Lazarus Project 2009 N-Q

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.

Nafziger, Dorothy Alice Christner, 83, of Archbold, OH died there on January 17, 2009. She was born January 7, 1926 in Huron County, Michigan to Jacob and Mary (Boshart) Christner. On May 29, 1949 she was married to Maurice E. Nafziger.

Surviving are children, Ed (Carmilla), Ken (Rhonda), Annette (Mike) Erbskorn, Darlette (David) Cavin, 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Marian Nafziger.

Her siblings, Alta, Jess, Bill, Alvin, Ervin, and Lewis Christner; Elizabeth
Swartzentruber; and Margaret King preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held January 20, 2009 at Tedrow Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Ohio with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, Ohio. Officiating ministers: Rachel Nafziger Hartzler (Goshen, Indiana, pastor of Pleasant Oaks Mennonite Church) and Carl Yoder (Archbold, Ohio, former pastor of Tedrow Mennonite Church.

Submitted by: Rachel Nafziger Hartzler, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nafziger, Eugene E., 82, of Delavan, IL died August 29, 2009 at Peoria, IL. He was born August 14, 1927 at Hopedale, IL to Aaron and Ella (Bachman) Nafziger. On April 17, 1952 at Minier, IL he was married to Emily Stanwood.

Surviving are 3 daughters: Debra (Robert) Becker and Sue (Paul) Dolan, both of
Middleton, WI; and Kathy (Scott) Browning of Fisher, IL, one son, Steve
(Meg) Nafziger of Woodinville, WA; 11 grandchildren, and a sister, Velma Thomas of Hopedale, IL.

A brother, Wilmer Nafziger preceded him in death.

Eugene was an active member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church and had served on the board of Menno Haven Camp and Retreat Center for 9 years.

Memorial services were held September 4, 2009 at Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, IL with burial in Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale, IL.

Submitted by: Mary Lee Springer, Hopedale, IL
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nafziger, Lloyd E., 78, of Hopedale, IL died August 6, 2009 at the same place. He was born October 12, 1930 at Hopedale to Orrin and Beatrice (Slabaugh) Nafziger. On September 30, 1951 at Leo, IN he was married to Eunice Yoder.

Surviving are children, Rodney (Miriam)Nafziger, Lancaster, PA; Kent (Arlene) Nafziger, Grand Island, NE; John Nafziger of Hopedale, IL; Marla (Kurt) Walker, Armington, IL; and Gail (Joe) King, Bellevue, IL; 6 grandchildren; one brother, E. Wayne Nafziger, Manhattan, Kansas; and one sister, Lorene (Walter) Good, Minier, IL.

Memorial services were held August 11, 2009 at Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, IL with burial in the Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale, IL.

Submitted by: Mary Lee Springer
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nafziger, Maurice "Mose" D., 80, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died August 13, 2009 at Defiance, Defiance Co., OH. He was born October 30, 1928 at Archbold to Raymond and Dora (Short) Nafziger. He was married to Donna Schmucker.

Surviving are children, Rodney (Daria) Nafziger; Victoria (Frank) Zimmer; Dawn (Gary) Huebner; and Dwight (Karen) Nafziger; 9 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held August 17, 2009 at Lockport Mennonite Church, Stryker, Williams Co., OH.

Submitted by: Barb Crossgrove, Stryker, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nafziger, Vern J., 91, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died October 13, 2009 at the same place from natural causes. He was born July 27, 1918 at Pettisville, Fulton Co., OH to Charlie and Malinda (Rufenacht) Nafziger. On December 4, 1941 at Archbold he was married to Evelyn Nofziger, who was born October 29, 1918 and survives.

Surviving are children, Melda (Larry) Richer, Esther (Wendell) Badertscher, Daniel (Shirley) Nafziger, Julia (Neal) Beck, Norma (Doug) Kauffman, Karleen Behnfeldt, and (Carolyn) Nafziger, 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Pauline Rossman.

A son, Marvin Nafziger, a grandson, Matthew and siblings, Earl Nafziger, Ora Nafziger, Loren Nafziger, and Lillian Sauder preceded him in death.

He worked with MDS, was a member of Gideons International, a Camp Manager at Little Eden Camp, made & shipped 30 tons of soap through MCC, and was a Sunday School teacher and vocalist.

Memorial services were held at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, OH with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, OH.

Submitted by: Dana Short, Archbold, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Neufeld, Antoinette A. Klassen Philin, 76, of Akron, Lancaster Co., PA died August 17, 2009 at the same place. She was born September 21, 1932 at Osterwick, Ukraine to Alexandr Klassen and Marguerita (Klassen) Philin. She was married to Hans Peter Neufeld, who survives.

Surviving are children, Carla E. Neufeld; Lisa M. Neufeld; Jenny Dominh; Philip M. Neufeld; Aida Amy-Joy Echternach, 14 grandchildren, a brother, Eugene Wolfshuk, and a sister, Camille Rouvre.

A son, Peter Carl Neufeld preceded her in death.

She loved children and traveling.

Memorial services were held July 21, 2009 at Akron Mennonite Church, Akron, PA
with burial in Wolf Cemetery, Ephrata, Lancaster Co., PA.

Submitted by: Janet Weber, Akron, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Neufeld, Elmer
Former Bluffton president dies
Neufeld also served in leadership with MCC and GCMC
By MWR staff and Bluffton University

BLUFFTON, Ohio — Elmer Neufeld, former president of Bluffton University, who also served in leadership roles in the General Conference Mennonite Church and Mennonite Central Committee, died March 30 at Mennonite Memorial Home. He was 83.

“President Neufeld’s life reflected the heart and soul of Bluffton for more than three decades,” President James Harder said. “He also shared his leadership gifts in many important ways with other organizations throughout the church. He was both a great leader and carried a vision for the school.”

Neufeld came to Bluffton as an assistant professor of philosophy in 1965. He became academic dean in 1974 before serving for 18 years as Bluffton’s seventh president, from 1978 to 1996.

In 2003 Bluffton named a new residence hall, Neufeld Hall, in his honor.

Bluffton was experiencing financial challenges when Neufeld took over as president, but he worked hard to restore its financial stability. The school’s operating budget grew from $3.5 million to $15.7 million and the endowment from $1.5 million to $6.4 million during his tenure. He started the matching scholarship program, “200 by 2000.”

Five new buildings went up while Neufeld served as president, and several new programs began, including a bachelor’s degree completion program for working adults and master’s degree in education program. The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center also opened, and learning in retirement classes began.

Neufeld was known for promoting international cross-cultural learning and bringing more such opportunities to campus.

He was born Feb. 3, 1926, to Peter T. and Lena (Wiens) Neufeld on a farm near Inman, Kan.

On June 20, 1948, he married LaVera Regehr.

After Neufeld completed a bachelor’s degree at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., in 1951, they moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the National Service Board for Religious Objectors. They relocated to Chicago in 1954, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Chicago. There they were members of Woodlawn Mennonite Church, taking special interest in interracial relations.

They next moved to Akron, Pa., where Neufeld worked for MCC. This led to three and a half years in Congo, where Neufeld served as country director for MCC.

In later years Neufeld continued his involvement with MCC as a board member and then as board chair from 1980 to 1988.

He was also involved in leadership of the General Conference Mennonite Church, including serving as president.

Other involvements included leadership roles with the Commission on Overseas Mission, Congo Inland Mission/Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, Higher Education Council, National Youth Advocacy Program and Habitat for Humanity.

In Ohio the Neufeld family joined First Mennonite Church of Lima, which later merged with Northside Mennonite to become Lima Mennonite Church. Neufeld played an integral role in leadership of the congregation and taught an adult Sunday school class for close to 40 years.

He loved the family homestead northwest of Bluffton, where he enjoyed raising sheep, chopping wood, planting trees and walking in the meadow with the dog.

An obituary from the family stated that Neufeld “steadfastly lived out his belief in peace, justice, education, hard work, the care of nature and service to all people.”

He is survived by his wife, LaVera; his children, Carolyn Huffman and her husband, Jerry, of Pandora, Cynthia Neufeld Smith and her husband, Roger, of Topeka, Kan., Timothy Neufeld and his wife, Kristin, of Goshen, Ind., Iris Neufeld and her husband, Eric Basinger, of Findlay, and Francene Merrin and her husband, Greg, of Columbus; six grandchildren; three brothers, Adolf Neufeld, Herb Neufeld and Robert Neufeld; and a sister, Helen Jantz.

Services were held April 2 at First Mennonite Church of Bluffton.

Neumann, Harold R., 75, Goshen, IN died February 12, 2009 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Fla. He was born Nov. 14, 1933, in Metamora, Ill.

He married Joanne E. Herbst May 22, 1955. He came to Goshen from Metamora in June 2004. He was a farmer for more than 50 years on his grandfather Peter Springer's farm in Metamora, Il.

He served in MCC PAX program in Europe and the Middle East from 1952 to 1954. He was a member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen and a former member of Metamora Mennonite Church.

Surviving are his wife and two daughters, Laurie (Roger) Nafziger, Lisa (Bryan) Heinz, both of Goshen, IN; two sons, Mark (Gail) Neumann, Metamora, Ill., and Kurt (Cheryl) Neumann, Metamora, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Sylvia (Dr. James) Miller, Wakarusa, IN; and a brother, Roger (Luetta) Neumann, Naples, Fla. and Goshen.

