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
X to Z
Yoder, Alice Irene Beechy
December 12, 1930 -April 7, 2025
Alice Irene Yoder, 94, of LaGrange, (district: 41-2), died at 9:00 am, on Monday, April 7, [2025] at her son Mervin’s residence. She had been in declining health for several months. She was born on December 12, 1930, in LaGrange County, to William and Nora (Bontrager) Beechy. On November 18, 1948, in Millersburg, she married Menno N. Yoder, he died December 19, 2019.
Surviving are three sons, Elva (Leola) Yoder, Daniel (Vera) Yoder both of Millersburg, Mervin (Anna) Yoder of Goshen; two daughters, Marie (Glen) Kuhns, Dorothy (Ben) Yoder both of Middlebury; two sons-in-law, Merle Mullet of Goshen and Chris (Alice) Bontrager of Shipshewana; two daughters-in-law, Cindy Yoder and Wilma Yoder both of LaGrange; 41 grandchildren, 107 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Jackie Beechy of Chicago, IL.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sons, Wilbur and DeWayne Yoder; two daughters, Nora Mullet and Mary Bontrager; grandson, Earl Wayne Yoder; five great-grandchildren, Brandon, Curtis and Ryan Yoder, Olivia Gingerich, and Madison O'Brian; five brothers, Ammon, Elva, Vernon, Raymond and William Jr. Beechy; four sisters, Anna Miller, Amanda Miller, Mary Miller, and Katherine Weirich.
Alice was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 8 and all-day Wednesday, April 9 at the Mike and Dena Schlabach residence, 7640 W. 050 N., LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, April 10 at the same residence. Services will be conducted by the home ministers. Burial will be in East Barren Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Yoder, Darrell Wayne
February 28, 2015 - April 9, 2025
Glenda Jo Yoder, age 13, Darrell Wayne Yoder, age 10, and Devon Lee Yoder, age 8, children of Kevin Wayne and Inez Mae (Miller) Yoder, Bremen, died at 8:00 am, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 as a result of a car and pony cart accident on Fir Road in Bremen. Glenda was born March 17, 2012 in Bremen and was in 6th grade. Darrell was born February 28, 2015 in Bremen and was in 3rd grade. Devon was born April 22, 2016 in Bremen and was in 2nd grade. They attended Joyful Echoes School.
The children are survived by their parents, Kevin and Inez Mae Yoder; brothers, Myron Lynn, Marlin Dean, Galen Samuel, Karlan Daniel, Kalen Eugene all at home and paternal grandparents, Samuel F. and Katherine (Kay) (Miller) Yoder, Plymouth. Also surviving are 9 aunts, 3 uncles, and 46 cousins. They were preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Daniel O. and Lena T. Miller.
Family and friends may call after 2 Friday, April 11, 2025 and all day Saturday, April 12th at John and Rachel Troyer’s residence, 4747 Filbert Trail, Bremen. Funeral Services will begin at 9:30 am, Sunday, April 13th also at the Troyer residence. Bishop Thomas Borkholder and Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in Cedar Road Amish Cemetery.
Yoder, Devon Lee
April 22, 2016 - April 9, 2025
Glenda Jo Yoder, age 13, Darrell Wayne Yoder, age 10, and Devon Lee Yoder, age 8, children of Kevin Wayne and Inez Mae (Miller) Yoder, Bremen, died at 8:00 am, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 as a result of a car and pony cart accident on Fir Road in Bremen. Glenda was born March 17, 2012 in Bremen and was in 6th grade. Darrell was born February 28, 2015 in Bremen and was in 3rd grade. Devon was born April 22, 2016 in Bremen and was in 2nd grade. They attended Joyful Echoes School.
The children are survived by their parents, Kevin and Inez Mae Yoder; brothers, Myron Lynn, Marlin Dean, Galen Samuel, Karlan Daniel, Kalen Eugene all at home and paternal grandparents, Samuel F. and Katherine (Kay) (Miller) Yoder, Plymouth. Also surviving are 9 aunts, 3 uncles, and 46 cousins. They were preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Daniel O. and Lena T. Miller.
Family and friends may call after 2 Friday, April 11, 2025 and all day Saturday, April 12th at John and Rachel Troyer’s residence, 4747 Filbert Trail, Bremen. Funeral Services will begin at 9:30 am, Sunday, April 13th also at the Troyer residence. Bishop Thomas Borkholder and Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in Cedar Road Amish Cemetery.
