An expanded obituary project of
MennObits. Includes additional information of obituaries
appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers. Source of
individual obituaries given with each record. Project managed by
Thelma Martin.
2017
R
Raber, Freida Marie Hostetler
March 9, 1942 - Nov. 8, 2017
MIDDLEBURY - Freida Marie Raber, 75, of Middlebury, died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017.
She was born March 9, 1942, to Mahlon and Lizzie (Schrock) Hostetler.
She married Mahlon Raber; he survives.
Survivors also are daughters LeAnna Bontrager, Treva Lambright, Erma Miller and Leah Fern Hochstetler; sons Willard, Maynard and Mahlon Jr. Raber; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters Ida Frey, Orpha Miller, Lizzie Ann Lehman and Leah Fern Hostetler; and brothers Daniel and LaVern Hostetler.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and two brothers.
Visitation will be all day Friday, Nov. 10, at the family residence, 0570 North 1000 West, Shipshewana.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Mervin Wingard residence, 0635 North 1000 West, Shipshewana.
Burial will be in Forks Cemetery, Middlebury.
Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is handling arrangements.
Ramer, Amos W., 89, New Paris, died 10:35 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2017 at his residence. He was born March 29, 1928 in Elkhart County, Indiana to Isaiah and Penola (Witmer) Ramer. On August 31, 1957 he married Martha (Rohrer) Ramer.
Surviving is a wife, Martha Ramer, New Paris, 4 children, Stella (Richard) Kauffman, New Paris, Curtis Ramer, Winchester, Glen (Carol) Ramer, New Paris, Marj (Mark) Otto, Loogootee, 22 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Robert (Erma) Ramer, New Paris, David (Marceil) Ramer, Wisconsin, 3 sisters, Lois Martin, Nappanee, Esther Graybill, Camden, and Viola (Leonard) Hartman, Texas.
Preceding him in death is his parents, a brother, Marcus Ramer, and a great-granddaughter, Emily Grace Kauffman.
Amos was a self-employed carpenter and enjoyed working with trees and the outdoors. He was a member of Victory Christian Fellowship, New Paris.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2017 and 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017 all at the RMYC, 24647 CR 44, Nappanee and one hour prior to the funeral service. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Salem Mennonite Church, 23984 CR 46, New Paris. Home ministry will officiate. Burial will take place in Victory Christian Fellowship Cemetery, New Paris.
Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent at rrefh.com
Ramer, Jacob K.
June 9, 1961 - April 17, 2017
WAKARUSA - Jacob K. Ramer, 55, of Wakarusa, died at 3:04 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2017, at Elkhart General Hospital Emergency Room after suffering a heart attack at home.
He was born June 9, 1961, in Wakarusa, to Enos Sr. and Rebecca (Kulp) Ramer. On Sept. 25, 1986, he married Kathleen Martin.
He lived his lifetime in this area. He was a member of the Old Order Yellow Creek Mennonite Church and was a dairy farmer.
Mr. Ramer is survived by his wife, Kathleen Ramer; sons Caleb (Kathleen) Ramer of Goshen, Josiah (Kathleen) Ramer of Nappanee; daughters Berniece (Marlin) Shirk, Malinda (Cristy) Weaver, both of Goshen, Rosanna and Amanda Ramer, both at home; grandchildren, Brenda and Burnell Shirk, Jenna, Natalie Ramer, Kayla Ramer and Cameron Weaver; brothers Aaron (Lois) Ramer of Rochester, Isaac (Alta) Ramer, Enos Jr. (Catherine) Ramer, both of Goshen; and sisters Hettie Imhoff of Goshen, Elsie Ramer of Wakarusa, Barbara (Jonas) Frey of Rochester and Rhoda (Glenn) Martin of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Heber Imhoff.
Family and friends may call from 1- 4 and 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, at the family residence, 67071 C.R. 7, Wakarusa.
Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 20, at Old Order Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. Home Ministry will officiate. Burial will follow in Old Order Yellow Creek Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.
Ramer, James M.
March 20, 1931 - June 3, 2017
FORAKER, Ind. — James M. Ramer, 86, Foraker, died 12:36 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017 at his residence.
He was born March 20, 1931, in Goshen to William and Mary (Weaver) Ramer.
On Sept. 6, 1953, he married Margaret (Martin) Ramer.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ramer, Foraker, five children, Beverly (William) Stauffer, New Paris, Velma (Irvin) Martin, Nappanee, Galen (Cheryl) Ramer, Goshen, Carol Jean (Dana) Shirk, Cass City, MI, Sheila (Richard) Zimmerman, Goshen, 28 grandchildren and 61 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Bernard Ramer, and two brothers, John and Jason Ramer.