Funeral service was February 17, 2009 at Metamora Mennonite Church, Metamora, Ill. with Rev. Mike Danner officiating. Burial was in Hickory Point Cemetery, Metamora, Ill.

Source: Goshen News, Goshen, IN February 13, 2009
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH

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Neumann, Harold R., 75, of Goshen, IN died February 12, 2009 at Sarasota, FL. He was born November 14, 1933 at Metamora, IL to Emanuel and Martha (Springer) Neumann. On May 22, 1955 at Metamora, IL he was married to Joanne E. Herbst, who was born February 16, 1934 and survives.

Surviving are children, Laurie (Roger) Nafziger; Lisa (Bryan) Heinz; Mark (Gail) Neumann; Kurt (Cheryl) Neumann; 10 grandchildren, a sister, Sylvia (Dr. James) Miller and a brother, Roger (Luetta) Neumann.

Harold was a farmer for more than 50 years on his grandfather Peter
Springer's farm in Metamora, IL. He served in MCC PAX in Europe and the Middle East. Harold served eight years on the Mennonite Church General Board, was on the board of Maple Lawn Homes, Eureka, IL, for 12 years. He also served as president of the Board. He was on the Grainland Grain Co-op, Eureka, Ill., board of directors for 14 years. In Goshen he volunteered at Oaklawn.

Memorial services were held February 17, 2009 at Metamora Mennonite Church, Metamora, IL with burial in Hickory Point Cemetery, Metamora, IL.

Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman, Goshen IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Newland, Mary Ellen Payne, 85, died March 1, 2009 She was born on February 19, 1924 in Rockingham Co., VA to Clarence and Stella Virginia Morris Payne. Her first husband Hayes Halterman and her second husband Richard Newland both preceded in death

She was a member of the Gospel Hill Mennonite Church, Fulks Run,VA. Surviving are three daughters Audrey Kay Hendricks, FL; Donna Faye Minnick, McGaheysville, VA; Jeanette Michelle Nelson, Harrisonburg, VA; three sons, Claude Ray Halterman, Broadway, VA; Elwood Clay Halterman and Lynwood Jay Halterman both of GA; three brothers, Gifford Payne, Singers Glen, VA; Nelson Payne, Linville, VA; Warren Payne, Broadway, VA; fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

Funeral service was March 5, 2009. at McMullen Funeral Home Chapel, Harrisonburg, VA, conducted by Pastor Cindy Carr. Burial was East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Harrisonburg, VA

Source: Obituary files of McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH

Newswanger, Betty Louise Hershey, 66, of 103 Circle Rd., Lancaster, died of cancer on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at her home. She is survived by her husband, R. Wesley Newswanger.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of Ruth (Martin) Hershey of Lititz and the late Landis E. Hershey.

Betty was involved in Christian education for more than 40 years as a teacher and administrator. She served at Locust Grove Mennonite School, Kraybill's Mennonite School, New Danville Mennonite School, Good Shepherd School in Ethiopia, and was on the team that started For Love of Children Learning Center in Washington, DC.

She was an active member of Witmer Heights Mennonite Church. She taught Sunday School and served as president of Lancaster Conference Mennonite Women.

Her passions in life revolved around her childhood dream of teaching children, as well as her family and friends, her husband Wes, scrapbooking, traveling, and reading.

Surviving in addition to her husband and mother is a brother, Glenn, married to Christine Greybe, Hong Kong; nephews Keith and Jeffrey Hershey, CA; an Ethiopian brother, Dr. Ingida Asfaw, married to Elizabeth, MI; step-children: Lynda, married to Dan Schroeder, KS; Ryan, married to Sue Schlabach, VT; Daryl, companion of Julie Ramirez, Mexico; a granddaughter, Lowry; and in-laws Beverly Hershey, Orpha Newswanger, Larry and Janet Newswanger, Blanche Renshaw, and
Marian and Bruce Bedford.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Doreen Hershey, and a stillborn brother.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, July 10 at 10:30 AM at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster, with Pastor L. Roy Bender officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held at the church on Thursday from 6 to 8 PM and on Friday from 9 to 10 AM. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to Mennonite Central Committee, (MCC), P. O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501 or to Hospice of Lancaster County, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements.

Intelligencer Journal - 7/7/2009
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Newswanger, Darvin Isaiah, son of JoAnna H. (Horning) and Marvin Z. Newswanger, Jr. of 1636 Main St., Goodville was stillborn on March 10 [2009].

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters: Kaitlyn Diane and Amy Jenise Newswanger, both at home; maternal grandparents, Leon and Rebecca Horning, East Earl; paternal grandparents, Marvin and Edna News-wanger, Lititz; maternal great-grandparents Mahlon and Mary Horning, East Earl; paternal great-grandparents, Ella Zimmerman, Ephrata, and Adam Horning, Lititz.

