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.

2014  R

SHIPSHEWANA - Andrew B. Raber, 92, died at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Life Care Center, LaGrange.

He was born Sept. 12, 1921, in LaGrange County, to Benjamin and Anna (Lehman) Raber.

On Nov. 23, 1944, in Shipshewana, he married Alta Farmwald. She died May 1, 1999.

His children, Anna Fern (Amos) Hochstetler of Howe, Sue Ellen Raber of LaGrange, LaVern (Leona) Raber of Shipshewana, Wilbur (Esther) Raber of Ligonier and Harvey (Mary) Raber of Millersburg; 35 grandchildren; 102 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and siblings Mary and Soloma Raber and Joni (Fannie Mae) Raber of Middlebury survive.

Siblings Abigail Bontager and Mattie, Abraham, Moses and John Raber are deceased.

He was a member of Old Order Amish Church and was ordained in 1956.

Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, and all day Friday, Jan. 17, at Steve Raber's home, 5980 W. 200 N., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Steve Raber's home. Burial will be in East Barren Cemetery, Shipshewana.

Arrangements are with Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Jan. 15, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

LAGRANGE - Perry J. Raber, 73, of LaGrange, died Monday, March 10.

He was born Jan. 3, 1941, in LaGrange to Jacob and Mattie (Petersheim) Raber.

On Jan. 7, 1965, he married Lizzie Ann Miller. She survives.

Survivors include his children, Vera (Elva) Bontrager of LaGrange and Truman (Amanda) Raber of Ohio; seven grandchildren; seven sisters; his twin, Clara (Melvin) Kuhns, Lydia Kuhns, Katie (Levi) Hochstetler, Esther (Edward) Schmucker, Wilma Schrock, Mattie (Levi) Miller and Anna (David) Bontrager; a brother, Eli (Polly) Raber; and brother-in-law, LeRoy (Irene) Mullett.

He was preceded in death by his son Eli, one grandchild, sister Lizzie Ann Mullett and brothers-in-law Perry Schrock and Omar Kuhns.

He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Tuesday March 11, and all day Wednesday, March 12, at the family's home, 1530 W. 450 S. LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Mervin Whetstone home, 3970 S. 00EW, LaGrange. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, LaGrange.

Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is handling arrangements.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
March 11, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

GOSHEN - Edith Mary Ramer, 98, of Goshen, died at 3:45 p.m. Monday, March 17, at home after a short illness.

She was born Jan. 28, 1916, in Mahoning County, Ohio, to Harvey and Susanna (Witmer) Horst.

She married Martin Ramer on Jan. 30, 1947, in Rockingham County, Va.

Mrs. Ramer was a homemaker and a member of Old Order Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.

Surviving are her daughters, Lena H. Ramer and Naomi H. Ramer, both of Goshen; a son, Amos H. (Annie) Ramer of Goshen; and granddaughter Marianna Ramer.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Ivan and Harvey; a sister, Laura Horst; and brothers Rufus, Amos, Mahlon and Paul Horst.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the family home, 65147 C.R. 15, Goshen. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at Old Order Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. The Home Ministry of the church will officiate. Burial will be in Yellow Creek Frame Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
March 19, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

WAKARUSA - Enos Ramer Sr., 87, died Friday, March 14, in his home.

He was born Jan. 25, 1927, in Elkhart, to Menno and Martha (Martin) Ramer.

On Dec. 9, 1947, he married Rebecca Culp.

He is survived by four sons, Aaron (Lois) Ramer of Rochester, Isaac (Alta) Ramer of Goshen, Enos (Catherine) Ramer Jr. of Goshen and Jacob (Kathleen) Ramer of Wakarusa; four daughters, Hettie (Heber) Imhoff of Goshen, Elsie Ramer of Wakarusa, Barbara (Jonas) Frey of Rochester and Rhoda (Glenn) Martin of Goshen; 45 grandchildren; and 115 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and six siblings.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at 26744 C.R. 42, Wakarusa. The service will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Old Order Mennonite Church. Burial will be in Yellow Creek Frame Cemetery.

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
March 15, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Born in Elida, OH on July 27, 1931, he was the son of the late J. David and Irene Coffman Ramer. He had worked as a carpenter and also for Martin Appliance in Myerstown. Ralph was a member of the Swatara Mennonite Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Dale C. husband of Shirley Ramer of Austin, PA, Douglas A. husband of Norma Ramer of Myerstown and James E. husband of Rhoda Ramer of Myerstown; sisters Charlotte Martin of Goshen, IN, Catherine Endersby of Elida, OH and Margaret Schrock of Tavares, FL; 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, John; a daughter Sharon and his brother Milton.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2014, at 10 AM at the Swatara Mennonite Church, 10 Camp Swatara Rd., Myerstown. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the church. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.

