Anabaptist World
January - March 2024
Mennonite World Review & The Mennonite merged September 2020
Anabaptist World, January 2025, pages 80-83, Vol. 6, No. 1.
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Klassen, Loyal
November 30, 1932 - September 29, 2024
Klassen-. Loyal, 91, of Mountain Lake, Minn., died Sept. 29, 2024, at Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, Minn. He was born Nov. 30, 1932, to Abram P. and Elizabeth (Janzen) Klassen in Mountain Lake. At age 14, his father's death had a tremendous impact on his life. He graduated from Mountain Lake High School. He was baptized and joined the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church in Mountain Lake.
After several years helping on the family farm, Selective Service came calling. The local draft board denied his conscientious objector application, so he appealed to the state board, which granted him 1-W status. He spent two and a half years in Germany with Mennonite Central Committee's Pax program, building housing for refugees and in Greece helping with agriculture projects. Following Pax, he joined Mennonite Voluntary Service, building a church in Holland. His service years were a pivotal time, enlarging his worldview.
He was a staunch supporter of Mennonite Disaster Service and served as treasurer of the local MDS chapter. He served on disaster projects in Mexico, California, Mississippi and locally in Minnesota. He served on many boards at Bethel Mennonite Church. Returning to Mountain Lake, he was employed by Rempel Construction as a bricklayer. He then attended Freeman Junior College and Bethel College and graduated from Goshen College with a degree in social work.
He married Bertha Redekop on May 6, 1960, and they enjoyed married life for over 64 years. They settled on an acreage in rural Mountain Lake and farmed while raising three children. Raising purebred Hampshire sheep was an early wish and continued through the farming years. Family oriented, Loyal relished being a grandfather. Travel was a priority as he and Bertha explored over 70 countries. They took learning tours, including European Mennonite history and Ukraine. Travel provided a conduit for his interest in photography.
He is survived his wife, Bertha; children, Loretta (Kevin) Krahn, Brigham (Lori) Klassen and Timothy (Heather) Klassen; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers.
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Janzen, Dorothea "Dotty" Wirth
october 4, 1930 - December 12, 2024
Janzen-. Dorothea "Dotty" (Wirth), 94, died Dec. 12, 2024, at Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Center in North Newton, Kan. She was born to Fred and Marie (Schneidenbach) Wirth on Oct. 4, 1930, in Paterson, N.J. She was raised in a pastor's family in Brooklyn, N.Y., and confirmed at the Wyona Street Evangelical and Reformed Church in Brooklyn. The family moved to Bergenfield, N.J., in her teenage years.
She graduated from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) majoring in Bible and Christian education and later received a master of religious education from New York Theological Seminary. She married Heinz Janzen on Sept. 10, 1955, and served as a pastor's wife during Heinz's pastorates in Washington, Ill. and Kidron, Ohio, before moving to Newton in 1969 and joining Faith Mennonite Church.
Dotty completed a Clinical Pastoral Education program at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita in 1974, then taught Bible and served in campus ministries at Hesston College from 1974 to 1980. Heinz and Dotty were called to be co-pastors of Trinity Mennonite Church in Hillsboro, and 1981 she was ordained to pastoral ministry. In 1990, she was called to be associate pastor of Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton until she retired in 1997. Following retirement, she served for a year as interim pastor at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church in Goessel. Contributions to the wider church included editing and rewriting along with Heinz the Minister's Manual published in 1983. She served on the board of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and on the Ministerial Committee and Executive Committee of Western District Conference.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Heinz. Survivors include sisters Ruth Sauter of Doylestown, Pa., and Margaret (Richard) Diemer of New Harmony, Ind.; son Pete (Debra) Janzen of Wichita; daughter Margaret (Charlie) Hildebrand of Morden, Man.; daughter Mary Janzen of State College, Pa.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at Bethel College Mennonite Church.
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Fireoved Marino, Ruth
July 28, 1947 - November 19, 2024
Fireoved Marino-. Ruth, 77, died following an auto accident Nov. 19, 2024, in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. She was a school psychologist, mentor, historic preservationist, humble philanthropist, humanitarian, devoted wife and gifted cook. She was born July 28, 1947, in Berne, Ind., where her father was a beloved veterinarian.
