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.
2023
L
Lahman, Richard Allen
November 1, 1939 - April 16, 2023
Richard Allen Lahman passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2023. Richard was born November 1, 1939. He lived most of his life in Rockingham County, working as a farmer, before moving to Leesburg, Virginia late in life.
Richard is survived by his wife Betty Williams Lahman, and three children, Brent Lahman (Greeley, CO), Cynthia Lahman Smith (Ashburn, VA) and Diana Lahman DiBiase (Reston, VA). He has six grandchildren, Martin and Kate Lahman, Isaiah and Kacy Smith, and Amelia and Anthony DiBiase. Richard was preceded in death by his son, Andrew Richard Lahman. He was the son of the late Harold and Evelyn Lahman.
In recognition of Richard’s life, the family would appreciate donations to Mennonite Central Committee (www.mcc.org). Service arrangements will be private for the family.
Lambright, Lorene Sue Miller
April 29, 1953 - October 13, 2023
Lorene Sue Lambright, 70, of Shipshewana (district: 42), died at 4:05 pm, on Friday, October 13, [2023] at her residence. She was born on April 29, 1953, in Elkhart, to Sam E. and Goldie (Miller) Miller. On October 19, 1972, in Middlebury she married Ernest Jay Lambright, he survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are daughter, Cheryle Jean (Levi C.) Yoder; two sons, Arlin Dale (Doris) Lambright, Myron Lynn (Ruth Ann) Lambright, all of Shipshewana; 15 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister, Elva (Allen) Bontrager of Middlebury; five brothers, Tony (Fern) Miller, Leo (Lorene) Miller, both of Middlebury, Sam (Patti) Miller Jr., Marvin (Cindy) Miller, both of Goshen, Glen (Esther) Miller of Middlebury.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Daryle Dean Lambright.
Lorene was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 15, and all-day Monday, October 16, at the Arlin Lambright residence: 510 W. Middlebury St. Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Tuesday, October 17, at Toby Miller residence: 8410 W 250 N Shipshewana. Services will be conducted by Bishop Jerry Miller and the home ministers. Burial will be in Naylor Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Lambright, Mary W. Yoder
November 29, 1943 - November 29, 2023
Mary W. Lambright, 80, of Topeka, (district: 30-3), died at 1:25 pm on Wednesday, November 29, [2023] at her residence. She was born on November 29, 1943, in Middlebury, to William D. and Elizabeth J. (Bontrager) Yoder. On September 29, 1966, in Middlebury, she married Orlie A. Lambright, he survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are two daughters, Lorene (Elroy) Miller of Topeka and Alma (Enos) Bontrager of Shipshewana; seven sons, Vernon (Erma Sue) Lambright of Topeka, Daniel (Erma) Lambright of Topeka, Omer (Katie) Lambright of LaGrange, Alvin (Lizzie) Lambright of Topeka, David Lambright, at home, Raymond (Mary Esther) Lambright of Topeka, and Richard (Marietta) Lambright of Topeka; 63 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Daniel (Mary) Yoder of Middlebury, Perry (Verda) Yoder of Goshen, Mervin (Phyllis) Yoder of Topeka, and Melvin (Vera) Yoder of Middlebury; two sisters, Polly (Mose) Yoder of Claire, MI, and Mattie (Ezra) Graber of LaGrange; brother-in-law, Henry Miller of LaGrange; one half-brother, Ernest (Anna Mae) Yoder of Middlebury; half-brother-in-law, Joni Swartz of Berne.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter; four great-grandchildren; sister, Edna Miller; brother, Samuel Yoder; half-brothers, Joe, Monroe, Roman, and William Yoder; half-sister, Ida Swartz.
Mary was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 30, and all day, Friday, December 1, at the family's residence; 6690 West 600 South, Topeka. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 2, also at the family's residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Homer E. Mullet and the home ministers. Burial will be in Hawpatch Cemetery, Topeka.
Landes, Ralph Elbern
March 15, 1937 - June 6, 2023
Ralph Elbern Landes, 86, a resident of Dayton, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at his home.
Mr. Landes was born on March 15, 1937 in Rockingham County and was a son of the late Rhodes Beery and Esther Larue Burkholder Landes. He was a dairy and turkey farmer for many years and also drove feed and fertilizer trucks. In his spare time, he loved riding his motorcycle, antique tractors, spending time outdoors, and taking great pride in his yard. Mr. Landes enjoyed music and played guitar and fiddle. He was a member of Bethany Mennonite Church.
On May 19, 1961, he married Evelyn Ruth Good Landes who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Rhonda Heatwole and husband Leroy of Elkton, Darrell Landes and wife Crystal of Dayton; sister, Leta Horst and husband Amos of Harrisonburg; grandchildren, Brandon Heatwole, Aimee Shelley, Melodee Madden, Carmel Eash, Brian Heatwole, Annie Landis, Marla Peachey, Jesse Landes, Katie Landes, Serena Jones, Jenna Landes; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Landes was preceded in death by a daughter, Ramona Berens; and a brother, Lowell Landes.
Davey Showalter, Robert Showalter, and Jonathan Burkholder will conduct a funeral service on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Bank Mennonite Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries, PO Box 360, Berlin, OH 44610.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Bank Mennonite Church.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Landis, David Leakway
April 1, 1941 - December 21 2023
David Leakway Landis, 82 of Manheim, PA peacefully entered Heaven's gates at his residence on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
David was born April 1, 1941 to the late John S. and Anna (Leakway) Landis in Lancaster, PA. David was the husband of Lois (Bomberger) and they celebrated 59 years of marriage in July. Together they had four children: David married to Sheila (Headrick), Sharon married to Robert Hess, Daniel married to Janella (Schnupp) and Darvin.
