Lazarus
Project
An obituary project of MennObits.
Source of individual obituaries given with each record.
This file is named for the year the obituary was recorded here, not the
death year.
2026:
H
QUICK REFERENCE INDEX
(click on name to jump to obituary)
Heacock, Loren Vern
April 30, 1986 - January 11, 2022
Loren Vern Heacock, 35, of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky died
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at U. K. Chandler Medical Center after a
courageous battle with cancer. He was a Goshen, Indiana native born April
30, 1986, son of Vern and Diane Heacock, Graduate of Goshen High School,
Class of 2005 and resident in the Berea area of Kentucky the past six years.
Loren was a kind, gentle, soft spoken but strong man who was a self-employed
carpenter known for his construction skills and building the log cabin that
became his home. He enjoyed building, woodworking, traveling, exploring,
hiking, snow skiing, bicycling, and cooking. Loren was a true outdoorsman
active in sustainability and mushroom foraging.
In addition to his parents he is survived by two sisters Angela Borke
(Caleb), Carissa Gaines (Brett); his partner Elora Overbey; nephew and
nieces Kaeli, Luke, Claire, Camille, Scarlett; as well as a host of friends.
In accordance with Loren’s wishes he was cremated. Two Memorial Services
will be scheduled: Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Maple City Chapel in
Goshen, Indiana and Sunday, March 13, 2022 in the Berea, Kentucky area.
Further details will be forthcoming.
https://www.reppertfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Loren-Vern-Heacock?obId=23705764
Accessed January 10, 2026 by Kevin Miller
Heatwole, Betty L.
April 14th, 1933 - January 13th, 2026
The Lord called Betty L. Heatwole’s name in the waiting
room of life, and she peacefully flew home to be with Jesus in her sleep
early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026. She was born on April 14, 1933, in
Reedley, California, to Jake and Dora Heinrichs.
During WWII at age 9, she helped spot planes, reporting to Fresno what kind
of plane and which direction it was flying. As a teenager during the summer,
Betty packed fruit for shipping, picked cotton, and also grapes, which were
placed in trays to become sun-dried raisins.
At the age of 14, Betty, dressed in white, was baptized by immersion in a
river, confirming her decision to follow Christ. After graduating from
Immanuel High School, Betty worked as a telephone operator, connecting crank
telephones with a switchboard.
On April 10, 1953, she married Harold Leppke. They had four children—two
girls and two boys. Harold died as the result of a tractor accident July 10,
1959.
Two and a half years later in January, she met Hiram Heatwole from the
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. They married April 27, 1962 in Reedley,
California, and moved to Virginia in June. They had three children—a boy and
two girls. They lived on a broiler and dairy farm along Cross Keys Road for
45 years. Hiram died of a heart attack February 22, 1996. In December 2006
Betty moved to Floyd, VA, with two of her children.
Betty enjoyed birds, flowers, knitting, gardening, and making Russian
Mennonite food. She was a member of Wills Ridge Mennonite Church in Floyd,
Virginia.
Surviving are her children: Mary Jantzi (David) of Wroxeter, Ontario; Sue
Anderson (Tim) of McGaheysville, VA; Paul Heatwole (Karen) of Rapidan, VA;
John Heatwole (Carolyn) of Raymond, Alberta; Tom Heatwole, of Floyd,
Virginia; Laurel Heatwole, of Floyd, Virginia; and Cheryl Knicely (Eric) of
Bonners Ferry, Idaho; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-nine
great-grandchildren; and sister Marilyn Heinrich of Rancho Cordova,
California, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death besides her parents and husbands were an infant
sister Marjorie, brother Robert and wife Darlene Heinrichs, niece Gayle
Higgins, brother-in-law Bob Heinrich, and infant grandson Peter Anderson.
Her advice was: Learn to know Jesus when you are young and follow Him all
your life. Be submissive and obedient to the Lord. Grow in Him—apply the
fruit of the Spirit in all areas of your life. Live a life pleasing to
God—not pleasing to men.
There will be a private burial service.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. January 19, 2026, at Pike
Mennonite Church with family visitation following.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
https://mcmullenfh.com/obituaries/betty-heatwole Accessed January 14,
2026 by Phil Kniss
Helmuth, Timothy Paul
April 7, 1969 - January 2, 2026
Bloomington, Il - Timothy Paul Helmuth, 56, of
Bloomington, Illinois, died Jan. 2, after a lengthy illness.
Tim was born on April 7, 1969, in Goshen, to Mervin and Sharon (Moyer)
Helmuth.
He grew up in Goshen alongside his younger brother, Todd, and spent many of
his childhood summers with his family in Hesston, Kansas and at Camp Amigo
in Michigan.
Tim graduated from Goshen High School in 1987 and from Goshen College in
1991 with a bachelor's degree in business.
He worked in information technology and was employed at Illinois State
University in Bloomington, where he had worked for the past 12 years.
He enjoyed being outdoors and, in recent years, especially valued time spent
camping and on the water with his children and grandchildren, nieces and
nephews, and his brother.
In 2020, Tim survived a serious medical emergency and made a remarkable
recovery, allowing him additional years with his family.
Tim is survived by his two sons, Getty L. (Stephanie Flores) Helmuth and
Micah A. (Melanie Hertzler) Helmuth, both of Goshen; two granddaughters,
Anabel and Viviana Helmuth, whom he was especially devoted to; his father,
Mervin Helmuth of Goshen; his brother, Todd (Becky Whitmer) Helmuth of
Goshen; and his former wife, Jo (Stauffer) Helmuth, mother of his sons.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Helmuth.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 3
to 5 p.m., at North Goshen Mennonite Church, 501 N. 8th St.,Goshen, Indiana,
with a time of sharing stories and memories beginning at 4 p.m.
https://obituaries.goshennews.com/obituary/timothy-helmuth-1093443914
- Accessed January 30, 2026 by Kevin Miller
Hershberger, Mary
(Gingerich)
November 20, 1943 - January 21, 2026
Mary Hershberger, 82, of Dundee, passed away on Wednesday,
January 21, 2026 at Walnut Hills Nursing Home in Walnut Creek following a
sudden illness.
Mary was born in Wayne County, Ohio on November 20, 1943 to the late Henry
E. and Verna (Yoder) Gingerich and married Albert Hershberger, Jr. on
September 17, 1966. He survives.
Mary was a member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church in Millersburg. She and
Albert were dairy farmers for many years. She enjoyed bird watching, loved
her many nieces and nephews, and enjoyed following them to all their
sporting events.
In addition to her husband, Albert, she is survived by her sisters, Esta
(Daniel) Mast, Jr., Joanna (William) Rowe, and Gladys (Kevin) Yoder all of
Dundee; her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great great
nieces and great great nephews.
Services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11 AM at Pleasant
View Church in Millersburg with Pastor Daryl Erb officiating. Burial will
follow in the Church Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 1-3 PM and
5-7 PM at Pleasant View Church in Millersburg.
https://www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com/obituaries/Mary-Hershberger?obId=47049888#/obituaryInfo
- Accessed January 24, 2026 by Amy Stauffer-McNutt
Hertzler, Verna Marie
Gockley (Sweigart)
August 22, 1937 - August 21, 2024
Verna Marie Gockley Hertzler passed away in Sarasota,
Florida on August 21st 2024. She was born in Strasburg, Pennsylvania on
August 22nd 1937 and made the move to Florida in 1961.
Verna was a labor and delivery charge nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital
from 1961 to 1978. She was a faithful member of Sarasota Community Church,
and in her free time loved to travel. She traveled so much, she made a visit
to 43 different countries. She also had an artistic side and loved to
decorate.
Verna is preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Mary Sweigart; siblings
Marian Riehl, Parke; and former husband Charles Gockley.
Left to cherish her memory are husband Dwight Hertzler, children Jeff
Gockley and his wife Nikki, Cindy Augsburger; grandchildren Kristin, Alex,
Sydney; great grandchildren Levi, Silas, and Jocelynn.