A private graveside service will be held at Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by: Intelligencer Journal - 3/11/2009
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Newswanger, James L., 58, of 398 E. Jackson St., New Holland, went home to be with his Savior on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Miriam B. (Sensenig) Newswanger of Ephrata and the late Robert Henry Newswanger. He was married 37 years on July 14 to Jessica L. (Mull) Newswanger.

He had worked as a service manager in the auto industry in the Lancaster County area for 36 years.

He was a member of Grace Family Church in New Holland. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and his hobbies included reading, music, and following sports. He was a long-time fan of the Miami Dolphins and the New York Yankees.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are five children, Jennifer, married to Chris Smith of Indianapolis, IN, James, Jr., married to Michele (Krissinger) Newswanger of Ephrata, Janelle, married to Adrian Kapp of Lititz, Jared, married to Aimee (Ackley) Newswanger of Lancaster, and Jonathan, married to Danielle (Martin) Newswanger of New Holland; nine grandchildren, Alex, Miriam, Noah, Moses, Gavin, Lyra, Titus, Zion, and Rylee; and eight brothers
and sisters, Judy, married to Rev. Tom Noyes of Sunbury, Barry, married to Kathy Newswanger of New Holland, Sheryl, married to Rick Wright of Lansdale, Rev. Gerry, married to Sue Newswanger of Wycombe, Steve, married to Robin Newswanger of Ephrata, Lee Newswanger of Williamsport, Cathy Jo Newswanger of New Holland, and Bryan, married to Kathy Newswanger of Mason, OH.

Preceding him in death is a granddaughter, Hazel Irene Smith; and a brother, Robert Newswanger, Jr. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at Grace Family Church, 415 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, with the Reverend Tim Hodge officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Thursday from 6-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Water Street Rescue Mission, PO Box 7267, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Intelligencer Journal - 10/20/2009
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Nice, Aaron D., 99, of Morrison died March 31, 2009 at Morrison, Whiteside County, Illinois. He was born September 4, 1909 at Morrison to Abner A. and Esther (Deter) Nice. On December 3, 1939 at Leonard, Missouri he was married to Barbara May Yoder, who died March 4, 1997.

Surviving are children, Ruth Carrasco, Richard (Sharon) Nice, David (Brenda) Nice, John (Beverly) Nice, and LeRoy (Marilyn) Nice, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Rachel Nice, and Hazel (Richard) Hassan.

In addition to his wife, a sister, Beulah Nice a brother, Cecil Nice, and one grandson preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held April 4, 2009 at Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois with burial in Morrison Mennonite Cemetery, Morrison, Illinois.

Submitted by: Sue Dirks
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin, Sterling, IL

--------------

Nice, Aaron D., 99, of Morrison, IL died March 31, 2009. He was born Sept. 4, 1909 in Morrison, IL to Abner A. and Esther (Deter) Nice. He married Barbara May Yoder Dec. 3, 1939 in Leonard, Mo. She died March 4, 1997.

He was a member of Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling. Aaron served as pastor of Morrison Mennonite Church from March 6, 1938 to Aug. 26, 1984. He also served on the board of directors of the Mount Carmel Children’s Home..

Survived by his daughter, Ruth Carrasco, New Holland, PA.; four sons, Richard (Sharon) Nice, Pottstown, PA., David (Brenda) Nice, Stuarts Draft, VA., John (Beverly) Nice and LeRoy (Marilyn) Nice, both of Goshen, IN.; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Rachel Nice, Morrison, and Hazel (Richard) Hassan, Goshen, IN.

A memorial service was April 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling, IL. The Rev. Arnold Owens, pastor of the Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling, and the Rev. Rodney Nice, associate pastor of the Mountainview Mennonite Church, Lyndhurst, Va., will officiate at the service. Graveside services took place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Morrison Mennonite Cemetery, Morrison, IL

Source: The Goshen News, Goshen, IN April 3, 2009
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler

Nice, Clair Heckler, 76, of Harleysville, PA died October 11 2009 at Philadelphia, PA from complications of a fall. He was born November 11, 1932 at Harleysville, PA to Elmer C. and Alma L. (Heckler) Nice. On January 4, 1958 at Hatfield, PA he was married to Mildred Hackman, who was born September 7, 1934 and survives.

Surviving are three sons, Dale (and Betsy) Nice; Tim (and Brenda) Nice; and Doug Nice; 5 grandchildren, and a sister, Evelyn Nice.

Infant twin children, Deborah Lynn and David Lee, and a brother, Floyd Nice preceded him in death.

