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.
2019
T to V
Thomas, Maynard Wayne, 90, of Kidron, Wayne Co., OH died March 13, 2019 at Dalton, Wayne Co., OH.
He was born February 7, 1929 at Davidsville, PA to Elmer Franklin and Elda Elizabeth (Livingston) Thomas. Elmer was born March 9, 1906 and died January 4, 1993. Elda was born August 27, 1902 and died August 28, 1990.
On July 11, 1953 in PA he was married to Twila Catherine Yoder, who was born March 17, 1930 and died December 7, 2005.
Surviving are a daughter, Esther Tafoya; two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a sister,Nada Thomas Geiser; and a brother, Paul Thomas.
His siblings, Velma Thomas Geiser, Mary Thomas, Kermit Thomas, and Coevel Thomas preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held March 13, 2019 at Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, Kidron, OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Thornburg, Marlyn "Molly" Ilene Nichols, 89, of West Liberty, Logan Co., OH died September 12, 2019 at the same place. She was born November 8, 1929 at Urbana, Champaign Co., OH to Arthur E. and Bertha G. (Hart) Nichols. On August 30, 1947 at Urbana, OH she was married to Paul Russell Thornburg, who died April 8, 2001.
Surviving are children, Michael (Judy) Thornburg; Larry (Kathy) Thornburg; Chuck (Tammy) Thornburg; John (Ann) Thornburg; Dave (Carol) Thornburg; and Tim (Debbie) Thornburg; 21 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Susan Nichols.
Two sisters, Patricia Paul and Joyce Chaffin preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held September 19, 2019 at Eicholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty, OH with burial in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty, OH.
Toews, Pauline Cornella Thierstein, 90, of Whitewater, KS died March 28, 2019 at Newton, Harvey Co., KS. She was born December 14, 1928 at Newton, KS to Christian B. and Ella (Regier) Thierstein. On July 25, 1950 at Whitewater, Butler Co., she was married to Novalis Toews, who died June 20, 2015.
Surviving are children, Marna (Steve) Schowalter, Cynthia Rhodes, and Jeff (Theresa) Toews; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Gerald (Samia) Thierstein, and Eldred (Joan) Thierstein.
A son, Stewart Toews and a brother, Myron Thierstein preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held April 5, 2019 at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, Harvey Co., KS with burial in Emmaus Cemetery, Whitewater, Butler Co., KS.
Trissel, Alice Blosser, wife and homemaker, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Wenger House of Woodland Park at VMRC. Alice was born on Sept. 16, 1924, in Rockingham County and was a daughter of the late Peter and Anna Mae Blosser. She spent her entire life in the Harrisonburg area. On Nov. 1, 1944, she married D. Lloyd Trissel, who lived only a mile away. They were married for more than 73 years. Alice was preceded in death by her husband on May 27, 2018. They were a match made in heaven. What one did, the other was there also.
Alice helped early on with the farm work, until the five sons were old enough to help with the morning and evening chores of milking cows to feeding and caring for the turkeys.
She was very active in community activities. Alice was the chairman of the Virginia/West Virginia New York City Fresh Air Fund, placing under privileged children in homes throughout the Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia. At the peak of the Fresh Air Fund existence, Alice and Lloyd were responsible for bringing up to 400 children for two week vacations to the Shenandoah Valley. After 44 years of involvement with the program, Alice and Lloyd resigned to pursue other ventures. They were known as “Mom and Dad” to many of the children who spent their two weeks away from home over the years.
There was no end to those staying at the Trissel Farm. From foreign exchange students to welfare children, all shared the space with the five Trissel boys.
Alice served as the president of the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She also served for 26 years at a 4-H leader, receiving the All-Star Award for her accomplishments. She was honored to serve as the vice president of the State 4-H Leaders Association.
Traveling was one of Alice and Lloyd’s pleasurable pastimes. For 20 years, they planned group tours taking some 35 groups around the world. In their travels they met many new friends, enjoyed eating different foods, and experiencing different cultures.
Mrs. Trissel enjoyed gardening, drying and pressing flowers, and was a highlight of her life. She loved to put pressed flowers into pictures and book marks. There never seemed to be an ugly flower as God made them all.
