U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Dr. Esther K. Lehman
Date of Death: Jan 30, 2009
Dr. Esther Kendig Lehman, 85, died January 30, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for six years. Dr. Lehman was born on January 14, 1924, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and was the daughter of the late Chester K. and Myra Kendig Lehman. She was Professor of Education at Eastern Mennonite University until her retirement in 1982. She received a Master of Arts from George Peabody College, Nashville, TN; a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL; and a Doctorate in Education from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Society, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and the National Education Association. Dr. Lehman was a member of Mount Clinton Mennonite Church. Surviving are a sister, Dorothy L. Yoder, Goshen, IN; a brother, Robert C. Lehman, Harrisonburg, VA; and 11 nieces and nephews. Dr. Lehman was preceded in death by a sister, Miriam L. Weaver, and a brother, David Lehman. A memorial service will be held for Dr. Lehman on Sunday, February 15, at 3:00 PM in Strite Auditorium at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. The family will meet visitors at 1:30 PM outside the auditorium. A private burial service for family and close friends will take place at Weavers Mennonite cemetery on Sunday morning. Memorial gifts can be made out to “Eastern Mennonite Seminary” for the “Esther K. Lehman Scholarship Fund” to support international students.
Ruth O. Spitzer, 96
Date of Death: Jan 22, 2009
Harrisonburg - Ruth Orendorf Spitzer, a resident of 1475 Virginia Avenue, died January 22, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. Mrs. Spitzer was born on July 15, 1912 in Bittinger, Maryland, and was the daughter of the late Simon J. and Anna Beachy Orendorf. She graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University). She began teaching in one room schools and then taught at Singers Glen and Linville-Edom School. Beginning in 1954, she taught special education at Linville Edom until her retirement. She was a member of Donovan Memorial United Methodist, where she was active as a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Women’s Group. On August 9, 1946, she married
Nelson W. Spitzer who survives. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dr. E. Anne Spitzer on November 13, 1988, and a nephew Robert D. Spitzer, Sr. Surviving are nieces and nephews, Linda Ritchie, Linville; Carl Spitzer, Arlington; Patricia Durgin and Edward Spitzer, Somerville, Massachusetts; Gary Orendorf, Sunset Beach, North Carolina and Ron Orendorf, Hightown, New Jersey; and a number of great nieces and nephews. Rev. Robert W. Smith, Jr. will conduct a graveside service Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Singers Glen cemetery. Friends may call at McMullen Funeral Home anytime. The casket will be closed. Memorial contributions may be made to Donovan Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3, Singers Glen Va. 22850, attention: Beth Foerster.
George R. Custer, 77
Date of Death: Jan 23, 2009
Harrisonburg - George Richard Custer, 77, a resident of 2049 Custers Road, died Friday, January 23, 2009 at his home. Mr. Custer was born on November 23, 1931 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Charles William and Mary Elizabeth Sager Custer. He served two terms in the United States Army, with the 7th United States Infantry during the Korean War. He worked for Celanise and Jim Heatwole Home Builders and was a carpenter all his life. He was a member of Carl D. Lee Post 9872 and Mt. Clinton Church of God. Surviving is a companion, Bonnie Kesner, three daughters, Peggy L. Kesner, Rhonda F. Custer, Milly C. Stanley; one son, Clint W. Custer; one sister, Mildred Soltow; one brother, Charles “Bill” Custer; and five grandchildren, Veronica N. Wright, Allison M. Ritchie, Taylor B. Stanley, Matthew R. Custer, and Chase W. Custer. He is also survived by his faithful Chihuahua, Blackie Joe. Pastor Michael Fallin will conduct a funeral service Monday afternoon, at 2 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Chapel, Harrisonburg. Burial will follow at Weavers cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorials and Tributes Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Virginia 23058-5216 or American Diabetes Association, 1290 Seminole Trail, Suite 2, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901.
Jeffrey C. Conley Sr, 47
Date of Death: Jan 19, 2009
Bergton - Jeffrey C. Conley, Sr, 47, a resident of 19119 Smith Mountain Road, Bergton died January 19, 2009 at his home. Mr. Conley was born on June 1, 1961, in Rockingham County and was the son of the Alma Fulk Conley, Fulks Run and the late Ralph Conley. He worked in the past for George’s Poultry and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren. On June 15, 2000, he married
Rose Conley who survives. Surviving in addition to his wife and mother, are a stepson Timmy Clifton, Bergton; a son, Jeff (J.C.) Conley, Jr, Elkton; two daughters, Melinda Mullenax, Harrisonburg; Amy Conley, Harrisonburg; one brother, Verlin Conley, Fulks Run; and two sisters, Wilma Wilkins, Fulks Run; and Julia Webster, West Virginia; one grandson, Austin Burch. Mr. Conley was preceded in death by a step son Charles Clifton. Rev. Issac “Ike” Risser and Jerry Shiflett will conduct a funeral service Saturday afternoon at 2p.m. at the Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from seven until eight at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o McMullen Funeral Home, 5784 Greenmount Rd. Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 to assist with funeral expenses. The casket will remain closed.