He retired from Hatfield Quality Meats after 32 years in 1999 and for the past ten years was a volunteer at Care and Share Thrift shops of Souderton. Clair and Mildred served two terms with SOOP (Serving Opportunities for Older Persons) in Phoenix, AZ and British Columbia.

Memorial services were held October 16, 2009 at Plains Mennonite Church, Hatfield, Montgomery Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Mike Derstine, Hatfield, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nofziger, Denver J., 72, of Archbold, Ohio died September 20, 2009 at Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born March 28, 1937 at Wauseon, Fulton County, Ohio to Clifford and Irene (Short) Nofziger. On July 22, 1956 he was married to Evelyn Stalter, who was born April 3, 1937 and survives.

Surviving are children, Kathy (Wes) Rupp, Gary (Brenda) Nofziger, and Neil (Analyn) Nofziger, all of Wauseon, OH; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, a brother, Dean E. (Janeth) Nofziger of Wauseon, OH; a sister, Donelda (Leonard) Richer of Wauseon, OH; and a brother-in-law, Paul Smith of Alvordton, OH.

Two sons, Rex Nofziger, Keith Nofziger, a sister, Delores Smith, and a grandson, Curtis Nofziger preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held September 23, 2009 at North Clinton Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Ohio with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, Fulton Co., Ohio.

Submitted by: Audrey Rupp, Wauseon, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Norr, Carol M., 68, of Berne, Adams Co., IN died May 12, 2009 at the same place (where) from A.L.S. She was born August 7, 1940 in Adams Co., IN to Merlin and Trella (Liechty) Norr.

Surviving are a brother, Paul (Evie) Norr; and two sisters, Marjorie (Raymond) Zurcher; and Alice Myers.

A 1958 graduate of Geneva High School, Miss Norr was a member of North Goshen Mennonite Church and an associate member of the First Mennonite Church of Berne. She had worked at Dunbar Furniture; as an executive secretary at Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA. and as an administrative assistant at Mennonite Mission Network, Elkhart, IN.

She will be fondly remembered for all of the lives she touched with encouraging words and notes. Even as she was declining in health, Carol wrote notes of encouragement to be sent to others.

Memorial services were held May 16, 2009 at First Mennonite Church, Berne, IN with burial in M.R.E. Cemetery, Berne, Adams Co., IN.

Submitted by: Cheryl Beachey, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nussbaum, Aaron Isaac, 89, of Orrville, Wayne Co., OH died May 13, 2009 at the same place. He was born to Daniel and Edna Mary (Amstutz) Nussbaum and married to Mary Ebersole, who survives.

Surviving are children, David (Eldina)Nussbaum, Paul Nussbaum, Samuel (Maggie) Nussbaum, Earl (Ruth Ann) Nussbaum, Nathan Nussbaum, John (Lisa) Nussbaum, Esther (David) Walthour, Ruth Suter, Lois (Bob) Bixler, Rose Mary (Jeff)
Hackman. 24 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held May 18, 2009 at Crown Hill Mennonite Church, Rittman, Wayne Co., OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Judy Hilty
Crown Hill Mennonite Church, Rittman OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nuttall, James David, 58, of Frazer, Chester County, PA died May 30, 2009 at the same place from a heart attack.

He was born December 16, 1950 at Chester, PA to James Kershaw and Jean Mary (Williams) Nuttall. Jean Mary was born February 15, 1926. James Kershaw was born February 14, 1916 and died August 6, 2003.

On August 31, 1974 at Frazer, PA he was married to Kathleen Ann Frederick, who was born August 16, 1953 and survives.

Surviving are his wife, his mother, a son, Andrew James Nuttall, and wife, Denise Borrell Nuttall; a daughter, Sarah Jean Nuttall; a brother, Ted Nuttall and wife, Joyce Nuttall; and sister, Jean Hansen, divorced.

His father preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held June 5, 2009 at Frazer Mennonite Church Frazer, PA.

Submitted by: Kathleen Nuttall, Frazer, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Nyce, Pearl Clemens Ruth, 93, of Telford, PA died March 4, 2009 at Quakertown, Bucks Co., PA. She was born June 25, 1915 at Telford, Montgomery Co., PA to John M. and Lizzie (Clemens) Ruth. On April 25, 1942 she was married to Lawrence Moyer Nyce, who was born October 19, 1918 and died April 28, 1984.

Surviving are children, Joyce Kratz and husband Richard; John Nyce and wife Mabel; Jerald Nyce and wife Ruthann; 9 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Two brothers, Nelson Ruth and John Ruth, and a sister, Sallie Rush preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held March 9, 2009 (when) at Plains Mennonite Church, Hatfield, Montgomery Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Mike Derstine, Hatfield, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Oberg, Anita L. Ebersole, 83, of Sterling, IL died there on March 16, 2009. She was born July 2, 1925 at Sterling, Whiteside Co., IL to Roy H. and Ruth (Nice) Ebersole. In 1947 she was married to Doug Oberg, who died in 1980.

