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.
2024
A to B1
Alderfer, Jane Trumbo
August 13, 1931 - January 9, 2024
Jane Alderfer, age 92, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2024. Jane was born Alma Jane Trumbo as a triplet on Aug. 13, 1931, in Harrisonburg, Va. She grew up in Broadway, Va., the daughter of Norvell Preston Trumbo I and Sarah Meyers Trumbo.
Jane was creative and loved beauty, art and music. She was a graduate of Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Va. and Goshen College in Indiana. In 1975, she earned an MA in cultural studies from Governors State University in Illinois. She also studied Typography at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, Pa. and print-making at the Art Institute of Chicago. She was an employee for many years in the editorial and later, the design department of the Mennonite Publishing House in Scottdale, Pa.
In 1960, she married Joseph E. Alderfer. The couple moved from Pennsylvania to Chicago with their young son, Max, in 1967. Here, Jane continued her graduate studies and obtained her National Securities and real estate licenses. She was employed by the University of Chicago Press’ Astrophysical Journal as a graphics specialist for eight years and also worked for an investment firm in Chicago. She taught art and design for several semesters at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Ill.
Jane was an advocate for social justice and progressive politics and was often heard having conversations with the TV when the news was on! She had good friends. Many of them have preceded her in death. Jane loved plants and perennial gardening. Her Illinois garden was a masterpiece. She was a member of the Crete, IL garden club as well as the Crete Women’s Club, a philanthropic organization. Jane and her husband retired to Harrisonburg, Va. in 2000. Here, she gardened, volunteered with an elementary school reading program, participated in JMU’s Life-long-Learning Institute, was active in a book club and the Park View Mennonite Church.
Jane is survived by her husband, Joseph E. Alderfer; a son, Max J. Alderfer; his wife, Jackie, and a granddaughter, Amanda Marie Alderfer. Jane and Joe have four great-grandchildren. Jane was preceded in death by a grandson, Nickolas Allen Alderfe; her identical twin sister, Thelma Jean Trumbo Shank; her infant brother, John Trumbo; her sister, Helen Trumbo Shank; and brother, Norvell Trumbo II.
A private blessing will be held following cremation. A private memorial gathering will take place at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VMRC Compassion Fund, 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802, Park View Mennonite Church, 1600 College Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or to the Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA 17501-500.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bauman, Robert S.
February 17, 1934 - January 30, 2024
Robert S. Bauman, 89, of Reinholds, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Ephrata Township to the late William S. and Edna (Stauffer) Bauman and was the husband of Eva (Eberly) Bauman, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.
He was a member of Mohler Church of the Brethren. In his personal shop, Robert enjoyed woodworking, often making furniture. He was also an avid hunter, hunting in Bradford County at family camps.
Robert worked as a roofing foreman for Gooding, Simpson & Mackes.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Randall, husband of Christine Bauman; a daughter, Rhonda, wife of David Burkholder; three granddaughters, Elizabeth Bauman, Amy Bauman, Brittany, wife of Alex Hill; a great-grandson, Hudson Hill; a sister Loretta Kreider; a brother, Richard, husband of Terry Bauman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Bauman, Donald Bauman; two sisters, Lily Mackey and Violet Bauman.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10 to 11 AM at Mohler Church of the Brethren, 21 E. Mohler Church Road, Ephrata, followed by his funeral service at 11 AM, with Pastor Cody Schwanger officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Beachy, David D.
October 9, 1935 - February 22, 2024
David D. Beachy, 88, of Middlebury, passed away at 2:26 pm on Thursday, February 22, [2024] at his residence. He was born on October 9, 1935, in Millersburg, to Daniel C. and Susan (Miller) Beachy. On October 13, 1955, he married Mary Ellen Miller, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are four daughters and one son, Linda (Phil) Beiler of New Holland, PA, Marilyn (Wilbur) Miller of Middlebury, Leon (Robin) Beachy of Marcham, England, Joyce (Dean) Miller of Goshen, and Lynette (Ben) Fisher of Strasburg, PA; 24 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Esther (Arthur) Martin of Goshen, Sarah (Jake) Stoltzfus of Goshen, and Barbara Bender of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by parents; siblings, Katie Ann (Manas) Jones, Ida (Henry) Yoder, Alvin (Barbara) Beachy, Eli (Margaret) Beachy, Harvey (Marie) Beachy, Cornelius (Alma) Beachy, Anna (Dan) Gingerich, Daniel (Irene) Beachy, and Susie (Ray) Miller; two grandsons, Stephen Beiler and Jared Miller; two great-granddaughters, Eleni Beiler and Arshia Beiler.
