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Lazarus Project

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.

2009  R

  Raber, John Henry;    Ranck, Lester H.;   Regier, Phyllis Ann Bartel;   Renno, Mildred;     Ressler, Anna Mary Lehman;  Rhodes, Anthony Lawrence;   Rhodes, Charles Lindamood;   Rice, Miranda Lyn Irene;    Rice, Raymond R.;  Richard, Eunice Marie Amstutz;   Richard, Phil L.;   Riegsecker, Lueen Mae Grieser;    Ritter, Elsie Kathryn Witmer;   Roberts, Roy Charles;   Roes, Anna Mae Widrick;    Rohrer, Grace Lucille Shank;   Rohrer, Herman Holmes;    Ross, Rebecca Sue Moyer;   Rotenberger, Laura A. Shelly;   Roth, Delmer Darrell;   Ruhl, Lester G.;   

Raber, John Henry, 71, of Sarasota, FL died April 12, 2009 at the same place from cancer.  He was born December 9, 1937 and married to Ann Stutzman, who survives.

Surviving are a son, Todd & Joetta Raber of Sarasota, two daughters, Lisa & Randy Teague of Akron, OH, and Tonya & Terry Herschberger of Osprey, FL, seven grandchildren, six brothers: Wayne of Ravenna, OH; Al of Phoenix, AZ; David of Antrim, OH; Alfred of Hartville, OH; Leroy of Columbus, OH; Verton of Atwater, OH; and three sisters: Lydia Miller of Middlebury, IN; Keturah Sommers of Minerva, OH; and Alice Troyer of Hartville, OH.

Memorial services were held April 18, 2009 at Bay Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota, FL with burial in Bethel Cemetery, Sarasota, FL.

Submitted by: Judi Mullett, Sarasota, FL
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Ranck, Lester H., 85, of Quarryville. PA, died July 10, 2009. He was born in Paradise Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa to Edwin and M. Helen Hershey Ranck. His wife was Mary R. Todd Ranck, they were married 64 years. He was a member of Mechanic Grove Mennonite Church, Quarryville, PA.

Survived by his wife and four children, Jay L. Ranck of Peach Bottom, PA; Judy L. married to James Thomas of New Providence, PA; Ronald L. married to Bonita Nissley Ranck of Leola, PA and Randall L. married to Patricia Groff Ranck of Lancaster. PA; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and two brothers, Donald Ranck and Frederick Ranck.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Ranck and Arthur Ranck.  

Funeral service was July 13, 2009 at Mechanic Grove Mennonite Church, with Bishop Richard L. Buckwalter and Pastor Wayne Kreider officiating. Interment was in Mechanic Grove Mennonite Cemetery, Quarryville, PA.  
Source: Lancaster OnLine, July 11, 2009
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler


Regier, Phyllis Ann Bartel, 86, of Moundridge died February 5, 2009 at Moundridge, KS.  She was born April 6, 1922 at Newton, KS to Jacob and Rosella (Bartel) Bartel.  On December 25, 1943 at Hillsboro, KS she was married to John Warren Regier, who was born February 13, 1921 and survives, along with a daughter, Kathy Regier.

Memorial services were held February 21, 2009 at Zion Mennonite Church, Moundridge, KS with burial in West Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Moundridge, KS.

Submitted by: Carla Stucky, Moundridge, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Renno, Mildred, 100, of Belleville PA died October 21, 2009 at the same place.  She was born November 18, 1908 in Belleville, PA.  Burial was in Locust Grove Cemetery, Belleville, PA.
Submitted by: Unknown
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin 

Ressler, Anna Mary Lehman

Anna Mary Ressler, age 86, of Landis Homes, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away at Landis Homes on Monday, January 19, 2009. She was the wife of the late Elmer R. Ressler who passed away on September 5, 2002. She was born in Myerstown, PA, daughter of the late Milo & Anna Seibel Lehman. She was presently a member of the West Bethany Fellowship of Landis Homes, and in the past she was a member of the former Kennett Square Mennonite Church. Mrs. Ressler was a homemaker and had worked at the Pocopson Home of West Chester as a nurses aide. She enjoyed quilting and needlework.

Surviving are 6 children: Elvin J. husband of Melanie Yoder Ressler of Atglen, Marlin G. husband of Catherine Neideigh Ressler of Lititz, Grace A. wife of Edmund F. Gregg of Annandale, VA, Richard R. husband of Susan Smoker Ressler of New Holland, Mark E. husband of Dana Green Ressler of Conowingo, MD, Ronald I. husband of Marlene Hoover Ressler of Millersville, 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 sisters: Edna Lentz of Grebel, PA, Esther wife of Ivan Weiler of Myerstown, Emma Huber of Manheim. She was preceded in death by 2 children: Mary Jane Ressler and David Lee Ressler, 5 siblings: Arthur, Irene, Margaret Lehman, Lillian Kurtz, Eleanor Hurst.

Funeral service will take place from the Millwood Mennonite Church, 441 Amish Road, Gap, PA on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing at the West Bethany Chapel of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and again at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in the Millwood Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Landis Homes Caring  Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Arrangements by the Shivery Funeral Home, Christiana & Paradise.

Submitted by: Robert Fish
& Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH
From: Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster, PA - 1/20/2009


Rhodes, Anthony Lawrence, 35, of Dalton, Georgia died July 8, 2009 at the same place from complications of Type I diabetes.  

He was born October 9, 1973 at Dublin, Georgia to Robert Allen and Rose (Weaver) Rhodes.  Robert was born May 10, 1941 and died August 3, 2006.  Rose was born December 13, 1940 and survives.

On February 23, 2008 at Dalton, Georgia he was married to Mary Teresa Sanner, who was born November 25, 1968 and survives.

Surviving are his mother, a brother, Geoffrey and his wife, Leah Markowicz  Rhodes; a sister, Kathryn and her husband, J. Frank Rhodes-Reynolds; and nephews, Simon and Micah Rhodes.

His father preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held July 15, 2009 at Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church, Dublin, Georgia with burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Cadwell, Georgia.

Submitted by: Rose Rhodes, Dublin, Georgia
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Rhodes, Charles Lindamood, 85, of Broadway, Virginia died January 26, 2009 at Harrisonburg, Virginia.  He was born October 7, 1923 at Broadway, Virginia to Robert Neff and Mattie (Lindamood) Rhodes, Sr.  On July 26, 1974 he was married to Janet Dove, who was born January 6, 1930 and survives.

Surviving are two brothers, Jim Rhodes and Barry Rhodes.

Two brothers, Bob Rhodes and Don Rhodes and one sister, Nancy Showalter preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held January 29, 2009 at Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, Virginia with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Administrative Assistant
Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Rice, Miranda Lyn Irene, of Pettisville, Ohio was born and died at Toledo, Ohio on September 7, 2009.  She was born to Nick and Valerie (Rupp) Rice.  Valerie was born September 8, 1982.

Surviving are her parents and a sister, Ashalyn Rice

Memorial services were held September 16, 2009 at North Clinton Mennonite Church, Wauseon, Fulton County, Ohio with burial in Pettisville Cemetery,  Pettisville, Fulton County, Ohio.

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


Rice, Raymond R., 85, of Souderton died March 13, 2009 at Sellersville, Bucks County, PA.  He was born March 24, 1923 in Bedminster Township, Bucks County, PA to Henry and Annie (Rush) Rice.  On April 8, 1944 he was married to Esther A. Nyce, who died December 30, 2002.

Surviving are children, Lydia VanLuvanee & husband, Dennis of Mt. Pocono, PA; Lois Spengler & husband, Steven of Telford, PA; and Henry Rice & wife, Darla of Dublin, PA; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Also three sisters, Mary Kuhn & husband, Joseph of Sellersville, PA; Catherine Landis & husband, Henry of Souderton, PA; and Nora Nyce of Souderton, PA; and two sisters-in-law, Irene Rice of Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA; and Eleanor Rice of Delmar, MD.