Surviving are three sisters, Miriam Shank, Belva Robinson, and Betty (Eldo) Sutter; five brothers, Charles (Joyce) Ebersole, Robert (Wilmeta) Ebersole, Everett (Dorothy) Ebersole, Eugene (Merrildean) Ebersole, and Willard (Ellen) Ebersole; two step-sisters, Suellen (Errel) Schavin and Verna (David) Kauffman; and a half-brother, Roy Ebersole, Jr.

Three sisters, Catherine Johnson, Pauline Dickhut, and Gertrude Campbell; and a brother, Russell Ebersole preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held March 20,2009 at Science Ridge Mennonite Chirch, Sterling, IL with burial in Calvary Cemetary, Sterling, IL.

Submitted by: Sue Dirks, Sterling, Il
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Olson, David, 72, of New Holland, PA died April 29, 2009 at Mt. Joy, PA from stroke and complications. He was born June 6, 1936 at Mt. Vernon, NY to David and Miriam (Garland) Olson. On June 12, 1959 he was married to Shelba Sandiford, who was born June 17, 1942 and survives.

Surviving are children, Bobbi Schenk, wife of Charles Schenk; David Olson, Jr. married to Maryann Olson; Kimberly Olson; Jason Olson, married to Dianna Olson;
Christopher Olson, married to Lori Olson; Richard Wong; and nine grandchildren.

Memorial services were held May 9, 2009 at Hershey Mennonite Church, Kinzers, PA. The body was cremated.

Submitted by: Janet Gehman, Strasburg, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Orebaugh, Genet Marie Kuhns, 57, of New Market, VA died November 2, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. She was born March 24, 1952 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to James W. Kuhns and Olive M. Clemens Kuhns.

She resided in Pennsylvania before moving to Virginia. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite College and worked at Perdue Farms in Bridgewater for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Robert B. "Tiny" Orebaugh, New Market, VA, two sisters, Jean E. (G. Edward) Rissler, Harrisonburg, VA, Evelyn M. (Jessie) Rankin, Middleboro, MA; one brother, Philip L. (Faith) Kuhns, Tallahassee, FL; six nephews, James Rissler, Atlanta, GA, Grant Rissler, Lancaster, PA, Matthew Rissler, Dubuque, IA, Anthony Kuhns, Stefan Kuhns both of Tallahassee, FL, Jonathan Rankin, Middleboro, MA; and two grandnephews, Andrew Rissler, Peter Rissler, both of Atlanta, GA.

A memorial service was November 21, 2009 at the Timberville Church of the Nazarene. Pastors Todd Thomas and Don Guthrie conducted the service. Her ashes in a private family ceremony were interred at the Bethel Mennonite Church cemetery, Gladys, VA.

Source: Obit files of Mcmullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler

Orosz, Mary O. Steffe, 91, of Miller's Merry Manor formerly Nappanee, IN died Friday February 13, 2009. She was born December 30, 1917, in Kosciusko Co., IN to Glen Steffe and Ruth Goshert. She married Oreal Corl on June 4, 1938, and he died May 23, 1954. She married Michael Francis Orosz on July 6, 1957, he died on March 17, 1984.

She is survived by two sons, Ronald (Nancy) Corl of Columbus, Ohio, and Dennis (Shelly) Corl of Syracuse, IN; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by one son, Raymond Corl, and two brothers, Max and John Steffe.

She belonged to the North Main Street Mennonite Church, Nappanee, IN and the auxiliaries of the Nappanee American Legion and the VFW.

Funeral service was February 18, 2009 at the North Main Street Mennonite Church in Nappanee, IN officiated by the Rev. Ruben Chupp. Burial will be at Stony Point Cemetery, Atwood, Kosciusko Co., IN

Source: The Elkart Truth, Elkart, IN February 15, 2009
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH

--------------

Orosz, Mary O. Steffe, 91, of Wakarusa, IN died February 13, 2009 at Wakarusa, Wlkhart Co., IN. She was born December 30 1917 at Kosciusko Co., IN to Glen and Ruth (Goshert) Steffe.

Surviving are children, Ronald (Nancy) Corl, Dennis (Shelly) Corl
7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Her two husbands, Oreal Corl and Michael Francis Orosz, and a son, Raymond Corl
preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held February 18, 2009 at North Main St. Mennonite Church, Nappanee IN with burial in Stony Point Cemetery.

Submitted by: Lisa, Nappanee, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Otto, Fred J.