David loved the Lord, his family, agriculture and his community. He gave of his time and talents in Kingdom service and served many years on the Gospel Express Board, the PA Relief Sale and the East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery Board. In addition, he served the agricultural community via the Atlantic Breeders Board and Mount Joy Farmer's Cooperative Board. He was also an active member of the East Petersburg Rotary. David was a lifelong attendee and member of East Petersburg Mennonite Church.
David loved his family well and enjoyed raising his family on the farm on which he was born. He instilled in them the values of faith, family, love of life and hard work. David dairy farmed for thirty years and then transitioned to produce farming and owned and operated Landisview Farm Market until the time of his retirement.
David is survived by his wife, children, eight grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. David loved all the additions to the family via marriage through the years and every "in-law" was loved and cherished as his very own. Additionally, David is survived by his brother John L. Landis married to Joyce (Herr) and sister, Mary Ann married to Dale Ogburn.
Funeral services will be held at East Petersburg Mennonite Church, 6279 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:30AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Blessings of Hope Food Ministries, P.O. Box 567, Ephrata, PA 17522-0567. Arrangements entrusted to Murray A. Miller.
Landis, Edgar Moyer, Jr.
January 5, 1944 - February 26, 2023
Edgar Moyer Landis Jr., 79, of Mount Pleasant Mills, entered into rest Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at his home.
Edgar was born Jan. 5, 1944, in Franconia, Montgomery County, a son of the late Edgar M. Sr. and Anna Mary (Moyer) Landis. He was married July 8, 1971, to the former Ella Mae Yoder, who survives.
He was employed at Richfield Meats, Richfield. Edgar was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church, Mount Pleasant Mills.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, he is survived by six daughters, Phebe (Timothy) Pollard, Joanna (Ethan) Scearce, Catherine Landis, Maria (Wesley) Weaver, Carol Landis, and Jewel Landis; two sons, David Landis and Stephen Landis; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Kathryn (Paul) Clemens, Elizabeth "Betty" Nell-Miller, Mary Jane Landis, and Rhoda Detwiler; two brothers, Ervin (Malinda) Landis, and Robert (Ronnie) Landis; a brother-in-law, Philip Kropf, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Edgar was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Lucinda Landis; three sisters, Addie (Clyde Sr.) Beidler, Ruth (Roy G.) Derstine, and Lois Kropf; a brother, Timothy Landis in infancy; and brothers-in-law, Ralph Detwiler, Ernest Nell, Philip Miller, and Roy C. Derstine.
A viewing will be held Sunday, March 5, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shade Mountain Mennonite Church, 134 Center Road, Mount Pleasant Mills. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 6, at Shade Mountain Mennonite Church with the Bethel Mennonite Church Ministry officiating.
Burial will be in Bethel Mennonite Church Cemetery, Mount Pleasant Mills.
Arrangements are by the V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove.
Published on February 28, 2023
Landis, Ira S. "Ike"
October 10, 1939 - May 16, 2023
Ira S. Landis (Ike), of Strasburg, died on May 16, 2023, after a short illness at Lancaster General Hospital, at the age of 83. He was the son of the late Benjamin L. Landis and the late Ella Mae Landis.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Fay Nolt Landis, his three sons and their wives, Roy and Holly, Lee and JJ, and Ora and Jen, and his 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by five of his eight siblings.
Ike served two years in Morocco with MCC, retired from dairy farming, and was a member of Strasburg Mennonite Church. He enjoyed working on antique cars, shelling walnuts, and knitting hats.
According to his wishes, Ike's body was donated to scientific research through Humanity Gifts Registry.
The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to American Diabetes Association.
Lapp, John A.
March 15, 1933 - December 5, 2023
John A. Lapp died December 5, 2023 at the Maples at Waterford Crossing in Goshen, Indiana. He was 90 years old.
John Allen Lapp was born on March 15, 1933 in Lansdale, PA to John E. Lapp and Edith Nyce Lapp. John’s parents strongly supported education for their nine children. John Allen, the eldest, set the pace for his eight younger siblings, proving adept in school from an early age. John always had a passion for history, moving on from Kulpsville Elementary School to Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA and then to Eastern Mennonite College (now, “University”). He graduated with a B.A. in History in 1954, followed by marriage to his college sweetheart, Mary Alice Weber, from Lititz, PA.
With the Korean War draft still in place, John and Alice moved to Cleveland, OH where he fulfilled his 1-W alternative service assignment as a hospital orderly. While in Cleveland, Alice taught school, and John worked on his Masters Degree in History at Case Western Reserve University. After he completed service, and with M.A. in hand, he returned to teach at EMU and began work on a Ph.D. in History from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in British Empire. His doctoral dissertation, completed in 1965, was entitled “The Mennonite Church in India” and was published in 1972 by Mennonite Publishing House.
John’s interest in 20th century religious and cultural movements was intense and he was soon offering his view of current political and social events to the Mennonite Church via monthly columns in the church magazine, “Christian Living.” Among important issues sparking his attention was the civil rights movement -- John and several friends took time to participate in the landmark “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” in 1963.
Three children joined the young family: John F., Jennifer and Jessica. Along with careers and social/academic activities outside the home, John and Alice gave ample attention to their children, taking them on trips throughout the United States, and frequently to the family homesteads in Pennsylvania.
In 1969 John accepted an invitation to lead Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) Peace Section and the family moved to Akron, PA. John began what became lifelong frequent international travel. In 1972, he accepted an invitation to become Academic Dean at Goshen College, in Goshen, Indiana. During his 1972-1984 tenure as Dean, and later Provost, John built deep friendships with Goshen’s faculty and staff. He continued traveling, both internationally in support of GC’s nascent international education program, and nationally as an accreditation committee member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. He also published two additional books in the late 70s and early 80s, with chapters largely drawn from his magazine columns.
In 1985, John again accepted appointment at MCC, now as its fourth Executive Secretary.
He and Alice continued traveling, even after retirement in 1996. The couple concluded their MCC assignment serving with the organization in Kolkata, India.