Yoder, Esther
January 7, 1930 =- March 31, 2025
Esther Yoder, 95, of Arthur, Illinois passed away at 3:31 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Arthur Home, Arthur, Illinois.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 9, at the Arthur Mennonite Church. 710 East Park Street, Arthur, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Arthur Mennonite Church. Pastor Glen Rhodes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arthur Cemetery.
The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Esther was born on January 7, 1930, in Arthur, Illinois. She was a daughter of Daniel B. and Lovina S (Beachy) Yoder.
She is survived by two brothers, Adlai Yoder of Atwood IL and Daniel B Yoder Jr of Denver CO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Ella Yoder, and three brothers, Reuben, Alvin “Al”, and Nelson Yoder.
Esther worked as a nurse at the Masonic Home in Sullivan, IL before accepting a position at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Illinois where she continued working as a nurse until she retired.
Esther was a member of the Arthur Mennonite Church.
She had a passion for music.
Memorials may be made to the Arthur Mennonite Church.
Yoder, Floyd J.
March 25, 1935 - February 1, 2025
Floyd J. Yoder, 89, of Shipshewana, (district: 55), died at 8:46 pm on Saturday, February 1, [2025] at his residence. He was born on March 25, 1935, in Shipshewana, to Joseph J. and Elizabeth C. (Bontrager) Yoder. On May 10, 1962, in Shipshewana, he married Anna Graber, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are five sons, Marlin Yoder of Middlebury, Lester (LaVerda) Yoder of Shipshewana, Cletus (Miriam) Yoder of Middlebury, David Yoder, Joas (Lucy) Yoder both of Shipshewana; four daughters, Mary Jean (Daniel) Stoltzfus of Lashmeet, WV, Elizabeth Mae (Joseph) Bowman of Middlebury, Ruth (Leland) Knepp of Shipshewana, Edith (Simon) Lee of Greenville, PA; 58 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Perry (Shirley) Yoder, Owen (Peggy) Yoder both of FL, Daniel (Edna) Yoder of Middlebury; two sisters, Nettie (Verlin) Yoder, Sadie (Perry) Miller both of Middlebury; sister-in-law, Cheryl Yoder of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Ida Yoder; a stillborn daughter; brother, Cletus Yoder.
Floyd was a retired farmer and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Monday, February 3 and all-day Tuesday, February 4 at the Leland Knepp residence, 3805 N. 1150 W., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Wednesday, February 5, at the same residence. Services will be conducted by the home ministers. Burial will be in Yoder Family Cemetery, Middlebury.
Yoder, Glenda Jo
March 17, 2012 - April 9, 2025
Glenda Jo Yoder, age 13, Darrell Wayne Yoder, age 10, and Devon Lee Yoder, age 8, children of Kevin Wayne and Inez Mae (Miller) Yoder, Bremen, died at 8:00 am, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 as a result of a car and pony cart accident on Fir Road in Bremen. Glenda was born March 17, 2012 in Bremen and was in 6th grade. Darrell was born February 28, 2015 in Bremen and was in 3rd grade. Devon was born April 22, 2016 in Bremen and was in 2nd grade. They attended Joyful Echoes School.
The children are survived by their parents, Kevin and Inez Mae Yoder; brothers, Myron Lynn, Marlin Dean, Galen Samuel, Karlan Daniel, Kalen Eugene all at home and paternal grandparents, Samuel F. and Katherine (Kay) (Miller) Yoder, Plymouth. Also surviving are 9 aunts, 3 uncles, and 46 cousins. They were preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Daniel O. and Lena T. Miller.
Family and friends may call after 2 Friday, April 11, 2025 and all day Saturday, April 12th at John and Rachel Troyer’s residence, 4747 Filbert Trail, Bremen. Funeral Services will begin at 9:30 am, Sunday, April 13th also at the Troyer residence. Bishop Thomas Borkholder and Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in Cedar Road Amish Cemetery.
