born on the home place near Broadway on Aug. 2, 1927, the daughter of the late H.D.H and Flora Grove Showalter. Doris was the youngest of nine children. She was preceded in death by five brothers: Carl (Louise Mensch), Howard (Irene Geiser), Jacob (Mazie Wilkins), Owen (Edith Rhodes), and James (Joyce Blosser); and two sisters, Mary Emma (Ira) Eby and Ethel (Lewis) Strite. She is survived by one sister, Kathryn (Samuel) Shank; and one sister-in-law, Joyce (James) Showalter. She was a loving aunt to 33 nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in 1944 and attended Eastern Mennonite College. In 1952, she graduated from Rockingham Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.
On Aug. 23, 1952, she married Norvell Trumbo, who passed away Oct. 13, 2009. They had three sons, Steven (Pamela Arnold) of Stuarts Draft; Scott (Nancy Holt) of Tualatin, Ore.; and Brent (Judith Reitz) of Broadway. She had four grandchildren: Sarah Trumbo, Jonas Trumbo, Max Trumbo and Cody Trumbo.
For several years she worked at the family business, Trumbo Electric Inc., in Broadway as a receptionist and secretary.
Doris was a lifelong member of Trissel’s Mennonite Church, Broadway, where she taught Sunday School and chaired the Women’s Sewing Circle and Women’s Prayer Group. Doris sewed thousands of school kit bags for distribution to needy children in the developing world under the auspices of the Mennonite Central Committee. She continued sewing these bags until the last several months of her life when declining health prohibited her from serving in this way.
Doris was a phenomenal cook in the Showalter tradition. She was a woman of hospitality who enjoyed entertaining and providing for her guests.
Doris and Norvell moved to VMRC in 2003. She continued to be an active member of the church and an active participant in the sewing circle.
The family will receive friends at Grandle Funeral Home Friday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. The casket will be closed.
The memorial service will be held at Trissel’s Mennonite Church on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. with Harold Miller and Phil Kanagy officiating. A graveside service will be held at the church cemetery at 10 a.m.
A meal in the social hall will follow immediately after the service. All are welcome.
All persons are asked to wear masks indoors for visitation and the service.
Memorial contributions (in lieu of flowers) may be made to the VMRC compassion fund or to the Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-500.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.
Turner, Margaret Yoder
November 20, 1930 - August 11, 2021
Margaret Turner (90) of Harrisonburg, Virginia, was called to be with Our Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2021.
Margaret was born Nov. 20, 1930, in Midland, Michigan, to George P. and Myrtle Fern (Yoder) Yoder. She attended Eastern Mennonite High School, where she met her future husband, Waldo Neil Turner of Broadway. They were married June 17, 1948, in Midland and began their marriage farming near Cootes Store, Virginia, attending Trissels Mennonite Church.
In the 1960’s, Neil began building, and Margaret was active behind the scenes paying the bills, raising their 4 children, managing the apartments they built in Broadway, and volunteering with RMH, Valley Players Guild, and the American Heart Association. With her children and grandchildren in mind, Margaret designed her dream home, and then in 1989, Neil built it for her in Fairway Hills. In Harrisonburg, they attended the First Church of the Brethren. After retirement, Margaret and Neil traveled and enjoyed their 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In 2015, they moved into the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, where they enjoyed the company of many life-long friends. Since January, they were temporarily living in Hartville with their daughter, Teresa (Turner) and John Peach, and her family to wait out the Covid-19 restrictions.
She is survived by her husband, Neil, of 72 years and their 4 children: Gregory (Jenny) Turner of Timberville, Va., Cheryl Turner of Durham, N.C., Gary (Debbie) Turner of Harrisonburg, Va., and Teresa (John) Peach of Hartville.
Family will meet Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, at 7 p.m. for a private viewing at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway. Calling hours will be Monday, Aug. 16, 2021 at 9 a.m. at Grandle Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m., officiated by Pastor Steve Landis, VMRC residential living chaplain. Graveside service at Trissels Mennonite Church cemetery will follow the funeral at Margaret’s final resting place.
Vetter, J. Mark
May 25, 1952 - January 7, 2021
J. Mark Vetter, 68, of Granger, died at 7:45 am on Thursday, January 7 at Center for Hospice Care Raclin House, Mishawaka, after a one-year battle with cancer. He was born on May 25, 1952 in Fort Wayne, to Ralph and Julia (Gerlach) Vetter. On May 9, 1992 in Goshen, he married Doris Miller; she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are daughter, Amanda Vetter of Granger; son, Andrew Vetter of Granger; sister, Sarah Vetter of Petoskey, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mark worked as a tool and die maker many years for several businesses both in the Chicago area and in our local area. He later worked as a school bus mechanic and driver for the Goshen School System from 2003 until 2019. He was a man of deep faith and loved spending time with his church family. Mark also enjoyed golfing, photography, being outdoors, and woodworking in his earlier years.
