Ben O. Stoltzfus

Ben O. Stoltzfus, age 85, died March 21, 2014 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania from a brain hemorrhage and after 6 years of Alzheimer’s disease. He lived at 1417 Earl Ave., East Earl, PA with his wife, Miriam R. Stoltzfus under the loving care of their daughter, Ann Brendle.

He was born Benuel M. Stoltzfus on November 7, 1928 to Stephen E. and Barbara (Beiler) Stoltzfus. Born and raised Amish in Morgantown, PA he grew up on the farm and married his sweetheart who lived “two farms over” on November 17, 1949. Together they started farming and raised a family of 6 in Honey Brook, PA. On December 14, 1965 their daughter Joy Elaine, age 3, was unexpectedly killed in an accident on the farm. In 1972 he sold the farm and moved into their newly built house “up on the hill” and lived there for 32 years. During that time, Ben owned and operated the Honey Brook Warehouse that serviced local farmers with fertilizer and chemicals. In 2004 they moved to Cedar Grove Estates in East Earl, PA. He and his wife enjoyed their winter home in Sarasota, Florida for 33 years and were active winter members at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church.

He and Miriam faithfully attended and served at Sandy Hill Mennonite Church Coatesville, PA from its beginning until 2012 after which they attended Garden Spot Community Church New Holland, PA. He worked with the Pennsylvania Relief Sale in its early years, attended Bible classes at Lancaster School of the Bible, did volunteer service in NYC, and was a Gideon.

He enjoyed yard work, golfing, dogs, traveling and Good’s potato chips. He was a kind hearted man, a man of faith, a loving husband and father, and a support to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by a daughter Ann Brendle of Appomattox, VA; a son Les Stoltzfus & wife Dolores of Lancaster, PA; a son Vernon Stoltzfus & wife Donna of Honey Brook, PA; a daughter Rosie Lapp & husband Leon of Dillwyn, VA; a son Duane of Bonners Ferry, ID; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; a sister Katie Beiler of Lancaster, PA. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joy Elaine, and sisters Malinda, Annie, Suvilla and Sadie.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing to be held on March 23, 2014 at 5 – 7 pm at Groff-High Funeral Home in New Holland, PA. Interment for the family at Pine Grove Cemetery Elverson, PA on March 24, 2014 at 9:00am followed by a Memorial Service for friends and family at Sandy Hill Community Church Coatesville, PA at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Gideons International Lancaster East Camp PO Box 241 New Holland, PA 17557. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.