James was a farmer and volunteered for 50 years with the Foraker Fire Department. He worked 49 years in ministry. He was a member of the Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church
Family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 5,, from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, and 6-8 p.m. all at Harrison Christian School, 64784 CR 11, Goshen.
A family prayer service will be held 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 7 at Harrison Christian School with a funeral service following at 10 a.m. at Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church. Home ministry will officiate. Burial will take place in Yellow Creek Frame Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa.
Online condolences may be sent at rrefh.com
Reed, Harold Elias, 83, of Lititz, Lancaster Co., PA died December 13, 2017 at the same place from Alzheimer's Disease.
He was born June 10, 1934 at Petoskey, Emmet Co., MI to George Martin and Elizabeth Newswanger Reed. George was born July 16, 1912 and died April 24, 1988. Elizabeth was born November 11, 1908 and died April 16, 1950.
On October 8, 1955 at Elizabethtown, PA, Mennonite Church he was married to Barbara Keener, who was born August 3, 1935 and survives.
Surviving are children, Galen K. Reed; Grace K. Reed; Gwendolyn Blankenship (Dwayne Blankenship); and Gennifer Elaine Reed; one
grandchild, Tanya Freiberg; two great-granddaughters; one step-great-granddaughter, a number of great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dorcas Danner; John Reed (Carolyn); and Irene Zimmerman (Jay Zimmerman).
Two sisters and one brother, Anna Mary Reed, Paul Reed, and Ruth Reed preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held December 17, 2017 at James Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA with burial in Erisman Mennonite Church Cemetery, Manheim, Lancaster Co., PA.
Reiff, Jacob G., 88, of Lititz, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Fairmount Homes.
He was born in Lancaster to the late David and Annie (Good) Reiff and was the husband of the late Katie K. (Sensenig) Reiff who died in 2014.
He was a member of Meadow Valley Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conf.).
Jacob was a faithful, godly husband, father and grandfather. He was a farmer most of his life and in recent years he provided transportation to the local community
Jacob is survived by 3 children, Wilmer, husband of Lorraine (Good) Reiff of Annville, Glenn, husband of Charlene (Nolt) Reiff of Lititz, Anna Mae, wife of Earl Reiff of Ephrata; a son-in-law, Ervin, husband of Joyce Q. Good of Brickerville; 12 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters, Lena Kurtz of Ephrata, Anna Martin of New Holland.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Erla Good; 2 brothers, Samuel and Phares Reiff and a great-grandson, Duane Petre.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2017, from 5 to 8 PM at the Midway Mennonite Reception Center, 201 E. Lexington Road, Lititz. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017, at 8:45 AM at the Midway Mennonite Reception Center with further services at 9:30 AM from the Meadow Valley Mennonite Church, 200 Meadow Valley Road, Ephrata, with Bishop Lester Martin officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Reiff, Minnie M., 70, of Narvon, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the residence of a relative.
Born in East Earl Twp., she was a daughter of the late Aaron B. and Mary M. (Martin) Reiff.
Minnie was a member of Reidenbach Mennonite Church.
Minnie is survived by 9 siblings: Jonas M. Reiff (Mary Nolt) of Fortune, MO, Rufus M. Reiff (Anna Mary Snyder) of East Earl, Noah M. Reiff (Kathleen Galligan) of Stevens, Christian M. Reiff (Susie Martin) of East Earl, Martha M. Hoover (Ammon) of Narvon, Clarence M. Reiff (Susie Hoover) of East Earl, Esther M. Hoover (James) of Ephrata, Ivan M. Reiff (Ida Hurst) of Narvon, and Henry M. Reiff (Lois Martin) of East Earl.
In addition to her parents, Minnie was preceded in death by 5 siblings: Lydia M. Hoover, Aaron M. Reiff, Martin M. Reiff, Mary M. Martin, and Andrew M. Reiff.
Minnie's funeral will be held on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 12:30 PM at the home of James and Esther Hoover, 940 Newswanger Rd., Ephrata PA 17522 with further services at Reidenbach Mennonite Church at 1:00 PM with Bishop Noah Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Sunday August 13 from 2-6 PM at the home of James and Esther Hoover, address above. Kindly omit flowers. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements.
Ressler, Alma J. Martin, 94, formerly of Quarryville, died Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Fairmount Homes. Her husband, Martin E. Ressler, preceded her in death in 1987.
Born in New Holland, she was the daughter of the late Allen and Ella (Martin) Martin.
Alma was a homemaker and a member of Weaverland Mennonite Church and the Ladies Sewing Circle. She had volunteered for many years in the Swift Middle School Library. She enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, and birdwatching.
