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.
2025
G
Garber, Benjamin Eby
November 21, 1932 - April 9, 2025
Benjamin Eby Garber, of Carlisle, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 92. He was the husband of the late Kathryn E. (Felpel) Garber. Born in East Petersburg on November 21, 1932, he was the son of the late Christian and Grace (Eby) Garber.
Ben and Kathryn served as house parents in the Bahamas, cooks at Numidia Bible School, and house parents at the West Willow Rest Home. Ben always showed an interest in his grandchildren. He was a member of the White Oak Mennonite Church.
Ben is survived and will be missed by his two sons: Kenneth and his wife Myrna of Versailles, MO, and Glenn and his wife Faustina of Martinsburg; two daughters: Joyce and her husband Jason Siegrist of Carlisle, Mary Jane and her husband David Gehman of Souderton; 33 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren; brother Paul Garber of Lititz and sister Esther and her husband John Wenger of Manheim.
In addition to his parents and his wife of 68 years, Ben is preceded in death by his sister Mary Catherine and her husband Kenneth Bowman and sister-in-law Pauline Garber.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the White Oak Mennonite Church, 2456 Newport Rd., Manheim, PA 17545. There will be a viewing at the church from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
Garber, Kathryn Elizabeth Felpel
May 1, 1935 - March 10, 2025
Kathryn Elizabeth Garber, of Carlisle, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 89 years, 10 months, and 9 days. She was the wife of Benjamin Eby Garber.
Born in Lancaster on May 1, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Katie (Martin) Felpel. Kathryn was a member of the White Oak Mennonite Church.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons: Kenneth and his wife Myrna of Vesailles, MO and Glenn and his wife Faustina of Martinsburg; two daughters: Joyce wife of Jason Siegrist of Carlisle and Mary Jane wife of David Gehman of Souderton; 33 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law: Betty Felpel of Ephrata and Orlena Felpel of Lititz.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters: Anna Mary Felpel and Esther Felpel, three brothers: Martin, Louis and John Felpel, and sister-in-law Dorothy Felpel.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the White Oak Mennonite Church, 2456 Newport Rd., Manheim. There will be a viewing on Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service on Friday in the adjoining church cemetery.
Garber, Russell S.
March 17, 1930 - March 4, 2025
Russell S. Garber, 94 of Millersville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Born in West Hempfield, PA. He was the son of the late Elizabeth (Shenk) and John H. Garber. Russell was a devoted husband of Esther W. (Hertzler) Garber with whom he shared an incredible 73 years of marriage built on faith, love and steadfast commitment.
A man of deep convictions, Russell previously attended Habecker Mennonite Church and River Corner Mennonite Church, where he nurtured his faith and community ties.
Russell dedicated his life to hard work, spending his career as both a farmer and a skilled cabinet maker before retiring in 1996. His craftsmanship was more than a trade--it was a passion. He lovingly created desks for his grandsons, chests for his granddaughters, and furniture for charitable causes.
Beyond his work, Russell enjoyed gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and traveling. Together, he and Esther visited every state except Hawaii.
Above all, Russells greatest love was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Esther and his children: Mary Ann Barley (Roy) of Manheim, Barbara Zeiset of Lancaster, Nancy, Louise Smith (Stephen) of Willow Street, and Linda Harnly of Lititz. His legacy continues through his 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Anna Ruth Groff of Mountville and Paul L. Garber of Lancaster.
He was preceded in death by his infant son Gerald Lynn, two infant daughters, his grandson, Conor Zeiset, and his son-in-law Clifford Harnly.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Water Street Mission Lancaster PA, www.wsm.org.
A private service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Russells life was a testament to faith, hard work, and the power of love. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Gautsche, Dale L.
October 12, 1926 - March 31, 2025
Dale L. Gautsche, 98, of Archbold, died peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Fairlawn Nursing Home in Archbold, OH. Dale was born October 12, 1926, the third of seven children to Oscar and Herma (Nofziger) Gautsche and lived his full life in Fulton County.
