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
S2
Snyder, Mary Wert
October 25, 1933 - April 3, 2025
Mary W. Snyder, 91, of Lititz, PA, formerly of Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, and Manheim, was taken to be with her Savior on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at United Zion Retirement Community in Lititz. Born in Elizabethtown, she was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Mabel Landis Wert. She and her husband, Glenn M. Snyder, were married for 70 years on March 5.
A homemaker, Mary was a faithful member of Erisman Mennonite church, now Crossings Community Church, where she was active with the sewing circle. In her younger days, she and her sisters enjoyed singing together in a trio at various gatherings. After graduating from Elizabethtown High School in 1952, she began working in the office at Newcomer Oil Company in Elizabethtown. After she married, she moved onto her husband's family homestead in Rapho Township and became a farmer's wife and assisted her husband on the farm. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking and gardening.
Mary loved the Lord and although she couldn't be a missionary overseas, she served him faithfully in every way she knew how. In these last years, she found joy in reading and coloring pictures to share with others.
She worked tirelessly beside Glenn on the farm and found joy in gardening, growing flowers, and keeping a clean house. She hosted many family gatherings, making everything from scratch. She taught her children to love gardening... despite all the weeds they had to pull as children. She also had a love for music, and we couldn't have a family gathering without singing a song that she had picked.
She will be greatly missed, but we have joy in knowing she is finally at peace with her Savior.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Lou Ann, wife of Robert Gehman, of Reinholds, Julia J., wife of Dennis Zimmerman, of Beaver Springs, Nathan G., husband of Tina Oberholtzer Snyder, of Manheim, Kristine K. Strausbaugh, of Manheim, and Brian C., husband of Raluca Damian Snyder, of Manheim; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three sisters Lois, Wife of the late Joe Hess of Manheim, Mabel Swartzentruber of Ephrata and Joann, wife of Robert Peachy, of Belleville.
A memorial service will be held on April 12 at 11:00 AM at Crossings Community Church, 8 South Erisman Road, Manheim PA. There is no public viewing. The family will visit with guests during a luncheon at the church immediately following the service.
If desired, contributions may be made to Eastern Mennonite Missions, 450 N Prince St. Lancaster, PA, 17603 or Mennonite Central Committee, 21 S 12th St., Akron, PA 17501.
Stauffer, Amos H.
January 26, 1942 - January 11, 2025
Amos H. Stauffer, 82, of Stevens, PA, entered into rest on January 11, 2025, at home. Amos was born in Lancaster, PA, to his late parents, Willis and Anna Mary (Hursh) Stauffer. He was married for 61 years to Lizzie B. (Martin) Stauffer, who survives at home.
Amos founded and operated Stauffer Repair Shop in Stevens. He was a member of Muddy Creek Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.
In addition to his wife, Amos is survived by his children; Alice, wife of Luke R. Martin, of East Earl, PA, Curvin, husband of Bertha (Martin) Stauffer, of Branchport, NY, Floyd, husband of Laura (Zimmerman) Stauffer, of Stevens, Eugene, husband of Grace (Newswenger) Stauffer, of New Enterprise, PA, Thema, wife of J. Louis Oberholtzer, of Ephrata, Ellen, wife of Eli Zimmerman, of East Earl and Anna Mae, wife of Roy Martin, of Leola, 50 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren. In addition, six siblings survive; Elizabeth, wife of the late Paul Burkholder, of Elkton, KY, Willis H., husband of Ida (Zimmerman) Stauffer, of Ephrata, Anna, wife of the late Eli Weaver, of Versailles, MO, Mabel, wife of the late Edwin Nolt, of Spenser, TN, Hettie, wife of Don Finney, of New Holland, PA, Henry, husband of Eva (Brubacher) Stauffer, and brother-in-law Reuben Zimmerman, of Versailles, MO.
In addition to his parents, Amos was predeceased by a granddaughter, Elizabeth Oberholtzer, brother, Eli and his wife Martha (Brubacher) Stauffer, and a sister, Vera, wife of Reuben Zimmerman.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Hospice and Community Care for the exceptional care they provided.
A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM at Muddy Creek Mennonite Church, 531 South Muddy Creek Road, Denver, PA, with Bishop Leon Zimmerman officiating. Viewings will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at 156 East Church Street, Stevens, PA.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to C. Stanley Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.