Kreamer Funeral Home, Annville, PA
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

WAKARUSA - Monroe Ramer, 95, of Wakarusa, died at 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at IU Health Goshen Hospital.

He was born May 21, 1919, the second child of Tobias (Toby) and Salina (Lehman) Ramer, in Nappanee. On Dec. 23, 1945, he married Valeta Mae Wenger of Goshen, at his uncle's home near Foraker.

He served in the Civilian Public Service program (CPS) during World War II. He was at Camp 33 in Fort Collins, Colo., from July 5 to Dec. 20, 1945; Camp 86 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, from Jan. 1 to Aug.t 1, 1946; and Camino, Calif., from Aug. 1946, until the end of his service.

He is survived by his three children, Steven (Luanne Gross) Ramer of Nappanee, Sharon Goss of Sullivan, Ill. and Jane (Phil) Gingerich of Milford; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Valeta in June 2010, one brother, two sisters and one granddaughter.

He accepted Christ as his savior as a youth and was baptized in the Yellow Creek Frame Mennonite Church. They later became members of Salem Mennonite Church where they attended for the rest of his life, and served as a member of the board of trustees for many years.

Monroe was a loving husband and father to his family. He was a farmer and carpenter most of his life, working for Brown and Brown Construction for more than 35 years. In his retirement, he had a large woodworking shop where he spent endless hours, building furniture for his family, including shelves, plant stands and other pieces that he and Valeta gave as gifts, as well as donating to Mennonite Relief Sale.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. service Friday, May 30, at Salem Mennonite Church, 23984 C.R. 46, New Paris. Home ministry will officiate and burial will follow in Salem Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to World Missionary Press or Heralds of Hope. Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
May 29, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Survivors include: daughters and husbands, Betty Jane and David Myer of Quarryville, PA, Erma and Will Allgyer of Terre Hill, PA, Patricia and David Martin of Rochester, WA, sons and wives: Robert and Carol Reed of Narvon, PA, Larry and Cindy Reed of West Bradenton, FL, Keith and Joyce Reed of Leola, PA and Donald Reed of Lititz, PA, 22 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a former daughter-in-law, Sarah and her husband, Roger Kilhefner, a sister and husband, Erma and Howard Miller of Lancaster, PA and brother, Raymond Brenneman of Spring City, PA.

In addition to her husband, her sons Wilmer and Richard, and brothers, Walter and Arthur, predeceased her.

Norma was a member of the Honey Brook Mennonite Church. She was a homemaker and mother to many.

Intelligencer Journal - 12/1/2014
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

She was a high school graduate; she furthered her education by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Albright College and then a Master's Degree in Education from Temple University. She was employed by Catasauqua Area School District as the School Nurse for the Middle School and Senior High School for 27 years before retiring in 2003. She was of the Mennonite Faith.

She is survived by her: Companion, Woody Greene, of Northampton, PA; Brothers: Harold Reed & wife Barbara of Lititz, PA, John Reed & wife Carolyn of Harrisonburg, VA, Paul Reed & wife Ethel of Dayton, VA; Sisters: Mrs. Dorcas Danner of Hanover, PA, Irene wife of Jay Zimmerman of Denver, PA; Stepdaughter, Leann wife of Walter Breymier of Northampton, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by Sister, Anna Mary, in 2005.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, PA 18067.

Intelligencer Journal - 3/19/2014
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings: Alaina Jo Reiff, Taylor James Reiff and Owen Jase Reiff, all at home; maternal grandparents, Amos H., husband of Ella Z. Weaver of Ephrata; paternal grandparents, Paul H., husband of Fannie B. Reiff of Elma, IA.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 19, at 9 a.m., at the late residence, 1656 Lincoln Rd., Lititz, with further services from The Millway Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference, at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/ Ephrata.

Intelligencer Journal - 12/17/2014
Submitted by: Robert Fish

She was born in Earl Twp. to the late Isaac and Katie (Kurtz) Sensenig and was the wife of Jacob Reiff.

Katie was a member of Meadow Valley Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference, Ephrata. She was a homemaker.

In addition to her husband, Katie is survived by 4 children, Erla, wife of Ervin Good of Brickerville, Wilmer, husband of Lorraine (Good) Reiff of Annville, Anna Mae, wife of Earl Reiff of Ephrata, Glenn, husband of Charlene (Nolt) Reiff of Lititz; 12 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren and a sister, Martha, wife Amos Hurst of Lititz.

