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.
2018
L
Lais, Kenneth Franklin, 68, of Canby, Oregon died August 30, 2018 at Hubbard, Clackams Co., Oregon from natural causes probably related to heart. He was born February 1, 1950 at Silverton, Clackamas Co., Oregon to Daniel Franklin "Frank" and Wanona Anna (Conrad) Lais.
Surviving are children, Daniel Lais (Heather), Ericka Strausburg (Andrew), and Anna Lais; a grandchild, Charlotte Lais; and siblings, Sharon Moyer (Dale); Shirley Martin (Lloyd); Susan Boshart (Eugene); Carol Kauffman (Dennis); Ray Lais; Janice Lais; Larry Lais; Eileen Springer (Roger); and Edwin Lais.
His mother (1983), his father (2001) and a sister Rachel Lais preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held September 10, 2018 at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, OR with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Lambright, Anna D. Graber
July 19, 1924 - Oct. 23, 2018
LAGRANGE - Anna D. Lambright, 94, of LaGrange, died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018.
She was born July 19, 1924, to Dan and Katie Graber.
She married Vernon O. Lambright.
Surviving are two sons, Ernest and Orvan Lambright; eight grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister, Fannie Mast; and two sisters-in-law, Theora (David) Ohaneson and Betty Graber.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; grandson Daryle Lambright; four brothers, Melvin, Milo, John, and Tobe Graber; half sister Lizzie Schrock; and two half brothers, Sam and Levi Graber.
Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 and Friday, Oct. 26, at the Arlin Lambright residence, 510 W. Middlebury St., Shipshewana.
Funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, also at the residence.
Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Miller-Stewart Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lambright, Chris J.
May 7, 1933 - April 2, 2018
SHIPSHEWANA - Chris J. Lambright, 84, of Shipshewana, died Monday, April 2, 2018.
He was born May 7, 1933, to Jerry and Susie Lambright.
He married Anna Mae Bontrager; she survives.
Survivors also are daughters, Katie Lehman, Susan and Ruby Miller; sons Glen, Floyd, Jerry, Joseph and Chris Jr. Lambright; daughter-in-law Vera Lambright; 61 grandchildren; 124 great grandchildren; sister Ida Mae Schlabach; brother Sam Lambright; and sister-in-law Anna Lambright.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Freeman Lambright, two brothers, Vernon and Perry Lambright, and sister Wilma Hochstetler.
Visitation will be after 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, and all day Wednesday, April 4, at the family’s residence, 1275 N. 925 W., Shipshewana.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, also at the family’s residence.
Burial will be in Bontrager Cemetery, Middlebury.
Miller-Stewart Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Lambright, Goldie Pauline Troyer
Oct. 13, 1926 - Jan. 7, 2018
GOSHEN - Goldie Pauline Lambright, 91, of Goshen, passed away Sunday, Jan. 7.
She was born Oct. 13, 1926 to James M. and Nora (Yoder) Troyer.
On Feb.7, 1948 she married Robert Lambright; he passed April 25, 1992.
Survivors include daughters, Melody (Terry) Ernsberger, Sandra (Jim) Yoder and Joy (John) Liechty all of Goshen; sons, Keith (Doreen) Lambright and Kevin (Carrie) Lambright; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Glada Holst and Glenola Troyer; brother, Sam J. Troyer; and a half-sister, Dorothy Kropf.
Visitation is 2 - 8 p.m. on Jan. 10, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury.
A family graveside service, followed by a Celebration of Life, begins at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, at Shore Church, Shipshewana.
The family thanks the staff of Greencroft Haven Household for the care of their mother.
Lambright, Kara Diane
June 5, 2013 -- December 31, 2018
Kara Diane Lambright, 5, of Shipshewana, died at 5:05 am on Monday, December 31 at Riley Children's Hospital, Indianapolis, after a brief illness. She was born on June 5, 2013, in Topeka, to LaVon and Marla (Bontrager) Lambright.