Yoder, Laverda Sue Cross
December 8, 1971 - February 14, 2025
Laverda Sue Yoder, 53, of Shipshewana, (district: 49-4), died at 8:05 pm on Friday, February 14, [2025] at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, following a 4 ½ year battle with cirrhosis of the liver. She was born on December 8, 1971, in LaGrange County, to Mahlon Jr. and LouElla (Miller) Cross. On July 23, 1998, she married Willard S. Yoder, he survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are her mother, LouElla Cross of Topeka; sister, Leora (Lamar) Troyer of Topeka; two nephews, Matthew Troyer (special friend, Laura Miller) and Mahlon Troyer (special friend, Sharon Miller) both of Topeka.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Laverda was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 15 and all-day Sunday, February 16 at the Jay Dee Lehman residence, 8940 W. 450 N., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Monday, February 17 at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop William Bontrager and the home ministers. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Yoder, LaVern D.
May 25, 1967 - February 26, 2025
LaVern D. and Mattie L. (Bontrager) Yoder, 57 and 58, of LaGrange, (district: 9), died at 8:34 pm, on Wednesday, February 26, [2025] at the scene of an automobile/bicycle accident. He was born on May 25, 1967, in LaGrange, to Dan W. and Susie (Schlabach) Yoder. She was born on December 4, 1966, in LaGrange, to Levi W. and Ruby (Miller) Bontrager. On June 1, 1988, they were married in LaGrange County. Surviving are their seven children, Danny (Elnora) Yoder of Topeka, Edna Ellen Yoder of LaGrange, Steven (Joanna) Yoder of Ligonier, Marion (Verna) Yoder of Topeka, Ruby LuElla (Aron) Miller of Wolcottville, Rose Ann (Glen) Fry of LaGrange, Joas Dean Yoder of LaGrange; 11 grandchildren.
Also surviving are LaVern’s father, Dan W. Yoder of Topeka; two brothers, Harley (Loretta) Yoder of Ligonier, Mervin (Ruth) Yoder of Topeka; four sisters, Edna Mae Yoder of Topeka, Saranna (Melvin) Schrock of LaGrange, Erma Arlene (Melvin) Graber of Grabill, Sue Ellen (Ernest) Miller of LaGrange; uncle, Raymond Schlabach of LaGrange. He was preceded in death by his mother and an aunt, Anna Schlabach.
Also surviving are Mattie’s seven brothers, William (Annabelle) Bontrager of Middlebury, Amos (Elsie) Bontrager of Shipshewana, Abe (Lydia Mae) Bontrager of LaGrange, Willis (Linda) Bontrager of Syracuse, Ezra (Wilma) Bontrager, Vernon (Ella Mae) Bontrager both of Shipshewana, John (Ruby) Bontrager of LaGrange; three sisters, Fannie (Joe) Bontrager of Burr Oak, MI, Edna (Henry) Miller of Loganville, WI, Rosanna (Gerald) Hochstetler of Markesan, WI; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Bontrager of LaGrange, Mary Lou (Mark) Smith of Shipshewana. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Perry and Levi Bontrager.
LaVern was a farmer and Mattie was a homemaker. They were both members of the Old Order Amish Church. Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Friday, February 28 and all-day Saturday, March 1 at the David Yoder residence, 5375 W. 100 S., LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Sunday, March 2 at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Larry Hochstetler and the home ministers. Burial will be in Beechy Cemetery, LaGrange. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Yoder, Levi A.
October 18, 1948 - April 1, 2025
Levi A. Yoder, 76, of Kimmell, died at 8:22 pm on Tuesday, April 1, [2025] at his residence. He was born on October 18, 1948, in LaGrange, to Alvin and Mary Ann (Miller) Yoder. On October 18, 1973, he married Pauline Troyer, she died August 15, 2015. On March 4, 2017, he married Esther Lehman, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are four daughters, Mary (Curt) Nisly of Milford, Christina (Hank) Mullett of Millersburg, Sarah (Paul) Hochstedler of Harrison, AR, Lora (Devon) Eicher of Wawaka; son, Marlin (Marsha) Yoder of Myakka City, FL; 23 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; three brothers, Perry (Amanda) Yoder of Topeka, Vernon (Cindy) Yoder of Wolcottville, Olen Yoder of LaGrange; four sisters, Catherine (Marvin) Schrock of Wolcottville, Mary Graber of LaGrange, Phyllis (Mervin) Yoder of Topeka, Wilma (Cornelius) Graber of LaGrange; brother-in-law, Raymond Miller of Topeka; two sisters-in-law, Linda Yoder Bontrager of Middlebury, Barbara Ellen Yoder of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; four brothers, Wilbur, Virgil, Richard, and Orval Yoder; sister, Irma Miller; brother-in-law, Henry Graber; three sisters-in-law, Anna Mae Yoder, Clara Yoder, and Viola Yoder.