Fred J. Otto, 75, of Humboldt passed away at 4:23 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2009, at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) at the William Otto residence, 326 East County Road 100 North in rural Arcola with Bishop Daniel Chupp officiating. Burial will be in Yoder Cemetery. Visitation will be any time prior to the funeral at William Otto's residence.

Mr. Otto was born on January 27, 1933, in Douglas County. He was a son of Jerry S. and Elizabeth N. (Mast) Otto. He married Martha Elizabeth Miller on December 4, 1952, in Arthur. She survives.

Survivors include seven children, Betty Miller and husband Howard of Arthur, Nancy Miller and husband Ervin of Arcola, Omer Otto and wife Lorene of Humboldt, Celesta Yoder and husband Robert of Arthur, William Otto and wife Kathryn of Arcola, Willis Otto and wife Dorothy of Humboldt, and Jerry Otto and wife Sarah of Arthur; 37 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, Freeman Otto and wife Mary of Kokomo, Indiana, Simon Otto and wife Edna of Kokomo, and Jerry Otto Jr. of Arcola; one sister, Verna Chupp and husband Melvin of Arcola; four sisters-in-law, Martha Otto of Humboldt, Mattie and Mary Otto both of Kokomo, and Ida (Otto) Helmuth of Arthur.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one stillborn daughter, Barbara Otto; one grandson, Earl Otto; one great-granddaughter, Cynthia Yoder; two stillborn great-grandchildren; seven brothers; and one sister.

Mr. Otto was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Arthur Graphic-Clarion, Arthur, IL
January 28, 2009
Submitted by: Liz Kauffman, Arcola, IL
Transcribed by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Oyer, Pauline, 95, of Goshen, IN died May 5, 2009 at the same place. She was born April 26, 1914 at Metamora, IL to Edward and Ellen (Smith) Oyer.

Miss Oyer retired in 1975 as chief clerk at the FBI, Phoenix, AZ.

Two sisters, Thelma Noe, and Ethel Yoder, and a brother, Harold Oyer preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held June 13 2009 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with burial in Eureka Cemetery, Eureka, IL.

Submitted by: Ethel Hoffman
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Penner, Luella Esther Tieszen, 86, of Freeman, SD died February 28, 2009 at Freeman, Hutchison Co., SD. She was born January 12, 1923 at Marion, Turner Co., SD to Dr. Henry P. and Aganetha (Ewert Tieszen) Penner. On December 29, 1946 at Marion, SD she was married to Randolph Vernon Penner, who died December 24, 2002.

Two siblings in infancy (Albert & Nettie), 3 sisters, Ida Rose Hofer, Arpa
Tschetter & Johanna Hofer preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held March 6, 2009 at Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in Rosehill Cemetary, Dolton, Turner Co., SD.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Peters, Bertha Regier, 83, of Henderson, NE died April 18, 2009 at Aurora, NE. She was born August 13, 1925 in York Co., NE to John A. and Nettie (Siemens) Regier. On February 21, 1946 at Henderson, NE she was married to Carl D. Peters, who survives.

Surviving are a son, Joe (Lillian) Peters; a daughter, Linda (Daryl) Heisey; three grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a sister Pansy Janzen; and a sister-in-law, Martha Hiebner.

A brother, James Regier; and a sister, Irene and her husband, Arnold Friesen; preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held April 25, 2009 at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, York Co., NE.

Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Petersheim, Elmer W., of Narvon PA died May 20, 2009. Born in Salisbury Twp., Lancaster Co., PA to Amos K. and Lavina Stoltzfus Petersheim. He was married to Sara Ann Bawell Petersheim for 41 years.

Survived by his wife and four children, David married to Esther Kauffman Petersheim, Ruth married to Roger Shirk, Narvon, PA; Reuben married to Patricia Musser Petersheim, Baltimore, MD, Elmer, Narvon, PA; 13 grandchildren; siblings, Sadie married to Reuben Allgyer, Parkesburg, PA; Stephen married to Mary Petersheim and Amos married to Esther Petersheim, both Narvon, PA.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Lydia Petersheim. Funeral service was May 23, 2009 at Blue Ball Mennonite Church, Blue Ball, PA, with interment following in Millwood Mennonite Cemetery.

Source: LOL May 22,2009
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler

Philipp, Luise Janzen, 98, of Reedley, CA died April 1, 2009 at the same place. She was born April 13, 1910 at Warden, WA to Henry and Susana Janzen and married to Paul Philipp, who died in 1982.

Surviving are step-children, Agnes, Walter, Bob, and Calvin Philipp, a brother, Paul Janzen, a sister, Edna Blackwood, and a brother, Hank Janzen.

Her first husband, Victor Lebedeff, a son, Michael Lebedeff, two sisters, Gertrude, and Martha, and two brothers, Daniel, and Albert preceded her in death.