Surviving are four children: Marian married to Keith Yoder, Leola; Marilyn married to Leonard Kreider, Elizabethtown; Chris-tine married to William Rohlf, Lancaster; Merle married to Rosene (Leaman) Ressler, New Holland; two daughters-in-law; Nancy (Good) Ressler and Nancy (Nolt) Ressler, both of Leola; 12 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Cletus and Sylvan Ressler, four brothers and six sisters.
Her funeral will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Weaverland Valley Rd., East Earl with Pastors Brian Martin and C. Kenneth Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held at the church on Monday from 9 – 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Water Street Ministries, 210 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements.
Ressler, Clara Zimmerman
May 22, 1935 - June 19, 2017
ORRVILLE--- Clara Z. Ressler, age 82, of Orrville, went to be with her Lord, on June 19, 2017, at her residence, following a period of declining health.
She was born near Orrville on May 22, 1935, the daughter of Aaron J. and Mary Ann (Horst) Zimmerman. She was united in marriage to Glenn D. Ressler in May of 1956. He preceded her in death on January 15, 2015.
Clara was a graduate of Dalton High School and was a member of Chestnut Ridge Mennonite Church. She had done short term volunteer work with the Mennonite Disaster Service and with HCJB in Quito, Ecuador. Clara enjoyed cooking and baking pies and cookies for her family and many others. She especially enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Marita (David) Regier, Ken (Sandy) Ressler and Bob Ressler, all of Orrville, Don (Danita) Ressler of Apple Creek, and Ron (Josephine) Ressler of North Lawrence; 19 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Glenn, she was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Lucile Zimmerman Steiner.
Services will be held at Chestnut Ridge Mennonite Church, 14366 Church Road, Orrville, OH on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Marvin Zuercher officiating. Burial will take place at Martins Mennonite Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call at Chestnut Ridge Mennonite Church on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, from 5-8 p.m.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at the funeral home web site at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
The Ressler family wishes to thank all the caregivers who made it possible for Clara to spend her last days on this earth in her own home.
Ressler, J. Larry, 48, of Ephrata passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 to be with his Savior. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Nancy Nolt Ressler of Leola and the late Sylvan Ressler. He was the loving husband of Lisa A. Heisey Ressler and they celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary this past August. A graduate of Faith Mennonite High School in 1987, Larry then received a BS in Computer Science from Millersville University in 1992. Larry was a teacher at Faith Mennonite High School, Kinzers and Linville Hill School, Paradise. He also worked for ESH Computer Center, Gap and he provided accounting services for local businesses. Larry was an active member of Cornerstone Mennonite Fellowship, Ephrata. He had a passion for the God he served and was a role model and inspiration to his children. He enjoyed teaching, hunting, sports, and singing.
Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are five children, Victoria wife of Cameron Weaver of Ephrata, Amanda wife of Winston Lechlitner of Goshen, Indiana, Makayla, Austin and Dawson Ressler at home; two brothers, Jeff husband of Christine Ressler of Gap, Wes husband of Alice Ressler of Denver and a sister, Cheryl Ressler of Leola.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at Weaverland Mennonite Church on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and again on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery.
Rhoade, James L.
Jan. 12, 1935 - June 22, 2017
GOSHEN - James L. Rhoade, age 82, of Goshen, died at 7:15 am, Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Beardsley House, Elkhart after complications from congestive heart failure.
He was born Jan. 12, 1935 in Bremen to Raymond R. and Violet (Haas) Rhoade.
Mr. Rhoade lived his lifetime in this area.
He was a graduate from Madison Township High School and also received a business degree from Manchester College.
For many years he was a company controller in area manufacturing companies. He was principle in starting the cable TV business, and introduced cable into many homes around the area. He continued in the cable business with a system in Stratford Commons in Elkhart.
He raised llamas and black angus on the family farm while twiddling his thumbs in the process. In 1991, he purchased the Mertie Blazer farm.
On June 5, 1960, he married Mary Pippenger at Union Center Church of the Brethren.
She survives, along with sons, Jeffrey (Kathy) Rhoade, Sarasota, Florida, Randal (Joan) Rhoade, Goshen, Bradley (Laura) Rhoade, Elkhart; grandchildren, Collin (Brittany) Rhoade, Aaron Rhoade, Brendan Rhoade, Katie Rhoade, Amanda Rhoade, Grayson Rhoade, Elsa Rhoade; great grandchildren, Isaac and Eli Rhoade; sister, Mary Lou Henry, Mishawaka, one brother, Gerald R. Rhoade, Bloomington; and brother-in-law, Ray Hinton, Mishawaka.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elaine Hinton.
Family and friends may call from 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 26 at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. Rev. Wes Bontreger will officiate and burial will be in the Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Yellow Creek Daycare or MCC Disaster Relief.
Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.
Rhodes, Alta W. Hoover, 93, of 286 Kurtz Road, Ephrata, died Thursday morning, after a brief illness, at her home that she shared with Martha Zimmerman.
Born in Earl Township, she was a daughter of the late Daniel Z. and Susanna M. (Weaver) Hoover. Her husband, John Rhodes, died November 9, 2005.
Alta was a homemaker and a member of the New Holland Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.
Surviving is a sister, Anna Hoover of New Holland; a brother, Ivan, married to Lydia (Hoover) Hoover of Hopkinsville, KY; a brother-in-law, Reuben N. Zimmerman of Denver; a sister-in-law, Lizzie Hoover of Scottsville, KY; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are 9 brothers and 5 sisters.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 17 at 1 pm at her late home, with further services at 1:30 pm at New Holland Mennonite Church with the Bishop Titus Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held at her late home on Sunday from 2-6 pm. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.
Rhodes, Gladys Kiser, 88, passed away Aug. 29, 2017, at Oak Lea Nursing Home.
She was born in Rockingham County to Carl and Della Kiser. Mrs. Rhodes was a loving homemaker who also did whatever else needed doing. She especially enjoyed sewing for her family and for many others as a longtime member of the sewing circle at Weavers Mennonite Church.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd Rhodes, who visited her every day at Oak Lea, where they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year on Valentine’s Day.
Also surviving are three children, Gene (Vicki) Rhodes of Tallahassee, Fla., Elvin (Helen) Rhodes of Lakemont, Ga., and Karl (Kim) Rhodes of Richmond, Va.; four brothers, Raymond Kiser, Merle “Pete” Kiser, Lee Kiser and Glen Kiser, and one sister, Ila Hartman (all in the Harrisonburg area); also three grandchildren, Emily (Stuart) Rhodes Hunter of Alexandria, Va., Brianna Rhodes of Tallahassee, Fla., and Eric Rhodes of Sterling, Va.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. in Strite Auditorium at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McMullenfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weavers Mennonite Church 2501 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Rhodes, Joseph Samuel, 82, of Montezuma, passed away May 24, 2017, at his home. Mr. Rhodes was born July 10, 1934, and was a son of the late Samuel Lee and Ella Rohrer Rhodes. Joe was the eighth child of the family of 12 children.
Joe worked in construction and carpentry most of his life. He enjoyed working with wood, designing furniture and crafts, which he shared with family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent many hours with his yard and water gardens.
Joe was a long-standing member of the Montezuma Church of the Brethren, where he taught Sunday school and had a home Bible study for 23 years. He served the church in many capacities, including disaster response. In the West Virginia flood of 1985, Joe took over 30 days with teams to help rebuild in areas of Circleville and Seneca Rocks. He helped with several Habitat for Humanity houses. Joe was a member of the Montezuma Ruritan Club for many years.
He is survived by his wife, D. Joyce Rhodes; son, Samuel L. Rhodes; stepdaughter, Missy Moats Vandevander and husband, Gary; stepson, David H. Moats; granddaughters, Amanda and Amy Vandevander, Starr Hooke, Stormey Shenk; and grandson, Charlie Shenk. Also, brothers, Roy F. Rhodes and wife, Wilda Grace, Homer Rhodes, and Charles Rhodes and wife, Janice; sisters, Lena Rhodes Witmer, Betty Rhodes Horst, and Edna A. Martin and husband, Clark; brothers-in-law, Joseph Beery and Leon Burkholder; and sister-in-law, Naomi Martin Rhodes.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Hook Shenk Sheets; two brothers, Marvin Rhodes and Edwin Rhodes and wife, Irene Good Rhodes; three sisters, Anna Ruth Showalter and husband, Joseph, Wilda Rhodes Beery and Eva Rhodes Burkholder; and brother-in-law, Daniel Witmer.
A memorial service will be held at Montezuma Church of the Brethren at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2017, with Pastor David R. Miller and the Rev. Ronald Wyrick officiating. Burial will be private.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shenandoah District Disaster Program, P.O. Box 67, Weyers Cave, VA 24486, or Habitat for Humanity Central Valley, P.O. Box 245, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Online condolences can be made at the Johnson Funeral Service.
Riegsecker, Donald Samuel, 82, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died November 12, 2017 at the same place. He was born April 27, 1935 at Archbold to Louis and Della (Stutzman) Riegsecker. He was married to Mona Roth, who survives.
Surviving are sisters: Arlene Wyse, and Shirley Klopfenstein; and sisters-in-law: JoAnn Riegsecker, and Donna Riegsecker.