She is survived by her sons, Larry and wife, Ely, Dennis and wife, Beth, Greg and wife, Marie; a brother, James Blosser; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and three daughters-in-law, Barbara, Patricia, and Lory. In addition to her husband and parents, Alice was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald and David; two grandchildren, Matthew and Christy Trissel; and a daughter-in-law, Catarina Trissel.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church with Pastor Craig Maven officiating. Burial will be held privately.
The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, Feb. 9, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weekday Religious Education (WRE), P.O. Box 835, Harrisonburg, VA 22803; or to the Gideon’s International, Rockingham West Camp, P.O. Box 734, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com
Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.
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Trissel, Alice Blosser, 94, of Harrisonburg, VA died February 6, 2019 at the same place. She was born September 16, 1924 in Rockingham Co., VA to Peter and Anna Mae Blosser. On November 1, 1944 in Harrisonburg she was married to D. Lloyd Trissel, who died May 27, 2018.
Surviving are children, Larry (Ely), Dennis (Beth), and Greg (Marie); 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and a brother, James Blosser.
Two sons, Ronald (Barbara), and David (Patricia), daughter-in-law Catarina (Larry); grandson, Matthew Trissel, and granddaughter, Christy Trissel preceded her in death.
Alice was Chairman of the Virginia/West Virginia - New York City Fresh Air Fund; President of the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; 4-H Leader & Vice President of the State 4-H Leaders Associate; and Charter member of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.
Memorial services were held February 10, 2019 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA
with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Troyer, Edwin E.
November 22, 1944 - December 2, 2019
Edwin E. Troyer, 75, of Bristol, died at 6:40 am on Monday, December 2, at Courtyard of Goshen, after an extended illness. He was born on November 22, 1944 in Goshen to David and Susie (Miller) Troyer. On June 7, 1964 in Millersburg, he married Fern Knepp; she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are five sons, Wesley (Julie) Troyer of Elkhart, Nathan (Towana) Troyer of Bristol, Craig (Marcie) Troyer of Bradenton, FL, Sheldon (Ericka) Troyer of Goshen, Tim (Christina) Troyer of Columbia, TN; 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; sister, Edna (Mel) Shetler of Goshen. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Troyer; two sisters, Marie Mast and Anna Mae Mast; five brothers, Leroy, David Jr., Harley, Harvey and Melvin Troyer.
Edwin was self-employed at Reliable Computer Solutions in White Pigeon, MI and was also a counselor. He was the lead pastor at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Salem and Pine Ridge Conservative Mennonite Church in Goshen. He was also the visitation pastor for senior church members at Trinity Missionary Church in Michigan. He was currently attending River Oaks Community Church in Goshen. He enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 2:00 - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. Family and friends may gather at 9:00 - 9:45 am Thursday, December 5 at the funeral home to travel in procession to Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury for a 10:00 am graveside service. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, Middlebury. Services will be conducted by Pastor Brent Danielson. Memorials may be given to River Oaks Community Church- Elkhart campus.
Troyer, Elroy "Roy"
February 2, 1924 - November 21, 2019
Elroy “Roy” Troyer, 95, of Goshen went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully at his home with family by his side on November 21, 2019.
Roy was born on “Groundhog Day,” Feb. 2, 1924 in Elkhart County, to Samuel and Sarah (Yoder) Troyer. On June 15, 1946 he married Alberta Cross at Griner Mennonite Church in Middlebury.
A member of North Goshen Mennonite Church since 1952, Roy taught Sunday school, served as the church treasurer, and was a part of numerous committees. He was also a member of Goshen Rotary, and served on the board at First State Bank.
In the late 40’s brothers Alvin and Roy purchased a poultry farm in Vandalia, Michigan. Due to the size of the farm it was unable to support both families. Roy set out in his 1941 Hudson, and began selling dressed chickens from the trunk of his car to grocery stores and restaurants.
In the 50's Al decided he preferred farming while Roy and his family moved to Indiana and continued the distribution business. With a commitment to hard work he purchased the abandoned Pringle & Roth processing plant on State Road 4, which then later became Troyer's Poultry, currently named Troyer Foods. In 1987 at the age of 65, he retired and sold the business.