She was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Allan, Lloyd, Rufus, Isaac and John Sensenig, and 2 sistera, Vera Martin and Alta Nolt.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Midway Mennonite Reception Center, 210 E. Lexington Rd., Lititz. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 at the Meadow Valley Mennonite Church, Meadow Valley & Rettew Mill Road, Ephrata, with Bishop Lester Martin officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

Intelligencer Journal - 4/7/2013
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

MILLMONT - Levi Aaron Reiff, 8, of 2565 Creek Road, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at 12 a.m. at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. He was born Feb. 24, 2006, in Mifflinburg, a son of Allen Z. and Dorothy (Martin) Reiff, of Millmont. Levi attended Mount Laurel Mennonite School, Millmont.

Surviving are nine siblings, Anthony and Mary Reiff, of Mifflinburg, Mark and Elaine Reiff, of Millmont, Earl and Lisa Reiff, of Millmont, Rosanna and Nathan L. Martin, of Millmont, Wilson and Lucille Reiff, of Millmont, Doris M. Reiff and her fiancée, Leallen Zimmerman, of Millmont, Julia A. Reiff, David L. Reiff and Darlene F. Reiff, all at home; paternal grandmother, Laura N. Reiff, of Millmont; maternal grandparents, Levin N. and Lydia Ann Martin, of Mifflinburg; nieces and nephews, Jeriah S. Reiff, Margaret H. Reiff, Annikah G. Reiff, Keturah A. Reiff, Mikayla M. Reiff, Jacinda F. Reiff, Melissa J. Reiff and Aleah R. Martin.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Grace M. Reiff; and paternal grandfather, Aaron E. Reiff.

Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the residence of Allen Z. and Dorothy M. Reiff, 2565 Creek Road, Millmont. The funeral will begin at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday at the family's residence, with additional services at 9:30 a.m. at Mountain View Old Order Mennonite Church, 247 Kaiser Run Road, Millmont, with Bishop Esra M. Zimmerman, Phares L. Zimmerman, Earl M. Martin, and Jonathan S. Martin, officiating. Interment will be in Mountain View Old Order Mennonite Church Cemetery, Lewis Township, Union County.

Serving as casket bearers will be Anthony M. Reiff, Mark A. Reiff, Earl J. Reiff, and Wilson M. Reiff. The family has requested that flowers be omitted. Arrangements are under the care of the Dominick T. Adamo Funeral Home, 247 Chestnut St., Mifflinburg.

Sunbury Daily Item - 3/23/2014
Sunbury, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Matthew is survived by his wife Mary Ann; his children, Brandon Lynn, Stephanie Dawn, Eric Matthew, and Angela Faith; his parents, Harvey and Luella Fox Reiff of Aurora,NY; brothers, Duane (Jolene Horst) Reiff of Union Springs, NY, Jonathan (Sheryl Wise) Reiff of Waterloo, NY, Lavern (Lynell Horst) Reiff of Savannah, NY, Delmar Reiff and Daryl Reiff, both of Aurora; sisters, Janelle (Jonathan) Horning of Wolcott, NY and Louise (Leonard) Martin of Clyde, NY; grandmothers, Mary Reiff of Leola and Margaret Fox of Ephrata; father and mother-in-law, Noah and Mary Martin; special cousin and friend, Cleason and Jolene Fox of Robesonia.

Matthew was predeceased by grandfathers, Aaron Reiff and Henry Fox.

Visitation will be observed on Monday, October 20th, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at 3856 Reed Road in Savannah. Matthew's funeral will be Tuesday, October 21st, 9:30 a.m. from the Pleasant Ridge Church, 17355 Butler-Conquest Road in Butler. Arrangements: Norton Funeral Home of Wolcott.

Intelligencer Journal - 10/19/2014
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Randall Dale Reinhardt, Goshen, 57, died unexpectedly from a fall Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born Sept. 29, 1957 in Elkhart to Dale R. & Doris (Hartman) Reinhardt. He married Delora (Metzger) Reinhardt on Dec. 19, 1981 at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church.

Surviving are his wife, Delora, children, Stephanie (Timothy) Hoag, Goshen, Natalie (Matthew) Patka, Fort Wayne, Cory Reinhardt, Goshen, mother, Doris Reinhardt, Goshen, siblings, Duane (Laurie) Reinhardt, Philadelphia, Mississippi, Carl (Marleen) Reinhardt, Dalton, Ohio, Brent (Marla) Reinhardt, Goshen, Karen (Bill) Martin, Goshen, Leanne Kay Reinhardt, Goshen and 3 grandchildren. Preceding him in death is his father.

Randy was a truck driver for Mid-City Supply for 17 years. He was a member of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church and 1976 graduate of NorthWood High School. He was still active in basketball, softball and was a former sheep farmer.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall and one hour prior to the service at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 at the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, 64901 CR 11, Goshen. Pastor Wes Bontreger will officiate and burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Delora to help in her walks in ministry.

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Homes
Goshen, IN
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Ruth Reist was born Ruth Pauline Sieber on September 7, 1917 in Filer, Idaho to Charles Seiber and Bertha Shoemaker Seiber. She died July 28, 2014 in Pryor, Oklahoma. She was 96.

She was the second daughter and 5th child and remained close to her three brothers and two sisters until death parted them.

She earned her teaching certificate at Goshen College in 1938 and went on to teach for three years in a one-room schoolhouse.

On June 9th, 1941 she married Robert Leo Reist. Together they raised four children on the family farm in Jim Wells County, Texas.

After her children were all in school Ruth attended Texas A&I University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. She then taught for 15 yrs in Premont and Falfurious, Texas spending most of that time with 5th graders.

Much of her retirement was spent traveling all over the United States with her husband, eventually visiting every state except Hawaii. During one such roadtrip, they camped at Snowdale State Park near Salina, Oklahoma, where a local fisherman offered them his day's catch of catfish. This kindness impressed them so much that they decided it would be a good place to live, and so they spent their final years twenty years in the hills of rural Oklahoma.

Ruth was always active in the local church and the Mennonite community at large. She was gifted with her hands and enjoyed leatherworking, quilting, sewing, and gardening. She was quick to open her house to others and equally quick to give her possessions to those in need.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Robert Reist; her son, David Henry Reist; and her daughter Roberta Susan Mast.

She is survived by her sons John Reist and Kurt Reist and her sister Elizabeth Hernley.

In liu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pryor Public Library in Bob & Ruth's memory.

Submitted by the family

A celebration of life for Eldon W. Rhodes, 96 of Kalona will be held Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 1:30 PM at East Union Mennonite Church with Pastor Sonya Stauffer Kurtz officiating. Burial will follow at East Union Cemetery in rural Kalona. Visitation will be held Friday, April 25 from 2 - 7 PM at East Union Mennonite Church fellowship hall. A memorial fund has been established for East Union Mennonite Church and Pleasantview Home. Eldon Rhodes died Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Pleasantview Home in Kalona.

Eldon Wayne Rhodes was born August 6, 1917 in rural Kalona, Iowa, the son of Chris J. and Eliza (Gingerich) Rhodes. He attended rural schools and played basketball for Sharon High School, graduating in 1934. On December 24, 1939 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Miller at the bride's parent's home in rural Kalona. Eldon was baptized in 1930 and was a lifelong member of East Union Mennonite Church where he served in many ways, including church trustee, Sunday School superintendent and teacher of all ages. He also served on the school board at Iowa Mennonite School. Eldon was a farmer all of his life and enjoyed Hawkeye basketball and spending time with his family.

The Kalona News, Kalona, IA
April 23, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

She was a homemaker and a member of the Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. On Oct. 24, 1950, she married Marion Lewis Rhodes, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are seven daughters: Ellen L. Miller of Port Republic, Beulah F. and John Dan Burkholder of Harrisonburg, Lydia M. and Hershel Eppard of Grottoes, Alice J. and Lois E. Rhodes at home, Barbara E. and Wendell Horst of Hinton, Edith E. and William Horst of Dayton; two sons, Nolan L. and Ruth Rhodes of Harrisonburg, R. Franklin Rhodes at home; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was the last remaining member of her family. She was also preceded in death by one great-grandson.

Ministers of the church will conduct the services at Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church on Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Rhodes home anytime until 8 p.m. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily News Record - 2/22/2014
Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Surviving are four sons: Laverne & wife, Lois, Ottsville, PA; Jacob & wife Barbara, Quakertown, PA; Donald & wife, Kathleen, Pipersville, PA; and David & wife Joanne, Pipersville, PA; two daughters: Delores Nice & husband, Donald, Perkasie, PA; and Beth Imchen & husband, Pastor Toshi, East Earl, PA; 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Clarence Leatherman & wife, Irene,Sellersville,PA.

A brother, Abram Leatherman, and a sister, Kathryn Moyer preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held April 22, 2014 at Deep Run East Mennonite Church, Perkasie, Bucks Co., Pa with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Lois Ann Wismer, Perkasie, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

GOSHEN - Emma Elizabeth Sommers Richards, 87, passed away Saturday evening, Sept. 6, to go home to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ.

She was born March 17, 1927, in Plevna to Monroe and Effie (Horner) Sommers.

A graduate of Goshen College and Mennonite Biblical Seminary, she married E. Joe Richards of Venedocia, Ohio, on May 24, 1953.

Emma and Joe served in Japan with the Mennonite Board of Missions from 1954 to 1966. Following their service, she continued her education at St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, graduating with a master's degree in education in 1968.

She taught fifth-grade in Villa Park, Ill., and was ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Church in 1973. She served as co-pastor of Lombard Mennonite Church until 1991. She then served with Joe as conference pastor with the Illinois Mennonite Church Conference. She retired to Goshen in 1996 where she was active as a teacher and speaker at College Mennonite Church in Goshen.

She is survived by her husband. along with two daughters, Kathryn (Jon) Beckwith and Lois (Jim) Woods, both of Hillsdale, Mich.; a son, Evan (Laura) Richards of Villa Park; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Elaine (Ron) Rich of Bluffton, Ohio; and two brothers, Dan and Elvin (Barb) Sommers, both of Kokomo.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Sam Sommers.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, memorial service at College Mennonite Church, 1900 S. Main St., Goshen. According to her wishes, cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory. Burial will be in Venedocia Cemetery in Venedocia.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Heifer International or LLI: Lifelong Learning Institute of Elkhart County.

The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Sept. 10, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

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

Richards, Emma Elizabeth Sommers, 87, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died September 6, 2014 at the same place. She was born March 17, 1927 at Plevna, IN to Monroe and Effie (Horner) Sommers. On May 24, 1953 she was married to E. Joe Richards, who was born June 11, 1929 and survives.

Surviving are children, Evan (Laura) Richards; Kathryn (Jon) Beckwith; and Lois (Jim) Woods; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one sister Elaine (Ron) Rich; and two brothers, Dan Sommers; and Elvin Sommers.

A brother, Sam Sommers preceded her in death.

Emma and Joe served in Hokkaido, Japan, under the Mennonite Board of Missions for 12 years. In 1973 Emma had the distinction of being the first Mennonite woman to be ordained to pastoral ministry in the Mennonite Church. She co-pastored the Lombard Mennonite Church with Joe for 20 years and served on many conference and church-wide boards and committees.

Memorial services were held September 13, 2014 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen , IN.
Burial was in Venedocia Cemetery, Venedocia, OH.

Submitted by: Diana Hershberger, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Memorial services were held March 21, 2014 at First Mennonite Church, Reedley, Fresno Co., CA with burial in Reedley Cemetery, Reedley, CA.

Submitted by: Dee Patrick
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Born in Brutus, MI, he was the son of the late Abraham and Fannie (Kilmer) Ringler.

He was a farmer and a member of Spring Grove Old Order Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

Surviving are 10 children: Noah (Kathryn) Ringler, Terre Hill; Naomi (Ivan) Zeiset, East Earl; Ivan (Irene) Ringler, Narvon; Aaron (Brenda) Ringler, East Earl; Eva (Paul) Brubaker, East Earl; Roy (Miriam) Ringler, Goshen, IN; Samuel (Eileen) Ringler, Narvon; Verna (Marvin) Martin, Goshen, IN; Sue Etta (Earl) Stauffer, New Holland; Elsie Marie (Mark) Weaver, New Paris, IN; 38 grandchildren; 98 great-grandchildren; five step children: Walter (Vera) Brubaker, Fleetwood; John (Laura) Brubaker, Kutztown; Esther (Leon) Shirk), Withee, WI; Nevin (Pauline) Brubaker, Hamburg; Anna (Alvin) Hoover, Curtis, WI.

He was the last of his immediate family.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a grandchild, two step-daughters, Ida and Nora, and a step son-in-law Luke Nolt.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, December 13 at 9 a.m. at his late home with further services at 9:30 a.m. at Spring Grove Mennonite Church with Bishop Elam Zimmerman officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. A viewing will be held on Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at Calvary Mennonite Fellowship, 280 Pleasant Valley Rd., East Earl. Kindly omit flowers. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements.

Intelligencer Journal - 12/11/2014
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

He enjoyed reading, bird watching, playing games and traveling doing mission work. During his working years, he was a farmer and he had also worked for 21 years as a welder/fabricator for Aggregates Equipment, Inc. He also volunteered at the Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 sons, Carl H. Risser of New Holland, Clarence, Jr., husband of Denise (Burkholder) Risser of Denver; 5 daughters, Anna Ruth, wife of Ernest Zimmerman of Belle Rive, IL, Jane, wife of Jonas S. Nolt of Lititz, June L. Risser of Lititz, Barbara, wife of Timothy Aument of Lititz, Joyce, wife of Mervin Zimmerman of Dahlgren, IL; 24 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; a brother, Paul Risser of Lititz; twin sister, Arlene Risser of Lebanon; a sister-in-law, Rachel Risser of Washington Boro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jewel Nolt; 5 sisters, Edna Sauder, Louella Ebersole, Miriam Martin, Esther Ebersole, infant sister, Ruth Risser; a brother, Samuel Risser.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Stradling Funeral Home, 30 N. 9th St., Akron. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, June 20, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Erb Mennonite Church, 567 W. Lexington Rd., Lititz, followed by his funeral service at 10 a.m., with Pastors Lester Zimmerman, Mike Zimmerman and Will Shertzer officiating. Interment will take place in the Erb Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Clarence's memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or Friendship Community 1149 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

Intelligencer Journal - 6/17/2014
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

The funeral service for John D. Risser, 79, of Hinton, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Pike Mennonite Church with Keith Crider, Larry Showalter, Nathan Horst, Nathan Good, Nelson Showalter, Kenneth Martin and Clair Heatwole officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Mr. Risser died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at his home. He was born Aug. 23, 1934, near Hagerstown, Md. He was a son of the late Landis E. and Rhoda Horst Risser. He was a minister and a bishop in Southeastern Mennonite Conference for 50 years. He was a member of the Rawley Springs Mennonite Church.

On June 1, 1957, he married Lois Jane Hartzler, who survives. Also surviving are five daughters, Paula Risser and Mary Risser of Hinton, Va., Cynthia, wife of Marlin Freed of Ovid, N.Y., Freda, wife of Doug Dreves of Traverse City, Mich., and Bonita, wife of Steve Fettis of Alanson, Mich.; one son, John Risser and wife, Cynthia, of Chambersburg, Pa.; two brothers, Robert of Waynesboro, Pa., and Daniel of Taylorsville, N.C.; two sisters, Lois Martin of Hagerstown, Md., and Betty Martin of Waynesboro, Pa.; 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The body is at McMullen Funeral Home, 5784 Greenmount Road, where friends may call at any time. The family will receive friends at Pike Mennonite Church on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The family requests no flowers. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily News Record - 8/4/2014
Harrisonburg, VA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

She was born in East Cocalico Township to the late Noah and Susie G. (Landis) Martin and was the wife of the late Melvin N. Rissler.

Mamie was a member of the Weaver Pike Mennonite Church.

She is survived by 3 sons, Christian M., husband of Virginia (Martin) Rissler of Hopkinsville, KY, Philip M., husband of Verna (Sauder) Rissler of Ephrata, Luke M., husband of Ellen (Eby) Rissler of Hopkinsville, KY; 2 daughters, Anna M. Rissler of East Earl, Amelia M. Rissler of Morgantown; 28 grandchildren; 55 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Noah L., husband of Ida Mae (Stauffer) Martin of Ephrata, Nathan L., husband of Anna H. (Martin) Martin of Ephrata; 3 sisters, Sarah M., wife of Jesse Brubacher of Stevens, Naomi M., wife of Melvin Horst of New Holland, Susie M., wife of the late Marvin Habegger of Scottsville, KY.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Elam M. Rissler; 2 grandchildren; a brother, Simeon Martin; 2 sisters, Irene Martin and Phoebe Weaver.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 23, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Farm Crest Chapel, Fairmount Homes, 1100 Farm Crest Dr., Ephrata. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 8:45 a.m., at the Farm Crest Chapel with further services at 9:30 a.m., at the Weaver Pike Mennonite Church, 28th Division Highway, Earl Township. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

Intelligencer Journal - 1/21/2014
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish

Survived by his wife Barbara and 8 children: Marian R. (David) Martin of Plymouth, OH, Leroy R. Rissler of Leola, Harlan R. Rissler, Wilma R. Rissler, Lamar R. Rissler, Vernon R. Rissler, Dorcas R. Rissler, Barbara R. Rissler, all at home; one granddaughter, Alana Joy Martin; his mother, Alta B. Rissler of Leola; 4 brothers: James Rissler of Mt. Pleasant Mills, David Rissler of Manheim, Aaron Rissler of Africa, Harlan Rissler of Reinholds; 2 sisters: Susan Leid of Ephrata, Vera Rissler of Leola; his mother-in-law, Barbara H. Zimmerman of New Holland.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul M. Rissler, and his father-in-law, Eli E. Reiff, Jr.

Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, March 20, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the family home, 400 Baseline Road West, Shiloh. Morning services will be held on Friday at 8:30 AM at the family home prior to

Funeral service was March 21, 2014 at Bloomingrove Mennonite Church, Shiloh, Ohio ­ officiated Bishop Ammon Burkholder and burial was in the church cemetery.

Turner Funeral Home Shelby,OH.and
Lancaster-Online Posted March 18, 2014
Submitted abd Editted by Leon Hertzler

Surviving are children, David A (and wife Cheryl) Rittenhouse; Debra (and husband, Bill) Cribbs; Dayle (and wife, Kathy) Rittenhouse; and Denise (and husband Carl) Wismer; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild.

Memorial services were held May 8, 2014 at Plains Mennonite Church, Hatfield, Montgomery Co., PA with burial in Lansdale Cemetery, Lansdale, PA.

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

He founded Harry C. Rohrer Plumbing & Heating in 1959 and established Rohrer's Hardware Store in 1975 to which he dedicated his life to serving his customers.

Born October 6, 1922 in Manor Township, he was the son of the late Christian Harry Rohrer and Ida G. (Charles) Rohrer. Harry was a member of the Mountville Mennonite Church, where he served as Deacon from 1969-1989, Youth Advisor from 1968-1975 and Sunday School teacher for many years. He enjoyed traveling, family and music. Harry was also a member of the Gospel Messengers Quartet for twenty years.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Evelyn and children, Larry Rohrer married to Carol, of Manheim, Marilyn married to Kenneth Campbell, of Mountville and James Rohrer married to Cheryl, of Millersville; eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and one nephew, Dale Rohrer married to Paula, of Mountville. Harry was also preceded in death by a sister, Romaine Lefever.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the Mennonite Home for the compassion and care shown to Harry.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a viewing to be held on Sunday evening, November 23, 2014 between 6 and 8PM at the Mountville Mennonite Church, 205 Froehlich Avenue, Mountville, PA 17554. A Celebration of Harry Rohrer's life will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 11AM at the Mountville Mennonite Church. The family will also receive friends following the service on Monday. Private traditional casket burial will be held at the convenience of the family in the Habecker's Mennonite Cemetery, Manor Twp., PA. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial Remembrances can be made in Harry's memory to the Mennonite Home Benevolent Fund.

www.scheidfuneralhome.com
Nov. 2014
Submitted By: Thelma Hoover Martin

He received his BA at Goshen College and his JD at the University of Notre Dame Law School. After graduation, he clerked for Justice James L. Ryan of the Michigan Supreme Court and for Chief Judge Pierce Lively of the U.S Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In 1985, he moved to Washington, DC as an Honors Program lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, where he received the Civil Division Special Award for Superior Performance. In 1987, Anthony joined Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, where he became a partner in the Litigation and Intellectual Property practice groups. He represented diverse American and international corporations, individuals and federal government agencies at all levels of the federal courts system. He specialized in cases containing complex legal, factual, engineering, and damages issues related to patents for medical devices, semiconductors and other high tech products. As defense counsel for his clients, Anthony defeated more than $1 billion of patent, trade secret, and contract claims.

In his role as plaintiff's counsel, he tried cases resulting in multi-million dollar awards for his clients. In addition to his great skill as a litigator, Anthony took special pride in developing and orchestrating creative and effective solutions to his clients' disputes that allowed them to protect their business interests and rights without incurring the crushing expense of litigation. He worked hard to build constructive professional and personal relationships with scores of clients, opposing counsel, witnesses, and court personnel. Anthony was committed to the training and mentoring of young associates at his firm. Throughout his career, Anthony devoted much energy to the representation of pro bono clients.

He successfully represented some of the first parents to seek damages under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. In 1989, he became involved in representing a client on death row in Texas. Anthony was instrumental in obtaining seven stays of execution. He worked tirelessly to reverse what he believed was a failure of the judicial system resulting in a gross travesty of justice. For his efforts in this case, Anthony received his firm's Julie Noel Gilbert Award for Pro Bono Excellence. Even though his illness forced him to stop actively practicing law in 2011, Anthony remained involved in the representation of this client and visited him at the prison for the last time in July. Until his death, Anthony also continued his board membership in Environic Foundation International, an organization devoted to educating businesses and communities in innovative ways to sustain their natural resources.

Anthony was passionately devoted to his family, especially his two boys. He selected their names, was present at their births, and was a hands-on father in every aspect of their upbringing. Though he regularly worked 60-80 hours a week, he structured that work as much as possible around his boys' schedules.

Anthony had extensive interests: swimming, bike riding, skiing, scuba diving, photography, history, collecting stamps and coins, designing jewelry, playing basketball, attending professional baseball and soccer games, and tinkering with his antique cars. He was an avid gardener who found great peace with his hands in the dirt, helping things to grow and be beautiful. Anthony pursued knowledge constantly through reading, traveling, and new experiences. Some of his closest friends were people whose experiences and views of the world were at opposite ends of the spectrum from his own. Anthony involved his sons in all of these pursuits, helping them to develop skills and interests that will inform and enrich their lives forever. Anthony's great faith in God sustained him during his life, but most especially in the past four years as he fought to be well and as he finally acknowledged that there was nothing more he could do in this world. Anthony attempted to live his life according to the exhortation to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God." Micah 6:8

Anthony is survived by his wife of nearly 37 years, Deena; sons Keegan (24) and Carraig (19); parents Arnold and Lucille Roth (Goshen, Indiana); brother Peter Roth (Bloomington, Illinois); sisters Barbara Horst (Oakland, California) and Cheryl Kauffman Snyder (Goshen, Indiana); many in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Loren Roth.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on October 4, 2014 at Washington Community Fellowship, 907 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC.

Anthony asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to: Mercy Health Foundation, 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202, where all gifts in Anthony's name will go to support the research his surgeon is conducting, http://mdmercy.com/centers-of-excellence/cancer/treatments-we-offer/surgical-oncology/our-doctors/armando-sardi-md?sc_lang=en, or to Environic Foundation International, 12035 Stonewick Place, Glen Allen, VA 23059, www.environicfoundation.org, where contributions will be used for EFI's internship program.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on October 4, 2014 at Washington Community Fellowship, 907 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. Anthony asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to: Mercy Health Foundation, 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202, where all gifts in Anthony's name will go to support the research his surgeon is conducting, http://mdmercy.com/centers-of-excellence/cancer/treatments-we-offer/surgical-oncology/our-doctors/armando-sardi-md?sc_lang=en, or to Environic Foundation International, 12035 Stonewick Place, Glen Allen, VA 23059, www.environicfoundation.org, where contributions will be used for EFI's internship program.

Published in The Washington Post, Washington DD
Sept. 18 to Sept. 21, 2014
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Surviving are children, Timothy (Robin) Roth; Ronald Roth; Laura Roth Howard, six grandchildren, and a brother, Sanford Swartzendruber.

Memorial services were held March 16, 2014 at Robert B. Ferguson Funeral Home, Scottdale, PA with burial in Pennsville Mennonite Cemetery, Everson, Fayette Co., PA.

Submitted by: Conrad Mast, Scottdale, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

She was the mother of Martha Rudy of RR 3, Waterloo, David and Ruth Rudy of Dobbinton, Abner and Susannah Rudy, Anna and Magdalena Rudy, all of RR 3, Waterloo, and Saleda Rudy of Elmira. Also survived by thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Sister of Saleda Martin of St. Jacobs and Alice Weber of Linwood. Stepsister of Alvin and Anna Bauman of St. Jacobs, and sister-in-law of Melinda Brubacher of RR 2, Wallenstein.

Predeceased by her parents Israel and Mary (Martin) Brubacher, a daughter Barbara, a son in infancy, a granddaughter, three brothers Melvin (Leah), Edwin (Annie), and Clayton, three sisters Naomi (Adon) Eby and two in infancy, brothers-in-law Ephraim Martin and Noah Weber, stepsisters Sarah Vale and Lovina Martin, and stepbrother Irvin Bauman.

Visitation was held at her home, RR 3, Waterloo, on Sunday, July 20, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and will be held on Monday, July 21, from 1-6 p.m. where a family service will be held on

Funeral service was July 22, 2014 at the Conestoga Mennonite Meeting House and the burial service.

Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira, Ontario
Submitted and Edited by Leon Hertzler

Surviving are children, Debra Kratz (Floyd); Marjorie Hovde (David); Kathleen Osore; and Jonathan Rush (Deborah); eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Adeline Gehman (Robert).

His siblings, Wilmer Rush (Sally); Mary Emma Overholt (Lester); Elsie Godshalk (Paul); Howard Rush (Kathryn); and Elwood Rush (Shirley) preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held November 1, 2014 at Rocky Ridge Mennonite Church Quakertown, Bucks Co., PA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Deb Kratz, Quakertown, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

Survived by: Two sisters, Elaine Moyer and her husband, Lowell of Mansfield, PA and Eleanor Chang, and her husband, Wesley of Kaneohe, HI; four nieces, Cynthia (Michael) Moyer-Neel, Janelle (Todd) Ferrence, Tamara (Peter) Giesbrecht and Trisha (Robert) Snyder and two nephews, Kendall (Lisa) Ruth and Sidney (Christi) Ruth.

She was preceded in death by a brother, James M. Ruth.

Memorial service was March 13, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Line Lexington Mennonite Church, Line Lexington, PA

Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home &
Crematory, Souderton, Pennsylvania
Submitted and Edited by Leon Hertzler