A son, Jonas Ray Rice, a sister, Betty Hayes; two brothers, Paul & Abram Rice; and two brothers-in-law, Clarence Hayes and Henry Nyce preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held March 22, 2009 at Souderton Mennonite Summit View Auditorium, Souderton, PA with burial in Deep Run Mennonite Church East Cemetery, Perkasie, Bucks County, PA.
Submitted by: Lois Ann Wismer, Perkasie, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Richard, Eunice Marie Amstutz, 82, of Creston, Wayne Co., Ohio died there on March 24, 2009 from cancer.  She was born December 30, 1926 at Dalton, Wayne Co., OH to Elmer J. [1892-1961] and Etta M. (Steiner [1895-1982]) Amstutz.  

On March 26, 1951 at Orrville, Wayne Co., OH she was married to Elmer J. Richard who was born October 26, 1926 and survives. They were married at the Martins Mennonite Church, by Rev. Stanford Mumaw then took a 10-day honeymoon trip to Florida.    

Surviving are children, Phil Richard (Sandra); Sidney Richard (Sandra); Kristina Gerber (Steve); and Kent Richard (Rita); 7 grandchildren, and a brother, Arlin Amstutz (Norma).

Three brothers, Arthur Amstutz (Mary, still living); Cletus and Clarence, and a sister, Mary Ellen preceded her in death.

Eunice was a full-time homemaker and worked hard on the family farm.  She was a member of the Pleasant Hill Mennonite Church (Sterling, Ohio) until it closed in 1973, where she was a chorister for many years. She then joined Crown Hill Mennonite Church (Rittman, Ohio) and was a faithful member until her death. Her church family was important to her and she counted her church friends among those she loved most dearly.

Eunice's hobbies included doing crossword puzzles, writing, music, drama, gardening, flower gardening and arranging, and sending cards and letters. She spent much time personalizing each card and letter she sent so it would be special to the person receiving it.  She was editor of the Crown Hill Mennonite Church newsletter for 12 years. She was also an active member of The Gideon's Auxiliary from the early 1970's to the present.

In November of 1994, Eunice was diagnosed with breast cancer.  After surgery, she thought she had beat it. It returned several times in the following years, but each time she was able to defeat it. In March of 2007, it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized to her bones.  She took chemotherapy from mid-2007 through December 2008. Through it all, she kept her deep faith in God and her strong love for her husband, her children, and her grandchildren.

Memorial services were held March 30, 2009 at Crown Hill Mennonite Church, Rittman, Wayne Co., OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Phil L. Richard, Hesston, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Richard, Phil L., 56, of Hesston, Harvey County,  Kansas died June 7, 2009 at the same place.  He was born August 3, 1952 at Orrville, Wayne County, Ohio to Elmer J. and Eunice M. (Amstutz) Richard.  On October 23, 1999 at Akron, Pennsylvania he was married to Sandi K. McLaughlin, who survives.

Surviving are a brother, Sidney (Sandi J.) Richard; a sister, Kristina Richard (Steve) Gerber; and a brother, Kent (Rita) Richard.

He was employed as communications director at Hesston College.

Memorial services were held June 10, 2009 at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas with burial in Crown Hill Mennonite Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio.

Submitted by: Norma Diller, Hesston, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Riegsecker Lueen Mae Grieser, 78, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died June 27, 2009  at the same place a from stroke.  She was born March 20, 1931 in Fulton Co., OH
to Charles and Sophie (Rupp) Grieser.  On December 6, 1953 at Archbold she was married to Edward Dale Riegsecker, who died June 13, 1988.

Surviving are children, Sandra (Terry) Aeschliman, Rita (Russ) Rupp, Beverly (Larry) Bonilla, and Alan (Tammy) Riegsecker, 13 grandchildren, two sisters, Virginia (Kenneth) Lee, and Berneda (Dean) Wyse, and three brothers. Paul (Evelyn) Grieser, Willard (Marilyn) Grieser, and Glenn (Karen) Grieser.

A brother, Herb Grieser preceded him in death.