Grace Lucille Rohrer, 85
Date of Death: Jan 21, 2009
Dayton - Grace Lucille Shank Rohrer, 85, a resident of 3617 W Dry River Road, Dayton died January 21, 2009 at her home. Mrs. Shank was born May 5, 1923, in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late Amos and Mary Beery Shank. She was a homemaker and a member of the Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church. On April 22, 1949, she married
Emory J. Rohrer who preceded her in death on June 24, 2005. Surviving are two sons, George Rohrer and wife, Rev. Karen Church, Dayton; Ralph Rohrer, Dayton; one daughter, Phyllis Burkholder and husband Waylan Burkholder, Dayton; four grandchildren, Stephen Rohrer, Anthony Rohrer, Martin Burkholder and William Burkholder and two great grandchildren. Mrs. Rohrer was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Ministers of the church will conduct a funeral service Friday morning, at 10a.m. January 23, 2009, at Riverdale Old Older Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The body was taken to her home where friends may call at any time. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth R. Good, 86
Date of Death: Mar 30, 2009
Harrisonburg - Elizabeth Marguerite Rhodes Good, 86, died March 30, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. She was a resident of the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Mrs. Good was born on August 14, 1922 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late Ward A. and Mary Magdalene Hartman Rhodes. She was a homemaker and she and her husband served for 27 years in ministry at Bartow, West Virginia. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School for many years and was a member of the Peake Mennonite Church. On February 14, 1946, she married
Paul S. Good who survives. Also surviving are four sons, Edwin Good and wife Esther, Harrisonburg; Linden Good and wife Charlene, Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Duane Good and wife Carolyn, Harrisonburg; Roland Good and wife LeAnna, Eureka, Nevada; one daughter, Carolyn Roth and husband Allen, Brooklyn, New York; one sister, Nellie Brubaker, Bridgewater; one brother, Floyd Rhodes, Harrisonburg; thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Frank Rhodes. Jay Rohrer and Elam Heatwole will conduct a funeral service Friday morning at 10a.m. at the Bank Mennonite Church, 2493 Bank Church Road, Dayton. Burial will follow at Weavers Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6p.m. until 8p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southeastern Mennonite Conference Missions, make checks payable to Church Treasurer, c/o Samuel Goering, 2001 Potter John Ln, Dayton, VA 22821.
Dwight F. Swartz, 85
Date of Death: Dec 28, 2009
Dayton - Dwight Franklin Swartz, 85, a resident of 4091 Bowman Road, Dayton died December 27, 2009 at his home. Mr. Swartz was born on January 14, 1924, in Dayton, Virginia and was the son of the late Robert Ritchie and Irene Jones Swartz. He was a lifelong farmer in the Dayton area. Mr. Swartz worked as an insurance assessor for Mennonite Property Aid for many years, and drove a school bus for Rockingham County for 13 years. He was active with the Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale and was an active member of Weavers Mennonite Church. He will always be remembered as a loving Husband, father, and grandfather. He was also known to many as the “fireball man” for handing out fireballs. On June 19, 1945, he married
the former Vada Bowman who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Ruth Ann Horst and husband Reuben, Dayton; Sharon Kisamore and husband Dave, Harrisonburg; Mary Jane Heatwole and husband Conrad, Riner, Virginia; one son Robert F. Swartz, and wife Linda, Stuarts Draft; one daughter-in-law, Jeanie Swartz, Hudson, Colorado; one sister, Mildred Shank and husband Glendon, Ocala, Florida; eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren; two great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. Mr. Swartz was preceded in death by a daughter, Glenda Sue Swartz who died December 28, 1981 and a son, William Carter Swartz who died December 30, 2004. Pastors Janet Blosser, Gordon Zook, and Glendon Blosser will conduct a funeral service Thursday morning, December 31, 2009 at 10:30a.m.at Weavers Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at Weavers Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from six until eight at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Mennonite Missions, 901 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 and Mennonite Central Committee/Global Families, P.O. Box 500, Akron, Pennsylvania 17501-0500
Robert L. Good, 96
Date of Death: Dec 27, 2009
Harrisonburg - Robert LeRoy Good, 96, Harrisonburg died December 27, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Good was born on April 5, 1913 in Hinton, Virginia and was the son of the late Gabriel and Annie Heatwole Good. Mr. Good was employed at Shenk Hatchery for eighteen years, and later at Motor Parts for fourteen years. Following his retirement, he worked part time at Red Front Supermarket for ten years. He was an active member of Weavers Mennonite Church. On January 17, 1991, he married
Athalyn Driver Good who survives. His first wife the former Ethel Heatwole preceded him in death on April 6, 1989. Surviving are a son, Wilson L. (Bill) Good and wife Suzanne Fuqua, Sante Fe, New Mexico; a daughter, Karen Kuhns and husband Don, Harrisonburg; one step son, Robert Driver and wife, Julie, Broadway; one granddaughter, Tami Green and husband Wes, Harrisonburg; four step grandchildren, Travis Kisamore and wife Bekii, Chile, South America; Lindsay Kisamore, Rusty Driver, both of Harrisonburg and Shayna Driver, Broadway. Mr. Good was the last surviving of eight children in his immediate family. Pastor Gordon Zook will conduct a funeral service Wednesday morning, December 30, 2009 at 11a.m. at Weavers Mennonite Church. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from seven until eight at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Good Samaritan Fund, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802.