Survivors in addition to her parents are two brothers, Lyndon and Kenlin Lambright both at home; grandparents, Stephen and LaVerda Lambright of Topeka, Vernon and Linda Bontrager of Shipshewana; great-grandparents, David and Katie Bontrager, Perry and Anna Whetstone, Chris and Ramah Slabach all of Shipshewana, Ida Lambright of Topeka. She was
preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Harley and Esther Lambright. Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 1 and all day Wednesday, January 2 at the ElRoy Mullet residence, 7825 W. 450 North, Shipshewana.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, January 3 also at the ElRoy Mullet residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Erwin C. Miller and the home ministers of
the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Landis, Anna Mae Groff, 97, of Leola, Lancaster Co., PA died February 19, 2018 at Lititz, Lancaster Co., PA. She was born January 16, 1921 to Christian B. and Emma (Neff) Groff. She was married to Marvin Landis, who is deceased.
Surviving is sister, Edna Martin.
Her parents, step-mother, Esther R. Groff, and siblings, Mary Leaman, C. Loyd Groff, E. Marvin Groff, and J. Clarence Groff
preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held February 26, 2018 at Landis Homes West Bethany Chapel, Lititz, PA with burial in Eby Cemetery, Leola, PA.
Landis, Beverly Ann Bishop, 67, of Middlebury Center, PA died July 29, 2018. She was born June 7, 1951 at Sellersville, PA
to Francis and Virginia (Beer) Bishop. On November 9, 1974 she was married to Larry Landis, who was born April 16, 1949 and survives.
Surviving are children, Bradley and Kim Landis, Amy and Jason Stefanowicz; three grandchildren, and a brother, Dale Bishop.
Landis, Elvin B., age 93, formerly of Coatesville, passed away at Tel Hai Retirement Community, on Monday, August 13, 2018. He was the husband of the late Verna M. Hershey Landis who passed away on December 25, 2013. He was born in Kinzers, son of the late Phares Z. & Fannie S. Bender Landis. He was a member of Parkesburg Mennonite Church, where in the past he was a Trustee, treasurer and was on the building committee. Elvin owned and operated Landis Insurance of Coatesville until his retirement in 1995. Prior to the insurance business he was a farmer in the Chester County area for 21 years. In his retirement he enjoyed providing transportation to the Amish community and traveling.
Surviving are 6 children: Mary Ellen wife of Harold M. Groff of Gap, Naomi wife of Rudy Byler of Clayton, DE, Vida J. Landis of Coatesville, Ruthie wife of Alan Miller of York, Kenneth husband of Marsha Zinn Landis of Hagerstown, MD, Herb Landis husband of Karen Kauffman of Lancaster, 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, sister Alice Krushinsky of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by 5 siblings: Miriam Clark, Alma Leaman, Mildred Kreider, Phares & Benjamin Landis.
Funeral service will take place from the Millwood Mennonite Church, 441 Amish Road, Gap, PA on Saturday, August 18th at 11 a.m. with a viewing time from 10 a.m. until time of service. Pastors Elvin Ressler and Richard Buckwalter will be officiating. There will also be a viewing at the Shivery Funeral Home, 111 Elizabeth Street, Christiana, PA on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.
Landis, Jacob C.
Jan. 26, 1931 - Oct. 25, 2018
GOSHEN - Jacob C. “Jake” Landis, 87, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at home, surrounded by family, after a brief illness.
He was born Jan. 26, 1931, in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, to Abraham A. and Ruth R. (Clemens) Landis.
As a young man, Jake heard June M. Moyer sing a soprano solo, offered her a ride home and knew she was the one for him.
They were married May 2, 1953, in Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania.
Music would continue to be a favorite pastime for the two of them. Jake sang in church and community choirs in Pennsylvania; Raleigh, North Carolina; Naples, Florida; and Goshen.
Jake worked as a chemist, and then in managerial positions with companies now part of Bayer AG.
Along with sports, one of his favorite interests was family and Mennonite history.
He enjoyed talking with people everywhere he went, and was pleased when he could find a connection in geography or acquaintances.
He was a gracious and kind person who supported his family in every way. He maintained an active interest in his grandchildren, despite the miles between them.
Survivors include two sons, Geoffrey (Elizabeth Gunden) Landis of Goshen and Douglas (Joy Neumann) Landis of Mason, Michigan; three grandchildren, Andrew (Ashley Joyce) Landis of California, Allison (Kevin) Landis of Revels, Michigan, and Jonathan Landis of Wisconsin; and two sisters, Gladys C. (Harold) Kulp of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, and Ruth C. (Mark) Longacre of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
Along with his parents and wife June, who died Jan. 15, 2016, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rhoda L. (Russell) Bishop.