Stauffer, Doris S. Glick
February 23, 1942 - March 12, 2025
Doris S. Stauffer, 83, of Lititz. passed away peacefully March 12, 2025, at Legend of Lititz where she has resided for the last five years. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Martha (Shetler) Glick.
She worked at Stauffer's of Kissel Hill for decades as a designer and was most proud of Christmas Wonder-land. Later on, she was the secretary at Neffsville Mennonite Church for a number of years.
She served as a Sunday School Teacher and was active in the Christian Women's Club and Time Out programs at NMC. Being a volunteer at Contact 24hr Helpline brought Doris great satisfaction. She answered the phone there for over 1,000 hours. She was also a caring 4H Sewing Mentor.
Doris was tireless when it came to gathering family. She loved her family & friends dearly. She is survived by her four children: Korina Moran, wife of Gerard of Ossining, NY, Robert Stauffer of Carlisle, PA, Johann Stauffer, husband of Bonnie of Lancaster and Monique Rittenhouse, wife of Eric of Lititz. Also surviving are ten wonderful grandchildren, one great-grandson, siblings, Roy Glick and Mary Zimmerman and sister-in-law Teresa Glick. She was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Dorn and brother Delmar Glick.
Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Interment will follow in Conestoga Memorial Park. Family and friends will be received from 6-8pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the funeral home and again from 10-11am prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doris's memory may be made to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, 205 West 700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
Stauffer, Miriam Martin
May 10, 1940 - February 25, 2025
Miriam Stauffer, 84, of Goshen, Indiana, died surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 25, [2025] at Goshen Hospital from heart-related complications. She was born May 10, 1940, in Elmira, Ontario, Canada, to Menno R and Mary Ann Martin.
On January 2, 1971, she married Loren Stauffer of Goshen. Together they raised three children: Greg (Camille) Stauffer, Broomfield, Colo.; Lisa Stauffer (Todd) Mayen, Bailey, Colo.; and Ryan (Caitlin) Stauffer, Portland, Ore. They also have four grandchildren: Olivia, Jackson (Jack), Larkin (Ry) and Finnegan (Finn) Stauffer.
In addition to being survived by her husband, children and grandchildren, Miriam is also survived by three sisters: Arlene (Harvey) Kehl, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Erla (Lloyd) Koch, New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada; and Marilyn (Paul) Brubacher, Elmira, Ontario, Canada. She is also survived by three brothers: James (Jim) (Shirley) Martin, Wellesley, Ontario, Canada; Ken (Gloria) Martin, Elmira, Ontario, Canada; and Darrell (Julie Brown) Martin, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Martin and Lynette Martin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and also four brothers: Leonard (Len), Arnold (Arnie), Laurence (Larry) and Ron, all of Ontario.
Miriam graduated from Lougheed Business College in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and worked as a secretary to the president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Kitchener, until she moved to Elkhart, Indiana. She was employed as an administrative assistant at the Mennonite Board of Missions (now Mennonite Mission Network), Goshen College and Waterford Mennonite Church where she also was a member. In addition to her positions as an administrative assistant, she was also involved in numerous volunteer positions within the Waterford.
Miriam volunteered at Goshen Hospital, The Window and Greencroft, all in Goshen. Her community involvements included membership in the Goshen Hospital Auxiliary, a 20-year membership in Kiwanis International and meeting with one of the Goshen Kiwanis clubs.
Miriam loved being in the outdoors and nature, walking, and designing and caring for flower beds around her home and in her community. She had a special love for her heirloom roses, starts of which she shared with many friends and neighbors. She enjoyed caring for eastern bluebirds who nested in her yard and responded to her whistle to come to the deck for a feast of mealworms. After their move to Greencroft, Miriam carried on this passion by monitoring the bluebird boxes in the wildflower prairie on the Greencroft campus. She also loved to entertain friends in their home, read and travel. She and Loren volunteered for Mennonite Mission Network in San Antonio, Tex; and Glendale and Tucson, Ariz.
Both she and Loren shared a love for outdoor activities including hiking in parks, nature preserves and in the mountains, while visiting their children. They also hiked in Switzerland and Austria while traveling in Europe and enjoyed bicycling with friends to breakfast on Saturdays. They joined their bicycling group for several trips to Europe where they biked along the rivers and vineyards of France, Luxembourg and Germany.
