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.
Sauder, Susie N. Leinbach
October 16, 1935 - February 17, 2025
Susie N. Sauder, 89, a resident of Lincoln Christian Home, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025.
She was the wife of the late Ivan M. Sauder who died in 2023. Born in Brecknock Twp., she was the daughter of the late Clement and Annie Newswanger Leinbach.
Susie was a homemaker and a member of the Churchtown Mennonite Church, Weaverland Confer-ence.
Surviving are three children, Marian L., wife of Raymond Zeiset of Elizabethville, Eugene L., husband of Elsa Sauder of Ephrata, and Susan L., wife of Eugene Stauffer of Owen, WI; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; six siblings, Emma Huber, Enos, husband of Katie Leinbach, Chris Leinbach, Fannie Horst, Anna, wife of Verle Payne, and Mabel, wife of Lloyd Martin; and a sister-in-law, Lydia Leinbach. She was preceded in death an infant daughter, Karen L. Sauder, a grand-son, and by siblings David Leinbach, Katie Shirk and Martha Oberholtzer.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 21, at 10:00 A.M. at the Churchtown Mennonite Church, 2207 Main St., Narvon, PA with Bishop Leon S. Zimmerman officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. A Viewing will be held on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Lincoln Christian Home, 1307 Apple St., Ephrata, PA. Arrangements by the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, PA.
Schlabach, Katie C.
September 18, 1934 - February 15, 2025
Katie C. Schlabach 90, of Berlin, passed away at the Pomerene Hospital on Saturday, February 15, 2025 following a short illness. She was born on September 18, 1934 to the late Crist O. and Mary Ann (Miller) Schlabach.
Katie was a faithful member of Bethel Fellowship for many years. She had a heart for others and was a woman of prayer. She enjoyed taking care of her garden and canning the food she grew. Her ready smile and kindness will be missed by her many nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her two sisters, Ella C. Schlabach of the home and Esther (late Vernon) Troyer of Millersburg; sister-in-law, Leona (late Henry) Schlabach of Sugarcreek; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert (Esther), Melvin, Roman, Aden, Henry and Norman; and a sister, Fannie.
Funeral services will be held at Bethel Fellowship, 4183 SR 39, Millersburg, on Wednesday, February 19, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Judson Schrock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at Bethel Fellowship from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Tuesday. A special thank you to the Bethel Church and especially to Katie's small group for all their love and support. Thank you also to Ohio's Hospice and the staff at Pomerene Hospital for their assistance.
Schoenhals, Liesel Guth
March 15, 1931 - January 9, 2025
Liesel Schoenhals, age 93 years, of Archbold, passed into her eternal home early Thursday morning, January 9, 2025 at Fairlawn Haven. Liesel was born on March 15, 1931 to Ernst and Susanne (Weis) Guth at Worschweilerhof in the Saar region of Germany, where she grew up on a large farm.
In the midst of World War II, Liesel chose to trust Jesus, and was baptized September 1943. Following the war, she enjoyed going to Mennonite youth meetings and retreats in southern Germany where she met her future husband, Heini Schoenhals. They were married on December 30, 1953 and celebrated 62 years of marriage before he passed on March 11, 2016. Heini and Liesel followed the Lord’s leading and moved to Archbold in 1954. They were members at Central Mennonite Church, where she was active as a Bible school teacher, and involved in the Mennonite Women’s sewing. In addition, Liesel and Heini served in migrant ministry and at the Maumee Youth Center. Faith in Jesus was the most important part of Liesel’s life and she faithfully prayed for her family, friends, and church family, and reminded us of God’s faithfulness. The promise of Liesel’s favorite Scripture verse, Psalm 32:8, held true through her entire life; "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
In addition to helping operate the family farm, Liesel had a love for gardening, and raised many vegetables and flowers around the farm. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and inviting people into her home to enjoy a meal and fellowship. Many of us enjoyed that hospitality.
Liesel was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings Herbert Guth and Christel Nolling, and great-grandson Andre Showalter. She is survived by daughter Ruth (Hannah) Schoenhals in Sherwood, OR, sons Walter (Joy) Schoenhals in Archbold, Gerald (Christine) Schoenhals in Dayton, VA, and Mark (Sarah) Schoenhals in Thailand, along with 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, January 16, at 11 AM at the Central Mennonite Church with Pastor Ron Kauffman officiating. Interment will precede at 9:45 AM in the Pettisville Cemetery. Friends may call at Short Funeral Home from 5-7 PM on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Central Mennonite Church, Eastern Mennonite Missions Impact Fund, or to the donor’s charity of choice.