A Goshen resident since 2003, Jake was a member of College Mennonite Church, where he was active in the choir programs.
Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Gathering Room of the College Mennonite Church, Goshen. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the sanctuary of the College Mennonite Church, with a meal after the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), or College Mennonite Church (Goshen) Music Fund.
Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.
Lantz, Richard Keith “Dick”, 76, of Harrisonburg, died March 2, 2018, after a courageous battle with heart disease. Dick was born Jan. 19, 1942, in Lancaster, Pa., and was the eldest of six children born to the late Elam G. and Iva Yoder Lantz.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois M. Graybill, whom he married April 20, 1963, and who died of cancer Sept. 28, 1964, at age 21.
Dick was drafted in 1965 and served his Alternative Service requirements by working in Honduras with the Mennonite Voluntary Service program from June 1965 to August 1967.
After returning to the states, he met his wife of 49 years, Pearl L. Snader, whom he married Nov. 28, 1968, on Thanksgiving Day. In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by their two children, Doug Lantz, married to Gwen, and Heidi Lantz-Trissel, married to Jonathan; and four beloved grandchildren, Andrew Lantz, Lena Lantz-Trissel, Jesse Lantz-Trissel, and Joel Lantz, all of Harrisonburg. Also surviving are five siblings, Mervin Lantz of Arizona, Elam Lantz Jr. of Florida, Lois Sauder of Pennsylvania, Judy Hershey of Pennsylvania and Reba King of Illinois.
In 1960, Dick graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School and later attended Lancaster Business College, Lancaster School of the Bible, and Millersville State College. After his marriage to Pearl, they moved to Honduras, where they served as interim VS director couple in 1970–1971. In 1971, they moved to Harrisonburg for Dick to complete his education at Eastern Mennonite College (now EMU), where he graduated in 1974 with a bachelor of arts in business administration.
Dick’s work history involved various business ventures: partnership with his dad in Lantz Builders & Son, Lancaster, Pa.; later, 29 years at Shenandoah Manufacturing, Harrisonburg, Va., and retiring from there in 2000 as vice president of marketing; and most recently in partnership with his son, Doug, at Lantz Custom Woodworking, where he retired in 2012. He and his wife, Pearl, also owned an apartment business, NOLAN Associates, for many years. Dick’s business acumen, ability to work well with others, respect for customers, fairness and his talent for “fixing most anything” served him well in work settings.
Dick has been a lifelong member of the Mennonite Church. As a child, he attended Maple Grove Mennonite Church, later Ridgeview Mennonite Church, then Ridgeway Mennonite Church, and most recently Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, where he and Pearl have been involved for the past 25 years and been active members of the SALT Discipleship Community. Dick also served in various community and church-related positions through the years. One he especially enjoyed was the Virginia Mennonite Mission Board, where he served for 10 years and as chair part of that time.
Some of Dick’s interests included: guitar playing and music, sports, walking, reading, travel, support for church and community programs, work and, of course, family and friends. During retirement years, he and Pearl particularly enjoyed traveling with family and friends to varied places, both state-side and overseas.
Dick will be remembered for many things, but most of all for his love of family and friends, his gentle spirit, kindness, integrity, and faith in God. He is sorely missed!
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church (HMC). The family will receive friends on Friday, March 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the HMC Fellowship Hall.
The family wishes to thank staff from First Choice Hospice and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community for their care and support during Dick’s illness.
Memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Mennonite Missions, 601 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802; First Choice Hospice, 370 Neff Ave., Suite P, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; or VMRC Good Samaritan Fund, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Burial will be private.
Funeral arrangements by Johnson Funeral Service.
--------------------------
Lantz, Richard "Dick" Keith, 76, of Harrisonburg, VA died March 2, 2018 at the same place, after a battle with heart disease. He was born January 19, 1942 at Lancaster, PA to Elam G. and Iva (Yoder) Lantz. On November 28, 1968 he was married to Pearl L. Snader, who survives. His first marriage was to Lois M. Graybill, whom he married April 20, 1963, and who died of cancer Sept. 28, 1964, at age 21.