Visitation will take place on Friday, April 4, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Waterford Mennonite Church. A memorial service will be held at Waterford Mennonite Church on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the Waterford Wetlands Development, Mennonite Central Committee or the American Heart Association.
Stauffer, Sarah S. Wenger
September 1, 1923 - January 11, 2025
Sarah S. Stauffer, 101, left time for eternity with her Lord on January 11, 2025, at the Richland Christian Home, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Born September 1, 1923, in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Amos R. and Amanda (Shaub) Wenger. She was the last of her immediate family.
Sarah was the widow of Phares B. Stauffer who died July 12, 2004. They shared 61 years of marriage. She was a member of the Fairhaven Mennonite Church in Myerstown since its founding in 1973.
She was a dedicated dairy farmer’s wife and mother of their ten children. She enjoyed quilting and gave many quilts to her children and grandchildren. The greatest legacy for her descendants was her example and consistent faith in God. She was active in the Sewing Circle at the church and in her later years volunteered at Jubilee Ministries. The story of her early life was written in the book A Home for Sarah.
She is survived by her children: Leroy (husband of Romaine), Bernville; Kathryn, West Willow; Edwin, (widower of Carol), East Earl; Sallie Martin (widow of Luke Martin), Greencastle; Irene, Myerstown; Jane Martin (wife of Clifford), Ephrata; Rose Boll (wife of Randy), Manheim; Bonnie Hurst (wife of John), Newmanstown; Nelson (husband of Teresa), Elverson; and Gloria Hurst (wife of Paul), Myerstown. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by four grandchildren, Beverly, Benjamin and Steven Stauffer, and Ryan Boll.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 15, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Fairhaven Mennonite Church, 801 S. Railroad St., Myerstown. The funeral will be at the church on January 16 at 10 a.m. with a viewing one hour before the service. Interment will follow in the Myerstown Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fairhaven Mennonite Church or Richland Christian Home.
Stauffer, Wesley Sensenig
February 16, 1957 - March 4, 2025
Wesley Sensenig Stauffer, 68, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Wes was born in Ephrata to the late Daniel B. Stauffer and Dora (Sensenig) Stauffer. He attended the one-room schoolhouse on Pleasant Valley Road. At the age of 16, Wes met his beloved wife of 47 years, Marla (Bollinger) Stauffer. They were married on April 2,1977, at Middle Creek Church in Lititz.
An avid outdoorsman, Wes loved deer hunting and spending time in nature. In his younger years, Wes traveled throughout the region with his uncle Amos and cousins participating in tractor pulls with their tractors; Fido, Snoopy and Sneaky Pete. He continued his passion by organizing the garden tractor pull at the Ephrata Fair for many years. He enjoyed restoring antique engines and chainsaws.
Wes was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who loved creating memories with his loved ones. Wes cherished family gatherings, camping trips, and telling stories to his grandchildren which brought him great joy.
A founding member of Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship in Ephrata, Wes served the church in many roles including Treasurer, Sunday school teacher, leader of prayer meetings and mission board member. He had a deep love for Jesus and was always eager to share his faith, dedicate his time to speak about the gospel and offer wisdom to others. Wes especially enjoyed ministering to fairgoers at the Ephrata Fair by sharing the gospel message using beads that illustrate the plan of salvation.
Wes was the owner of Wes Stauffer Equipment, where he worked diligently since the age of 19, to build and maintain his business. He sold and repaired Stihl chainsaws, BCS tillers, sawmills, mowers, and Amsoil. Wes loved talking with his customers about their equipment but more importantly about their families and his own, building lasting relationships with thousands throughout the region.
His passing was unexpected. While working in his shop, Wes suffered an internal injury requiring emergency open-heart surgery. Despite showing tremendous strength in his recovery, Wes experienced a catastrophic stroke. His family feels blessed by the precious gift of 2 days spent with him witnessing his recovery prior to the stroke and being by his side when his heart stopped beating.
