DECEMBER

Beitzel, Mildred, 93, of Bittinger, Maryland, died Monday, December 12, 2022, at Potomac Valley Hospital, Keyser, WV.

Born September 30 1929, in Salisbury, PA, she was the daughter of the late Omer and Myra (Bender) Maust. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Cleland LaRay Beitzel, and one brother, Clifford Maust.

Mrs. Beitzel was an LPN with Meyersdale Medical Center and Prince Georges County Hospital, as well as a homemaker and dairy farmer. She was a member of the Cherry Glade Mennonite Church and the PA Nurses Association.

She is survived by one son, Randall (Lillian) Beitzel, Bittinger, two daughters, Sherry Beitzel and Karen (Jimmy Hook) Beitzel, all of Bittinger;  four sisters, Ida Maust, Fannie Bender and Naomi Beitzel, all of Accident, MD; Ruth Beitzel, Grantsville, MD; three grandsons, Cameron Beitzel, Nate and Anthony Hook.

Friends were received at the Cherry Glade Mennonite Church, Accident, MD, Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 10-11 a.m. Funeral service followed at Cherry Glade at 11 a.m. with Pastor Titus Beitzel officiating. Interment was in the Cherry Glade Cemetery.

NOVEMBER

Gerig, Clarence Ralph, 94, passed away November 2, 2022. Born: 5/16/1928; Died: 11/2/2022; Married: Doris 11/13/1951; 5 children: Myron (Eunice), Lois, Sharlene Schmucker (Ron), Gerald, Delbert. Fairview Mennonite Church, Oregon.

Widrick, Teresa Ann, 55, of  Castorland, passed away on Tuesday morning at Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville, NY.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Lynn; three children and their spouses, Stephanie and Jordan Jantzi of Lowville; Stacie and Caleb Roes of Lowville; Shane and Katherine Widrick of Castorland; seven grandchildren, Caiden, Jaxon, Zoey and Harper Jantzi; Nova, Tauren and Eliza Roes; her parents, John and Judy Roes of Lowville; her siblings and their spouses, Tammy and Kyle Widrick of Adams; Dennis and Kelly Roes of Lowville; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by a brother-in-law, Brendan Zehr; and by her grandparents, Mary and Elias Zehr, and Samuel and Lena Roes.

Teresa was born on October 10, 1967, in Watertown, NY, a daughter of Leonard “John” and Judy M. Zehr Roes. She graduated from Lowville Academy and Central School in 1985. While in school, she attended the Howard G. Sackett Technical Center (B.O.C.E.S.) for nursing and earned her LPN.  Before her marriage, Teresa worked as an LPN for Carthage Area Hospital and then Lewis County General Hospital. On May 24, 1986, she married Lynn D. Widrick at Naumburg Mennonite Church with Pastor Elmer Moser officiating.  Teresa lovingly raised her family as a stay-at-home mom. 

She was a member of Naumburg Mennonite Church, where she hosted several women’s Bible studies and taught Sunday school. Together with her husband, they served on several committees at church.

Teresa enjoyed her flower beds, cooking and baking, camping, swimming and being outdoors. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her greatest legacy was her faith and her love for Jesus.

A memorial service was held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Naumburg Mennonite Church with Pastors Titus Mast, Myron Roggie, and Kyle Widrick officiating. Burial was held privately by the family in Naumburg Mennonite Cemetery. 

OCTOBER

Kanagy, Mildred Martha, 99, passed away October 16, 2022. Born February 21, 1923. Fairview Mennonite Church, Oregon.

Leichty, Norma Jean (Warye), 92, passed away October 27, 2022. Born: 12/26/1929; Married: Jacob Leichty 7/10/1949 (Jake died 8/26/2008); 4 children: Barbara Kaufman (Bob), Calvin (Mary), Philip (Rosie), Janita Garcia (Al). Fairview Mennonite Church, Oregon.