David was a devoted Christian and a faithful member at Woodlawn Church. He worked as a finish carpenter for Miller Brothers Builders for 37 years. After retirement he and Mary Ellen enjoyed volunteering at Calvary Bible School in Arkansas and Penn Valley Christian Retreat in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed working in his shop using his creative handy work in building wood projects and working in the yard and flower beds. He thoroughly enjoyed his work as an Amish taxi driver for the last 10 years.
Visitation will be from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Sunday, February 25, at Woodlawn Church, 62861 CR 41 Goshen. There will be one hour of viewing prior to the 10:00 am funeral services on Monday, February 26, at the same location. Services will be conducted by Pastor Steve Miller and the sons-in-law. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Goshen.
Beachy, Elsie Mae Miller
August 31, 1944 - January 26, 2024
Elsie Mae (Miller) Beachy of Nappanee, Indiana, died peacefully in her home on January 26, 2024, after a series of strokes caused her health to deteriorate rapidly.
Elsie was born on August 31, 1944, in Holmes County, Ohio, to John H.N. and Sylvia (Mullet) Miller. On September 5, 1964, she married Roy S. Beachy in Berlin, Ohio. Together they moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, in 1966 and raised their eight children there. Elsie was a faithful member of Bethel Mennonite Church for many years, and more recently of Sandy Ridge Mennonite Church. She was a homemaker who loved to cook for her family and try new recipes. She valued her Irish roots and enjoyed making traditional Irish food. She also treasured her first language, Pennsylvania Dutch, and was passionate about teaching her children correct pronunciations and obscure PA Dutch words. She had a love for birds and created a bird haven on her back deck for more than 40 years, teaching her children bird calls and delighting in feeding and watching her birds daily. She enjoyed reading and appreciated a wide variety of music. She mentored young mothers over the years, and her own daughters and daughters-in-law value her wisdom. Her grandchildren say she gave the best hugs.
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Floyd Miller, Orpha Miller, Melva Wengerd, and James Miller; and two infant grandsons and several angel babies. She is survived by her brother Willard Miller, New Philadelphia, Ohio; her loving husband Roy; her children Maria (Lawrence) Weaver of New Paris, Sara (David) Miller of Maysville, WV, Lena (Daryl) Hershberger of New Paris, Joel (Rebecca) Beachy of Charlevoix, MI, Jason (Judy) Beachy of Nappanee, Judah (Melessa) Beachy of Shipshewana, Sylvia (Chris) Stoltzfus of Lancaster, PA, and Lorna (Richard) Troyer, Monterey, TN; twenty-seven grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Visitation will be at Bethel Mennonite Church on from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024 and for one hour prior to a 10:30 a.m. funeral on Monday morning, January 29, 2024, also at Bethel Mennonite Church. Burial will follow in Bethel Mennonite Cemetery.
Beiler, Clarence W.
January 19, 1934 - January 23, 2024
Clarence W. Beiler, 90, of Mifflinburg, entered into rest Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 19, 1934, in Elverson, Chester County, a son of the late Issac and Fannie (Weaver) Beiler. On Nov. 17, 1956, at Line Lexington Mennonite Church, he married the former Dorothy F. Ruth, who survives.
Clarence and his wife moved to Mifflinburg in 1958 and began dairy farming until 1996. After farming, he drove truck for a number of years. In his retirement he provided transportation for the Old Order Mennonite community.
He was a member of Boyer Mennonite Church, Middleburg, where he served in various positions in the church. He sang with Susquehanna Valley Men's Chorus for many years. Clarence served in the Pennsylvania Holstein Association and DHIA, as well as many other farm organizations.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Dorothy, are five adult children and spouses, Janet (Sam) Miller, Ephrata, Linda Beiler, West Milton, Marilyn (Brian) King, Denver, Pa., Ken (Karen) Beiler, Mifflinburg, JoAnn (Ken) Blank, Middleburg; eight grandchildren and spouses, Ryan (DiAnne) Beiler, Middleburg, Jay Beiler, Raleigh, NC, Yvette (Patrick) Burr, Clinton, NC, Jeanette (Curt) Stackhouse, Bellefonte, Nathan (Sarah) Blank, Middleburg, Janelle Blank, Elk Grove, Calif., Amanda King, and Darren King, both of Denver, Pa.; five great-grandchildren, Colton Beiler, Jacob Beiler, Madison Burr, Colt Stackhouse, Adley Blank; four sisters and spouses, Martha Deitrich, Bellefonte, Naomi Keiper, Winfield, Verna Mae (Ken) Buckwalter of New Holland, Arlene (Ron) Gipe of Greencastle; and brother-in-law, Herbert Hoover of New Carlisle, Ohio; and brother and sister-in-law, Elam and Charlotte Beiler of Middleburg.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Anna (Fisher) Beiler; three sisters, Ada Ginder, Anna Mary Hoover, Irene Beiler; four brothers-in-law, Carl Deitrich, Warren Keiper, Tom Miller, Benjamin Ginder; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Beiler.
Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Boyer Mennonite Church, 1472 W. Ridge Road, Middleburg, where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Matt Schrag officiating.
Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Clarence's memory may be sent to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
To share in Clarence's online memorial, please visit www.adamofh.com
Arrangements are by Dominick T. Adamo Funerals · Cremations · Monuments, 16 Walnut St., Mifflinburg.
Beiler, Elizabeth A. "Betsy"
August 29, 1953 - March 27, 2024
Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Beiler, 70 years of Narvon, passed away at the Wellspan York Memorial Hospital in York, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was born in Lancaster on Wednesday, August 29, 1953. Besty was the daughter of the late Jonas K. and Elizabeth F. (Stoltzfus) Beiler.
She was a foster mother for fourteen years. Her foster son John Chuko and his family still have a loving relationship with Betsy and Sarah. Betsy worked at Tel Hai Retirement Community for many years in the housekeeping department. She later worked at Garden Spot Village for 20 years.
Betsy enjoyed traveling, embroidery, reading, her cats and interacting with nephews and nieces, and was like a grandmother to John's children, Karliegh, Kylah, and Anya. She was a member of the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church in Narvon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Aaron, and Mary Beiler.
Betsy is survived by her siblings, Ben and Sarah Beiler of Narvon, Priscilla (Daniel) Fisher of Elverson, Fannie (Gideon) Petersheim of Narvon, Jonas and Wanda Beiler of Coatesville, Edwin and Judith Beiler of New Berlin, PA. and numerous nephews and nieces.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 10 AM from the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church, 115 Blank Road, Narvon, PA. 17555. Interment will follow at the adjoining cemetery. A calling hour will be held on Friday from 6 to 8 PM and on Saturday from 9 to 9:45 AM. At the church.
Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook.
Bender, Dale Edward
May 30, 1952 - February 26, 2024
Dale Edward Bender, 71, of Shipshewana, passed away unexpectedly while working at 9:30 am on Monday, February 26, 2024. He was born on May 30, 1952, in Elkhart County, to Omer and Barbara (Bontrager) Bender. On October 8, 1977, in LaGrange, he married Wanda Schrock, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are three children, Tarrah (Ben) Smith of Fishers, Chad (Tiffany) Bender of Shipshewana, and Brooke (Christian) Stuetzle of Carmel; six grandchildren, Finley, Braxton, and Sawyer Smith, Makenna and Colton Bender, and Piper Stuetzle; two brothers, Omer (Kristi) Bender of Knoxville, TN and Mark (Esther) Bender of Middlebury.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Duane and John Bender.
Dale installed carpet for over 25 years in the surrounding areas and even after “retiring” he continued to work as that was something he greatly enjoyed. He also enjoyed working outdoors in his yard and spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. Dale was an active member of Shore Church.
Visitation will be from 2:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, March 1, at Shore Church, 7235 W 100 N Shipshewana. Family and friends may gather at Shore Cemetery for a 10:30 am graveside service on Saturday, March 2, prior to the 11 am memorial service, also at the church. Services will be conducted by Pastors Nic Raber and Lance Miller. Memorial contributions may be given to Shore Mission and Service Commission.
Benner, Barbara Ruth Stoltzfus
October 20, 1941 - January 21, 2024
Barbara Ruth Benner, 82, of Mount Joy, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at home, surrounded by family. Born in Morgantown, she was the daughter of the late Job and Mary (Glick) Stoltzfus. Wife of Dr. John Nolt Benner.
