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.
2025
A to B1
Beachey, Sara W. Miller
April 7, 1942 - January 1, 2025
Sara W. Beachey, 82, of Topeka, (district: 29-4), died at 11:27 am, on Wednesday, January 1, [2025] at home. She was born on April 7, 1942, in Haven, KS, to William and Mary (Schrock) Miller. On September 17, 1998, in Topeka, she married Lewis A. Beachey, he died October 17, 2020.
Surviving are step-daughter, Darlene (Glenn) Hostetler of Topeka; three step-sons, Devon (Cathy) Beachey of Shipshewana, John (Lora) Beachey of Topeka, Richard (Niva) Beachey of Millersburg; 24 step-grandchildren, 27 step-great-grandchildren; seven brothers, Ora W. Miller of Topeka, Enos W. Miller of Haven, KS, William Jr. (Edna) Miller, Harry W. (Katie) Miller, Calvin W. (Katie) Miller, David W. (Esther) Miller all of Topeka, Eldon W. (Esther) Miller of Ligonier; three sisters, Wilma (Samuel) Bontrager of Rome City, Mary (Levi) Miller of Shipshewana, Martha (Ernest) Bontrager of Topeka.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; step-granddaughter; two brothers, Eli W. (Katie) Miller, Andy W. Miller; sister, Gertie Yoder; two sisters-in-law, Vera Miller, Cathryn Miller.
Sara was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 2 and all-day Friday, January 3 at the John Beachey residence, 6650 S. 900 W., Topeka. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 4 at the Jerold Mast residence, 6780 S. 900 W., Topeka. Services will be conducted by Bishop Willard Yoder and the home ministers. Burial will be in Hawpatch Cemetery, Topeka.
Bender, Ethel P. Hershey
November 2, 1931 - January 27, 2025
Ethel Bender passed away at the age of 93 on January 27, 2025, at home in the Bronx, New York, surrounded by her family.
Ethel P. Hershey was born November 2, 1931, to Mark and Anna Kreider Hershey in the family home on the farm in Paradise, PA. Ethel was affectionately known as Eb, Hi-Test, Sister Bender, Sister B, and Mother Church.
At the age of 16, Ethel made a commitment to Christ at Kinzer Mennonite Church. She moved to Philadelphia to work at a girls house with Oxford Circle Mennonite Church and served at Tel Hai Camp as a girls counselor. It was there at Oxford Circle that Ethel met Martin Bender, whom she later married at Kinzer Mennonite Church in September 1956.
After moving to the Bronx, New York in 1970, the Benders founded and pastored Joy Fellowship Church and started a street evangelism ministry as well as a prison ministry for inmates in Rikers Island and Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. They worked with New Life for Girls (Dover, PA) and operated a halfway house for women. Martin and Ethel traveled to Guatemala to study Spanish and to Colombia to support the ministry of a church in Medellin and spent a sabbatical in China mentoring and discipling young Chinese men and women.
Ethel is survived by five children: Karen J., wife of Byron Brenneman; Kenneth M.; Kristine L.; Kay L., wife of Bayron Olayo; and Keith B., husband of Tonya Gunter Bender; nine grandchildren: Julia Brenneman Tesfalidet, wife of Eb; Cheryl Brenneman; Vanessa Brenneman Kneebone, wife of Seth; Michael Olayo; Marcus Olayo; Craig Bender; Brett, husband of Madisan Greenberg Bender; Donovan Bender; Ariana Bender; five great-grandchildren: Marcus and Moriah Tesfalidet; Aiden, Asher, and Kya Kneebone; two brothers: Lynford, husband of Jeanie Kauffman Hershey; Robert, husband of Margy Lehigh Hershey; and three sisters: Janet Martin; Doris Lichty; and Velda, wife of Warren Peachey.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Martin; her parents; a sister, Jean Hershey; a brother, Kenneth, husband of Betty Jane Hershey; and a daughter-in-law, Lina Arango Bender.
Family and friends will remember Ethel for her quick wit and dry humor tempered by compassion and genuine love. She welcomed everyone with open arms, counseling, reassuring, advising, comforting, and sometimes giving a few home truths. She lived her life putting others before herself. She will be missed.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day......2 Timothy 4:7-8.