In retirement, John led a Mennonite World Conference project known as the Mennonite Global History Project. He fundraised and supervised an international team that ultimately produced five separate published volumes on Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia and North America.
As this work was winding down, John and Alice returned to Goshen, Indiana. From 2011 they lived at Waterford Crossing. Upon Alice’s death in 2022, John moved to health care.
John is survived by children: John F. (Sandra Shenk) Lapp, Jennifer Lapp Lerch (Robert A.), Jessica Lapp (Philip Hertzler); grandchildren: Sophie Lapp Jost (David Jost), Sarah Lerch (Stefan Kuhns), Robert T. Lerch, Eva Lapp (Sam Smucker), John Ethan Lapp, James Nicholas Hertzler; and two great-grandchildren: Timothy Clement Lapp Jost and Morgan Amelia Lerch Kuhns. Also surviving are siblings Mary Swartley, James, Daniel, Joseph, Sara Kolb, Ruth Lapp Guengerich and Rhoda Lapp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Alice, and brother Samuel.
A memorial service in celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to College Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee, Goshen College or Eastern Mennonite University.
Larimer, James E.
March 13, 1941 - July 20, 2023
James (Jim) E. Larimer, 82, of Fort Wayne, died peacefully at home with family by his side on Thursday July 20, 2023. Born in Goshen Indiana, on March 13, 1941, he was the son of the late Peter and Lucille (Vercler) Larimer. Jim retired from IBM as a computer programmer in 2007 and was an active member of Maplewood Mennonite Church for more than 50 years. He spent time in his community, volunteering as church treasurer, donating apheresis at the American Red Cross, and he even worked on a local Habitat for Humanity project. In his free time Jim was an avid bicyclist, a sudoku puzzle solver and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. He had many handyman skills and loved to help others with home improvement projects.
Jim is survived by his wife Beckie, son Mark (Trixy) Larimer, daughter Tina Larimer, stepdaughter Darci (Justin) Rasor, and 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Kay (Arras) Larimer, and sister Joyce Miller.
Calling will be on Friday, July 28th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at D.O. McCombs & Sons - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd., Fort Wayne, Indiana.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 29th at Maplewood Mennonite Church, 4129 Maplecrest Rd., Fort Wayne, Indiana, with calling one hour prior to service at the church.
Jim was very specific on his wishes for no flowers, knick knacks, and other “fru fru” items. Instead, please direct all memorial gifts to Amigo Centre where he had many fond memories of biking and fellowshipping over the last 20 years.
There is a special link on their webpage amigocentre.org or the mailing address is 26455 Banker Rd. Sturgis, MI 49091. Please note Jim Larimer Memorial on your check.
Lauver, Glendora A. Apple
April 4, 1933 - October 13, 2023
Glendora A. Lauver, 90, of Mifflintown, passed away at 3:43 PM on Friday, October 13, 2023 at her residence.
Born on April 4, 1933 in Richfield, Snyder County, she is a daughter of the late Cloyd and Stella (Derr) Apple.
On March 8, 1952, she married her late husband, J. Clayton "Sonny" Lauver with whom she was blessed to share over 44 years of marriage before his passing on November 29, 1996.
She is survived by two sons, Timothy and Mary Alyce Lauver and Glenn and Rhonda Lauver all of Mifflintown; three daughters, Jean and Orval Graybill, Doris and Gerald Kauffman all of Richfield and Lucinda Lauver of Mifflintown; a sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Gerald Sheaffer of Richfield; twelve grandchildren, LaDawn Martin, Glenda Graybill, Denise Kauffman, Diane Kauffman, Debra Heimbach, Nelson Lauver, Leila Hartranft, Leann Mast, Dwilyn Lauver, RaShonda Lauver, Cammy Lauver, and Brooke Lauver; and thirteen great grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Jevon, and Janae Martin, Ayden, Shayne, and Brooklyn Heimbach, Dominick Patrick, and Elise Hartranft, and Jamin, Caleb, and Karli Mast
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Mark Lauver on June 9, 1986; one daughter-in-law, Melody Lauver; one grandson, Trenton Lauver; one great grandson, Thiedrick Hartranft; and nine siblings, Mary Hoffman, Helen Hoffman, Naomi Graybill, Olive Hibbs, Janet Apple, Elmer Apple, Albert Apple, Reno Apple and Herbert Apple.
Mrs. Lauver was a 1950 graduate of Freeburg High School and was a member of the Crossroads Mennonite Church in Richfield.
Her hobbies included cooking, baking, word games, and puzzles; however, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Crossroads Mennonite Church, 2066 Winey Road, Richfield with the Crossroads Mennonite Church Ministry officiating. Interment will follow at Lauvers Mennonite Cemetery, Richfield.
A viewing will take place from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 and from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM on Wednesday, October 18, all being held at Crossroads Mennonite Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Lauver's memory can be made to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 1 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1730, Chicago, IL 60601.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Leatherman, Kathryn Shantz
March 6, 1935 - May 30, 2023
On the morning of Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, Kathryn (Shantz) Leatherman, 88, passed away at The Laurels of Goshen. Kathryn, born March 6th, 1935, was a retired nurse that devoted her life to caring for others and will forever be remembered for her compassion, kindness, and overflowing generosity.
She is proceeded in death by six siblings and survived by her younger sister Beth (Paul) Good of Ontario; her four children: Fredrik Leatherman, Sue (Greg) Leatherman Sommers, Rebekah Leatherman, and Lori (David) Hughes; as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
She graduated from the nursing program at Goshen College in 1962, and went on to work in a variety of nursing specialties; geriatrics, the ICU, and psychiatric/addictions nursing.
She was married to Daniel R. Leatherman from 1960-1980, and together they had four children. A very social woman, she was known for her stories and her sense of humor — as well as being something of a prankster.
She taught her family so many lessons, but her greatest lesson was to live a life of service to others. To help where one can and how one can, and that helping others was a gift in itself. She will be missed.
Her celebration of life will be held at the College Mennonite Church at 2 pm on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023.
Leatherman, Ruth LaDonna Miller Smith
December 22, 1922 - September 12, 2023
Ruth LaDonna Leatherman, 100, of Goshen, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at her daughter’s home.
Ruth was born December 22, 1922 in Monroe, Washington, to Francis B. and Magdalena (Wagler) Miller.
She is survived by four sons, Lonny Smith of Bristol, Jerry (Ellen) Smith, of Goshen, John Smith of Bristol and Kevin (Shelly) Smith of Dunlap; a daughter, Cheryl Yoder of Goshen; a step-son-in-law, Gerald Kauffman of Middlebury; 14 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Francis Miller, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Jerry Lee Smith and Clifford Leatherman; brothers, Joseph, Abner, Roy and Phillip Miller and sisters, Agnes Leatherman, Leona and Margaret Miller, Clara Blucker and Vera Troyer.
A homemaker, Mrs. Leatherman was a member of North Goshen Mennonite Church.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Hospice Chaplain Neil Amstutz will officiate.
Burial will follow in Shore Cemetery, Shipshewana.
Memorial donations may be given to Gideon’s International.
Lechlitner, Graham Matthew
October 13, 2023 - October 22, 2023
Graham Matthew Lechlitner, Goshen, passed away at home at 4:10 a.m. Sunday, October 22, 2023, after his parents were blessed with 8 days with him. He was born October 13, 2023, in Elkhart, to Winston & Amanda (Ressler) Lechlitner, with a terminal illness.
Surviving are his parents, Goshen, brother, Lincoln Lechlitner, grandparents, Thad & Beth Lechlitner, Middlebury, Lisa Ressler, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, great-grandparents, Max & Marjorie Lechlitner, Elkhart, Clarence Hoover, Goshen, John & Arlene Heisey, Lititz, Pennsylvania, Nancy Ressler, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and great-great-grandpa, Eldo Brovont, Goshen.
Preceding him in death are grandpa, Larry Ressler, great-grandpa, Sylvan Ressler and great-grandma, Lauretta Hoover.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2023 at Griner Church, 12418 Co Rd 20, Middlebury, IN 46540. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Griner Church, Middlebury. Roselawn Conservative Mennonite Church ministry will officiate. Burial will follow at West Goshen Cemetery.
Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is handling arrangements
Lehman, Amos E.
September 2, 1933 - June 27, 2023
Amos E. Lehman, 89, of Shipshewana, (district: 47-2), died at 4:30 am on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at his residence. He was born on September 2, 1933, in LaGrange, to Eli S. and Sarah A. (Herschberger) Lehman. On February 20, 1958, in Shipshewana, he married Susie S. Farmwald, she died on March 5, 2007. On May 13, 2011, in Middlebury, he married Wilma R. Hershberger, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are three daughters, Anna Mae (Nelson) Frye of Shipshewana, Elsie (Floyd) Miller of Middlebury, and Alta (Marlin) Yoder of Shipshewana; son, Glen (Dorinda) Lehman of Alachua, FL; 25 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandson; two sisters, Edna Whetstone of Topeka and Clara (Ammon) Bontrager of LaGrange; sister-in-law, Ann Lehman of LaGrange.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; son, LaVern Lehman; granddaughter, Elaine Kay Yoder; brothers, Levi and Harvey Lehman; sisters, Anna Borkholder and Dena Miller; brother-in-law, Ervin Whetstone.
Amos was a farmer and wood worker for many years. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 28, and all-day Thursday, June 29, at the Marlin Yoder residence; 2615 N. 500 W., Shipshewana. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Friday, June 30, at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Mahlon H. Lambright and the home ministers. Burial will be in East Barren Cemetery, Shipshewana. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lehman, Celia Barbara Gerber
April 9, 1928 - February 8, 2023
Celia Barbara Gerber Lehman, 94. of Orrville and formerly of Kidron, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
Celia was born at home to a farm family on April 9, 1928, to the late Grover and Fairy (Amstutz) Gerber and married Calvin R Lehman on March 30, 1968.
She was a lifetime member of the Kidron Mennonite Church where she served as a Bible and Sunday school teacher.
Celia taught fifth grade at Kidron School for forty years and wrote for the Daily Record, and of late wrote the “Bible Nuggets” for the Budget.
Celia loved to write, having written four plays, mostly about local history; and published eight books. She consistently corresponded to foreign missionaries, as well as to her own extended family, and kept a journal.
In addition to her parents, Celia was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Lehman; step-daughter, Audrey Lehman Willis; step-daughter-in- law, Virginia Brubaker Lehman; and her three siblings, Dorothy (David) Schrock, Ellis (Edna) Gerber and Ruth Gerber.
Celia is survived by three step-children, Galen (Alise) Lehman of Wooster, Judith (Seth) Ramer of Grantsville, MD, and Ethan (Karen) Lehman of S. Hutchinson, KS.; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
The Lehman Family is grateful to the many staff over the years at Maple Terrace, to the extended family, and to the Kidron Mennonite Church family for all the prayers and kindnesses shown to her over the last several years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MCC Connections or the mission fund of the Kidron Mennonite Church.
Services will be held at the Kidron Mennonite Church on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 11:00 am with Pastor Carl Wiebe and Pastor Randy Murray officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, February 12, 2023 from 2-4 PM at the church. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
Lehman, Floyd D.
