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Beck, Frieda L. Short, 94, of  Archbold, Fulton County, Ohio died August 14, 2009 at the same place.  She was born March 14, 1915 at Archbold to Henry R. and  Eliza (Eicher) Short.  She was married to Herman Beck, who is deceased.

Surviving are a son, Merle (Marlene) Beck and a daughter, Carolyn (Darrel) King, 7 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held August 19, 2009 at Fairlawn Haven Chapel, Archbold, OH.

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Beiler, Rebecca V. Kennel, age 93, of Landis Homes, Lititz, formerly of Intercourse passed away at Landis Homes on Friday, October 30, 2009.

She was the wife of the late Elmer Kauffman Beiler who passed away on March 2, 1981. She was born in Parkesburg, daughter of the late John A. & Emma Kauffman Kennel. She was a member of Millwood Mennonite Church for over 70 years, where she was a member of the sewing circle and was a former Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. She enjoyed quilting.

Surviving are 5 children: Joy L. Horst of Reinholds, Sherrill G. wife of Kenneth Martin of East Earl, Emma Sue wife of Timothy Fisher, J. Marlene Beiler, both of Lancaster, E. Kenneth husband of Judy L. Thompson Beiler of Kirkwood; 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; 3 siblings: Mary Emma Nafziger, Minerva M. Kennel, both of Landis Homes, and John husband of Mildred Martin Kennel of Parkesburg. She was preceded in death by a son: J. Marlin Beiler; granddaughter:
Lynnae Stauffer; 2 sisters: Ada & Lena Kennel.

Funeral service will take place from the Millwood Mennonite Church, 441 Amish Road, Gap, PA on Wednesday, November 4th, at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing at the East Bethany Chapel of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA on Tuesday morning, November 3rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again at the Millwood Mennonite Church on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. There will also be a time to view on Wednesday morning at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster
County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or the Benevolence Fund of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Arrangements by the Shivery Funeral Home, Christiana & Paradise.
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Beiler, Rebecca V. Kennel, age 93, of Landis Homes, Lititz, PA formerly of Intercourse. PA died October 30, 2009 She was born in Parkesburg, PA to John A. & Emma Kauffman Kennel. She was the wife of the late Elmer Kauffman Beiler who passed away on March 2, 1981.

She was a member of Millwood Mennonite Church for over 70 years, where she was a member of the sewing circle and was a former Sunday School teacher for over 30 years.

Surviving are 5 children: Joy L. Horst of Reinholds, PA; Sherrill G. wife of Kenneth Martin of East Earl, PA; Emma Sue wife of Timothy Fisher, J. Marlene Beiler, both of Lancaster, PA; E. Kenneth husband of Judy L. Thompson Beiler of Kirkwood, PA; 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; 3 siblings: Mary Emma Nafziger, Minerva M. Kennel, both of Landis Homes, Lititz, PA and John husband of Mildred Martin Kennel of Parkesburg, PA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son: J. Marlin Beiler; granddaughter: Lynnae Stauffer; 2 sisters: Ada & Lena Kennel.

Funeral service was November 4, 2009 the Millwood Mennonite Church, Gap, PA

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Bender, Dwight G., 82, of Kalona, IA died October 8, 2009 at the same place.  He was born March 22, 1927 at Iowa City, IA to George S. and Sarah M. (Eash) Bender.  On June 27, 1948 at rural Kalona, IA he was married to Henrietta June Hochstetler, who was born June 27, 1929 and died January 24, 2003.

Surviving are children, Julia Bender; Gloria (Gay) Widmer; Donovan (Karen) Bender; and Beth Bender; 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Clayton Bender.

Dwight and June Bender lived in rural Wellman where Dwight farmed and delivered L.P. for Home Gas Company, retiring in 1995. Following retirement the couple moved to Kalona. Dwight was a member of West Union Mennonite Church, where he held various positions over the years.

Memorial services were held October 11, 2009 at West Union Mennonite Church, Parnell, Iowa with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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Bender, Geneva Joyce Gingerich, 66, of Middlebury, Elkhart Co., IN died March 23, 2009 at Indianapolis, IN while waiting for a liver transplant.  She was born February 21 1943 at Rolette, ND to Ezra and Gladys (Bontrager) Gingerich.  On April 21, 1962 in Elkhart Co., IN she was married to Eugene Bender, who was born January 18, 1940 and survives.