Dale served his alternative service in Civilian Public Service during WWII in forestry & fire prevention in California and Norristown State Hospital in PA. Upon completion, Dale and LeAnna Sauder were married August 22, 1948 and for 53 years were partners in raising their family, dairy farming, driving school busses, construction and in the restaurant businesses of Das Essen Haus and Die Alt Scheier. Dale took great joy in carpentry, stewardship of the land, and in particular, his straight rows of corn and beans.
Dale was a founding member of Tedrow Mennonite Church and until recently worshiped there for a total of 75 years. Dale participated in Mennonite Disaster Service disaster projects in the US and a church mission project in the Dominican Republic.
The Fairlawn Haven Community was home to Dale for the past 29 years as he and LeAnna moved from Pettisville into one of the duplexes which he helped build. He then moved to an apartment at Wyse Commons where he spent hours playing pool and putting together puzzles. In the last year he had a short stay in the West Haven Assisted Living, before moving to the Fairlawn Health Center.
Although a man of few words and challenged by his hearing loss, Dale cared deeply for his family, friends, church and community. He never turned down a game of cards, Dominos or Rummikub and usually won with a glint in his eyes. His love and support for his children and grandchildren were strong and his face always lit up when visited by his great grandchildren, who called him "Grandpa Great."
Dale is survived by his children, Kevin (Angela) Gautsche of Camden, MI., Luther (Mary Ann) Gautsche of Archbold, OH., Alonna (Michael) Sprunger of Lancaster, PA and LaDell (Ron) Gautsche of Lakewood, CO., 9 grandchildren, 13 great and 6 great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, LeAnna; and siblings, Doris Ebersole, Mary Diller, Delmer Gautsche, Alice Schmucker, Richard Gautsche and Glenda Hurst.
One of the many gifts that Dale shared with his children was contentment. As life's changes came, Dale claimed God's faithful love and chose contentment.
The Celebration of Dale's Life service will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 3PM at Tedrow Mennonite Church. The family will receive friends from 1PM – 3PM at the church and during the fellowship time following the service. Private burial will be in Pettisville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to Tedrow Mennonite Church, Fairlawn Retirement Community or Mennonite Central Committee.
Geiser, Vincent C.
July 14, 1945 - January 23, 2025
Vincent C. Geiser, 79 of Wooster, passed away on Thursday January 23, 2025 surrounded by family.
He was born in Orrville on July 14, 1945 to the late Harvey and Esther (Steiner) Geiser and married Janet E. Nussbaum on June 25, 1966 and she survives.
He was a member of the Kidron Mennonite Church in Kidron. He lived in the cities of Dalton, Shreve and Wooster. He carried out his alternative selective service as a custodian for Christopher Dock Mennonite HS in Lansdale, PA. He farmed over a decade before working for Triway Schools, retiring in 2013 after 30 years of service. He was a thoughtful husband, father and always happy to help anyone in need.
In addition to his wife Janet, he is survived by his children, Doug (Amy) Geiser of Fairlawn, Chris (Beth Sihto) Geiser of Alaska, and Angela (Mohammed) Quader of Richmond, VA; grandchildren Abigail and Rebecca, Zain and Sofia; brothers and sisters, Vernon Geiser of Wooster, Marcella (Ed) Loker of Dalton, Ruth (Galen) Hershberger of Fredericksburg, Ida Marie (Tom) Yoder of Donnellson, IA, Ron (Janice) Geiser of Dalton, Pauline (Gary) Arnold of Elkhart, IN, Freeman Geiser of Orrville, Russel Geiser and Ellis Geiser, both of Orrville and Delvin (Cindy) Geiser of Orrville and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harvey Geiser Jr,; sisters, Joyce (Wayne) Miller, Gladys (Lloyd) Nissley and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Geiser, Freda Geiser and Jennie Geiser.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Kidron Mennonite Church, 3987 Kidron Rd. Kidron. Graveside services will be held prior at 10:00 am in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday January 26, 2025 from 2-5 at the church. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice LIfeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691.