Surviving are children, Doug Lantz (married to Gwen), Heidi Lantz-Trissel (married to Jonathon); four grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings, Mervin Lantz of AZ, Elam Lantz, Jr. of FL, Lois Sauder of PA, Judy Hershey of PA, and Reba King of IL .
Dick was drafted in 1965 and served his Alternative Service requirements by working in Honduras with the Mennonite Voluntary Service program from June 1965 - August 1967. He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1960, later attended Lancaster Business College, Lancaster School of the Bible, and Millersville State College. He and Pearl lived in Honduras and served as Interim VS Director Couple in 1970-1971. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite College (now EMU) in 1974. He worked in various business ventures: partnership with his Dad in Lantz Builders & Son, Lancaster, PA; Shenandoah Manufacturing, Harrisonburg, VA; partnership with his son Doug at Lantz Custom Woodworking, Harrisonburg, VA; NOLAN Associates apartment business with his wife Pearl. Lifelong member of the Mennonite Church attending Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Ridgeway Mennonite Church, and Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Dick also served on the Virginia Mennonite Mission Board.
Memorial services were held March 10, 2018 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA with burial in Weavers Mennonite Cemetery, Harrisonburg, VA.
Leaman, Marian Herr Garber, 92, of Lititz, Lancaster Co., PA died January 24, 2018 at Landis Homes Retirement Community, Lititz from age related heart failure.
She was born May 23, 1925 in West Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., PA to Jay Clarence and Emma Vera (Herr) Garber. Jay was born June 1, 1898 and died January 26, 1991. Emma was born April 13, 1898 and died August 29, 1989.
On September 25, 1947 at New Danville Mennonite Church, New Danville, Lancaster Co., PA she was married to Henry Breckbill Leaman, who was born December 7, 1924 and died September 15, 2015.
Surviving are children, Sara Leaman, Jim (Sheryl Huebert) Leaman, Ken (Judy Myers) Leaman, Ron (Joyce Horst) Leaman, Rachel (Loren) Johns, Lois (John) Jantzi, and Carol (Dave) Witmer; 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Rohrer, and a brother, Jay (Lois Leaman) Garber.
Two sisters, Anna Martha Garber, and Jean Garber Huang preceded her in death.
She was a cofounder of Mennonite & Brethren Marriage and Engaged Encounter.
Memorial services were held February 4, 2018 at Willow Street Mennonite Church, Willow Street, Lancaster Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Marian Garber Leaman, age 92, had her deep desire of going to be with Jesus fulfilled on January 24, 2018 at Landis Homes Retirement Community.
She was born May 23, 1925 to Clarence and Vera Garber, graduated from Penn Manor High School, and lived in Lampeter Township with her late husband, Henry, on a dairy farm for thirty three years. She was a member of Willow Street Mennonite Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and started a mother's of preschoolers program. She spoke at women's events throughout the region, led women's Bible studies, and served in various family ministries. A prolific writer, she journaled her weekly activities in a regular "Chit-Chat" to the family. She and Henry established Mennonite & Brethren Marriage and Engaged Encounter in South Central PA. They moved to Landis Homes Retirement Community in 2011.
Marian is survived by a sister, Ruth Rohrer, a brother, Jay Garber, four daughters, Sara, Rachel (Loren Johns), Lois (John Jantzi), Carol (Dave Witmer), three sons, Jim (Sheryl Huebert), Ken (Judy Myers), Ron (Joyce Horst), 18 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 2015, and two sisters, Anna Martha Garber and Jean Huang.
A Memorial Service celebrating Marian's life will be held at the Willow Street Mennonite Church, 399 E. Penn Grant Road, Willow Street, PA on Sunday, February 4 at 1:30 P.M. Friends may greet the family at the church following the Memorial Service. Burial is at convenience of the family.
Lehman, Ida Mae Miller
Dec. 4, 1928 - Feb. 13, 2018
LAGRANGE - Ida Mae Lehman, 89, of LaGrange, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018.
She was born Dec. 4, 1928, to William S. and Edna Mae Miller.
She married Elva D. Lehman.