Moser, Marjorie Ellen, 72, of Croghan, NY, entered her eternal rest, passing peacefully early Tuesday morning, October 4, 2022, at her home under the loving care of her family and Lewis County Hospice.

She is survived by her beloved husband of over 45 years, Kermit J. Moser; three children and their spouses; Jason K. and Julie and their children, Clairissa, Siena, twins, Jasmine & Audrey, and Trenton of Croghan; Kendall J. and Janessa and their children, Kiah, Klaira, Koda, and Kenidy of Carthage; Kimberly S. and Jamie Zehr and their children, Hailey, Drew, and Avery of Croghan; two sisters, Shirley and Jane Martin of Croghan; a sister-in-law and her son, Ruby and Roger Martin of Lowville; an aunt, Eileen Zehr of Lowville; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Marjorie is predeceased by a brother, Elton R. Martin.

Marjorie was born October, 5, 1949, in Lowville, NY, a daughter of the late Jonathan and Catherine Roggie Martin. She worked on the family farm and graduated from Beaver River Central School in 1966. On August 27, 1977, she married Kermit J. Moser at Croghan Conservative Mennonite Church with Bishop Richard Zehr officiating. Together with her husband, Marjorie raised their family and assisted in the operation of their dairy farm on Kirschnerville Road until 2005 when the family farm ownership was transferred to their son, Jason. Marjorie also baked for Carthage Farmer’s Market for several years. 

Marjorie was a member of Naumburg Mennonite Church, where she was active with the sewing circle. Together with her husband, she served on the church council and the River Valley Mennonite School Board. Marjorie enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlework, cooking, baking, her flowers and gardening. But her greatest contribution was motherhood and most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and hosting her family.

A graveside service was held at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, in Croghan Mennonite Cemetery. A memorial service followed the graveside service at 11 a.m. at Naumburg Mennonite Church.

Steckly, Reta M., 74, died early Monday morning, October 31, 2022 at the home of her son in Lansing, NY, under the care of her family and Hospicare of Tompkins & Cortland Counties.

Mrs. Steckly was born on January 28, 1948, in Millbank, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of the late Lorne and Mary (Spendler) Schmidt. Reta attended school in Millbank, where she grew up. She settled in Naumburg and worked at the East Road Adult Home as an aide and cook.

She is survived by her five children, Brenda M. (Daniel) Finney of Adams; Paul E. (Sarah) Steckly of Mallorytown, Ontario; Mary K. (Tim Schrag) Steckly of Brockville, Ontario; Mark D. (Roxanne Lyndaker) Steckly of Lansing; Sharon A. (David) Fredenburg of Beaver Falls; her 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Anna Mae (Ivan) Kuepfer; Ronald (Elizabeth) Schmidt; Lloyd (Sharon) Schmidt; Sharon (Joe) Gerber; David (Norma) Schmidt; and her sister-in-law, Kathryn Schmidt; her Steckly family brother and sisters-in-law, Vernon (Linda) Jantzi, and Anna Mae Steinman; nieces and nephews.

Reta is predeceased by her son, Peter Kenneth Steckly and her brother Ralph Schmidt, and brother-in-law Floyd Steinman.

Reta was a member of the Naumburg Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the ladies sewing circle. Reta enjoyed quilting and made quilts for her children and grandchildren as gifts. She enjoyed being outdoors and loved to garden.

Reta, for many years, was a missionary. She volunteered for Son Light Missions, where she made several trips to Haiti. 

Her funeral was held on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 12:00 noon at the Naumburg Mennonite Church with Pastors Titus Mast, Myron Roggie, and Greg Widrick officiating.

The family received friends and family on Friday, November 4, prior to the funeral service from 10 a.m.12 noon at the church. A walk-through viewing followed the funeral service. Graveside services were at the Mornington Amish Mennonite Cemetery, Poole, Ontario, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 6.

Trautwein, Charles George “Buck” Jr., son of the late Charles George Trautwein Sr. and Edna Martha (Kaline) Trautwein, was born February 21, 1934, at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD, and died October 31, 2022.. He was also preceded in death by one son, Craig Trautwein.

