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.
2024
G
Garber, Pauline M. Horst
July 8, 1935 - January 29, 2024
Pauline M. Garber, 88, of Lititz, died peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Landis Homes Retirement Community. Born in New Holland, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary Horst. Pauline was the loving wife of Paul E. Garber, and they observed their 67th wedding anniversary in December.
For many years Pauline worked alongside her husband on the family farm. She was a member of the former Chestnut Hill Mennonite Church, Columbia. Her interests included needle work, vegetable gardening and puzzles. Pauline had a life-long passion for her family, and she cherished the time she could spend with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to her husband Paul are four daughters: Grace wife of Daryl Heagy of East Petersburg, Jane wife of Philip Roth of Blooming Glen, Linda wife of Ron Kauffman of Dallastown, Mary Lou Garber of East Petersburg, four grandchildren, a sister, Mary wife of Charles Sauder of Ephrata, and a brother, Lloyd husband of Barbara Ann Horst of Akron. Preceding her in death is a sister, Anna May Weaver.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Pauline's memorial service in the West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes Retirement Community, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family in the chapel on Monday morning beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private in East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery.
Please omit flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Pauline's memory to: Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
Gehman, E. Olive Graybill
November 20, 1932 - March 31, 2024
E. Olive Gehman, 91, formerly of Thompsontown, passed away at 10:55 PM on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at UPMC Lititz Hospital.
Born on November 20, 1932 in Delaware Twp., Juniata County, she is a daughter of the late William D. and Hazel S. (Shelley) Graybill.
On January 31, 1953, she married her surviving husband, H. Jacob Gehman, with whom she was blessed to share over 71 years of marriage before her passing.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Harry Gehman and his wife Miriam of Thompsontown, Virgil Gehman and his wife Irene of Ewing, IL, and Myron Gehman and his wife Mary of Mifflintown; three daughters, Iva Lynn Kreider and her husband Jerry of Manheim, Hazel Yoder and her husband Samuel of Ewing, IL, and Faith Yoder and her husband Mark of McVeytown; one daughter in law, Grace Gehman of Thompsontown; fifty one grandchildren; one hundred eighteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Pauline Weaver and Helen Hoffman; one brother, William Graybill Jr. and his wife Lois; and many generations of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Elton P. Gehman; one foster son, Larry Stevens; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother and sister in law, Elvin Graybill and his wife Ruth; and two brother in laws, David Weaver and James Hoffman.
Before marriage, Olive was employed at the East Salem Shirt Factory and after she was married, along with her husband, they became lifelong farmers.
Mrs. Gehman was a member of and attended the Goodwill Mennonite Church in Thompsontown and, in later life, had attended the White Oak Mennonite Church in Manheim. Along with her husband, they served three terms of missionary work in the Bahamas serving as house parents.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Millerstown Mennonite Church, 731 Raccoon Valley Road, Millerstown with the Local Ministry officiating. Interment will follow at Delaware Mennonite Church Cemetery, Thompsontown.
A viewing will take place at the Millerstown Mennonite Church from 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Gehman, Elton Paul
May 31, 1957 - March 24, 2024
Elton Paul Gehman, 66, a lifelong resident of Thompsontown, entered into rest at 12:46 PM, March 24, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born on May 31, 1957 in Lewistown, Mifflin County, he is a son of Jacob and Olive Gehman of Manheim, PA.
Elton leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Grace (Kreider) Gehman. Also surviving are two sons, Gerald, husband of Melinda (Deemer) of Mifflintown, PA; and Elton, (fiancé of Norleen Brubaker) of Metter, GA; three daughters, Phyllis of Newmanstown, PA; Barbara, wife of Jason Hostetler of Kenton, OH; and Crystal, of Manheim, PA; four grandchildren; three brothers, Harry (Miriam) of Mifflintown, PA; Virgil (Irene) of Ewing, IL; and Myron (Mary) of Mifflintown, PA; three sisters, Iva Lynn (Jerry) Kreider of Manheim, PA; Hazel (Sam) Yoder of Ewing, IL; and Faith (Mark) Yoder of McVeytown, PA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, J. Russell Gehman.
Mr. Gehman was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer and was a member of the Millerstown Mennonite Church.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Millerstown Mennonite Church, 731 Raccoon Valley Road, Millerstown, with local ministers officiating. Interment will follow at the Delaware Mennonite Church Cemetery, Thompsontown.