Surviving are children, Debra (George) Smith, Darin (Wanita) Bender, Sheila (Vince) Hostetler, Crystal (Jay) Christner, 10grandchildren, and three sisters, Marie (Elroy) Miller, Carol (Gerald) Beachy, and Viola (Ned) Miller.

A grandson, Ryan Bender and a brother, Marvin Gingerich preceded her in death.

Geneva was a homemaker and worked as a custodian for the Middlebury Community Schools.  She was a member of First Mennonite Church, Middlebury, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school.  She loved to watch her grandchildren's sporting events and spend time with her sisters singing.  She was grateful for the 15 years she was able to spend with her family and friends following her first liver transplant.

Memorial services were held March 28, 2009 at First Mennonite Church, Middlebury, IN with burial in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury, IN.

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Bender, Paul E., 83, of Belleville, PA, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Born in Kalona, Iowa to the late Lewis and Barbara (Miller) Bender, he married Leona M. (Miller) Bender, who survives.

Also surviving are his children: Lois A. Arnold of Bronx, NY; John P. Bender & wife Mildred of Greensboro, NC; L. Roy Bender & wife Connie of Lancaster; Titus W. Bender & friend Amy of Belleville; Miriam D. Ferguson & husband John of Mechanicsville, VA; Loren E. Bender & wife Judy of New Holland; 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by son, Kevin Ray Bender; grandson, Ryan Scott Bender; and son-in-law, Roger Arnold.

Paul served in CPS, attended Eastern Mennonite University and Penn State University, and served as a school teacher and principal. He was an ordained Mennonite pastor for nearly 60 years; repaired watches and clocks, and prepared taxes. He enjoyed family and friends, genealogy, and the Big Valley Mennonite Historical Society.

His funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2009 at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 115 Maple Grove Road, Belleville. Interment will be at Allensville Mennonite Cemetery. His family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday and 9 to 10 a.m. at Maple Grove Mennonite <http://Church.The>Church.The family will provide the flowers. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to: Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500.

Arrangements are under the care of Baggus Funeral Home, Belleville, PA.

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Birky, Neil Darin

FAIRFIELD - Neil Darin Birky, 26, of Fairfield, a business owner, died Saturday of injuries received in a road grader accident between Fairfield and Vaughn.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. today at Fairfield Community Hall. His funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday* at New Life Assembly of God Church in Choteau, with burial in the Fairfield Mennonite Church Cemetery under the direction of Gorder Funeral Home of Choteau.

Neil was born Nov. 25, 1982 in Lebanon, Ore., the son of Kenneth Dale and Lois Esther (Smucker) Birky. He was married to Starla Rodes on April 14, 2007, in Goshen, Ind.

Neil owned and operated Pro Auto and Exhaust in Vaughn.
 
He is survived by his wife, Starla (Rodes) Birky of Fairfield; a daughter, Jessi Birky of Fairfield; his parents, Kenneth and Lois Birky of Halsey, Ore.; a sister: Lisa Birky of Halsey; brothers, Kevin Birky of Elida, Ohio, Keith Birky of Brownsville, Ore., and Eric Birky of Halsey; his maternal grandmother Anna Smucker of Halsey; and paternal grandmother Priscilla Birky of Halsey.

Memorials are suggested to the Neil Birky Memorial Fund, 1st National Bank, Fairfield, MT.
 
Condolences may be posted online at www.mem.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
 *Funeral had to be postponed a day because of a snowstorm. THM

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Bixler, Susannah Rose, 6 days, died March 26, 2009 at Winchester Medical Center. She was born on March 20, 2009 in Harrisonburg, VA to Benjamin and Sarah Gehman Bixler of Harrisonburg. Surviving in addition to her parents are one brother, Calvin Lowell Bixler; grandparents, Lee and Mary Bixler, York Springs, PA, David and Lois Gehman, Parkesburg, PA; great grandparents, Anna Martin, Manheim PA, and John and Esther Wolgemuth, Lancaster PA. A Service was March 29, 2009, at Zion Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA Conducted  by Pastor Clyde Kratz.

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Blosser, Virgil Lamar        

October 19, 1922-July 13, 2009

Virgil Lamar Blosser was born on October 19, 1922 to Russell and Pearl Bolinger) Blosser on their farm near Wakarusa, IN.  Virgil was the oldest of three hildren and was later joined by his brother Raymond and his sister Harriet.  His father Russell was a farmer, who raised oats, wheat and corn on 160 acres using horses to do the plowing, plus chickens, hogs and dairy cattle.  His mother Pearl was a housewife.  Virgil and his brother and sister learned to work hard, as everyone was needed to help with the work.

Virgil attended Morningstar School in Harrison Township in Elkhart County and Holdeman Mennonite Church.  He was active in Sunday school, accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized on February 3, 1935 at age 13.  He left school before graduating to help his Dad with the farm work.

During World War II, Virgil and his brother were initially deferred from service because they helped their Dad with farming.  However, some people complained to the Draft Board.  The Draft Board ruled that one of the Blosser boys had to go serve as Conscientious objectors in Civilian Public Service and Virgil was chosen to go.    

Virgil left Goshen for Hill City, South Dakota by train where he spent six months building an earthen dam to provide water for Rapid City, SD and irrigation for farmers.  Next he was shipped to Cleveland, Ohio where he worked at a mental hospital for 9 months.  From there he was sent to Powellsville, Maryland, where he spent 18 months helping to clear swamp land which was to be used for farming.  

Following the war, Virgil returned home to help his Dad with farming.  He also attended "Literary" meetings for area Mennonite youth, where he met Lois Rheinheimer.  He had to work up the courage to ask her out, but she said yes.  They fell in love and were married on November 6, 1948 at Lois' home church, Middlebury Mennonite Church, Middlebury, IN.  

Virgil and Lois bought a farm on the corner of County Road 30 and CR 11, where they raised oats, corn, wheat and soybeans and started their family.  They were blessed with two sons, Glenn who was born in May 1951 and Sheldon, born in January 1954.  Living so close to Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, they decided to join there.  They transferred their memberships from their home churches on February 28, 1954.

In addition to farming, Virgil worked at Traveler Yellowstone Coach for six years.  After that, he helped Franklin Newcomer get Fan Coach started and spent six years there.

In 1960, he started Blosser Egg Farm.  He bought 17,000 laying hens and started an egg route, delivering eggs to Greencroft when it first opened and Peddler's Village for 16 years; with 37 years of local delivery in total.  Virgil and Lois worked from dawn to dusk on the farm and expected hard work from their sons as well.  However, Virgil and Lois always took their sons on a two week vacation, just before school started and visited many of the national parks.  In his leisure time at home, Virgil enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.  

In his early retirement years, Virgil and Lois did extensive traveling and volunteering.

A very significant trip was to Europe in 1980 to visit Holland, Switzerland, and Germany, the home of their ancestors.  In his later years, he and Lois spent many weekends camping at Twin Mills Campground.   Virgil also liked to watch the news, listen to the police scanner, shop for bargains, eat out, and play Bingo.  He read his Bible faithfully and studied his Sunday school lesson, anticipating weekly worship and Sunday school with his church family.  

Two years ago, Virgil moved off the farm and into Evergreen Place at Greencroft.  When he had to give up driving, he continued to get about by golf cart and the Greencroft bus.  At Evergreen, they lovingly called him "trouble" because he loved to tease the staff and other residents.  He remained active and continued faithfully attending worship at Yellow Creek until just a few months ago.

After several months in the hospital and rehab, Virgil died of congestive heart failure on July 13, 2009, at 4:20 pm at Elkhart General Hospital. He went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving sons, Glenn, Sheldon and Bea, sister-in-law Esther Hoover, and niece Rosalie Tope.  

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Lois on December 30, 2003, his parents and his brother Raymond.  

He is survived by his sister Harriet, Mrs. Bob Bontrager of Shipshewana, his two sons, Glenn and his wife Denise Blosser of Niagara, Wisconsin, and Sheldon and Bea Blosser, who live on the home farm.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Virgil was also blessed with many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Praise be to God for his faithfulness to Virgil through every season of his life and for Virgil's earnest desire to follow Jesus in his daily life.   

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Bontrager, Anna Yoder, 83, of Sarasota, FL formerly of Shipshewana, IN. died May 2, 2009 at Sunnyside Village Sarasota, FL. She was born August 20, 1925 in LaGrange County, IN, to Milo and Polly (Bontrager) Yoder. On September 6, 1945 in  LaGrange County she married Edwin J. Bontrager, he survives.

She was a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church, Sarasota, Fl. and an associate member of the Forks Mennonite Church, Middlebury, IN.

Survivied by her husband and three sons, Thomas (Julie) Bontrager of Carmel, IN, Mervin (Kathy) Bontrager of Middlebury, IN., J. Mark (Phyllis) Bontrager of Shipshewana, IN.; four daughters, Polly Anna Bontrager of LaGrange, IN, Esther (David) Wenger of Shipshewana, IN., Elizabeth (Alvin) Schneider of McGaheysville, VA, Kathy (Jack) Yoder of Angola, IN; 13 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, a brother, Samuel (Frieda) Yoder of Nashwauk, MN; a sister, Edna Mae (Henry) Yoder of Goshen, IN.

She was preceded in death by parents and 3 brothers, Joe, Ervin and Reuben Yoder, 5 sisters, infants, Fanny, Susan, Barbara and Katie Yoder and Lizzie Bontrager.

Funeral service was May 8, 2009 at Forks Mennonite Church Middlebury, IN. conducted by Rev. Adin Miller. Burial was in Bontrager Cemetery, Middlebury, IN

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Bontrager, Mahlon, 78, of Bradenton, FL, died January 30,2009. He was born to John I. and Barbara Bontrager. Survived by his loving companion of 32 years, Sue Farence, sisters Edna (Detwiler) Coblentz, Ida Herschberger, and Lydia Mae Kauffman. A brother, Lee Bontrager.

Preceded in death by his parents,four brothers, Perry, Harley, Harry, Mel; four sisters, Katie Ann, Laura, Anna, and Rosa.

A memorial service was  March 29, 2009 at First Mennonite Church, Middlebury, IN.

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Brenneman, Anna E. Deiter, 76, Lampeter, PA died September 23, 2009. She was born February 16, 1933, in West Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., PA to Frank and Esther (Witmer) Deiter. She was the wife of Wilmer K. Brenneman with whom she was married 52 years. A member of the Lyndon Mennonite Church. Anna was a prayer warrior and enjoyed sharing Jesus with others. Survived by her husband are three children, Elaine Brenneman, of Lampeter, PA; David Brenneman married to Naomi (Souders), of Lancaster, PA; Glenn Brenneman married to Caroline (Weaver), of Lititz, PA; four grandchildren, Janelle, Rachel, Justin and Jonathan and five siblings, Robert Deiter married to Mary, of Lancaster, PA; Paul Deiter, of Washington Boro, PA; Elvin Deiter married to Anna Mae, of Dover, PA;  A. Irene Deiter and Joyce married to Earl Livengood, all of Lancaster, PA. She was preceded in death by a brother, Mervin Deiter, and sisters-in-law, Kathryn Deiter, Esther Deiter and Irene Deiter.

Funeral Service was September 28, 2009 at the New Danville Mennonite Church, Interment  was in New Danville Mennonite Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.

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Brockmueller, Gordon Lee, 74, of Freeman died March 7, 2009 at Freeman, Hutchinson Co., SD.  He was born June 29, 1943 in Hutchinson County, SD to Elias and Lillie (Waltner) Brockmueller.  On June 25, 1954 at Freeman, SD he was married to Shirley Waltner, who was born July 9, 1935 and survives.

Surviving are children, Lee (Marilyn) Brockmueller, Cindee (Tom) Evenson, Joseph (Betty)Brockmueller, Suzanne (Todd) Koerner, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and three sisters, Vivian (Glenn) Gering, Cleo Friesen, and Joyce (Jim) Wipf.

During 1957-1961 he served with his wife Shirley in Viet Nam with International
Voluntary Service, in 1962-1965 he worked with the IVS recruiting office in
Washington D.C. and in 1965-1970 in Food for Peace as an officer with the US Foreign Aid program in Algeria and Tunisia.  He returned to the family farm in 1970 where he remained until his death.  He raised certified oat seed and had a
passion for raising purebred registered Shorthorns.  He served on the Board
of Directors of Freeman Junior College and Academy for 20 years. Along with his wife Shirley, he established a scholarship fund with MMA for Freeman Academy students. Important to Gordon were the relationships that had developed through his years of service.

Memorial services were held March 10, 2009 at Salem Mennonite Church Freeman, Hutchinson, SD with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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Brubaker, Ezra G., 99, formerly of Lititz, PA died April 4, 2009 at Fairmount Homes, Ephrata, PA He was born in Manheim Twp. Lancaster Co., PA, to Jacob S. and Anna Mae Garber Brubaker. Ezra was the husband of the late Esther Shenk Brubaker who died in 2003. He was a member of Landis Valley Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA.

Surviving are two sons: Charles S., husband of Chizuko Brubaker of Camden, DE, Glenn S., husband of Vickie Brubaker of Elverson, PA, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a brother, Elwood Brubaker of East Petersburg. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard S. Brubaker, four sisters: Elizabeth Esbenshade, Ethel Brubaker, Anna Mae Sauder, Ruth Brubaker, and two brothers: Henry and Paul Brubaker.