Gingerich, John Vernon
October 4, 1945 – January 12, 2025
John Vernon Gingerich, devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, died suddenly and peacefully on January 12, 2025. He was born October 4, 1945, the second of Vernon and Dorothy (Lais) Gingerich's nine children. He was at various times a farmer, ditch digger, math teacher, bond administrator, technology coordinator, peace and nature lover, historian, walker, and volunteer. He was loved by his family and well respected by his colleagues.
He is survived by his wife Emma Louise (Burkholder) Gingerich; his children: Jeremy and Jennifer (Eder) Gingerich, Benjamin and Katrina (Gent) Gingerich, Jennifer Gingerich and Paul Boers, and Andrew Gingerich and Mary Leichty; his grandchildren Harrison (Kyra), Emma, Megan, Connor, Eli, and Olive; five brothers and three sisters and too many cousins, nieces and nephews to name. We already miss him fiercely.
A memorial service will be held at Zion Mennonite Church on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Drift Creek Camp.
Glick, Rebecca S.
August 31, 1944 - January 9, 2025
Rebecca S. Glick, age 80 of Quarryville, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was born in Gap, daughter of the late Christ F. and Hannah Stoltzfus Glick. She was a member of Pequea Amish Mennonite Church. Becky had a talent and love for painting and drawing.
She is survived by 3 siblings: Benuel husband of Rachel Lapp Glick of Palmer, Massachusetts, John husband of Barbara Stoltzfus Glick of Oxford, New York, and Esther wife of Eugene Grimm of Quarryville. She is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a stillborn brother and a sister, Sarah Glick.
Funeral service will take place from Pequea Amish Mennonite Church, 115 Blank Road, Narvon, PA 17555, on Sunday, January 12th, at 1 p.m. There will be viewing time at the church on Saturday, January 11th, from 2-4 p.m.
Gnagey, Velma I. Sauder
February 14, 1932 - February 9, 2025
Velma I. Gnagey, age 92 years, of Archbold, passed away Sunday afternoon, February 9, 2025 at Fairlawn Haven. She was born February 14, 1932 in Pettisville, the daughter of Edward and Wilma (Wyse) Sauder. Velma married Omar J. Gnagey on October 13, 1951, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2014.
She and Omar were founding members of Tedrow Mennonite Church and she actively participated in that church community for her entire adult life, often serving on the kitchen and hospitality committees. Velma loved preparing large meals for her family and had a heart for serving others. She entertained her grandchildren for a week each summer, starting when the two youngest were still in diapers. She and Omar had a great time taking them to the neighbors to swim and to the Toledo Zoo. The grandchildren looked forward to that week each summer. She loved flowers and always surrounded herself with plants.
Once Omar retired, they come to Tucson, Arizona each winter and Velma continued that tradition, spending cold winters in the warm sunshine of the desert. She loved Mexican food, attending University of Arizona women’s basketball games, and eating meals with Jerry and Kathy, especially having Jerry fix her breaded shrimp, chili, and macaroni and cheese. She regularly attended Shalom Mennonite Church in Tucson, where she is remembered as always having a smile on her face.
Velma is survived by her daughter Kathy G. Short and her husband Jerry from Tucson, Arizona; son Les Gnagey and his wife Nedra of Goshen, Indiana; son Marv Gnagey and his wife Carol of Port St. Joe, Florida; and son Gail Gnagey and his wife Michelle of Lewisburg, Ohio. Her grandchildren include Maria Gnagey Woelk (Sam), Kevin Gnagey, Aaron Gnagey (Rebecca), Brian Gnagey (Ashley), Lydia Gnagey McKinsey (Nathan), Elise Gnagey Striebich (Nathan), and Olivia Gnagey Callicoat (Joel). She is survived by 13 great grandchildren including Kaylee, Josiah, Matthew, Eliana, Charlie, Kathryn, Gabe, Gemma, Emma, Samuel, Corrine, Bradyn, and Killian. Also surviving is her sibling Mary Sauder Eash Evers.