Barb grew up riding horses on her parents' farm in Morgantown. She raised her children while living in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Tunkhannock. In Chambersburg, Barb enjoyed hosting guests from around the world in their "Elisha" guest house. Barb and John moved to Mount Joy to be close to their daughter and grandchildren for the last 17 years of her life.
Some of her many passions included gardening, houseplants, sewing for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), reading and feeding her family. She was a woman of prayer, a Master Gardener and a member of Elizabethtown Mennonite Church, where she served on the Kitchen Committee for many years.
She will be lovingly missed by her husband of 62 years, Dr. John N. Benner; her daughter, Laurel (Lolly) Kratz (Ron Kratz) of Mount Joy; her daughter-in-law, Brenda (Lehman) Benner (Randy Benner) of Friedens; her son, Eric Benner (Marie Benner-Rhoades) of Trumansburg, NY. Also missed by her grandchildren: Brandon Kratz (Eugenie Quan) of Roanoke, VA, Nathaniel Kratz (Brooke Witmer Kratz) of Philadelphia, Josiah Kratz (Katie Ashley Kratz) of Pittsburgh, Hannah Kratz Smith (Joey Smith) of Quarryville, Morgaine Benner and Job Benner of Trumansburg, NY. Survived by her brother, Melvin (Nancy Yoder) Stoltzfus; sisters-in-law, Martha (Kurtz) Stoltzfus, Esther (Kurtz) Stoltzfus, Marian (Glick) Stoltzfus and Sylvia Stoltzfus.
Preceded in death by her sons, Dr. John Randall (Randy) Benner and Keith David Benner; and her brothers, Wayne Stoltzfus, Merle Stoltzfus, Nathan Stoltzfus and Harold Stoltzfus.
A Celebration of Life service will be held graveside for family and friends at Groffdale Mennonite Church, 168 N. Groffdale Rd., Leola on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM followed by a time to greet the family in the multi-purpose room. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mennonite Central Committee (mcc.org). Furman's Leola.
Berkey, Cecelia Yvonne Miller
March 16, 1936 - March 29, 2024
Cecelia Yvonne Berkey, 88, of Goshen, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare.
She was born March 16, 1936 in Sturgis, Michigan to Milo S. and Ruth (Hostetler) Miller.
On April 7, 1957, she married Maurice F. Berkey at the Emma Mennonite Church.
He survives along with two daughters, Debra (Daniel) Williams and Joy (Brent) St. Germain, both of Goshen; three sons, Craig (Rosy) Berkey of Bedford Heights, Ohio, Dean (Joitta) Berkey of Sarasota, Florida and Dennis (Connie) Berkey of Topeka; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and a sister, Kathleen Peterson of Elkhart.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard L. Miller.
She worked with Dr. Allen Martin for 18 years and at the Essenhaus from 1991 until her retirement.
Mrs. Berkey loved her family and was very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren – supporting them in all of their various activities.
Visitation will be Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Shore Church, Shipshewana, where a 10 a.m. funeral service will be held Saturday. Pastors Nic Raber and Lance Miller will officiate.
Burial will follow in Shore Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be given to Rainbow Years Learning Ministry at Shore Church.
Boll, Mark B.
October 17, 1941 - February 26, 2024
Mark B. Boll, 82, of Manheim, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2024 following a 4 years battle with cancer. Born in Lititz, he was the son of the late Norman and Naomi Burkholder Boll. Mark was the loving husband of Roseanna E. Eberly Boll and they would have observed their 60th wedding anniversary in June of this year.
In his early years, Mark worked for the SICO Co., Ephrata. He started as an oil burner technician, later was a salesman and then promoted to assistant plant manager.