Levi was a farmer, factory worker, Amish taxi driver and delivered RV's. He enjoyed making maple syrup, walking and making paths in the woods, and going to auctions. He was a member of Woodlawn Church.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, April 4 and 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Saturday, April 5 at Woodlawn Church, 62861 CR 41, Goshen. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 6, also at the church. Services will be conducted by the Woodlawn Church Ministry Team. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Galilean Home Ministries in Kentucky.
Yoder, LeVon Lee
June 22, 1936 - March 4, 2025
LeVon Lee Yoder, retired professor of physics, died Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Goshen, Indiana. He was 88 years old.
He was born in Middlebury, Indiana on June 22, 1936, the third son of Leonard C. and Cleo M. (Pletcher) Yoder. He grew up on farms in Elkhart County.
In 1954, he graduated from Jefferson High School, where he discovered his love for physics. That interest grew while he was a physics major under Dr. Albert Meyer at Goshen College, where he received his B.A. in physics in 1958. His enrollment in the University of Michigan graduate physics program was delayed for a year to study at the Goshen Biblical Seminary. He received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Michigan in 1963.
His long teaching career began at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, as assistant professor of physics and department chair from 1963 to 1965.
In 1965, he began his 40-plus-year tenure at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, as professor and chairman of physics. He took pride in facilitating his students’ advancement into engineering careers and graduate programs. When he finally took a sabbatical from teaching in 1986-87, his research with Dr. Gabriel Weinreich at the University of Michigan was focused on the acoustics of musical instruments. LeVon then created his own acoustic lab at Adrian College.
LeVon loved music. He played the trumpet in his youth, and enjoyed singing with the Motet Singers at Goshen College under the direction of Dr. Mary Oyer. LeVon married Anita R. Hoffman on August 21, 1960, at the Goshen College Church. He loved the geodesic dome house and garage that Anita designed and he built overlooking Hazen Creek in a woods west of Adrian.
When LeVon retired in 2008, he again turned to woodworking, designing and making walking sticks in complicated geometric designs using a wide variety of woods.
His 2-mile-a-day run decelerated to a run-walk in later years, then to a 2-mile walk, but continued until one week before his death. And he continued to be an avid reader.
LeVon was predeceased by his parents, his infant sister Frieda, and brothers Marvin and Ronald Yoder. He is survived by his wife, Anita Hoffman Yoder, his daughter, Teryl Yoder, his brothers Leon (L.C.) Yoder and Kenyon (Susan) Yoder, and his sister-in-law, Connie Yoder.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. A celebration of LeVon’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in LeVon’s memory may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee; https://mcc.org/.
Yoder, Lonnie E.
February 12, 1941 - March 30, 2025
Lonnie E. Yoder, 84, of Shipshewana, (district: 52), died at 5:54 pm on Sunday, March 30, [2025] at the scene of a buggy accident near Middlebury. He was born on February 12, 1941, in Bremen, to Eli J. and Malinda (Hochstetler) Yoder. On December 25, 1962, in Middlebury, he married Elizabeth Mae Riegsecker, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are his seven children, Allen Yoder, Gene (Wanda) Yoder, Dale Yoder all of Shipshewana, Dennis (Clara) Yoder of Middlebury, Kenneth (Colleen) Yoder, Carol (Freeman) Wingard, Dorcas (Loren) Yoder all of Shipshewana; very special family friends, Dave, Dorothy and Larson Frey of Shipshewana; 24 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one step grandchild, one step great grandchild; six sisters, Ruby Hochstetler of Bremen, Fannie Mae Mast of Goshen, Mary Ellen Gingerich of Nappanee, Nora Helmuth, Inez Yoder both of Bremen, Erma (Josie) Bontrager of Shipshewana; four brothers, Eli Jr. (Wilma) Yoder, Harley (Rosemary) Yoder both of Nappanee, Andrew (Leanna) Yoder of Topeka, Larry (Anna Mae) Yoder of Middlebury; sister-in-law, Ida Yoder of Bristol; step sister-in-law, Ellen Chupp of Nappanee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Katie Chupp; three brothers, Eldon, Omer and Gilbert Ray Yoder.
Lonnie was a retired farmer and currently employed at Pleasant Haven. He was ordained as a minister in the Old Order Amish Church on October 8, 1979.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Monday, March 31 and all-day Tuesday, April 1 at the family residence, 1300 N. 1000 W., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Wednesday, April 2 at the Nathan Lambright residence, 1225 N. 1000 W., Shipshewana. Services will be conducted by Bishop Perry Jr. Bontrager and the home ministers. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Yoder, Marvin W.
March 16, 1943 - March 20, 2025
Marvin W. Yoder, 82, of Shipshewana, (district: 42-1), died on Thursday, March 20, [2025] in Sarasota, FL. He was born on March 16, 1943, in Kosciusko County, to William and Sylvia (Schlabach) Yoder. On September 2, 1965, in LaGrange County, he married Mary Ellen Yoder, she died June 26, 2014.
Surviving are four daughters, Esther (Jr.) Hershberger of Middlebury, Dorothy (Orva) Beechy of Shipshewana, Fannie (Scott) Miller of LaGrange, Barbara (Gary) Magallanes of Warren, MI; three sons, Jerry Yoder (special friend, Betty Hershberger) of Middlebury, William (Aimee) Yoder of Plymouth, MI, Kenneth Yoder of Kendallville; 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; three brothers, Jerry (Dorothy) Yoder of Nottawa, MI, Raymond Yoder of Etna Green, William Jr. (Charlotte) Yoder of Millersburg.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son, Ervin Yoder; daughter-in-law, Susan Yoder; three great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Bill) Bontrager.
Marvin had worked for 28 years at Shipshewana Hardwood and was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 25 and all-day Wednesday, March 26 at the Christie Schlabach residence, 155 Union Street, Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, March 27 at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Menno Petersheim, Bishop Virgil Hershberger and the home ministers. Burial will be in East Barren Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Yoder, Mattie L. Bontrager
December 4, 1966 - February 26, 2025
LaVern D. and Mattie L. (Bontrager) Yoder, 57 and 58, of LaGrange, (district: 9), died at 8:34 pm, on Wednesday, February 26, [2025] at the scene of an automobile/bicycle accident. He was born on May 25, 1967, in LaGrange, to Dan W. and Susie (Schlabach) Yoder. She was born on December 4, 1966, in LaGrange, to Levi W. and Ruby (Miller) Bontrager. On June 1, 1988, they were married in LaGrange County. Surviving are their seven children, Danny (Elnora) Yoder of Topeka, Edna Ellen Yoder of LaGrange, Steven (Joanna) Yoder of Ligonier, Marion (Verna) Yoder of Topeka, Ruby LuElla (Aron) Miller of Wolcottville, Rose Ann (Glen) Fry of LaGrange, Joas Dean Yoder of LaGrange; 11 grandchildren.
Also surviving are LaVern’s father, Dan W. Yoder of Topeka; two brothers, Harley (Loretta) Yoder of Ligonier, Mervin (Ruth) Yoder of Topeka; four sisters, Edna Mae Yoder of Topeka, Saranna (Melvin) Schrock of LaGrange, Erma Arlene (Melvin) Graber of Grabill, Sue Ellen (Ernest) Miller of LaGrange; uncle, Raymond Schlabach of LaGrange. He was preceded in death by his mother and an aunt, Anna Schlabach.
Also surviving are Mattie’s seven brothers, William (Annabelle) Bontrager of Middlebury, Amos (Elsie) Bontrager of Shipshewana, Abe (Lydia Mae) Bontrager of LaGrange, Willis (Linda) Bontrager of Syracuse, Ezra (Wilma) Bontrager, Vernon (Ella Mae) Bontrager both of Shipshewana, John (Ruby) Bontrager of LaGrange; three sisters, Fannie (Joe) Bontrager of Burr Oak, MI, Edna (Henry) Miller of Loganville, WI, Rosanna (Gerald) Hochstetler of Markesan, WI; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Bontrager of LaGrange, Mary Lou (Mark) Smith of Shipshewana. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Perry and Levi Bontrager.
LaVern was a farmer and Mattie was a homemaker. They were both members of the Old Order Amish Church. Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Friday, February 28 and all-day Saturday, March 1 at the David Yoder residence, 5375 W. 100 S., LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Sunday, March 2 at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Larry Hochstetler and the home ministers. Burial will be in Beechy Cemetery, LaGrange. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Yoder, Nolan W.
