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
T to V
Thomas, Kenneth D.
March 18, 1947 - February 14, 2025
Kenneth D. Thomas, 77, of Goshen passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at his home.
He was born March 18, 1947 in Goshen to Raymond J. and Betty Lou (Miller) Thomas.
On December 30, 1971 he married Elaine Miller.
She survives along with three children, Kelly Thomas, Kyle (Lori) Thomas and Kami Thomas, all of Goshen; grandchildren, Victoria, Perry and Lance; a sister, Ginny (Keith) King of Goshen; and a brother, Keith (Brenda Powers) Thomas of Middlebury.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Thomas.
Ken was a long-time member of North Goshen Mennonite Church. He worked in the local RV manufacturing industry and enjoyed being active in his younger years, playing baseball and basketball. Following a stroke in 1991 he continued to enjoy watching sports.
Visitation will be Friday, February 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.
An 11 a.m. memorial service will be held Saturday, February 22 at North Goshen Mennonite Church, 501 N. 8th Street, Goshen. Pastor Izaete Nafziger will officiate. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
A private burial at Clinton Union Cemetery will precede the memorial service.
Memorial gifts may be directed to North Goshen Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 505, Goshen, IN 46527.
Thomas, Paul E.
September 22, 1931 - March 11, 2025
Paul E. Thomas, 93, of Kidron, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Barberton Citizens Hospital, hospice unit.
Paul was born September 22, 1931, in Soap Hollow, PA to Elmer and Elda (Livingston) Thomas. He married Irene Miller on June 13, 1959. Irene preceded him in death on March 5, 2004.
Paul was a member of Millersburg Mennonite Church and after a move to Kidron attended Kidron Mennonite Church. Paul taught science at Hiland Middle School, having previously also taught at Orrville and Eastern Mennonite School in Virginia. He also worked in the lab at Pomerene Hospital. After retirement Paul stayed busy for many years volunteering at Pomerene Rehab, Save & Serve and MCC Connections.
Surviving are four children, Ron (Melissa) of Louisville, KY, Missy (Tim) Short of Wadsworth, John (Susan) of Tallahassee, FL, Sally Krabill of Elkhart, IN; grandchildren, Zach Thomas, Isaac (Lauren) Thomas, Faenyx, Phil and Kate Krabill, Marianne and Rose Short.
Three brothers and three sisters died previously: Kermit, Coevel, Maynard, Nada Geiser, Velma Geiser, Mary Thomas.
The family thanks Bethany Bryant, Paul’s “guardian angel” home health aide.
Graveside services will be held at 9:30 am Saturday, March 15th at Martins Creek Church Cemetery with Keith and Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach officiating. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am Saturday at Martins Creek Mennonite Church. Friends may call Friday, March 14th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Millersburg Mennonite Church.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500.
Arrangements are being handled by Alexander Funeral Home in Millersburg. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.
Troyer, Ada Marie Miller
October 16, 1968 - June 4, 2025
Ada Marie Troyer 56, of Apple Creek, OH passed away at her residence surrounded by her family on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 after a very courageous one-year battle with cancer. She was born on October 16, 1968 to Roy A. and Elva (Troyer) Miller. On September 12, 1989 she married Lester E. Troyer who survives. Ada was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
In addition to her mother Elva and her husband Lester she is survived by her children, Nathan Troyer of the home, Marty (Joanna) Troyer of the home, Marlene (Jonas Jr.) Nisley of the home, Matthew (Laura) Troyer of Berlin, Hannah (Michael) Miller of Millersburg, Karen (Joseph) Miller of Warsaw, Neva (fiancé Merlin) of Wilmot and Alex John of the home; 12 grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Paul (Edna) Miller of Apple Creek, Lena (Andrew) Troyer of Conneautville, PA, Joseph (Iva) Miller of Fredericksburg, Ida (John) Hershberger of Lyndonville, NY; and parents-in-law, Eli C. and Priscilla Troyer of Jonesville, KY.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Myron and grandson, Marty Lee Troyer.
Funeral services will be held at the home, 727 S. Swinehart Road, Apple Creek, on Saturday, June 7, at 9:00 AM with Bishop Eli A. Troyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Erb Cemetery located on the family property. Friends may call at the home after 2 PM on Thursday and any time on Friday.
A special thank you to our friends, neighbors and the church for all your love and support. Thank you also to Ohio’s Hospice for your assistance.
Miller Funeral Care of Walnut Creek
Troyer, Danny D.