Brothers: Freeman, Earl, Orval, Dale and Louis Jr.; and sisters: Virgie Aschliman, Mildred Reigsecker, and Florence Riegsecker
preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held November 15, 2017 at Lockport Mennonite Church, Stryker, Williams Co., OH.
---------------
Donald Samuel Riegsecker
April 27, 1935 - November 12, 2017
Donald Samuel Riegsecker, age 82 years, of Archbold, passed away early Sunday morning, November 12, 2017, at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice. He was born April 27, 1935, near Archbold, a son of Louis and Della (Stutzman) Riegsecker, and married Mona Roth on February 23, 1957. He served in the 1-W program working at the Fremont, OH, Hospital from 1957 – 1959. He worked at Sauder Woodworking in Archbold for 45 years before retiring in 1997, and found satisfaction in repairing and refinishing antiques for many individuals and for fund raisers. He made many friends at local restaurants, the threshers reunion and the Fulton County Fair. He enjoyed collecting antiques and traveling the country, and was a member of the Lockport Mennonite Church, rural Stryker.
He is survived by his wife, Mona; two sisters, Arlene (Wayne, dec’d) Wyse of Stryker, and Shirley (Merle) Klopfenstein of Archbold; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Riegsecker and Donna Riegsecker, both of Archbold; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Freeman, Earl, Orval (Lois), Dale and Louis Jr. Riegsecker; three sisters, Virgie (Stan) Aschliman, Mildred and Florence Riegsecker.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM at the Lockport Mennonite Church, rural Stryker, with Pastors Steven Heatwole and Matthew Weaver officiating. Interment will precede at 10 AM in the Lockport Cemetery. Friends may call at the Lockport Church from 2 – 8 PM on Tuesday. The family suggests that memorials be given to the Lockport Mennonite Church or the Defiance Inpatient Hospice.
Riegsecker, Lorene
Oct. 26, 1929 - Nov. 12, 2017
GOSHEN - Lorene Riegsecker, 88, of Goshen, died Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Courtyard of Goshen.
She was born Oct. 26, 1929, in Middlebury, to Ben B. and Nancy (Roth) Riegsecker.
Survivors include her brother, Herman (Ida) Riegsecker; sisters Wilma (Ivan) Leichty, Rosetta Martin and Marie Riegsecker; and seven nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother-in-law, Eugene Martin; a nephew and a niece.
Lorene had worked as a nurse’s aide for many years at Goshen Hospital and most recently as a receptionist for Dr. Brubaker in Shipshewana.
Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St., Middlebury.
There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service Friday, Nov. 17, at Griner Mennonite Church, Middlebury.
Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorials may be given to Griner Mennonite Church or World Missionary Press.
Rissler, John M., 84, of Leola, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at Lancaster General Hospital.
He was born in West Earl Twp. to the late John S. and Martha (Martin) Rissler and was the husband of Alice L. (Fox) Rissler.
A cabinet maker, John was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by 6 children, Irene, wife of Amos Burkholder of Leola, Ruth, wife of Norman Nolt of Leola, Vera, wife of Rufus Martin of Mifflinburg, John, husband of Janet (Stauffer) Rissler of Leola, Leon, husband of Linda (Reiff) Rissler of East Earl, Larry, husband of Erma (Zimmerman) Rissler of Leola; 39 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha Bartsch of Lebanon; a brother-in-law, Titus Horning and a sister-in-law, Alta Rissler.
He was preceded in death by 1 grandchild, 2 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, Isaac, Martin, Paul and Jacob and 3 sisters, Bertha Martin, Edna Horning and Anna Rissler.
A viewing will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the late residence, 98 Brethren Church Road, Leola. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the late residence with further services at 9:30 AM from the Groffdale Mennonite Church, 90 Groffdale Church Road, Leola, with Bishop Ammon Weaver officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Roach, Marsha "Gail" Morris
Sept. 12, 1954 - July 20, 2017
Marsha (Gail) Morris Roach, 62, of Elkton, Va., passed away Thursday morning, July 20, 2017, at Sentara RMH. Marsha was born Sept. 12, 1954.
Marsha was a devoted wife, mother, and “Nana.” She was loved by a large extended family and many friends. Marsha has been described by those who love her as selfless, hardworking, generous, amazing and funny. She was also an active member of the Mount Vernon Mennonite Church. Marsha loved to cook, to shop and care for others.
Marsha is survived by her husband and best friend of 44 years, Paul (Shorty) Roach. She is also survived by three children: daughter, Mendy Lamond and husband, Bryan; son, Jeremy Roach and wife, Megan; and daughter, Megan Rexrode and husband, Nate. Marsha is also survived by three grandchildren, Emma Lamond, Evan Lamond and Jace Rexrode, and one future grandchild due in December. Marsha is also survived by her mother, Loretta Hammer; sister, Jackie Edwards and husband, Lindy; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
The funeral service will be held Sunday, July 23, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Mennonite Church in Grottoes. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville. Pastor Greg Stenson will be officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton.