February 23, 1945 - July 26 2023
Floyd D. Lehman, 78, of LaGrange, (district: 12), died at 10:54 am on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at his residence. He was born on February 23, 1945, in LaGrange to Dan J. and Fannie (Troyer) Lehman. On November 10, 1966, in Topeka he married Martha Miller, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are five daughters, LeEtta (Paul) Bontrager of LaGrange, Karen (Leroy) Miller of Shipshewana, Helen (Richard) Miller of LaGrange, Elnora (Marion) Miller of LaGrange, Lizzie (Alvin) Lambright of Topeka; seven sons, Leland (Irene) Lehman of Topeka, Harley (Anita ) Lehman of Ligonier, Freeman (Barbara) Lehman of Millersburg, Maynard (Laura) Lehman of LaGrange, Gerald (Doris) Lehman of LaGrange, Elmer (Anna) Lehman of Topeka, LaVern (LaVera) Lehman of LaGrange; 65 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ernest (Linda) Lehman of Goshen, Noah Lehman of Middlebury, Daniel (Ada) Lehman of Shipshewana; three sisters, Susie (Monroe) Yoder of Shipshewana, Mary Miller of LaGrange, Katie Bontrager of Millersburg; two sisters-in-law, Katie Lehman of LaGrange, and Elizabeth Lehman of Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter; a great grandson; four brothers, Elva, Ervin, Mervin and John Lehman; two sisters, Ida Beechy, and Elnora Lehman.
Floyd was a retired farmer and member of the Old Order Amish Church, where he was ordained as a minister on May 4, 1986.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Thursday July 27, and all day on Friday, July 28, at the family's residence, 3765 S. 300 W., LaGrange. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, July 29, also at the family’s residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Ervin Bontrager, Jr. and the home ministers. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, LaGrange.
Lehman, Harvey A.
February 28, 1929 - June 28, 2023
Harvey A. Lehman, 94, of Orrville, peacefully passed away surrounded by family at his home on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Harvey was born to Albert and Anna (Hochstetler) Lehman in LaGrange County, Indiana on February 28, 1929. He grew up on a farm in Indiana and on May 9, 1947 married the love of his life, Barbara J. Troyer. They spent almost 72 years together until her passing in 2019, leaving him lonely for the last 4 years.
Dad moved his family to Snyder County, PA and then to Berkely Springs, WV where he started a long term business relationship with Tom Seely restoring and then building antique reproductions. In 1971, they moved their family and business to Kidron OH where he resided until his death. During his time in business, he made many long and enduring friendships.
He was a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Christian life was a priority to him.
Those left to mourn his passing are his children, Fannie (Romaine) Peters of Dalton, OH, Helen Mast of Orrville, OH, Harvey (Diana) of Dalton, OH, Mary (Paul) Raber of Mackay, ID, Joe (Rutheda), David (Ada) of Jeromesville, OH, Sam (Mary) of Kirksey, KY, Anna (Phillip) Schrock of Navarre, OH and Albert (Sharon) of Orrville, OH; a sister, Mary (Ezra) Gingerich of Millersburg, IN; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 sons, a son-in-law, a grandchild and 2 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Ohio's Hospice LifeCare for their wonderful care.
Calling hours will be at the Rock of Ages Church near Apple Creek on Saturday, July l, 2023 from 2-4:00 pm and 6-8:00 pm. Services will be Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 10:30 am at the church. Spidell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Lehman, Joel Ernest
September 22, 1954 - December 2, 2023
Joel Ernest Lehman, 69, a resident of Harrisonburg, passed away at his home on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. He was born Sept. 22, 1954, in Johnstown, Pa. to the late E. Grace and Ernest Lehman.
Joel is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Darlene (Miller) Lehman. He was a proud father to and survived by Laura (Ben) Ruth of Harrisonburg, Va., Jordan (Macie) Lehman of Harrisonburg, Va., and Erica (Jamie) Weaver of Culpeper, Va. Joel is also survived by siblings, Lois Snader, Lititz, Pa., Mary (Daryl) Witmer, Monson, Maine, Deb (Lynwood) Howard, Crewe, Va. and Jon (Diane) Lehman, Hollsopple, Pa.; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Carl Snader.
Joel’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and in nature. He was adored and known as ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren, Nolan, Leo, Eli, Hazel, Beckett and Lyla. Joel was an avid outdoorsman and found solace in nature. His passions were hunting and fishing and he loved spending time with friends and family in the woods. In recent years, Joel became an avid reader making frequent trips to the Massanutten Regional Library.
Joel faced life with remarkable resilience and an enduring positive spirit. Never one to complain, he saw the best in everyone. A member of Zion Mennonite Church, Joel’s faith was evidenced in his quiet, steadfast servanthood, in his relationships and lifestyle. Until retirement he was employed by Blauch Brothers, Inc. for 37 years. Leaving behind a profound and lasting positive impact on those fortunate enough to know him, Joel’s absence will be deeply felt, and he will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will take place at Zion Mennonite Church on Sunday, Dec. 10, beginning at 3:00 p.m. with visitation and a meal following. The service will be live streamed at www.zmcva.org.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Mennonite School (Athletic and/or Music Department), 801 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or Zion Mennonite Church, 3260 Zion Church Road, Broadway, VA 22815.
Lehman, LaVern A.
November 15, 1941 - June 17, 2023
LaVern A. Lehman, 81, of Middlebury, (district: 68-2), died at 10:45 am on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at his residence. He was born on November 15, 1941, in Middlebury to Abe and Lydia Ann (Miller) Lehman. On November 14, 1963, in Middlebury, he married Lydia Mae Bontrager, she survives.
Survivors in addition to his wife are a son, Eugene (Anne) Lehman of Middlebury; seven daughters, Marilyn (Marlin) Mullet, Marlene (Leon) Slabach both of Shipshewana, Edna (Calvin) Miller of Millersburg, Rosetta (Maynard) Yoder of Goshen, Luetta (Jay) Graber of Middlebury, Christine (Orvin) Mullet of Middlebury, Linda (Marlin) Miller of Millersburg; 42 grandchildren, 79 great-grandchildren; brother, Elmer Lehman of Shipshewana; sister, PollyAnna (Lavern) Miller of Markesan, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Mervin, John and Lester Lehman; two sister, Esther Chupp, and Mary Ellen Nisley.