She came to Philadelphia in the early 1970s and received a Ph.D. from Temple University with a focus on children's development. Her work as a school psychologist spanned more than 35 years, largely in New Jersey school districts. She taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in educational psychology and was past president of the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists and active in the International School Psychology Association, attending its conferences worldwide. Soon after her arrival in Philadelphia, she joined Germantown Mennonite Church, embracing its historical importance as the oldest Mennonite congregation in North America. She became a board member of Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust in 2000 and a board member of Historic Germantown, active in historic preservation.
Ruth married Stephen Marino in 1990 in Philadelphia, bringing to the marriage her mentorship of Leonard Royal. Her love of cooking made her a legend. She prepared delicious dishes for special occasions as connective tissue to bond her many interests. Her meals for her Germantown congregation and those in need established her as the consummate food nurturer. Guided by her Mennonite heritage and faith, Ruth made helping others her life's work. To support a disabled member of her congregation, Ruth and Steve harvested peaches from a tree in their yard and sold jars of preserves by the dozen, plus Steve's spaghetti "gravy" from an old Italian family recipe. Her diminutive stature disguised a giant heart that took the pulse of her community and applied her gifts and skills to maintain vitality in everything she touched.
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Osborne, Joyce Nyce
(92)-November 19, 2024
Nyce Osborne-. Joyce, 92, of Clearlake, Calif., died Nov. 19, 2024. She was born to Wynne and Grace Nyce of Doylestown, Pa. At Goshen College, she met Millard Osborne of Bunker Hill, Ind., and they were married in 1954. They had four children and enjoyed traveling to visit their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A lifelong member of the Mennonite Church, she was actively involved as Millard pastored in Oregon, Kansas, Ontario, Illinois and Virginia. She was a 1954 graduate of Goshen College with special certification in early childhood education. Later in her life, she was involved in teaching English as a second language and as a tutor for adults learning to read. In retirement, she was an active member at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va., and volunteered with Patchwork Pantry, served on the board of Community Mennonite Preschool and volunteered with hospice for many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Myrna Lapres (Michael) of San Leandro, Calif., Marylin Wakefield (Brad) of Kelseyville, Calif., and Joanna Masingila (Adamson, deceased) of Syracuse, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Naomi Martin (Eric, deceased) of Lancaster, Pa.; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Millard, her husband of 69 years; son Eric; and son-in-law Adamson Masingila.
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Pankratz, Theodore Lee "Ted"
August 18, 1932 - November 17, 2024
Pankratz-. Theodore Lee "Ted", 92, died Nov. 17, 2024, in Hutchinson, Kan. He was born Aug. 18, 1932, in Van Nuys, Calif., to Theodore Roosevelt and Ella Sonora (Unrau) Pankratz. He graduated from Inola High School in Oklahoma in 1950. After a short time at Bethel College ended by a polio illness, he returned home. On Nov. 28, 1952, he married Marjorie Joy "Marge" Springer in Inola. She was his partner wherever work took them, and they raised their family together, engaging in church activities and leadership.
His love for agriculture and the land was evidenced by the jobs he chose. He spent eight years working for John Deere in the fertilizer division in Pryor, Okla., which was sold in 1964. He then spent time overseeing bulk fertilizer and a grain terminal in Enid, Okla. After managing a large farm and grain southeast Kansas, he moved back to manage the John Deere dealership. He bought land and began farming, eventually moving to a full-time farm and livestock operation. Ted was an entrepreneur, evidenced by his last business venture, owning the John Deere dealership in Hutchinson, with all the family working together at Pankratz Implement.
When he sold it to his son in 1998, he returned to full-time farming and harvested his last wheat crop in 2020 at the age of 88. He loved to work, improve his farm and grow his business. Free time was spent traveling with Marge and friends, collecting antique tools, John Deere memorabilia and grain scales. He was a steward not only of the land but of his family, always caring for them and engaging in their activities. He was a member of Journey Mennonite Church in South Hutchinson.