Surviving are daughters Mary Ellen Miller, Fannie Mae Bontrager, Edna Miller, Ruby Schwartz. Elsie Miller and Cristina Bontrager; sons Ernest, Dennis, Orie, Mervin and Amzie Lehman; 73 grandchildren; 204 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Emma Bontrager; a brother, Ervin Miller; and a foster brother, Willis Miller.
Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and four brothers.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, the family residence, 1310 N – 250 W, LaGrange.
Burial will follow in Mast Cemetery, LaGrange.
Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 and all day on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the family residence.
Frurip-May Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Leidig, Melvin D., 92, of Orrville, Wayne Co., OH died March 19, 2018 at the same place. He was born August 3, 1925 at Pompeii, MI to Rueben and Emily (Teuscher) Leidig. On June 19, 1954 he was married to Lois Gisel, who survives.
Surviving are a daughter, Shari Leidig Holland (Scott) and a sister, Bernice.
A daughter, Debra Anne Leidig, two brothers, Clarence Leidig, and Wilbur Leidig and two sisters, Hazel Yoder, and Gladys Ropp preceded him in death.
Melvin was member of Orrville Mennonite Church. At the age of 13 he became a Christian and was greatly influenced by the death of his Uncle Dan who died as a conscientious objector in World War I. As a result Melvin became a C.O. when he was of age. He graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute and was ordained in the Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference. Melvin met his wife Lois while in Mennonite voluntary service in Saginaw, Michigan, where he started Grace Chapel Mennonite Church. He later attended Western Michigan University where he received both a BA in Social Work and an MA in Counseling. Following his graduate work he was called to First Mennonite Church in Canton, Ohio. There he helped start South East Community Organization (SECO) and was involved in many community organizing activities. He worked for a variety of social service organizations in Michigan and Ohio while pastoring. Mel had a pastoral heart and was gifted in helping congregations through transitions. He did many interim pastorates throughout Stark and Wayne County Ohio for both Mennonite and Church of the Brethren Congregations. He was an ordained retired minister in the Ohio Conference of the Mennonite Church.
He was deeply involved in civil rights, peace and justice leadership while always keeping current on world events up to the time of his death, His family and friends will remember him as an advocate for others and especially committed to racial and economic justice. Mel was a kind and loving father and husband. He and Lois enjoyed genealogical research on the Leidig family and he loved meeting cousins through this process.
Memorial services were held March 23, 2018 at Orrville Mennonite Church, Orrville, OH with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, OH.
Leinbach, David N., 90, of East Earl, passed away peacefully at home of May 7, 2018.
He was the husband of Lydia H. (Weaver) Leinbach. Born in Caernarvon Township, he was the son of the late Clement M. and Annie (Newswanger) Leinbach.
David was a member of the Denver Mennonite Church, Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite Conference. He was employed by Good’s Store until the end of 2017.
Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Lamar (Lucille Newswanger) Leinbach of Myerstown, and Lester Leinbach of East Earl; five daughters, Marian Blank (Jeffrey) of Reinholds, Lorrain Steiner (Ernest) of Dalton, OH, Mary Jane Boll (Daniel) of Bethel, Louise Martin (Elmer) of Mohnton, Louella Nolt (Mahlon) of Pine Grove; 41 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren; two brothers, Christian Leinbach of Tamaqua, and Enos Leinbach of Loysville; seven sisters, Katie Shirk of East Earl, Emma Huber (Eli N.) of Narvon, Martha Oberholtzer (Ivan W.) of Millmont, Susie Sauder (Ivan M.) of East Earl, Fannie Horst of Denver, Anna Payne (Verle R.) of Okanogan, WA, and Mabel Martin (Lloyd M.) of Myerstown.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant sons, an infant daughter, and by brother-in-law’s, Luke Z. Horst and Titus M. Shirk.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 12, at 9:30 A.M. at the Denver Mennonite Church, 95 Monroe St, Denver, PA with Bishop Harold B. Good, Bishop Wilmer N. Weaver, Luke G. Sensenig, J. Ray Auker and Philip D. Sensenig officiating. Viewings will be held at the church on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Interment in the Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.
Lefever, Barbara M. Eshleman, 93, of Lancaster, died Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Mennonite Home.
She was the wife of the late Jacob "Jake" F. Lefever, Jr. who died November 13, 2015. She was born October 11, 1924 in Pequea Twp. and was the daughter of the late Howard and Fannie Martin Eshleman.