In addition to his wife, Wes is survived by four children: Karen Weaver, Kevin (Sheree Miller) Stauffer, Keith Stauffer, Kayla (Josiah) Shenk and eight grandchildren: Grant and Kiana Weaver, Charlotte and Tessa Stauffer, Roman Stauffer, Elisabeth, Selah and Eve Shenk. He is also survived by his sisters: Ella Sensenig, Mabel Auker, Pearl Zimmerman, Romaine Zimmerman, and Annetta Steiner and his brothers: Milton Stauffer and Clement Stauffer.
Wes is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Cameron Weaver, and brothers, Claire and Karl Stauffer.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at Dove Westgate Church, 1755 W. Main St., Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10 AM, Middle Creek Church, 351 Middle Creek Rd., Lititz. Interment will follow at Middle Creek Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to From Pain to Purpose, PO Box 275, Penrose, NC 28766 or fromp2p.com/make-a-donation.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Steiner, Gerald W., Dr.
May 7, 1939 - January 5, 2025
Dr. Gerald W. Steiner, 85, passed away January 5, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio where had been living for the past seven months.
Gerald W. Steiner was born May 7, 1939, in Salem, Ohio, the son of James and Ruth (Metzler) Steiner. Following graduation from Wadsworth High School, he attended Goshen College. Here Gerald met, and later married in 1962, a lovely nursing student, Beulah, who would remain his best friend.
After graduation from Goshen College in 1963, Gerald went to Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his MD degree, in 1967. Dr. Steiner completed his internship at Miami Valley Hospital and subsequently his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Ohio State University.
In 1972, Gerald and Beulah and two daughters moved to Wooster, where Gerald began his medical practice with The Wooster Clinic (later The Cleveland Clinic). He enjoyed serving God by serving others and especially enjoyed the happy field of obstetrics. Dr. Steiner’s quiet listening manner was appreciated by patients, family, and friends. Hospital affiliation was with Wooster Community Hospital where he delivered more than 5000 babies. In addition, he helped develop and then serve at a gynecological clinic at the College of Wooster. Dr. Steiner completed his professional career in Wooster, with retirement in 1999. Gerald was a faithful member of Wooster Mennonite Church, serving in various roles. He lived out his faith in a compassionate, gentle, and caring manner.
He and his family enjoyed exploring national parks, museums and natural wonders in all states and many countries. Although he enjoyed reading, history, working with computers, and flying remote control model airplanes, what he loved most was his family. Gerald would like most to be remembered as a loving husband, dad, and grandpa, as he loved his family dearly.
Gerald is survived by his wife Beulah, who is currently living in Tipp City, Ohio. He is also survived by his daughters Lori (Brian) Steiner Jans of Tipp City, Ohio and Kathleen (Joe) Fritsch of Olney, Maryland; his grandchildren Erin (Evan) French, Benjamin Jans, Alec Fritsch, and Ayden Fritsch; his sisters Geneva Smucker, Eleanor (Marion) Yoder, Marilyn (Eldon) Eigsti and many extended family members. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Wooster Mennonite Church, 1563 Beall Ave, Wooster, from 1:00-2:30 pm. Services will follow at 2:30 pm.
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ohio’s Hospice (ohioshospice.org—either Wooster or Dayton region) or Mennonite Central Committee (PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501, mmc.org).
Steiner, Glenn M.
March 22, 1943 - January 12, 2025
Glenn M. Steiner, 81, of Dalton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Glenn was born in Dalton, Ohio, on March 22, 1943, to Marvin and Mary (Eberly) Steiner. On March 18, 1967, he married Arneda (Shank) Steiner, who survives him.
A memorial service will be held at Smithville Mennonite Church on January 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service. An additional time of visitation will continue at the church from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The family will hold a private burial in Broadway, Virginia.
Glenn spent his adult life as a pastor sharing his faith in Jesus and as an inventor and designer. He was licensed to the ministry in his early twenties and pastored numerous churches in VA, WV, PA, OH, and FL over a span of 50+ years. When Parkinson’s Disease made formal preaching too difficult, he continued sharing his love for the Lord and ministering to people as he was able.
His other career passion was designing tractors and turf equipment. Glenn grew up on a farm with a father who taught him and his six younger brothers to use mechanical ingenuity to make difficult tasks easier to complete. In the fourth grade, Glenn had a vision for a small, four-wheel drive, center-articulating tractor. This vision became a reality in 1974 when he and his brothers began to make Steiner tractors. In 1996, the Ventrac line of tractors was started, and in 2018, Tilmor tractors were introduced. Through these businesses, Glenn and his brothers continued to provide equipment solutions to people all over the world.