Buck graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1952. He was drafted into the US Army in 1956, serving his country for two years active in the Korean War, two years active reserves, two years inactive reserves, and two years stand by. He returned back to C&P Telephone (later called Bell Atlantic) with 44 years retiring in 1996. After  retiring, he continued working repairs for different businesses in Oakland, MD. He also helped support Victor Hugo Umarro in an orphanage in Bolivia for many years. Mr. Trautwein was a Boy Scout leader in Baltimore and was Sunday School Superintendent, deacon of his church. He also made many signs using calligraphy for the first Autumn Glory craft shows in Oakland. He was a charter member of Men of Faith and also served as president of telephone Pioneers. Buck was an active member of Cherry Glade Mennonite Church.

He is survived by his wife, Estger Mae (Kahl) Trautwein; one son, Chuck Trautwein and Pam, Grantsville, MD; two step-sons, Dale Bittinger and Katie, Baltimore; Chad Bittinger and Shannon, Friendsville, MD; one step-daughter, Angie Rush and Jason, McHenry, MD; one brother, John V. “Jack” Trautwein, Baltimore; two grandchildren, Zachary and Tabitha and Jeffrey, nine step-grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by Doris Lewis, Craig’s companion.

A service was held at Cherry Glade Mennonite Church, Accident, MD, November 3, 2022 with Pastor Barry Maust officiating.

Yoder, Marlin W. , 85, of Belleville, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 14, 2022, at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He was born Oct. 19, 1936, in Belleville, a son of the late John W. and Mary E. (Henry) Yoder. On Dec. 1, 1956, he married Anna M. (Zook) Yoder. She survives at their home.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by: his children, John Mark Yoder, Alan P. Yoder, and Patricia A. Bulick and husband Randy, all of Belleville, a son-in-law, Michael F. Yoder and wife Leora of Belleville, 11 grandchildren, Jason Yoder and wife Alicia, Ryan Yoder, Dustin Yoder and wife Leyna, Allison Breon and husband Randy, Brandi Yoder, Alyssa Davis and husband Jimmie, Kayla Suydam and husband Stewart, grand- daughter-in-law, Brooke Felmlee, Jenna Snook and husband Seth,

Joshua Yoder and wife Taylor, and Jesse Yoder and wife Kelley; 21 great-grand-children, and two brothers, Lester M. Yoder and wife Christine of Phoenix, Ariz. and Gilbert L. Yoder of Belleville.

He was preceded in death by: a grandson, Evan Bulick in 2016; a daughter, Myrene A. Yoder in 1999; a stillborn son, Timothy Yoder in 1972, and five brothers, John W. Yoder and his wife Edna, Leonard Yoder, Glen R. Yoder, Darvin Yoder, and Paul L. Yoder and his wife Nancy, as well as a sister-in-law, Joyce Yoder.

Marlin owned and operated a dry wall business, Yoder Brothers Drywall with his brother Paul for 25 years. He then became a truck driver for 19 years before his retirement in 2000. Most recently, he taxied the Amish.

He was a member of Allensville Mennonite Church and the Rainbow Spectrum Sunday school class, a member of the International and PA Flying Farmers. He was a pilot and really enjoyed flying. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling and vegetable gardening.

His funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at Allensville Mennonite Church with Pastors Adam Peachey and Nelson Roth officiating. Burial took place prior to the service at Allensville Mennonite Cemetery, with Pastor Bob Zook officiating.

SEPTEMBER

Jantzi, Miriam Elaine, 94, died September 11, 2022, at Lima Convalescent Home in Lima, Ohio. She was born September 21, 1927, in Greenwood, DE, to Nevin and Esther (Lauver) Bender. On Aug. 18, 1950, she married Elmer Jantzi, who preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 2007.

Miriam taught school briefly in Greenwood before going to Fairview, MI,  for a term of Bible school. There, she met the love of her life, Elmer Jantzi, from Au Gres, MI. On a small farm in Arenac County, three miles from the shores of Lake Huron, they raised their five children amongst the corn, navy beans, sugar beets, and wheat fields.

In 1969 they moved to Rosedale, Ohio, where they were involved in church education at Rosedale Bible Institute and were known for their U-pick Jantzi Strawberry Patch. In 2007 they moved to Lima to be close to children.

Miriam was the consummate hostess and homemaker, with a penchant for perfection in her sewing, her cooking, and her gardening. However, the true measure of her life and legacy is the wonderful cheer and optimism she brought to life and people. She will be fondly cherished and remembered for her love of family and her faith in God. She was a member of Shiloh Mennonite Church in Resaca, Ohio, and attended Lima Mennonite Church.

Survivors include five children, John (Bonnie) Jantzi of Harrisonburg, VA, Joyce (Gene) Zehler of Blanchester, Janet Yoder of Bluffton, Karen (Phil Hugo) Jantzi of Lima, and Philip (Julia) Kauffman-Jantzi of Strasburg, PA; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; four siblings, Hilda Swartz of Cambridge, MA, Paul Bender of Greenwood, DE, Emma (Glenn) Myers of Philadelphia, MS, and Don (Judy) Bender of Atlanta.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Twila Joy; her son-in-law, Steven Yoder; two sisters, Lura Benner and Mildred Bender, and two brothers, Titus and Nevin Bender. Private family graveside services were held at Shiloh Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Miller, Paul, 99, of Wellman, Iowa, passed away on September 9, 2022. Miller obituary. 

Taube, Ralph E., 90, formerly of Naumburg, passed away on Sunday afternoon, September 11, 2022, at the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility, Lowville, NY. where he resided for the past year.

He is survived by four children, James Taube (Sue) of Middletown, OH, Susan McVeigh (Frank) of Cary, NC, Terry Taube of Cazenovia, Michael Taube of Watertown; a daughter-in-law, Ann Taube of Greensboro, NC; nine grandchildren; fifteen great- grandchildren; a sister, Ruthie Mellnitz of Naumburg; a brother, Harold Taube (Barbara) of Naumburg, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, LaVeda, who passed away on December 5, 2012; a son Larry Taube; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Taube; a sister, Mary Gayliard; two brothers-in-law, Vincent Gayliard and Newton Mellnitz.

Ralph was born on October 9, 1931, at home in Naumburg, a son of the late Elmer S. and Minnie Isley Taube. He attended country schools in Naumburg and Beaver River Central School and worked on the family farm. On June 14, 1952 he married LaVeda M. Widrick at the First Mennonite Church, New Bremen. He worked for 38 years at Crown Zellerbach until his retirement. Ralph loved scenic drives and long road trips, especially to Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Canada to visit family and friends.

Ralph was a charter member of the Naumburg Mennonite Church and served on the Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Association where he enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors and volunteering with LaVeda for Z Fest and fundraising projects. Ralph loved trains and was a member of the Railway Historical Society of Northern New York in Croghan. He also volunteered with LaVeda for many years at the Agape Shoppe in Watertown, where he used his skills to repair items. He had the ability to repair clocks and just about anything that needed fixing.

A funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Naumburg Mennonite Church with Pastor Myron Roggie officiating. Burial was in the Croghan Mennonite Cemetery. 

AUGUST

Esch, C. David “Dave,” 78, of 2384 SR 655, Belleville, PA, passed away on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, at Greenwood Village. He was born on May 26, 1944, in Coatesville, a son of the late George and Elmira (Yoder) Esch. On April 9, 1966, he married Pauline M. (Harshbarger) Esch, who resides at their home.

Also surviving are: his children, Pearl Miller and husband Kent of Lewistown, Dwaine Esch and wife Heather of Dothan, Alabama, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson, along with a sister, Twila Martin and husband Willis of Lititz.