Shirley Beatrice Smith, 81
Date of Death: Dec 24, 2009
Shirley Mook Smith, 81, died December 24, 2009 at Mont Vue Nursing Home in Luray where she had been a resident. Ms. Smith was born June 28, 1928 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late Robert and Minnie May Mook. She was preceded in death by her husband Ward F. Smith. Surviving are two daughters; Sandra Smith of Timberville, and Sherry Breeden of Luray, four sons; Steve Smith and Ward Smith of Weyers Cave, Beverly Smith of Edinburg, Tony Smith of Harrisonburg. One sister; Ollie Delawder of Lacey Springs, Nineteen Grandchildren and 12 Great- Grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Monday December 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Caplinger cemetery in Criders with Pastor Cindy Carr officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening December 27, 2009 from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses, c/o McMullen Funeral Home, 5784 Greenmount Road, Harrisonburg.
Henrietta Elizabeth Herr Longenecker, 89
Date of Death: Dec 25, 2009
Harrisonburg - Henrietta Elizabeth Herr Longenecker, 89, died December 25, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. Mrs. Longenecker was born on March 21, 1920 in Hanover, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Elmer and Fannie Miller Herr. She worked as an elementary school teacher for the Allegany County Board of Education. Mrs. Longenecker attended Faith Presbyterian Church in LaVale, Maryland. On September 15, 1941, she married
Allen Lehman Longenecker who preceded her in death on July 12, 2005. Surviving are a daughter, Janet Welty and husband Dean, Harrisonburg; two sons, Bob Longenecker and wife Diana, Lovettsville, Virginia; Wayne Longenecker and wife Julie, Keyser, West Virginia; one brother, Allen Herr, Salem, OR; one sister, Mary Weaver, Elkhart, IN; two grandchildren, Kara Welty Miller, and husband David; Sudbury, MA; Brian Welty and Sumie Okuwa, Cary, NC; two step grandchildren Jamie Meadows and wife Dawn, Key West, FL; Jason Meadows, DC; two great grandchildren, Samuel Dean Miller and Joshua Allen Miller; two step great grandchildren, Lauren Meadows and Christian Meadows. Mrs. Longenecker was also preceded in death by four brothers, Grant, John, Harold, and Charles Herr. The family will receive friends Monday, December 28, 2009 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Scarpelli Funeral Home, Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, Maryland. Reverends Richard Herr and Leroy Capper will conduct a funeral service at Bair’s Mennonite Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania Tuesday December 29, 2009. A viewing will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Burial at the York Road cemetery will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Good Samaritan Fund, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802. Local arrangements by McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg.
Earl R. Delp Sr.
Date of Death: Dec 19, 2009
Earl R. Delp, 93, a resident of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Center (VMRC), Harrisonburg, died December 19, 2009 at 4:30 a.m. He was born March 14, 1916, in Line Lexington, PA, and was the son of Henry and Margaret (Ruth) Delp. Earl was preceded in death in 2006 by his wife of 67 years, Emma (Shank) Delp and in 1921 by a brother, Wilmer. Surviving him are a brother, Herbert R. Delp of Souderton, PA, six children, 18 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. His children are Earl R. Delp Jr. and wife, Ruth, of Indiana; Earlene Wallick and husband, Don, of Ohio; Harriet Miller of Indiana, Charles Delp and wife, Shirley, of Connecticut; Evangeline Yoder of Ohio; and Ronald Delp and wife, Sabrina, of Alabama. Earl was an active member of the Mennonite Church, serving the church in Pennsylvania and Virginia as a pastor and teacher. He served as Bishop of the northern district of the Virginia Mennonite Conference from 1975 to 1986. By trade, Earl built cabinets and worked for Miller’s Cabinets of Harrisonburg for many years. His fondest pastime was reviewing books (thousands of them), which he did most of his life, first for the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA and then for Choice Books Ministries, Harrisonburg, VA. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 22 at 10:00 a.m. in the Strite Auditorium at VMRC with the Rev. Duane Yoder and Peg Engle officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Lindale Mennonite Church, Linville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Choice Books Ministries, 2387 Grace Chapel Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is in charge of arrangements.
