Anabaptist World
July - September 2023
Mennonite World Review & The Mennonite merged September 2020
Anabaptist World, July 7, 2023, pages 42-43, Vol. 4, No. 9.
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Farmwald, Leon D.
May 13, 1932 - May 18, 2023
Farmwald-. Leon D., 91, died May 18, 2023, at home in Goshen, Ind. He was born May 13, 1932, in Nappanee, Ind., to Alvin and Martha (Kaufman) Farmwald. He married Esther Stahly in 1955 at North Main Street Mennonite Church in Nappanee, where he was a member for most of his life and served in a variety of leadership roles and on numerous committees.
While performing 1-W service in Indianapolis, he was a founding member of First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis. For most of his adult life, he used his entrepreneurial and leadership skills as a board member for several nonprofit organizations, most notably chairing the board of the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale and serving on the boards of directors and building committees for Amigo Centre and Little Eden Camp.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Esther; children Kevin (Dawn) Farmwald of Elkhart, Ind. Hal (Vicki) Farmwald of Central City, Colo., and Leanne (Rich Preheim) Farmwald of Elkhart; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers Stanley (Alma) Farmwald, Donald (Joyce Troyer) Farmwald, Kenneth (Ruby) Farmwald, Royce (Elva) Farmwald and Paul Farmwald. A celebration of life was held at Waterford Mennonite Church, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.
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Miller, Sharon Wyse
November 26, 1943 - May 16, 2023
Miller-. Sharon Wyse, 79, of Harrisonburg, Va., died May 16, 2023. She was born Nov. 26, 1943, in Henry County, Iowa, to Mahlon and Frances Wenger Wyse. She graduated from Iowa Mennonite High School, pursued a nursing degree at Hesston College and graduated from Kansas City General Hospital School of Nursing. In 1965 she married Duane K. Miller of Wellman, Iowa, and they raised their family on a rural Wellman farm.
She used her nursing skills in a local doctor's office and nursing home. Once the children arrived, she always said she upgraded to "pediatric nursing." Her family, church and farm activities were most important, but she also involved herself in many volunteer functions such as editing a church conference periodical, Sunday school teaching, serving in leadership and speaking positions in the Mennonite conference women's organization. Sharon "manned" the Mennonite Central Committee hot line during the 1980s farm crisis. She served as part-time chaplain at a local nursing home for several years, served a term on the Hesston College Board of Overseers and worked as director of development at Iowa Mennonite School for two years.
She journaled extensively about farm life, the children, church and current events. Her varied activities whetted her appetite for further education. At the University of Iowa, she earned a bachelor's degree in global studies. She yearned for mission or church work in another setting, and she and Duane transitioned from farm life to Mennonite Central Committee in Haiti. There for over three years she hosted a guest house and helped to train peasant leaders to use their gifts in rural leadership. After Haiti she enrolled at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, graduating in 1998 with a master of arts in religion degree. She then pastored smaller Mennonite churches, first in Burlington, Iowa, and then in Ambler, Pa. She and Duane retired to Rockingham County, Va., to be near their grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Duane; her children, Annette Marie (Rick ) Martin, Steven Duane (Jessica Alexander), Susan Beth (Dwight) Huyard and Jonathan Yung Jin (Katie Quayle); brothers Gene Wyse (Alice), Ronald Wyse (Barb) and sister Rebecca; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandsons. She was predeceased by a brother, Richard. A celebration of life service was held at Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg.
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Hertzler, Daniel Levi
October 19, 1925 - June 14, 2023
Hertzler-. Daniel Levi., 97, of Scottdale, Pa., long time editor of Mennonite publications, died June 14, 2023, in Scottdale. He was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Elverson, Pa., to Melvin and Susan (Shenk) Hertzler. He married Mary Yoder, daughter of Eugene and Esther (Miller) Yoder, in Aurora, Ohio, on July 12, 1952. She preceded him in death in November 2017.
He dropped out of high school to assist his father on the family farm but never lost his desire for lifelong learning. He would go on to earn multiple educational degrees: a bachelor of arts from Eastern Mennonite College in 1951, a bachelor of theology from Eastern Mennonite College in 1952, a bachelor of divinity from Goshen Biblical Seminary in 1955 and a doctor of philosophy, religious education, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966. In retirement he earned another graduate degree, a master of sacred theology, from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1995.