Dave retired in 2009 from APM as their night watchman. He enjoyed hunting and gardening, was a member of the Allensville Mennonite Church, the Hearts & Hands Sunday school class, and he sang in Big Valley Men’s Chorus.

His funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Allensville Mennonite Church with Pastors Nelson Roth, Dewayn Isaac and Bob Zook officiating. The family had a private burial at Allensville Mennonite Cemetery.

Moser, Noah Wilbur, son of Graig and Nichole Moser. He was born August 13, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. Noah met the eyes of Jesus after a brief life in the arms of his loving parents.

Noah is survived by his parents, Graig and Nichole Moser; two sisters, Kiarrah and Arrayah; grandparents, Darwin and Karen Moser, Dale and Gayle Vegter, and Barbara Ambrose; paternal great-grandmothers, Mary Ellen Roggie and Kathleen Moser; maternal great-grandmothers, Myrtice Redford and Ruth Engelsman; aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, and many cousins. He is predeceased by his paternal great-grandfathers, Wilbur Roggie and Elmer Moser and his maternal great-grandfathers.

Noah will always be loved and remembered by his family.

A private burial was held at the convenience of the family in the Naumburg Mennonite Cemetery.

Noftsier, Kathleen K., 57, of Castorland, NY, passed away on Tuesday afternoon at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Gary; a son, Joshua Noftsier of Castorland; a daughter, Rachel Noftsier of Castorland; her parents, Raymond and Karen Reape of Castorland; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Brian (Lori) Reape of Castorland; and John (Christine) Reape of Lowville; her mother-in-law, Barbara Noftsier of Castorland; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Gordon and Martha McDonald; and her paternal grandparents, Calistus “C.L.” and Edna Reape; and her father-in-law, Leslie R. Noftsier.

Kathleen was born on September 5, 1964, in Lowville, NY, a daughter of Raymond and Karen McDonald Reape. She graduated from Lowville Academy in 1982. Kathleen earned her AAS in Agricultural Science from SUNY Cobleskill. She earned her BA in Mathematics and Secondary Education and her MA in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam. On June 1, 1991, she married Gary Noftsier at Beaver Falls Methodist Church.

Kathleen worked as a lab technician at Kraft Heinz in Lowville and taught GED classes at BOCES in Glenfield before she accepted a high school math teaching position at Beaver River Central School, where she would spend the rest of her career. Kathleen had a passion for sharing her love and understanding of math with her students. She also enjoyed writing her own curriculum and published several graphing calculator workbooks in partnership with Texas Instruments. She loved attending math conferences and shared her courses with teachers across New York State. In her free time, Kathleen enjoyed crocheting, decorating cakes, watching baseball with her family, and studying her Bible.

A graveside service was at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022 in Castorland Union Cemetery with a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Naumburg Mennonite Church with Pastors Titus Mast, Myron Roggie, and Greg Widrick officiating. 

Virkler, Evelyn A., 89, formerly of Castorland, passed away on Friday morning, August 12, 2022, at Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility, Lowville, NY.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen T. and Sheryl A. Virkler of Castorland; two grandchildren, Todd P. Virkler and Kaylie J. Virkler of Castorland; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas J. and Beulah Beller of Carthage; Nevin and Lorraine Beller of Castorland; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her husband, Philip A. Virkler, who passed away on June 27, 2004.

Evelyn was born on October 11, 1932, a daughter of the late Andrew N. and Martha R. Zehr Beller. She attended school in Castorland and Lowville Academy. Evelyn worked for Climax Manufacturing in Castorland for 21 years. On April 30, 1966, she married Philip A. Virkler at Naumburg Mennonite Church, with Rev. Elmer Moser officiating. Evelyn worked for The ARC in Castorland and then Glenfield for seven years, retiring in 1996.