Should friends desire, contributions may be made in memory of Verna to
Lakewood Retreat, Brooksville, Florida, a ministry that she always loved and
supported.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, September 7th at 10:30
a.m. at Sarasota Community Church, 4041 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota,
FL 34232.
https://www.mfhcares.com/obituaries/Verna-Gockley-Hertzler/#!/Obituary
- Accessed January 25, 2026 by Phil Kniss
Hertzler, Wilmer Allen
December 17, 1945 - November 18, 2025
Wilmer Allen Hertzler, 79, a resident of Rockingham, passed
away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the home he built 52 years ago.
Mr. Hertzler was born on December 17, 1945, in Newport News, VA, to the late
Vernon Naftzinger and Mary Alice Shenk Hertzler. He worked for Trumbo
Electric and later retired from Broadway Electric and was an avid mountain
man who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent many years helping take care
of the Breneman Turner Mill and was an avid black powder enthusiast, often
participating in rendezvous at Fort Seybert, WV. He took great pride in his
1966 yellow convertible, “Daffodil” which he had restored some years ago. He
was a member of Zion Mennonite Church.
On September 4, 1971, he married Lois Elaine Layman Hertzler, who survives.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hertzler is survived by his son, Anthony “Andy”
LaMar Hertzler, of McGaheysville; brother, Isaac Hertzler and wife Wilma;
and his foster sister, Tammy Glenn and husband Nathaniel.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Hertzler was preceded in death by his
brother and sister-in-law, Roger Hertzler and his wife Betty.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025,
at Weavers Mennonite Church Cemetery with Pastor Mike Metzler officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday,
November 22, 2025, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brethren and
Mennonite Heritage Center - Breneman Turner Mill, P.O. Box 1563,
Harrisonburg, VA 22803, or to the Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport
Road, Lititz, PA, 17543
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
https://mcmullenfh.com/obituaries/wilmer-hertzler, accessed January 7,
2026
Submitted by Phil Kniss
Holdeman, Hazel Elizabeth
(Peters)
April 19, 1926 - April 18, 2019
Our dear mother, Hazel Elizabeth (Peters) Holdeman, was
born to Cary and Flossie (Allman) Peters on April 19, 1926. She went to be
with the Lord in the early morning hours on April 18, 2019, one day short of
reaching her 93rd birthday. Mom spent her young childhood years near Ithaca,
MI. At 5 years she moved to Harrison, MI with her family. She had a happy
childhood with her parents and seven siblings. As a teenager, mom accepted
Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized into the Church of God in
Christ, Mennonite, remaining faithful to the end.
In 1946, Paul and Hazel were joined in marriage. During the next 19 years,
12 children joined their home. Our home was also opened to our elderly
grandparents, handicapped children for a time, and many, many children we
babysat over the years, some who still remain a part of our family.
Mother did not find it easy to express her heart, but we never failed to
feel her love. Mother was a hard worker, raising her large family and also
helping dad with his work to support the family due to his weakness from
polio.
In 1977, our family moved to Buhl, Idaho. For 10 years they operated the
Family Bakery in Buhl and made many friends. They loved to travel, visiting
family and friends across the US. In December 2001, Dad left us leaving mom
very lonely. In her later years she loved to spend time with her sisters in
Michigan or to have her family or friends drop in for a visit. We very much
appreciate Marilyn being her caregiver for the last months.
She was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers (one in infancy); a
son-in-law; three grandchildren; and her parents.
Left to mourn are five sons and seven daughters: Maynard (Judy) Buhl, ID;
Marjorie, Nampa, ID; Ruth Boehs, Hillsboro, KS; Judy (Roger) Koehn,
Montezuma, KS; Betty (Kelvin) Koehn, Buhl, ID; Marilyn, Buhl, ID; Wayne
(Beverly), Hawkeye, IA; Richard, Buhl, ID; Ferla (Victor) Koehn, Monterey,
TN; Wanda (Errol) Koehn, Hawkeye, IA; Ron (Glenda), Buhl, ID; and Don
(Sandy), Scio, OR; daughter-in-law, Rose Holdeman, Glenn, CA; 49
grandchildren, 111 great grandchildren; three brothers, Herbert (Vada)
Peters, Murray, KY; Orval Peters, Walnut Hill, FL; Willard Peters, Barron,
WI; three sisters, Edna Peters, Helen Peters, and Donna (Kurt) Fellows, all
of MI; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation and viewing will be held from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm, Sunday,
April 21, 2019 at Valley View Mennonite Church, 3925 N 1900 E, Filer, Idaho.
Funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm, Monday, April 22, 2019 at Valley
View Mennonite Church, with Ministers Andy Wiebe, Kent Wiebe, Doyle Jantz
and Wayne Amoth officiating. Interment will conclude in the adjoining Valley
View church cemetery.
https://www.farmerfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/hazel-holdeman -
Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller
Hostetler, Mildred E (Lower)
April 29, 1919 - November 14, 2013
Mildred E. Hostetler, 94, of North Canton for over 60
years, died Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Montgomery Care Center at
Cincinnati. She was born April 29, 1919 in Coshocton County to the late
Harley and Kathryn Scheetz Lower. Previous to being a fulltime homemaker,
she was employed at the former Edmont Co. at Coshocton, a member of the
First Mennonite Church at Sugarcreek and the Sohio Quarter Century Club. She
enjoyed music all her life. Other hobbies included playing cards and the
piano, singing, gardening, reading, sewing, and cooking. She will be greatly
missed by all her family and friends, She was married on May 29, 1940 to
Rudie Hostetler who died June 19, 1996. She is survived by her children
Daniel R. Jennifer Hostetler of Cincinnati, Mary K. Witte of Decatur,
Indiana, and Jane E. Bill Vilkoski of Cincinnati, 4 grandchildren; Liesl
Todd Krueckeberg, Evan Amy Caffee, Brian and Kristen Hostetler, 2 great
grandchildren; Katherine and Zachary Krueckeberg and her brother Bill
Delores Lower of Fresno. In addition to her parents and husband, she is
preceded in death by 2 infant brothers and brother Bob Verna Lower. Services
to celebrate her life will be held Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM at
First Mennonite Church at Sugarcreek with Rev. Jayne Byler officiating.
Burial will be in Halifax Cemetery in Coshocton County. Friends may call
Saturday 3-5 PM at Smith-Varns Funeral Home at Sugarcreek. For those unable
to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign
the guest register. Memorials may be made to First Mennonite Church of
Sugarcreek or Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio.
https://www.leboldsmithfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mildred-E-Hostetler?obId=13222866
- Accessed January 15, 2026 by Amy Stauffer-McNutt
Hostetler, Willis H.
July 7, 1941 - December 12, 2025
Willis H. Hostetler, 84, passed away Friday, December 12,
2025. He was born July 7, 1941 in Maysville, Ohio to the late Harry D. and
Mary E. (Coblentz) Hostetler.
Willis moved to Sarasota in 1966 from Holmesville, Ohio. He was a member of
Bayshore Mennonite Church and worked in block masonry. Willis graduated from
Auctioneering School, loved to read and was a skilled ventriloquist.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Gloria; siblings Harry
Hostetler, Jr. and his wife Carolyn; Irene Swartzentruber and her husband
David; Sam Hostetler and his wife Helen; John Hostetler and his wife Ruby;
Bob Hostetler and his wife Ina; Ruby Neuenschwander and her husband Jim;
Vernon Hostetler and his wife Janet; and Ruth Ann Schlabach and her husband
Steve; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Willis was preceded in death by his brother
Raymond.
There will be a visitation on Thursday from 6-8 pm at Maloney Funeral Home,
2401 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, Florida 34232. Burial will be Friday morning
at 10:00 am at Bethel Mennonite Cemetery with funeral to follow at 11:00 am
at Bethel Mennonite Church.
Memories and condolences may be left for the family online at
www.MFHcares.com.
https://www.mfhcares.com/obituaries/willis-hostetler/#!/Obituary
Accessed January 10, 2026 by Phil Kniss
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