He is survived by his wife, Marge; children Linda Barkley (Jim) and Darrell Pankratz (Mary), all of Hutchinson; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers Harry Pankratz and Bill Pankratz (Liz), all of Inola.
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Gingerich, Simon Glen
February 2, 1923 - December 8, 2024
Gingerich-. Simon Glen, 101, died Dec., 8, 2024, at Greencrof Health Care, Goshen, Ind. He was born Feb. 2, 1923,in Versailies, Mo., the ninth of 10 children born to Amos and Nannie Gingerich. He grew up in a devout Mennonite family who lived a plain and frugal life on family farms, variously in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas. He married Dorothy Horst in 1945.
He received bachelor of arts in Bible and bachelor of theology degrees from Goshen College. He was ordained at Holdeman Mennonite Church in Wakarusa, Ind., in 1950 and pastored there for 14 years, working as a cabinet maker to earn his livelihood. He served on the boards of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference, Mennonite Board of Missions and Greencroft Goshen. ln 1964 he accepted a full-time position with Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities in Elkhart, Ind., as secretary for home missions, where he took a leadership role in turning over responsibility for churches to local leaders and worked to help the Mennonite Church break through institutional structures that perpetuated racial, cultural, class and economic barriers in the church.
He was a member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart for 60 years, assisting in its programs, pastoral care and leadership. Unable to have children of their own, Simon and Dorothy "adopted" their 38 nieces and nephews as if they were their own, taking a genuine interest in each, and became a much-loved and cherished uncle.
Following Dorothy's death in 1996, he married Mary Maple Berkshire in 2001, becoming stepfather to her four adult children, N. James, Jeffrey A, George E. and Mary Beth (Stueben). He was preceded in death by his wives, Dorothy (Horst) in 1996 and Mary Maple (Berkshire) in 2006; stepson Jeffrey Berkshire in 2021; and all nine siblings. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 25 at Prairie Street Mennonite Church.
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Miller, Maxine J. Kauffman
July 10, 1946 - November 6, 2024
Miller-. Maxine J. (Kauffman), 78, died Nov. 6, 2024, in Elkhart Ind. She was born July 10, 1946, in Goshen, Ind., the third child of Louis and Orpha (Yoder) Kauffman. She grew up in Middlebury Ind., and graduated from Bethany Christian High School in Goshen. ln 1969, she married Larry, and they moved to Mashulaville, Miss. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 1972 and had a 30-year career teaching. Some of her fondest memories were at Wilson Elementary in Brooksville, Miss., where she taught second and third graders.
After retiring, she enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, supporting community events and, with several friends, establishing the Mashulaville quilting club. A wonderful, caring, strong woman, she demonstrated how a true Christian life should be lived. Every moment of her life was spent in service to others. Always with a smile and a comforting word, the circle of people whom she loved and encouraged is vast. She lived a life of grace and even in her last moments left this world with the same grace.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Miller of Macon, Miss; daughters Jennifer Glover and Judy Clay; son Jeffrey Miller; sons-in-law Jay Gary and Ruskin Clay; daughter-in-law Nicole Williams; five grandchildren; brothers Norman (Clara) Kauffman and Paul (Carol) Kauffman; and sister Rhoda (Steve) Greer. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandchild Nailah Williams and brother LaVern Kauffman.
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Miller, Marian Joyce Swartz
November 18, 1935 - October 25, 2024
Miller-. Marian Joyce, died Oct. 25, 2024. She was born Nov. 18, 1935. She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1959 from Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Va. By that time, she already had several years teaching experience, having begun her career in a one-room school with 16 students in eight grades near her home in Michigan. She also taught in New York and Virginia.
When her children were small, Marian started an upholstery business from her home, which she ran successfully for 15 years. She ended her working career at Goshen College's Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, where she played a significant role in maintaining the bookstore and library, welcoming and hosting guests and building a culture of community that provided support for the staff. Her gift of creativity was exceptional. She did a variety of crafts, including quilting (about 50), basket weaving, crocheting and tatting. Homes, classrooms and office were always tastefully decorated, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Relationships with family, friends and neighbor were carefully nurtured with loving attention. Her loving, gentle spirit always showed through. She was loved and respected by all who knew her because they felt respected by her. She lived with a spirit of beauty that brought out the best in others. She was especially compassionate toward children who suffer. She supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Memorial gifts will be sent there in her name.
