Clifford H. Shantz

Clifford H. Shantz, 96, of Goshen, died early Thursday morning, July 14, 2011, at Greencroft Healthcare, where he had been since February. He had been healthy and active through January when his health began to fail. He was born September 17, 1914, in Fairview, Michigan to the late Ananias and Anna (Steckle) Shantz. On June 18, 1939, he married Viola Stonebraker in Fairview, Michigan. She died September 28, 2003. Surviving are three daughters, Karen Gerber (Erv) Bontrager and Rachael (Al) Miller, both of Goshen, Maribeth (Russ) Kennel of Keizer, Oregon; two sons, Michael (Sheueling) Shantz of Cupertino, California and Kim (Sheryl) Shantz, Yuma, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 11 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Vernon Gerber, a grandson-in-law, James Jenner and his seven siblings, Ivan Shantz, Ada Handrich, Melvin Shantz, Ernie Shantz, Alma Bontrager, Emma Yoder and Edna Shantz. He enjoyed a special friendship with Lucinda Bachman who preceded him in 2010. A graduate of Mio High School in Mio, Michigan, he operated a successful dairy farm until his retirement when he moved to Goshen. He was a lifetime member of the Mennonite Church and a member of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen. He was active in community affairs. An avid hunter and freshwater fisherman he enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips in the western states and Canada. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 17 at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church where an 11 a.m., Monday, July 18, 2011, funeral service will be held. Pastor Terry Diener will officiate. A public graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 19 in Fairview Cemetery, Comins Township, Fairview, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Clinton Frame Mennonite Church.