LaVern was ordained as a minister in 1981 in the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be after 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 18, and all day Monday, June 19, at the family's residence, 12869 CR 26 Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 9:30 am on Tuesday, June 20, at the same residence. Services will be conducted by Bishop Dennis J. Bontrager and the home ministers. Burial will be in Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury is in charge of arrangements.
Lehman, Phyllis J. Lehman
January 17, 1923 - March 31, 2023
Phyllis J. Lehman, 95, of Kidron, Ohio passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023.
She was born on January 17, 1928 to the late Menno and Irene Lehman, and married Vernon A. Lehman on May 15, 1949.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; her sister, Juanita Martin; and her brother Leroy Lehman.
She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Kelleman of Wadsworth, OH and Elizabeth (J) Augspurger of Kidron, OH; her brother, John F. (Chris) Lehman of Naples, FL; and her brother-in-law, Roger Martin of Wooster, OH. She is also survived by her children, Cynthia (Daryl) Byler of Washington, DC, Janet (Pat) McFarren of Fairview, NC, Philip (Jennifer) Lehman of Panama City Beach, FL and Douglas (Bonnie) Lehman of Kidron, OH. She has 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Phyllis deeply loved her husband of 59 years, and was devoted to her family. As a life-long member of Salem Mennonite Church, she faithfully served in her church, community and abroad. She was an avid reader, quilter, scrabble player, and puzzle solver. She was always up for an adventure. Phyllis will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
There will be no calling hours but a private gravesite ceremony for immediate family members will be held, followed by a memorial service open to the community on April 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Mennonite Church, Kidron, OH. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
We deeply appreciate the care Phyllis received at Aultman’s Hospitals and Compassionate Care Facility.
Donations may be made to MCC Connections in Kidron, OH.
Lehman, Roy M.
April 1, 1940 - March 17, 2023
Roy M. Lehman, 82, of Cambridge Springs passed away at his residence with his family by his side on Friday, March 17, 2023. Roy was born in Salem, OH, on April 1, 1940, the son of the late Paul H. and Carrie (Horst) Lehman. He was a member of the French Creek Mennonite Church of Cambridge Springs, PA.
In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Susan (Zeiset) Lehman on December 9, 2021.
He is survived by three sons, Paul (Mary) Lehman of Cambridge Springs, PA; John (Grace Ann) Lehman of Cambridge Springs, PA ; Peter (Lyndora) Lehman of Mack, CO; three daughters Anna (Leonard) Zimmerman of Canton, PA; Sara (Isaac) Kurtz of Guys Mills, PA; Lois (Jeffrey) Wenger of Cambridge Springs, PA; forty-one grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren; two brothers and one sister Clara (Alvin) Nussbaum of Kidron, OH; Melvin Lehman of New Waterford, OH; and Elmer (Pam) Lehman of Salem, OH.
Friends may call at French Creek Mennonite Church, 24978 HWY 408, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to a funeral service to be held there at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, with the French Creek Ministry officiating. Memorials may be made to the Bahama Mennonite Mission, 2248 Leabrook Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Arrangements by Van Matre Funeral Home, Cambridge Springs.
Leichty, Carolyn G. Yoder
July 14, 1939 - March 16, 2023
Carolyn G. Leichty, 83, of Goshen passed away peacefully Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Waterford Crossing Healthcare.
She was born July 14, 1939 in Valparaiso to Harold and Sadie (Miller) Yoder.
On September 1, 1957 she married David F. Leichty, Jr. They enjoyed 50 years of happy marriage before he passed away, May 18, 2008.
Survivors include three daughters, Diane (Gari) Lewandowski of Bristol, Pamela Allen of Grapevine, Texas and Linda (Brent) Snyder of Bremen; seven grandchildren, Michael (Emily) Lewandowski, or Granger, Laura (Drew) Brinkoetter of Chicago, Austin Allen of Denver, Colorado, Britt Allen and Chandler (Hannah) Allen, both of Frisco, Texas, Brooke (Evan) Bourne of Liberty, Indiana, and Luke Snyder of Lexington, Virginia; four great-grandchildren, Theo and Max Lewandowwski and Arlo and Jones Brinkoetter; a sister, Marilyn (Mike) Zellinger of Tuscon, Arizona; and a brother, Don (Beth) Yoder of Syracuse.
Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Yoder, and special friend, Don Lukeman.
Carolyn was a graduate of New Paris High School and member of College Mennonite Church, where she often volunteered in the kitchen. She owned and operated her own business, Peach Lane Designs, creating custom drapery and window treatments.
She was a loving homemaker with many interests. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, baking, reading, needlework, crafts, antiquing, and gardening, tending to her beautiful flower beds.
She also was a member of bowling leagues. A hobby she thoroughly enjoyed was hunting for Native American Artifacts, mainly arrowheads, on the family dairy farm.
Carolyn had a servant’s heart, always helping others. Family dinners, birthday and holiday gatherings were her source of joy. She will always be remembered for her love of humor and her infectious laugh.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 22, from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Rev. Timothy Yoder will officiate.
Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Dementia Society of America; https://www.dementiasociety.org/.
Leinbach, Anna Mary Shirk
March 15, 1970 - July 17, 2023
Anna Mary Leinbach, 53 years, 4 months and 2 days, of Barnett, MO, passed away on July 17, 2023, from injuries sustained in an accident. She was born March 15, 1970, in Lancaster County, PA, the daughter of Raymond W. and Laura M.(Nolt) Shirk, Sr.
She was united in marriage on March 10, 1994, Barnett, MO to John Adam Leinbach, who survives in the home. She was a homemaker.
