Anabaptist World, October 29, 2021, pages 46-47, Vol. 2, No. 14.

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Litwiller, Lona M. Deter
October 15, 1928 - August 16, 2021

Litwiller.- Lona M., 92, of Hopedale, Ill., died Aug. 16, 2021, at Hopedale Nursing Home. She was born Oct. 15, 1928, to Ira S. and Mary Landis Deter near Coleta. She married Floyd R. Litwiller on May 24, 1952, at Morrison Mennonite Church in Illinois. He preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 2017. She graduated from Milledgeville High School. She earned an RN and a bachelor's degree in nursing through studies at Goshen College in Indiana and La Junta Mennonite School of Nursing in Colorado.

She met Floyd at Goshen College and married him after completing her nurse's training. They served as missionaries in Puerto Rico for the first two years of their marriage. Returning to Illinois, they lived on the family farm in the Hopedale and Delavan area. She worked at Hopedale Medical Complex as a registered nurse. She was a member of Tazewell County Home Extension, Hopedale Betterment Association and the auxiliary of Gideons International. She assisted Floyd in ministry at Logan County Correctional Center Prison Ministry for over 19 years. Baptized at Morrison Mennonite Church, she attended Midway Mennonite Church for 33 years, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school and led women's Bible study. After that she was an active member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, hosting Bible study and attending Mennonite Women.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Cynthia) Litwiller of Sacramento, Calif., Kenneth (Laura) Litwiller of Lewistown, Pa., Christina Litwiller of Salina, Kan., and Brian (Cynthia) Litwiller of rural Delavan; a sister, Lois Deter of Sterling; sisters-in-law Evelyn Good of Geneva, Neb., LaVerne Petersen of Fort Wayne, Ind., Ruth Mark of Goshen, Ind., and Judy Muzzy of Orlando, Fla.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; a granddaughter, Esther Mae Litwiller; and sisters-in-law Delora Birkey, Carolyn Welch and Beverly Burmeister. Memorial services were at held at Hopedale Mennonite Church. Burial was in the Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale. Memorials may be made to Mennonite Mission Network or Gideons International.

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Assefa, Dagne
May 12, 1950 - September 9, 2021

Assefa.- Dagne, 71, of Indianapolis, Ind., died Sept. 9, 2021. He was born on May 12, 1950, in Nazareth, Ethiopia, to Worknesh Hailu and Assefa Haile. He married Carol Weaver on Aug. 3, 1985, in Elkhart, Ind. He was a caring, fun-loving, devoted husband, father, pastor, brother, mentor and friend - a lively storyteller who loved people and community. With sly humor and a radiant smile, he welcomed newcomers and longtime friends to his home for meals, putting his guests at ease with his warmth, attentiveness and kind, jovial spirit. He enjoyed tending his yard and garden, hiking, taking coffee outings with friends, reading, puzzling and playing with children, especially his granddaughter. A proud resident of Indianapolis, he often gave car tours of the city to friends and family. He graduated from Goshen College with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He earned a master of divinity degree at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a second master's degree in applied linguistics from Indiana University. He received a doctor of ministry degree from Christian Theological Seminary.

He was the founding pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church in Indianapolis and faithfully served the congregation for 24 years. In 2021, the church created a public park and named it after him. As a young adult in Ethiopia, he worked for the budding Meserete Kristos Church as an evangelist and pastor. To provide opportunities for the church's youth, he helped found the Meserete Kristos Church Addis Ababa Choir, which continues today after nearly five decades of ministry.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Carol; daughters Lydette (Tyler Falk) and Menan (Isaac Lederach); siblings Yonas Assefa, Etagene Bedane, Tegene Bedane, Belete Bedane, Asnaku Bedane and Selamawit Bedane; and a granddaughter, Yeshi Lederach. He was preceded in death by siblings Tamerat Assefa and Nunnu Assefa. Memorial offerings in his name may be made to Meserete Kristos College (mkcollege.org/donate) and the ALS Foundation (als.org/ donate).