Glenn is also survived by his three daughters: Rebecca “Becky” Steiner, of Shenandoah, VA; Janna (Merrill) Bowers, of Rockingham, VA; LaVonne (Vince) Ramella, of Dalton, OH; eleven grandchildren: Phillip Oswald, Rachelle (Kyle) Vachter, Shaylla (Adam) Campbell; Kinley, Tyce, Larayna, Elyse, and Sylas Bowers; Sidney (Kaylee), Braden “Bradie”, and Justin Ramella; five great-grandchildren: Kaydence, Arlen, and Alahna Vachter; Abrahm and Adler Campbell; and six brothers: Roy (Ruth), Richard (Wanda), Elam (Harriet), Stephen (Beverly), Mark (Karen), and Dallas (Rhoda) Steiner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Anthony.
To honor Glenn’s memory and in the spirit of his life and legacy, consider blessing someone with an act of kindness today or providing unexpected help to someone in need. The family would also like to expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to Hospice LifeCare of Wooster for all of their love, support, and care for Glenn and our family during the time of his illness.
Steiner, Martha Pearl Hege
May 25, 1954 - January 8, 2025
Martha Pearl (Hege) Steiner, 70, of Thorp, WI, passed away January 8, 2025, after a 4 month battle with cancer.
She was born May 25, 1954, in Dayton, Virginia, to Paul and Catherine (Heatwole) Hege.
She married Gerald Steiner on May 15, 1976, in Kralltown, Pennsylvania.
Martha is survived by her husband Gerald Steiner of Thorp, Wisconsin, and her 9 children: Judith, wife of Ray Zimmerman of Great Falls, Montana; Ralph Steiner, husband of Louise (Burkholder) of Thorp, Wisconsin; Galen Steiner, husband of Marilyn (Mullet) of Boyd, Wisconsin; Dorcas, wife of Dennis Showalter of Coyhaique, Chile, South America; Eldon Steiner, husband of Brenda (Martin) of Thorp, Wisconsin; Melissa, wife of Martin Kropf of Halsey, Oregon; Rosene, wife of Daryl Showalter of Coyhaique, Chile, South America; Arnold Steiner of Ferndale, California; Erica Steiner of Fraser, Michigan; and 38 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Catherine Hege, one sister, Esther Rhodes, and one brother, Earl Hege.
The funeral service will be Monday, January 13, 2025, ~ 10:00 am at Clearwater Christian Fellowship, Fairchild, WI.
Stoltzfus, Samuel J.
September 18, 1966 - February 15, 2025
Samuel J. Stoltzfus, age 58, of 826 Newport Avenue, Gap, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was the husband of Mary Ann King Stoltzfus. He was born in Gordonville, son of Eli K. & Linda Fisher Stoltzfus of Parkesburg. He was a member of the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church of Narvon. He owned and operated LanChester Grill & Hearth of Gap.
Surviving besides his wife are 6 children: Kathryn Rose, wife of Joshua Miller of West Lafayette, OH, Ruth Ann, wife of Daniel Stoltzfus of Coatesville, Steven J. Stoltzfus at home, John Mark, husband of Georgia Martin Stoltzfus of Narvon, Susan Liz & Michael David Stoltzfus both at home, 8 grandchildren, 5 siblings: Priscilla, wife of Daniel Stoltzfus of Honey Brook, Elias, husband of Rachel Esh Stoltzfus of Parkesburg, Daniel, husband of Cheryl Stoltzfus of Parkesburg, Sally, wife of Sam Glick of Quarryville, Elmer, husband of Elizabeth Zook Stoltzfus of Parkesburg. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Stoltzfus.
He courageously fought cancer for 6 years. In the end it was his heart that lost its rhythm. We grieve his sudden passing. We rejoice he is safe in the Heaven free from all pain and weariness. Yet not I, but thru Christ in me was his favorite verse.