Barbara was a homemaker and had also worked at the S. Clyde Weaver Store in East Petersburg, for over 30 years. She was a member of the Byerland Mennonite Church where she had been active as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher and church historian. She enjoyed volunteering for No Longer Alone Ministries and Mennonite Disaster Service. Barbara enjoyed scrapbooking, crocheting, flowers, and hosting people in her home.
Surviving are three daughters, Barbara J. wife of Ben K. Stoltzfus of Willow Street, Dorothy M. wife of Luke C. Hess of Willow Street, and K. Lorraine wife of Mike Williams of Lancaster; a son, Jacob Karl Lefever of Manheim; 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ida Hess of Andover, NY; a brother, John husband of Jo Eshleman of Willow Street; and a sister-in-law, Arlene Eshleman of Quarryville. She was preceded in death by brothers, Clayton, Chester and Howard Eshleman and by sisters, Ruth Eshleman, Cora Kilheffer and Mabel Harnish.
The family would like to thank the Mennonite Home Staff for the excellent care they provided for their Mother the several years she resided there.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 25, at 11:00 A.M. at the Byerland Mennonite Church, 931 Byerland Church Road, Willow Street, PA with Pastors Joe Garber and Jay Hess officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in the Byerland Mennonite Cemetery will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Lefever's memory may be made to No Longer Alone Ministries, 630 Janet Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.GroffEckenroth.com Arrangements by the Groff High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA.
Lefever, John M., 92, formerly of Buck, PA, departed this world and entered into the glorious presence of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Friday morning, April 27, 2018 at Landis Homes. John was born on April 18, 1926 to the late Martin and Elizabeth Gerlach Lefever. He was married to Nora Hershey Lefever for 66 years on November 28. John was a farmer all of his life and owned and operated a dairy farm at the Buck. John was a member of Strasburg Mennonite Church and previous member of Mechanic Grove Mennonite Church.
John is also survived by four children, Jean Sullenberger, Lois (Vernon) Umble, Fred Lefever, and Kaye (Donald) Eby all of Lancaster County; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and five siblings, Kathleen Brandt, Arlene Eshelman, Ruth Simpson, Gladys (Irvin) Sensenig, and Grace Houser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Ernest Lefever, Leon Lefever, Martin Lefever, Clair Lefever, Edith Hess, and Fannie Lefever.
An intimate gathering with family and friends was held on Monday, afternoon, April 30, 2018 at Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery. Contributions in John's honor may be made to Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
Lichti, Leonard L.
April 6, 1922-June 7, 2018
Leonard L. "Len" Lichti, 96, of rural Hesston, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 6, 1922, in Shickley, Nebraska, the youngest child of Samuel and Magdelena (Schrock) Lichti of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. Len married Opal Roth in 1944 in Milford, Nebraska. Opal passed away in 1986. He married Pearl Garber in 1988 in Hesston. Pearl passed away in 2001.
Len loved his role as both student and teacher. He received degrees from Hesston College, Goshen College, University of Nebraska, the University of Kansas and Emporia State University. After serving in CPS during WWII, he taught school in Nemaha, Nebraska, before moving to Hesston in 1950.
Len was a professor and administrator at Hesston College from 1950 to 1973. He worked at Excel Industries as Production Control Manager from 1973 until his retirement in 1990. Always active in the community, Len served on the Hesston City Council from 1965 to 1977 and was a member of Hesston Mennonite Church.
Len shared his life's passion for learning with his family and loved ones. He was dedicated to helping others discover their potential and pursue the unlimited possibilities of life. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, bowling, playing pool, puzzles and many hours of card games with family.
Len and Opal had seven children: Roger (Esther Sundell), Montgomery, Vermont; Norman (Vicki Gardner), Newton; Thomas (Marla Tatro), Wichita; Joy (Bruce) Rogers, Elkhart, Indiana; Carol (Lee) Birch, Hesston; Loren (Cindy Smith), Arvada, Colorado; and Jan (Stephen) Nichols, Cross Roads, Texas. He has 21 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; four sisters; and a grandson, Ethan Lichti.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 :30 a.m. Tuesday (July 3, 2018) at Hesston Mennonite Church. Visitation with family will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday (July 2, 2018), also at Hesston Mennonite Church.