Visitation will be from 1:00- 5:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, January 15 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. The family will hold a private graveside service on Saturday, January 16 prior to the 1:00 pm memorial service at Siloam Fellowship, 61616 CR 35, Goshen. Burial will be in Clinton Union Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Bibles for America (https://contributions.biblesforamerica.org/).
VonGunten, Sara Ellen Yoder
April 5, 1943 - June 4, 2021
Sara Ellen Yoder VonGunten died peacefully in her home on June 4, 2021, 11 days after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. She is predeceased by her first husband, Kenneth VonGunten, her parents, Lillian and Noble Yoder, and her brother Stephen Douglas Yoder. She is survived by her husband Evan J Miller, daughter Amy Clemens (Kent), sons Douglas (Jolene) and Peter (Melissa Longley), step-son Benjamin Miller (Marine Gassier), step-daughter Leena Miller Cressman (Scott), six grandchildren (Connor, Olivia, Jack, Garrett, Molly, and Shane) and three step-grandchildren (Milo, Juniper, Tessa), as well as her Kenyan “grandson” Victor Kiprop Kiprotich.
Sara was born in Goshen, Indiana, on April 5, 1943, and graduated from Goshen High School in 1961. She graduated from Bluffton (Ohio) College in 1965 and holds a Master’s Degree in education from Indiana University. Sara lived in Pandora, Ohio, following college and then settled in Middlebury, Indiana, to raise her family.
Sara married Ken VonGunten on June 19,1965, and was widowed on September 1, 2002. Following Ken’s death, Sara lived in Jefferson Township. She moved to Goshen after marrying Evan J. MIller on March 26, 2011.
Sara was baptized in the Mennonite Church and was an active member at Pleasant Oaks Mennonite Church and later at Eighth Street Mennonite Church.
Sara taught elementary school at several school systems, concluding her career in 2005 after over 20 years in the Middlebury Community Schools. She spent her children’s early years as a stay-at-home mom. She also taught piano and was a church pianist.
Sara was very involved with her children and grandchildren, making a point to attend their activities, and lovingly inquire about their lives at weekly family gatherings. She was beloved by her in-laws.
Sara traveled extensively with Evan, and with her WITT (Women in Transition Together) group. She had a passion for education and language, and especially enjoyed teaching English as a second language. She was a devoted follower of national politics, motivated by a desire for justice and peacemaking. She studied spiritual companioning and was a great listener. Her expansive love provided caring for many people in meaningful ways. She read extensively, and was a spiritual seeker, exploring Celtic spirituality, Christian mysticism and Buddhist teachings.
Yoder Culp Funeral Home is handling arrangements. There will be a private family memorial service, and an outdoor, covid-safe open house on June 20, 2021, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church, 909 North 6th St., Goshen, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Ryan’s Place for grieving children and families, or Pathways Retreat.
Voran, Melvin
December 25, 1928 - July 27, 2021
Melvin Voran, 92, of Goshen, was born December 25, 1928 to David and Mary (Billau) Voran in Hesston Kansas.
He died on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 after a long satisfying life of service to others. Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Wileta and Walter Tieszen of Wichita Kansas.
After graduating High School from Hesston Academy, Melvin spent several years working on the Kansas family farm. In order to fulfill his Selective Service Draft requirement, he served with the Mennonite Central Committee in Gulfport. Mississippi, where he worked for two years in community outreach projects.
On August 19, 1956 he married Marilyn Helmuth of Aurora, Ohio. They settled in Goshen where he graduated from Goshen College with a BS in Elementary education, and later with an MA in Education from Western Michigan University. After his retirement from teaching in the Elkhart Community Schools System, he enjoyed part-time work as a grounds keeper at the Greencroft Goshen Retirement Center. He also found time to grow a large vegetable garden each summer from which he shared surplus produce.
As a member of the Goshen Woodworkers Guild, he pursued his interest in woodworking and made numerous pieces of fine furniture for his children and also to donate to auctions for charitable organizations. Melvin enjoyed travel, taking his family to different National Parks and other scenic areas of our country during summer vacations, as well as joining tour groups exploring Europe and the British Isles.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their three children: Miriam (Andrew Faunce) Voran of West Lebanon, New Hampshire, Stephen (Gwen Grasse) Voran of Boulder, Colorado and Laurel (David Diller) Voran of Empire, Michigan, and one granddaughter, Elleanna Voran of Boulder, Colorado.
Melvin was a member of College Mennonite Church. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, August 9th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at College Mennonite Church. Masks are required. The service will also be live-streamed at https://boxcast.tv/channel/n12gpk18euckrb3gcgs4.
Memorials may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, https://mcc.org/ or College Mennonite Church, www.collegemennonite.org.