Mrs. Virkler was a member of Naumburg Mennonite Church, where she was active as a Sunday school teacher and with the sewing circle. She was an advocate for a resident at The ARC in Glenfield, and was very active at Karcher Estates while she resided there. Evelyn enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and reading.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Naumburg Mennonite Church. Burial was in the Naumburg Mennonite Cemetery.

JULY

Ruby, Dorothy Kathryn (Kennel), 101, passed away July 16, 2022. Born: 11/16/1920; Died: 7/16/2002; Married: Walter 11/19/1960 (he died in 2004); 1 child: Teresa Leatherman (Ron). Fairview Mennonite  Church, Oregon.

JUNE

Hershberger, Ruth, 96, of Wellman, Iowa passed away June 12, 2022. Hershberger obituary. 

Metzler, Grace “Arlene” (Snavely), 86, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Arlene was born on May 3, 1936 to Alma Kreider Musser Snavely and Amos Eberly Snavely in Lititz, PA. Her only sibling, Cora Kathryn Snavely Deiter (Mervin Deiter), was thirteen years her senior.

Growing up on the farm in Lititz, Arlene could generally be found out of doors, in the fields or gardens. She raised gladiolus for a local florist, stood at two of Lancaster’s Farm Markets, and milked the family dairy herd. She attended Warwick Schools and enjoyed decades of class reunions.

On October 20, 1960 Arlene married Abraham W. Metzler at her childhood home. They lived on a dairy farm in Holtwood, PA where they also raised many acres of tomatoes, peas, sweet corn, and lima beans for packing houses. Abe and Arlene were foster parents to siblings Clarence Carbaugh (Nancy Hershey) and Esther Carbaugh Grear (Dave), later adding five more children: Brenda S Metzler (Owen Astbury), Norman S Metzler (Gina Roggie), Emerson S Metzler (Jennifer Lehman), Abram Walter Metzler (Jamie Roggie), and Amos Benjamin Metzler (Natasha Siegrist).

In 1976 Abe and Arlene moved their young family to a farm in Highmarket, outside of Constableville, NY, where they enjoyed rich friendships and community life. Arlene was active in her local community and her church community – making things for fundraisers, chaperoning many school field trips, sharing crocks full of flowers and platters full of cookies with neighbors and friends, teaching Sunday School and Bible School at the Mennonite churches she attended throughout her life, teaching Religious Education at Constableville Elementary School, and serving with Abe on the Naumburg Mennonite Church Council.

Arlene loved being outside in nature. She often said that she felt closest to God outside. She had a keen eye for beauty in nature which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She loved to sing hymns in her sweet soprano, often singing while raking hay without realizing that all of the neighbors could hear.

Abe and Arlene’s home was open to all, a place of welcome and bounty. There was rarely a day without an extra plate on the table.

There are 17 grandchildren: Lydia, Caleb, Heidi, Grace, Anna, Ramsey, Zane, Leah, Jack, Isaac (Ruth Haldeman), Anthony (Denika Roggie), Kaitlyn (Dawson Moser), Trevor, Eliza, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Mary Katherine; and one great-grandchild, Ezra.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, her foster son Clarence, and her grandson Jonathan.

Private burial was followed by a memorial service at Naumburg Mennonite Church on Monday, June 27, 2022.

Sherfy, Erma Lorene (Roth), 90, passed away June 23, 2022. Born: 6/24/1931; Married: Bruce 4/8/1952; 4 children: Duane (Marlene), Janice Cassidy (Robert), Cheryl Nofziger (Charles), Robert. Fairview Mennonite  Church, Oregon.

MAY

Noftsier, Kathleen K., 57, of Van Amber Road, Castorland, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Gary; a son, Joshua Noftsier of Castorland; a daughter, Rachel Noftsier of Castorland; her parents, Raymond and Karen Reape of Castorland; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Brian (Lori) Reape of Castorland; and John (Christine) Reape of Lowville; her mother-in-law, Barbara Noftsier of Castorland; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Gordon and Martha McDonald; and her paternal grandparents, Calistus “C.L.” and Edna Reape; and her father-in-law, Leslie R. Noftsier.

Kathleen was born on September 5, 1964, in Lowville, NY, a daughter of Raymond and Karen McDonald Reape. She graduated from Lowville Academy in 1982. Kathleen earned her AAS in Agricultural Science from SUNY Cobleskill. She earned her BA in Mathematics and Secondary Education and her MA in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam. On June 1, 1991, she married Gary Noftsier at Beaver Falls Methodist Church.

Kathleen worked as a lab technician at Kraft Heinz in Lowville and taught GED classes at BOCES in Glenfield before she accepted a high school math teaching position at Beaver River Central School, where she would spend the rest of her career. Kathleen had a passion for sharing her love and understanding of math with her students. She also enjoyed writing her own curriculum, and published several graphing calculator workbooks in partnership with Texas Instruments. She loved attending math conferences and shared her courses with teachers across New York State. In her free time, Kathleen enjoyed crocheting, decorating cakes, watching baseball with her family, and studying her Bible.

A graveside service was held at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022 at Castorland Union Cemetery, Church Street, Castorland, with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Naumburg Mennonite Church with Pastors Titus Mast, Myron Roggie, and Greg Widrick officiating. 

APRIL

Neuschwander, Carl Emry, 80,  passed away April 27, 2022. Born: 10/23/1941;  Married: Arla 4/20/1962 (she died in 2010) then married Alta 8/13/2011; 3 children: Todd (Anita), Scott (Vanessa), Nicole Peral (Manny). Fairview Mennonite  Church, Oregon.

MARCH

Lantz, Sarah Lillie Mast, 82, passed away on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at her residence while surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 2, 1939, in Middlebury, to Daniel J. and Pollie (Graber) Troyer. On Nov. 27, 1958, she married Elmer L. Mast. He died May 14, 1966. She was then married to Harold D. Lantz on June 23, 1967. He died Dec. 15, 2000.

Surviving are 11 children, Dave Lantz, Linda Santos, Steve (Janet) Lantz, Cindy Simmons, John (Shelly) Lantz, Elmer (Kassie) Mast, Sharon Mast, Brenda (Richard) Donat, Samuel Lantz, Grant Lantz and Charity Berkey; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Fannie Mae Raber, Esther (Levi) Borkholder and Annabelle (William) Bontrager. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a daughter, Pollie D. Mast; a son, Harold Dale Lantz; and two brothers, Albert J. Troyer and Ora M. Troyer.

Sarah was a member of the Townline Mennonite Church and loved spending time with her family.

Visitation was  on Feb. 16, at Townline Mennonite Church. A funeral service was held on Feb. 17, also at the church.  Services were conducted by Pastor Dean Yoder. Burial was at Townline Cemetery. 

Miller, Arlene May (Zemp), 84, was born on March 19, 1937, and passed away on March 17, 2022, in Salem, OR.  She was married to Dale Miller for 48 years until his death in 2004.  She had 5 children.

Yoder, Aquilla I., 79, of Belleville, PA, passed away on March 2, 2022, at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital. Born July 7, 1942, he was a son of the late Iddo I. and Sylvia (Kanagy) Yoder. On June 4, 1961, he married his loving wife of 60 years Naomi S. (Spicher) Yoder who survives.

Also surviving are five children, Kathy J. Kleiner (Bill) of Burlington, N.C.; Mervin J. (Phyllis Yoder) of Mifflintown; Victor G. of Reedsville; Aquilla I. Jr. (AJ) (Denise (Metzler) of Hershey; and Darren J. (Deb (Metzler) of Belleville; grandchildren, Justin Kleiner (Jenny), Deanna (Kleiner) Scotton (Daniel), Benjamin Yoder (Sara), Andrea Grimm (Nick), Alissa Good (Josh), Ryan Yoder, Abigail Yoder, Ashton Yoder, Danae Yoder, Brayden Yoder and Madison Yoder; eight great-grandchildren, Jadon, Ethan and Micah Scotton, Abel and Selah Yoder, Ember Good, Cove Grimm, and Jaidyn Ford; as well as his siblings, Dorothy Yoder of Guys Mills, Lewis Yoder and wife Ruth of Lewisburg, and Daniel Yoder and wife Rachel of Lewisburg.