Funeral service was April 9, 2009 at the Landis Valley Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA Interment was in Landisville Mennonite Cemetery, Landisville, PA,

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Brubaker, Minnie S., 89, of 316 N. 5th St., Denver, formerly of 1640 Ligalaw Road, East Earl, died Monday, March 9, 2009 at Fairmount Homes after a brief illness.

Born in East Earl Twp., she was the daughter of the late Daniel E. and Maggie M. (Shirk) Brubaker. She was a homemaker and a member of the Churchtown Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

Surviving are four sisters, Martha S., married to Levi Martin of Morgantown, Lizzie S. Sensenig of Mifflinburg, Anna Newswanger of East Earl, and Mabel Hursh of New Holland; a brother, John, married to Alta (Zimmerman) Brubaker of Mohnton; and two sisters-in-law, Beatrice Brubaker of New Holland, and Edna Brubaker of Denver.

Preceding her in death are four brothers, Menno, Amos, Eli, and Wayne Brubaker; and two sisters, Ada and Katie Brubaker.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, at 9 a.m. at the home of Mrs. Wayne Newswanger, 1890 Agape Ct., East Earl, with further services at 9:45 at the Weaverland Mennonite Church with the Bishop Titus Martin officiating. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Viewing will be held on Thursday at Mrs. Wayne Newswanger residence from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, PA 17543. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of
arrangements.

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Brubaker, Raymond Musser was born to Raymond Root Brubaker and Maude Burkholder (Musser) on May 14, 1927 in Lancaster County. He was married to Mary Ellen (Herr) on September 2, 1951.

He worked as a dairy farmer and homebuilder in Lancaster County. He served in the US Army 1945-1946, in the Occupation of Japan. Raymond and Mary Ellen served with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Reedley, CA, in the early 1950's. After retirement, he spent time as a development worker in Uganda with Mennonite Central Committee.

His wife, Mary Ellen, and his brother, Carl Brubaker, preceded him in death.

He is survived by two sisters, Aileen Bender, Lancaster, and Barbara Snyder, Holtwood, and five children, Susan Ellen, wife of Glen Greenwald, Prescott, AZ; Simeon Raymond, husband of Heidi (Hanson), Salem, OR; Sarah Grace, Lewistown; Seth Joseph, Kansas City, MO; and Sharon Rose, Phoenix, AZ. There are six grandchildren.

He obtained his associate degree in Geology from Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ later in his life. He was a world traveler, avid hiker, and enjoyed studying Geology. He was involved in the Mile High Square Dancers, Prescott. He was married to Bonnie Rae Wettig from 1987 to 2000.

An Appreciation Reception in remembrance of the life of Raymond Brubaker will held summer 2009 in Prescott.

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Brubaker, Ricky

MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS - Ricky Brubaker, infant son of Roger M. and Joanne (Martin) Brubaker, of Mount Pleasant Mills, was silently born on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Ellen Brubaker, of Port Trevorton; paternal great-grandmother, Lizzie Martin, of New Holland; maternal grandparents, Harvey and Gladys Martin, of Port Trevorton; maternal great-grandmother, Lydia Stauffer, of Port Trevorton; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

A private graveside service will be conducted in Riverview Mennonite Cemetery, Old Trail Road and Oriental Road, Liverpool.

The George P. Garman Funeral Homes Inc. 9366 Route 35, Mount Pleasant Mills, is assisting the family.

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Brubaker, Wayne S. 77, of New Holland, PA, died February 11, 2009. He was born in East Earl Twp. Lancaster Co., PA to Daniel and Maggie (Shirk) Brubaker. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice (Good) Brubaker. They were married for 53 years. He was a member of Goodville Mennonite Church, Goodville, PA.

Survied by his wife, and sons: Ted married to Brenda (Gockley) Brubaker, Red Run, PA; Lee married to Bonnie (Hammond) Brubaker, East Earl, PA; and Ray married to Beth (Fenninger) Brubaker, New Holland, PA; six grandchildren; a brother, John, Bowmansville; and five sisters: Minnie, Denver, PA; Martha wife of Levi Martin, Morgantown, PA; Lizzie wife of the late Moses Sensenig, Mifflinburg, PA; Anna wife of the late Wayne Newswanger, East Earl, PA; and Mabel wife of the late William Hursh, Voganville, PA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral service was February 14, 2009 at the Goodville Mennonite Church with Pastors Bruce Sauder and Nelson Martin and Bishop C. Kenneth Martin officiating. Interment will be in the Goodville Mennonite Cemetery Goodville, PA

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Burkholder, D. Leroy, Sr., of Ephrata, entered into rest at Ephrata Community Hospital on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Born in Fetterville, East Earl Township, he was the son of the late Daniel W. and Grace C. (Witwer) Burkholder and was the husband of Laverne F. (Sweigart) Burkholder. On August 14, 2009 they would have celebrated 58 years of marriage.

He was a member of Bridgeville EC Church, where he had attended since he was 2 years old.

He was the owner and president of Daniel Leroy Burkholder Excavating Company for over 40 years.

He loved the mountains and hunting and enjoyed woodworking and making games out of wood and metal. He also enjoyed making peanut butter eggs. His favorite thing to say was "Anything that is broken, I can probably fix."

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 5 sons, Daniel L., husband of Sue A. (Weidman) Burkholder of Ephrata, Terry L., husband of Diane (Bergman) Burkholder of Lititz, George A., husband of Nancy (Boley) Burkholder of New Holland, Dennis L., husband of Lorraine (Good) Burkholder of New Holland and Gary L., husband of Carla J. (Noll) Burkholder of Ephrata, 13 grandchildren, his late grandson Brett, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, R. George
Burkholder of New Holland, and 4 sisters, Catharine Messner of East Earl, Grace Brubaker of Lancaster, Helen Messner of East Earl, and Ruth Hornberger of East Earl.

He was preceded in death by his brother James.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, August 16th from 6 to 8 PM at the Stradling Funeral Home, 201 Church Avenue, Ephrata, and also one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at Bridgeville EC Church, 5971 Division Highway, Narvon, with Pastor Phil Walck officiating. Interment will follow in the Bridgeville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Leroy's memory may be sent to Bridgeville Evangelical Congregational Church, 5971 Division Highway, Narvon, PA 17555.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata.

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Burkholder, Delmas B., 73, of Peach Bottom passed away at home on February 12, 2009 after a six-year battle with cancer. He was the husband of Elva O. (Martin) Burkholder and the late Lena O. (Sensenig) Burkholder who died in 1998.

Born in Ephrata, he was the son of Nora S. (Burkholder) Burkholder Weaver of Ephrata and the late Chester M. Burkholder.

He was a farmer and a member of Fairmount Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by six children: Robert husband of Esther Mae (Garman) Burkholder, Millerstown; Eugene husband of Janice (Martin) Burkholder, Richfield; Nelson husband of Norene (Martin) Burkholder, Peach Bottom; Nancy wife of Elvin Nolt, Richland; Delmas L. husband of Lois (Zimmerman) Burkholder, Lititz; Jay husband of Suzanne (Burkholder) Burkholder, Peach Bottom, 34 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also brothers Walter husband of Martha (Good) Burkholder of New Holland, Chester Burkholder of Ephrata, and Vernon husband of Edith (Stauffer) Burkholder, Ickesburg.

He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Esther Mae (Martin) Burkholder.

His funeral will be held on Monday, Feb. 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the Little Britain Fellowship Center with further services at 10 a.m. at the Fairmount Mennonite Church, with Bishop Jeremiah Sensenig and Bishop Curvin Zimmerman officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery.

Viewing will be at Fairmount Homes, Farm Crest Chapel, Ephrata, on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements are with Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

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Burkholder, Gertrude Evelyn Martin, 82, of Waynesboro, Virginia died May 22, 2009 at Fishersville, Virginia.  She was born July 31, 1926 in Augusta County, Virginia to William H. and Florence (Hershey) Martin.  On December 20, 1945 she was married to Merlin A. Burkholder, who was born September 15, 1924 and survives.

Surviving are children, Eddie & Patsy Burkholder; Robert & Sandy Burkholder;  Perry & Debbie Burkholder; Philip & Sandy Burkholder; Cindy & Brent Houff; Sara & Danny Showalter; Jay Burkholder; a daughter-in-law, Robin Burkholder; 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Hershey Martin; Barbara Heistand; Jane Davis; Virginia & Harold Brubaker; and Robert & Nancy Martin.

A son, Wendell M. Burkholder; a great-granddaughter, Laura Mae Burkholder; and a brother, William H. Martin, Jr.; preceded her in death.

She loved gardening and flowers, sewing and quilting, cooking and baking.

Memorial services were held May 25, 2009 at Springdale Mennonite Church, Waynesboro, Virginia with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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Burkholder, Harold E. 77 of Baltimore, MD, died January 15, 2009. He was born January 27, 1931 in Lancaster, PA, to Clarence and Blanche (nee Herr) Burkholder; He was married to Mary Jane (nee Myers) Burkholder since June 16, 1951.

Survived by his wife and children, Ruth Ann Gochnauer and her husband James; J. Michael Burkholder, Barbara Sue Liberto and her husband Stephen, and David Keith Burkholder and his wife Rosemary; brother of J. Richard and Charles A. Burkholder. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Harold moved to Baltimore, MD from Witmer Heights, PA on July 4, 1953 to help plant a permanent church known as Wilkens Avenue Mennonite Church. Notable church related involvement, Baltimore Church plant, 1952-53; Friday Night Youth Activities, 1954-1966; Youth Haven Involvement, nickname of 'Farmer', 1966 to 1978; New Creation Church Plant, East Baltimore, Aisquith Street Projects, 1978-1981; Wilkens Avenue Mennonite Church, 1978 to present serving as Treasurer/Trustee,'Interim' Lead Pastor, 1982-1995; Senior Advisor, 1995-present.

Funeral Service was january 17, 2009 at the Catonsville United Methodist Church, Catonsville, MD. Interment was  in New Cathedral Cemetery, Baltimore, MD

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Burkholder, Harold E.

Harold E. Burkholder, 77, of Baltimore, MD, died January 15, 2009 at his southwest Baltimore home of complications from a stroke.  He was born January 27, 1931 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Clarence A. and Blanche (Herr) Burkholder.

He married Mary Jane Myers on June 16, 1951.

He was a 1948 graduate of East Lampeter High School, Witmer Heights, PA.  In July, 1953, the family moved to Baltimore, MD from near Lancaster, to help establish the Wilkens Avenue Mennonite Church where Harold served as a licensed minister, along with various other responsibilities, until his final illness.

He was active with several other church plants in the Baltimore area and served on the board of the Mount Clare Christian School.  He was Regional Director for Mennonite Disaster Service and a board member of Camp Andrews, Holtwood, PA.

He was employed by the Electric Motor Repair Company of Baltimore, MD as a Master Electrician for 49 years and 10 months. One of his favorite tasks was working on electric motors aboard ships anchored in the Baltimore Harbor.

Survivors include his wife, Jane; sons J. Michael Burkholder of Baltimore, and David K. Burkholder and his wife Rosemary of Woodbridge, VA.; daughters Ruth Ann Gochnauer and her husband James of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Barbara Sue Liberto and her husband Stephen of Ellicott City, MD; two brothers J. Richard Burkholder and his wife Susan, of Goshen, IN and Charles A. Burkholder and his wife Aleda, of Green Valley, AZ; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial services at Catonsville, MD, were conducted by the district Mennonite Church ministry on January 24, with interment in New Cathedral Cemetery, Baltimore.

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Burkholder, Melvin Martin, 58, of Ephrata, entered into rest at his residence on Monday, September 21, 2009.

Born in Ephrata, he was the son of Paul Z. Burkholder and the late Leah W. (Martin) Burkholder. He was married for over 38 years to Elva O. (Ringler) Burkholder.

A member of Millway Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference, he was a farmer and mechanic.

In addition to his wife and father, Melvin is survived by four sons: Marlin R., husband of Mary Elizabeth (Eberly) Burkholder and Loren Ray, husband of Elva Z. (Newswanger) Burkholder, both of Williamsburg, PA, Delmar R., husband of Sabrina L. (High) Burkholder and Edwin Lee Burkholder, both of Ephrata; three daughters: Norma Jean, wife of Earl Z. Newswanger of Williamsburg, PA, Lucille R., wife of Curvin M. Horning, and Carolyn Louise Burkholder, both of Ephrata; two brothers, Ervin M., husband of Emma H. (Weaver) Burkholder of Greenwich, OH, and Lloyd M., husband of Esther H. (Zimmerman) Burkholder of Ephrata; five sisters: Etta M. Nolt of Shippensburg, Ida M., wife of David H. Zimmerman of Lititz, Lydia M., wife of Marvin B. Sensenig of Shippensburg, Lena M., wife of Earl H. Zimmerman of Plymouth, OH, and Naomi M., wife of Lester Z. Newswanger of Shiloh, OH, and 16 grandchildren.

Besides his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Burkholder.

A viewing will be held at the late residence, 110 Cocalico Creek Road, Ephrata, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday, September 25th. Funeral services will be held from the late residence on Saturday, September 26th, at 9:00 AM with further services from the Conestoga Mennonite Church, West Earl Township at 9:30 AM with Bishops Ammon Weaver and Eli Burkholder officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

Please omit flowers. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata.

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Burkholder, Violet Shank, age 93 of Menno Haven Chambersburg, Pa. and formerly of Maugansville, Md. died January 16, 2009 at the Chambersburg Hospital. She was born December 19, 1915 in Greencastle, Pa. to Aaron and Ida (Grove) Shank. Her husband was John Eber Burkholder were married August 11, 1936 in Hagerstown, Md
She was a member of the Salem Ridge Mennonite Church of Greencastle, PA.
 
Surviving is her husband and one son, Marlin (Husband of Charlotte Heatwole) Burkholder of Harrisonburg, Va., two daughters, Jean Burkholder (Wife of Ken) Peifer, Hagerstown, Md., Joyce Burkholder, Lancaster, Pa., one sister, Ida Frey, Charlottesville, Va., six grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son, three brothers and one sister.

Funeral service was January 20, 2009 at the Salem Ridge Mennonite Church with Rev. Galen Lehman and Chaplain Vernon Isner officiating. Burial was in the Salem Ridge Mennonite Cemetery, Greencastle, PA.
 

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Burkholder, Weaver W., 79, of Akron, passed away peacefully at his home at 2:50 PM, on Sunday, October 25, 2009, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family.

Born in East Earl Township on August 18, 1930, to the late Michael W. Burkholder and the late Emma (Weaver) Burkholder, he was the husband of Mabel I. (Snyder) Burkholder with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

He was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference, and a retired farmer.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons: Jay C., husband of Rhoda (Good) Burkholder, of Leola; Dennis L., husband of Marlene (Hursh) Burkholder of McClure; three daughters: Lois A., wife of Irvin Weaver of Ephrata; Judy L., wife of Vernon Weaver of Manheim; and Karen J., wife of Kenneth Horning of Elizabethtown; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 6 brothers: Melvin W. (Emma Hurst), Lititz; M. Lloyd (Anna Mary Martin), Lebanon; Titus W. (Anna Sensenig), Gordonville; John W. (Alverta Rutt), East Earl; Leon W. (Vera Nolt), New Holland and Frank W. (Eva Good), East Earl; and one sister, Arlene W. (Melvin Horst), Cochranville. He is also survived by stepmother, Anna (Rissler Martin) Burkholder, East Earl; stepbrother, Noah Martin (Marian Oberholtzer), Narvon; stepsisters, Mary (John Martin), Narvon; and Ruth (Charles Wanner), Mohnton.

He was preceded in death by an infant son and daughter, a brother, Raymond W. (Ada Kurtz) Burkholder, and a sister, Edna (Burkholder) (Lloyd) Martin.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 28th, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Farm Crest Chapel, Fairmount Retirement Community, 1100 Farm Crest Drive, Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 9:00 from the Farm Crest Chapel with further services at 9:30 AM from the Groffdale Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference), with Bishops Curvin Zimmerman and Jeremiah Sensenig officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Akron/Ephrata.

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Byler, Edna, 42, of Apple Creek, OH died February 11, 2009 at the home of her parents. She was born in Wayne County on July 12, 1966 to Mahlon J. and Ella (Miller) Byler She attended Living Hope Outreach in Millersburg, OH.
 
She is survived by her parents of Apple Creek; sisters, Mary (Louis) Choj and Amanda (Dave) Miller, both of Apple Creek, OH and Martha (David) Weaver of Millersburg, OH; brothers, Andrew (Paula) Byler of Apple Creek,OH;  Bill (Katie) Byler of Winesburg, OH; Ervin (Amy) Byler of Orrville, OH; Enos (Peggy) Byler of Dalton, OH and Mark (Lily) Byler of Millersburg, OH; twenty-five nieces and nephews and twelve great nieces and nephews; special friends, Mary Troyer, Joyce Hershberger, Charlotte and Marcia Miller and Rita Hochstetler.

A special thank you to family friend, Levina Peachey for her help and encouragement.

Memorial services were Feburary 16, 2009 at Mennonite Christian Assembly with Pastor Joe Hochstetler officiating. A private graveside service was prior to the memorial service in the Mennonite Christian Assembly church cemetery, Fredericksburg, OH.