He had a 38-year career with the Mennonite Publishing House, from 1952 to 1990. His work involved editing a variety of Christian education publications as well as Mennonite Community, Christian Living, Builder and, for 17 years, Gospel Herald. He retired in 1990. In 1945 after World War II, he signed up to work on a cattle boat heading to Poland. The relief effort included delivering horses and heifers to Europe, and in 1947 he decided to again participate in a crew organized by Mennonite Central Committee.
This experience was the start of worldwide travels, including attending Mennonite World Conference assemblies beginning in 1962 in Canada and ending in 2003 in Zimbabwe. His travels took him to Africa, Europe, India and Australia and many U.S. cities. His hobbies included grafting trees, gardening and beekeeping. His extensive writing included authoring articles and books, including his memoirs, A Little Left of Center and On My Way: The View from the Ninth Decade.
Survivors include four sons, Dennis of Monesson, Pa., Ron (Laurel) of Telford, Pa., Gerry (Mary) of Goshen, Ind., and Dan Mark (Christie) of Lancaster, Pa.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Truman Hertzler of Elverson, Pa.; and a sister, Katherine Hallman of Kansas City, Mo. A sister, Martha, preceded him in death in 2021. Memorial gifts may be designated for Mennonite World Conference.
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Martin, Ruth Eleanor Hartzler
October 14, 1934 - June 16 2023
Martin-. Ruth Eleanor Hartzler, 88, died June 16, 2023, at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa. She was born Oct. 14, 1934, in Wakarusa Ind., to Roy and Katie (Lichty) Hartzler. She graduated from Goshen College with a BSN in 1956.
She spent three years in Pakis/Taju, Java, Indonesia, with Mennonite Central Committee from 1959 to 1962. She worked in nursing-ob-gyn, psychiatry and nursing administration - for over 50 years. She and Jay W. Martin married in August 1968 in California. They met while both were working at Kings View Hospital, Reedley, Calif. She became director of in-service education in 1968 and director of nursing in 1969 at Centre Community Hospital, Bellefonte, Pa., now Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. She completed her MSN in nursing administration at Penn State University in 1979.
In 1988 she became director of nursing at Philhaven Hospital, Lebanon, Pa. She also worked at Inglis House in Philadelphia and part-time at Landis Homes prior to her retirement. She was involved in the National Organization of Nurse Executives and the Pennsylvania Chapter. She was an active member of the Mennonite Nurses Association and Mennonite Health Association, serving on the board and as president of each.
She was the first female chair of University Mennonite Church in State College. She served on the pastoral team at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster. She served 12 years on the Board of Mennonite Mutual Aid, now Everence. A caring person, she worked to understand people who felt they were different and were marginalized by society. She was the first straight person to serve on the board of the Brethren/Mennonite Council for LGBTQ+ Interests. Friendly and outgoing, she had a gift for making people comfortable. She and Jay enjoyed traveling together, meeting new people, cooking together and entertaining friends.
She is survived by her husband; two sisters, Freda (Paul) Friesen of California and Isabelle (John) Blough of Kansas; and two brothers, David (Mary) Hartzler of Tennessee and Dwight (Margaret) Hartzler of Florida. She was predeceased by a sister, Mary "Marty" Hartzler, and a brother, Phil Hartzler.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, August 4, 2023, pages 44-45, Vol.4, No. 10.
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Hertzler, Ruth M. Harnish Shenk
February 21, 1942 - May 25 2023
Hertzler-. Ruth M. (Harnish) Shenk, 81, died May 25, 2023, at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa. She was born Feb. 21, 1942, to Clarence Hess Harnish and Esther Herr (Miller) Harnish of West Lampeter Township. She was the wife of Donald E. Hertzler for almost 13 years. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 1960 and then attended Lancaster School of Practical Nursing, where she received her Licensed Practical Nursing degree. She worked for Voluntary Service in New York City as an LPN at the Rusk Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She attended Eastern Mennonite College and graduated with her BSN in 1970. In 1966 she married Gerald Landis Shenk. They had 32 years of marriage in Lebanon, Pa., enjoying country living on a small farm and raising their daughter. She worked part time as an RN at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon for 25 years. She enjoyed gardening and painting. During those years she was an active member at Annville Church of the Brethren. Several years after Jerry's death, she moved to Ephrata, Pa., where she volunteered at Landis Homes and Mennonite Central Committee. She became reacquainted with an old friend, Donald Hertzler, and they married in 2010. They enjoyed bike riding and time with their grandchildren. They became members of Akron Mennonite Church. As Ruth's Parkinson's progressed, they moved to a cottage at Landis Homes in 2019. In addition to her husband, Don, she is survived by a daughter, Melanie Ehst (Jeremy); three grandchildren; Don's children, Barry Hertzler (Delores), Jerry Hertzler (Lisa) and Sandy Byler (Kevin); Don's seven grandchildren and five great-granddaughters; and her brothers David M. Harnish (Florence) and John M. Harnish (Evelyn). She was preceded in death by her first husband, Gerald L. Shenk; sister Rachel M. Hershey and brother Paul M. Harnish.