She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Doug Gnagey; granddaughter, Hannah Gnagey; and siblings, Verna Sauder Miller, Lowell Sauder, Orval Sauder, and Marland Sauder.
Friends may call at Short Funeral Home from 5-8 PM on Saturday, February 15. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 16, at 4 PM at Tedrow Mennonite Church with Pastor Doug King officiating. Private burial will precede in the Pettisville Cemetery, next to Omar and their son Doug. The family suggests that memorials be given to Tedrow Mennonite Church.
Good, Hazel Virginia Heatwole
April 20, 1930 - January 26, 2025
Hazel Virginia (Heatwole) Good, 94, formerly of Harrisonburg, passed away January 26, 2025 in Countryside Assisted Living in Pratts, Va.
She was born near Dayton, Va. on April 20, 1930, a daughter of the late Ammon Samuel and Fannie Irene (Shank) Heatwole. She attended Rushville School, and graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School. On April 12, 1949, she married Vernon Andrew Good. Together, they were very active in McGaheysville Mennonite Church, and supported numerous other Mennonite church communities, including the Pike and Bank churches. Hazel also traveled frequently with Vernon to participate in volunteer missions. She served as secretary for Park View Press and Campbell Copy Center. Some of her favorite pastimes included flower-gardening, hiking and walking.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband; son James Lee Good, son Darrell J. Good; three infant children; sisters Geneva Bowman and Gladys Bear; and brother Dr. John Heatwole.
Surviving are daughter-in-law Karron Morris Good of Aroda; former daughter-in-law Anna Slabaugh Good Sensenig and husband Luke of New Holland, Pa.; sister Millie Thompson of Williamsburg; grandchildren Cynthia Renee Dean and husband Stuart, and James Kevin Good and wife Sarah; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 3 in Pike Mennonite Church, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church prior to the service, beginning at 9:30.
Hazel’s family is thankful for the dedicated care ministered to her by the staff of Countryside Assisted Living and Agape Care Group.
Bear Funeral Home in Churchville is serving the family.
Good, Lamar James
November 15, 2008 - January 8, 2025
Lamar James Good was born November 15, 2008 in Orrville, Ohio. He was the son of Norman and MaryLou (Smith) Good. Following a drowning accident, he was pronounced dead at the hospital on January 8, 2025 at the age of 16 years, 1 month, and 24 days.
He is survived by his parents, 5 brothers: Doran (24), Hiram (21), Arthur (13), Nolan (7), Maynard (6),all at home; 5 sisters: Charlotte (31) of Donalds, SC, Marlene (28) of the home, Laurel (27) (Larry) Derstine, of Apple Creek, OH, Crystal (26), Gladys (18), both of the home; his paternal grandparents, Marvin and Loretta Good, of Dalton, OH; his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Florence Smith, of Dalton OH. Also surviving are 1 niece, Melissa (4), and 2 nephews, Kendall (5) and Jared (1).
He was preceded in death by two infant cousins.
The family wishes to thank each one for their deeds of kindness, thoughts, and prayers over this time. Please continue to pray as we adjust in the coming days.
Friends and acquaintances are welcome to the visitation on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2-4:00 pm and 6-8:00 pm and the funeral on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 10:00 am. Everything will be held at the East Union Mennonite Church, 10678 Old Lincoln Way, Orrville, OH 44667.
Good, Marvin Benjamin
March 5, 1940 - March 19, 2025
Marvin Benjamin Good, of Dalton, OH, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2025 at the age of 85 years & 14 days. He was born on March 5, 1940 in Dalton, OH, to the late Willis & Bertha (Eberly) Good.
He was a member of the Maple Hill Mennonite Church where he served as deacon.