Schrock, Joe L.
May 13, 1952 - January 3, 2025
Joe L. Schrock, 72, of Shipshewana, (district: 51-2), died at 10:15 am on Friday, January 3, [2025] at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born on May 13, 1952, in Elkhart, to Levi and Ida Mae (Wingard) Schrock. On May 14, 1975, in Nappanee, he married Martha Helmuth, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are five sons, Brian (Edith) Schrock of Shipshewana, John Schrock of Ft. Wayne, DeWayne (Loranna) Schrock, Christie (Marla) Schrock, Karl (Retha) Schrock all of Shipshewana; two daughters, Vonda Schrock (special friend, Ken Herman) of Niles, MI, Kara (Aaron) Raber of Middlebury; 18 grandchildren; step-mother, Emma Schrock of Shipshewana; two brothers, Vernon (Mary) Schrock of Mason, MI, Wilbur (Sue) Schrock of Goshen; four sisters, Mary Miller, Anna Mae (Ray) Bontrager, Nora (Amos) Bontrager, Wilma Sue Schrock all of Shipshewana.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Samuel, Levi Jr., and Elmer Schrock; a brother-in-law, Mervin Miller.
Joe worked in the RV factory and enjoyed fishing. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 4 and all-day Sunday, January 5 at the Cletus Lehman residence, 10290 W. 300 N., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Monday, January 6 at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Lavern A. Yoder and the home ministers. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Sensenig, Daniel M.
December 15, 1960 - February 5, 2025
Daniel M. Sensenig, 64, of Ephrata, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Born in New Holland, he was the son of the late Ivan Z. and Hettie Martin Sensenig.
Daniel had been self-employed in woodworking and was a member of the Martindale Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.
Surviving are four brothers, Reuben husband of Elsie (Hurst) Sensenig of Brushton, NY, Eli husband of Martha (Nolt) Sensenig of Owen, WI, Earl husband of Amy (Zimmerman) Sensenig of Ephrata, and Elvin husband of Susan (Martin) Sensenig of Ephrata; seven sisters, Alta wife of Marlin Martin, Penn Yan, NY, Mary wife of Titus Martin of New Holland, Anna wife of Ivan Stauffer of New Holland, Mabel wife of Martin Hoover of Curtiss, WI, Esther wife of the late Aaron Newswanger of Curtiss, WI, Elsie wife of Stephen Brubacher of Purdin, MO, Arlene wife of Eugene Hoover of Stevens, PA; a sister-in-law, Mary (Burkholder) Sensenig wife of the late Allen Sensenig of Dundee, NY, and a brother-in-law, Reuben Wenger husband of the late Susanna (Sensenig) Wenger of Dundee, NY.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Allen Sensenig and a sister Susanna Wenger.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 11, at 9:30 A.M. at the Martindale Mennonite Church, 905 Martindale Road, Ephrata, PA with Bishop Leon Zimmerman officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. Viewings will be held at the home of Elvin Sensenig, 1003 Sensenig Road, Ephrata, PA on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Arrangements by the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, PA
Sensenig, Edna Mae Martin Horning
December 21, 1935 - January 16, 2025
Edna Mae Sensenig, 89, of Stevens, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Terre Hill to the late Noah M. and Annie (Musser) Martin and was the wife of the late Clayton Horning and the late Lyman Sensenig.
She was a member of Springville Mennonite Church, Ephrata. Edna was a homemaker.
Edna is survived by a daughter, Alma M. Horning of Stevens; two sons, Curvin M., husband of Rose A. Horning of Ephrata, Glen M., husband of Elaine H. Horning of Reinholds; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grand-children; three step-sons, Marvin, husband of Vera Martin, Arnold, husband of Jane Martin, Jay Clair, husband of Susan Shirk; two step-daughters, June Marie, wife of Melvin Martin, Darlene, wife of Kevin Wise; thirty step-grandchildren; numerous step-great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Eugene Martin, Raymond Martin, Mervin Martin, Carl Martin, Clarence Martin, Arlene Weaver and Marian Martin.