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Horst, Blanche Mohler
August 30, 1928 - July 11, 2023
Horst-. Blanche, 94, died July 11, 2023, at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa. She was born Aug. 30, 1928, to Martin K. and Barbara (Siegrist) Mohler in Ephrata, Pa. In 1951 she married Nevin L. Horst, and two years later they answered the call to serve as missionaries in Ethiopia with Eastern Mennonite Missions. She worked in a variety of roles, running the Mennonite Guest House, in Dire Dawa, working, with women's groups and raising a family. Throughout her life, Blanche was a teacher. She graduated with a B.S. in education at Eastern Horst Mennonite College and continued studying at Millersville University. She first stepped into a classroom at Manor Mennonite School. Later she taught art and music at the mission station in Bedeno, Ethiopia, and English at the Bible Academy in Nazareth, Ethiopia, as well as at the Mennonite church school in Addis Ababa. Returning to the U.S. in 1976, she taught at Manheim Christian Day School and Locust Grove Mennonite School. In retirement, Blanche and Nevin were missionaries in Enemasi, Kenya, from 1995 to 1997. She had a deep faith in God, was dedicated to prayer and loved Scripture. From her time as a missionary to serving as a chaplain in retirement, she was committed to serving Christ. She was a member of James Street Mennonite Church. She had a great commitment to hospitality, a lesson reinforced by her time in Ethiopia, and enjoyed making Ethiopian food. She cherished time spent with her children and her grandchildren and loved cooking for them. She was predeceased in 2006 by Nevin Horst, with whom she had five children: Adelle Horst Ward (Richard) of Scotia, N.Y., Philip Horst (Sandra Voth Horst), of Lancaster, Phyllis Horst Nofziger (Harold) of Stevens, Rachel Horst McLaughlin (Larry) of Quinton, Va., and N. Timothy Horst (Donna Eberly Horst) of Leola. She is survived by four siblings, Miriam Witmer (H. Howard) of Lititz, Ruth Rudy (Carl) of Manheim, James Mohler (Janet) of Manheim and Barbara Gerber (Jim), of Goshen, Ind.; her sister-in-law, Electa Mohler; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her brother, Carl Mohler, and a grandchild, Joshua Ward.
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Burkholder, Charles Adam
January 17, 1934 - May 12, 2023
Burkholder-. Charles Adam, 89, died May 12, 2023, at his home in Grandville, Mich. He was born Jan. 17, 1934, to Blanche (Herr) and Clarence Burkholder in Lancaster County, Pa. After graduating from Goshen College in 1955, his Mennonite faith and belief in nonviolence led him to be a conscientious objector during the Korean War, serving alternative service as a houseparent in a home for troubled boys. He earned a master of social work degree from Ohio State University in 1959. Later, as an active Unitarian Universalist, he approached life with a responsibility to serve others. He found purpose in caring for his family and advocating for the needy, serving both his local and the global community. After working as a counselor in Elkhart, Ind., he served the Grand Rapids, Mich., community as executive director of Family Service Association. During 23 years at FSA, he advocated for families by serving on boards, crafting legislation and founding the Family Outreach Center. He was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to craft legislation providing counseling services to fractured families. He served on the boards of churches in Michigan and Arizona, including Fountain Street Church and All Souls Community Church. With a passion for social justice, he and Aleda, his wife, served with the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans in Arizona, assisting migrants and advocating to ease their suffering. They joined retirement communities in Bonita Springs, Fla., and Green Valley, Ariz. He enjoyed softball, tennis, cards, Cubs baseball and Ohio State football. He radiated grace and gratitude while sharing his wonder and awe for the mysteries of life. He is survived by his wife, Aleda (Sikkema); daughters Christina Cooper and Anne (Steve) Engvall; stepchildren Randall (Susie Chang) te Velde, Debra (John) Hoekstra and Laurel (Mark Shepard) te Velde; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers J. Richard and Harold.
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Loewen, Elfrieda Ruth Regier
June 21, 1923 - June 27, 2023
Loewen-. Elfrieda Ruth (Regier), 100, died June 27, 2023. She was born June 21, 1923, the daughter of David A. and Barbara (Epp) Regier, and grew up on a farm near Mountain Lake, Minn. Her father was a pastor in the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church. She was baptized at age 10 and joined the EMB church, where she remained a member. She attended Mankato State University and Wheaton College, where she graduated after studies in German literature and science. During a visit to Goshen College, she met Mel Loewen, a Canadian from Steinbach, Man. While he finished his senior year at Goshen, she taught high school science in northern Minnesota. They were married in 1949. While Mel taught high school and took graduate classes at the University of Minnesota and Elfrieda cared for her first babies, missionary friends mentioned the need for educators in Africa. They applied for service with Congo Inland Mission and were soon off to Congo with their three children. During their first furlough in 1959, the family, by then with five children, stopped in Belgium for a year for Mel to finish his residency for a Ph.D. The 1960s were turbulent years in Congo. The family had to deal with a rebel occupation of their city lasting four months. Throughout, Elfrieda was reassured by God's presence. Her sixth child was born shortly after paratroopers rescued the family. Among her fondest memories were the many women she worked with and studied Bible with in Congo, California, Ivory Coast, Rwanda and Washington, D.C. Wherever she could find a garden spot, in their 36 moves around the world, she grew vegetables and planted flowers. She is survived by Mel, her husband of 74 years, and her children, Barbara, Margaret, John, James and Lisa, and by her sister, Mary Regier. Her eldest child, Jacob Gerard, predeceased her.
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Roth, Arthur John
December 24, 1930 - June 26, 2023
Roth-. Arthur John, 92, died June 26, 2023. He was born Dec. 24, 1930, near Petersburg, Ont. His early years were spent on the farm in Petersburg, attending grade school to the eighth grade, when he was needed to help with the farm work. He graduated from Ontario Mennonite School and Institute. On May 6, 1955, he became a permanent resident of the United States. He attended Eastern Mennonite College for one semester after receiving his GED. He was then drafted to serve as an orderly at Marymount Hospital Emergency Room in Garfield Heights, Ohio. In 1953 he began to travel with Christian Laymen's Tent Evangelism of Orrville, Ohio. During a tent revival he met his future wife, Marjorie Miller of Kalona, Iowa. In 1961 he brought his family to Julesburg, Colo., to serve as pastor of Julesburg Mennonite Church. He served as the pastor of Chappell Mennonite Church in Nebraska until it disbanded was and joined with the Julesburg congregation. In 1977 he filled a vacancy at Community Presbyterian Church in Sedgwick, Colo., which became a permanent role. He retired from both churches in 2014 but never retired from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. During his ministry, he officiated at over 600 funeral and graveside services, over 60 weddings, over 130 baptisms, numerous child dedications and preached well over 8,500 sermons and messages. In addition to his pastoral duties, he worked with a local farmer and as a carpenter, furniture salesman and courthouse custodian, owned a carpet and drapery business and assisted with the local funeral home. He served on the county ambulance service for 20 years. He was nominated to run in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay and light the cauldron at the Colorado Welcome Center's celebrations. He served on the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp board. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; daughters Yvonne (Jeff) Otto, Jane (Bernie) Mindrup and Sheri (Marty) Swartzendruber; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Transcribed: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, August 25, 2023
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Miller, Sylvia Marie Steiner
November 25, 1938 - May 21, 2023
Miller-. Sylvia Marie, 84, died May 21, 2023, at her home in Goshen, Ind. She had been diagnosed with cancer in January. She was born Nov. 25, 1938, in Salem, Ohio, the eldest child of John and Mildred (Metzler) Steiner. She was baptized as a young girl in Kansas. A graduate of Bethany Christian High School in 1956 and Goshen College in 1959, she married Donald C. Miller on Sept. 5, 1959, in Goshen. They vowed upon their engagement, "together we will serve the Lord," which they did for more than 63 years.
She welcomed into their home people of diverse ethnicities and cultures, from stranded travelers to church dignitaries. She served in church institutions, working as a secretary at Mennonite Media Ministries in Harrisonburg, Va., and in Goshen College's SST and International Education offices. While she often worked outside the home, her greatest desire and proudest achievement was being a mother. Her immediate and extended families and cousins were a priority for her, as were the many friends she made in the communities in which she lived in Ohio, Kansas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wyoming.
She is survived by her husband, Don; sons Kevin (Lorene) and Carey (Joani); daughter (Carla chosen through adoption) and bonus daughter Christine (Glenn) Stutzman; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was mother to four foster children: Mark, Rhonda, Kimmy and Timmy. She is also survived by four siblings, J. (Lillian) Steiner, Wes (Margaret) Steiner, Janet (Mike) O'Malley and Joan (Dave) Vogt. She was a member of Waterford Mennonite Church, Goshen.