He was united in marriage to Loretta Fay VanPelt on May 14, 1960 in Columbiana, OH. They have enjoyed nearly 65 years of married life.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Loretta, 2 sons, Norman and wife MaryLou of Marshallville, OH, Lester and wife Shana of Browerville, MN; 6 daughters, Louise, wife of Robert Martin of Warrensburg, MO, Myrna, wife of Kenneth Graber of Versailles, MO, Sharon of Marshallville, OH, Evelyn, wife of Stephen Nolt of Pennsburg, PA, Marjorie, wife of James Fox of Greenwich, OH, and Florence, wife of Mervin Nolt of Cambridge Springs, PA; 56 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren; 6 sisters, Esther & Clarence Neuenschwander of Apple Creek, OH, Arlene Nighswander of Barwick, ON, Ruth & Carl Good of Wooster, OH, Dorothy Steiner of Apple Creek, OH, Anna Lois & Glen Zimmerman of Lebanon, PA, and Carolyn & David Horst of North Fairfield, OH; 1 brother-in-law, Gerald Geiser.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 grandsons, Lamar Good in January 2025, and Jeremy Fox, stillborn in 2002; 2 sisters, Velma Geiser and Louella Good; 2 brothers-in-law, Enos Nighswander and Oris Steiner.
The visitation hours are Saturday, March 22, from 1:00-4:00 pm and Sunday, March 23, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at the County Line Mennonite Church, 19199 Church Road, Dalton, OH 44618. The funeral will be Monday, March 24 at 10:00 am at the East Union Mennonite Church, 10678 Old Lincoln Way, Orrville, OH 44667. Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Mennonite Church Cemetery, 9685 Mennonite Road, Rittman, OH 44270. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Maple Hill Mennonite Church.
Graybill, Eileen Rutt
August 19, 1933 - February 11, 2025
Eileen Graybill, 91, of New Holland, died Feb. 11, 2025 at Garden Spot Village.
Eileen was a retired teacher and pastors wife. She and her late husband, Lester, served Orrville (Ohio) Mennonite Church from 1958 to 1979 and Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola from 1979 to 1997.
She and Lester were married 62 years, until his death in 2018. Their family includes three children and two grandchildren: Dave and his wife, Brenda Martin; Beth, her husband, Stock Weinstock, and her son, Julian Graybill Brubaker; and John, his wife, Vineeta Gupta, and their daughter, Nikeeta Gupta Graybill.
Eileen was born in Lancaster in 1933. She was the daughter of the late J. L. and Mary Rutt, who were longtime Mennonite missionaries in South America.
Except for a year in 6th grade, Eileen spent all of her childhood in Argentina, where she grew up fully bilingual. She moved permanently to the United States to attend Goshen (Ind.) College, where she sang in the choir and earned a bachelors degree in elementary education in 1955.
In August of that year, she married Lester, son of the late John and Bertha Graybill of Elizabethtown.
As a teacher, Eileen worked in a wide range of settings and levels. In Ohio she taught elementary school classes and high school Spanish. During Lesters sabbatical in King of Prussia, Pa., in 1968-69, she taught both Spanish and English to adults at the Berlitz School of Languages in Phila-delphia. Later, she was an adjunct Spanish instructor at Elizabethtown College and taught English as a Second Language in the Conestoga Valley School District.
Eileen loved music. She often led congregational singing and sang solos in church and at community performances of Handels Messiah. She sang in a number of choirs over the years, including the Lancaster-Franconia Singers, the Akron (Ohio) Symphony Chorus and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. As a member of the Cleveland group, she performed in Carnegie Hall.
Eileen enjoyed reading and travel. She and Lester took trips to Argentina, Europe, the Middle East and many locations in North America.
Eileen was a member of Akron Mennonite Church. A memorial service will be held there, 1311 Diamond St. in Akron, at 4 p.m. on March 15. Visitation and a light meal will follow.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation for the compassionate care that Eileen received at Garden Spot Village. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to contribute to the Benevolent Fund at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557.