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Yoder, Lena Hartz
April 30, 1926 - April 15, 2021

Hartz Yoder.- Lena, 91, of Menifee, Calif., died April 15, 2021. She was born April 30, 1926, to Elam and Malinda Hartz in Morgantown, Pa. She lived in Morgantown until she was 11, when she moved with her family to a farm in Oley, Pa., where she attended Oley Mennonite Church. She graduated from Goshen College in Indiana in 1953 with a bachelor's degree. Before graduation from college she served with the voluntary service program of Mennonite Central Committee in Gulfport, Miss., which instilled in her a service orientation that she practiced throughout her life, helping others as needs became apparent.

After college graduation she taught grades 1-8 at Red Run School, a one-room schoolhouse in rural Lancaster County. She moved to California in 1959 for health reasons and took summer courses at San Diego State Teachers College and in 1963 obtained a lifetime State of California elementary teacher's credential. Almost immediately she obtained a teaching job in the Riverside School District, where she worked until retirement. During retirement she lived in the San Diego area and was a member of San Diego Mennonite Church. She worked in a real estate office, where she became interested in real estate investing. Additional interests included the Nature Conservancy, where she helped provide local leadership, nutrition and health, alternative medicine and travel.

She married Mahlon David Yoder of Menifee in 2003 in San Diego. She lived a lifestyle trusting in God's providence and seeking to bring glory to God rather than to herself. Survivors include her husband, Mahlon David Yoder; and a sister, Pearl Hartz. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jacob Hartz. A private memorial service was organized by San Diego Mennonite Church, with assistance provided by Sonata Hospice, and held at the Yoder residence in Menifee. Donations may be given to Mennonite Disaster Service and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

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Yoder, Marion K.
January 4, 1938 - September 27, 2021

Yoder.- Marion K., 83, died Sept. 27, 2021, at his home in Goshen, Ind. He was born Jan. 4, 1938, to Ora M. and Grace (Smeltzer) Yoder in Goshen. He grew up in Shipshewana. He received a medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1964 after completing his bachelor's degree at Goshen College. On June 20, 1964, he married Meredith Lambright in Goshen. After completing an internship at Akron City Hospital in Ohio, he and Meredith served from 1965 to 1968 in Algeria with Mennonite Central Committee. Returning to Goshen, he joined High Park Physicians for two years, then went to Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio to complete a residency in pediatrics. in 1972 he began a solo practice in pediatrics until 2003, serving the Goshen community. After retirement from full-time practice, he did medical locums for five years around the country and short terms in Ecuador and China.

He had a kind and compassionate soul, which gained him respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, friends and family. He had a deep faith and was active in helping start two churches in which he was a charter member. His interests were history, especially World War II, travel (over 60 countries) and woodturning with his friends. Saving a piece of history, he made banks from post office doors. He and Meredith wintered in Arizona for 15 years, where many hours were spent hiking and woodturning.

Survivors include his wife, Meredith; three sons, Andre' (Lori) Yoder of Middlebury, Marcel (Debora) Yoder of Springfield, Ill., and Cordell (Jackie) Yoder of Clarkston, Mich.; six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three siblings, Janet, Leon and Elaine Yoder. Memorial services were held at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship. A private burial took place at Miller 8 Square Cemetery in Goshen.

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Rampel Smucker, David Joseph
April 9, 1949 - March 12, 2021

Rempel Smucker.- David Joseph, 71, of Winnipeg, Man., died March 12, 2021, after a long and courageous struggle with kidney disease. He was born April 9, 1949, to Carl F. and Irene M. (Yoder) Smucker in Bluffton, Ohio. He was baptized at First Mennonite Church in Bluffton. After attending Bluffton College and graduating from Oberlin College in Ohio, he earned a master of arts and religious studies degree from Hartford Seminary in Connecticut. Following graduate studies and work in a small shop building handcrafted decorative mirrors, he received a doctorate in 1981 from Boston University in Christian church history and American religion, focusing on the sources of American gospel music.

From 1981 to 2003, he worked at Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society in Pennsylvania as researcher and editor of Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage. He planned tours, lectures and conferences related to Mennonite, Amish, local and church history, and genealogy. in 1984 he married Judith Rempel, a Manitoban serving with Mennonite Central Committee in Akron. In 1985-86 he and Judith lived in Basel, Switzerland, where he pursued historical and genealogical research in Switzerland, France and Germany while she studied graphic design. Mennonite history, music and hymnology were among his passions as a freelance researcher, continuing after he and Judith moved to Winnipeg in 2012. He was an avid piano and banjo player, birdwatcher and environmental advocate.

His personal journey led him to embrace the Christian faith in an Anabaptist expression, with an ecumenical perspective. He applied his faith practically, spiritually and intellectually, inspiring many. In Lancaster he engaged actively at Bethel Mennonite and East Chestnut Street Mennonite churches and later in Winnipeg at Home Street Mennonite Church. Survivors include his wife, Judith Rempel Smucker; two children, Annali (Zacary) Smucker-Bryan and Levi (Rebecca) Yoder Smucker; a sister, Mary (Ron) Conrad; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Smucker (Fauzia Rashid). A virtual memorial service was held. Donations in his memory may be made to The Hymn Society in the U.S. and Canada.

Transcribed by: John Ingold

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Rutt, Clarence H., Jr.
February 20, 1931 - October 10, 2021

Rutt Jr.-. Clarence H., 90, of Lititz, Pa., died Oct. 10, 2021. He was born Feb. 20, 1931, to Clarence H. Sr. and Elva Sauder Rutt in New Holland. He married Helen Althouse on Aug. 6, 1955. She preceded him in death on Sept. 13, 2013. He was a 1949 graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School, a 1953 graduate of Eastern Mennonite College and a 1957 graduate of Hahnemann Medical School. He served in medical missions with Mennonite Central Committee in Indonesia from 1958 to 1967. Afterward, he completed his surgical residency in Philadelphia in 1971 and moved to Lancaster. He was a general surgeon from 1971 to 1996 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lancaster, Columbia Hospital and later at Lancaster General Hospital, where he assisted in heart surgeries. He retired from his medical career in 2000.

He was an active member of Landisville Mennonite Church, where he taught Sunday school and served as a trustee and in other positions. He was a member of the Mennonite Medical Association, the Lancaster City & County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the American College of Surgeons. He held leadership positions in several of these organizations. He assisted in natural disaster recovery efforts in Indonesia, Pakistan and Haiti and sang with the Lancaster Franconia Choral Singers. He enjoyed woodworking, crossword puzzles, ping pong, water volleyball and bike riding.

Survivors include four children, Carol Jeanne (Edward) Landis of Independence, Ky., Sue (Kevin) Glick of Akron, Richard (Michelle) Rutt of Ephrata and Steve (Elena Sheina) Rutt of Pittsburgh; five siblings, Mary (Daniel) Enck, Glenn (Pauline) Rutt, Barbara (Charles) Longenecker, John (Rebecca) Rutt and Carl (Lovina) Rutt; a brother-in-law, John Eby; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; a sister, Joyce Eby; and a grandson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Landis Homes Caring Fund.

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Voran, Melvin
December 25, 1928 - July 27, 2021

Voran-. Melvin, 92, of Goshen, Ind., died July 27, 2021. He was born Dec. 25, 1928, to David and Mary (Billau) Voran in Hesston, Kan. After graduating high school from Hesston Academy, he spent several years working on the Kansas family farm. In order to fulfill his Selective Service draft requirement, he served with Mennonite Central Committee in Gulfport, Miss., where he worked for two years in community outreach projects. On Aug. 19, 1956, he married Marilyn Helmuth of Aurora, Ohio.

They settled in Goshen, where he graduated from Goshen College and also earned a master's degree in education from Western Michigan University. After his retirement from teaching in Elkhart Community Schools, he enjoyed part-time work as a groundskeeper at Greencroft Goshen Retirement Center. As a member of the Goshen Woodworkers Guild he pursued his interest in woodworking and made numerous pieces of fine furniture. He enjoyed travel, taking his family to national parks and other scenic areas of the U.S., as well as joining tour groups exploring Europe and the British Isles.

He was a member of College Mennonite Church. He is remembered as a loving, and creative husband and father. Consistently kind, thoughtful and reliable, he was well-known for his prolific gardens in Goshen's Racemere neighborhood. The gardens fed his family, produced surplus vegetables, which he donated, and beautified the neighborhood. He modeled a love for both work and play, a sense of humor, the importance and love and acceptance of ourselves just as we are.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; three children, Miriam (Andrew Faunce) Voran of West Lebanon, N.H., Stephen (Gwen Grasse) Voran of Boulder, Colo., and Laurel (David Diller) Voran of Empire, Mich.; and one grand-daughter. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Wileta and Walter Tieszen of Wichita, Kan. Memorials may be given to Mennonite Central Committee and College Mennonite Church.

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Vogt, Virgil
(87)-November 2, 2021

Vogt-. Virgil, 87, of Evanston, Ill., died Nov. 2, 2021, after living with Parkinson's disease for 14 years. He was born to Mennonite missionary parents Milton Christian Vogt and Esther Bergey Kulp in Darjeeling, India. He was educated in India at the Mount Hermon boarding school and in the U.S. at Hesston Academy in Kansas and Hesston College, graduating in 1952. There he met Joan Miller, and they married in 1953 in Filer, Idaho. He finished his degree at Goshen College in Indiana in 1954, then worked at Mennonite Central Committee in alternative service in Akron, Pa.

While attending revival services he felt a call to radically serve Christ, so returned to Goshen Biblical Seminary in 1956 to pursue a bachelor of divinity degree, completed in 1967. They met John and Louise Miller, which fomented ideas for living a life of radical discipleship to Jesus. The Millers moved to Evanston in 1957 to launch the intentional Christian community that became Reba Place Fellowship, and he and Joan joined them later. After serving a pastorate at Leo Mennonite Church in Indiana, he tried to follow his father into mission work in India. But with no visa forthcoming, he and Joan concluded God wanted them to stay at Reba Place. He rose into leadership roles and was instrumental in bringing the charismatic renewal movement to Reba Place. He became a traveling apostle, visiting Christian intentional communities in Spain, Korea, Canada and the U.S.

In the 1960s and 1970s he lived with his family in a communal setting with a common treasury. While Reba Place eventually created a congregational option in Reba Place Church, of which he was pastor until 2002, they continued to live in the fellowship in communally owned properties open to members and neighbors. In 1982 he wrote Treasure in Heaven to describe the Christian goal of working to give, not to accumulate for personal security and desires, and to trust God to supply all needs. He contributed to the larger Mennonite world as managing editor of "Concern: a Pamphlet Series for Questions of Christian Renewal" and by serving with Illinois Mennonite Conference as moderator and as conference minister to the Chicago area Mennonite churches until 2009. Many church leaders sought him as a mentor and perceptive listener who made his conversation partners feel heard and valued.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; five children, Dave (Joan) Vogt, Beth (Eric) Nordstrom, Barb (Craig) Faris, Mary (Dan) Hanchera and Ruth (Phil) Leaman; three siblings, Laverne Nafziger, Elva Miller and Myra Danielson; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers Bernard and Merle. A celebration of his life will be held Dec. 4. Visit rebaplacechurch.org for further details.

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King, Wayne David
September 6, 1931 - October 23, 2021

King-. Wayne David, 90, of Hesston, Kan., died Oct. 23, 2021. He was born Sept. 6, 1931, to Henry J. and Anna L. (Hartzler) King in Harper. He married Clara Mast on July 2, 1954, in Arthur, Ill. He was a retired pastor, serving Mennonite congregations in Illinois, Ohio and New York. His father, Henry J. King, was pastor of Arthur Mennonite Church from 1938 to 1958, and he was pastor of Arthur Mennonite Church from 1988 to 1995. Survivors include his wife, Clara King, of Hesston; four children, Carol Ann (Donald) Erion of Old Monroe, Mo., Gordon Lee (Christine) King of Brunswick, Ohio, Ronald Dean King of Mesa, Ariz., and Lynne Elizabeth (Bradley J.) Smith of Gilbert, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Inurnment will take place at Eastlawn Cemetery, Zimmerdale, Kan. Memorials may be made to Schowalter Villa's Good Samaritan Fund.

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Hartz, Pearl
April 12, 1923 - June 28, 2021

Hartz-. Pearl, 98, of Escondido, Calif., died June 28, 2021. She was born April 12, 1923, to Elam and Malinda Hartz in Morgantown, Pa. She lived most of her childhood years in Morgantown, then at age 15 moved with her family to a farm in Oley, Pa., where she attended Oley Mennonite Church. She studied first at Eastern Mennonite College and then at Goshen College in Indiana, from which she graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1949. Soon thereafter, she served for four years as a Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Board of Missions volunteer. She lived in Gulfport, Miss., teaching vacation Bible school and assisting churches, and also spent time in St. Anne, Ill., helping to start a kindergarten. She subsequently resided in Bucks County, Pa., where she was a schoolteacher and guidance counselor for 30 years and a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church. During this time, she earned a master's degree in school guidance and counseling from Temple University. After retirement, she received a master of divinity degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986.

She relocated to San Diego to live near her sister Lena and was involved in establishing and directing a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, later renamed Restorative Justice Mediation Program, in San Diego. She received a Culture for Service Award from Goshen College in 2004 for her work with RJMP. She also led in the formation of San Diego Mennonite Church. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling and reading. Her pleasant personality, humility and service to God and other people will be remembered. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lena Yoder; and a brother, Jacob Hartz. Donations may be given to the Restorative Justice Mediation Program and MCC.

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Gingerich, James Daniel
September 3, 1932 - October 31, 2021

Gingerich-. James Daniel, 89, pastor and General Conference Mennonite Church leader, died Oct. 31, 2021, at Newton Medical Center. He was born Sept. 3, 1932, to Nicholas and Dorothy (Moser) Gingerich in Harrisburg, N.Y. He attended Eastern Mennonite College and Goshen Biblical Seminary, where he earned a bachelor of divinity degree. He met Roberta Janzen on the campus of Goshen College. They were married Aug. 25, 1956, in Mountain Lake, Minn. They had three children as they served pastoral positions across the country: Lynette was born in New York, Kara in Washington state and Darwin in Kansas. The family laid roots in Kansas beginning in Burrton and later in Moundridge, where he was pastor of First Mennonite Church of Christian for nearly 27 years, retiring in 1997.

As a longtime leader in the GCMC, he was instrumental in the structuring of Mennonite Church USA. He served as director of Mennonite Men from 1997 to 2010, Camp Mennoscah and Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. In Moundridge he worked hard to start the senior citizens program, served on the Moundridge Housing Authority and Associated Churches of Moundridge. James Street was named in recognition of his dedication to improving community life. From the Netherlands to El Salvador, Honduras to Canada, he traveled with an eye for aid and humanitarian enrichment. His global travels inspired his work and those around him. He did 1-W service in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Rochester, N.Y.

He mastered the art of impactful business. From managing an apartment complex with brother-in-law Howard Snider, farming and trading land and cattle across the state and partnering with his son in the business of antique John Deere tractors, among numerous other ventures, no challenge was too daunting.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta; two daughters, Lynette (James) Allen of Moundridge and Kara Revell of Salina; a son, Darwin (Jodi) Gingerich of Moundridge; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Snider. Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church of Christian in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

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Herr, John Robert, Jr. "Bob"
March 30, 1948 - October 25, 2021