In 1993, due to glaucoma, Roy lost his eyesight and was declared officially blind. He accepted his blindness with grace. His good spirits and constant optimism about his condition were an inspiration to many.
Roy’s wife, Alberta, survives, along with three daughters, Sue A. (Roger) Egli of Goshen, LaVonda K. (Rick) Waldron of New Paris, Jolene F. (Glen) Miller of Goshen; three sons, Steve C. Troyer of Union, Michigan, Kermit L. (Micki) Troyer of Middlebury, LaVon J. (Paige) Troyer of Bristol; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Edith Herschberger of Goshen; brother, Ora (Mary) Troyer of Goshen; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Troyer of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Dustin Troyer; sisters, Ada Steury, Ida Riegsecker; and brothers, Alvin, Howard, Samuel, and Floyd Troyer.
The family wishes to thank the many care givers for their care and support.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 2-8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 4 p.m. at North Goshen Mennonite Church, 501 N. 8th Street, Goshen. Jerry Wittrig, Pastor Emeritus, will officiate the service.
Private family graveside services will take place at Miller 8 Square Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Troyer, Esther Carpenter
July 6, 1928 - December 13, 2019
Esther (Carpenter) Troyer, age 91, of Burr Oak, Mich., passed away Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at The Birches in Leonidas, Mich.
She was born July 6, 1928 in Sturgis, Mich., daughter of the late Joseph and Fannie (Eicher) Carpenter. She grew up in St. Joseph County, Mich., and attended Babcock School. She also attended Fairview Bible School.
Esther married Ralph Troyer on October 30, 1948 at Locust Grove Mennonite Church near Findley, Mich. She and Ralph spent 13 years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan working in a church planting/mission program. Esther spent most of her life working alongside Ralph as they farmed near Engadine, and then at the current family farm in Nottawa Township near Nottawa, Mich. She continued living there in retirement until moving to the Birches in 2018.
Esther was a member of Calvary Chapel where she was active in the women's sewing group. In her younger years, she was active as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. Esther also had the gifts of hospitality and letter writing, and was a devoted quilter.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph; sons, Leon (Rebecca) Troyer of Three Rivers, Lennis (Nancy) Troyer of Burr Oak, and Brian (Teresa) Troyer of Coldwater; and daughter, Valerie (Lavon) Yoder of Mendon; five grandchildren: Karen (Iman) Serna, Keith (Resa) Troyer, Gayle (Mark) Forrester, Nicholas (Kathryn) Troyer, and Courtney Troyer; and 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Bertha (David) Bontrager of Sturgis, Ann (Hezir) Araujo of Elkhart, Ind., and Edna Carpenter of Sturgis; two brothers: James (Faith) Carpenter of Sturgis and Robert (Lois) Neuenschwander of Lititz, Penn.; and many nieces and nephews.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joseph and Marcus Carpenter; and one sister, Mary Carpenter.
A private family committal service and burial will take place at Locust Grove Cemetery on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 9 a.m.
Troyer, Jamie Luke
Jan. 4, 2019-Jan. 4, 2019
Infant, Jamie Luke Troyer, stillborn son of Lavern F. and Mary Rose (Bontrager) Troyer, of LaGrange, was delivered at 3:48 pm on Friday, January 4, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.
Surviving in addition to his parents are grandparents, Floyd & Marietta Troyer of LaGrange and Vernon & Ella Mae Bontrager of Shipshewana; great-grandparents, Joe & LeAnna Troyer of Hillsboro, WI, Samuel & Martha Schrock and John & Katie Lehman all of LaGrange.
There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Sunday, January
6, at Floyd Troyer residents, 3265 S. 100 E. LaGrange. Services will be conducted by Bishop Joe Bontrager and the home ministers of the Old Order Amish Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, LaGrange.