She was a 1W participant, did lawn & garden work, made noodles, traveled, and was a SS teacher.

Memorial services were held July 1, 2009 at Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, Fulton Co., OH with burial in Pettisville Cemetery, Pettisville, Fulton Co., OH.

Submitted by: Dana Short
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Ritter, Elsie Kathryn Witmer, 88, of Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA died October 22, 2009 at the same place.  She was born October 28, 1920 in Franklin County, PA to Aaron and Maria Elizabeth (Kuhns) Witmer.  She was married to _____ Ritter.

Surviving are children, Brenda Rexrode and Willard; Clayton Eugene and Annette; Sandra Lucas and Steven; James Allen & Deborah; 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Memorial services were held October 25, 2009 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA with burial in Weavers Cemetery, Harrisonburg, VA.

Submitted by: Ann B. Hensley, Harrisonburg, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin
---------------

Ritter, Elsie Kathryn Witmer, 88, of Harrisonburg, VA died October 22, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. (previously of Heritage Haven).  She was born October 28, 1920 in Franklin Co., PA to Aaron and Maria Elizabeth Kuhns Witmer.

She was a member of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.

Surviving are four children, Brenda Rexrode and husband Willard, Bridgewater, VA; Clayton Eugene Ritter and wife Annette, Harrisonburg, VA; Sandra Lucas and husband Steven, Harrisonburg, VA; James Allen Ritter and wife Deborah, Harrisonburg, VA; six grandchildren, Dr. Kathryn Rexrode Moats and husband Doyle Moats Jr.; Ryan Eugene Ritter and wife Melissa; Amanda Michelle Lucas and fiancé Adam Adongo; Jason Scott Ritter; Laura Lucas Cruz Lobo and husband Armando; Leah Ritter Conrad and husband Camron; two great grandchildren, Alex Christian Lucas and Adam Scott Ritter.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A memorial service was October 25, 2009 at the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church conducted by Pastor Mark Keller.
Obit files of Mcmullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler


Roberts, Roy Charles, 95, of Harrisonburg, VA died there on March 27, 2009.  He was born October 2, 1913 at Locust Grove, Oklahoma to Charles and Ella (Moore) Roberts.  He was married to Naomi J. Yoder, who was born May 1, 1921.

Surviving are children, Rebecca Scott, Mitchell/Mark, and Sarah Holmes/Don, and
four grandchildren.

A son, Benjamin, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held April 18, 2009 at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rockingham County, VA.

Submitted by: Ann B. Hensley, Harrisonburg, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Roes, Anna Mae Widrick, 73, of Beaver Falls, NY died August 9, 2009 at Lowville, Lewis Co., NY under the care of her family and the 4th floor nursing staff at Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.  She was born August 19, 1935 at Lowville, NY to John S. and Elizabeth (Roggie) Widrick.  On October 18, 1958 she was married to Raymond D. Roes, who was born November 11, 1933 and survives.

Surviving are children, Kevin & Carol Roes, Sandra Oblick, Merle & Sherry Roes, Donald & Brandi Roes, and Sharon & Delvin Lehman, 11 grandchildren, a sister, Nina & Edward Monnat, and a brother, Edward & Catherine Barnes.

Seven brothers--Amos, Ernest, Chris, Ervin, Andrew, Lawrence and Clayton
Widrick preceded her in death.

Anna Mae was an active member of the Lowville Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and religious classes. She was involved in the ladie Faithful Workers Sewing Circle, the kitchen committee, helping with numerous funeral meals, and where she was needed within the Mennonite commmunity, she loved to help others. She loved her gardens, and her strawberry patch in C-ville. Anna Mae enjoyed canning, cooking and baking...her pies could be found in local stores and at the Lewis County General Hospital Gift Shop.

Memorial services were held August 12, 2009 at Lowville Mennonite Church, Lowville, NY with burial in Conservative Mennonite Cemetery, Croghan, Lewis Co., NY.
Submitted by: Sue Boldt, Lowville, NY
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Rohrer, Grace Lucille Shank, 85, a resident of Dayton, VA died January 21, 2009. She was born May 5, 1923, in Rockingham Co., VA to Amos and Mary Beery Shank. She was married to Emory J. Rohrer he died June 24, 2005.

