Alma I. Harshberger

Alma I. Harshberger, 90, of Goshen, died Thursday morning, May 2, 2013, at Greencroft Goshen Health Care. She was born September 8, 1922 in LaGrange to Emanuel and Ellennora (Kauffman) Troyer. She married Glenn E. Harshberger at the Townline Mennonite Church, Topeka, October 26, 1941. They were longtime Goshen residents, but had lived for a period of 8 years in Sarasota before moving back to Goshen. She is survived by three daughters, Joan Harshberger, Judy (Gene) Riegscecker and Janeth (Dallas) Fireline, all of Goshen; two sons, Lyle (Mary Anne) Harshberger of Goshen, and Lynn (Linda) Harshberger of LaGrange; a daughter-in-law, Elsie Harshberger, Goshen; 25 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ida (Earl) Prough of Goshen and a brother, LeVoyd (Mary Lou) Troyer of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; a son, Larry Harshberger; and a granddaughter, Michelle Watts. She was a member of Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church and the MahJongg Club of Sarasota. Alma helped her husband work the family farm on U.S. 20 and was involved in all aspects of the farm's operation, from the milking of the dairy cattle to raising chickens, calves, pigs and other livestock to working the field crops of hay, corn, beans, and wheat. She and her husband were named Farmers of the Year by The Prairie Farmer in 1963. The typical farmer's wife, Alma was very accomplished in raising vegetable gardens, cooking, baking, canning fruits and vegetables and all the necessary chores about the farm. In her later years Alma often remarked that her happiest and most rewarding days were those spent on the farm. She was very proud of her many craftworks, and is especially remembered for her hand-made rose-scent diffusers given as gifts to family and friends. All the family warmly remembers her large family meals, special days with grandchildren, and, too, her homemade candy. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2013 funeral service will be conducted at Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church with Rev. Harold Knight officiating. Burial will follow in Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen. Pallbearers will be Brian Harshbarger, Jeff Riegsecker, Glenn Harshberger, Kirby Watts, William Harshberger, Matthew Harshberger, Mike Troyer, Jeremy Fireline and Mark Harshberger. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.