Published: May 22, 2008 10:34 am         

Ruth Elenora Zehr

Dec. 19, 1923-May 20, 2008

Ruth Elenora Zehr, 84, Greencroft, died Tuesday at 10:35 a.m. at Greencroft Healthcare. She was a Goshen resident for 40 years.

She was born Dec. 19, 1923, in Hubbard, Ore., to Daniel and Ellen (Egli) Lais.

She married the Rev. John David Zehr, Aug. 12, 1945. He died July 2, 1966.

She was a 1944 graduate of Hesston Academy. She returned to college in September 1966 and earned her degree in 1969. She obtained her master’s degree in special education.

She was a former pastor’s wife and a school teacher at Aux Chandelles, now known as Horizon Learning Center, for three and a half years; Clinton Christian School for one year; and Jimtown for 15 years.

She was a member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. She was involved with Mennonite Disabilities Services, the Depot, and volunteered at Goshen General Hospital.

Surviving are two daughters, Joan Link, Hammond; and Dianne (Jim) Schaefer, Phoenix, Ariz.; a son, David Zehr, Dallas, Texas; four sisters, Frances Hoover, Goshen, Marjorie (Ezra) Birky and Evelyn Birky, both of Kalispell, Mont., and Vera Garber, Hubbard, Ore.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Bruce Zehr, who died July 5, 1966; seven sisters, Orpha Fisher, Celesta Lais, Mary Kenegy, Lena Blair, Susanah Stanerson, Dorothy Gingerich and Lily Berkey; and two brothers, John Lais and Frank Lais.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen.

The body will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday at 10 a.m. at Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. Pastor Katie Cunningham and the Rev. John Heyerley will lead the service.

Burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Disabilities Services.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com.