Funeral service will take place from the Pequea Amish Mennonite Church, 115 Blank Road, Narvon, PA, on Tuesday, February 18th at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing and time to greet the family at the church on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Stoner, Erma H. Kauffman
April 7, 1927 - January 31, 2025
Erma H. Stoner, 97, a lifelong Landisville resident, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 at her residence. She was the wife of the late Titus B. Stoner with whom she was married 74 years until his death on November 19, 2024. Born in Landisville, she was the daughter of the late J. Harold and Minnie Holbein Kauffman.
Erma graduated from the former East Hempfield High School with a perfect attendance record for 12 years. A homemaker, she was employed for many years at Millers Greenhouse, retiring at the age of 90. Erma was a faithful member of the Marietta Mennonite Church where she was a longtime Sunday School teacher. Along with her late husband Titus, she enjoyed having the Fresh Air Children visit their family farm, volunteering at the Mount Joy Thrift, helping at the former Mennonite Home Gift Shop and spending time with the 40/60 group. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grand-mother, sister and aunt who served her family and treasured her time with them.
She is survived by her children, Donald husband of Clara (Martin), Landisville; Jean wife of Dale Hackman, Mount Pleasant, IA; Joyce wife of Dale Ropp, Bemidji, MN; Dennis husband of Karen (Martin), East Earl; Judy Stoner, Landisville; David husband of Janice (Fahnestock), Manheim; 15 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 2 great -great-grand-children; siblings, Richard H. husband of Eleanore Kauffman, Lancaster and Anna Mae Kauffman, Landisville.
Her brothers, J. Harold and Robert H. Kauffman and her great-granddaughter, Kenya preceded her in death.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of family visitation on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the Marietta Mennonite Church, 302 Essex Street, Marietta, PA from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. from the Landisville Mennonite Church, 3320 Bowman Road, Landisville, PA with family visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will be held in the Landisville Mennonite Cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galilean Childrens Home, 712 S. Fork Church Road, Liberty, KY 42539 or to Caring Hospice Services, 101 Good Drive, 1st Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Strite, Allen Eberly
November 15, 1928 - April 10, 2025
Allen Eberly Strite, 96, of Clear Spring, Maryland, residing at the Mennonite Fellowship Home, Hagerstown, MD, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025. He was born November 15, 1928 in Washington County, MD, to Abram and Emma (Eberly) Strite. Allen married Anna May (Martin) Strite on February 9, 1950. Anna May passed away on December 19, 2021.
Allen was a lifelong farmer and helped several others start farming. He was a member of the Lanes Run Mennonite Church and was ordained minister on January 17, 1970 to serve the Lanes Run Church and community. He had a passion for visiting in the community and sharing the Gospel.
He is survived by four Children; Mark (Martha Ann) of Clear Spring, MD, Ruth Ann of Hagerstown, MD, Carl (Miriam) of Rockingham, VA, Luke (Jean) of Waynesboro, PA; a Son in law, Richard Spoonire of Newburg, PA; and a foster daughter, Christina Baker of Hagerstown; two Sisters, Velma (Glen) Horst and Alta Bussard, both of Winchester, VA, 16 Grandchildren, 41 Great Grandchildren; and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Jane Spoonire and five Brothers, Wayne, Nelson, Garnet, Lawrence and Clair.
Services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 10:00 am at Mt. Olive Mennonite Church, 13305 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, MD with the Lanes Run and Mt. Olive ministry officiating. Interment will follow at the adjoining cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Mt. Olive Mennonite Church on Tuesday, April 15 from 2-4 and 6-8 and 1 hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Horizon Mennonite School, c/o Sheldon Eby, 13842 Mercersburg Road Greencastle, PA 17225.
Donald Edwin Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the family.
Swarr, Paul Leaman
November 10, 1927 - January 31, 2025
Paul Leaman Swarr, age 97, graduated to glory on January 31, 2025, while living in the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) in Harrisonburg, VA. The family will have a private burial. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is being planned for a later date, and will be announced on the McMullen Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VMRC at www.vmrc.org.
Paul was born November 10, 1927 to Harry Cassel Swarr and Kathryn Leaman Swarr in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, USA. At the age of 19 he joined with 29 other young Mennonite "cowboy volunteers" to chaperone 600 mules across the ocean to war-ravaged Europe. This experience opened his eyes and heart to the international world, and ultimately to the call to serve God's purposes in Israel for 30 years.