Herr Jr.-. John Robert (Bob), 73, of Lancaster, Pa., died Oct. 25, 2021, after a battle with abdominal cancer. He was born March 30, 1948, to J. Robert and Lois Martin Herr. He grew up in southern Lancaster County and graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1966. After two years at Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Va., he graduated from Goshen College in Indiana in 1972. He later earned a master's degree in economic and social development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs of the University of Pittsburgh. Much of his career focused on international relief and development work with Mennonite Central Committee. He first served in MCC's Pax program in France from 1968 to 1970, in lieu of military service. He and Judy taught school in Malawi from 1975 to 1978 and worked in South Africa from 1982 to 1986 and in Botswana from 1987 to 1991. Their last international placement was as directors for MCC's work in East Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2009 to 2014.

He and Judy worked together in the MCC office in Akron as directors for MCC's International Peace Office from 1991 to 2007, providing leadership in MCC's peacebuilding work. From 2003 onward, they helped develop MCC's international planning, monitoring and reporting system. From 2007 to 2009, they pioneered a new department within MCC to provide technical support for program work. After retiring from MCC in 2014, he worked part time for Mennonite World Conference and as an interim director for the Nazareth Project, supporting the work of the Nazareth Hospital in Israel. He joined Judy in writing projects.

He was an active member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, where he taught in the adult Sunday school for many years and served on the church board. Survivors include his wife and partner of 46 years, Judy Zimmerman Herr; and two sons, Mark of Minneapolis and Daniel of Boston. Memorial gifts may be sent to Mennonite Central Committee or Lancaster Downtowners.

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Gingrich, Mary Elizabeth
December 6, 1927 - October 19, 2021

Gingrich-. Mary Elizabeth, 93, of Landis Homes, previously of Landisville, Pa., died Oct. 19, 2021. She was born Dec. 6, 1927, to T. Edison and Mary Musser Gingrich in Lancaster. She spent her life giving of herself to others, always sharing with those who had little, loving the unlovely and caring for those who needed a friend. A lifelong member of Landisville Mennonite Church, she taught Sunday school and Bible school and spent two weeks of every summer teaching Bible school at Steam Valley. She worked in nursing as a CNA for 30 years at the Mennonite home, LGH and Calvary Homes. After her career she spent many years volunteering at the LGH Health Campus day surgery center. She was one of the first volunteers when the center opened in 1994.

Everyone who knew her loved her friendly smile and her quick step in getting the work done, all the while making people feel special. She loved spending time on her brother John's farm, helping with the chores and children. Her 21 nephews and nieces became her children as she loved them all deeply. She was a valiant prayer warrior, concerned that every person knew Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. She spent much time praying for her two missionary brothers, Paul and James. She loved music, reading, traveling with friends and family. She was a wonderful cook and hostess, opening her home to many.

Survivors include a sister, Martha Charles Sangree; a brother, James M. (Joan) Gingrich; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, John M. (Blanche Kreider) Gingrich and Paul M. (Ann Keener) Gingrich; and two brothers-in-law, Ivan Charles and Paul Sangree. Donations may be made to the Landis Homes Benevolence Fund.

Transcribed by: John Ingold

AnabaptistWorld, December 24, 2021, page 47, Vol. 2, No. 16.

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Lind, Clifford R.
May 24, 1933 - November 24, 2021

Lind -. Clifford R., 88, of Harrisonburg, Va., died Nov. 24, 2021, from complications due to abdominal cancer. He was born May 24, 1933, to Lloyd and Mary Zehr Lind in Tangent, Ore., and lived in Eugene until after his retirement. He married Hope Kauffman on June 20, 1957. During his professional years in Eugene, he was an educator in the Eugene public schools and a founding member of Eugene Mennonite Church. During his early retirement years, he volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service in a number of long-term leadership assignments.

After moving to Virginia, he and Hope became members of the Shalom Mennonite congregation in Harrisonburg, and he was involved in activities at the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, local birding organizations, the Harrisonburg Gift & Thrift, the Community Cooperative Rain, Hail and Snow Network and the Project Feederwatch winter bird count. He was an avid cyclist, birder, canoer, hiker, photographer and woodworker, committed to preserving the environment and living as sustainably as possible. He was deeply committed to the Anabaptist, peace and justice values of the Mennonite Church.

Survivors include his wife, Hope (Kauffman); four children, Janet (Calvin Esh) Lind, Myron (Joyce Peachey Lind), Julia (David) Pellegrino and Carl (Susan Lohrentz) Lind; 11 siblings, Margaret (Paul) Wyse, Norm (Phyllis) Lind, Allen (Sara) Lind, Ruby Scruggs, Ken (Annie) Lind, LaVerne Lind, Eilene (Carl) Snyder, Glenn (Pearl) Lind, Leona (Buck) Biggs, Lester (Mary) Lind and Robert (Rachel) Lind; and six grandchildren. Memorial services took place in Harrisonburg. A private burial was at Duck Run Natural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.

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Friesen Deasy, Linda
February 8, 1922 - December 3, 2021

Friesen Deasy-. Linda, 99, of Goessel, Kan., died Dec. 3, 2021, at Bethesda Home. She was born Feb. 8, 1922, to Daniel B. and Suzie (Goertzen) Friesen in Goessel. She graduated from Goessel High School in 1941. After graduation, she went to work for Herald Publishing Co. in Newton as a typesetter. After World War II|, she decided to become a nurse and attended nursing school. In 1950 she graduated from the Bethel Deaconess School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton. She continued her career in Spokane, Wash., working at several hospitals and nursing homes and retiring in the mid 1980s.

On Oct. 9, 1952, she married Thomas Jefferson (Jeff) Deasy. They spent their married life in Washington. They shared a love for gardening and travel. Every year the family traveled to the Goessel area to visit family. She was a loving daughter, wife and mother. She temporarily returned to Kansas to care for her mother as she was dying of cancer. After Jeff died, she moved to Sumner, Wash., to be closer to her daughters. She was a loving grandmother and was always willing to help and care for her grandchildren. She moved to Goessel in 2000 to be near and supportive of daughter Linda Gayle.

She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Spokane. She was an active member of United Methodist Women and was the chair of her circle for many years. She volunteered as a Camp Fire Girls leader for 15 years, as a homeroom mother, and performed many other acts of service to her community and church. She was baptized in her youth at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church and was again a member after she returned to Goessel. She resided at Bethesda Home in Goessel for 10 years and often said that Bethesda was home.

Survivors include a daughter, Colleen D. (Mark) Olleman of Bellevue, Wash.; four grandchildren; and by Brian Kaufman, who adopted Linda Gayle's surviving children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jefferson Deasy; a daughter, Linda Rath; a stepson, Warren Deasy; four siblings, Elmer Friesen, Martha Goerzen, Wilma Martens and Randolf Friesen; and two granddaughters. Graveside services were held at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Bethesda Home.

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Thomas, Lois A.
August 20, 1924 - November 15, 2021

Thomas-. Lois A., 97, of Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa., died Nov. 15, 2021. She was born to Amos and Martha (Myer) Thomas in New Danville. She was employed at Thomas Meat Market in Willow Street. The Thomas family moved to Willow Street when she and her twin brother, Leon, were 4 years old. She also attended Lancaster City Markets as a sales clerk for her brother. When the family market was sold, she became the matron at the Diffenbach Home in Lancaster for four years, followed by 12 years at the Danner Home in Manheim. She then provided private care for several families until she moved to Landis Homes in 1995.

She gave many volunteer hours at Landis Homes, including as cashier in the general store and cafeteria as well as a friendly visitor and door attendant. In her earlier years as a young adult, she was in voluntary service with The Glad Tidings Mennonite Church in South Bronx, N.Y., for two years. She was a member of Lyndon Mennonite Church.

Survivors include 13 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Leon; sisters Rhoda Buchen and Miriam Burkholder; nieces Nadine Thomas and Renee Swartley and nephew Warren Thomas. Memorial contributions can be made to Landis Homes Caring Fund.

Transcribed by: John Ingold