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
H2
Hoover, Clarence M.
June 5, 1943 - February 20, 2025
Clarence M. Hoover, 81, of New Holland, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at WellSpan York Hospital.
He was born in Ephrata, son of the late Menno Weaver and Lizzie Nolt (Martin) Hoover and was the husband of Elsie Lauver (Horst) Hoover with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, Clarence is survived by 6 children, Grace Ann, wife of James Zimmerman of Annville, Marilyn, wife of Marvin Zimmerman of Ephrata, Joyce, wife of Mark Wise of Seneca Falls, NY, LeRoy, husband of Lisa Hoover of Womelsdorf, Sharon, wife of Clair Horning of Stratford, WI, Lamar, husband of Joanne Hoover of Stratford, WI; 54 grandchildren, and 88 great-grand-children.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, a brother, Raymond Hoover, and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Hoover.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM in the Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center, 32 Martindale Road, Ephrata, PA 17522. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM at the Groffdale Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference), 90 Groffdale Church Road, Leola, PA 17540 with Bishop Curvin Zimmerman officiating. Burial will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements entrusted to Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Hoover, Esther W.
January 7, 1928 - January 15, 2025
Esther W. Hoover, 97, of Denver, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Cocalico Christian Home. She was born in Ephrata, the daughter of the late Edwin Z. and Ella O. (Weaver) Hoover.
Esther was a member of Springville Mennonite Church, Ephrata. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a nurse for the Ephrata Community Hospital for many years.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 10 siblings, Menno W. Hoover, Eli W. Hoover, Phares W. Hoover, Anna W. Hoover, Aaron W. Hoover, Emma W. Hoover, Esther W. Hoover, Mary W. Stauffer, Edwin W. Hoover, and Norman W. Hoover.
A viewing will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM at the Lincoln Christian Home, 1307 Apple St., Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 21st, 10 AM, at the Springville Mennonite Church, 580 Springville Road, Ephrata. Burial will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.
Hoover, Jonas M.
March 10, 1940 - March 5, 2025
Jonas M. Hoover, 84, of New Holland, passed away on March 5, 2025 in his residence. Born in New Holland, he was the son of the late David and Elizabeth (Martin) Hoover. He was the husband of Anna F. (Martin) Hoover.
He was a member of Reidenbach Mennonite Church and was a farmer.
Jonas is survived by his wife Anna, four sons, Paul married to Susan Hoover of Ephrata, Ivan married to Louise Hoover of Leitchfield, KY, Melvin married to Regina Hoover of Leitchfield, KY, Jonas, Jr. married to Ruth Hoover of New Holland, six daughters, Verna wife of Jerry Martin of New Holland, Nancy wife of Mark Hoover of Leitchfield, KY, Edna wife of Harvey Hoover of Leitchfield, KY, Lucy wife of Phares Martin of New Holland, Marie wife of Nevin Martin of Leitchfield, KY and Edith wife of Benjamin Starr of Leitchfield, KY, sixty-three grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, brothers, Rufus Hoover of New Holland and David husband of Anna Hoover of New Holland, sister, Lydia Martin of Denver, sister-in-law, Alma Hoover of Hopkinsville, KY, and brother-in-law, Aaron Martin of Denver.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son Lloyd M. Hoover, brothers, Benjamin husband of Mary Hoover and Henry husband of Lydia Hoover, sisters, Martha wife of Phares Martin, Anna wife of Paul Martin and Lizzie Martin, sister-in-law, Sarah Hoover and brother-in-law, Rufus Martin.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Reidenbach Mennonite Church, 125 Martin Road, New Holland, PA 17557 with Bishop Mark H. Martin. A Viewing will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the late home, 494 Reidenbach Road, New Holland, PA 17557. Burial in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Horst, Justus Clement
December 13, 1945 - March 7, 2025
Justus Clement Horst, 79, a resident of Rockingham, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 at UVA Medical Center.
Mr. Horst was born on December 13, 1945 in Rockingham County and was a son of the late Mahlon Clement and Artie Lavina Knicely Horst. He was a woodworker, farmer and was a member of the Old Order Mennonite Church.
On March 18, 1971, he married Joanna Virginia Wenger Horst who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Ray Horst and wife Laura, Steven Horst and wife Annette all of Rockingham; siblings, Orpha Horst, Myron Horst and wife Elva, David Horst and wife Ellen all of Rockingham; and grandsons, Ronald Horst, Marlin Horst, Glendon Horst, Michael Horst, Aaron Horst, Jeremy Horst, Loren Horst, Kevin Horst; and granddaughters, Margaret Horst, Rachel Horst, Karen Horst, Regina Horst, and Amanda Horst.
Ministers of the Church will conduct a funeral service on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Ridgeview Mennonite Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Friends may call at the Horst home at 4882 Sky Road, Rockingham on Sunday March 9, 2025 and Monday, March 10, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Horst, Mabel Marie Witmer
May 31, 1935 - March 6, 2025
Mabel Marie (Witmer) Horst, 89, Dalton, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, March 6, [2025]. She was surrounded by loved ones, most importantly, her husband of 71 years.
Shortly after graduation from Dalton High School, Mabel married Vern K. Horst. She held a number of jobs during her working career including telephone operator, waitress, secretary, and manager/bookkeeper in the home office of her husband’s excavating business. However, family was her greatest joy and accomplishment. Mabel enjoyed planning and serving meals to family and friends and was know for the BEST, most flaky pie crust ever! Upon retirement, Mabel enjoyed volunteering at MCC Connections and the Mennonite Women (sewing circle).
Mabel was especially known for her loyal and kind heart. She taught us the values of trusting God and caring for each other. Her husband, family, and friends were blessed by her enduring commitment. It has been said that she encourages us to love without exception, unconditionally.
Mabel is survived by her husband, Vern, sons Dale (Dawn) Horst and Brent (Tracy) Horst; daughters Beverly (Steve) Steiner and LuAnn (Randy) Graber, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Margaret (Witmer) Wenger and brother Melvin Witmer.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents Owen and Iola Witmer, two infant brothers, and her grandson Paul Steiner.
A private burial service will be held on March 15, at Smithville Mennonite Church. On her 90th birthday, May 31, a celebration of life is planned.
Charitable donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Hospice of Wooster.
The family wishes to thank Hospice caregivers for their loving support in the last days of Mabel’s life.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is handling the arrangements.
Horst, Mervin Jay
September 12, 1941 - January 12, 2025
Mervin Jay Horst, age 83, of Dalton, died Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, following a period of declining health.
Mervin was born on September 12, 1941, to the late Ray and Rhoda (Burkhart) Horst and graduated from Dalton High School in 1959. He married Ardella R. Champ on September 10, 1965, in Petersburg, WV. Ardella died on October 17, 2002.
He worked his family farm and hauled milk for many years. He later worked at Mt. Eaton Elevator for 15 years, and after retiring, he drove for several Amish families in the area.
Mervin was a member of Chester Mennonite Church and he enjoyed visiting and talking with relatives and about relations.
Surviving are two sons, Clair (Yommala) Horst of Orrville and Merl Horst of Dalton; two siblings, Willis (June) Horst and Emma Kauffman; and a brother-in-law, Raul (Anna) Tadeo of Dalton.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Karl Jay Horst; siblings, Leonard Horst and Vanita Tadeo; sister-in-law, Eva Jane Horst; and brother-in-law, Paul Kauffman.
Friends may call on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at County Line Mennonite Church, 19199 Church Road, Dalton, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, at County Line Mennonite Church. Burial will take place at the County Line Church Cemetery.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is handling the arrangements.
Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
Hostetler, Doris E. Nickler
December 16, 1931 - February 26, 2025
Doris E. Hostetler, 93, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025. Doris was born on December 16, 1931, to the late Loyal and Zelma Nickler. She was united in marriage to the late Keith H. Hostetler on February 25, 1951, and they shared over 66 years of love and devotion.
Doris is survived by her three sons: Larry D. (Faith Neher) Hostetler of Goshen, Brad A. (Karla) Hostetler of Nineveh, and Brian S. (Kelly) Hostetler of Westfield. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Bradley (Stephanie) Hostetler of Franklin, Courtnee Cox of Indianapolis, Megan (Michael) Johnson of Granger, Matthew (Chloe) Hostetler of Noblesville, Cameron (Danielle – deceased) Hostetler of South Bend, Kennedy Hostetler of Carmel, Zachary (Briana) Palmer of Malaysia, and Mitchell Sanders of Los Angeles, along with eight great-grandchildren: Madyson, Mackenzie, Marissa, Willow, Fawn, Brooke, Malcom, and Naomi. Doris was also looking forward to welcoming a new great-grandchild expected in April.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur Nickler and Harold "Nick" Nickler, as well as her sisters, Betty Nickler and Naomi Nickler, and sister-in-law Barbara Nickler
Doris was a proud 1950 graduate of Elkhart High School. Together with her mother, she co-owned Nickler's Lettering Shop. She was an active and loyal member of Creekside Church of the Brethren, where she found a community of friends and support. Doris was a fixture at many Elkhart Memorial High School sporting events, where she and her husband Keith could often be found cheering on their sons or supporting the school. She was also one of the founding members of the Elkhart Memorial High School Adult Booster Club.
Doris was passionate about supporting local events and was a regular participant at the Home and Family Art Building at the Elkhart County Fair. During the summer, she loved spending time at the fair with her grandchildren, sharing in the joy of family activities and making lasting memories.
Visitation for Doris will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Creekside Church of the Brethren, 60455 Country Road 113, Elkhart, IN, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00 PM. Pastor Rosanna McFadden will officiate. Burial to follow at Violett Cemetery, 2818 Violett Road, Goshen, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Creekside Church of the Brethren.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 East Jackson Street, Elkhart, IN. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wmzfh.com.
Doris will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Hostetter, Maria Kay Lehman
March 5, 1964 - January 12, 2025
Maria Kay Lehman Hostetter, 60, a resident of Harrisonburg, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at WVU Berkley Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Mrs. Hostetter was born on March 5, 1964 in Kankakee, IL and was a daughter of Mark Neff Lehman of Harrisonburg and the late Pauline Peachey Lehman.
Maria was the last of four siblings raised in Pembroke, Il where her parents pastored Rehoboth Mennonite church in a rural majority African American community. She then attended Bethany Christian High School in Goshen, IN where she graduated in 1982. She went on to attend Eastern Mennonite College where she studied Nursing, went on a half year Euro-term and played at least one year of softball. She graduated in 1986 with her BSN and was co-president of her graduating class. She passed her boards that summer and started working that fall for Dr. Michael Marsh and they later joined with Dr. Ron Schubert in Dayton.
Maria then moved to working more than 30 years at Rockingham Memorial Hospital– then Sentara RMH. She worked in the newborn nursery, emergency department (twice), critical care, dialysis, cath lab – along with both rehab departments. By far her favorite job was developing the Heart Check program for counseling people with preventative measures and proper screening to manage cardiovascular issues. She was instrumental in catching severe heart disease in a number of people who were able to have interventions which saved the lives of the patients.
She met her husband Steve at EMC where they had dated for 2 years and got married after her graduation on October 18th of 1986. They raised their two beautiful daughters Jessica and Malia in Broadway and then back in Harrisonburg where they built their present home. Maria so loved her girls, son-in-laws and 7 grandchildren, making them a priority to serve and care for. Her favorite travel destination was Germany to visit her sister Christine and husband Antione along with their 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
Maria had a deep commitment and faith in the Lord Jesus, serving him constantly and sharing her faith and convictions, often stocking bibles in the hospital and church foyer for anyone to take. She had an uncanny gift of discernment and determined to only seek and live out biblical truth at all times. Maria and Steve have been members of 4 incredible churches through the years -Grace Covenant, Cornerstone, Harrisonburg Mennonite and New Beginnings. They served part of a year in Bari, Italy when the girls were young, helping with developing a small church in the city. Maria found such joy the last nearly 4 years by she and Steve leading a very large “small group” at New Beginnings, making forever friends.
Maria loved her landscaping endeavors, flower beds, sewing and quilting retreats, and supper club. She was a rabid pickle ball player making so many friends who grieve deeply at losing her as a gentle yet fierce competitor. There is already a local tournament in the works for this summer created in honor of her. She loved the Shenandoah Valley with all the hiking, biking, canoeing and many walks that she and Steve enjoyed together. She valued her family and friends above all else and was generous with her time, money and possessions. She will be greatly missed by her Maltipoo, Hobbes, who continues to wait by the door expecting his mommy to come home any minute. She is so greatly missed by all who knew her.
On October 18, 1986, she married Steven Eugene Hostetter who survives.
Also surviving are her children, Jessica Arey and husband Andrew of Bridgewater, Malia Cobb and husband Brandon of Hackensack, New Jersey; siblings, Michael Lehman and wife Karen Call of Washington, Utah, Christine van den Assem and husband Antoine of Edelsfeld, Germany, David Lehman and wife Lavonne of Harrisonburg; and grandchildren, Titus Cobb, Sarai Cobb, Seneca Cobb, Julius Cobb, Layne Arey, Beau Arey, Anna Arey; and many amazing nieces and nephew in the USA and Germany. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Alice Hostetter and in-laws, Marie and Ken Showalter.
In addition to her mother, Mrs. Hostetter was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Sharon Lehman.
Pastors Scott Schneiderman of New Beginnings Church and Craig Maven of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church will conduct a memorial service on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at New Beginnings Church. Burial will be held privately.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at New Beginnings Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her “Grandchildren’s Christian Education Fund” at Park View Federal Credit Union, 1675 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802. Park View Federal Credit Union members may call 540-434-6444 or visit the bank to contribute.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Hurst, Dolores M. Rutt
October 24, 1955 - February 19, 2025
Dolores M. Hurst, 69, of Lititz, passed away, at home, after several months with Hodgkins Lymphoma, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. She was born in Ephrata to the late Paul N. and Emma E. (Martin) Rutt and was the wife of Kenneth S. Hurst. They were married on March 6, 1976.
She was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference). She was a homemaker.
In addition to her husband, Dolores is survived by four daughters, Crystal Hurst, at home, Katrina, wife of Carl Hurst of Robesonia, Kirsten, wife of Michael Wise of Loysville, Colleen, wife of John Hoover of Morgantown; twenty-two grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Jane, wife of David Seibel of Lititz, Mildred, wife of David Zimmerman of Lebanon, Mabel, wife of Raymond Martin of Lititz and a brother-in-law, Lloyd, husband of Ada Sensenig of Annville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Minerva Sensenig.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at Farm Crest Chapel, Fairmount Homes, 1100 Farm Crest Drive, Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM, at Groffdale Mennonite Church, 90 Groffdale Church Road, Leola, with Bishop Curvin Zimmerman officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Intelligencer Journal - 2/21/2025
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish