Christian "Chris" Ira Troyer

Christian Chris' Ira Troyer, 101, of Goshen, died Sunday morning, January 8, 2012, at Greencroft Gables Healthcare where he resided since January 2010. He was born January 24, 1910 in Middlebury, to Jephtha S. and Ada Mae (Yoder) Troyer. He married Joella G. Murray on February 7, 1937 in Middlebury. She died February 22, 2002. He worked five years at Rainbow Inn, Shipshewana, before moving to Lockport, New York in 1934 where he worked at Harrison Radiator during World War II on military equipment. In 1944 Chris and Joella moved back to Topeka where he purchased his first farm. One year later he purchased a dairy farm on the east side of Lake Wawasee. Chris spent many years crop farming with a large dairy herd. He so enjoyed spending time on that farm. He was past member at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Topeka and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, Syracuse, and currently a member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen. Chris was an active bowler, avid Cubs fan, enjoyed his rose garden and treasured his family and friends. Chris and his wife, Joella, started spending winters in Sarasota, Florida, in 1974. They moved to their home in Greencroft Manor IV in l994. He is survived by a son, Philip (Elizabeth) Troyer of Spring Grove, Illinois; a daughter, Sally (Ernest L.) Miller of Middlebury; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Troyer of Chicago Illinois; 12 grandchildren, Jacinda Biro, Jolinda Jaques, Allison Hulbert, Kacey Troyer, Kamela Harrison, Marcia Chellman, Mark Thomas, Brian Thomas, Karen Kohn, Arthur Joel Troyer, Sherry Crisp and Sharon Moreno; 19 great grandchildren; and a sister, Irma Troyer of Goshen. He was preceded in death by a son; Arthur Troyer January 18, 2004, four brothers, Mahlon, Arthur, Edwin and Raymond Troyer; and five sisters, Elva Stutzman, Nora Bender, Ruby Leichty, Elsie Birky, and Wilma Troyer. A private burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Topeka, prior to public visitation and memorial service. Friends may call 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at Yoder Culp Funeral Home where a 4:30 p.m., memorial service will be conducted. Memorials may be made to the Elmer and Lydia Murray Scholarship Fund at Goshen College or Heifer International.