A viewing will be held from 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the Millerstown Mennonite Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Gingerich, Jonas D.
November 28, 1934 - January 12, 2024
Jonas D. Gingerich, 89, of Mt. Hope, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Majora Lane Care Center in Millersburg following a period of declining health.
He was born in Mt. Hope on November 28, 1934 to the late Daniel J. and Ada (Miller) Gingerich and married Mary Weaver on October 26, 1961.
He was a member of the Pleasant View Mennonite Church near Berlin.
Jonas was a farmer, excavator and had previously served as a Salt Creek Township Trustee. He provided taxi service in his later years. He enjoyed baseball, fishing and antique cars.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Merlin (Rhoda) Gingerich, Karen (Ivan) Mast, Danny Ray (Gina) Gingerich, Arlene (David) Stutzman, Ruth (Ervin) Miller and Judie (Steven) Erb; 15 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Clara Gingerich.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie; son-in-law, Tom Miller; and siblings, Wayne and Anna (twins).
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church near Berlin with Pastor Dan Byler officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 2-5:00 pm at the church. Spidell Funeral home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
The family expresses their gratitude to Ohio's Hospice LifeCare and the staff of Majora Lane for their care and assistance during this time.
Gingerich, Mary Ann Lambright
December 3, 1935 - April 9, 2024
Mary Ann Gingerich, 88, of Middlebury (district: 68-5), died at 11:10 pm, on Tuesday, April 9, [2024] at her residence. She was born on December 3, 1935, in LaGrange County, to Valentine V. and Mary Ann (Yoder) Lambright. On February 24, 1954, she married Daniel P. Gingerich, Daniel died August 1, 2002.
Surviving are five daughters, Alice Yoder of Sarasota, FL, Barbara Gingerich of Middlebury, Mary Ann Yoder of Goshen, Elsie (Joe) Yoder of Middlebury, Leanna Hershberger of North Point, FL; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; sister, Alice Kidd of Elkhart; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one grandson; one great-grandson; five sisters; five brothers; one half-sister; one half-brother; 14 nephews; nine nieces; many aunts and uncles.
Mary was a homemaker and member of the Old Order Amish Church.
Visitation will be from 2:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 11, and after 10:00 am on Friday, April 12, at the Sam Lehman Residence: 13159 CR 14, Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 13, at the CYC Building: 59321 Nottawa Rd, Centreville, MI 49032. Services will be conducted by Bishop John O. Miller, Bishop Ervin Bontrager, Bishop Mahlon Lambright, and the home ministers. Burial will be in Amish Community Cemetery: 24261 Truckenmiller Rd, Centreville, MI 49032. Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, Middlebury, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gingerich, Mary E. Beachy
October 2, 1922 - February 11, 2024
Mary E. Gingerich, age 101, passed away February 11, 2024, at Walnut Hills Nursing Home.
She was born in Kokomo, Indiana, October 2, 1922, to the late Andrew M. and Elizabeth (Beachy) Beachy. She was married to Mose J. Gingerich on February 6, 1945. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2017.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Esther, Fannie Miller (Ora), Verna Yoder (David), her brothers, Floyd (Mattie), Moses (Ada), Alvin (Edna), and her son, Raymon.
She is survived by her sons, Lee (Mary) of Portland, Oregon, Gareth, and Joe both of Kalona, Iowa; daughters, Clara Byler (Nolan) of Mt. Eaton, Ohio and Pam Campbell (Jim) of West Virginia, grandchildren, Cheri, Shannon, Darren, Sonya, Dustan, Dorvan, Sherilyn, Sheila, Donovan, Sophia, Joyce, Randall, Melissa, Caleb, Joshua, Andrew, Danielle, Anthony, and Danae; 26 great grandchildren; sisters, Bertha of Goshen, Indiana, Wilma (Ray), and Clara (Edwin) both of Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Friends and relatives are welcome to calling hours on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. There will be viewing at 9-10 am prior to the funeral on Friday, February 16, at 10:30 am, both at Light of Truth Mennonite Church in Wilmot, Ohio. Arrangements are being handled by Spidell Funeral Home in Mt. Eaton.
Mary enjoyed gardening and piecing quilts. In her latter years she made hundreds of small comforters for CAM. Mary and Mose were foster parents for many years. She sacrificially loved and mothered 37 children, some of whom had special needs.
We thank Walnut Hills Nursing Home for their love and care over the last several years. We also thank Life Care Hospice for their aid.
Glazener, Wilma Bontrager Yoder
May 15, 1936 - April 10, 2024
Wilma Yoder Glazener, age 87 of Sarasota, Florida, transitioned to her new heavenly home on April 10, 2024, at Tidewell Hospice. She was born on May 15, 1936, to Abraham and Sylvia (Yoder) Bontrager at Kokomo, Indiana. The family also included three brothers (Allen and Dewey (now deceased), and Ralph) and one sister (Miriam).
On November 5, 1955, Wilma married Joseph M. Yoder, who preceded her in death. Born to them was one son, Anthony Wayne Yoder, who survives, married to Arlene. Their children include Christopher Ryan and Jessica Nicole.
Having been alone for twenty-one years, Wilma then married Bruce Glazener on July 9, 2005. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2017, after twelve beautiful years together.
Surviving family members include two sisters-in-law (Elizabeth Mast and Susan Yoder). Also surviving are siblings Ralph (Polly) Bontrager of Middlebury, Indiana and Miriam Warren of Kokomo, Indiana. Surviving also, is son Anthony (Arlene) Yoder and grandchildren Christopher Ryan and Jessica Nicole. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout Wilma’s life, she has continually trusted the Lord, and has been very thankful for God’s care. She has memorized Psalm 91, and many other scripture passages, to include Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”
The family will receive friends Friday, April 12, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Sarasota, Florida. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 10:30 am funeral service on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury, Indiana. Services will be conducted by Rev. Mel Shetler. Burial will be in Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen.
Grieser, Marilyn Jean Liechty
November 4, 1936 - April 23, 2024
Marilyn Jean (Liechty) Grieser, age 87 years, passed from this life to her eternal home on April 23, 2024. She was born November 4, 1936 in Grabill, Indiana to Peter A. Liechty, Jr. and Martha (Yoder) Liechty. She married Willard “Bill” Grieser on February 26, 1956 and had nearly 68 years together, before he stepped into Heaven February 2, 2024.
Surviving are their children, Debra (Randy) Short of West Unity, Michael (Elisabeth Smucker) Grieser of Goshen, IN, son-in-law, Steve Neuenschwander of Archbold, 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a brother Herbert (Geri Christner) Liechty of Goshen, IN. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Beth Anne Neuenschwander, a granddaughter, Hannah Hostetler, her parents, and several siblings and in-laws.
She lived most of her life in the Pettisville-Wauseon area before moving to Archbold in 2014.
She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at age 12 and was baptized at Leo Mennonite Church, Leo, IN. When she married, she transferred to Central Mennonite Church in Archbold, where she was an active member, teaching Bible School and Sunday School and serving as Sunday School Superintendent.
Marilyn enjoyed life watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and follow the Lord. She faithfully prayed for her family every day.
Services will be held on Friday, April 26, at 11 AM at Central Mennonite Church with Pastor Ron Kauffman officiating. Interment will precede in the Pettisville Cemetery at 10 AM. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 4-7 PM. Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests that memorials be given to Gideons International, Mennonite Disaster Service or CHP In-Patient Center.
Grieser, Willard "Bill"
August 4, 1933 - February 2, 2024
Willard “Bill” Grieser, son of Charles J. and Sophie (Rupp) Grieser, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by family, on February 2, 2024. He is survived by his wife Marilyn of nearly 68 years, daughter Deb (Randy) Short, son Michael (Elisabeth), son-in-law, Steve Neuenschwander, 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, sisters Virginia Lee and Berneda Wyse.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Beth Neuenschwander, granddaughter Hannah Hostetler, parents, brothers Herb, Paul, and Glenford, and a sister Lueen Riegsecker.
Bill accepted Christ as his savior at a young age and was a member of Central Mennonite Church. He was a hard worker to provide for his family and enjoyed them very much. He was still working part-time at the age of 89 until he became ill. He lived in the Pettisville/Wauseon area until moving to Archbold in 2014.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 7, at 3:00 PM at Central Mennonite Church with Pastor Ron Kauffman officiating. Friends may call at the church Wednesday from 10 – 1 with the interment following in the Pettisville Cemetery. Short Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests that memorials be given to Gideon’s International, Mennonite Disaster Service or Community Health Professionals.