Len will be forever remembered by his large extended family as a wise, generous and fun-loving father, grandfather and uncle.
Memorial donations in memory of Len may be made to Good Samaritan Caring Fund, a ministry of Schowalter Villa, and mailed to Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.
Litwiller, Kenneth Duane
Aug. 26, 1934 - Oct. 8, 2018
Kenneth Duane Litwiller, 84, of Middlebury, IN, formerly of Minier, IL, passed away at 7:25 pm on Monday, October 8, at his residence following a four year battle with cancer. He was born on August 26, 1934 in Hopedale, IL, to Oliver and Vera (Slabaugh) Litwiller. On December 27, 1964 in Ithaca, MI, he married Shirley Slagel, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are two daughters, Cheryl (Barry) Albrecht of Sebewaing, MI, Leane (Craig) Sears of Blythewood, SC; two sons, Kent (Alyssa) Litwiller of Goshen, IN, Kurt (Janelle) Litwiller of Bremen, IN; nine grandchildren; one great grandson; brother, John (Joan) Litwiller of Minier, IL; sister-in-law, Faye Litwiller of Goshen, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Fred Litwiller. Kenneth was a farmer and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren in which he attended many of their sporting events.
He was known as the family joke teller and enjoyed playing cards. He was a lifelong member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church and Boynton Mennonite Church both in Hopedale, IL.
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am memorial service on Friday, October 12, at Bremen Missionary Church, Bremen IN. Services will be conducted by his son, Pastor Kurt Litwiller. Memorials may be given to Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Goshen Home Care & Hospice or Bremen Missionary Church.
Longenecker, Mark M., 64, of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, was born August 30, 1953 and died Tuesday, May 22, 2018. The youngest child and only son of Ray M. Longenecker and Ruth M. Longenecker, he is survived by a daughter, Shaketta Davis, Middletown, PA, and a son, Matthew Longenecker, Marienville, PA and three sisters, Marian L. Beaman, Janice L. Caverly, both of Jacksonville, Florida, Jean L. Fairfield of North Wales, PA.
Mark attended Elizabethtown Area High School. He was employed by his father at Longenecker Farm Supply in Rheems, PA. He worked at the shop, welding and repairing farm equipment until the business was sold in 1986. In his younger years, he also was an active member of the Rheems Fire Department.
For many years, Mark served as a caregiver to both his mother and his aunt, taking them shopping and to various appointments. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed supporting Philadelphia teams and watching games on TV.
Mark was a faithful and active member of Bossler Mennonite Church, Elizabethtown until his death. He attended small group events and took aged members to services.
Mark had a kind heart and was blessed with the gift of friendship. He will be dearly missed by his friends from childhood, farmers he met at his father's business, and patrons and servers at Gus's Family Restaurant in Mt. Joy which he frequented daily.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Bossler Mennonite Church, 2021 Bossler Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3:00 PM until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, 717-367-1543.
Donations in Mark's memory can be made to Bossler Mennonite Church or Hospice & Community Care, www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org
Longenecker, Pearl M. Garber, 97, formerly of Elizabethtown, PA, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday afternoon, October 3, 2018 at Oak Leaf Manor North in Landisville following a brief illness. Born in West Donegal Twp., she was the daughter of the late Jacob R. and Lizzie Mumma Garber. She was the wife of the late J. Howard Longenecker.
Pearl was a lifelong member of Bossler Mennonite Church in Elizabethtown. In her younger years, she served as a teacher for Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. In later years, she enjoyed knotting comforters.
Pearl is survived by three children, Reba L., wife of Richard Crill, of Lancaster, Darlene L., wife of H. Lester Landis, of Mount Joy, and Glenn H., husband of Sharon Smeltz Longenecker, of Elizabethtown; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Parke Garber and Gladys Garber.
A memorial service will be held on Friday morning, October 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Bossler Mennonite Church, 2021 Bossler Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 with Pastor Fred Garber officiating. Private interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive guests at a viewing at the church on Thursday evening from 6-8:00 PM. There will be no viewing or visitation on Friday morning prior to the service, however the family will greet guests at a luncheon at the church immediately following the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made in her memory to Bossler Mennonite Church.