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Dirksen, Arzella Nikkel
March 2, 1933 - October 10, 2022
Dirksen-. Arzella, 89, died Oct. 10, 2022. She was born March 2, 1933, in Goessel, Kan., to Eva and Jacob P. Nikkel. She grew up at various farms and homes near North Newton, Kan. She married Melvin A. Dirksen on Oct. 18, 1953. Due to their faith with the Mennonite church and abiding belief in peace, they moved to Colorado so Melvin could serve with the alternative 1-W service program. They loved the mountains and the state, and they stayed. They attended First Mennonite Church in Denver and enjoyed many friendships there until Mel's death in 2012. They also shared friendships with neighbors during the 53 years in their Leyden Street home. The relationships with their siblings and families in Kansas and beyond were important. They enjoyed many travels all over the United States and parts of Europe.
Arzella discovered a new hobby and found common ground with Mel on the golf course. She was especially thrilled by the hole-in-one she made with her women's league. She also loved horseback riding. Her greatest source of pride was her career with the HelpCenter at Denver Channels 7 and 4 until the mid-1980s, as well as her time with Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol Auxiliary. Her farm roots and people skills shone brightly again in her leadership with Denver Urban Gardens at the nearby Ash Grove/Cook Park Garden.
She is survived by a son, Jim; daughters Jan (Kirk Williams) and Suzanne (Jeff Opp); six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorial and inurnment took place Aug. 4 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel.
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Dirksen, Melvin A.
April 7, 1931 - November 2, 2012
Dirksen-. Melvin A., 81, died Nov. 2, 2012. He was born April 7, 1931, in McPherson, Kan. He moved to Colorado in 1952 during the Korean War. As a Mennonite, he was a conscientious objector and member of a group of young men brought to Denver under the 1-W program. After his service, he was a milk route salesman/driver for Stearns Dairy and then held other sales positions ranging from specialized cranes to school buses.
At age 52 he became an entrepreneur and opened Pioneer Sales and Service, selling Swedish-made Pionjar gas-powered jackhammers. it was a perfect fit for a man who enjoyed developing friendships as much as tinkering and fixing things. Having grown up on the family farm, he never lost his roots and was passionate about restoring old tractors, in particular bright red international Harvesters. A joy for him was sharing these machines with young and old admirers at summertime parades. Humble, with a ready smile and wry, clever sense of humor, he approached life with the motto, "If it isn't fun, don't do it."
An avid golfer, he and his wife of 59 years, Arzella, continued to play as his multiple myeloma, diagnosed in 2008, advanced. Beyond collections and mechanical skills, the most gratifying part of his life was his family, immediate and extended, near and far.
He was survived by his wife, Arzella, until her death in October 2022; a son, Jim; daughters Jan (Kirk Williams) and Suzanne (Jeff Opp); and six grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Velma; and a sister-in-law, Sherland Dirksen. A celebration of his life was held in 2012 at First Mennonite Church of Denver. A memorial service for him and Arzella was held Aug. 4 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, Kan.
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Mininger, Phil
October 29, 1950 - April 26, 2023
Mininger-. Phil, 72, died April 26, 2023, at his home in Paoli, ind. He was born Oct. 29, 1950, in Hatfield, Pa., to Eleanor and Joseph Mininger. He grew up in Harman, W.Va., alongside his seven siblings. He studied political science and sociology at Eastern Mennonite College, where he met his wife, Mary Kauffman Mininger. They married in 1974 and had four children, Marijohn (Dave Mosemann), Annie, Adriel and Caroline; and two grandchildren.
After college, they moved to Macon, Miss., with Mennonite Board of Missions and led a voluntary service program with a focus on community development and civil rights, advocating for health, education, voting, improved housing and knowing God. They remained there for 10 years, building community and hosting church and college groups who wished to see racism's effects. In 1988, the family moved to Elkhart, Ind., so Phil and Mary could attend Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary to study for a master of divinity degree. Phil became associate pastor of Belmont Mennonite Church until they moved to Paoli in 1998, where they co-pastored at Paoli Mennonite Fellowship until 2011. Phil had a gift for creating beauty and community. A skilled carpenter, he built houses from the ground up, mentoring young people within the building trades.