Rodes, Raymond E., 58, of Waynesboro, Pa., passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, at the Chambersburg Hospital. Born Jan. 16, 1959, in Waynesboro, Pa., he was the son of Daniel Rodes of Mount Crawford, Va., and the late Esther Rodes. On Jan. 16, 1980, he married Leah F. Rudolph, who survives him.
He was a member of Pondsville Mennonite Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Susanna L. and husband, Amos Martin, of Greencastle, Miriam L. and husband, Raymond Martin, of Greencastle, and Phebe E. and husband, James Bauman, of Gleason, Wis.; three sons, Joseph R. and wife, Helen, of Chambersburg, Jeremiah R. and wife, Darlisa of Greencastle, and Mark D. of home; brothers, James Rodes of McGaheysville, Va., Robert Rodes of Goshen, Ind., John Toms of State Line, Pa., Mark Faust of Chambersburg, Pa., and Kevin Gable of Chester, Va.; sisters, Ellen Auville of Elkton, Va., Naomi Reihl of Mount Crawford, Va., and Beverly Wolford of Waynesboro; father-in-law, David Rudolph of Smithsburg, Md.; and 21 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Priscilla Rodes, his mother, Johanna Palmer, and his mother-in-law, Naomi Rudolph.
Services will be held Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Stouffers Mennonite Church with the Stouffer-Pondsville ministry officiating. Burial will be in Stouffer-Pondsville Mennonite Cemetery.
Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service and Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pondsville Mennonite Church.
Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, Md.
Rohrer, Edith M. Good, 94, of Lancaster, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Her husband, Paul H. Rohrer, preceded her in death in 2011 following 65 years of marriage.
She found joy in her role of wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She leaves a legacy of faith, love, prayer, and service. She was a member of Mellinger Mennonite Church where she had been a part of the Messengers of Cheer Sunday School Class. In earlier years, she served as a Sunday School teacher and in various roles with WMSC. She also volunteered more than 20 years at the Columbia Re-Uzit Shop and the Mennonite Home. She was involved with her husband and sons on Windom Manor Farms. In retirement they enjoyed travel with Bob Neff Tours. Born December 4, 1922 in Conoy Twp., she was the daughter of the late Martin R. and Anna Martin Good.
Surviving are three children, Marilyn Martin wife of the late Robert Martin, P. Kenneth husband of Carolyn Denlinger Rohrer and Richard D. husband of Audrey Yuninger Rohrer; 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and twins due in the fall.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Minerva Shank, Dorothy Risser and Esther Keener and by a brother Ira M. Good.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Worship Service celebrating Edith's life at the Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA on Monday, May 15, at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Joe Miller and the Rev. Leon Oberholtzer officiating. Friends may call at the Mellinger Mennonite Church on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will take place prior to the Visitation and Memorial Service in the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, 435 Manor Avenue, Millersville on Monday morning at 9:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Rohrer's memory may be made to the Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Rohrer, J. Kenneth, 71, formerly of Leola, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Gardens at Lititz. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Clarence D. and Alverta Huber Rohrer.
He was a delivery driver for various companies around Lancaster, including Domino's Pizza where he worked for 25 years. He was a member of James Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster. He also enjoyed traveling and gospel music.
Surviving are: siblings, Barbara wife of Glenn Hoover of Landisville, Jean wife of Andrew Diener, John husband of Bonnie Rohrer, Ronald husband of Judy Rohrer, all of Lancaster; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at the Gardens of Lititz for the compassionate care they provided.
A memorial service will be held from the Furman Home for Funerals, 59 W. Main St., Leola, on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 3 PM. The family will visit with friends from 2 to 3 PM at the funeral home on Saturday. Private interment will be in Stumptown Mennonite Cemetery.
Rohrer, Joseph Israel, 90, of Dayton, passed away Dec. 23, 2017, at the home of his daughter. Mr. Rohrer was born Sept. 23, 1927, in Dayton, Va., and was a son of the late William and Annie Elizabeth Jones Rohrer.
He was a farmer and a member of Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church.
On Feb. 15, 1951, he married Reba Grace Wenger, who preceded him in death Dec. 27, 1997.
Surviving are three daughters, Anne Zimmerman and husband, John, of Dayton, Linda Smith of Mount Crawford and Rachel Wenger and husband, Wayne, of Rockingham; one son, William Rohrer and wife, Frances, of Dayton; four sisters, Hazel Wenger of Dayton, Ethel Wenger of Harrisonburg, Evelyn Wenger and husband, Lloyd, of Dayton and Annie Wenger and husband, Neil, of Dayton; one brother, Frank W. Rohrer of Dayton; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four sisters, two brothers and two great-grandchildren.
