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
W
Weaver, Aaron S.
July 6, 1934 - January 18, 2025
Aaron S. Weaver, 90, passed away on Saturday January 18, 2025 in the Lincoln Christian Home, Ephrata. He was the husband of Martha O. Martin Weaver, Ephrata and the late A. Joyce Weaver who passed away in August 2015. He was born in Weaverland East Earl Township on July 6, 1934 a son of the late Enos H. and Fannie E. Snyder Weaver.
He was a farmer and was a member of Mt. Zion Mennonite Church of the Weaverland Conference where he served as a minister and was ordained on June 19, 1979.
In addition to his wife he is survived by children: Darryl and wife Alta Weaver, Jonestown; Jay and wife Miriam Weaver, Myerstown; Ray and wife Susan Weaver, Lebanon; Dean and wife Brenda Weaver, Halifax; Dale and wife Connie Weaver, Shenandoah; James and wife Joyce Weaver, Lebanon; Joy wife of Matthew Martin, Lititz; step-sons: Leon and wife Thelma Martin, Cayuga, NY; Marlin and wife Wilma Martin, Myerstown; step-daughters: Loretta wife of Ira Martin, Waterloo, NY; Elva wife of Lester Zimmerman, Newmanstown; Verna wife of Irvin Ringler, Robesonia; Susan wife of Lamar Zimmerman, Pine Grove; Martha wife of Leon Ray Zimmerman, Myerstown; 39 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; 57 step-grandchildren; numerous step great-grandchildren; sister: Esther wife of Sam Horst; sister-in-law: Thelma wife of Harry Good.
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Rosalyn Joy Hoover, sisters: Lizzie Wenger, Mary Hoover, Nora Horst, Anna Nolt, Mabel Horning, Etta Horning and brothers: Joseph and Raymond as well as a step-daughter: Grace the wife of Leonard Brubaker who is married to Martha Ann.
Viewing will be Wednesday January 22 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM in the Fairview Reception Center 141 Jackson Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042. Funeral will be Thursday at 9:30 AM in the Mt. Zion Mennonite Church, Deep Run Rd., Myerstown, PA 17067.
Please omit flowers. The Clauser Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Weaver, Daniel G.
December 16, 1955 - January 29, 2025
Daniel G. Weaver, 69, of Lititz, passed away at the Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Born in Ephrata, he was the son of the late Rufus and Ella Mae (Good) Weaver and the husband of Debra (Weaver) Weaver. He was a faithful member of Valley View Mennonite Church, Stevens.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Rosalie of Free Union, VA, Amy and Lisa, both at home; two stepsons, Jason Torkelson, husband of Jennier (Martin) of Mine Centre, Ontario, David Torkelson, husband of Kathryn (Krahn) of Barwick, Ontario; 11 step grandchildren; a brother, David G. (Edith) Weaver of Womelsdorf; three sisters, Mildred and Miriam, of Ephrata, Martha, wife of Melvin Nolt of East Earl and a sister-in-law, Edith (Eberly) Weaver of Myerstown.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Rose (Martin) (Torkelson) Weaver; two brothers, Richard, James; two sisters, Susie Mae Weaver and Ruth Ann Groff.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, at Valley View Mennonite Church, 194 Gockley Road, Stevens. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 10 AM, at White Oak Mennonite Church, 2456 Newport Road, Manheim. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Weaver, Elvin W.
April 6, 1952 - March 6, 2025
Elvin W. Weaver, 72, of East Earl, PA, passed away on March 6, 2025, at Reading Hospital. Elvin was born in Ephrata, PA, to his late parents, Aaron S. and Mabel G. (Wanner) Weaver. He was married to Linda A. (Zimmerman) Weaver, who resides at home.
Elvin was a member of Bowmansville Mennonite Church (Lancaster Conference). He owned and operated Conestoga Masonry for many years and then took an interest in natural therapy with the plain communities. Later in life he worked for Raytec Manu-facturing.