She is survived by her husband, Dave Miller; children, Regina Miller (Karen Molitor) of Milwaukee, Wis., Tim Miller (Heather) of New Paris, Ind., and Joanna Woolace, (Eric) of Goshen, Ind.; five grandchildren; a brother, Don Swartz of Hawaii; and a sister, Dee Swartz of Goshen, Ind. She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Lee (3 months); her parents, Orbie and Anita Swartz of AuGres, Mich.; a brother, Merlin Swartz; and a sister, Phyllis Lind
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, February 2025, pages 46-47, Vol. 6, No. 2.
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Garboden, Allen Kent
September 10, 1947 - December 15, 2024
Garboden-. Allen Kent, 77, died Dec. 15, 2024, at Goshen Hospital in Indiana. He was born Sept. 10, 1947, to James and Celeste Garboden, who operated a dairy farm outside Berne, Ind. From a young age, he was an active worker on the family farm, milking cows, baling hay and harvesting crops.
After the death of his father and the sale of the farm, Allen and his mother moved to Goshen, where his brother Steve and family lived. There he worked at ADEC industries, rode his moped around town, met up with friends for coffee and meals and became an active participant at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen. He looked forward to visiting his brother James and family in Ocala, Fla., on a regular basis. He was very close to his brothers, speaking and visiting with them often.
He is survived by two brothers, James (Janis) Garboden of Ocala, Fla., and Steve (Susan) Garboden of Goshen; four nephews, Jeff (Stacie), Andrew (Melissa), John (Carlene) and Joe (Chasity); and three nieces, Mary (Finn), Leah and Rebekah. He was preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service took place Dec. 19 at Old Salem Cemetery, Bluffton, Ind. A memorial service was held Dec. 20 at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship.
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Bair, Ray Stanton
October 29, 1926 - November 24, 2024
Bair-. Ray Stanton, 98, of Elkhart, Ind., died Nov. 24, 2024. He was born Oct. 29, 1926, to Homer and Cora Bair of Mahoning County, Ohio. He met Lillian Rita Oswald while a lad. They became teenage sweethearts, married in 1948 and continued life's journey together for over 75 years until Lillian's death on Dec. 24, 2023. After graduation from Goshen College in 1947, he worked as a traveling ambassador for the college.
They moved to Louisville, Ohio, in 1951, where Ray was assistant pastor at Beech Mennonite Church. Subsequent moves were made to Pennsylvania to work for Mennonite Central Committee, back to Ohio and finally to Elkhart in 1962, where Ray served as pastor at Belmont Mennonite Church. They lived next door to the church until moving to Hubbard Hill, Elkhart, in 2023.
Ray worked steadfastly to be a good steward. He began selling insurance in 1967. He worked with the Urban League and H.O.M.E. organizations in Elkhart. He stepped down as pastor in 1979 but continued serving the Belmont church and community in various capacities. He completed a doctor of divinity degree at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill., in 1994.
He also received certification as a master gardener. His backyard gardens were a sight to behold and provided healthy produce for his family and community. He loved his faith, family and community deeply. The feel of his fervent hugs will long be remembered.
Surviving are his children, Daniel (Peggy) Bair of Forest City, N.C., Rebekah (Rocko) Smucker of Asheville, N.C., Joy (Ron) Martin of Apex, N.C., and James (Maggie) Bair of Elkhart; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Ann (Lowell) Schrock of New Carlisle, Ind. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; sister Josephine Swope and grandson Seth Bachtel.
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Miller, Ruth Anna Huber
1935 - December 13, 2024
Miller-. Ruth Anna, 89, died Dec. 13, 2024, at St. Anne's Retirement Community in Lancaster County, Pa. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of Ruth (Hess) and Clarence J. Huber. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert Herr Miller. Together, they built a loving family, which she treasured deeply.