Along with her parents and husband, Anna Mary is survived by her 5 sons, Samuel S. (Elaine) Leinbach of Barnett, MO, Martin S. (Rosella) Leinbach of Barnett, MO, Reuben S. Leinbach of Barnett, MO, John Ray Leinbach, Barnett, MO, Harvey S. Leinbach of Barnett, MO; 6 daughters, Bertha S. (Anthony) Nolt of Versailles, MO, Mariann S. (David) Stauffer of Barnett, MO, Lucy S. (Lester) Martin of Versailles, MO, Lauretta S. Leinbach of Barnett, MO, Alma S. Leinbach of Barnett, MO, Ella Mae Leinbach of Barnett, MO; 12 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Eugene N. (Elva) Shirk of Shiloh, OH, Raymond N. (Ruth) Shirk of Barnett, MO, Marvin N. (Evelyn) Shirk of Latham, MO; 5 sisters, Laura Jane (Lester) Stauffer of Wheeling, MO, Rose Ella (Nevin) Nolt of Wheeling, MO, Lena Mae (Leland) Hoover of Fortuna, MO, Nancy (Alvin) Shirk of Latham, MO, and Ida Jean (Wayne) Hurst of Latham, MO, and many nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Visitation will be held at the family home, 16828 Gracey Creek Road, Barnett, MO 65011,Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Funeral Service will be Friday, July 21, 2023, at 9:30 AM at Springdale Mennonite Church, Barnett, MO with Floyd Hoover, Ivan Hurst, Raymond Stauffer and Curvin Zimmerman officiating. The interment will be at Springdale Mennonite Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Windmill Ridge Funeral Service in California, MO.
Loewen, Elfrieda Ruth Regier
June 21, 1923 - June 27, 2023
Elfrieda Ruth (Regier) Loewen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away at the age of 100. Elfrieda had the opportunity to live in several countries and she connected with people everywhere she lived, offering hospitality to them in her home. Elfrieda loved young children, flowers, trees, and dogs and she joyfully cared for many of them. Her love for her family and her faith in Jesus were the pillars of her life.
Elfrieda was born June 21, 1923, the daughter of David A. and Barbara (Epp) Regier. The third of eight children, she grew up on a farm near Mountain Lake, Minnesota. Her father, a farmer, had trained at Moody Bible Institute and the Chicago Theological Seminary at University of Chicago and then returned to the community as pastor to his home church. Her mother also attended Moody Bible Institute before their marriage. Christian education remained important to the family. Elfrieda trusted Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age and joined the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren (EMB) church in Mountain Lake where she remained a member all of her life.
Elfrieda attended country school and Mt. Lake Bible School, where some classes were taught in German. Due to the difficulty of traveling from the farm into town in the winter, she sometimes lived in town with her medical doctor aunt who taught her healthy lifestyle. When she went to Wheaton College, she paid her way by typing customer service letters for Sears Roebuck & Co. and by cleaning house for a prominent local family. She earned a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in German literature and minoring in science. Later in life she taught her children to sing German songs and shared with them the marvels of chemistry and botany. One weekend in her senior year, she visited friends at Goshen College in Indiana and met Mel, a Canadian from Steinbach, Manitoba, at an ice cream party. That initial spark started a long-distance courtship. Elfrieda graduated college in 1948 and then taught high school sciences for a year while Mel finished his senior year at Goshen. They married in August 1949 and then moved to Winnipeg for a year of Bible school. Thereafter followed a series of moves to various locations in the US and Canada for work and education.
In the early years of their marriage, Gerry, Barbara and Margaret were born. While living in Minnesota, a life changing visit by a young missionary couple from Africa turned Elfrieda and Mel toward serving as educational missionaries with the Congo Inland Mission. The family of five moved to Hartford, Connecticut for seminary studies and then took a steamer ship to Brussels, Belgium for a year to prepare for life and work in a French-speaking country. Their life as missionaries began in the bush of Congo in 1956.
In the following decade, Elfrieda was involved in educational work with African women (learning Tshiluba and Lingala) and she was busy with caring for and homeschooling her growing family. John and James were born on the Djoko Punda (Charlesville) station in the Congo in the late 1950s. Following the country’s independence, more schools were opened. In 1964, Mel was asked to help run the new Congo Protestant University in Stanleyville. The bloody rebellion in that region later that year was a time of intense tension and trauma. Elfrieda and Mel cared for their large family and offered many prayers for deliverance. After a dramatic rescue at in November 1964, the family settled in Mel’s hometown, Steinbach Manitoba, where Elizabeth was born three months later, before returning to Africa.
1n 1967, after continued unrest in Congo and a brief sojourn in Wheaton, Illinois, the family drove across county to California at Christmastime. Mel was to become Academic Dean at Fresno Pacific College. Elfrieda was adept at providing stability during times of change, even managing to plan ahead and have a small Christmas tree to set up in their hotel room on Christmas Eve. The family enjoyed the sun and culture of California in the late 1960s. The children’s ages ranged from 3 to 16, so it was a lively time for Elfrieda as she mothered teenagers and little ones. She also made friends with faculty wives and led Bible study groups.
Then in 1970, the World Bank in Washington, DC was looking for an educational specialist to open an office in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Mel and Elfrieda with their three younger children went back to Africa. Elfrieda found the new post challenging and charming. She learned how to entertain for the diplomatic corps and took on roles in church, teaching children’s Sunday school and classes for women. The whole family refreshed (or learned for the first time) their French skills. Elfrieda acquired a family dog and planted papaya seeds around their newly built house. Those papaya seeds turned into fruit-producing trees within a year and gave fruit that the family enjoyed daily. It was in Abidjan that “Tea Time” became an enduring family tradition.
The move back to the US in 1973 made the Washington DC area home for the next 20 years. There was also an interlude in Rwanda in the mid-1980s. For three years Elfrieda was involved with Burundi refugees, official entertaining, and working with African and expatriate women for benevolent causes. She taught the sewing arts and cultivated a beautiful tropical garden with many flowers, especially roses. Birds, wildlife, and photo safaris were a source of joy.