In 1979, Mark was ordained as a Mennonite Minister, and he pastored the Hess Mennonite Church for eleven years. Mark was one of the founding members of Lititz Area Mennonite Schools (LAMS); and served on the School Board for many years. While full time pastoring, he attended Lancaster Bible College and received and associate degree in Bible. After graduating, Mark pastored Derry Mennonite Church, Montour Co., and Hernley Mennonite Church, Manheim. During most of his years as pastor, Mark was a bi-vocational pastor. Mark attends Speedwell Heights Church, Lititz. Mark also worked at Lancaster Mennonite High School for 27 years, as the head custodian until his retirement in 2019. Mark and Roseanna enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Columbia County with friends and family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Roseanna, are two daughters: Kimberly Ann wife of John Fasig, Krystal J. Boll all of Manheim, a grandson, Mark Aaron Fasig, a twin sister, Martha wife of Dr. Marlin Nissly of Lititz, and two brothers: John husband of Anna Lois Boll of Bolivar, NY, Ray husband of Verna Boll of Ephrata. Preceding him in death are two sisters: Reba Sensenig, Verna Brubaker, and two brothers: Warren and Paul Boll.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mark's funeral service from the Speedwell Heights Church, 413 West Brubaker Valley Road, Lititz on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Hess Mennonite Cemetery, Lititz.
Bontrager, Emery Dale
February 6, 1930 - March 28, 2024
Emery Dale Bontrager, 94, of Leesburg, passed from this world to the arms of Jesus March 28, 2024.
He was born February 6, 1930 in Kokomo, the son of Levi and Fannie (Miller) Bontrager.
On August 14, 1948 he married Emma “Maxine” Mast and they enjoyed many years together before her death in 2007.
Emery was a long time member of Howard-Miami Mennonite Church where he served in several different capacities through the years. He loved Jesus, his Lord and Savior, and his church family.
Emery provided for his family as a farmer and a truck driver. Following his retirement, he and Maxine spent several winters in Sarasota, Florida where they developed many close friendships with other snowbirds. They often took summer trips to other states and northern Indiana to visit these friends.
Survivors include two daughters, Theresa (Wayne) Overman, Goshen and Peggy (Clint) Coon, Leesburg; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Yoder, Pettisville, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Matthew Overman, Zachary Coon, Sarah Ponsler, Lauren Frey, Ashlyn Dunlap, Jordan Bontrager, Aaron Bontrager, and Carly Dobson; 15 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Martha Sommers and Clara Keim both of Goshen.
Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Bontrager; a grandson, Andrew Overman; and four siblings, Ruby Hershberger, Celesta Miller, Alvin Bontrager, and Lloyd Bontrager.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9:30 until the 10:30 a.m., funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Rev. Bob Jarboe will officiate.
A private burial will take place at Christner Cemetery, Kokomo.
The family will receive friends Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Howard-Miami Mennonite Church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Howard-Miami Mennonite Church.
Bontrager, Lucas Allen
April 2, 2024 - April 2, 2024
Lucas Allen Bontrager, stillborn son of Allen L. and Norene C. (Yoder) Bontrager of LaGrange, (district: 3), was delivered at 5:24 pm, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Parkview Noble Hospital, Kendallville.
Surviving in addition to his parents are brother, Joshua Lamar Bontrager; grandparents, Laverne and Miriam Bontrager of Shipshewana and Clayton and Carolyn Yoder of Topeka; great-grandparents, Ida Mae Bontrager of Shipshewana, Omer and Anna Mae Schlabach of Middlebury, and Rosa Yoder of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ervin Bontrager, Albert Yoder, and Ora and Ada Nisley.
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 10:30 am funeral service on Saturday, April 6, at the John and Ruby Bontrager Residence: 1735 N. 400 W., LaGrange. Services will be conducted by Bishop Andrew Mast and the home ministers of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Bontrager, Lydiann D.
November 18, 1960 - January 25, 2024
Lydiann D. Bontrager, 63, of Topeka (district: 22-1), died at 8:00 am, on Thursday, January 25, [2024] at her residence. She was born on November 18, 1960, in LaGrange County, to Daniel N. and Susie L. (Miller) Bontrager. She died after a battle with cancer that originated in March of 2020.
Surviving are two brothers, Wayne D. (Dorothy) Bontrager of Topeka, Leroy Bontrager of Wolcottville; sister, Irene Bontrager of LaGrange; three nieces, Marla (Larry) Miller, Beth Bontrager, Kaylene (Nelson) Hochstetler; two nephews, Lavern (Lou Anna) Bontrager, Lavon Bontrager; six great nephews; 3 great nieces; and many cousins and single girlfriends.
She was preceded in death by her father, both sets of grandparents, Levi and Lydia Ann Miller and Noah and Lena Bontrager.