Troyer, Lyndon Jon
May 10, 2019 - May 10, 2019
Lyndon Jon Troyer, infant son of Lloyd and Miriam Elaine (Mast) Troyer of Shipshewana, was stillborn at 5:25 pm on Friday, May 10, at Dupont Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Survivors in addition to his parents are three brothers, Zachary James Troyer, Benjamin Dean Troyer and his twin brother, Luke Jase Troyer; two grandparents, Larry and Mary Troyer of Shipshewana, Earl Dean and Regina Mast of Topeka; three great-grandparents, Levi and Viola Troyer of Middlebury, Mervin and Anna Eash of Shipshewana, Sam, Jr. and Gertie Mast of Millersburg; great grandmother, Rosa Yoder of Topeka; four uncles, three aunts and eight cousins.
He was preceded in death by his great grandmother, Gertie Eash and great-grandfather, Albert Yoder.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm on Monday May 13, at the Larry Troyer residence, 4260 N. State Road 5 Shipshewana. Funeral services will follow visitation at 3:00 pm on Monday. Services will be conducted by Bishop Erwin C. Miller. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Troyer, Mary I. Miller
July 24, 1939 - June 14, 2019
Mary I. Troyer, 79, of Middlebury, died peacefully at 3:36 pm on Friday, June 14 at her home, after being diagnosed with colon cancer a few months prior. She was born on July 24, 1939 in Elkhart, to Abe and Inez (Eash) Miller. On June 7, 1959 in Middlebury, she married Lloyd Jay Troyer, he survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are two daughters, Justine (Ron) Stump of Nashville, TN, ULonda (Fernando) Sainz of Goshen; three sons, Wendall (Angie) Troyer, Lydell (Karmen) Troyer, Gareth (Teresa) Troyer all of Goshen; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby (LaVern) Bontrager of Goshen; brother, Lloyd Miller of Goshen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian Troyer; granddaughter, Meadow Sainz. Mary was a homemaker and an excellent help to her husband while living on the farm. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, feeding the birds and loved music. Her passion in life was serving other people and volunteering, often at her home church, Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church.
Visitation will be from 1:00 - 8:00 pm on Sunday, June 23 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 10:00 am funeral service on Monday, June 24 at Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church, Goshen. Services will be conducted by Pastor's Craig Garber, Harold Knight, and Josh Hilty. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Heartland Hospice Care or World Help Children.
Troyer, Mervin D.
September 2, 1956 - March 8, 2019
Mervin D. Troyer, 62, of LaGrange, died at 12:00 pm, on Friday, March 8, at his residence, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on September 2, 1956, in LaGrange County, to David and Anna (Yoder) Troyer.
Surviving are four sisters, Marietta (Reuben) Bontrager of Ligonier, Sara Yoder of Hicksville, OH, Carolyn (Edward) Yoder of Garnett, KS, Vera Detweiler of Middlefield, OH; four brothers, Harley (Pat) Troyer of Fort Lupton, CO, David (Linda) Troyer of Topeka, Danny (Ruby) Troyer, Ray (Betty) Troyer both of Shipshewana.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He was a member of Emma Church and a delivery truck driver for L & W Engineering. Visitation will be after 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 9 and all day Sunday, March 10 at the David Troyer residence, 4140 W. 600 S., Topeka. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Monday, March 11 also at the David Troyer residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Samuel Hershberger and the home ministers.
Burial will be in Hawpatch Cemetery, Topeka.
Truex, Zach, 26, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died December 19, 2019 at the same place. He was born June 6, 1993 at Fridley, MN to Mike and Julie Miller Truex.
Surviving are two siblings, Taylor Truex and Matt Truex.
Zach graduated from Goshen High School in 2012 and attended Ball State University for two years. He was a warehouse manager for Jayco in Middlebury, IN.
A member of Silverwood Mennonite Church, Zach loved his summers at Camp Friedenswald. He helped rebuild homes in Cameron, Louisiana, while participating in Mennonite Disaster Service trips. Zach's hobbies included golf, travel, cars and hanging out with friends.
Memorial services were held December 27, 2019 at Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Tyson, Merl Henry
October 1, 1926 - May 13, 2019
Merl Henry Tyson, 92, Goshen, passed from this life into the presence of his Savior at his home on Monday, May 13, 2019. He was born on October 1, 1926, to Elmer D. and Cora (Mumaw) Tyson in Southwest, located between Wakarusa and Goshen, Indiana.
On May 16, 1948, he married Gloria Louise Weaver at Holdeman Mennonite Church in Wakarusa, Indiana. They were preparing to celebrate their 71st anniversary in several days when he passed into eternity.
