Florence I. Nafziger

Florence Irene Nafziger, 93, of Goshen, died Monday, April 9, 2012, at Greencroft Healthcare. She was born October 13, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, to Christian and Lydia (Birkey) Nafziger, the fifth child of six siblings. She is survived by her youngest brother, Mervin of Sun City, Arizona; seven nieces and nephews, Carol Schweitzer of Salem Oregon, LaDonna Cappilini of Meridian, Idaho, Dean Nafziger of San Antonio, Texas, Peggy Martin of LaJunta, Colorado, Steven Nafziger of Pueblo, Colorado, Colette Hostetler of Muscatine, Iowa and Jeanette Pyle of Litchfield Park, Arizona; 17 great nieces and nephews; and nine great great nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Wilbert, Melvin and Howard; a sister, Ada; and a nephew, Bryon Nafziger preceded her in death. Florence spent most of her childhood and youth in Nampa, Idaho. Her mother passed away when Florence was 12 years old. The weight of "lady of the house" fell on her shoulders at this early age. She graduated from Hesston Junior College and Goshen College as well as the nursing program in La Junta, Colorado. She served as missionary nurse in India from 1946 to 1984. During this time she helped establish a nursing school at Dhamtari Christian Hospital where she taught nursing students for many years. In 1973 she concluded her work at the hospital in Dhamtari and transferred to the Graduate School for Nurses in Indore, India, where she served as administrator for two years and later helped teach Nursing Administration and Education. In 1984 she moved to Goshen where she spent her retirement years. Here she enjoyed companionship and fellowship with fellow retirees from work in India, as well as many cousins who lived in the area. Her love and prayers for India continued throughout her life. In the year 2000 Florence was recognized by Goshen College for her outstanding contribution to the medical work in India. During Florence's later years Leroy and Maxine Yoder took complete care of her financial and medical arrangements and visited her regularly. Words cannot express the appreciation felt by Florence's family for these acts of Christian love and caring. Friends may call 9:30 to 11 a.m., Thursday at The Meetinghouse at Greencroft where an 11a.m. funeral service will be conducted. Pastors Pamela Yoder and Wilbert Shenk will officiate. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Mission Network for the Graduate School for Nurses, Indore, India.