Lydiann worked many years for Tiffany's Restaurant and ended her working career at her family’s business, Bontrager Feed. She was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Friday January 26, and all-day Saturday, January 27, at the Wayne Bontrager Residence: 2290 W. 700 S. Topeka. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Sunday, January 28, at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Daniel Lambright and the home ministers. Burial will be in Clearspring Cemetery in Topeka. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bontrager, Manas, Jr.
March 29, 1931 - January 8, 2024
Manas Jr. Bontrager, 92, of Topeka, (district: 40-1), died at 4:46 am on Monday, January 8, [2024] at his residence. He was born on March 29, 1931, in LaGrange County, to Manas A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Bontrager. On December 18, 1952, in Topeka, he married Mary Irene Miller, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are three sons, Glen (Katie) Bontrager of Shipshewana, Devon (Nettie) Bontrager of Topeka, Gerald (Joanna) Bontrager of Shipshewana; two daughters, Ruby Yoder of LaGrange, Vera (Marvin) Gingerich of Shipshewana; 22 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren; brother, Joni Bontrager of Shipshewana; three sisters, Neomah Bontrager, Betty Wingard both of Shipshewana, Edna Yoder of LaGrange; sister-in-law, Ruth Bontrager of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Mervin Yoder; four brothers, Ervin, Mahlon, Levi, and John Bontrager; two sisters, Martha Schrock, Amanda Yoder.
Manas was a retired farmer and worked at Lambright Woodworking for 15 years. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 9 and all-day Wednesday, January 10 at the family residence, 7905 W. 100 S., Topeka. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, January 11 at the Devon Yoder residence, 7720 W. 100 S., Topeka. Services will be conducted by Bishop Vernon O. Lambright and the home ministers. Burial will be in Yoder Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bontrager, Rodney Lee
September 18, 1956 - February 18, 2024
Rodney Lee Bontrager, 67, of LaGrange, died Sunday, February 18, 2024, at his residence surrounded by family after a year and a half long battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
He was born on September 18, 1956, in LaGrange to DeWayne C. and Mertice D. (Yoder) Bontrager.
Rod grew up in Topeka and was a 1975, graduate of Westview High School. He went on to further his education at Bluffton College in Bluffton, Ohio, graduating in 1983 with a degree in business and accounting.
He worked in the mobile home and RV industries for 40+ years. The majority of his career was spent as a purchasing agent at Redman (Champion) Homes in Topeka, Indiana with the later years test driving RVs at Forest River, Inc. in Middlebury, Indiana.
Rod was an active member of Shore Church in Shipshewana. He had a passion for youth sports and helping others. He especially enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids.
Surviving are his three daughters, Christina (Logan) Smith of Hudson, IN, Tiffany (Cody) Hostetler of Sturgis, MI, and Brittany (Joshua) Collyer of LaGrange, IN; six grandchildren, Mack Collyer, Allison Collyer, Judah Hostetler, Amos Smith, Roy Smith, and Baby Hostetler; and a brother, Terry (Cindy) Bontrager of Topeka, IN.
Preceding Rodney in death were his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Shore Church, 7236 W – 100 N, Shipshewana, IN with a viewing an hour prior to the service time.
The Pastors Nic Raber and Lance Miller will officiate the services and burial will take place in Shore Cemetery, Shipshewana, IN.
A viewing will be held at the church on Friday, February 23rd from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Memorials may be donated in Rodney’s memory to the Rainbow Years Learning Ministry.
Bontrager, Seth Caleb
February 23, 2024 - February 23, 2024
Seth Caleb Bontrager, stillborn son of Andrew and Rhonda (Miller) Bontrager of Rome City (district: 22-1), was delivered at 7:53 pm on Friday, February 23, [2024] at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.
Survivors in addition to his parents are siblings, Marcus Jay, Galen Dean, and Karla Faye; grandparents, Samuel and Wilma Bontrager of Wolcottville and Amos and Mary Ann Miller of LaGrange; great-grandparents, John and Katie (Ora N. Miller, dec.) Hochstetler of LaGrange and Elmer and Katie Mae (Levi A. Miller, dec.) Miller of LaGrange.
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 2:30 pm funeral service on Sunday, February 25, at the family’s home residence: 1819 West 1200 North, Rome City. Services will be conducted by Bishop Daniel O. Lambright and the home ministers of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in Clearspring Cemetery, Topeka.