March 11, 1930 - Januray 16, 2025
Nolan W. Yoder, age 94, of Orrville, died January 16, 2025.
Friends may call on January 24, 2025, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, 14795 Wooster St. NW, North Lawrence. A service will follow at 11:00 am, with Pastor Rocky Carr officiating.
A memorial service will be held on January 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Aurora Mennonite Church, 59 E Mennonite Road, Aurora, OH, with Jim Schwartz officiating. A private family burial will take place at the Aurora Mennonite Church Cemetery in Aurora.
Auble Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Full obituary at aublefuneralhome.com
Yoder, Ruth Ann Bontrager
August 31, 1973 - January 9, 2025
Ruth Ann Yoder, 51, of Middlebury, (district: 61-1), died at 2:20 pm on Thursday, January 9, [2025] surrounded by her family in the home she grew up in. She was born on August 31, 1973, in Goshen to Wilbur M. and Lizzie Mae (Bontrager) Bontrager. On September 16, 1993, in Middlebury she married Floyd Lee Yoder, he survives. Survivors in addition to her husband are two daughters, Regina Ellen (Stanley) Yoder of Goshen and Laura (special friend, Lyndon Miller) Yoder at home; three sons, Merle Dean (Katie) Yoder of Middlebury, Lyle Duane (Sheila) Yoder of Middlebury, and Gary Lynn (special friend, Kathleen Fry) Yoder at home; six grandchildren; her father, Wilbur of Shipshewana; three brothers, Marvin (Beth) Bontrager of Shipshewana, Glen (Alice) Bontrager of Shipshewana, and Richard (Fannie) Bontrager of Topeka; two sisters, Edna (Larry) Yoder of Millersburg and Arlene (LaVern) Bontrager of Middlebury.
She was preceded in death by her mother and infant daughter, Rebekah Yoder.
Ruth was an energetic farmers wife, a homemaker, and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Friday, January 10, and all day on Saturday, January 11, at the family's residence; 11191 CR 18, Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Sunday, January 12, at the LaVern Bontrager residence; 11511 CR 18, Middlebury. Services will be conducted by Bishop John Miller and the home ministers. Burial will be in Bontrager Cemetery, Middlebury.
Yoder, Zachery David
January 13, 2025 - January 21, 2025
Zachery David Yoder, 8 day old son of Calvin and Brenda (Hochstetler) Yoder, of Topeka, (district: 32-1), passed away peacefully due to natural causes at 2:00 am, on Tuesday, January 21, [2025] at home. He was born on January 13, 2025, in Topeka.
Survivors in addition to his parents are five siblings, Leah Rose, Adrian Devon, Luke Aaron, Katelyn Joy, and Angelyn Erma all at home; grandparents, Maynard and Sara Yoder of Topeka and Devon and Barbara Hochstetler of Shipshewana.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Erma Yoder.
Visitation will be after 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 22, at the Maynard Yoder residence: 7640 W. 500 S., Topeka. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, January 23, at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Vernon W. Yoder and the home ministers of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in Meadowview Cemetery, Topeka.
Yutzy, John J.
June 4, 1947 - January 7, 2025
John J. Yutzy, age 77 of Nappanee, IN, passed away at home at 8:27 am on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 after a weary journey of Parkinsons. He was born on June 4, 1947 in Elkhart, IN to Jonas F. and Susie (Borkholder) Yutzy.
John was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
On April 6, 1967 he married Malinda Raber in Nappanee. John is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Malinda Yutzy of Nappanee; 8 Children: Martha (Samuel) Mast of Nappanee, Lavern (Rosetta) Yutzy of Nappanee, Erma (Levi Jr.) Plank of Nappanee, Rachel (Joseph) Plank of Nappanee, Atlee (Susan) Yutzy of Nappanee, Mary (Lyle) Borkholder of Nappanee, Earl (Laura) Yutzy of Bourbon, IN, and Marlin (Dorene) Yutzy of Nappanee; 48 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 2 siblings: Lizzie Yoder of Middlebury, IN and Noah (Leanna) Yutzy of Nappanee.
John was preceded in death by his parents; a great grandson, Zachary Borkholder; and a brother-in-law, Freeman Yoder.
Visitation will be held after 2 pm on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and all day on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the family residence (1658 Beech Rd, Nappanee, IN 46550). A funeral service will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, January 10, 2025, also at the family residence. Bishop Wilbur Kuhns will officiate and burial will follow in Borkholder Cemetery, Nappanee. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
Zimmerman, Ammon M.
November 7, 1930 - March 12, 2025
Ammon M. Zimmerman, 94, of New Holland, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his residence. He was born in New Holland to the late George N. and Mary (Martin) Zimmerman and was the husband of the late Elva Ruth (Wise) Zimmerman, who passed away in 2011.
He was a member of Bowmansville Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference). Ammon worked as a farmer.
Ammon is survived by eight children, Edith W. Zimmerman of New Holland, Allen W., husband of Vera Zimmerman of Ephrata, Melvin W., husband of Linda Zimmerman of Ephrata, Ray W., husband of Mary Zimmerman of Denver, Ammon W., husband of Rhoda Zimmerman of Blue Ball, Carl W., husband of Ruth Zimmerman of New Holland, Elsie W., wife of Neil Martin of Manheim, Rosene W. Zimmerman of New Holland; a son-in-law Paul M. Nolt of New Holland; 32 grandchildren and 110 great-grand-children.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Almeda W. Nolt; a granddaughter; a great-grandson; nine siblings Anna Ruth Lauver, Martha G. Weaver, John N. M. Zimmerman, Mary Ann Martin, Paul Zimmerman, Esther M Zimmerman, Amos M. Zimmerman, Abram E. Zimmerman and Titus M. Zimmerman.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM, at Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center, 352 Martindale Road, Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 9 AM, from Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center, with further services at 9:45 AM, at Bowmansville Mennonite Church, 911 Oaklyn Drive, Narvon, with Bishop Leon S. Zimmerman officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Zimmerman, Earl B.
May 24, 1937 - February 24, 2025
Earl B. Zimmerman, 87, formerly of Mount Joy, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Landis Home, Lititz, where he was residing. He was the widower of the late JoAnn (Hess) Zimmerman who died in 2022. Born in Lititz, he was the son of the late Harry and Grace (Bucher) Zimmerman.
Earl was retired from Lancaster Malleable Castings after more than 39 years where he was Director of Purchasing and Treasurer. He was a faithful member of Mount Joy Mennonite Church where he was a member of the Worship Team. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and tennis.
Surviving are two sons, Jeffrey H. Zimmerman, Lititz, and Gregory H., husband of Kathryn Zimmerman, Bloomsburg; three grandsons, Andrew (Kaitlyn Rhoades), Joseph (fiancee, Sarah Brown), and David; and two brothers, Mark Zimmerman of Lititz, and Levi Zimmerman of Florida. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Yoder, and a brother, Harry Zimmerman.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his memorial service at the Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 320 Musser Road, Mount Joy on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM. There will be a time of visitation with the family on Saturday at the church from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment in Kraybill Mennonite Cemetery will be private. Kindly omit flowers; contributions in Earls memory may be sent to Mount Joy Mennonite Church at the above address.
Zimmerman, Irene M. Zimmerman
December 23, 1937 - March 21, 2025
Irene M. (Zimmerman) Zimmerman, 87, of East Earl, passed away on March 21, 2025 at Lancaster General Hospital.
Born in East Earl, she was the daughter of the late Jonas M. and Sarah N. (Martin) Zimmerman.
She was the wife of Lester L. Zimmerman, who she married on December 19, 1959 and with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.
She was a member of Weaverland Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference). She was a homemaker and worked at Shady Maple Smorgasbord for over 30 years.
Irene is survived by her husband, Lester; children, Roland D. Zimmerman, husband of Rowena (Heraldo) of East Earl, Wilmer D. Zimmerman, husband of Anna Mary (Stauffer) of Denver and Lynn D. Zimmerman of New Holland; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and her sister-in-law, Irene Martin.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Rhoda Zimmerman; sisters, Vera Oberholtzer and Elva Eberly, brother; Lloyd Zimmerman and foster sister, Verna (Musser) Martin.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM at Weaverland Mennonite Church, 1120 Weaverland Road, East Earl PA 17519 with Bishop Amos G. Martin officiating. Burial in the adjoining church cemetery. A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center, 352 Martindale Road, Ephrata PA 17522.
Kindly omit flowers.
Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Zook, John E.
March 8, 1940 - March 5, 2025
John E. Zook, age 84, of Orrville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster, following a period of declining health.
John was born on March 8, 1940, in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, to the late Aaron and Elsie (Mast) Zook. He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in Lancaster, PA with the class of 1958 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1977. On August 5, 1961, he married Velma J. Dillman in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.
John was a Sales Executive for several custom kitchen companies, most recently working with Premier Custom Kitchens, retiring in 2009. He found joy in his retirement driving a van for Orrville City Schools.
A devoted member of Oak Grove Mennonite Church, John lived out his faith through service. He and Velma served from 1969 to 1973 in Kenya and Somalia as missionaries through Eastern Mennonite Missions, helping to build a school compound and serving as dorm parents. Later in life, he participated in several short-term mission trips with Mennonite Disaster Service in Louisiana and Honduras and served as the Northeast Ohio chapter representative for Global Disciples.
John enjoyed teaching Sunday school, reading, collecting books, detailing cars, and traveling. He had a deep appreciation for foreign cultures and languages and cherished the time he spent helping his grandchildren grow, learn, and succeed. His fun-loving nature and gift for connecting with others meant he never knew a stranger.
He is survived by his loving wife Velma; children Sharon (Joe) McDorman of Mt. Crawford, VA, Kristine (Nelson) Witmer of Salem, Merle (Dorene) Zook of Mount Sidney, VA, and Mark (Kristen) Zook of Orrville; eleven grandchildren, Aaron (Charity) McDorman, Ben (Ashley) McDorman, Andrew Witmer, Alex (Morgan) Witmer, Adam (Liz) Witmer, Matt (Erin) Zook, Kelsey (Jared) Watson, Jacque Zook, Kyle (Tara) Zook, Joel (Jera) Zook, and Ally (Steve) Romero; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marvin (Melva) Zook of Ontario, Canada, Leroy Zook of Narvon, PA, Verna Stoltzfus of Farmersville, PA, Miriam (John) Stoltzfus of Belleville, PA, and Martha Zook of Narvon, PA; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Anthony Zook; sisters Mabel Smoker and Mary Ruth Zook; and brothers-in-law Calvin Smoker and Naaman Stoltzfus.
Friends may call on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Auble Funeral Home, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, 7843 Smucker Road, Smithville, with Pastors Joel Zook and Seth Miller officiating. A private family burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Mennonite Church or Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare.
Arrangements are entrusted to Auble Funeral Home in Orrville. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
Zook, Marzella Kauffman
December 9, 1929 - April 5, 2025
Marzella Zook, 95, of Middlebury, formerly of Lake Odessa, MI passed away at 2:15 am, on Saturday, April 5, [2025] at her residence. She was born on December 9, 1929, in Clarksville, MI, to Norman and Erma (Birkey) Kauffman. On August 1, 1948, in Clarksville, MI she married Dale Zook, he died January 9, 2016.
Surviving are two sons, Daryl (Maxine) Zook of Middlebury, Duane (Kathy) Zook of Sarasota, FL; daughter, Susan (Mark) Thomas of Middlebury; son-in-law, Lloyd (June) Weaver of Darby, MT; 14 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Dale (Elizabeth) Kauffman of Middlebury, Calvin (Nola) Kauffman of Elkton, MI; two sisters, Donna (Ron) Sape of Statesville, NC, Carol (Sam) King of Forest City, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Marilyn (Lloyd) Weaver; and sister, Pauline Kauffman.
Marzella was a farmer’s wife who lived in Lake Odessa, MI, for 60 years before moving to Middlebury, IN. She was a homemaker, who enjoyed cooking, cleaning, cutting blocks, sewing, and quilting, leading her to create hundreds of quilts and comforters for family, friends, church, and missions’ organizations. You would often find her in the fields & barn helping Dale with crops and cows. She was passionate about the Lord, and you would often see her read the Bible. Marzella was a member of Bowne Mennonite Church in Alto, MI where she taught Sunday & Bible School and oversaw the sewing for many years. She attended Riverview Christian Fellowship, White Pigeon, MI. She loved her family and enjoyed the many visits on Sunday nights. Her family will miss her greatly.
Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Monday, April 14 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St. Middlebury. There will be a private burial service prior to the 11:00am memorial service on Tuesday, April 15, at Riverview Christian Fellowship, 69212 US 131 South, White Pigeon, MI. Services will be conducted by Pastor Glen Gingerich. Memorial contributions can be made in Marzella’s memory to Water for Life or Urban Ministries.