Groff, Marian S. Sangrey
June 20, 1933 — March 10, 2024
Marian S. Groff, 90, of Lititz, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at United Zion Retirement Community. Born in Neffsville, she was the daughter of the late David and Elmyra Stehman Sangrey. She was the loving wife of Donald S. Groff, and they observed their 70th wedding anniversary in October of last year. Marian was a member of East Petersburg Mennonite Church.
Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, Donald E. husband of Shirley Groff of Lititz, James L. husband of Ada Groff, Joanne Walker and C. Douglas husband of Lisa Groff all of Manheim, fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by two siblings, Ruth Miller and Mervin Sangrey.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marian's Memorial Service at East Petersburg Mennonite Church, 6279 Main Street, East Petersburg on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the church immediately following the service. Private interment in adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Marian's memory to United Zion Retirement Community, Benevolent Fund, 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.
Groff, Mary Louise Yoder
December 10, 1954 - March 11, 2024
Mary Louise Groff, 69, of Lewisburg, entered into eternal rest, in the arms of her husband and surrounded by her family, at 6:55 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at her home.
She was born Dec. 10, 1954, in Lancaster, a daughter of the late Norman and Sadie (Smoker) Yoder. On June 18, 1977, in Millmont, she married David N. Groff, who survives.
Mary was a graduate of Penn View Christian Academy, Penns Creek.
She was an active member of the Buffalo Community Church, Lewisburg.
Mary dedicated her life to raising her children and caring for her family and later in life cared for others in private home healthcare.
She enjoyed scrapbooking with her friends, motorcycle riding with her husband, and playing with her grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to her husband of 46 years, are four sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas and Crystal Groff of New Columbia, Alan and Karolyn Groff of Williamsport, Chad and Kristy Groff of Lewisburg, and Dwayne and Sarah Groff of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Jairus Martin of Philadelphia; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, N. Daryl and Sarah Yoder of Mattawana, Veryl Yoder of Lancaster, and Wayne and Lillian Yoder of Winfield; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Randy Tice of Lewisburg, and Joy and James Weaver of Lewisburg; and 15 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Glen Elden Yoder in infancy.
Family and friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 15, at the Buffalo Community Church, 4445 Hoffa Mill Road, Lewisburg, where the funeral will be conducted at 11, with Pastor Eddy Hostettler officiating.?
Burial will be in the Buffalo Community Church Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Buffalo Community Church, 4445 Hoffa Mill Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837.
Arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg.
Gross, Irene E. Geiser
June 20, 1933 - April 4, 2024
Irene E. Gross, 90, of Goshen, passed away peacefully at Goshen Hospital on April 4, 2024.
Irene’s extraordinary gift was connecting with people. She embraced every moment with a spirit of adventure, infusing joy and warmth into the lives of those around her.
Born on June 20, 1933 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland to Walter and Jeanne (Geiser) Geiser, Irene embarked on a remarkable journey that included marrying T. Leonard Gross on April 9, 1957 in Switzerland.
Leonard survives her, along with their daughters, Suzanne (Robert Kirchner) Gross of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Valerie (Tri Nguyen) Gross of Berkeley, California. Irene's legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren, David (Emmeline) Nguyen, Miriam (Stephen) Milton, and Naomi Gross. She also leaves behind her younger sister Liliane (Paul) Widmer of Geneva, Switzerland, and brother Jean Walter (Marie-Christine Nabben) Geiser of Cabrières d'Aigues, France.
Blending her Swiss heritage with the welcoming embrace of American life, Irene was active in the Goshen community since 1957.
Irene shared her passion for languages and cultures as a beloved German teacher at Bethany Christian High School for 29 years, where she was fondly known as “Frau Gross.” She also taught French at Goshen College for three years.
A member of College Mennonite Church (CMC) in Goshen, IN, Irene shared her time and talents, serving on various committees. She exemplified the spirit of service and compassion.
She demonstrated her commitment to strengthening community by dedicating a decade to serving on The Window's board, with a three-year tenure as President.
A visitation will be held on May 24, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm at College Mennonite Church, followed by a "Celebration of Life" service on May 25, 2024 from 10:30 to 11:30 am, with a Memorial Garden ceremony and lunch to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to The Window (thewindowofgoshen.com) or Mennonite Central Committee (MCC.org).