Returning to their country home in Maryland (“Old Oaks”) Elfrieda stewarded the plants and animals (including two Labradors) that lived there. She continued her Bible class teaching and took on a new role of Hospice volunteer. After Mel’s retirement in 1990, the two of them traveled to many countries in Africa and Asia, encouraging business people to support emerging churches. It was a fine capstone to the work and service of a lifetime.
After 35 moves over almost 50 years, Elfrieda and Mel moved to Goshen in 1998 to be nearer to family and friends. They would live there for the next 25 years. Elfrieda is survived by Mel, her husband of 74 years, and her children Barbara, Margaret, John, James and Lisa, along with her children-in-law, Nancy, Bob, Wendy and Joe. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Regier. Her eldest child, Jacob Gerard, predeceased her. In addition, she is survived by her eight grandchildren and seven great-grands whom she loved dearly. Interment will be in Steinbach, Manitoba in land once owned by Mel and Elfrieda and bought by the city to become Heritage Cemetery on Loewen Blvd.
Longenecker, Charles
August 11, 1932 - August 21, 2023
Charles Longenecker, 91, passed away on August 21, 2023 at Landis Homes in Lititz. He was the son of the late Elam Bender Longenecker and Florence Brubaker Longenecker. He was born and raised on a farm, bordered by big Chiques creek, in Rapho Township in Lancaster County. The youngest of 5 children, he was preceded in death by Thelma, Mary, Elwood and Harold. He married Barbara Rutt Longenecker in 1956.
He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School in 1950. He also graduated from Eastern Mennonite College with a B.S. in secondary education majoring in biology, and from Cornell University with a M.S. in biology.
He taught biology for 40 years at Lancaster Mennonite High School. He was beloved by thousands of students for his lively and engaging teaching. Many students in his classes discovered a love for biology and followed that love into lifelong work in health care, science, agriculture and other biology-related areas. He also led many delightful nature hikes for members of the wider community in parks and recreational settings.
A longtime resident of New Holland, he advocated for improved water waste management in the town to restore the health of the nearby Mill Creek.
He went to Erisman's Mennonite Church as a child, and as an adult he was a devoted member of New Holland Mennonite Church, where he taught Sunday school, led singing with his beautiful tenor voice, and served in various other leadership roles in the congregation.
An avid gardener all his life, he was active in the Leaman Woods restoration project while living at Landis Homes.
He wrote an autobiography, This I Remember: A Memoir, in 2013.
He leaves his wife Barbara, his daughter Jo (partner Lauri Beckstead, deceased), and sons Fred (married to Lydia Knutson), Kenton (married to Shelly Mann) and Lynn (married to Laurie Eshleman), and grandchildren Caleb (married to Kristina Fox), Philip, Isaac, Nathan (deceased), Maria and Jesse.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 3:00 PM in West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA. Gifts in his honor can be made to Lancaster Mennonite School (lancastermennonite.org), Landis Homes (landishomes.org) or Mennonite Central Committee (mcc.org).
Arrangements entrusted to Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.
Longenecker, Paul L.
October 25, 1935 - November 11, 2023
Paul L. Longenecker, age 88; a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday morning, November 11, 2023. Born in Conoy Township, he was the son of the late Amos Z. Longenecker and Grace L. Longenecker. He was married to the late Mariana Ebersole Longenecker for 47 years and to Louise Showalter Longenecker for 17 years.
He attended Kraybill Mennonite High School in PA and later earned his GED. In 1960 Paul and Mariana moved to Colquitt, GA where he was involved as song leader and in youth ministry in a small congregation. In 1981 they moved to Atmore, AL and served as house parents to prison chaplain assistants and later managed a local motel and restaurant. In 1985 Paul and Mariana returned to their roots in PA where they managed Ridgeview Restaurant for 16 years. After his retirement, Paul worked part-time at Giant Food Stores in Elizabethtown for 18 years. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the customers and won accolades for excellent customer service.
Paul is survived by his second wife, Louise Showalter Longenecker; brother John Longenecker, sister Martha Longenecker Zook (Ed), and three children: Steve Longenecker (Lenora), Sylvia Weaver (Luke), and Lyn Longenecker (Penni); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents, Amos, and Grace Longenecker, his first wife Mariana Longenecker, and son Daryl Longenecker and his wife Janet, and two great-granddaughters. He is also predeceased by three sisters: Ruth Bechtold Fisher, Lois Hartzler, and Esther Boll.
Paul was a loyal member of Marietta Community Chapel where he served many years on the worship team and other areas of service. He was a member of the Partners In Evangelism (P.I.E.) committee, serving more than 30 years.
Paul leaves a legacy of unwavering faith in his Savior and Lord Jesus that was visibly lived out in everyday life both in word and in example. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, his love for music and for his beautiful bass voice. He often sang in quartets and choirs.
Paul loved spending time with his family via telephone and in person whenever possible. He had the ability to strike up a conversation at work with anyone including the shy kid riding his mom's grocery cart: "You don't like to eat ice cream, do you?" Or to the more outgoing kid, "Don't you have a job?" At home Paul kept an immaculate lawn and loved riding his John Deere lawn mower. He was an avid Scrabble player and played to win!
The family would like to thank the staff of Lancaster General Hospital, Gentiva Hospice, and Visiting Angels for their attentive care and support.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Paul's memory to: Marietta Community Chapel, 1125 River Road, Marietta, PA 17547, or to Partners In Evangelism, c/o Good News Fellowship, PO 55316, Birmingham, AL 35225.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Marietta Community Chapel, 1125 River Road, Marietta, PA 17547. A public viewing will be held at Marietta Community Chapel on Friday evening, November 17th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be a visitation on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. There will be no public viewing at the church on Saturday. A meal will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Goods Mennonite Cemetery.