She was the beloved mother of Ronald K. Miller (Sue) of Verona, Richard K. Miller (Pam) of Manheim and Roger K. Miller of Lancaster. She was also the proud grandmother to seven and great-grandmother to several. She shared a special bond with her sisters, Lois J. Brenneman and Mim L. Cornish and was a caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, Randy Miller, and her son, Robert K. Miller. A compassionate and dedicated caregiver, Ruth Anna enriched the lives of those she cared for. She found joy in her hobbies, which included crocheting, gardening, reading avidly and taking bus trips to explore new places.
She was a longtime member of Landisville Mennonite Church, where her faith and community were a central part of her life. A celebration of her life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Landisville Mennonite Church.
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Pauls, Dewayne Allen
April 9, 1937 - January 2, 2025
Pauls-. Dewayne Allen, 87, of Newton, Kan., died Jan. 2, 2025, leaving a legacy of generosity and dedication to his church, community, friends and family. He was a visionary who encouraged others to get involved. Dewayne was born April 9, 1937, to Henry and Marie Pauls of Inman, Kan. At Bethel College, he met Elisabeth (Betty) Schrag. They were married Sept. 12, 1959, and went to Akron, Pa., for two years of voluntary service.
He worked for Menno Travel Service, which made travel arrangements for people going into Mennonite Central Committee service across the world. Moving back to the Newton area, he worked as manager of the Guest House Cafeteria, then at Excel industries in Hesston and then started his own accounting firm, which he had for over 50 years. Recently, he turned the business over to his two daughters, which had been his dream.
He served on the Bethel College Board of Directors and as treasurer of Western District Conference. With several partners, he purchased empty buildings in Newton, fixed them up and filled them with businesses that would benefit the community. At First Mennonite Church of Newton, he was a youth sponsor for 25 years, Sunday school teacher, treasurer and member of the Trustee Board and Board of Deacons. He was instrumental in many church projects and found joy in planning more than 10 celebration events.
Surviving are his wife, Elisabeth; daughters Sherrill Woods and Lori (Donald) Kingsley; four grandsons; a great-grandson; and sisters Lorene (Al) Isaacs and Marilyn (Pete) Flaming. He was preceded in death by a sister, Esther; and a brother-in-law, Edward Kaufman.
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Smucker, John Ivan
February 25, 1930 - December 19, 2024
Smucker-. John Ivan, 94, died Dec. 19, 2024, in New Holland, Pa. He was born and raised on his family's farm in the village of Bird-in-Hand, Pa., the third of seven children. He received his primary education at a one-room schoolhouse in Bird-in-Hand. Per the tradition at that time, he dropped out of school after eighth grade to assist his family with farming.
He subsequently got his high school equivalency degree and went on to Eastern Mennonite College, graduating in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in Bible and philosophy. A lifelong minister in the Mennonite Church, he was licensed to the ministry at age 27 and sent to New York City as an urban missionary in 1957 under Mennonite Board of Missions and his home congregation, Maple Grove.
During nearly 50 years in New York City, he served as pastor of three evangelical churches: Mennonite House of Friendship (later known as Friendship Community Church) in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, from 1957 to 1979; Queens Mennonite Church in Flushing, Queens, which merged with Elim Tabernacle Church of Bayside to become Immanuel Community Church, from 1983 to 1995; and First Presbyterian Church of Flushing from 1995 to 2008.
He also served as dean, professor and board member of the New York School of Urban Ministry in Long Island City, Queens. After retiring to Garden Spot Village in New Holland in 2008, he attended the Community Church of Garden Spot Village and Petra Church.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Yoder Smucker; four children, Dennis (Barbara), Carl (Patricia), Conrad (Marypat) and Joy Yany (Craig); 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters.
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Swartley, Mary Louise Lapp
October 4, 1934 - December 11, 2024
Lapp Swartley-. Mary Louise, 90, died Dec. 11, 2024, in Hesston, Kan. She was born Oct. 4, 1934, in Lansdale, Pa., the second of nine children of John Edwin Lapp and Edith Nyce Lapp. She married Willard Myers Swartley on Aug. 16, 1958, at Plains Mennonite Church in Lansdale, Pa.
She graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1952, Eastern Mennonite University in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in business education and James Madison University in 1978 with a master's degree in business education. Baptized at age 12 at Plains Mennonite Church, she lived her faith out with her family, church and professional career.
She taught business and physical education at Christopher Dock High School, Lansdale; Eastern Mennonite High School and University, Harrisonburg, Va.; and Bethany Christian High School, Goshen, Ind. She was assistant director of admissions at EMU and interim principal at Bethany. Mary served on churchwide boards, including Everence and Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference.
She was co-editor of the book She Has Done a Good Thing and wrote a memoir, My Treasured Hopes, My Four Score Years+.
She and Willard blessed countless people, traveling extensively in the U.S. and around the world, often focused on church events or teaching opportunities. They hosted many international students, friends and family in their home. They were members at Belmont Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 24.
She is survived by a daughter, Louisa (Gary) Oyer of Hesston; a son, Kenton (Emily) Swartley of Cedar Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings James Lapp (Mim Book) of Lititz, Pa., Daniel Lapp of Lansdale, Joseph (Hannah) Lapp of Harrisonburg, Sara (Noah) Kolb of Lansdale, Ruth (Ronald) Guengerich of Goshen and Rhoda Lapp of Stone Mountain, Ga. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard; a granddaughter, Jessica Swartley; and brothers John A. Lapp and Samuel Lapp.
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Snyder, Arlene A. Wideman
October 25, 1929 - December 1, 2024
Snyder-. Arlene A., 95, of Akron, N.Y., died Dec. 1, 2024. She was born Oct. 25, 1929, to Richard and Louise Wideman. She was a lifetime resident of Akron, a supportive farm wife and dedicated homemaker. While attending Ontario Bible School, she met Leighton Snyder. They were married Sept. 9, 1951, and enjoyed life together for 66 years.
She was a lifetime member of Clarence Center-Akron Mennonite Church, where she served as a Bible school and Sunday school teacher and made coconut cream pies for potlucks. She worked part time at Akron Central School as a cafeteria worker for 20 years. Arlene and Leighton retreated to the warmth of Sarasota, Fla., for 26 winters, where they enjoyed the fellowship of Bahia Vista Estates.
For the last six years, Arlene was a resident of Vinecroft Retirement Community, taking part in as many activities as possible. Hobbies included caring for the plants, watching birds and making new friends.
She is survived by her children, Lorna and Mel Claassen of Goshen, Ind., Luanne and Don Livingston of Akron and Ron and Cheryl Snyder of Akron; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She loved her family and prayed for each one by name daily. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Norine Snyder. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Louise Wideman; two sisters and one brother; her husband, Leighton, in 2018; and a granddaughter, Heidi Claassen.
Transcribed by: John Ingold
Anabaptist World, March 2025, pages 50-51, Vol. 6, No.3.
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Kreider, Roberta Showalter
April 3, 1926 - January 30, 2025
Kreider-. Roberta Showalter, 98, died Jan. 30, 2025. She was born April 3, 1926, to Oliver and Salome Showalter. She was the only daughter of five children who grew up in Yoder, Kan. She married Harold Kreider in May 1946. Together they had three daughters, Linda, Evelyn and Bonita. She taught school in Perryton, Texas, immediately upon graduating from high school. In her 30-plus years as a minister's wife, she touched many lives. She taught her daughters the art of cooking, sewing, knitting, gardening and canning. She was a master at growing African violets and roses. She was a voracious reader of a wide variety of books, a love that lasted her whole life. In the last 20 years of her life, she was active in promoting LGBT rights, editing three books of LGBT stories read worldwide and found in the book collection of Bishop Desmond Tutu. She touched many lives and modeled a life of faith and service. Surviving are two daughters, Evelyn (Fred Martin) and Bonita (Dean Nussbaum0; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda; two sons-in-law, Bill Perry and Nelson Martin; and a great-grandchild.