October 3, 1960 - May 11, 2025
Danny D. Troyer, 64, of Shipshewana, (district: 42-2), died at 7:07 am on Sunday, May 11, [2025] at his residence. He was born on October 3, 1960, in LaGrange, to David C. and Anna Mae (Yoder) Troyer. On May 2, 1984, in Topeka, he married Ruby Wingard, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are four children, Mike (Corrina) Troyer of Millersburg, Jodi (Ivan) Helmuth of Shipshewana, Davy Troyer of LaGrange, Mark (Lynette) Troyer of Middlebury; 11 precious grandchildren; three brothers, Harley (Pat) Troyer of Fort Lupton, CO, David (Linda) Troyer of Topeka, Ray (Betty) Troyer of Middlebury; four sisters, Marietta Bontrager of Ligonier, Sara Mae Yoder of Hicksville, OH, Carolyn (Edward) Yoder of Garnett, KS, Vera Detweiler of Middlefield, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mervin Troyer; three brothers-in-law, Rueben Bontrager, Noah Yoder, Mervin Detweiler.
Danny was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was the owner/operator of The Canvas Shop for eleven years. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and playing his guitar.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Monday, May 12 and all-day Tuesday, May 13 at the Devon Chupp residence, 950 N. Taylor Drive, Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Wednesday, May 14 also at the residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Harley Jr. Lambright and the home ministers. Burial will be in East Barren Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Troyer, Dean Edward
January 24, 1942 - October 5, 2025
Dean Edward Troyer, 83, of Wooster passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on January 24, 1942, in Walnut Creek to Lee and Lola Mast Troyer. On June 3, 1960, he married Jo Ann Hite. She preceded him death.
Dean was a long-time minister in the Wooster area and missionary in Botswana. He loved studying God’s word.
He is survived by his children Jeff (Cheryl) Troyer of Millersburg, Beth Weaver of Wooster, and Eddie Troyer of Wooster; grandchildren Sheena Roth, Danielle Knapp, Jasmine Summers, Tamra Muller, and Amy Hale; 3 step grandchildren Emery Weaver, Ray Weaver III, and David Weaver; many great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Jo Ann, and his parents; siblings Shirley Brown and Ruth Craig.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster with Rev. Doug Oaks officiating. Interment to follow the service at Wooster Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Habitat for Humanity 2700 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Troyer, Fannie M.
November 13, 1946 - July 19, 2025
Fannie M. Troyer, 78, of 10459 Harrison Road, Apple Creek, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025 following a period of declining health.
At the time of her death she was residing with the Dan J. Miller family at 4790 Township Road 629, Millersburg.
She was born in Wayne County on November 13, 1946 to the late Menno R. and Mattie (Weaver) Troyer.
She taught school for many years and was a partnership of Maysville Fabrics. She was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Abe (Emma) Troyer of Fredericksburg, Amanda (David) Miller of the home, and Dan (Anna) Troyer of Millersburg; sister-in-law, Amanda (late Jacob) Troyer of Gallipolis; 34 nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by step-mother, Iva Troyer, and a brother Jacob M. Troyer and a sister, Lizzie.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 9:30 am at the former Maysville Fabric Store with Bishop Eddie P. Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Yoder Cemetery. Friends may call anytime after 2:00 pm on Sunday and anytime on Monday at the former Maysville Fabric Store. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the Dan J. Miller family, Ohio's Hospice LifeCare and the neighbors for all of the help that was given.
Troyer, Iva M. Hochstetler
August 13, 1931 - May 8, 2025
Iva M. Troyer, 93, of 2679 S. Kansas Road, Apple Creek, died on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at her residence following a short illness.
She was born in Holmes County on August 13, 1931 to the late Martin J. and Elizabeth (Keim) Hochstetler and on February 9, 1954 she married Eli A. Troyer who preceded her in death on June 9, 2010.
She was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
She is survived by children, Dan (Emma) Troyer, Jonas Troyer, Aaron (Nettie) Troyer of the home, Reuben (Mattie) Troyer, Crist (Mary) Troyer all of Apple Creek, Ammon (Miriam) Troyer of Millersburg, Martin (Sarah) Troyer, Abe (Mary) Troyer of Orrville, Elizabeth (Andy) Hershberger, John (Alma) Troyer, Sam (Katie) Troyer of Fredericksburg, and Aden (Iva) Troyer of Navarre; 73 grandchildren; 238 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Drussila (Abe) Weaver of Moore, MT.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a grandchild; a grandchild by marriage; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jonas, Mose, Abe, Jacob, Aden, and Martin Jr.; sisters, Edna, Mary Ann, Betty, and Anna.
Calling hours will be anytime after 2:00 pm on Friday and anytime on Saturday at the family residence. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 9:30 am at the family residence with Bishop Henry C. Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Troyer Cemetery. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
Troyer, Janice M. Shetler
January 8, 1963 - October 8, 2025
Janice M. (Shetler) Troyer, 62, of Fredericksburg, OH, was born to Malva and Fannie Shetler on January 8, 1963. She peacefully passed away on October 8, 2025 following a stroke.
She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.
She married Thomas Troyer on March 28, 1982.
She will be greatly missed by her husband, Thomas; sons: Jason & Marida, Brent & Angela, Shawn, Jared & Jennilyn. 9 grandchildren. Siblings Mary & Mark Troyer, Fredericksburg, OH; Paul & Cheryl Shetler, Wooster, OH; Roy & Starla Shetler, Dalton, OH; Henry & Floretta Shetler, Clarksdale, MS; John & Debbie Shetler, Fredericksburg, OH; Sarah & Bruce Dyck, Wooster, OH; James & Mary Shetler, Hardinsburg, IN; sister in law Tina & Delton Ensz, Newbern, AL.
Tom’s siblings: Betty Troyer (Ben), Canton, OH; Mark & Mary Troyer, Fredericksburg, OH; Lloyd Troyer, North Canton, OH; Rachel & Fred Penner, Meaford, ON; Luke & Lena, Dalton, OH; Edith & Tim Buck, Fountain Run, KY; Kathryn & Kevin Dirks, Albuquerque, NM; Ruth & Martin Schmidt, Butler, MO; Leslie Koehn (Karen), Alliance, OH.
She was preceded in death by her parents and parents in law; two brothers: Mark and Galen; brother in law, Ben Troyer and sister in law, Karen Koehn.
Funeral services are at Rock of Ages Church, 4451 S. Kansas Rd., Apple Creek, OH 44606 on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10:30 am. Calling hours are on Monday, October 13, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the church
Troyer, June Evelyn Larimer
June 18, 1936 - February 2, 2025
June Evelyn Troyer, 88, of Millersburg passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Sodalis Oak Assisted Living, San Antonio, Texas.
She was born June 18, 1936 in Elkhart County, daughter of Chester Larimer and Mary (Leer) Larimer.
On June 30, 1957 she married Mervin Ezra Troyer at Rock Run Church, Goshen. He died September 15, 2021.
Surviving are three sons, Patrick S. (Denise) Troyer of San Antonio, Texas, Kevin M. Troyer of Thornton, Colorado, Derek R. Troyer of Denver, Colorado, 2 grandchildren, two sisters, Grace Huber of Millersburg, and Joellen (Alan) Sands of Goshen, and a brother, Glen W. (Laverle) Larimer of Millersburg.
June worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Columbine High School in Denver and as a Clerk in a print shop in New Jersey.
June was avid follower of Genealogy and traced her ancestry back several generations. She also enjoyed many different crafts and travelling to see all the states.
June was a long-time member of Rock Run Church of the Brethren.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, where a 10 a.m. funeral service will be conducted Friday, February 14.
Burial will follow at Rock Run Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rock Run Church of the Brethren.
Troyer, Milton Kay
July 23, 1938 - September 28, 2025
Milton Kay Troyer, age 87 of Kidron, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on September 28, 2025 after a period of declining health.
He was born in Wellman, Iowa on July 23, 1938 to Charles and Mildred Troyer and was the youngest of four sons. He married Ann J. Sommer of Kidron on August 22, 1959. She survives.
Milt attended Kinross School in Kinross, Iowa through his junior year and then graduated from Goshen High School in Goshen, Indiana in 1956. He obtained a bachelor's degree in American history from Goshen College and a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. Later, he completed his certification in education administration at Akron University.
In 1963 he began his teaching career at Wooster High School. Soon after, Milton and Ann moved to Dodoma, Tanzania for three years, where he taught at a boys’ secondary school. Upon return to Ohio, he spent the remainder of his educational career with Dalton Local Schools, teaching history at Dalton Intermediate, serving as principal at both Dalton Elementary and Dalton Intermediate, and coaching intermediate level football and basketball. Milt also spent time working with the family feed mill business.
Milt enjoyed serving as church elder, Sunday school teacher, and participating in various church committees, in addition to singing in the church choir. Most recently he was a member at Salem Mennonite Church in Kidron.
Milt was involved with the community both locally and globally. He and Ann served at Semilla Anabaptist Seminary in Guatemala City, Hopi Mission School in northern Arizona, Lezhe Academic Center in Albania, and the Washington D.C. International Guest House. They were host parents to several international students through The College of Wooster. Milt and Ann also operated a bed and breakfast, Troyer Haus, out of their home for more than a decade.
Milt had a lot of hobbies: photography, woodworking and refinishing, Cleveland sports, birding, traveling, growing tomatoes, and attending the various events of his grandchildren. He also had a recreational aviation license.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, C.J. Troyer of South Carolina; his two children: Karen (Larry) Wald of Dalton, and Matt (Lisa) Troyer of Goshen; his six grandchildren: Hannah (Brock) Lundeen, Josh (Paige) Troyer, Leah Wald, Dylan (Tani) Troyer, Gretchen (Cody) Huth, and Brock (Sydnie) Troyer, and his five great grandchildren: Athena & Atlee Lundeen, Miley Troyer, Ella Huth, and Zoe Troyer.
He was preceded in death by both parents and his brothers, Carl and Ray.
Private family burial will take place on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Open visitation will then be held from 1:30 to 2:30pm at Salem Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall in Kidron.
Troyer, Monroe L.
January 14, 1941 - May 9, 2025
Monroe L. Troyer 84, of Dundee, OH went home to be with the Lord on Friday May 9, 2025 after a lengthy period of declining health. He was born on January 14, 1941 to the late Levi A.C. and Fannie (Miller) Troyer. On September 9, 1965 he married Katie Miller who survives. Monroe was a lifelong watch and clock maker and owned and operated the Swiss Village Time Shop, in Sugarcreek for 25 years. He was a member of Gideons International for many years and enjoyed presenting the Gideons ministry in churches and handing out New Testaments to fifth graders. He loved his family and enjoyed when the children and grandchildren visited.
He loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of Gospel Light Chapel in Trail, OH.
In addition to his wife Katie, he is survived by his children. Leah (Kenny) Kline of Pickens, SC, Hannah (David) Peachey of Belleville, PA, Michael (Twila) Troyer of Dundee, Delilah Troyer of Wilmot, Sheila (Gary) Raber of Dundee, Sharon Troyer of Westminster, SC, Matthias (Nicole) Troyer of Walhalla SC; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren;
Brothers and sisters, Noah (Mary) Troyer of Millersburg, Levi Jr (Elsie) of Barrs Mills, Rueben (Linda) of Millersburg, Edna (Atlee) Schlabach of Dundee, Fannie (Nelson) Weaver of Dundee, Raymond (Dorthea) of Goshen, IN, and Ada (Nelson) Miller of Millersburg; brothers-in-law; Henry (late Mary) Miller of Millersburg and John (Edna) Yoder of Apple Creek.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Katie (Jake) Graber, Abe (Mary) Troyer, Emmanual (Katie Ann) Troyer, Mary Miller, Clara Yoder, and Adrian Troyer, brother-in-law Aden Wengerd, sister-in-law, Esther Troyer; and grandson Shawn Matthias Peachey.
Friends may call at Gospel Light Chapel 2761 County Road 168, Dundee, OH. on Saturday May 10th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM and Sunday May 11th from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 Pm.
Funeral services will be held at Gospel Light Chapel on Monday May 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM with Bishop Sanford Yoder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Miller Funeral Care of Walnut Creek - 330-893-CARE
Troyer, Nicolas J. "Nick"
February 8, 1988 - January 8, 2025
Nicolas J. “Nick” Troyer, 36, of Dover, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Cleveland Clinic surrounded by his loving family, following an unforeseen illness.
Nick was born on February 8, 1988 in Mansfield, OH to David D. and Anna M. Troyer. He married the love of his life, Beth Castor on February 8, 2024, and she survives.
He graduated from Central Christian High School in 2006 and continued his studies at Eastern Mennonite University and completed his schooling at Keene State College, NH.
Nick had a passion for geology and history throughout his life. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors and could be found camping, skiing/ snowboarding, mushroom hunting, or perfecting his “gourmet grilling.” Nick enjoyed all kinds of music, whether he was singing karaoke, playing the guitar, or just listening to his favorite bands. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could always put a smile on your face. Most of all he loved spending precious time with his wife.
In addition to his wife and parents, he will be deeply missed by his bothers, Derrick (wife Manuella Nogueira) Troyer, and Cody (wife Taylor Wenger) Troyer; sister, Kaitlyn (husband Solomon Brenneman) Troyer; his nieces and nephews, Lucas & Siena Troyer, and Wesley Troyer all of Harrisonburg, VA; his paternal grandparents, Levi and Lillis Troyer of Sarasota, FL, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, many special friends; and his beloved dog, Roxy.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Esther Troyer.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 11 from 3:00-5:00 and 6:00-8:00pm at Berlin Mennonite Church, 4718 US 62, Berlin, OH. Funeral Services will be held 2:00pm Sunday, Jan 12, also at the church, with Pastors Jeff Hochstetler and Travis Troyer officiating. Private family burial will be held, at a later date.
Schlabach Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Troyer, Rachel Irene Lambright
March 23, 1935 - October 10, 2025
Goshen, IN - Rachel Irene (Lambright) Troyer, 90, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025.
Rachel is survived by her son Jeffrey (Sherri) Troyer of Westfield, IN, and daughter Jolene (William) Bilinski of South Bend, IN; four grandchildren Jenna (Jared) Mrozinske, South Bend, Shane Bilinski, Atlanta, GA, Michael Troyer, Chicago, IL, and Ellen Troyer, Boston, MA; and two great-grandchildren, Jett and Jack Mrozinske.
Along with her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Lee Edward Troyer; her grandson, Nathan William Bilinski; her four sisters, Lois (LaVerne) Hooley, Ruth (Paul) Miller, Doris (Ivan) Birky, and Evelyn (Donald) Hostetler, all of LaGrange County; and her sister-in-law, Margaret Borns of Kansas.
Rachel was born March 23, 1935, in LaGrange County, to Evan and Clara (Speicher) Lambright. She was baptized into the Mennonite faith and was a long-time active member of North Goshen Mennonite Church in Goshen, IN. She attended Scott Elementary School and Scott High School in Shipshewana, IN. She continued her education at Goshen College, where she met her husband, Lee. Rachel worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in their homebuilding business.
Rachel and Lee loved traveling. They visited all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Some of her favorite places were Alaska, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland. But none of them could compare to their Florida home in Siesta Key, where they spent every winter for over 40 years.
Rachel was very talented, but also very humble. In fact, if you complimented her, you would get a blushing grin, an “Oh, you,†and a wave of her hand in response.
She was a master chef (according to her family and friends), planning and cooking every holiday meal from scratch — never a store-bought gravy in the Troyer house. Rachel loved entertaining. She would throw special birthday parties for friends and church members when they turned 90. She also had an eye for design — her tablescapes for holidays and parties resembled those you’d find in Better Homes & Gardens. She wanted every guest who came to her house to feel special.
She was also quite the seamstress, designing and creating her daughter’s wedding dress, costumes for her grandchildren, and blankets, to name a few. She was also a brilliant quilter, with over 40 quilts produced, and some would take over a year to make. Rachel would donate her quilts to fundraisers. One of her more sought-after designs was her quilt with the state bird from each state — it was absolutely stunning.
Rachel was also very active in her community. She helped establish The Window, was a board member, and volunteered for many years, delivering for the Meals on Wheels program. She was also an active member of the Elkhart County Builders Association Women’s Auxiliary.
Rachel started a Red Hat Society Club of North Goshen and greatly enjoyed meeting with the women in her group and hosting gatherings at her house — sporting the big, red hats and signature purple, of course.
A memorial service will take place at Yoder Culp Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 18. Visitation will begin at 9:30 followed by the memorial service at 11. Lunch will be served at North Goshen Mennonite Church.
Memorials in Rachel’s name can be made to The Window, Goshen IN., or North Goshen Mennonite Church.
Troyer, Rose M. Stoltz
June 1, 1934 - January 8, 2025
Rose M. Troyer, age 90, of Ligonier, left this life on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Albion, Indiana to begin her eternal journey with her heavenly Father. She was born on June 1, 1934, the youngest of four to John and Freda (Nelson) Stoltz in Ligonier, Indiana. She lived most of her life in Noble County.
Rose was an active member of Topeka Mennonite Church where she sang in the choir, attended Bible study groups and sat on several boards. She was a member of the Ladies Aid Group that would get together and sew quilts for the Mennonite relief sale in Goshen. Rose worked at Plastimatics in Albion, D&J Tool in Albion and most recently the Albion Bowling Alley. She enjoyed reading, taking care of the yard and being with family and friends. No matter what was going on, Rose was the kind of person that always put others first.
Rose is survived by her sons, Ryan (Shawn) Troyer of Albion, Ron Troyer of Topeka; grandchildren, Rachel (Erik) Stangland of Brownstown, IN, Heath (Jessica) Troyer of Leo, IN, Rebecca (Spencer) Clements of Topeka, IN, Tanner (Liz Helms) Troyer of Bloomington, IN; great-grandchildren, Caroline Troyer, Elijah Troyer and Teddy Clements. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Ross Stoltz, Tom Stoltz; sister, Nancy (Robert) Sutton and daughter-in- law, Sallie Troyer.
A service will be held in Rose’s honor at 2 pm on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, Indiana 46767. A gathering of family and friends will take place 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Pastor Harold Gingerich will officiate. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Topeka, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be directed to Donor’s Choice.
VanPelt, Willard J.
May 27, 1935 - February 12, 2025
Willard J. VanPelt, 89, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Born on May 27, 1935, in Columbiana, Ohio, he lived a life marked by craftsmanship, service, and devotion to family and faith.
Will graduated from North Lima High School in Ohio before embarking on a career as a self-employed building contractor. Skilled in both carpentry and masonry, he built numerous homes and fireplaces through-out his career. One of his most ambitious projects was the construction of a stone castle in Ohio--a testament to his creativity and dedication to his craft. Beyond his professional work, Will generously shared his expertise with his children, assisting them with renovations and projects on their properties.
Service was an integral part of Wills life. He spent two years in Germany rebuilding homes after World War II through the Mennonite Central Committee PAX program. His commitment to helping others extended to Guatemala City following an earthquake and numerous Mennonite Disaster Service projects across the United States. For many years, he also volunteered with a congregation in Youngs-town, Ohio, assisting with building and maintenance projects.
A man of quiet wit and deep thought-fulness, Will found joy in simple pleasures. He had a lifelong love of basketball that began during his high school years and continued as he avidly followed college and professional games. Fishing vacations with family in Ontario were cherished moments of relaxation and connection. Along-side Charlene, his wife, he traveled extensively throughout the continental United States, Alaska, and Europe.
Faith played a central role in Wills life. He was a longtime member of Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana, Ohio. After moving to Pennsylvania in 2016, he regularly attended James Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster.
Will is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlene (King) VanPelt; daughter Deborah VanPelt; sons Todd VanPelt and Rick VanPelt (Marie); grand-daughters Teniqua (Matt), Tanee (Rob), Aisha (Michael), Hannah, Rachel, and Sarah; great-grandchildren Phoenix, Brooklyn, Boston, Vivian, and Victoria; his sisters Alice Helmuth and Mary Good, in laws MaryAnn VanPelt, Marilyn VanPelt, Lana VanPelt, Judy and Wendell Selzer and Dan and Lynette King as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ida VanPelt and siblings Arthur, Perry, Elsie, Jake, and Albert.
A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, at James Street Mennonite Church, 323 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service and a light lunch will follow. A second memorial gathering will be held on April 6, 2025, at Midway Mennonite Church, 13376 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Columbiana, OH 44408 at 3:00 PM. Visitation and sharing will follow, along with a light supper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Will to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 S 12th St., Akron, PA 17501 or Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd., Lititz, PA 17543. Online remembrances and condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.
Willard J. VanPelts legacy of crafts-manship, generosity, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew him.
VanZee, Henry James
November 29, 1949 - April 11, 2025
Henry James VanZee, 75, of Stevens, passed away at home on April 11, 2025.
Born in Kalamazoo, MI, he was the son of the late Carl E. and Rena (Doorlag) VanZee.
He was the husband of Rachel M. (Martin) VanZee, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage.
He was a member of Bowmansville Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference). He was a farmer, drilled wells in Haiti for three years, worked for Martin Electric Plants of Ephrata for thirty years, and had most recently worked for Red Run Lumber.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel, children, both at home, Joanna VanZee and William VanZee along with friend Sherri Hoover of Stevens, PA, siblings Richard husband of Margaret VanZee, Jerry husband of Tammy VanZee, and Jo Orange, all of Russellville, KY.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, John VanZee, sister-in-law Linda VanZee, and brother-in-law Charles Orange.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Bowmanville Mennonite Church, 980 Oaklyn Drive, Narvon PA 17555 with Bishop Leon Zimmerman officiating. Burial in the adjoining church cemetery. Viewings will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center, 352 Martindale Road, Ephrata PA 17522 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Kindly omit flowers.
C. Stanley Eckenroth Home for Funerals is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.