In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Rutt.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM, at Midway Mennonite Reception Center, 210 E. Lexington Rd., Lititz. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at 9 AM, from the Midway Reception Center, with further services at 9:30 AM, at Lime Rock Mennonite Church, 99 Penn Valley Road, Lititz, with Bishop Quinton Wenger officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Sensenig, Edna Z. Martin
March 27, 1937 - March 15, 2025
Edna Z. Sensenig, 87 of Myerstown, passed away on Saturday March 15 2025 at Lincoln Mennonite Home. She was the wife of the late Barton B. Sensenig with whom she was married 62 Years. She was born in Lancaster County on March 27 1937 Daughter of the late Ezra S. and Anna M. Martin. Edna was a member of Mt Zion Mennonite Church of the Weaverland Conference.
Surviving are Her children Irvin Sensenig Of Myerstown, Ellen wife of Mark Hoover of Memphis MO, Barton M Husband of Pauline Weaver Sensenig of Myerstown, Carl Husband of Julia Wenger Sensenig of Bernville, Lamar Husband of Wilma Wenger Sensenig of Pine Grove, (Ada Mae Deceased) Late wife of Charles Wise of Reinholds, Edna Fay wife of the late Galen Weaver of Ephrata, 32 Grandchildren; 48 Great Grandchildren. Surviving 1 Brother Willis Husband of Alta K Martin Of Lebanon , Sister Alta Z and Husband Alvin K Musser of Memphis Mo, Sister In-law Anna Martin, of Lebanon and Sister in-law Ella Sensenig of Ephrata Pa.
She was Preceded in death by Brothers, Lester Z Martin, Ezra Z Martin, James Martin, Hersey Martin, Sisters, Ruth Z Brubaker, Anna Mary Burkholder, Eva Brubaker, Nora Z Martin.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday March 20 2025 at 9.30 am in Mt Zion Mennonite Church , 213 Deep Run Road Myerstown PA 17067 , Interment will be made in the adjoining church cemetery. Viewing Wednesday march 19 2025 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Fairview Mennonite Reception Center, 141 Jackson Road, Lebanon PA 17042 PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS, Clauser Funeral Home Inc is handling arrangements.
Sensenig, Erla Faye Good
May 17, 1935 - January 14, 2025
Erla Faye (Good) Sensenig, 89, formerly of New Holland, PA, passed away on January 14, 2025, at Richland Christian Home. Erla was born in East Earl, PA to the late Eli T. and Mary (Kurtz) Good and was married to the late David W. Sensenig for 40 years.
She was a homemaker and a member of Pequea Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference).
Erla is survived by 5 sons: Craig (Denise), Luther, David (Marilyn), Nolan (Donna), Jeremiah (Mandy) and 5 daughters: Karen (Carl) Nolt, Dawn (Nevin) Horst, Carla (Melvin) Nolt, Darla (Larry) Martin, Violet (Glen) Litzenberger, 32 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, and a sister-in-law Edna (Lamar) Good.
In addition to her parents, Erla was preceded in death by a daughter Cynthia (8 years old), sisters: Bernice (Ivan) Wenger, Erma (Edwin) Hoover, a brother Lamar Good, daughter-in-law Sandra (Nolan) Sensenig, and a great-grandson Clayton Sensenig.
The family would like to thank the staff at Richland Christian Home for the care they provided.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Martindale Fellowship Center, 352 Martindale Rd., Ephrata from 5 - 8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, beginning at 10 AM at Pequea Mennonite Church, 4121 Red Well Rd., Gordonville.
Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements at handled by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.
Sensenig, Shirley M.
February 9, 1937 - Janary 17, 2025
Shirley M. Sensenig, 87, of Ephrata, and resident of Fairmount Homes, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025. Born in Brecknock Twp., Shirley was a daughter of the late Oliver H. & Mary W. (Zimmerman) Sensenig.
Shirley grew up in Red Run. She worked for the former Dutchmaid as a trimmer from 1953 to 2002 and for the former Skips clothing factory for a few years. She enjoyed caring for her yard, gardening, and cooking for large family gatherings, especially for Christmas. She always baked from scratch; her sour cream cookies were a family favorite. She was a lifetime member of the Hahnstown United Zion Church in Hahnstown. Shirley also loved to sing hymns. She lived with her brother, Melvin, for many years where they lovingly cared for one anothers needs. Shirley was quiet mannered, kind, thoughtful, independent, and loved her family deeply.