Paul attended Hempfield High School in Landisville, PA, and graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. He received a Bible and Theology degree from Eastern Mennonite College, and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Goshen Biblical Seminary. While in college he was the baritone in the Crusader Quartet, which traveled the country with tent meetings, held evangelistic outreaches in NY City, recorded six 78-rpm albums, and was instrumental in the development of The Mennonite Hour radio broadcast. He was ordained to the ministry in his home church in East Petersburg, and served in pastoral ministry in a variety of settings: as youth pastor at St. Jacobs, Ontario; as roving pastor to 1-W units on the East Coast; as co-pastor at Beit Immanuel in Israel; as pastor at Powhatan Mennonite Church, VA; and as lead pastor on the pastoral team of Hope Christian Fellowship in Richmond, VA. He also served for a number of years as Warwick District Overseer for the Virginia Mennonite Conference.
In 1955 Paul married Bertha Carolyn Wenger. They had three children, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage before Bertha preceded him in death on April 9, 2019. Their life motto was, "Laborers together with God" (I Corin. 3:9). Paul and Bertha responded to the call to serve the Lord in Israel, and sailed in 1957 to this infant nation formed in 1948 in the shadow of WWII and the Holocaust. Paul considers their 30 years in Israel to be the most fulfilling time of his life and ministry. While there he taught math to high school children in a Baptist orphanage, worked as a tour guide and manager of Sharon Tours which catered to Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, served as General Secretary of the United Christian Counsel in Israel which provided a united voice to the government, and served as co-pastor of a Messianic congregation at Beit Immanuel in Jaffa, mentoring the next generation of church leadership. After returning to the US, Paul and Bertha spent 20 years with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), pioneering the school of Church Planting and Leadership in Ghana, South Africa, and Brazil, as well as pioneering the School of Jewish Studies. They also served as a pastoral couple to the YWAM staff in Richmond, VA.
Paul is survived by his three children: son David Swarr (and wife Sharon) of Richmond, VA; daughter Evelyn Hostetter (and husband Jay) of Ruther Glen, VA; daughter Carolyn Stauffer (and husband Carl) of Harrisonburg, VA. He has seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Mary Psalm Araujo (and husband Daniel and 2 children) of Richmond, VA; Arielle Swarr of Richmond, VA; Timothy Hostetter (and wife Ella and 5 children) of Ruther Glen, VA; Rose Rector (and husband Nick and 1 child) of Ruther Glen, VA; Cynthia Hostetter of Ruther Glen, VA; Christopher Stauffer (and wife Elana) of San Francisco, CA; Grace Lamay (and husband Ibrahim and 1 child) of Arlington, VA.
Paul will be warmly remembered for his pastoral heart, humility, kindness, patience, his encouraging words, listening ear, calming presence, servant heart, and his deep love for his Lord who was central to every facet of his life. Paul lived faithfully and loved well.
Arrangements are being handled by McMullen Funeral Home.
Swartzendruber, John D.
September 29, 1931 - March 25, 2025
John D. Swartzendruber (Big John), 93, of Elkhart, died peacefully on the morning of March 25, 2025 at Greencroft Healthcare, Goshen.
He was born September 29, 1931 in Hopedale Illinois to Fred E and Ella (Augsburger) Swartzendruber. They preceded him in death, along with his wife of 67 years, Kathryn (Bontrager); three siblings, Esther (Dr. Melvin Glick), Dr Frederick (Dolce Bell), and Edith (J. Marvin Nafziger); and a grandson Ronald Braden.
Surviving are four children; Karen Braden, Audrey (James) Almdale, John B (Barbara), and Shari Durkin; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
John was a lifelong area farmer, owning and operating a dairy farm in Concord Township, where he also raised chickens. He had a gift for building and repairing all kinds of things, and could fix most anything. Up until a month prior to his death he could diagnose an engine problem and tell someone how to fix it, in great detail.
John volunteered in many ways. He was a member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen for over 70 years. He was a 25 year member of the Concord Fire Dept, holding offices of Chaplain to Fire Chief, a position he held when the Palm Sunday tornadoes hit in 1965. He volunteered with Elkhart County Habitat for Humanity, Mennonite Disaster Service, and Gideons International. He also served on the Elkhart County Farm Bureau Board for many years.
John earned his private pilot’s license after his children were grown, and enjoyed taking friends and family for rides. He was a member of Wings for Witness flying club. After retirement he and Kathryn joined Sunnybreeze Christian Fellowship in Arcadia FL, spending their winters there. This provided a new set of neighbors who appreciated his repair skills. He also served on the board and as treasurer for the community.
John’s faith guided his life. He mentored many young people and was a wonderful role model to his children and grandchildren. Sometimes, working on the farm with him was what a young person needed to figure out life. He did justice, loved mercy, and walked humbly with God.
Friends may call Saturday, April 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at College Mennonite Church, with the memorial service following at 11:00. There will be a private family burial at Frame Cemetery in Elkhart.
Memorials may be directed to College Mennonite Church; https://collegemennonite.org/ or Mennonite Central Committee; https://mcc.org/.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Swift, Alice Elizabeth Reber
August 29, 1927 - March 14, 2025
Alice Elizabeth Reber Swift was the youngest daughter of Joseph Reber who was a bishop in the Mennonite sect that followed John Kaufman, an Amish Mennonite leader who preached in a trance. Her mother Sarah Edna Hostetler Reber was the second wife of Joseph, and Alice was her only child. Alice had 8 step brothers and sisters from her father’s first marriage, the youngest 7 years older than her. Alice grew up on a farm in Shelby County, Illinois, doing chores and milking the cows until her father acquired a milking machine.
The Reber family were Amish Mennonite, also known as ‘Black bumper’ Mennonites because, while they could own cars, they painted the chrome bumpers black so as to not be too ostentatious. They wore plain clothes and the women worn coverings over their hair which they did not cut. Alice was expected to complete the standard 8 years of education, like her siblings, and to speak Pennsylvania German. But Alice wanted more “book learning.”
Alice enrolled in Eastern Mennonite High School at age 19 with the blessing of her parents and later graduated from the Lancaster General Hospital Nurse’s Training in Pennsylvania and Eastern Mennonite College (now Eastern Mennonite University) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As a Registered Nurse, Alice worked at Shelby County Memorial Hospital in her home area and a children’s hospital in Reisterstown, Maryland.
From 1957 – 1962 Alice worked with Mennonite Central Committee at Shirati hospital and leprosarium by Lake Victoria in Tanganyika, now known as Tanzania. She was exhilarated by extensive travel through Europe before arriving in East Africa, and dedicated herself to learning Swahili once there in order to communicate with staff and patients. Alice celebrated her 30th birthday while at Shirati. Required vacations took her to the Serengeti, the Nile River basin, Victoria Falls, and a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro (19,000 feet altitude) with other hospital colleagues.
After returning home, Alice completed a Master’s Degree at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She taught nursing at Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana before settling in Bloomington, Illinois in order to teach Medical-Surgical Nursing to students at Illinois Wesleyan University where she taught from 1972 until her retirement in 1992.
Alice had remained single throughout her years of service and educational pursuits, yet longed for a life partner. In 1976 she met Dr. Seth S. Swift, DVM and they married in July of 1977. They were married for 25 years until his death in 2002.
In later life, Alice lovingly tended her plants inside and out, and was an avid bird-watcher!
At age 11 Alice Reber chose to be baptized into her family’s faith following the Mennonite custom of baptism at the age of accountability. Although at age 40 she shed her hair covering and cut her hair as well as changed to modern dress from her original plain clothing, she found great comfort and inspiration from her Christian faith that she cultivated for her entire life. Her memorial service will be held Thursday, May 8 at 3 pm, at the Mennonite Church of Normal, Normal, Illinois, where she was a dedicated and much-loved member for over 50 years. The Reverend Kevin Chupp will officiate.
Alice was preceded in death by all of her immediate family and her stepdaughter Eleanor Swift. She is survived by many Hostetler and Reber nieces and nephews and their descendants. She is also survived by her step daughter Elsa Swift Bakkum, (Carleton), three sons Ben, Carter and Peter (Kumi), and their daughter Koko Mai Bakkum. In addition, she is survived by her step granddaughter Laura Neuschwander McGuire, (Mike), and their young adult children, Emily and Evan McGuire.