In addition to his wife at home, Elvin is survived by his children; Tina wife of Neal Weiler, of Denver, PA, Marlene wife of Keith Burkholder, of Ephrata, PA, Michelle wife of Curtis Martin, of Phelps, NY, Karen wife of Matthew Hurst, of Ephrata, PA, Carolyn Weaver, of Reading, PA and Joyce Franco, of Lancaster, PA, 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Ivan husband of the late Anna Martin, Raymond husband of Janet Martin, Irene wife of Kenneth Groff, Melvin husband of Erma Groff, Irwin husband of Lois Burkholder, Sadie wife of the late Earl Sensenig, Mabel wife of Leon Martin, Paul husband of Reba Martin, and Linda Brubaker.
In addition to his parents, Elvin was predeceased by his siblings, Lydia wife of the late Paul Shirk, Lloyd husband of Esther Nolt, Laura wife of the late Leory Nolt, Vera Weaver and Aaron Weaver husband of Elizabeth Nolt.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Bowmansville Mennonite Church, 129 Pleasant Valley Road, East Earl, PA. Pastor Tony Witmer will officiate. Viewings will be held at the church on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral in the adjoining church cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to C. Stanley Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.
Weaver, Mae Weber
August 30, 1940 - February 2, 2025
Mae Weaver, born August 30, 1940, peacefully passed away on February 2, 2025 at the age of 84. Born in Terre Hill, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Sensenig) Weber.
Mae always ended her correspondence with the phrase, Shine On! which exemplified her love for life and bold spirit. She loved her family, caring for flowers, her faith, and singing hymns. She was an early adopter of jogging, yoga, and health food. She loved sunflowers, converting part of their front yard into a sunflower garden.
After her children were older, Mae returned to school to earn her nursing degree and worked for several years as a nurse at Reading Hospital. She also volunteered at 10,000 Villages.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Z. Weaver. Though she stopped jogging, Mae continued to enjoy long walks with John.
In addition to her husband, Mae is survived by his children, Wanda of New Holland, Carolyn of Mohnton, Aaron and wife Shamoya of Dallas, and Steve and wife Riza of Chicago, grandchildren Crystal, Matthew, David, Jacob, Nathan, John, Gabriela and Preston, great-grandchildren Colin, Christian, Joshua, Alex, and Sloan, great-great-grandchildren Isadora and Charlie.
She is also survived by sisters Margaret Gockley, Mohnton; Midred and husband Herbert Horning of Reinholds; Bernice Valvarde of Normal, IL; Linda and husband Larry Snader of Rockingham, VA; and brother John and wife Janet Weber of Lititz and sister-in-law Lucy Weber Eby.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Floyd, Glenn and Leon.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA 17557 with Chaplain Karyn Nancarvis officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee https://mcc.org/donate or to Bridge of Hope https://lancaster.bridgeofhopeinc.org/donate-now/
Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Weaver, Phyllis Irene Klingelsmith
October 13, 1927 - February 1, 2025
Phyllis Irene (Klingelsmith) Weaver, died on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 97 at Center for Hospice Care's Esther's House in Elkhart.
Phyllis was born October 13, 1927, in Seward, NE to the late Grover E. and Clara (Mury) Klingelsmith. Phyllis was the fourth of five children born to her farming parents. As a young child, her family moved from Seward, NE to Brethren, MI, which is where Phyllis grew up. She graduated from Dickson High School in 1946.
On April 8, 1950, Phyllis married Donald Ray Weaver in Elkhart. Phyllis and Donald celebrated almost 64 years of marriage before Donald's death on February 11, 2014.
Surviving are two children, Jeri (Tom) Wagler of Bristol and Sue (Roger) Baker of Nappanee; eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren: Adrienne (William) Fredericks/Cole and Miles of Longmont, Co, Jesse (Butterfly) Wagler/Tommy and Willy of Santa Clarita, CA, Jami (Ryan Morgan) Smucker-Morgan/Abe and Etta of Columbus, OH, Bradley (Suzy) Smucker/Olive, Violet and Grayson of Plain City, OH, Heidi (John) Sebestyen/Ruthie and Silas of Plain City, OH, Andrea (Apu) Paul/Ravi and Danen of Suwanee, GA, Evan (Sara) Atkinson/Graham and Fisher of Elkhart, IN and Ben Baker of Jacksonville, FL. Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Robert (Ruth) Wilson of Brethren, MI and a sister-in-law, Dorothy (Richard) Weaver of Englewood, CO. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and siblings Dean (Ruth) Klingelsmith, Bernice (John) Harnish, Mildred Klingelsmith and Gerald (Betty) Klingelsmith, a daughter, Charlene (Weaver) Smucker and an infant grandson, Carl Edward Smucker.
Following high school graduation, Phyllis worked as a secretary and typist at Dickson High School and at a Brethren, MI doctor's office. After marriage and a move to Elkhart, Phyllis was a housewife. In addition, she subcontracted medical transcription work, which she completed at home. From 1965 to 1981, she was employed at Elkhart General Hospital in their Medical Records Department, retiring as the Medical Records Department Supervisor in 1981.
Phyllis had three well loved hobbies later in life which were needlework, jigsaw puzzling (completing more than a thousand 1,000-piece puzzles) and keeping a beautifully maintained yard. She and Donald were long-time members of Prairie Street Mennonite Church.
Private family services will be held. Please, honor Phyllis's memory by giving a warm hug to someone you love. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Weaver, Roy A.
April 10, 1932 - February 17, 2025
Roy A. Weaver, 92, of Landis Homes retirement community and formerly of Witmer, PA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 17, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on April 10, 1932, in Lititz, PA, Roy was married for 55 years to the late Ruth G. (Gehman) Weaver who died in 2008. He was also a 9th generation descendant of the Swiss immigrant Johann Anton Wäber/Weaver who came to America in 1718, and settled in Lampeter, PA shortly thereafter.
Roy is the son Mearl H. and Minerva B (Garber) Weaver. He is survived by four children, Jay R., married to Beth (Jackson) of Lancaster, PA; A. Dale, married to Wendy (Smyth), of Lancaster, PA.; Martha J., wife of Larry J. Thiesen of Lancaster, PA.; and Sandra J., wife of P. Timothy Good of Lititz, PA., fourteen grand-children and thirty great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Paul E., John L, and Harry E, and infant sister, Martha E.
Roy retired as a farm equipment mechanic and parts advisor from Hoober, Inc. (formerly C.B. Hoober & Son). During retirement, he worked part-time at Weavers Store (Leola). In addition to being a skilled mechanic, Roy enjoyed making things with his hands and sharing his talents with others. In retirement, Roy was an active volunteer, serving at MCC Material Resource Center and Landis Homes retirement community.
Roy was a faithful husband and loving father who took great delight in his family (which includes triplet grandchildren and triplet great-grand-children). He was a member of Mellinger Mennonite Church, The Witmer Fire Protective Association (past President), Camplighters Camping Club and Woodcrest Retreat. While he was able, he enjoyed traveling around the county and the country to visit family and friends, or to simply vacation.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11 AM at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA., with Pastor Dan Cloyd officiating. The family will receive friends at Mellinger Mennonite Church on Saturday, February 22, from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. The family will also receive friends at Landis Homes (West Bethany Chapel) on Friday, February 21, from 6 PM to 8 PM.
The family requests that flowers be omitted. If desired, contributions in Roys memory may be made to Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA or to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 S 12th St., Akron, PA. Arrangements by the Furman Home for Funerals 717 656-6833.
Weber, Salinda Stoltzfus
November 2, 1932 - January 4, 2025
Salinda S. Weber, 92, formerly of Denver, went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2025, at Garden Spot Village, New Holland. Born in Morgantown, she was the daughter of the late Enos and Annie (Yoder) Stoltzfus. She married Floyd Weber in 1952 and enjoyed almost 68 years of marriage until his death in 2020.
Salinda is survived by three children: Jean (Leonard) Good, New Holland; Mark (Kim) Weber, Mohnton; and Mary Ann Weber (Jerrol Shaum), Goshen, Indiana; and four grandchildren, Grant (Meagan) Good, Alex Good, Aaron (Anna) Weber, and Noah (Sophia) Weber.
Salinda was preceded in death by her siblings: Nancy Byler, David Y. Stoltzfus, Ruth Bowman, Martha Bartel, Titus Stoltzfus, and Orpha King.
Salinda was a member of Bowmansville Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday school and was involved in Bible study groups. She hosted church guests in her home for overnight stays and prepared many Sunday meals for visitors and friends in the church. She made quilts and comforters for several relief agencies, and crocheted caps for newborn infants.
Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Bowmansville Mennonite Church, 129 Pleasant Valley Rd., East Earl. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 2:30 p.m. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is in charge of arrangements.
Wenger, Ellen M. "Sis" Groff
April 7, 1929 - February 3, 2025
Ellen M. Sis Wenger, 95, of New Holland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at home. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late H. Clay and Mary C. Sheaffer Groff. She was married for 72 years to Charles U. Junie Wenger, Jr. who died in 2018.
Mrs. Wenger was a homemaker and a member of the Zeltenreich Reformed Church, New Holland. She enjoyed trips to NJ beaches, and traveling with her husband. She was known in the area as the woman on the John Deere tractor.
She is survived by: four children, Susan married to Ross Bare, Columbia, Sally married to Donald Usner, E. Earl, John married to Vicky Wenger and David married to Marianne Wenger, both New Holland; seven grand-children; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by siblings: Nancy Kunkle, Henry Groff, Robert Groff and William Brewster.
Private graveside services at Zeltenreichs Cemetery will be at the familys convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcomed to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Furmans - Leola
Wingard, Edna M. Otto
December 11, 1936 - January 25, 2025
Edna M. Wingard, 88, of Shipshewana, (district: 51-2), died at 2:30 am, on Saturday, January 25, [2025] at her daughter's home in Shipshewana. She was born on December 11, 1936, in LaGrange, to Milt and Mary (Troyer) Otto. On December 31, 1959, in Shipshewana she married Clarence J. Wingard, he died January 3, 2019.
Surviving are five daughters, Irma (Larry) Yoder of Shipshewana, Freda (Daryl) Miller of LaGrange, Elma (Kenneth) Fry of Millersburg, Anna Mae (David) Miller of Millersburg, Vera (LaVern) Yoder of Shipshewana; four sons, Ernest (Christine) Wingard of Syracuse, Freeman (Betty) Wingard of Shipshewana, Clarence (Jeanette) Wingard Jr. of Shipshewana, Jerry (Anita) Wingard of Middlebury; 47 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Otto of Topeka; four sisters-in-law, Elsie (Levi) Hochstetler of LaGrange, Ruth Ann Otto of Middlebury, Mary Otto of Dalton, WI, Mary Miller of LaGrange; brother-in-law, Daniel S. Bontrager of LaGrange.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandchild, eight sisters, Katie Yoder, Wilma Frey, Fannie Lambright, twin sister Elma Lambright, Elmina Yoder, Lizzie Bontrager, Clara Otto, Anna Lambright, six brothers, Daniel, Perry, Jerry, Fred, Vernon, David Otto.
Edna was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 26, and all-day Monday, January 27, at the family’s residence; 10500 W. 325 N., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Tuesday, January 28, also at the family’s residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Ernie Troyer and the home ministers. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Witmer, John David
September 26, 1940 - February 9, 2025
John David Witmer, 84, of Richland, PA, passed away peacefully at the Fairmount Home on Sunday, February 9, 2025. He was the loving husband of Mabel M. (Zimmerman). They enjoyed 64 years of married life.
Born in Lancaster County, PA, on September 26,1940, he was the son of the late Paul L. and J. Irene Witmer. He was a member of the Swatara Mennonite Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by eight children, David husband of Eva (Martin) of Myerstown; Dale husband of Sharon (Nolt) of Richland; Daryl husband of Carol (Sweigart) of Bernville; Duane husband of Joyce (Martin) of Tyrone; Diane wife of Michael Musser of Myerstown; Daniel husband of Rosanna (Zimmerman) of Millerstown; Dana husband of Charlene (Weaver) of Myerstown; Dervin husband of Jenelle (Miller) of Richland; forty-six grandchildren; forty-six great-grandchildren; seven sisters, Arlene Martin of Beulaville, NC; Ruth wife of Arthur Shirk of Robesonia, PA; Dorothy wife of Richard Rogers of Seminole, AL; Sara wife of Roy Diem of Spring Grove, PA; Rhoda wife of Mervin Martin of Pelham, GA; Lois wife of Paul Miller of Pelham, GA; Eunice Musselman of Fredericksburg, PA; and one sister-in-law, Eunice Witmer of Brooklyn, CT.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Titus Witmer and two brothers-in-law, Norman Martin and David Musselman, Jr.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Swatara Mennonite Church, 10 Camp Swatara Road, Myerstown, PA. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Swatara Mennonite Church. Interment will follow the service in the adjoining church cemetery.