The funeral service will be held at Joy Fellowship Church, 66 E. Mt. Eden Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM. There will be a viewing preceding the service at 1:00 PM. A second viewing will be held at the former Kinzer Mennonite Church, 45 N. Kinzer Road, Kinzers, PA 17535 on Monday, February 10th at 11:30 AM. The burial will follow at Kinzer Mennonite Cemetery at 1:30 PM.
Beyeler, Jeanette Yvonne Miller
April 6, 1933 - March 18, 2025
Jeanette Yvonne Miller Beyeler was ushered into the arms of Jesus Tuesday, March 18,2025, at Lifecare Hospice. She was born April 6, 1933, in the friendly little town of Berlin, Ohio. She was the fifth and last child of Ervin and Eva Marie (Miller) Miller. Jeanette graduated from Berlin High school in 1951, where she was a cheerleader.
In 1950, her family moved to a farm on the outskirts of Smithville. Jeanette attended Goshen College and married Milton John Beyeler June 30, 1956. He was the fifth of 12 children, and Jeanette considered it a privilege to be part of the extended Beyeler family. She and Milton shared 65 wonderful years together, until he passed away in 2021. Together they raised 5 children.
Jeanette worked at various part time jobs during her lifetime, but her real passion was raising her children and contributing to farm life. While Milton milked cows, she took care of all the details, including taxes, prepping the farm for milk inspections, working in her flower beds and vegetable garden, and mowing the yard with a push mower well into her 80’s.
She was a lover of beauty and filled the house with music and flower bouquets throughout the seasons, from crab apple blossoms in spring, to bittersweet in the fall.
She never lost her awe of God’s creation and saw the beauty in every billowy cloud, gentle rain, sunset and moonrise over the old barn.
Jeanette adored her children and grandchildren and lived for their visits, when the big old farmhouse would be full of good food, laughter and competitive Rook games. Jeanette loved reading non-fiction, working through Sudokos, hunting mushrooms, tackling the daily Wordle, and was a great communicator, often writing notes and letters. Jeanette was also an admitted “news junkie.”
Her greatest devotion, though, she reserved for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As life got more difficult in her later years, she hung on to her favorite verse, Romans 15:13. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” She was a member of Oak Grove Mennonite Church.
As her legacy Jeanette leaves five children, Janel (Pete) Kaufman, of Fonda, Iowa, Jackie ( Bill) Buckwalter, of Wooster, Ohio, Scott Beyeler, of Wooster, Ohio, Jennifer Haughey, of Fishers, In, and Kelli (Petr) Janousek, of Wooster, Ohio. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Eva Miller, her husband, Milton Beyeler, three brothers, Elmo Miller, Jack Miller and Bob Miller, and one sister, Elsie Miller.
The family will honor Jeanette’s wishes for a private ceremony.
Bollinger, Esther M. Leininger
May 22, 1935 - February 2, 2025
Esther M. Bollinger, 89, of Reinholds, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at home.
She was born in Reinholds, daughter of the late Norman and Mae (Wenger) Leininger and was the wife of the late Ray B. Bollinger who passed away in 2023. They shared 58 years together.
Esther was a part of Heidelberg Brethren Church of Myerstown and was a faithful member of the former Cocalico Church of the Brethren where she served as a Deacons wife, Sunday School Teacher, chorister and church cleaner.
Esther was a homemaker, farmed alongside her husband and worked in a sewing factory. She enjoyed spending time with family and grand-children, sewing, tending her garden, preserving vegetables, baking bread, playing games, bird watching, and music.
She is survived by 4 children, Dale L. Bollinger, husband of Cheryl, Michael L. Bollinger, husband of Donna, Diane M. Eby, wife of Phil, and Nelson R. Bollinger, husband of Treva; 14 grand-children, 5 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Norman Leininger, Jr., Stanley Leininger and Glenn Leininger.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Paul, Richard, and Mark Leininger.
A viewing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 6-8 PM at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver. A private graveside service will be held at Kurtz Cemetery. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, at 11 AM, at Heidelberg Brethren Church, 162 Reistville Rd., Schaefferstown.
Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.
Bontrager, David F.
July 21, 1941 - March 11, 2025
David F. Bontrager, 83, of Goshen, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Waterford Crossing Health Care.
He was born July 21, 1941 in Middlebury to Manas J. and Lydia Ann (Miller) Bontrager.
On January 28, 1962 he married Mary Ellen Kropf at Griner Church. She died June 15, 2018.
Survivors include three sons, DeWayne (Annette) of Goshen, Kenneth (Heather) of Nappanee, and Linford (Wanda) of Goshen; a daughter, Frances (Mervin) Miller of Goshen; nine grandchildren, Michaela (Ty) Plett, Kylee, Emilee, Brock, Luke, Scot and Stuart Bontrager, Miranda (Jesse) Kinney and Sierra (Cameron) Smith; great-grandchildren, Shay Smith and Colton Kinney; a sister, Marjorie (Richard) Gingerich of Au Gres, Michigan; and sisters-in-law, Rosalie Bontrager and Fern Knepp.
Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Knepp and a brother, Wilbur Bontrager.
Mr. Bontrager was a life long area resident and farmer. He served his 1W service at the University of Michigan. He was a member at Mount Joy Conservative Mennonite Church and owner of Rolling Acres Farm. He was awarded the “Uncle Elmer” award, and the Indiana Farm Family of the Year honor. David served on the Elkhart Co. Purdue Extension Board, the Jefferson Township advisory Board, was a supervisor for the Soil and Water Conservation District, and was a delegate for Dairy Farmers of America.
Above all honoring God and supporting his family were his greatest goals. He was proud of his family, especially his grandchildren and two great grandsons.
Visitation will be Friday, March 14, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral service, at Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 120 N. 23rd Street, Goshen. Rev. Ben Shirk will officiate.
Burial will follow at Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Mount Joy Mennonite Church, mailing address: 63341 CR 33, Goshen, IN 46528 or World Missionary Press, P.O. Box 120, New Paris, IN 46553.
Bontrager, Katie F. Chupp
January 2, 1935 - February 24, 2025
Katie F. Bontrager, 90, of Shipshewana (district: 51), died at 2:02 am, on Monday, February 24, [2025] at her residence. She was born on January 2, 1935, in Nappanee, to Floyd J. and Mary Ann (Miller) Chupp. On April 25, 1957, in Nappanee, she married Perry Bontrager, Perry died February 17, 2019.
Surviving are three sons, Perry (Rosetta) Bontrager, Jr. of Shipshewana, Lavern (Linda) Bontrager of Shipshewana, Marvin (Ruth) Bontrager of Shipshewana; two daughters, Alta Mae (Larry) Borkholder of Goshen, Martha Ann (Robert) Bontrager of Millersburg; 26 grandchildren; 85 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Edna Chupp of Nappanee, Martha (Toby) Yoder of Goshen; sister-in-law, Ellen Chupp of Nappanee; brother-in-law, Melvin Stutzman of Etna Green; stepsister, Katherine (Eli) Weaver of OH; two stepbrothers, Leroy Miller of KY, David Miller of OH.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; granddaughter, Sue Ann Bontrager; six brothers, Elmer, John, Dan, William, Emery, and Lamar Chupp; two sisters, Anna Mae Stutzman and Elva Helmuth; stepmother, Sovilla Chupp.
Katie was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25, and all-day Wednesday, February 26, at the family residence, 10340 W. 250 N. Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Thursday, February 27, at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Ernie Troyer and the home ministers. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bontrager, Marilyn Kay Lehman
November 22, 1942 - January 27, 2025
Marilyn Kay Bontrager, 82, of Goshen, formerly of Middlebury, died at 3:13 pm, on Monday, January 27, [2025] at Majestic Care of Goshen. She was born on November 22, 1942, in LaGrange County, to John and Edna (Eash) Lehman. On March 26, 1966, in LaGrange, she married Menno Bontrager, he died October 23, 2018.
Surviving are sister, Ellen Lehman of Middlebury; six brothers, Merlyn (Grace) Lehman of Syracuse, Leland Lehman of Elkhart, Harley (Debbie) Lehman of Cedar Springs, MI, Olin (Katie) Lehman, Perry Lehman, Jerry Lehman all of Middlebury; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Lehman of Middlebury; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three sisters, Loranna Lehman, Leverna Lehman, Wilma Schrock; and a brother, Ora Lehman.
Marilyn was a homemaker and a member of First Mennonite Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing and hanging out with her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, January 31 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. Family and friends will gather at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 1 at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home to go in procession at 9:45 am to Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury for a 10:00 am graveside service. A Celebration of Life service will follow the burial at 11:00 am at First Mennonite Church, 203 E. Lawrence Street, Middlebury. Services will be conducted by Pastor Phil Yoder. Memorials may be given to First Mennonite Church.
Bontreger, Mary Alice Miller
September 23, 1931 - January 9, 2025
Mary Alice Bontreger, 93, of Noblesville, formerly of Shipshewana, passed away peacefully after an eight-year decline with dementia, at 12:36 am, on Thursday, January 9, [2025] at Heritage Woods of Noblesville. She was born on September 23, 1931, in LaGrange County, to Chris D. and Lizzie (Miller) Miller. On October 10, 1954, in Elkhart County she married Omer Bontreger, he died November 23, 2018.
Surviving are son, Dean (Lynnette) Bontreger of Carmel; daughter, Rosie (Greg) White of Asheville, NC; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Susie (Jay) Yoder of Versailles, MO, Emma (Dana) Kauffman of Caledonia, MI, and Betty (Loren) Kauffman of Hastings, MI; two brothers, Harley (Marlene) Miller of South Bend and Chris (Gloria) Miller of Goshen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Martha Hostetler, and two brothers, Vernon and Wil Miller. Mary
Alice was a homemaker who enjoyed quilting, sewing, baking, and cleaning. She enjoyed listening to inspirational music, playing her harmonica at family gatherings, and loving on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and her husband were former members of the New Life Fellowship Church in Topeka. Visitation will be from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon on Monday, January 13, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation beginning at 12:00 noon also at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by Pastor Ken Bontreger. Burial will be in Clinton Union Cemetery, Goshen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mary Alice’s memory to Menno Clinic India (https://mennoclinicindia.org/).
Borkholder, Larry J.
September 11, 1948 - January 27, 2025
Larry J. Borkholder, age 76, of Nappanee, died at 1:20a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025 at his residence. He was born in Bremen on September 11, 1948 to John and Sarah (Miller) Borkholder. On June 4, 1970, he married Etta Schmucker. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Survived by his children: David (Regina) Borkholder of Milford, Ruth (Glenn) Miller of Nappanee, Rose (Kenneth) Slabaugh of Nappanee, Devon Borkholder of Pierceton, and Jean (James) Miller of Nappanee; 19 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Eli (Clara) Borkholder, John Henry (Roseanna) Borkholder; sister, Irene (Eli) Lehman; and sister-in-laws, Elnora Borkholder, Sharon Schrock, and Edna Borkholder.
He was preceded in death by his wife on October 29, 2023; parents; brothers, Roman, Gilbert, Tobias, LeRoy, and Eddie Borkholder; sisters, Malinda Bontrager, Katie Yoder, and Ruby Yoder; brother-in-laws, Mahlon Bontrager, Levi Yoder, and Albert Yoder; sister-in-laws, Bertha Borkholder, and Mary Ellen Borkholder.
Visitation will be held after 2pm on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and after 10am on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 9:30am on Thursday, January 30, 2025. All services will be held at the Mark Borkholder residence (13920 N 1100 W., Nappanee). Burial will be at Weldy Cemetery, Nappanee. Home Ministries of the Old Order Amish will officiate. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home.
Bowman, Mary Catherine Garber
June 24, 1940 - February 6, 2025
Mary Catherine (Garber) Bowman, 84, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord & Savior on February 6, [2025] at Brethren Village.
She was born on June 24, 1940, in Neffsville, to the late Christ B. and Grace (Eby) Garber. She was married to the late Kenneth T. Bowman for 62 years, until the time of his passing on October 21, 2023.
She was the loving mother of Kaye Witmer (Kirk), Ephrata, PA and Kevin Bowman (Anna Ruth) of Lancaster, PA. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Grace and Nathan Witmer, as well as two brothers, Ben Garber (Kathryn) and Paul Garber, and a sister, Esther Wenger (John). In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Pauline Garber.
The family would like to thank Brethren Village & Hospice for their loving care of Mary Catherine during her illness.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at New Danville Mennonite Church, 103 Marticville Road, Lancaster, PA 17603 on Friday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. An open casket viewing will be held at the church on Thursday, February 13 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in the adjoining church cemetery. Please omit flowers.