Shirley is survived by a sister, Minerva Z. Martin of Stevens, five nieces and nephews, Bruce Sensenig, husband of Denise (Kalbach); Dale Martin, husband of Sue (Zimmerman); Deborah (Sensenig) Youndt wife of Richard, Vincent Sensenig, husband of Crystale (Hersh), and Donna (Martin) Hahn, wife of Chris; and many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Raymond Z. Sensenig, Melvin Z. Sensenig, and Leroy Z. Sensenig.
A viewing will be held on Sat., Jan. 25th from 10 to 11 a.m. at Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 34 N. Reamstown Rd., Reamstown (Stevens) and the funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Hahnstown United Zion Cemetery.
Shaum, Jason LeRoy
July 9, 1936 - February 17, 2025
Columbiana- Jason LeRoy Shaum, 88, peacefully passed away on Monday morning, February 17, 2025, at his home in Columbiana, OH. He was born on July 9, 1936, to the late Harvey and Susannah Shaum.
In his youth he accepted the Lord as his Savior and was a member of the Pleasant View Mennonite Church.
On November 17, 1960 he was united in marriage to Lillian B. Weaver who survives him along with seven children, Wilmer (Marie) Shaum, Eileen Shaum; and Jesse Shaum all of Columbiana, OH, Glenn (Greta) Shaum and Carl (Yvonne) Shaum all of Halsey OR, Nancy Shaum of Columbiana, OH and Rachel (Craig) Neuenschwander of Queen City, MO; 22 grandchildren; 43 living great grandchildren; five brothers, Virgil (Sally), Elvin (Mary), Melvin (Dorothy), Kenneth (Arlene), and Raymond (Faye); a sister, Esther May Shaum; a brother-in-law, Martin Bender; and a sister-in-law, Naomi Shaum.
He was preceded in death by a great grandson, Doran Good; a brother, Nelson; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Edith and Myron Heatwole and Kathryn Bender.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Salem Mennonite Church, 40725 Lodge Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431. The family will again receive friends one hour prior to the service that will be held on Friday, at 10:00 am, at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church, 3990 Renkenberger Rd, Columbiana, OH 44408. Burial will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery, Columbiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Family and friends may view this obituary.
Shirk, Paul G., Sr.
July 19, 1940 - February 6, 2025
Paul G. Shirk Sr., 84, New Paris, died Thursday, February 6, 2025, at his home. He was born July 19, 1940, in Blue Ball, Pennsylvania, to Amos & Annie (Garman) Shirk. On February 16, 1961, he married Lydia (Weaver) Shirk and she died March 16, 2017. Then on August 4, 2018, he married Berdine (Martin) Ramer Shirk.
Surviving are his wife, Berdine, New Paris, 2 children, Paul W. (Rosene) Shirk, Goshen, Larry W. (Esther Mae) Shirk, Goshen, 7 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 4 step-children, Stephen (Shirleen) Ramer, Rodney (Sharon) Ramer, Mark (Jolinda) Ramer & Cheryl (Luke) Stoltzfus, 22 step-grandchildren, 8 step-great-grandchildren, siblings, Amos Shirk, Mary (Levi) Newswanger, Martha Shirk, John (Verna) Shirk, Joseph (Emma) Shirk, Anna (Mervin) Hoover and sisters-in-law, Alta Shirk & Magdalena Shirk.
Preceding him in death are his parents, wife, Lydia Shirk, 3 sons, Eugene, Nelson & Raymond Shirk, and siblings, Levi Shirk, Phares Shirk & Lena Shirk.
Paul operated a milk hauling business. Driving and being in his truck was his joy. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Paul was a member of the Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2025, and Monday, February 10, 2025, all at the Yellow Creek Reception Center (YCRC), 64784 CR 11, Goshen, Indiana 46526. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church. Home ministry will officiate and burial will follow at Yellow Creek Wisler Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to Christian Aid Ministries, P.O. Box 360, Berlin, Ohio 44610
Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, is handling arrangements.
Slabaugh, Lloyd Ray
December 9, 1952 - February 7, 2025
Lloyd Ray Slabaugh, age 72 of Goshen, Indiana, died at 10:50 pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Florida. Lloyd was born on December 9, 1952, in Bremen, Indiana, to Harvey J. and Treva F. (Schmucker) Slabaugh. On December 9, 1975, Lloyd married Martha Shetler in Camp 9, Paraguay, South America.
Lloyd enjoyed his work as a taxi driver for local Amish families. He attended the fellowship of believers at The Church in Goshen. Lloyd enjoyed playing the guitar and listening to gospel music. He will be remembered as a generous man who was quick to help others. Lloyd also treasured spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Slabaugh of Nappanee; 4 children: Marlene Slabaugh of Redding, California, Loren (Kelly) Slabaugh of Middlebury, Indiana, Lavon (Beth) Slabaugh of Nappanee, Indiana, and Lynford (Rachel) Slabaugh of Warsaw, Indiana; 9 grandchildren: Kailua, Katelyn, Israel, and Elliot Slabaugh and Liya, Gabrian, Malachi, Jude, and Cora Slabaugh; 4 siblings: Bob (Irene) Slabaugh of Lott, Texas, Joann (Herb) Lehman of Nappanee, Indiana, Laura Jean (Jake) Helmuth of Sarasota, Florida, and Sharon (Eldon) Christner of Elkhart, Indiana; and a sister-in-law, Rita Slabaugh of Nappanee, Indiana.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Linda and Mary Slabaugh, who died at birth; and a brother, Harlan Slabaugh.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, as well as 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Berea Christian Fellowship, Nappanee, Indiana. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at Berea Christian Fellowship, with Pastor James Yoder of Berea Christian Fellowship and Pastor Phillip Helmuth of Sarasota Mennonite Church officiating. Burial will take place in the Berea Christian Fellowship cemetery, Nappanee, Indiana. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, Indiana.
Slabaugh, Willard "Willie"
November 13, 1937 - February 6, 2025
Willard “Willie” Slabaugh, age 87 of Nappanee, IN, died at 10:05 pm on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Greenleaf Health Campus, Elkhart, IN. Willie was born on November 13, 1937 in Nappanee to Neal and Fanny (Hochstetler) Slabaugh.
Growing up Willie attended the Strycker School and the Culp School before graduating from the first class of Bethany Christian High School in 1955. Willie went on to serve his Voluntary Service at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, OR where he met his future wife, Joy Evashenko. On April 22, 1962, Willie and Joy were married in Eugene, OR. Together they moved back to Indiana in 1962 and started their family.
Willie worked for 35 years at the Wakarusa Farm Center. He had also worked at the Cheese Haus in Middlebury and Raber Patio in Shipshewana. Willie and Joy were long-time members of Nappanee North Main Street Mennonite Church. Willie served the church in many capacities; he was a Sunday School teacher and former trustee serving on various committees including the finance committee.
Willie was an avid sports fan; he especially enjoyed cheering on the Chicago White Sox, Bears, and Bulls along with the Indianapolis Colts. He was a lifetime NorthWood Panther fan, and he especially enjoyed supporting all of his grandkids in their activities. He enjoyed antiquing and was a member of the Michiana Toy Club. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and wintering in Sarasota, FL. Above all else, Willie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He especially loved his grandchildren.
Willie is survived by his 4 children, Bradley Scott (Sherry Grant) Slabaugh of Elkhart, IN Pamela Kay (Rob) Slagle of Wakarusa, IN, Philip Neil (Jessica Norris) Slabaugh of Argos, IN and Melissa Joy (John) Tener of Nappanee; 13 grandchildren, Katelyn Slabaugh, Nicholas Slabaugh, Tyler (Ashley) Slagle, Emily (Brayden) Troxel, Amber (Eric) Paluzzi, Austin (Alexis) Slabaugh, Nate Norris, Sarah Norris, Chad Ervin, Brianna Ervin, Distin (Monica) Tener, Dalton (Laura) Tener, Dillan Tener; 12 great-grandchildren and 4 siblings: Judy Hochstetler of Nappanee, Shirley (Frank) Shoop of Mansfield, OH, Linda Slabaugh of Elkhart, and Jerry Slabaugh of Nappanee.
Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Joy Slabaugh on March 10, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings: Levi Slabaugh, Rosemary Maust, Vernon “Bud” Slabaugh, Kathryn Letterman, and Paul Slabaugh.
Visitation will be held from 1-5 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025 and from 10-11 am on Monday, February 10, 2025 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. A funeral service will begin at 11 am Monday at the funeral home and burial will follow in Union Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Willie’s name can be given to World Missionary Press or Traditions Hospice.
Smoker, Kenneth L.
August 7, 1949 - February 1, 2025
Kenneth L. Smoker, age 75, of Atglen, passed away at Newport Meadows of Christiana on Saturday, February 1, 2025. He was the husband of Joyce Nissley Smoker with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 22nd.
He was born in Lancaster, son of the late Omer S. & Dorcas Kauffman Smoker. Ken graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School, Class of 1968. He was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church of Atglen, where he was active in the mens prayer group. Ken worked for Walter Dunlap at the former Lancaster Stockyards and also at New Holland Sales Stables before he became self-employed as a livestock broker for sheep and goats. Ken enjoyed watching the Phillies, going to the mountains, reading, and most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Surviving besides his wife are 3 children: Stephanie, wife of Michael Yoder of Hilliard, OH, Kevin Smoker of Denver, CO, Yvonne, wife of Samuel Rivera, Jr. of Berryville, VA, 7 grandchildren, and 2 brothers: Marlin, husband of Judy Siegrist Smoker of Strasburg, and Allen, husband of Susan Stoltzfus Smoker of Palm Coast, FL.
A celebration of life service will take place at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 549 Swan Road, Atglen, PA, 19310 on Friday, February 7 at 10 AM, with a time to greet the family from 9 AM until time of service. There will also be a viewing at the church on Thursday evening from 6-8 PM. There will be no viewing on Friday. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maple Grove Benevolence Fund and mailed to the church or to CYWA, 423 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320 where Ken and Joyce volunteered.
Smucker, Donna Louise Gerber
March 15, 1931 - February 16, 2025
Donna Louise Smucker was born in Sugarcreek, OH, on March 15, 1931, and passed away at noon on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Donna was the daughter of Clayton and Sophia Gerber of Walnut Creek, OH, and married John Robert Smucker on July 21, 1956 at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church.
Donna is survived by two sisters, Nancy (Dick) Graber of Salem, MO, and Margaret (Brian) Stoltzfus of Goshen, IN. Donna and John were parents to four children, Elisabeth (Michael) Grieser of Goshen, IN; John David (Beth) Smucker of Goshen, IN; Emily (Lorin) Beidler of Lancaster, PA; and Steve (Judy) Smucker of Huntsville, TX. They enjoyed their ten grandchildren, including Nathan (Kate) Grieser; Sarah Grieser; Hannah (Caleb) Hochstetler (deceased); Berkeley Beidler, Matthew (Ming Woo) Smucker; Tristan Smucker, Anna Smucker, Willa Beidler, Sophia Smucker, and Andrew Smucker, as well as two great-granddaughters, Ivy and Juniper Grieser.
Donna, an elementary education graduate of Goshen College, was a teacher all of her life and enjoyed teaching children in Sunday school well into her eighties. In the classroom, the church, at home with four children, or interacting with her grandchildren and great-granddaughters, she enjoyed nurturing, encouraging, and supporting everyone in her many circles of family and friends. She loved reading, quilting, hosting many guests for meals, and sending cards and letters to keep up with family and church friends' birthdays and milestones. Being a pastor's wife, Donna made hospitality look easy and was known to bake two pies every Saturday for the inevitable Sunday company. She lived in many different communities, including East Greenville, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; Goshen, IN; Sturgis, MI; Harleysville, PA; Berlin, OH; and Manson, IA; finally settling back in Goshen in 1988. Her family will miss her spunk, her infectious laugh, and her creative way of engaging telemarketers.
Visitation will take place on Friday, February 28, at East Goshen Mennonite Church from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Burial will take place at Prairie Cemetery on Saturday, March 1, at 9:30 am, followed by a Memorial service at East Goshen Mennonite Church at 11:00 am. East Goshen will live-stream the service via zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3798171524?pwd=eWpFZUR6bDBFOG1zUXROclhERzRmZz09.
Memorial contributions can be sent to Amigo Centre; https://www.amigocentre.org/ or Mennonite Central Committee; https://mcc.org/.