He was president of Orange County Habitat for Humanity and led its development over 23 years. In 2008, he was named Orange County Philanthropist of the Year. In 2022, he was named Grand Marshal of the Paoli Fall Festival parade by the Chamber of Commerce. He built beautiful stone benches, stone fences and elaborate garden entrances. He was a master gardener, fruit tree grower and antique apple cider press restorer. He was an amazing storyteller, an optimist in any weather and easily brought people together. A calming presence as well as a powerful force, he was a peacemaker with a revolutionary edge. Phil embodied love and kindness.
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LeFevre, Elwin Noah
November 7, 1930 - July 20, 2023
LeFevre-. Elwin Noah, died July 20, 2023, in Sterling, Ill. He was born Nov. 7, 1930, to Noah H. and Esther K. (Landis) LeFevre in Sterling. He graduated from Goshen College in 1953 with a bachelor of arts degree in social studies. He registered as a conscientious objector and volunteered with Mennonite Central Committee in the Pax program, building homes for refugees in northern Germany. After 27 months in Germany, he returned to Sterling and worked as an apprentice, doing general mill work with Hayden Moore Machine Works. During the three years of machine work, he attended night school at Northern Illinois University, where he earned his teaching credentials.
For 36 years he taught social studies and science at Constantine Middle School in Michigan, also coaching cross country and driving a school bus. He began a cross country program for girls and frequently trained by running with his team. The Constantine cross country course is named in his honor. He earned a master of arts in teaching degree from Indiana University. After retiring, he returned to Sterling to assist his brother Bob in farming. in 2020, he moved to Morningside of Sterling. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marlin E. LeFevre and Robert E. LeFevre; and a niece, Jackie LeFevre.
He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Lois (Schmidt) LeFevre of Rock Falls, Ill., and Carolyn (Main) LeFevre Freas of Goshen, Ind.; and nieces and nephews Eugene LeFevre, Linda Kessler, Cindy Mundt, Peggy LeFevre, Lori Mack, Trudy Tupper, Dennis LeFevre, Marcia Friesen, Karen Swartzendruber and Ronald LeFevre. Burial was at Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery, Sterling.
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Weaver, Mary Evelyn Herr
March 10, 1926 - June 18, 2023
Weaver-. Mary Evelyn (Herr), 97, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18, 2023, at Hubbard Hill Retirement Community. She was born March 10, 1926, in Hanover, Pa., to Elmer and Fannie (Miller) Herr, the youngest of seven children. She wed Harold L. Weaver of Elkhart in 1950. They were married for 69 years. She graduated from Goshen College in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She taught for 38 years in the Elkhart Community Schools, devoting most of her career to teaching kindergarten at Monger Elementary School. She was a master teacher, much loved by colleagues and students. She retired in 1990.
A longtime member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart, she was a dear and faithful friend to many, growing relationships through one-on-one visits over many years. She had a beautiful soprano voice and loved singing in choirs and as part of the congregation. Mary and Harold moved to Hubbard Hill Retirement Community in 1998. They took great joy in the friendships they made and renewed there. Mary resided at Hubbard Hill for the rest of her life.
She is survived by three children, Barry (Marge) Weaver of Bloomington, Ill., Karen (Galen) Hershberger of Goshen and Kent (Jodi) Weaver of Pleasant Hill, Ohio; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her husband and six siblings preceded her in death.
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Stoltzfus, Edna E. Musser
September 29, 1933 - August 2, 2023
Stoltzfus-. Edna E., 89, of Fairmount Homes, Ephrata, Pa., died Aug. 2, 2023, at the home. She was the wife of the late Stephen S. Stoltzfus, who died in 2009. Born in Caernarvon Township, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Harry and Lena Glick Musser. She was a homemaker and a member of Rockville Mennonite Church, Honey Brook, Pa. She had been involved in South Carolina Prison Ministry for 10 years with her late husband. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and history. For many years she was the church and family historian.
Surviving are three children, Clair (Thelma Hoover) Stoltzfus of East Earl, Carolyn (Michael) Biggs of Greenwood, Del., and Cheryl (Larry) Landis of Honey Brook; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brothers Nevin and Alvin Musser. Interment was in the Conestoga Mennonite Cemetery.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, September 22, 2023, pages 46-47, Vol. 4, No. 12.
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Shelly, Patricia Joyce
December 21, 1951 - September 4, 2023
Shelly-. Patricia Joyce, 71, of Newton, Kan., died Sept. 4, 2023, at home after a three-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was born Dec. 21, 1951, in Chicago to Kenneth and June Rupert Shelly. She lived in Pulaski, Iowa, and Trenton, Ohio, before moving to North Newton, Kan. She was baptized in 1967 at Bethel College Mennonite Church. She earned a degree in Bible and Religion from Bethel College in 1976. She completed a master of divinity degree at Iliff School of Theology in Denver in 1980. After studying for eight months at the Ecumenical Institute for Advanced Theological Studies (Tantur) in Jerusalem in 1981, she completed a Ph.D. in biblical interpretation at the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology in 1992. She served as associate pastor at First Mennonite Church in Denver from 1983 to 1985 and was ordained as a Mennonite pastor.
For most of the next three decades, she taught at Bethel College in the Bible and Religion Department and served as campus minister for almost half of that time, with primary responsibility for chapel and worship. From 1996 to 2000, she worked in Jerusalem with Mennonite Central Committee as country director in the West Bank and Gaza. From 1986 to 2015, she led study tours to Israel/Palestine/Jordan, and in more recent years co-led joint Bethel/Tabor College tours to the same region. She was a folk musician and composer, producing two albums and two songbooks. Several of her songs have appeared in Mennonite hymnals. She spoke (and sang) in numerous church and community settings about biblical studies as well as her time in Israel/Palestine.
She also spoke extensively in the region about her participation in three meetings with Iranian political and religious leaders. The first meeting in 2007 of an ecumenical, Christian delegation to Iran was followed by two dialogues with Iranian officials in New York at the beginning of United Nations Assembly sessions. She served on the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board from 2005 to 2017, spending the last two years as moderator of MCUSA. She also served as moderator of Western District Conference and on the International Mennonite Peace Committee.
Survivors include her mother, June Shelly of Newton; a sister, Doris (Arthur) Whillock of Newton; and two brothers, Andy (Carmen) Shelly of Lenexa, Kan., and Kenneth John Shelly. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth; and a brother, Timothy. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Sept. 30 at Bethel College Mennonite Church. The family suggests memorial gifts to Bethel College or Bethel College Mennonite Church.
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Kroeker, Marvin Elroy
September 20, 1928 - July 18 2023
Kroeker-. Marvin Elroy, 94, died July 18, 2023, in Fresno, Calif. He was born Sept. 20, 1928, in Corn, Okla., one of 10 children of Jacob P. and Mary (Zielke) Kroeker, and was the last survivor. His grandparents on both sides immigrated from Russia in 1875 and 1876, and his mother's family participated in the Oklahoma land run of 1889. He graduated from Corn Bible Academy in 1946 and from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., in 1950. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1954 and 1967, respectively.
After several years teaching high school in Kansas and California, he became associate professor of history at Tabor College from 1956 to 1966, with two years of leave while studying for his doctorate at OU. From 1966 to 1993, he served as professor of history at East Central University in Ada, Okla., and from I988 to 1993 as chair of the ECU Department of History. At ECU, he developed and taught the first American Indian history courses.
He served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Historical Society and served as its president from 1996 to 1999. He also served on boards for the OU Western History Associates, the Oklahoma Historical Records Advisory Board (appointed by the Oklahoma governor), Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest and Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies at Tabor College. He authored three books, chapters in several history books, numerous articles in professional journals and paper presentations and more than 20 published book reviews. In 2009, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his sons, Bruce, Kevin (Lynn) and Ross (Joan); seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Lily; brothers Carl, Elmer, Harvey and Orville; and sisters Esther, Ruby, Edna, Loretta and Jennie. The service was held at Willow Avenue Mennonite Church, Clovis, Calif. Memorial contributions may be given to Mennonite Central Committee for support of refugees.
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Detweiler, Timothy R.
November 18, 1951 - June 17, 2023
Detweiler-. Timothy R., 71 of Washington, Iowa, died June 17, 2023, at home, ending his cancer journey. He was born in Burton, Ohio, to Rudy and Mahala (Mullet) Detweiler. He enjoyed growing up with his seven siblings in Ohio and Mississippi. He was a graduate of Hesston College, Eastern Mennonite University and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, where he formed lifelong friendships and embarked on worldwide travels. He married Carol (Bachman) on July 1, 1977. They treasured life together for nearly 46 years, setting a beautiful example of love and service for their children.
Tim found deep meaning in his work as a pastor in Colorado, Iowa and Montana. He also felt privileged to journey alongside the congregations of Central Plains Mennonite Conference, seeking to follow Jesus' example of love and peace in his ministry. Tim had a gentle spirit, was a caring listener and appreciated the retelling of a good story with his hearty laugh. He delighted in maintaining connections with friends, relatives and church family throughout the years. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking projects and sharing in laughter and play with his adoring grandchildren. He also held a private pilot license and loved flying.