He was preceded in death by: his brothers Iddo Jr., John and Ezra, his sisters Bertha Miller and Susie Williams, brother-in- law, Aaron Yoder, an infant daughter Rachel and infant granddaughter Danielle.

Born in Delaware, he moved with his family to Catlett, Va., finally settling in Belleville. In 1963, he purchased his father’s dairy farm in Belleville. He was a dairy farmer until he retired from dairying in 2005. He continued to raise corn and beans, ran a small excavation business and hauled items for the Amish.

“Quill,” as he was affectionately known, was a member of Allensville Mennonite Church. He was a born-again Christian and his passion was raising his children to know the way of Christ. He and Naomi became members of the Gideons International early in their marriage. He served on the Mifflin County Ambulance Club, sat on the PA Farmers Assoc. advisory board, the Union Township planning commission, and helped with many MDS cleanup projects.

A memorial service was held Sunday, March 6, 2022, at Allensville Mennonite Church with Pastors Merv Yoder, AJ Yoder, and Bob Zook officiating, with private family burial at Locust Grove Cemetery.

FEBRUARY

Deiter, A. Irene, 93, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at her home on February 3, 2022, after a brief illness. She was born in Lampeter, PA, daughter of the late E. Frank & Esther M. Witmer Deiter. 

She was a member of Word of Grace Church and previously in life served as a Sunday School teacher. In the past she worked at the Lancaster Caramel Company, Lampeter Manufacturing making Hubley Toys, Strasburg Sewing Factory, Plain & Fancy as a tour guide, Kissel View Farm Bakery, and Nancy’s Corner. 

She graded Bible study courses as part of the Women’s Prison Ministry. In her free time, she loved helping with her nieces and nephews. 

Surviving are 2 brothers: Paul W. husband of Faye Deiter of Womelsdorf, PA, Elvin R. husband of Anna Mae Deiter of Dover, PA. She was preceded in death by 4 siblings: Mervin W. & Robert H. Deiter, Anna E. Brenneman & M. Joyce Livengood, late wife of Earl H. Livengood of Lancaster, PA.

The funeral service was held February 7, 2022, at Willow Street Mennonite Church, Willow Street, PA. Interment followed in the adjoining church cemetery.

Gerig, Lillian M. (Jantzi), 88, was born on July 31, 1933 and passed away on February 14, 2022 in Albany, OR.  She was married to Percy Gerig for 71 years.  She had 6 children.

JANUARY

Shuchter, Adam, 49, of Unionville Center, Ohio, passed away on January 12, 2022. He was born October 2, 1972. He attended Lighthouse Fellowship with his wife, Heather.  In lieu of an obituary, his daughter Haley wrote the following tribute:

Yesterday, my dad went home to be with the Lord.  While my heart is completely shattered, I know that he has just beat us to the ultimate reward and is finally without pain.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve looked at my daddy with stars in my eyes.  To me, he has always been the ultimate example.  The most giving person you’ll ever know, a loving husband, a loyal friend, and a father who knew no end of love for his children.  He looked so much like Jesus in the way that he never knew a stranger and truly lived his life to serve others.  In him, I saw a man whose faith was unwavering and whose love was unconditional, and I can only hope to be half the person he was.  Selfishly, I’m heartbroken and angry and wish I had more time, but I know that he is exactly where he’s dreamed of being.  It is no coincidence that he held on just long enough for me to be there during some of his final days, and for that, I will forever be so thankful.  

Please pray for my family (my stepmom and brothers, especially) as we navigate life without the man who led his family so well.  I can only imagine his joy as he is finally face-to-face with Jesus.  Rest in Peace, Daddy.   You are loved.