Gloria survives along with one daughter, Joyce (James) Dreier, Goshen; and two sons, Ronald (Jan) Tyson, Kazakstan, and James (Cynthia) Tyson, Goshen. Merl and Gloria have 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Surviving are two sisters, Evelyn (Lawrence) Troyer of Goshen, Vivian (Dale) Kaser of Goshen, one brother, J. Herbert (Grace) Tyson of Sarasota, Florida, and a sister-in-law, Esther (Harold) Tyson of Sarasota, Florida.
Merl was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Raymond Tyson and Harold Tyson; one sister-in-law, Ruth (Raymond) Tyson; and one grandson, Tyler Tyson.
Merl served in Civilian Public Service in WWII building a dam in South Dakota, fighting forest fires in California, and working at a mental hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. After returning home and marrying Gloria, he had several factory jobs and joined with his father-in-law in farming north of Wakarusa, Indiana. After several years, Merl and Gloria bought their own farm east of Wakarusa. During this time he also worked several years for Lechlitner Plumbing and Heating and Garber Electric where he began learning the HVAC trades which he studied and practiced for the remainder of his working years, ultimately gaining a Master Contractor License for the State of Indiana. His final employment was at Goshen College for 30 years as a working supervisor for the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical departments on campus.
Merl was a man of many skills, often using them to help other people, volunteer at church, and he enjoyed teaching these skills to his children and grandchildren. His hobbies included woodworking, playing games, and going fishing with friends and family. He was especially known by his wife, extended family, and friends for his love, patience, and kindness. His unique humor was often revealed along with his quick smile and grin. He was a life-long member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. He served as trustee, usher, and in other roles and was known as a man of integrity, giving, and faith.
Visitation will be at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen, on Friday, May 17, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm and also on Saturday, May 18, from 10-11 am at the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, 64901 CR 11, Goshen. Funeral service will begin at 11 am officiated by Pastor Wes Bontreger with burial afterward in the Yellow Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Yellow Creek Mennonite Church or Donor’s Choice.
VanPelt, Elsie
November 11, 1933 -July 2, 2019
Elsie VanPelt of Columbiana, Ohio passed away peacefully on July 2, 2019 at Covington Skilled Nursing where she had resided the past eight months.
Elsie was born November 11, 1933 to Frank and Ida (Witmer) VanPelt and lived in the Columbiana area most of her life. She attended the Germantown Country School for the first four years of school. She attended North Lima School until age 16. After school she helped many people in the area with numerous tasks. She served two years at a children’s home in West Liberty, Ohio where she was a house mother to eighteen boys. Elsie was encouraged to attend college so after taking her GED, she attended Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Va. She then served under the Eastern Mennonite Mission Board for eight years teaching English in Somalia, Africa.
When she returned from Africa, she attended Kent State University and received her teaching certificate. She then taught 7th and 8th grade English at South Range Middle School for 25 years and was a much beloved teacher to many.
Elsie was known as a great seamstress and made and donated hundreds of quilts in her lifetime to relief organizations. Elsie always had a heart for the less fortunate and was especially fond of children.
Elsie is survived by four brothers and two sisters: Arthur VanPelt, Columbiana, OH, Willard (Charlene) VanPelt, Lancaster, PA, Jacob (Marilyn) VanPelt, Lincoln City, OR, Albert (Lana) VanPelt, Columbiana, OH, Alice Helmuth, Sarasota, FL, Mary Good, Columbiana, OH, and a sister-in-law, MaryAnn (Perry) VanPelt, Goshen, IN. She is preceded in death by her brother, Perry VanPelt, sisters-in-law Anna Ruth (Showalter) VanPelt, Viola (Snyder) VanPelt, brother-in law Elvon Helmuth, three nephews, Marc VanPelt, Darrel Good, Ron Helmuth and a great, great nephew Michael Byers. Elsie has 24 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
Elsie was a member of Midway Mennonite Church where earlier in her life she taught Sunday School, Bible School and served on the Sewing Circle of the church.
A private family burial was held July 4, 2019 at Midway Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at 2:30pm.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 21S 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-9989.
The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.