Loucks, Vera Mae Blosser
June 24, 1923 - May 8, 2018
ELKHART - Vera Mae Loucks, 94, of Elkhart, died at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at her home.
She was born June 24, 1923, in Wakarusa, to Chester and Florence (Gongwer) Blosser.
She married LaMar E. Loucks on June 28, 1941, and he died July 31, 2016.
Surviving are children, Loren (Brenda) Loucks of Goshen and Lynn (Carol) Loucks of Elkhart; nine grandchildren, Brian Loucks, Michelle Sumerix, Jeffery Loucks, Amanda (Jay) Diedrich, Aaron (Dawn) Morey, Matthew (Jessie) Loucks, Garrett Loucks, Stephanie (Alex) Deitch and Austin Loucks; and nine great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband LaMar and a sister, Gladys Brandeberry.
Vera worked at Elkhart General Hospital for more than 20 years in the Pediatrics Department.
She was a member of Olive Mennonite Church and loved to read her Bible and pray for her family and friends.
Vera loved children, her garden and flowers, canning and freezing fruits and vegetables and cooking for her family and friends.
She enjoyed hummingbirds, blue birds and painted many pictures.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service Saturday, May 12, at Olive Mennonite Church, 61081 C.R. 3, Elkhart.
Pastor Kevin Yoder will officiate.
Burial will be in Olive (West) Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to Olive Mennonite Church.
---------------
Loucks, Vera Mae Blosser, 94, of Elkhart, Elkhart Co., IN died May 8, 2018 at the same place. She was born June 24, 1923 at Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., IN to Chester and Florence (Gongwer) Blosser. On June 28, 1941 she was married to LaMar E. Loucks, who died July 31, 2016.
Surviving are children, Lynn (Carol), and Loren (Brenda) Loucks; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren.
A sister, Gladys Brandeberry preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held May 12, 2018 at Olive Mennonite Church, Elkhart, IN with burial in Olive West, Elkhart IN.
Lundberg, Catherine Hernley Glenn
January 13, 1925 - July 19, 2018
Catherine Hernley Glenn Lundberg died peacefully in her home in Goshen, Indiana on July 19, 2018 at the age of 93. Her younger sister, Martha, was at her side.
Catherine was born January 13, 1925 in Scottdale Pennsylvania to Henry and Daisy Cutrell Hernley. She grew up in Scottdale, which was the home of the Mennonite Publishing House where her parents were some of the first employees. After graduating from high school in Scottdale, she spent time working at the Mennonite Hospital in La Junta, Colorado where her sister Nancy was studying in the School of Nursing. Catherine then attended Goshen College where she graduated in 1946 with a major in English and Bible. Following this she worked as an editorial assistant to Paul Erb, editor of the Gospel Herald, which was the official publication of the Mennonite Church USA at that time.
She always knew she wanted to help people. When she was 30 years old, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she attended the School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Her career included public health nursing, teaching at Goshen College and Western Reserve Schools of Nursing, as well as St. Alexis School of Nursing, Cuyahoga Community College, and nursing workshops in the Cleveland area. During this time she was active in the Lee Heights Community Church, where she met and married Paul Glenn on April 6, 1968, having 10 years together before his passing. At that point she moved back to her home town of Scottdale. Retiring from nursing, Catherine volunteered for two years at Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, PA. In 2001 she joined four siblings already at Greencroft Retirement Center in Goshen, IN. Here she became known as ‘Kate’, then as Mrs. Bob Lundberg after their 4th of July marriage in 2004. Bob passed in 2010. Catherine moved to Evergreen Assisted Living in 2012 and then to Health Care in 2013.
Catherine was preceded in death by four of her five siblings, three nephews, two husbands, and her parents. She is survived by her sister Martha Heath, four nieces, four nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews, members of two step-families, and numerous friends and colleagues.
Catherine was much loved by her nephews and nieces, who always considered her and Martha to be very “cool”, being the youngest of the aunts: the oldest nephew was born when the sisters were still teenagers.
Catherine will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be Saturday, October 6 at 2 p.m. at the Metzler Meetinghouse at Greencroft Healthcare. Pastor Julia Gingrich of Eighth Street Mennonite Church will officiate.