She was a member of the Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church.

Surviving are two sons, George Rohrer and wife, Rev. Karen Church; Ralph Rohrer; one daughter, Phyllis Burkholder and husband Waylan Burkholder, all of Dayton, VA; four grandchildren, Stephen Rohrer, Anthony Rohrer, Martin Burkholder and William Burkholder and two great grandchildren.

Funeral service was January 23, 2009, at Riverdale Old Older Mennonite Church. Burial was in the  Riverdale Old Older Mennonite Cemetery, Dayton, VA

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

Rohrer, Herman Holmes, 90, of Sarasota, FL died June 26, 2009 at Bradenton, FL of complications from an aneurysm.  He was born February 7, 1919 at Columbiana, OH and was married to Maybelle Neuhouser.

Surviving are a son, Douglas of Myakka City; and daughters, Marilyn Davie of Aliquippa, Pa.; and Pam & (Scott) Crawford of Bradenton, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and a brother, Gilbert of Harrisonburg.

 Memorial services were held June 30, 2009 (when) at Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota, FL with burial in Manasota Memorial Park, Bradenton, FL.

Submitted by: Judi Mullett, Sarasota, F
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Ross, Rebecca Sue Moyer, 53, of Doylestown, PA died April 23, 2009.  

She was born October 20, 1955 to Willard Paul and Elizabeth (Chittick) Moyer.  Willard was born February 17, 1918 and Elizabeth was born January 12, 1919.  They both survive.

Also surviving are a daughter, Karin N. Ross, a son, Michael D. Ross, and one grandchild.
Submitted by: Jodi Clark, Doylestown, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Rotenberger, Laura A. Shelly, 80, of Quakertown, PA died November 2, 2009 at Allentown, PA from cancer.  She was born June 12, 1929 at Quakertown, PA to Raymond and Rebecca (Rice) Shelly.  She was married to Norman R. Rotenberger.

Surviving are children, Mark R. (Sherrie), Neal R. (Gayle), Olin D. (Marie), Perry C. (Sandy), and LouAnn Newman (Robert), 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

A brother, Lester Shelly preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held November 7, 2009 at West Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown, PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Mary Grace Shenk, Interim pastor, Quakertown, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Roth, Delmer Darrell, 88, of Milford, Seward Co., NE died August 7, 2009 at the same place.  He was born September 12, 1920 at Milford. On June 8, 1941 at Milford, NE he was married to Violet Stutzman, who died in 2001.

Surviving are children, Yvonne & Robert Bontrager, Lenore & Victor Meyer, Russell & Char Roth, Cecil & Judy Roth, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held August 9, 2009 at Bellwood Mennonite Church, Milford, NE with burial in Milford Mennonite Cemetery, Milford, NE.

Submitted by: Pam Erb, Milford, NE
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


Ruhl, Lester G., 74 of Elizabethtown, PA died February 25, 2009 at home. He was born in Mount Joy Twp., Lancaster Co., PA to Irwin G. and Orlena Greiner Ruhl. He was the husband of Ruth L. Kreider Ruhl. They were married for 53 years in October 2008.

A member of Rissers Mennonite Church, Elizabethtown, PA.

Survivied by his wife and  two daughters, Arlene, wife of William Heistand, Elizabethtown, PA; Janet Ruhl, Elizabethtown, PA; two sons, Nelson, husband of Elaine Ruhl, Elizabethtown, PA; Nevin, husband of Janis Ruhl, Mount Joy, PA; ten grandchildren and a brother, Harvey Ruhl.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul G. Ruhl. Funeral Service was March 1, 2009 at Rissers Mennonite Church, Interment was in the Rissers Mennonite Cemetery Elizabethtown, PA..
Source: Obituary files of Miller/Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown, PA
Submitted by: Leon Hertzler, Newport, NH

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