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Hostetter, Esther N. Miller
January 14, 1923 - November 14, 2024
Hostetter-. Esther N., 101, died Nov. 14, 2024, at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa. She was born Jan. 14, 1923, the daughter of Viola (King) and Adrian Miller in northern Ohio. At age 10 the family relocated to southwestern Ohio in the West Liberty community. There she formed lasting friendships and made a lifetime commitment to Jesus and the church she had learned to love. Following high school graduation, she spent three winters at Canadian Mennonite Bible School, where her concepts of the Christian faith expanded and grew. In 1946 she volunteered for an assignment with Mennonite Central Committee and subsequently spent a year in rural Puerto Rico. There she met and married C. Nelson Hostetter. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage before his death in 2016. Their path in the next few years took them to several locations as he furthered his education and she supported them. They lived in West Liberty, Ohio, from 1951 to 1971, where they attended Oak Grove Mennonite Church. There they served the community in a small-town funeral home before answering a call, again from MCC, and relocated to Akron, Pa. She was a faithful member of Akron Mennonite Church for 53 years. In the mid-1970s she began working for Self-Help Crafts (which later became Ten Thousand Villages) in various capacities, including secretarial support for the director. A highlight of this time was a work trip to India that made a lasting impression. She retired in 1986. In her retirement years she volunteered at the Material Resources Center, where she especially enjoyed quilting. Esther and Nelson moved to Landis Homes in 2009. She is survived by a daughter, Kaye Book of Brevard, N.C.; a son, Chris Hostetter of Akron; a grandson and two great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, were a brother, Gerald Miller; and a sister, Dorothy (Eldon) King.
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Isaacs, James Murry
February 8, 1937 - November 14, 2024
Isaacs-. James Murry, 87, of Bakersfield, Calif., died Nov. 14, 2024. He was born Feb. 8, 1937, in Los Angeles to Roy and Rosie Lee lsaacs. He embraced his faith in Christ at a young age. He loved music and praised God through it by playing the piano and organ. While maintaining his extensive involvement with his church, he settled into his long-term career with the Los Angeles United School District. He met his beloved wife, Brenda Cecille Bankston, from Pine Bluff, Ark., at a prayer meeting. They were married in 1970. Retiring from LAUSD after 20-plus years of service, he entered the ministry full time and spent more than 40 years in ministerial service. This was with the loving and spiritually gifted support of Brenda. Together, they lived a life in service and dedication to the Lord and shared a great love of music and ministry for 54 years. James pastored five Anabaptist churches-three in California: Family Mennonite in Los Angeles, Calvary Christian Fellowship Church and School in Inglewood and Bakersfield Community Church of the Brethren; and two in Indiana: Sunnyside Mennonite Church and Fellowship of Hope Mennonite Church, both in Elkhart. He served as a minister for the Southern California churches, was a moderator for the California and Arizona churches through Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, served on the church general board and was the overseer of the African American churches in Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; son Kevin (Cleola) of Austin, Texas; daughters Tiphanie (Jeremie Wells) of Bakersfield and Johannah of Bakersfield; and four grandchildren.
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Kennel, Lois Ruth Landis
February 22, 1932 -February 7, 2025
Kennel-. Lois Ruth, 92, died Feb. 7, 2025, at Charter House in Rochester, Minn. She was born Feb. 22, 1932, in Harleysville, Pa., to Henry Landis Ruth and Susan Alderfer Landis. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1950, ranking first in her class and meeting her future husband, Arthur John Kennel (1928-2014). She attended Eastern Mennonite College and Goshen College and received a degree in secondary education with an English major from Temple University, Philadelphia, in 1956. She studied French in the French University (1970-72) when her husband moved the family to Kinshasa, Zaire, to practice medicine. Her employment included summers working at the Pearl S. Buck Welcome House in Philadelphia and teaching English for 11 years in Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and Minnesota. She partnered with her husband in the family Llama-breeding business. Kennelllamas, from 1981 to 2011. She served the / Rochester Music Guild between 1975 and 2005 and on the board of Choral Arts Ensemble between 1994 and 2000. A charter member of Rochester Mennonite Church, she provided leadership as song leader, secretary, historian and women's Bible study leader and by attending conferences to keep RMC connected to the national and international church. She directed a junior youth choir at Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester for 20 years. She sang in the Choral Arts Ensemble in Rochester from 1993 to 2000 and the Rochester Symphony Orchestra Chorale for over 40 years. A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. June 10 at Charter House in Rochester.
Transcribed by: John Ingold