Burial was April 7, 2009 in Reedley Cemetery, Reedley, CA.

Submitted by: Dee Patrick
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Plank, Leroy I., 35, of Arthur, passed away at 10:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services were held at Sunday morning at the family residence, 327 North County Road 200 East in rural Arthur with Bishop Omer Miller officiating. Burial was in Miller Cemetery in rural Arcola.

Visitation was anytime prior to the service at the family residences. Edwards- Funeral Home, Arcola, assisted the family with arrangements.

Mr. Plank was born October 16, 1973, in Decatur. He was a son of Ivan J. and Clara Mae (Kauffman) Plank. He married Rhoda Stutzman on June 8, 2000, in Sullivan. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Regina Faye and Elaine Rose Plank, both at home; his parents, Ivan J. and Clara Mae Plank of Arthur; six siblings, Allen Plank and wife Amanda of Arcola, Jerry Plank and wife Joann of Arthur, Ruth Ann Plank of Arthur, Mary Fern Plank of Flat Rock, Sovilla Mae Plank of Arthur, and Eldon Plank of Arthur; his maternal grandmother, Sovilla Kauffman of Arthur; his father- and mother-in-law, Marvin and Sarah Stutzman of Sullivan, and a brother-in-law, Glenn Schrock.

Mr. Plank was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, George Kauffman; paternal grandparents, Jacob and Lizzie Plank; one sister, Dorothy Marie Schrock; and one brother, Raymond Plank.

Mr. Plank was a farmer and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. :

Source: Arthur Graphic, Arthur, IL - 8-19-09
Submitted by: Liz Kauffman

Plank, Lydia Caroline, 91, died at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, VA on October 22, 2009. Ms. Plank was born on July 6, 1918 in Bellefontaine, OH, to Marion L. and Mary Ella (King) Plank.

At the age of 2, the family moved from Ohio to Royersford, Pennsylvania, where she spent her childhood. Ms. Plank earned a bachelors degree from Eastern Mennonite University and a Master of Arts Degree in Library Science from Vanderbilt University (Peabody), Nashville, Tennessee. For fifteen years she served in relief work with the Mennonite Central Committee and in mission work with Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities and with the Methodist Mission Board. Her overseas service consisted primarily of teaching and organizing libraries, especially in Malaysia, where she served for nearly ten years. She also served in India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Somalia. In the States, Ms. Plank taught school and worked as a librarian in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, California and Hawaii. Because of her great love for children and literature, she held many story hours and spent many summers teaching Summer Bible School. She was a member of Park View Mennonite Church.

She is survived by a sister, Cena King, of Tofield, Alberta Canada, and seventeen nieces and nephews.

Three sisters preceded her in death, Dorothy Swartz (Jonas) Delphia Kurtz (Omar), and Annabelle Tyson (Aaron).

A memorial service was November 6, 2009 in the Detwiler Auditorium of the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Harrisonburg, VA.

Source: Obit files of Mcmullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler

Pope, George Edward, 47, of Springs, Somerset Co., PA died October 26, 2009 at the same place. He was born August 10, 1962 at Meyersdale, Somerset Co., PA to Eugene and Doris (Weimer) Pope. He was married to Tracy G. Brownlee, who survives.

Surviving are a son, Joshua Pope, a brother, Patrick Pope and wife Missy, Martinsburg, WV; and two sisters, Winifred Ringler and husband Harry, Salisbury, PA; and Christine Upole and husband Robert, Oakland, MD.

He was a truck driver for Keystone Lime Co. He was the past president and past assistant chief for the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Pope was a member of the Somerset County Maple Producers Association of which he was currently "Maple King". He and his wife co-owned G&T Acre Maple Products. He loved hunting.

Memorial services were held October 31, 2009 at Springs Mennonite Church, Springs, PA with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery, West Salisbury, Somerset Co., PA.

Submitted by: Felicia Maust, Springs, PA.
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Powell, Gertrude Ada Kauffman, 92, of South English, IA died March 12, 2009 at North English, IA. She was born April 1, 1916 at Blandon, Iowa to Noah D. and Kate (Egli) Kauffman. On June 26, 1938 at Manson, IA she was married to John Stutzman, who is deceased.

Surviving are a son, Daniel Powell, a daughter, Kathleen (Richard) Troyer, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two sisters, Grace Nachtigal, and Edith Piper, and three brothers, Roy Kauffman, Dan Kauffman, and Walter
Kauffman.

A brother, Joe Kauffman, and two sisters, Rose Mason and Marian Jones preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held March 14, 2009 at Wellman Mennonite Church, Wellman, IA.

Submitted by: Jennifer Archer, Wellman, IA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin