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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.

2018  S1


Sauder, Grace M. Shirk ; . . Schmidt, Orville A. ; . . Schmidt, Raymond LeRoy ; . . Schmidt, Vionetta Pearl Voth ; . . Schrag, Vera Grace Clocksen ; . . Schrock, Elizabeth "Betty" Hochstetler ; . . Schrock, Marion J. ; . . Schrock, Mary L. Weaver ; . . Schrock, Wilma E. Hochstetler ; . . Schroeder, Bernice Detwiler ; . . Schwartz, Daniel ; . . Schwartz, Daniel V. ; . . Schwartz, Joshua Lynn ; . . Schwartz, Menno R. ; . . Seaman, Doris Delp ; . . Sears, Earl ; . . Seibel, Vernon S. ; . . Sensenig, Aaron S. ; . . Sensenig, Earl Philip ; . . Sensenig, Elva W. Zimmerman ; . . Sensenig, Irene Weaver ; . . Sensenig, Leon B. ; . . Shank, Dorothy P. Showlater Newswanger ; . . Shank, Stuart Aaron ; . . Shaum, Dana Daniel ; . . Sherer, Alonzo "Lon" Herber ; . . Shetler, Leslie ; . . Shirk, Esther H. Nolt ; . . Shirk, Eva M. ; . . Shirk, Reuben S. ; . . Short, Calvin Dale ; . . Short, Marjorie Ella Nofziger ; . . Showalter, Clara Edna Eberly ; . . Showalter, Eula Marie ; . . Showalter, Florence Arlene Hartzler ; . . Showalter, Marvin Heatwole ; . . Showalter, Nathan Edwin ; . . Showalter, Richard Heatwole ; . . Showalter, Stephen Conrad ; . . Shumaker, Wanda S. ; . . Shumaker, William Howard ; . . Skiles, Virginia Holaway Weldy ; . . Slabaugh, Elijah Ray ; . . Slagel, Dorothy Lucille Schrock ; . . Smoker, Russell “Rusty” Kenneth ; . .

 

Sauder, Grace M. Shirk, 88, of Ephrata, formerly of Union Grove, died Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Fairmount Homes, after a brief illness.

Born in Upper Leacock Twp., she was a daughter of the late Jonathan S. and Elizabeth Z. (Martin) Shirk. She was married 68 years on July 23 to Eugene H. Sauder.

Grace's love for her Lord and family greatly impacted how she lived her life. She was a faithful long time member of Lichty's Mennonite Church. She had been a kindergarten S.S. teacher in the past and an active member of the sewing circle. She enjoyed planning family events and initiating family gatherings. She always remembered family's special dates with cards and gifts. She provided in-home care for one of her sisters and her father until his passing.

She was an avid seamstress and quilter and made quilts for all 18 grandchildren, completing the last one in the fall of 2017. Grace enjoyed reading, cross stitch, gardening and taking pictures (especially of God's handiwork of sunrises, sunsets and snowstorms).

Grace was very loving, compassionate and gracious, and will be deeply missed by her husband and family.

Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, Donna, married to James Mast of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Jay, married to Cindy (Neff) Sauder of New Holland, Glenn, married to Brenda (Auker) Sauder of New Holland, and Robert, married to Joyce (Martin) Sauder of East Earl; a son-in-law, Nelson, married to Louella Martin of New Holland; 18 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Elizabeth, married to Melvin Diffenderfer of Leola, and Frances, married to Clyde Martin of Ephrata.

Preceding her in death is a daughter, Joan Martin; a grandson, Caleb Mast; a sister, Helen Shirk; and two brothers, Richard and John Shirk.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 2 at 10 am at Lichty's Mennonite Church, 1690 Union Grove Road, East Earl. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday from 6-8 pm at Fairmount Homes, Wheat Ridge Chapel, and on Friday at Lichty's from 9-10 am. Kindly omit flowers. If desired contributions may be made to Fairmount Homes Sharing Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata, PA 17522. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

Intelligencer Journal - 2/26/2018
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Schmidt, Orville A., 77, of Newton, Harvey Co., KS died April 9, 2018 at Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS in an automobile accident. He was born November 5, 1940 at Goessel, KS to Arnold T. and Marie Flaming. On June 2, 1962 at Whitewater, Harvey Co., KS he was married to Nancy Ann Franz, who survives.

Surviving are children, Russell Schmidt, Jennine Busenitz, and Missy Richardson; 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

Two brothers and two sisters, Virgil Paul Schmidt, Arlo David Schmidt, Wilma Schmidt, and Luella Schmidt preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held April 16, 2018 at Newton Bible Church, Newton, KS with burial in Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, KS.

Submitted by: Debbie Claassen, Whitewater, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

 

Schmidt, Raymond LeRoy, 89, of North Newton, Harvey Co., KS died February 8, 2018 at the same place. He was born April 8, 1928 at Newton, Harvey Co., KS to Isaac J. and Martha (Richert) Schmidt. On August 28, 1948 at Buhler, Reno Co., KS he was married to Elfrieda Ruth Lohrentz, who survives.

Surviving are children, Rosalie Zamzow, Rosanne Janssen, Ronda Schmidt, Royce Schmidt; and five grandchildren.

Two sisters, Dora Schmidt, and Linda Marie Goering preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held February 17, 2018 at Grace Hill Mennonite Church, Whitewater, Harvey Co., KS with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Debbie Claassen, Whitewater, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schmidt, Vionetta Pearl Voth, 81, of Loveland, CO died February 7, 2018 at the same place. She was born November 25, 1936 at Goessel, KS to Moses and Buena (Dirks) Voth. On August 18, 1957 she was married to Robert Schmidt, who survives.

Surviving are children, Kenton Jay Schmidt, Robert Lee Schmidt, Dana Kay Drown, and Heather Dyan Rosenau; 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a brother, Marvin Voth.

Memorial services were held March 3, 2018 at First Mennonite Church, Denver, CO with burial in First Mennonite Church Memorial Garden, Denver, CO.

Submitted by: Linda Welty, Denver, CO
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin

 


 

Schrag, Vera Grace Clocksen, 96, of Freeman, SD died July 19, 2018 at the same place. She was born July 27, 1921 at Baker, Montana to Ellis and Gertrude (Preston) Clocksen. On April 7, 1956 at Rochester, NY she was married to Erwin Schrag, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Ruth Schrag, Stephen Schrag, Anne (Jorge) Sanchez, and David Schrag; and six grandchildren.

Memorial services were held August 25, 2018 at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, Freeman, SD with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Lisa Kaufman, Freeman, SD
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schrock, Elizabeth "Betty" Hochstetler
July 25, 1936 - Oct. 15, 2018

NAPPANEE - Elizabeth “Betty” Schrock, 82, of Nappanee, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2018.

She was born July 25, 1936, to Manelius and Fannie Hochstetler.

She married Wayne L. Schrock, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Lorraine Gingerich, Verda Gingerich, Ruth Burkholder; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers Glenn, Mervin and Ora Jay Hochstetler.

She was proceeded in death by a son, Lyle Schrock; parents; brothers Freeman and LaVern Hochstetler; and sisters Irene Schrock and Carolyn Yoder.

Family and friends may call from 1 - 4 and 5 - 8 p.m.,Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Maple Lawn Church, Nappanee, and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service, Thursday, Oct. 18, at the church.

Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Maple Lawn Church.

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

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Oct. 17, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schrock, Marion J.
Jan. 8, 1935 - Aug. 15, 2018

GOSHEN - Marion J. Schrock, 83, was called home by his Lord at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018.

He was born east of Goshen on Jan. 8, 1935, to Harry and Marie (Mishler) Schrock.

On June 5, 1955, he married Berneice Smeltzer. There were three children from that marriage, Christine (Joe) Strubhar of Hubbard, Oregon, Faith Schrock of Crockett, Kentucky, and Steve (Lisa) Schrock of Vancouver, Washington.

All are surviving along with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

As a family they lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for 12 years before moving to Oregon in 1974.

Berneice passed away in 1996 in Hubbard, Oregon.

In 1999, Marion moved back to the Goshen area.

In October of 2000, he married Eleanor (Oaks) Smeltzer who is left to cherish the memory of their years together.

Marion is also survived by one stepson, John (Sandy) Smeltzer of South Bend; three stepgrandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; two brothers, Francis (Eloise) Schrock of Goshen and Harry (Wilma) Schrock of Union, Oregon; and four sisters, Iola Schrock of Middlebury, Ellen Mishler of Shipshewana, Waneta (Wilbur) Miller of Middlebury and Betti June Kauffman of Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

Besides his parents and wife Berneice, Marion was preceded in death by a sister, Beulah Schrock, who died as a teen and brother Merle Schrock of Middlebury.

Marion had many interests in life.

His passion was the church. He was a member of Living Water Mennonite Church in Goshen.

Family was very important to Marion and he kept in close contact with as many of them as possible.

He enjoyed buying and selling antiques and was a regular face at estate sales.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Pleasant Grove Conservative Mennonite Church, 13483 C.R. 38, Millersburg, where funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20.

Todd Neuschwander and the Living Water Ministry will officiate.

His body will then be flown to Oregon for services officiated by brother Harry Schrock and burial in Hopewell Mennonite Church in Hubbard, Oregon.

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Aug. 18, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schrock, Mary L. Weaver
May 5, 1930 - Feb. 5, 2018

MIDDLEBURY - Mary L. Schrock, 87, of Middlebury, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.

She was born May 5, 1930, to Levi J. and Lizzie Ann (Mast) Weaver.

She married William J. Schrock; he died Oct. 20, 2004.

Surviving are daughters Katie (Orva M.) Bontrager and Wilma (Christ Jr.) Miller; sons Clarence (Ruby) and Marvin (Arlene) Schrock; 33 grandchildren; 100 great-grandchildren; brother Clarence Weaver; brother-in-law Ivan Kuhns; and sisters-in-law Mary and Ida Mae Weaver.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three great grandchildren; four brothers; and two sisters.

Visitation will be all day Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Christ Miller Jr. residence, 57397 E. County Line Road, Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 also at the Christ Miller Jr. residence. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana.

Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Feb. 7, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schrock, Wilma E. Hochstetler
Dec. 6, 1956 - June 30, 2018

Wilma E. Schrock, 61, of Shipshewana, died at 5:39 pm on Saturday, June 30, at her residence from injuries she sustained in a farming accident. She was born on December 6, 1956 in LaGrange County to Ervin D. and Sarah (Miller) Hochstetler.

On September 10, 1980 in LaGrange County she married Elmer
L. Schrock, he survives. Survivors in addition to her husband are five sons, Levi E. (Clara) Schrock of LaGrange, David (Erma) Schrock of LaGrange, Perry (JoAnna) Schrock of Shipshewana, Joas (Marilyn) Schrock of LaGrange, Ervin Schrock at home; five daughters, Miriam (Perry) Lambright of Wolcottville, Katie (Amos) Bontrager of LaGrange, Sarah (Martin) Yoder of
LaGrange, Mary (Joel) Miller of Topeka, Ella Mae Schrock at home; 31 grandchildren; five sisters, Mary Anna (Lloyd) Miller of Topeka, Irene (Ora Jay) Eash of Trego, Montana, Ida Mae Hochstetler of LaGrange, Louella (William) Schrock of LaGrange, Katie (John) Troyer of Manton, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepmother, Polly Hochstetler and a granddaughter, Brenda Sue Schrock. Wilma was a homemaker and member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 1, and all day Monday, July 2, at the family's residence, 4705 W. 300 N. Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 3, also at the family's residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Jacob Jones and the home ministers. Burial will be in Mast Cemetery, LaGrange.

Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Lagrange, IN
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schroeder, Bernice Detwiler
Oct. 27, 1916 - April 10, 2018

GOSHEN - Heaven was made one soul richer on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, as Bernice Schroeder, 101, passed from this Earth.

She was born Oct. 27, 1916, in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, to Elmer and Lorena (Miller) Detwiler.

Bernice studied home economics at Goshen College and went on to work as a seamstress before meeting the love of her life, Leander Schroeder. The couple wed in 1950 and raised four wonderful children together.

Bernice always had beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, from which she made countless pints of preserves - sweet ketchup, pickles, and grape jelly being some favorites of the grandchildren.

Bernice was also a talented baker. The cookie jar was always stocked, and family could count on heaps of peppernuts at holiday time.

Bernice’s sweet, giving spirit will be missed.

She sewed thousands of school kit bags for Mennonite Central Committee over the years, quitting only when her sight deteriorated.

Bernice leaves behind a beautiful legacy and a loving family on this Earth.

She is survived by a daughter, Susan (Malcolm) Rhoades of New Castle; three sons, Richard Schroeder of Chicago, Dan (Kathy Van Elk) Schroeder of Elkhart and Jeffrey (Marianne) Schroeder of New Paris; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Mann Graber of Goshen; a brother-in-law, Gordon Yoder of Goshen; and a sister-in-law, Helen Joyce Detwiler of Goshen.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Yoder and four brothers, John, Delbert, Dale and Carl Detwiler.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 13, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, and at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. memorial service Saturday, April 14.

Burial will be in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen, at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Goshen College Music Department or Greencroft Foundation.

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
April 12, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

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

Schroeder, Bernice L. Detwiler, 101, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died April 10, 2018 at the same place. She was born October 27, 1916 at Pulaski, PA to Elmer and Lorena (Miller) Detwiler. In 1950 in Goshen, IN she was married to Leander Schroeder, who is deceased.

Surviving are a daughter, Susan (Malcolm) Rhoades of New Castle; three sons, Richard Schroeder of Chicago, Dan (Kathy Van Elk) Schroeder of Elkhart, and Jeffrey (Marianne) Schroeder of New Paris; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jean Mann Graber of Goshen.

A sister, Esther Yoder, and four brothers, John, Delbert, Dale and Carl Detwiler preceded her in death.

Bernice studied Home Economics at Goshen College and went on to work as a seamstress before meeting the love of her life, Leander Schroeder. The couple wed in 1950 and raised four wonderful children together.
Bernice always had beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, from which she made countless pints of preserves - sweet ketchup, pickles, and grape jelly being some favorites of the grandchildren.
Bernice was also a talented baker. The cookie jar was always stocked, and family could count on heaps of pepper-nuts at holiday time.
Bernice’s sweet, giving spirit will be missed. She sewed thousands of school kit bags for Mennonite Central Committee over the years, quitting only when her sight deteriorated.

Memorial services were held April 14, 2018 at College Mennonite Chruch, Goshen with burial in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen.

Submitted by: College Mennonite Church, Goshen
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schwartz, Daniel
Feb. 3, 1947 - March 7, 2018

GOSHEN - Daniel Schwartz, 71, of Goshen, died at Wednesday, March 7.

He was born Feb. 3, 1947, to Christian and Emma (Graber) Schwartz.

He married Mary Zehr; she survives.

Survivors also are daughters Anita Yoder, Emma Schwartz, Martha Yoder, Sara Yoder, Verna Yoder, and Anna Mary Lambright; sons David, Daniel Jr., Lonnie, Joseph and James Schwartz; 48 grandchildren; sisters Barbara Schmucker, Verna Graber and Anna Lengacher; and brothers Chris and Amos Schwartz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Rosa Miller; stepfather Andrew Eicher; and two brothers-in-law, Jonas Schmucker and Robert Graber.

Visitation will be all day Friday, March 9, at the family’s residence, 15563 S. R. 4, Goshen.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, also at the family’s residence.

Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, Goshen.

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

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
March 9, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schwartz, Daniel V.
Jan. 16, 1940 - Aug. 27, 2018

SHIPSHEWANA - Daniel V. Schwartz, 78, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2018.

He was born on Jan. 16, 1940, in Adams County to Menno E. and Anna D. (Borntrager) Schwartz.

On March 31, 1966, he married Katie W. Fry.

Survivors in addition to his wife are 10 sons, William, Emery, Menno, Daniel Jr., Henry, Lloyd, Andrew, Kenneth, Jerry and Vernon Schwartz; three daughters, Martha, Mary and Catherine; 57 grandchildren; sister Carolyn (Phillip) Yoder; and three brothers, Jacob, Andrew and Henry Schwartz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers, Abner, Rudy, Uriah, Menno, Reuben and infant Enos Schwartz.

Visitation will be after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, and all day Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the family's residence, 3715 N. 900 W., Shipshewana.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, at the same location.

Burial will be in East Barren Cemetery, Shipshewana.

Miller Stewart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Aug. 28, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schwartz, Joshua Lynn
Oct. 2, 2018 - Oct. 31, 2018

NAPPANEE - Joshua Lynn Schwartz, 29-day-old, infant son of Harvey and Vera (Chupp) Schwartz of Nappanee, died at 7:26 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at South Bend’s, Memorial Hospital.

He was born prematurely, Oct. 2, 2018, in South Bend.

Surviving are his parents, sister Joyce Diane Schwartz at home; grandparents Lee Alan and Carolyn Chupp of Etna Green, Lloyd and Mary Schwartz of Etna Green; great-grandparents, Ray and Lizzie Hershberger; and great-grandmother Mary Chupp.

Family and friends may call all day Friday, Nov. 2, at the Paul Miller residence, 9395 N 1000 W., Nappanee.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Marion Miller Residence, 9401 N. 900 W., Nappanee.

Burial will be in Graber Cemetery.

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

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Nov. 2, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Schwartz, Menno R.
December 1, 1932 -- July 19, 2018

Menno R. Schwartz, 85, of LaGrange, died at 2:20 am on Thursday, July 19 at his residence. He was born on December 1, 1932 in Monroe, IN, to John J. and Rosina (Schwartz) Schwartz. On October 28, 1954 in Berne he married Mary N. Wengerd, she survives.

Survivors in addition to his wife are three daughters, Christine Wickey of LaGrange, Mary (William) Schwartz of Grabill, Elizabeth (Joe) Schmidt of Carlisle, KY; five sons, Johnny (Rebecca) Schwartz of Berne, Amos (Martha) Schwartz of Bryant, Samuel (Susan) Schwartz of Portland, David (Ida) Schwartz of Monroe, Joseph (Lydiann) Schwartz of LaGrange; two daughters-in-law, Clara Weaver, Fredericksburg, OH and Elizabeth (Benjamin) Schwartz of Macy; son-in-law, Melvin (Susie) Schwartz of Salem; 113 grandchildren, 188 great grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, 17 step great grandchildren, one step great-great grandchild; sister, Anna Schwartz of Berne; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Schwartz and Wilma Schwartz both of Monroe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rosie Schwartz; three sons, Noah, Menno, and Christian Schwartz; two sons-in-law, Ervin Wickey and Roman Weaver; four
grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one step grandchild; eight brothers, John, Joseph, Jacob, Noah, Samuel, Christian, Amos, and Daniel Schwartz; six sisters, Fannie, Catherine, Rosina, Barbara, Mary, and Lovina.

He was a farmer and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Friday, July 20 and all day Saturday, July 21 at the family residence, 2020 W. 150 North, LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Sunday, July 22 at the Freeman Yoder residence, 2150 W. 150 North, LaGrange. Services will be conducted by Bishop Amos Yoder and the home ministers. Burial will be in Mast Cemetery, LaGrange.

Miller-Stewart Funeral Home
Middlebury, IN
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Seaman, Doris Delp, 90, of Souderton, Montgomery Co., PA died July 9, 2018 at the same place. She was born January 18, 1928 at Hatfield, Montgomery Co., PA to Howard W. and Gertrude (Mininger) Delp. On January 21, 1950 she was married to Paul L. Seaman, who was born August 12, 1927 and died November 2, 2012.

Surviving are children, Paul Seaman Jr. and wife Margie; Diane Detweiler and husband Laverne; and Dennis Seaman and wife Jane; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Two sisters, Margaret Delp and Marion DePermentier preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held July 22, 2018 at Souderton Mennonite Homes, Souderton, PA with burial in Salford Mennonite Church, Harleysville, Montgomery Co., PA.

Submitted by: Bradley Alderfer, Harleysville, PA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Sears, Earl
Jan. 10, 1935 - April 6, 2018

GOSHEN - Earl Sears, of Goshen, 83, died Friday, April 6, 2018, at Goshen Hospital surrounded by close family members.

Earl was born Jan. 10, 1935, to Harvey and Dina Camp Sears.

Earl and his four brothers grew up in Tazwell County, Illinois and attended Metamora Church.

A conscientious objector during the Korean War, Earl did 1-W service in Goshen.

He earned a degree in secondary education at Goshen College where he met his wife Jane Falb, who he married June 18, 1961.

Earl received his M.Div. from the Mennonite Seminary in Goshen, attended Harvard Divinity School as a fellow in the Merrill Program, and earned his D.Min. at the Claremont School of Theology.

Earl served his first congregation, Waldo Mennonite Church in Flanagan, Illinois, from 1964-1968 before moving to Southside Fellowship in Elkhart, where he remained until 1987.

He served Faith Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas, from 1987-1997.

In retirement, he pastored the Mennonite Church of Boston and Union Church in Brasilia, Brazil.

In addition to ministry, Earl's calling included work for peace and justice.

He co-founded the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, worked in prison ministry, established gun buyback programs, and advocated for refugees through the Sanctuary movement.

The family lived for one year in Asunción, Paraguay where he and Jane taught at Asunción Christian Academy.

Earl deeply valued his upbringing on his family's farm.

In 2000, he and Jane retired to pursue conservation work in Illinois where they also cherished relationships with nearby family, and actively contributed the Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center.

In 2015, they moved to Goshen and joined Eighth Street Mennonite Church.

Earl is survived by his wife Jane of Goshen; daughter Carmen Logue of Acton, Massachusetts and her husband Kevin Logue; daughter Jeanette Sears of Clinton, Ontario and her husband Roger Stryker; daughter Jennifer Sears of Brooklyn, New York; and five grandchildren, Marije, Anneke, and Karsten Sears Stryker and Ethan and Joseph Logue.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 13, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Eight Street Mennonite Church, Goshen, with an 11 a.m. memorial service following.

Donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Eighth Street Mennonite Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
April 11, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

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

Sears, Earl Ray, 83, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died April 6, 2018 at the same place from Myelofibrosis.

He was born January 10, 1935 at Princeton, Bureau Co., IL to Harvey David and Dina Belle (Camp) Sears. Harvey was born January 7, 1897 and died May 23, 1982. Dina was born April 1, 1896 and died September 19, 1983.

On June 18, 1961 at Orrville, Wayne Co., OH he was married to Jane Louise Falb, who was born October 12, 1939 and survives.

Surviving are children, Carmen Sears Logue and Kevin Logue; Jeanette Sears, and Roger Stryker; and Jennifer Sears; five grandchildren, Kay Sears, sister-in-law; Wilmer Sears, brother; Janet Sears, sister-in-law; Merle and Loretta Joy Sears, brother and sister-in-law.

Duane Sears, brother; Robert Sears, brother; and Shirley Sears, sister-in-law preceded him in death.

Pastor at Waldo Mennonite Church, Flanagan, IL 1964-68
Pastor at Southside Fellowship, Elkhart, IN 1969-1987
Teacher at Asuncion Christian Academy Asuncion, Paraguay 1977-78
Pastor at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton, KS 1987-1997
Part-time pastor at Union Church, Brasilia, Brazil 2001, 2002
Part-time pastor at Mennonite Congregation of Boston, Cambridge, MA 2003- 2007

Memorial services were held April 14, 2018 at Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with cremains at Memorial Garden, Greencroft, Goshen, IN.

Submitted by: Jane Sears, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Seibel, Vernon S.
May 22, 1954 - Feb. 21, 2018

ANTHONY TWP. — A contractor died following an accidental fall at about 10:17 a.m. Wednesday in Anthony Township. The incident occurred at 714 County Line Road, Jon Mordan, captain of the Washingtonville Fire Department, said.

He said state police at Milton and the Montour County coroner's office responded. Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn identified the victim as Vernon Seibel, 63, of Limestone Township. He said he fell approximately six feet into a basement area. Lynn said he may have suffered a medical event prior to the fall. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Mordan said the call came in first as a medical dispatch and then turned into a rescue assignment with no rescue involved. The Muncy Fire Department assisted along with an ambulance from Picture Rocks, he said.

The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA
Feb. 21, 2018

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

Seibel, Vernon S., 63, of Strick Road, Danville, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.

Born May 22, 1954, in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Norman H. and Rebbecca W. (Souder) Seibel.

Sept. 24, 1977, he married the former Arlene M. Martin. They have celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Vernon's love for the Lord greatly impacted the way he lived his life. He was a man of quiet strength. He loved and reached out to many people. He had a heart for not only his immediate family, but gave generously of his time, encouraging and being a friend to those in need. Vernon was involved in construction work for most of his life. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, and being in the outdoors. He did not allow his work or business to take away from his commitment to love God and care for those around him. Vernon was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family and many others.

In addition to his wife, Vernon is survived by four children, Darren and wife Beth (Sensenig), Dawn and husband Matt Burkholder, Dervin and wife Lydia (Fisher), and Donna and husband Dwight Troyer; and 13 grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at East District Mennonite Church, 71 East District Road, Watsontown.

An additional viewing will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, at Revival Tabernacle, 960 Susquehanna Trail, Watsontown, followed by the funeral at 10:30.

Burial will follow in Shalom Mennonite Cemetery, 955 Dancehall Road, Milton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Global Tribes Outreach, P.O. Box 60, Terre Hill, PA 17581.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC., 207 Broadway St., Turbotville.

The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA
Published on February 23, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Sensenig, Aaron S., 75, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Monday, June 11, 2018. He was the husband of Evelyn Martin Sensenig. He was born in Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County on October 4, 1942, a son of the late Lester S. and Anna Marie Snader Sensenig. Aaron was a member of Texter Mountain Mennonite Church, Robesonia where he served as minister for 55 years. He formerly was employed by Earl Z. Musser, Newmanstown, as a plumber for 35 years.

Surviving in addition to his wife are five sons, A. Eugene Sensenig (Suzanne Martin), Newmanstown; Joseph Sensenig (Christine Good), Elkton, MD; Stephen Sensenig (Jane Gehman), Denver; Joel Sensenig (Lisa Leinbach), Lebanon; Philip Sensenig (Kendra Chupp), Standardsville, VA; seven daughters, Lois Sensenig and Regena Sensenig both of Myerstown; Sylvia (Jeffrey Witmer), Seneca Falls, NY; Maria (Sheldon Zimmerman), Robesonia; Verna Ruth Sensenig, Robinson, TX; Dorcas Sensenig, Lititz; Julia (Harry Gehman), Myerstown; 40 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, Daniel Sensenig, Lebanon; Mark Sensenig, Telford, PA; David Sensenig and Paul Sensenig both of Myerstown; Noah Sensenig, West Jefferson, OH; sisters, Magdalena (Frank Bering), Mary (Richard Sweigart) both of Myerstown; Elizabeth (Mervin Sensenig), Lititz; Martha (Homer Detweiler), London, OH; Anna (Earl Sweigart), Plain City, OH. He was preceded in death by his first wife Verna Martin Sensenig; three brothers and a sister.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10 AM in Richland Mennonite Church, 399 N. Race St., Richland, PA. Interment will be made in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing on Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM at Fairview Mennonite Reception Center, 141 Jackson Road, Lebanon, PA. PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS. Clauser Funeral Home, Inc. is handling his arrangements.

Lancaster Newspaper, June 14, 2018
Submitted by: Robert Fish

ADDENDUM
Aaron S. Sensenig, 75, of Denver, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in his home, not Monday, June 11, 2018 as stated in the original obituary. He was the husband of Evelyn G. Martin Sensenig. Clauser Funeral Home, Inc. of Schaefferstown is handling his arrangements.

