Miriam R. Stoltzfus

Miriam R. Stoltzfus, age 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 13, 2016 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. She was under the constant care of family and caregivers for the past six years. Prior to living with family, she lived with her husband, Ben O. Stoltzfus, at 1417 Earl Ave. East Earl, PA.

She was born Miriam Rebecca Stoltzfus on December 6, 1927 to John S. and Elizabeth (Petersheim) Stoltzfus. Born and raised Amish in Morgantown, PA she grew up on the farm and married her 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 they sold the farm and moved into their newly built house “up on the hill” and lived there for 32 years. In 2004 they moved to Cedar Grove Estates in East Earl, PA. They enjoyed their winter home in Sarasota, Florida for 33 years and were active winter members at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church.

She and Ben 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. She was chairman of the Ladies Quilting Department of the Pennsylvania Relief Sale in its transition years from Morgantown to Harrisburg, did volunteer service in NYC, and was a member of the Gideon’s Auxiliary.

She enjoyed her home and made it a place of beauty and order. She designed, pieced and quilted numerous quilts for her family and relief organizations. Traveling and meeting new people were a thrill for her. The greatest gifts she gave to her family were her fervent unending prayers and her example of faith in God through all of life. She is survived by a daughter Ann Brendle of Appomattox, VA; a son Les Stoltzfus & wife Dee of Franklin, TN; a son Vernon Stoltzfus & wife Donna of Honey Brook, PA; a daughter Rosie Lapp & husband Lee of Dillwyn, VA; a son Duane of Goodlettsville, TN; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Esther & Rueben Smoker of Dundee, NY, Rachel & Chet Stoltzfus of Dundee, NY, and Ada & Roy Burkhart of Lancaster, PA.

The viewing is to be held on October 19, 2016 from 6-8pm at Groff High & Eckenroth Funeral Home in New Holland, PA. Family members and relatives are invited to the interment at Pine Grove Cemetery in Morgantown, PA on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 1:00pm and all are welcome to the Memorial Service at Conestoga Mennonite at 2:30pm.

Arrangements made by Groff High & Eckenroth Funeral Home 145 W. Main St. New Holland, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Gideons International Lancaster East Camp PO Box 241 New Holland, PA 17557.