Ministers of the church will conduct a funeral service Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The body was taken to his home.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rosenberger, Evelyn Blanche Grasse, 83, of Souderton, PA died September 28, 2017 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA. She was born October 30, 1933 to John M. and Blanche (Landis) Grasse. On September 13, 1952 she was married to Marcus L. Rosenberger, who survives.
Surviving are children, Jeffrey and Jane Rosenberger, Tom and Rosenberger; and Jennifer L. and Bill Sigmans; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. John Grasse; and a sister, Ruth Detwiler.
A sister, Betty Alderfer, preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held October 15, 2017 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA.
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Evelyn Blanche Rosenberger
October 30, 1933 - September 28, 2017
Evelyn Blanche (Grasse) Rosenberger, 83, of Souderton, PA entered into rest on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Souderton Mennonite Homes.
She was the loving wife of Marcus L. Rosenberger for 65 years. Evelyn was born in Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania to the late John M. and Blanche (Landis) Grasse.
She was a graduate of Hilltown High School, class of 1951.
Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a great-grandmother. She loved cooking. A great joy in her life was her gardens which included flowers and herbs. Evelyn had the gift of entertaining and hosted many international people throughout her life time.
She was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling internationally and throughout the US. Evelyn considered Ocean City, NJ and Orlando, FL as her second homes.
She was a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday school and Summer Bible school. Evelyn also served on the kitchen committee.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Rosenberger and wife, Jane of Souderton, PA and Tom Rosenberger and wife, Dorine of Souderton, PA; a daughter, Jennifer L. Sigmans and husband, Bill of Perkasie, PA; nine grandchildren – Lori, Andy, Susie, Jesse, Mike, Paul, Dan, Sallie and Frank; thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. John Grasse, of Lansdale, PA and a sister, Ruth Detwiler of Telford, PA.
In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Alderfer.
An informal celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Souderton Mennonite Homes, 207 W. Summit St., Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. The service will continue at the family’s homestead, 1984 East Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA. All are invited and welcomed to join the family at the homestead.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Bethany Birches Camp, 2610 Lynds Hill Road, Plymouth, VT 05056.
Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964.
Roth, Edwin L., 90, of Hesston, Harvey Co., KS died May 24, 2017 at the same place. He was born April 20, 1927 at Wayland, IA to Ben R. and Mary (Graber) Roth. On September 14, 1957 he was married to Marianna Mae Gerig, who is deceased.
Surviving are a son, Ted Roth, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Lucille Swartzendruber.
A son, Tim Roth preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held May 29, 2017 at Schowalter Villa Chapel, Hesston, KS.
Rutt, Kenneth M., 80, of Lancaster, PA, died at his home on October 9, [2017] as the result of a fall.
He was the youngest son of the late Ira and Rhoda (Mellinger) Rutt. He is survived by his wife, Joan Marie and 3 sons: Jeff (Suzanne) of Strasburg; Dave (Peggy) of Lancaster; Doug (Jackie) of Jacksonville, FL.; one daughter, Vicki (Bob Kensinger) of Schuylkill Haven; a brother, Wilmer Rutt, Chicago, IL; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald.
Ken grew up on a small farm near Strasburg and was active in his 4-H club with his brothers. He was a member of the 4-H and FFA team that won the Penn State livestock judging contest multiple times and landed them in two national competitions in Chicago and Kansas City.
He enjoyed working, traveling, snow skiing and had a wide variety of careers in all types of farming, construction, real estate, inventing, nutrition research and driving.
Ken's life was marked by hard work, frugality, philanthropy & fun. He generously contributed to many different charities including HOPE International which was founded by his son. HOPE serves families around the world through Christ centered micro-enterprise development.
A memorial service will be held at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA, on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11am with a reception to greet the family after the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to HOPE International, 227 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster, PA.
Arrangements entrusted to Dewald Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville.
Rutt, Mary Elizabeth Hursh, 81, formerly of Manheim, entered into rest at Cocalico Christian Home, where she was a resident for 6 weeks, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, after a prolonged journey with cancer.
She was born in Earl Township, PA, a daughter of the late Curvin S. and Anna (Martin) Hursh. Mary was the wife of the late Ervin B. Rutt.
Mary was a member of Lime Rock Mennonite Church, Lititz, of the Weaverland Conference. She was a homemaker and had a keen interest in genealogy.
Surviving, are five sons, Delmar, husband of Nancy Martin Rutt of Savannah, NY, Jay Ervin, husband of Marian Martin Rutt of Womelsdorf, Lynford, husband of Erma High Rutt of Oldtown, MD, Joel, husband of Irene Fox Rutt of Manheim, Arlin, husband of Jody Martin Rutt of Sinking Spring; three daughters, Vanita, wife of Michael Martin of Bernville, LuAnne, wife of Harold Fox of Newmanstown, Rhoda, wife of Mark Wenger of Mifflinburg; a daughter-in-law, MaryAnn Rutt of Leesport; 56 grandchildren and 92 great-grandchildren; brothers, Curvin Hursh Jr. of Atmore, AL, Amos of Ephrata; sisters, Helen, wife of Elvin Hurst of Newmanstown, Kathryn, wife of Clarence Nolt of Myerstown. She was preceded in death by a son, Nevin and a grandson, a brother, Paul Hursh and a sister, Vera Hoover.
A viewing will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Monday, February 20, at the Midway Reception Center, Lititz. Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from the Midway Reception Center, with further services at 9:30 a.m. at the Lime Rock Mennonite Church, Penn Township, with Bishop Melvin Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Rutt, Paul N., 97, of Ephrata, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at Lincoln Christian Home.
He was born in East Earl Twp. to the late Harry Z. and Ida (Nolt) Rutt and was the husband of the late Emma E. (Martin) Rutt who passed away in 2013.
He was a member of Springville Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference).
Paul was a farmer.
Paul is survived by 4 daughters, Mary Jane, wife of David Seibel of Stevens, Mildred, wife of David E. Zimmerman of Lebanon, Mabel, wife of Raymond Martin of Lititz, Dolores, wife of Kenneth Hurst of Ephrata; a sister, Lydia Rutt of Landis Homes; a son-in-law, Lloyd, husband of Ada (Zimmerman) Sensenig of Annville; 29 grandchildren; 165 great-grandchildren and 36 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Minerva (Rutt) Sensenig; 2 grandchildren, Rodger Martin and Brenda Oberholtzer; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers and 6 sisters.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017, from 5 to 8 PM at the Lincoln Christian Home, 1307 Apple Street, Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017, 9 AM at the Lincoln Christian Home with further services at 9:30 AM from Springville Mennonite Church, 580 Springville Road, Ephrata, with Bishop Melvin Martin officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Rutt, Phares B., of Nokomis, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Bay Breeze Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the loving husband of Katie Beachy Rutt. He was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Florida.
He was the son of the late Phares W. Rutt and Anna (Burkhart) Rutt, born on September 21, 1924 in Brecknock Township, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edna N. Bowman who died in 1991; two daughters, Gladys D. Rutt and Betty J. Weaver; sons-in-law, Glen Weaver and Ralf Lohrenz; and a granddaughter, Nadine D. Heiss. He is also predeceased by his brothers, George (Frances) Rutt, Paul (Anna) Rutt, Lloyd (Mary) Rutt, Harold (Josie) Rutt, and sisters, Betty (Russel) Showers, Anna Mae (Martin) Martin, Helen (Lloyd) Groff, and Mildred (Lloyd) Fox.
He is survived by two daughters, June wife of John Stauffer, New Holland, PA and Ruth Ann Lohrenz of Lancaster, PA; and two sons, Ray, husband of Debbie (Hosey) Rutt, of Port Orange, FL and Merle, husband of Cheryl (Redcay) Rutt, of New Holland, PA. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Phares and his first wife, Edna, raised their family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He founded Rutt Custom Kitchens in Goodville, PA in 1951. His cabinetry business was well established and successful, known and distributed nationwide. He was one of two founders of Hawk Valley Golf Course in Bowmansville, PA in 1970. Phares was one of the original incorporators of Mennonite Christian Leadership Foundation in 1969 which has since merged with Global Disciples. He also was one of the founders of Earland Industrial Park in New Holland, PA. A few of his other involvements include the Mennonite Central Committee, Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Good Enterprises, True Precision Plastics, Historic Strasburg, Welsh Mountain Medical Center, and Rutt Wood.
Phares was an avid fisherman and passed his passion onto his children and grandchildren. He earned his captain's license and owned several charter fishing boats throughout the years captained by Billy Heath, the last being the Blue Dolphin VI. He had one commercial fishing boat captained by Terry Bessinger.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Christian Fellowship Church, 758 Spruce St., New Holland, PA 17557. Interment will follow at the New Holland Mennonite Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday from 12:00-2:00 PM at the church prior to services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to Gator Wilderness Camp School, 4493 Farabee Road, Punta Gorda, Florida 33982 (the camp is for boys who are at risk) or to Global Disciples, 315 W. James St., Suite 202, Lancaster, PA 17603. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.