His memory will be carried on by his wife, Carol; and their children, Nathan (Karla Stoltzfus) of Tiskilwa, Ill., Erika (Nick Stoddard) of Washington, Iowa, and Caleb (Heidi Gingerich) of Parnell, Iowa; eight grandchildren; and siblings Barb (Cleo) Miller of Nampa, Idaho, Mary (George) Dunn of Pandora, Ohio, Sadie (Don) Buckwalter of Archbold, Ohio, Martha (Leland) Earnest of Caldwell, Idaho, Lois (Everett) Earnest of Nampa, Idaho, Tom (Cheri) Detweiler of Middlefield, Ohio, and Rudy (Tonia) Detweiler of Delano, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Anna Detweiler. The funeral service was at East Union Mennonite Church, Kalona, Iowa. Memorial donations may be made to Central Plains Mennonite Conference, Crooked Creek Christian Camp or White River Cheyenne Mennonite Church, Busby, Mont.
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Gerber, Lois Souder Bechtel Shank
April 10, 1943 - June 28, 2023
Gerber-. Lois Souder Shank, 80, died June 28, 2023, at home in Lititz, Pa., five weeks after a diagnosis of glioblastoma. Born and raised on the family farm in Spring City, Pa., she was the fifth of eight children of the late Norman and Irene (Souder) Bechtel. She graduated from Christopher Dock High School in 1961 and Eastern Mennonite University in 1966. After college, she taught home economics in West Virginia and Delaware. She married Henry Shank in 1967. He and Lois helped to found Fellowship of Hope, an intentional house church community in Elkhart, Ind.
Lois and Henry were delighted with the births of Kristin, Karl and Michael. The young family moved to Kidron, Ohio, for Henry's teaching career, which ended a few years later when he became disabled. He and Lois became co-supervisors for Choice Books Ohio, which Lois continued after Henry died in 1983. In midlife, she got her master's degree and felt like she had come home in a new career as a mental health counselor.
She married Lowell Gerber in 1997, and from Ohio they moved to Lititz. With empathetic listening skills, she developed many meaningful relationships in each congregation where Lowell worked as pastor. She was a member of Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster. A committed follower of Jesus, she pursued service opportunities and passionately advocated for issues including women in leadership, climate change, migrant justice, food security and refugee resettlement. She enjoyed good books, good food and good music. She loved tending her vegetable and flower gaardens, bird watching, puzzles, exploring genealogy and traveling with Lowell. She especially loved trips to her favorite beach at Cape May with grandchildren Adrian and Micah. She cherished her sisters gatherings and valued connecting with her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry M. Shank; brothers Harold and Wilmer Bechtel; and sisters Geraldine Stiedle, Lorraine Sayre and Dorothea Ray. She is survived by her husband, Lowell K. Gerber; children Kristin Shank Zehr (Kirk), Karl Shank and Michael Shank; two grandchildren; sisters Eleanor Fuhrman and Doris K. Schmehl; and brother-in-law Keith Gerber. Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.
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Zook, Elizabeth M. "Betty" Brubaker
January 31, 1929 - July 15, 2023
Zook-. Elizabeth M. "Betty" (Brubaker), 94, of Lititz, Pa., formerly of Strasburg, died July 15, 2023, at Landis Homes. Born Jan. 31, 1929, in Duchess, Alberta, she was the daughter of George L. and Ruth N. (Shetter) Brubaker. She was a homemaker and schoolteacher. Her 17- year teaching career included Linville Hill Mennonite School, Belleville Mennonite School and Locust Grove Mennonite School, where she started the kindergarten program. She was cited by Who's Who of American Teachers for her accomplishments.
She was a member of Conestoga Mennonite Church at Morgantown. Her gifts of creativity in art and crafts blessed many people through her handmade cards, crocheted animal book kits and other crafts. She loved volunteering as a Star Comforter and Friendly Visitor, showing her care and concern as she visited many residents at Landis Homes.
Surviving are five children, Lois Ann (J. Lemar) Mast of Morgantown, Duane E. (Genie Wills) Zook of Tyler, Texas, Ronald E. (Judy Garber) Zook of Lancaster, Larry J. (Dawn Root) Zook of Manheim and Robert G. (Ethel Yoder) Zook of Allensville; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a brother, George O. Brubaker of New Holland. She was preceded in death by three siblings, Harold Brubaker, John A. Brubaker and Edna (Brubaker) Mellinger. Her husband, Floyd I. Zook, preceded her in death in 2003. Interment was Mount Pleasant Mennonite Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Landis Homes Caring Fund.
Subscribed by: John Ingold