Lancaster newspaper, June 16, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Sensenig, Earl Philip
March 4, 1976 - July 7, 2018

The Michigan State Police are investigating the drowning of a 42-year-old male whose canoe capsized in a pond Saturday afternoon.

Troopers from the MSP Lakeview Post responded to a call at 1:08 p.m. of a capsized canoe in a pond at a residence on North Stage Road in Ionia County.

The occupants of the canoe were Earl Phillip Sensenig, 42, and several children. Sensenig and the children fell into the pond when the canoe overturned.

The children were rescued, but Sensenig did not return to the surface. The children were wearing life jackets.

Ionia [Mich.] Sentinel-Standard
July 7, 2018

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

Earl Philip Sensenig, age 42, of Ionia, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018, at his home. He was born March 4, 1976, in Hanover, Pennsylvania the son of John David and Dorothy Irene (Weaver) Sensenig. On March 7, 1998, he married Sarah Ann Martin in Pennsylvania. He owned and operated Countryside Sales and Service on Stage Road in rural Ionia. Philip was a member of the Maple River Mennonite Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Sarah Ann; children: Joel, Lorinda, Arlin, Naomi, Ilene, Ellen, Nathaniel, Louis, and Sheldon; his parents; brothers: Edward (Lois Ellen) of Shippensburg, PA, Keith (Susan) of Chambersburg, PA, Marvin (Becky) of Hartley, DE, Dennis (Miriam) of Mio, MI; sisters: Violet (Nathan) Huber of Breckinridge, KY, Sonya (Clayton) Derstine of Canby, CA, Wanda (Ronald) Horst of St. Louis, MO, Audrey (Timothy) Weaver of Breckinridge, KY, Elva (Melvin) Derstine of Belle Fourche, SD, Kathy (James) Eberly of Port Republic, VA, Phebe (David Leon) Martin of Mio, MI; brothers and sisters-in-law: Willis (Linda) Martin of Myerstown, PA, Nancy Jane (Loren) Petre of Slatington, PA, Willis Lynn (Carol) Martin of Lyons, NY, Vernon (Cheryl) Martin of Guatemala, Leonard (Amanda) Martin of Myerstown, PA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by 3 nephews and 1 niece.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 10 AM at the Shiloh Community Church, 8197 Heth St., Orleans, MI 48865 with the Maple River Mennonite Ministry officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-8 PM and Wednesday from 1-4 and 5-7 PM at the Shiloh Community Church. Interment will take place at the Maple River Mennonite Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Philip's memory to his family.

The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home of Charlotte.

Burkhead-Gree-Kilgo Funeral Home
Charlotte, MI
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Sensenig, Elva W. Zimmerman, 72, of 220 Conestoga Creek Road, East Earl, died Sunday, March 18, 2018 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Born in Earl Twp., she was a daughter of the late Isaac N. and Lydia S. (Weaver) Zimmerman. She is the wife of John D. Sensenig.

Elva was a homemaker and a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

Surviving in addition to her husband are 10 children, Ruth Ann, married to Eugene Brubacher of Withee, WI, James, married to Lydia (Reiff) Sensenig of Narvon, Luella, married to Wilmer Reiff of Ephrata, Anita, married to Edwin Burkholder of New Holland, Warren, married to Linda (Burkholder) Sensenig of Narvon, Elva Jane, married to Elvin Burkholder of New Holland, Esther, married to Laverne Hoover of Ephrata, John Daniel, married to Marie (Fox) Sensenig of East Earl, Lucille, married to Nelson Burkholder of Denver, and Suetta, married to Leonard Horning of New Holland; 66 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; and 6 brothers, Marvin, married to Esther (Hoover) Zimmerman of Denver, Amos, married to Mabel (Sensenig) Zimmerman of Stevens, Aaron, married to Edna (Nolt) Zimmerman of Denver, Noah, married to Frances (Shirk) Zimmerman of Shippensburg, Elvin, married to Etta (Zimmerman) Zimmerman of Shippensburg, and Mahlon, married to Mabel (Zeiset) Zimmerman of East Earl.

Preceding her in death are 2 infant sisters, and 1 brother.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 9 am at the late home with further services at 9:30 am at Weaverland Mennonite Church with the Bishop Titus Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Friday, at the late home, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

Intelligencer Journal - 3/19/2018
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Sensenig, Irene Weaver, 88, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at her daughter's home in Manheim, where she had resided for the past two and a half years. She had formerly lived on Frysville Road, Ephrata for many years.

She was the wife of the late Miles Sensenig who died in 1974. Born in Earl Twp., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Mabel Snader Weaver.

Irene was a homemaker and a member of the Martindale Mennonite Church.

Surviving is a daughter, Eunice S. wife of Clyde S. Peters of Manheim; she raised Alma N. Sensenig of Denver, and the late Rhoda N. Zimmerman wife of Roland Zimmerman, of East Earl; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; a brother, C. Irvin Weaver of Ephrata; and a sister-in-law, Mabel wife of Harold Good of Reinholds. She was preceded in death by a brother Earl Weaver.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 1, at 10:00 A.M. at the Martindale Mennonite Church, 171 Hurst Road, Ephrata, PA with Bishop Daryl Weaver, Eugene Weaver and Luke Weaver officiating. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM and on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. Arrangements by the Eckenroth Funeral Home, Terre Hill, PA.

Intelligencer Journal - 1/30/2018
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Sensenig, Leon B., 79, of Manheim, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, January 22, 2018.

He was born in Ephrata to the late Allen K. and Anna M. (Burkholder) Sensenig and was the husband of Alayne (Yeakley) Sensenig with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

He attended LCBC, Manheim, and was formerly a deacon and usher for Evangel Assembly of God.

Leon was formerly the owner of Blue Bell Mobile Home Park, manager of A to Z Vacuum in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, owner of the Denver Shoe store and previously worked for Burkholder Paving. He enjoyed farming, attending church and dining out with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Leon is survived by 2 sons, Robert A., husband of Marlene (Fernandez) Sensenig of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Joseph L., husband of Melissa (White) Sensenig of Carrollton, GA; 2 granddaughters, Tatianna, wife of Doug Ogden of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Maggie Sensenig of Carrollton, GA; a great-granddaughter, Marina Ogden and 5 siblings, Lester B. Sensenig of IN, Lloyd B. Sensenig of Ephrata, Irene, wife of Walter Shirk of Ephrata, Clair, husband of Linda Sensenig of Akron, Linda, wife of Ray Weaver of Terre Hill.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 5 to 8PM at the Hammer Creek Mennonite Church, 590 Hammer Creek Road, Lititz. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, at the church, followed by funeral services at 10:30 AM with Pastor Arnold Wheatley officiating. Interment will take place in the Hammer Creek Mennonite Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Leon's memory may be made to American Cancer Society-Lanc. Co. Unit, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA, 17603 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 1513 Cedar Cliff Dr., Suite 100, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

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

Intelligencer Journal - 1/24/2018
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Shank, Dorothy P. Showlater Newswanger

Richland - Dorothy P. Shank, 90, formerly of Myerstown, died on April 10, 2018, at the Race Street House in Richland. She was a member of the Swatara Mennonite Church. Born in Waynesboro, VA on September 29, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Ira and Edna Shank Showalter.

She married Walter R. Newswanger on January 1, 1972. He preceded her in death on August 15, 1977. She is survived by four Newswanger stepchildren, Lois, wife of Frank Reed of Manheim, Galen, husband of Phyllis (Musselman), and Timothy, husband of Susie (Keener), both of Danville, James, husband of Ruth Ann (Ker) of Flora, IN; 28 Newswanger step-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren.

She married Aaron M. Shank on November 3, 1996. He preceded her in death on December 15, 2003. She is survived by four Shank step-children, Milford of Myerstown, Richard of Lebanon Co., Ruth Burkholder of Harrisburg, Louise, wife of Ira L. Mast of Myerstown; 12 Shank step-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a brother, Ralph, husband of Joyce Showalter; sister-in-law, Ann Showalter; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Paul Herr.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Winfred, Milton and Leonard Showalter; and three sisters, Marjorie Shank, Lois Herr and Shirley Minnich.

There will be a viewing on Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Swatara Mennonite Church, 10 Camp Swatara Road, Myerstown. The service will be held on Monday, at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

Lebanon Daily News - 4/13/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Shank, Stuart Aaron, 98, of Harrisonburg, passed away on Nov. 21, 2018, at Showalter House of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.

Mr. Shank was born on Nov. 20, 1920, in Broadway and was the son of the late Samuel Aaron and Mary Katherine Geil Shank. He was a lifelong farmer and a member of Zion Mennonite Church.

On June 22, 1968, he married the former Helen Trumbo, who survives.

Surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Shank was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph Shank, Robert Shank, Katherine Nauman and Lois Hertzler.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, at 3 p.m. at the Strite Auditorium with the Rev. Mike Metzler and Chaplain Steve Landis officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Burial will be private at Zion Mennonite Church Cemetery.

There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home; however, those desiring to sign the register book may do so beginning on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at 9 a.m. The casket will remain closed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VMRC Compassion Fund, 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.McMullenfh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.

Daily News Record - 11/24/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Shaum, Dana Daniel
April 30, 1935 - July 6, 2018

GOSHEN - Dana Daniel Shaum, 83, Goshen, died peacefully on Friday, July 6, 2018, at home.

He was born April 30, 1935, in Wakarusa, to Henry and Susanna (Witmer) Shaum.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in his youth and was baptized in the Wisler Mennonite Church to which he remained faithful until his death.

On June 1, 1958, he married Wilma W. Brubacher. He was a cabinet maker and a farmer.

Surviving are his wife; six sons, Leland (Sharon), Goshen; David (Linda), Roann; Loren (Mary Beth), Milford; Dorvin (Karen), Nappanee; Marlin (Jane), Akron; and Daniel (Krystel), Wakarusa; and two daughters, Elizabeth Shaum and Miriam (Marlen) Martin, both of Goshen; 43 grandchildren and 41 great- grandchildren; one sister, Mary Alice (Lowell) Martin, Nappanee; and sisters-in-law Esther Shaum, Engadine, Michigan, and Grace Shaum, Goshen.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Lowell and James; a sister, Miriam Shaum; and a grandson, Daniel Shaum.

Friends may call Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at Harrison Christian School. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Yellow Creek Wisler Mennonite Church. Home ministry will officiate. Burial will be in the Yellow Creek Frame Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Christian Aid Ministries.

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
July 7, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin



Sherer, Alonzo Herber
1932-June 9, 2018

Goshen College professor, violinist Lon Sherer dies at 85

GOSHEN - Lon H. Sherer, a violinist, conductor and professor emeritus of music at Goshen College whose unexpected loss of hearing in one ear led to a deeper understanding of teaching and learning, and to a widely read book about that professional journey, died at his home in Goshen on Saturday. He was 85.

Sherer joined the Goshen College Music Department as a professor and violin teacher in 1959. After nearly 20 years of teaching, conducting and performing as a violinist, often with his wife, Kathryn, a pianist and colleague at Goshen College, he underwent surgery to remove an acoustic tumor in 1975.

The surgery saved his life but left him without hearing in the right ear and with a partial loss of muscle and nerve control on the right side. He returned home to Goshen, a violinist who could no longer play the violin.

It took Sherer nearly five years to recover his bow technique, including months of study in Japan with the violin pedagogue Shin’ichi Suzuki, famed for his ability to teach young children to play at prodigious levels.

“After my surgery, my most challenging tasks involved re-learning both basic and advanced bowing techniques that I was no longer able to do because of paralysis on my right side,” Sherer recounted in his book, “Practicing: A Liturgy of Self-Learning.” “I needed to master these techniques, one at a time – using different sets of muscles and nerves that still worked.”

“In the process I began to realize that confronting my actual learning the second time around was a rare gift that illuminated areas of learning in countless and often vivid ways,” he said. “The re-learning changed my approach to the instrument and changed my teaching, and I decided to share some of the experience in a talk I gave to the Georgia chapter of the Music Teachers National Association.”

He expanded the talk into a magazine article published first by the American Music Teacher and soon after by the Emerson Flute Journal. He expanded the article into “Practicing,” a 35-page book. The book, which urges music students to become “better ‘practicers’ and learners” and to regard such time as a vital personal liturgy, continues to be the top-selling Pinchpenny Press book, with more than 2,000 copies having been sold.

Sherer was born in Detroit in 1932 to Clarence and Phyllis Sherer. Early on, he showed an affinity for music, though his choice of instrument owed something to chance. After hearing a guitar player perform at school, he told his parents, misremembering the instrument, that he wanted a “violin” for Christmas. He received the gift that he asked for – and never looked back.

He went on to study at Michigan State University with Dr. Romeo Tata, earning a bachelor’s degree in music. He later earned a doctorate in music at the University of Michigan.

The musical collaboration of Lon Sherer and Kathryn Summers began in a theory class at Michigan State, where they met. The relationship blossomed when he needed an accompanist for the Mendelssohn violin concerto.

Their romance had more than the usual degree of chance. Kathryn had transferred from Goshen College to Michigan State as a junior for what she knew would be only one year of piano study. She had pledged to begin and end her college studies at Goshen, where her mother had graduated in 1928. Kathryn graduated from Goshen College in 1954.

Soon after their marriage, in 1954, the Sherers left for their first shared assignment, at Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India. Lon became a pacifist after meeting Kathryn and went to Woodstock as an alternative to military service. From 1956 to 1959 they taught at Woodstock and performed across India; later, they would offer concerts across the United States, in Central and South America, and in Japan.

They returned to the United States in 1959, joining the faculty at Goshen College. They timed their arrival with an emerging openness in the Mennonite Church to instrumental music.

Sherer founded the college’s orchestra and directed it throughout his 39 years at the college. He played a role in the establishment of many durable traditions at the college and community, including the Lecture-Music Series, which later became the Performing Arts Series, the biannual opera production, and the Concerto-Aria Competition and Concert, now in its 58th year.

He led an “Early Music” revival in the 1960s that introduced a generation of students to baroque, renaissance and medieval music, dependent on recorders, shawms, sackbuts, lutes and the harpsichord. At one point he had a recorder distributorship with Dolmetsch recorders in England that became so successful that he felt as though he had to choose between recorder sales and teaching, at which point he shut down the business.

Sherer served on the editorial board of the American Music Teacher and was the Indiana Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year in 1989. He retired from Goshen College in 1997 after 39 years in the music department.

Sherer was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn, in 2012. He is survived by his three children, Mark (Rhonda) Sherer, Brownsburg, Indiana; Karen (Duane) Stoltzfus, Goshen; and Michael (Patsy) Sherer, Goshen; and by four grandchildren, Monica Sherer, Los Angeles; Kate Stoltzfus, Washington, D.C., Melinda Sherer, Goshen, and Emily Stoltzfus, Goshen.

Lon was a member of College Mennonite Church in Goshen. Visitation is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. June 17 at the church, where a memorial service will take place from 11 a.m. to noon June 18 with a luncheon following.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Lon and Kathryn Sherer Preparatory Music Endowment Fund at Goshen College or to Mennonite Central Committee, a relief, service and peace agency.

Along with performing together, Lon and Kathryn Sherer spent many hours riding a GreenSpeed recumbent tandem, which they bought while vacationing in Australia. After Kathryn’s death, Lon switched to a Catrike single recumbent, which he rode 3.38 miles on the day he died, perhaps a sign, since he usually logged 10.

He died in his easy chair, still wearing his biking gloves and shoes. Near the chair was his violin and a music stand, opened to Paganini Sonata No. 12.

Source: Goshen College
Published in: Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN, June 13, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

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

Sherer, Alonzo Herber "Lon", 85, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died June 9, 2018 at the same place. He was born November 4, 1932 at Detroit, Wayne Co., MI to Clarence H. and Phyllis (Moomaw) Sherer. On September 11, 1954 he was married to Kathryn Loraine Summers, who was born July 14, 1932 and died February 28, 2012.

Surviving are children, Mark (Rhonda) Sherer, Karen (Duane) Sherer Stoltzfus, and Michael (Patsy) Sherer; and four grandchildren.

A grandson, Nicholas Dale Stoltzfus preceded him in death.

Lon’s father, who played clarinet in the Detroit Municipal Band, encouraged his son’s emerging musical gifts, often holding him on his lap as he practiced. In 1941, at age 9, Lon started taking violin lessons from Hazel Dustman Davis. He also began to sing in the St. Luke’s Episcopal Boys Choir, Kalamazoo. These were formative experiences in his early years, along with the sudden death of his father at the tender age of 13.

Starting in 1950, Lon studied at Michigan State University with the violinist Romeo Tata, earning a BA in music. This is also where he met his future wife, Kathryn Summers, in a music theory class. He needed an accompanist for the Mendelssohn violin concerto; she was pleased to volunteer; the piece, as it happens, was from the Romantic era. They married in 1954. He later earned masters and doctoral degrees in music from the University of Michigan.

Over the years Lon would reminisce about being awestruck by the four-part singing in Kathryn’s home congregation of Bethel Mennonite in Ashley, Mich. Together they took a three-year alternative service assignment at Woodstock School, Mussoorie U.P., India, starting in 1956. At Woodstock he taught violin and directed the school’s orchestras. While in India, Lon and Kathryn enjoyed performing as a violin-piano duo. Later they would tour in Central and South America, Japan, the U.S., and more.

Lon joined the Goshen College Music Department in 1959 as a violin teacher and music professor. He directed the college orchestra and gave private violin lessons throughout his 39 years at the college. His broad interests, professional depth and insightful teaching inspired his many students across six decades, and his legacy to the college and community includes the Concerto-Aria competition and concert; the biannual opera; the Strings Preparatory Program and the Suzuki method; and pioneering work in instructional technology. His engagement in learning continued throughout retirement.

Memorial services were held June 18, 2018.

Submitted by: College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Shetler, Leslie
July 15, 1924 - July 27, 2018

GOSHEN - Leslie “Les” Shetler, 94, died Friday, July 27, 2018, at Greencroft Healthcare.

He was born July 15, 1924, in Bay Port, Michigan, to Henry and Emma (Slabaugh) Shetler.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Shetler; six children, Bonnie (Randy) Arends of Melvin, Illinois, Ann Shetler of Pearland, Texas, Gary (Carol) Shetler and Clay (Rose) Shetler, both of Goshen, Jay (Marilyn) Shetler of Phoenix, Arizona, and John (Maria) Shetler of White Lake, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise (Harold) Swartzendruber of Bay Port, Michigan, and a brother, Lee (Wilma) Shetler of Pigeon, Michigan.

Friends will be received Sunday, Aug. 5, from 1 until the 2 p.m. service at College Mennonite Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to College Mennonite Church Jubilee Fund.

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

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
July 30, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin

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

Shetler, Leslie "Les", 94, of Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN died July 27, 2018 at the same place. He was born July 15, 1924 at Bay Port, Michigan to Henry and Emma (Slabaugh) Shetler. On December 29, 1946 at Midland, Michigan he was married to Frances Leona Terwillegar, who survives.

Surviving are two daughters, Bonnie (Randy) Arends of Melvin, Illinois, and Ann Shetler of Pearland, Texas; his four sons, Gary (Carol) Shetler and Clay (Rose) Shetler of Goshen, Jay (Marilyn) Shetler of Phoenix, Arizona, and John (Maria) Shetler of White Lake, Michigan; 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; one sister, Louise (Harold) Swartzendruber of Bay Port, Michigan; and one brother, Lee (Wilma) Shetler of Pigeon, Michigan.

A grandson, Gregory Arends, three sisters, Elizabeth (Bill) Barge, Edna (Willis) Miller, and Pauline (Bruce) Mix; and two brothers, Clayton Shetler and Stanley (Elaine) Shetler preceded him in death.

Les and Frances were active members of Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church in Pigeon, Michigan for over 40 years, where Les served as an Adult Sunday School teacher and as a "Visiting Brother." Following their move to Goshen in 1989 they joined the College Mennonite Church. Being a follower of Jesus, Les gave his life to helping others. He built on his experiences as a farmer as he served propane gas customers, then managed a farm implement business, next sold autos, and then sold insurance and financial products. Finally, Les served his community over 16 years in the "Thumb" of Michigan, as Area Manager and Vice President of Mutual Savings and Loan Association of Bay City, Michigan. When Les retired, he became deeply involved in the development of The Depot (the MCC Resource Center, Inc) in Goshen as he and a group of others had the vision for such a facility, purchased and master-planned the building, and oversaw its completion. He served on The Depot Board of Directors for 18 years. Les also enjoyed playing golf whenever he could.

Memorial services were held August 5, 2018 at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN with burial in West Goshen Cemetery, Goshen, IN.

Submitted by: College Mennonite Church
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Shirk, Esther H. Nolt, 78, of 2030 Turkey Hill Road, Narvon, died Saturday, February 3, 2018 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Born in West Earl Twp., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Hoover) Nolt. She was married 57 years on November 4 to Paul M. Shirk.

Esther was a homemaker and a member of the Churchtown Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

Surviving in addition to her husband is a son, Kenneth, married to Janet (Zimmerman) Shirk of Narvon; 10 grandchildren; 8 sisters, Frances Martin of Quarryville, Minnie, married to John Snyder of Ephrata, Anna, married to Jonas Zeiset of Narvon, Edna, married to Aaron Zimmerman of Denver, Ella, married to Melvin Martin of Ephrata, Ada Mae, married to Lawrence Martin of Martinsburg, Martha, married to Amos Martin of Shippensburg, and Arlene, married to Aaron Sensenig of East Earl; and 3 brothers, Ervin, married to Beverly (Root) Nolt of Leola, Paul, married to Anna (Garman) Nolt of Martinsburg, and Warren, married to Florence (Zimmerman) Nolt of Leola; a sister-in-law, Rebecca Nolt of Ephrata; and a brother-in-law, Titus Reiff of Mifflinburg.

Preceding her in death is a granddaughter, Elizabeth Shirk; a grandson, Samuel Shirk; a brother, Ivan Nolt; a sister, Mary Reiff; and a brother-in-law, Edwin Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 9 at 9 am at the late home with further services at 9:30 am at Churchtown Mennonite Church with the Bishop Eli Burkholder officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held at the late home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

Intelligencer Journal - 2/5/2018
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Shirk, Eva M., 100, of 580 Lambert Road, Narvon, died at home on Monday, July 23, 2018. Born in East Earl, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin W. and Annie Z. Martin Shirk.

Eva was a caregiver for many families over the years. She was a member of the Bowmansville Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

Surviving is a brother, Menno M. husband of Martha Eby Shirk of East Earl, and a sister in law, Katie N. Leinbach Shirk of East Earl. She was preceded in death by brothers, Aaron. Samuel, Benjamin, Elias and Titus Shirk, and by sisters, Lydia Brubacher and Annie Weaver.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 27, at 9:00 A.M. from the late home with further services at 9:30 A.M. at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church, 913 Oaklyn Drive, Narvon, PA with Bishop Elam Zimmerman officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held at her late home on Thursday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Kindly omit flowers.

Arrangements by the Eckenroth Funeral Home, Terre Hill, PA.

Intelligencer Journal - 7/25/2018
Lancaster, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Shirk, Reuben S., 66, of Middleburg, entered into rest at 8:26 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2018, at his residence surrounded by family.

He was born Feb. 19, 1952, in East Earl, Lancaster County, a son of the late Samuel M. and Anna Z. (Sensenig) Shirk. On Sept. 28, 1972, in Denver, Pa., he married the former Lydia B. Leinbach who survives.

Reuben was an excavator since 1978, having owned and operated Ressco Excavating, Middleburg.

Reuben was a member of Morning Star Mennonite Church where he served as an ordained deacon. He also served some years doing foreign and domestic mission work.

Surviving in addition to his wife are one son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Shelia Shirk of Middleburg; five daughters and sons-in-law, Esther and Ron Penner of Canton, Kan., Julia and Bryce Koehn of Galva, Kan., Beth and David Kurtz of Middleburg, Kathy and Jerry Raber of Dalton, Ohio, and Carol and Nathan Kurt of Mifflinburg; 19 grandchildren; two brothers, Samuel and Anna Shirk of Fleetwood, Paul and Esther Shirk of Versailles, Mo.; and seven sisters, Lena and Kenny Martin of Fortuna, Mo., Edna and Eli Martin of Versailles, Mo., Anna Mae and Allen Leinbach of Versailles, Mo., Ellen and Harlan Zimmerman of Fortuna, Mo., Lizzie and John Ray Nolt of Barnett, Mo., Arlene and Adam Martin of Versailles, Mo., and Erma and Albert Zimmerman of Barnett, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Allen Shirk; and two sisters, Suetta and Mary Shirk.

Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Morning Star Mennonite Church, 1875 Mensch Road, Mifflinburg, where the funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with pastors, Israel Wengerd, Sylvan Yoder, and John Boese, officiating.
Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Dominick T. Adamo Funerals ·Cremations ·Monuments, 16 Walnut St., Mifflinburg.

Sunbury Daily Item - 7/17/2018
Sunbury, PA
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Short, Calvin Dale, 93, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died March 7, 2018 at the same place. He was born July 5, 1924 at Archbold to Henry and Elisa (Eicher) Short. He was married to Marjorie E. Nofziger, who survives.

Surviving are children, Lonnie (Carol) Short; Pat (Ellis) Nafziger; Terry (Susan) Short; and Peg (Corwin) Rufenacht; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren.

A granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Nafziger; and siblings, Milton; Willard; Myrtle Beck; Sylvia Schmucker; and Frieda Beck preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held March 17, 2018 at Fairlawn Haven Chapel, Archbold, OH with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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

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

Calvin Dale Short
July 5, 1924 - March 7, 2018

Calvin Dale Short, age 93 years, of Archbold, passed away March 7, 2018. He was born July 5, 1924, near Archbold to Henry and Eliza (Eicher) Short. He was the youngest of six children and the only one to attend high school, graduating from AHS in 1941. On April 1, 1945 he married Marjorie E. Nofziger, daughter of William B. and Clara Nofziger, and shared their lives together for nearly 73 years.

Cal accepted Christ in his youth and was a faithful and active member of the Lockport Mennonite Church, rural Stryker. The church was very important to him and he served on numerous committees and taught Sunday School for many years.

A lifelong resident of the Archbold area, Cal farmed, raised turkeys, co-owned the Elmira Cement Tile & Block Co., sold feed for Tri-State Elevator and Quaker Oats Co., and in 1958 began working in the real estate and auction business. In 1971 he opened the Short Agency and worked along with his sons, Lonnie and Terry. Cal enjoyed auctioneering and volunteered his time at many, many area benefits. He also taught Real Estate classes at Northwest State Community College.

Cal enjoyed community work and for many years was a charter member of the Archbold Lion’s Club, Archbold Chamber of Commerce and served on the Archbold Tree Committee. He was an avid promoter of the annual Carp Festival and was known to a few people as “Cornelius Carp”. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent many years camping with family and friends. He also volunteered his time at CCNO. He, along with his wife was instrumental in getting the Lockport covered bridge built in 1999.

After retirement he enjoyed storytelling, meeting friends for coffee, planning “Mystery Trips”, reading and cheering on the Detroit Tigers. In the past few years he wrote for the Farmland News.

Cal is survived by his wife, Marjorie; four children, Lonnie (Carol) of Archbold, Pat (Ellis) Nafziger, Terry (Susan), both of Wauseon, and Peg (Corwin) Rufenacht of Archbold; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter Erin Elizabeth Nafziger; two brothers, Milton and Willard; and three sisters, Myrtle Beck , Sylvia Schmucker, and Frieda Beck.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday at 2 PM at the Fairlawn Chapel with Pastors Robert Stuckey and Steven Heatwole officiating. Interment will precede in the Lockport Cemetery. Friends may call at Fairlawn Chapel from 2-7 PM on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be given to the donors favorite charity. Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Short Funeral Home
Archbold, OH
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Short, Marjorie Ella Nofziger, 94, of Archbold, Fulton Co., OH died December 5, 2018 at the same place. She was born October 25, 1924 at Wauseon, Fulton Co., OH to William B. and Clara (Beck) Nofziger. She was married to Calvin D. Short, who is deceased.

Surviving are children, Lonnie (Carol); Pat (Ellis) Nafziger; Terry (Susan); and Peg (Corwin) Rufenacht; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren.

A granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Nafziger, preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held December 10, 2018 at Lockport Mennonite Church, Stryker, Williams Co., OH.

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

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

Marjorie Ella Short
October 25, 1924 - December 5, 2018

Marjorie Ella Short, age 94 years, of Archbold, passed away on December 5, 2018 at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home in Archbold, having been a resident there for the past nine months. She was born October 25, 1924 near Wauseon to William B. and Clara (Beck) Nofziger.

She married Calvin D. Short on April 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death on March 7, 2018. They shared nearly 73 years together.

Marge accepted Christ in her youth and was a member of the West Clinton Mennonite Church until she married and then joined the Lockport Mennonite Church, rural Stryker, where she was an avid quilter and taught Bible School and Sunday School.

She was a homemaker and used her artistic talents in piecing and quilting, sewing, oil and chalk painting, ceramics and crocheting. She enjoyed gardening and flowers and was a member of the Elmira Garden Club and won numerous ribbons for her floral arrangements. She was a volunteer quilter at Care & Share and Sauder Village. She also volunteered icing cookies at the Doughbox Bakery. She enjoyed sports, being a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Archbold Bluestreaks. Along with her husband she was instrumental in getting the Lockport covered bridge built in 1999.

Marge is survived by her four children: Lonnie (Carol) of Archbold, Pat (Ellis) Nafziger, Terry (Susan), both of Wauseon, and Peg (Corwin) Rufenacht of Archbold; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister Ada Stuckey and brother-in-law, Herb Nofziger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Calvin; a granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Nafziger; three brothers, LaVern, Olen and Lawrence Nofziger; four sisters, Orpha Nofziger, Berneda Stuckey, Myrtie Wyse and Virginia Nofziger.

A Celebration of Life for Marge will be held on Monday at 11 AM at the Lockport Mennonite Church with Pastors Steve Heatwole and Matthew Weaver officiating. Interment will precede in the Lockport Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 – 5 PM on Sunday at the Fairlawn Chapel. Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Short Funeral Home
Archbold, OH


 

Showalter, Clara Edna Eberly
April 11, 1920 - February 26, 2018

Columbiana - Clara Edna Eberly Showalter of Columbiana, was born on April 11, 1920, in Orrville, OH, died February 26, 2018, aged 97 years, 10 months, and 26 days. She was the daughter of the late Ira Eberly and Elizabeth Martin Eberly. Clara died at home after a gradual decline in health.

On February 17, 1951, she married Elmer W. Showalter, who preceded her in death. Surviving is her son, Ward (Fern) Showalter of Leetonia, OH; five daughters, Naomi (Mark) Rosenberry of Greencastle, PA; Agnes (John) Hoover of Beloit, OH; Elizabeth Showalter of Columbiana, OH; Wilma (Simeon) Rudolph of Rincon Bonito, Oaxaca, Mexico; and Alta (Raymond) Fox of Shiloh, OH; 26 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren; and one brother Willis Eberly of Ithaca, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by four sisters: Martha Eberly, Bertha Good, Edith Horst, and Ida Wenger.

In her youth she was baptized upon confession of her faith. At the time of her death, she was a faithful member of the Salem Mennonite Church. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p. m. on Friday, March 2, 2018, at the Salem Mennonite Church, 40725 Lodge Road, Leetonia, OH 44431. The funeral will also be held at the Salem Mennonite Church on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Morning Journal, Lisbon, OH
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Showalter, Eula Marie, 95, of Harrisonburg, died Feb. 2, 2018, at Crestwood of VMRC. She was born Aug. 9, 1922, in Linville and was a daughter of the late Irvin Daniel and Sallie Shank Showalter.

She worked as a nurse at the Green Valley Clinic in Bergton, Parkview Medical Center, and then retired at Sunnyside Presbyterian Home in Rockingham. She was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church in Broadway, Mennonite Nurses Association, and the Rockingham Bird Club.

Surviving are a sister, Arlene S. Hartman of Linville and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Alma Hartzler and Vada Showalter, foster sister, Naomi Shank Brunk and two brothers, Clayton Showalter and David Showalter.

Pastors Mike Metzler and John Hartzler will conduct a funeral service 11 a.m. Friday at Zion Mennonite Church near Broadway. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Friends and family may call Thursday at Grandle Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VMRC Compassion Fund, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Daily News Record - 2/5/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Showalter, Florence Arlene Hartzler, 82, a resident of Waynesboro, Va., passed away April 21, 2018, at her home. A daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary (Byler) Hartzler, she was born Oct. 23, 1935, in Allensville, Pa.

She was a graduate of Messiah College and Eastern Mennonite College, earning her degree in elementary education. She taught in Pennsylvania, and over 20 years with the Augusta County schools. Mrs. Showalter was a member of Staunton Mennonite Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Hartzler, and her sister, Lois Rynion.

Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Marvin H. Showalter of Waynesboro, Va.; son, Sheldon L. Showalter and his wife, Jennifer, of Wellington, Fla.; daughter, Debbie Grove and her husband, W. Scott Grove, of Crimora, Va.; four grandchildren, Krystal Grove, Sydney Showalter, Logan Showalter and Mason Showalter; brother, Ernest Hartzler; and four sisters, Martha Rohrer, Maxine Zook, Bertha Showalter, and Alice Hostetter.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 24, at McDow Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private for the family.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Springdale Mennonite Church officiated by Kevin Gasser, pastor of Staunton Mennonite Church.

Daily News Record - 4/24/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Showalter, Marvin Heatwole, 94, a resident of Dayton, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at his home. Mr. Showalter was born Nov. 3, 1923, in Dayton and was a son of the late Michael R. and Fannie Bell Heatwole Showalter.

He was a farmer and a member of Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church.

On June 24, 1948, he married Ida Ruth Rhodes, who preceded in him in death on March 16, 2010.

Surviving are his children, Dale R. Showalter and wife, Reba, of Dayton, Emily R. Weaver and husband, Tom, of Mount Sidney, Margaret S. Rhodes and husband, Wilson, of Dayton, Dennis W. Showalter and wife, Mildred, of Dayton, Carolyn R. Wenger and husband, John E. Jr. of Dayton; siblings, Harry Showalter and wife, Lydia, of Dayton, Daniel Showalter of Bridgewater, Mary Rhodes of Dayton, Margaret Cline and husband, James, of Harrisonburg, Eunice Knicely of Dayton, Joseph Showalter and wife, Frances, of Timberville, Fannie Bell Good and husband, Willis, of Dayton, S. Frank Showalter and wife, Cathy, of Timberville; a sister-in-law, Orva Showalter of Bridgewater; 29 grandchildren and 61 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Showalter was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Showalter and wife, Miriam, Harold Showalter and wife, Melva, Michael Showalter, John Showalter and William Showalter and wife, Mary Ellen; a grandson, Scott Showalter and wife, Phyllis; a sister-in-law, Marie Showalter; two brothers-in-law, Norman Showalter and Edwin Showalter; four great-grandchildren, Shayla Showalter, Christina Showalter, Shelby Weaver and Lance Showalter.

The ministers of the church will conduct a funeral service Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The body will be taken to the home, where friends may call at any time until Friday at 8 p.m.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily News Record - 1/25/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Showalter, Nathan Edwin, 91, of Mount Solon, died Saturday, March 17, 2018. He was born July 15, 1926, and was the son of the late Daniel R. and Anna Mary Showalter.

On Oct. 17, 1951, he married Mary E. Witmer, who died March 7, 2009.

He is survived by nine children: James W. (Lorretta), David W. (Ferne), Elizabeth Ann Shenk, Isaac W. (Emma), Minnie Rachel (David) Bennett, Orpha A. (Merle) Simrell, Naomi E. (Timothy) Shell, Miriam R., and Anna M. Showalter; 45 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and sisters, Hettie and Lois Showalter.

He also was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Showalter; son-in-law, Raymond Shenk; granddaughter, Jessica Simrell; foster son, Charles Angle; and siblings, Rebecca, Justus, Samuel, Ervin and D. R. Showalter.

Friends and family are welcome to the James Showalter residence (85 Curry Road, Mount Solon, VA 22843) for viewing and visitation on Tuesday, March 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Following the burial at Weaver’s Mennonite Church Cemetery, there will be a memorial service at Weaver’s Mennonite Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

Daily News Record - 3/19/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish


 

Showalter, Richard Heatwole, 80, of Waynesboro, died very unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018.

Richard was born on March 25, 1938, the son of the late Perry and Elizabeth Showalter. He faithfully served for many years as a minister and overseer of the area Mennonite churches. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, friend and mentor to many people.

He taught seventh-grade math for 30 years, first at Ladd Elementary School and then at Stuarts Draft Middle School. His family operated an apple orchard, selling apples, cider and apple butter. He also kept bees and sold honey.

On Aug. 24, 1963, he married Bertha (Hartzler) Showalter, who survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Brian and wife, Michele, and children, Kenda and Lexi; Dean and wife, Maria, and children, Morgan, Seth and McKenzie; and Gerald and wife, Leah, and children, Chad and Jacqueline; six sisters, Glennys Shank of Blountstown, Fla., Wilma Lee Anders of Gordonville, Pa., Ruth Showalter of Waynesboro, Louise Longenecker of Elizabethtown, Pa., Goldie Huber of Atmore, Ala., and Doris Ranck of Cumberland; and two brothers, Millard Showalter of Harrisonburg and Marvin Showalter of Waynesboro.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at Springdale Mennonite Church, 107 Hall School Road, Waynesboro.

A service celebrating Richard’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at the church with pastors Kevin and Denise Goertzen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest memorial contributions be made to Love, INC (Love In The Name of Christ), P.O. Box 1003, 123 Tinkling Springs Road, Fishersville, VA 22939, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank our family, friends and church family for their many, many expressions of love and support.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.

Daily News Record - 8/18/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish

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

Showalter, Richard Heatwole, 80, of Waynesboro, VA died August 15, 2018 at the same place. He was born March 25, 1938 to  Perry and Elizabeth Showalter. On August 24, 1963 he was married to Bertha Hartzler, who was born October 2, 1936 and survives.

Surviving are children, Brian & Michele Showalter; Dean & Maria Showalter; and Gerald & Leah Showalter; seven grandchildren, and siblings, Glennys Shank; Wilma Lee Anders; Ruth Showalter; Louise Longenecker; Goldie Huber; Doris Ranck; Millard Showalter; and Marvin Showalter.

Memorial services were held August 23, 2018 at Springdale Mennonite Church, Waynesboro, VA with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Nancy Stoll, Waynesboro, VA
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Showalter, Stephen Conrad, 73, a resident of Dayton, passed away Jan. 22, 2018, at his home. Mr. Showalter was born March 3, 1944, in Staunton, Va., and was a son of the late Claude Rohrer and Grace Magdalene Showalter.

He worked at Wetsel Seed Co. and several local cabinet shops. He was a member of Bank Mennonite Church.

On May 25, 1972, he married the former Eunice Shank, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Hamilton S. Showalter and Amy R. Showalter, both of Dayton; his siblings, Arlene Esh of Narvon, Pa., Annie Wenger and husband, Leonard, of Mount Crawford, Martha Knicely and husband, Everett, of Dayton and Dwight Showalter and wife, Brenda, of Bridgewater; brothers-in-law, Warren Shank and John Robert Shank; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Mr. Showalter was preceded in death by two sisters, Carolyn Shank and Evelyn Shank and a brother-in-law, David Esh.

The ministers of the church will conduct a funeral service Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Bank Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the church.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Amanda at Sentara RMH Hospice for her care and guidance through Mr. Showalter’s illness.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily News Record - 1/23/2018
Harrisonburg, VA.
Submitted by: Robert Fish

 


 

Shumaker, Wanda S., 93, of West Liberty, Logan Co., OH died January 25, 2018 at the same place. She was born January 26, 1924 at West Liberty to William Howard, d. 1993 and Anna S. (King) Shumaker d. 1976.

Surviving are a brother, William Howard "Bill" (Eleanor) Shumaker and a sister, Jeanette (Kenneth) Hostetler.

A sister, Annabelle Hostetler (2014) preceded her in death.
Wanda had 6 nieces and 1 nephew and (1 nephew deceased) as well as many great-nieces and nephews

Memorial services were held January 29, 2018 at Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty, OH with burial in Fairview Cemetary, West Liberty, OH.

Submitted by: Miriam Lapp, West Liberty, OH
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Shumaker, William Howard, 87, of West Liberty, Logan Co., OH died September 5, 2018 at the same place. He was born August 3, 1931 at West Liberty, OH to William Howard, d. 1993 and Anna S. (King) Shumaker d. 1976. On June 3, 1955 he was married to Eleanor Stoltzfus, who was born December 3, 1931 and survives.

Surviving are children, Sharon Shumaker (Mark Chupp); Patricia Shumaker Chisholm (Geoff Chisholm); and Teresa Swartley (Ed); six grandchildren, and a sister, Jeanette Hostetler (Kenneth).

Two sisters, Wanda Shumaker(2018); and Annabelle Hostetler (2014)(Donald, surviving) preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held September 8, 2018 at Bethel Mennonite Church, West Liberty, Ohio with body was donated to medical research.

Submitted by: Miriam Lapp, West Liberty, Ohio
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Skiles, Virginia Holaway Weldy, 93, Wakarusa, died 7:20 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at her home. She was born Feb. 20, 1925, to Clarence Jay & Ella (Mullett) Holaway in Nappanee. She married Harold C. Weldy on Dec. 16, 1945 and he died Oct. 19, 1999. She later married Joseph Skiles on Jan. 6, 2001 and he died Nov. 12, 2010.

Surviving are daughters, Susan (David) Weaver, Gulfport, Mississippi, Sara (Michael) Reynolds, Wakarusa, Sandra Weldy, Richmond, Virginia, sons, Michael Weldy, Wakarusa and Dan Weldy, Syracuse, 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren and siblings, Rachel (Leon) Garot, Colorado and C. Lamar Holaway, Goshen.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husbands, Harold Weldy & Joseph Skiles, daughter, Sherry Meyers, son, Henry Weldy, siblings, Shirley Troyer, Elta Anderson, Doris Nafziger, Jay Holaway and Harold E. Holaway and a granddaughter, Lauren Warren.

Virginia was a bookkeeper at Richmond Feed and worked at the former Leatherman's Grocery Store, Wakarusa. She was a member of Holdeman Mennonite Church and was part of the quilting group. She had a beautiful voice and sang for many events. She was also a member of the St. Joseph County Home Ec Club and the Elkhart County Holstein Auxiliary.

Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday, May 11, 2018, at Holdeman Mennonite Church, 65723 CR 1, Wakarusa. Pastor BJ Leichty will officiate. Memorial donations may be directed to Goshen Hospice or Holdeman Mennonite Church.

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home
Wakarusa, IN
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Slabaugh, Elijah Ray
May 18, 2018

Elijah Ray Slabaugh, infant son of Mary Miller and Leon Ray Slabaugh, Etna Green, was stillborn, Friday, May 18, 2018 at South Bend Memorial Hospital.

Surviving along with his parents are grandparents, Wayne and Margaret (Schmucker) Slabaugh, Harley and Barbara (Mullet) Miller, both of Etna Green; great grandparents, Oscar Jr. and Laura (Borkholder) Schmucker, Bremen and Lonnie and Verba (Miller) Slabaugh, Nappanee. He was preceded in death by a great grandmother, Joanna Schmucker.

Graveside services will be at 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Graber Cemetery. Officiating will be Loren Graber. There will be a meal following services at Mt. Tabor Church of God fellowship hall.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home.

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, IN
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Slagel, Dorothy Lucille Schrock
Jan. 20, 1930 - Dec. 22, 2018

ELKHART - Dorothy Lucille Slagel, 88, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Hubbard Hill Estates.

She was born Jan. 20, 1930, in Lowpoint, Illinois, to Andrew and Martha (Weaver) Schrock.

On June 18, 1948, she married Dean George Slagel at Metamora Mennonite Church, Metamora, Illinois. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sharon Rose Berkey of Elkhart and Annette Kay Slagel of Zdewile; three sons, David Dean Slagel of Goshen, Paul Allen (Kristi Sommer-Slagel) Slagel of Bristol and Sanford Lee (Linda) Slagel of Goshen; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Martha Jane Gooss of Fullerton, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Eugene, Paul and infant John Schrock; and an infant sister, Mary Schrock.

Dorothy was a 1947 graduate of Metamora High School and attended Goshen College. She was part of the Extension Homemakers Club “BusyBee,” a member of Evergreen Singers Quartet, Trios and Sextets, and also sang with Silver Belles Sextet. Dorothy was a homemaker and member of Walnut Hill Mennonite Church in Goshen. She also volunteered at the Window and Oaklawn.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 27, followed by a noon service, all at Hubbard Hill Estates, 28070 C.R. 24, Elkhart. Pastor Jane Stoltzfus Buller and Pastor Dave Severance will be officiating. Burial will be at West Goshen Cemetery at a later date.

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

Elkhart Truth, Elkhart, IN
Dec 24, 2018
Submitted by: Thelma Hoover Martin


 

Smoker, Russell “Rusty” Kenneth, 63, of Harper, Harper Co., KS died January 23, 2018 at the same place from complications of pneumonia. He was born January 31, 1954 at McPherson, KS to Kenneth and Rhoda (Newswanger) Smoker. On September 3, 1977 at Crystal Springs, Harper Co., KS he was married to Rita Kay Troyer, who was born February 2, 1954 and survives.

Surviving are children, Reannon & Dave Everhart and Reyna Smoker; one grandchild, and siblings, Rosalie Allen; Carolyn Smoker and Junior Spilker; Lucy and Neil Thomas; Charlotte Claasen; Ellen and Les Janssen; and Guy Smoker.

Nic Allen (brother-in-law) preceded him in death.

Rusty was a farmer, writer, singer, reader, wood carver, and co-pastor.

Memorial services were held January 27, 2018 at Crystal Springs Mennonite Church, Harper, KS with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Submitted by: Reannon Everhart, Wichita, KS
Edited by: Thelma Hoover Martin


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