Ilva M. Bontrager

Ilva Marie Beck Stuckey Bontrager, 93, of Goshen, departed this world and entered her eternal home on March 2nd, 2017, which was her desire for the last number of years.

She was born January 13, 1924 to Solomon and Clara Beck in Archbold, Ohio, the second of seven children.

Survivors include four daughters, Kay (Jamey) Bontrager-Singer and “Bj” Betty Jo (Rol) Leichty, both of Goshen, Joan (Duane) Kauffman of Harrisonburg, Virginia and Twila (Richard) Beck of Hicksville, Ohio; two sons, Duane Bontrager of Haven, Kansas and Orval (Veralee) Bontrager of Lebanon, Oregon; 22 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Irene Meyer of Goshen, Doris (Roger) Short of Archbold, Ohio and Richard (Twila) Beck of Hicksville, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Wayne Stuckey on June 17, 1954 and David A. Bontrager on November 2, 2012; a step-daughter, Bonnie; two sisters, Beulah Armstrong and Betty Richer; a brother, Edwin Beck and a stillborn grandson, Wayne Stuckey Leichty.

Ilva enjoyed her children and grandchildren throughout the years and always looked forward to making Christmas candy for them.  Ilva’s faith was of prime importance to her, accepting Christ as a youth and shortly thereafter joined the Mennonite Church where she remained a faithful member all her life.  She was active in the church and served by caring for those less fortunate, sitting on local and regional committees, teaching adults and youth, and inspiring many through her public speaking within and beyond her congregation. These gifts were noticed by many and if born in a different time, most likely would have led her to become a pastor.

Friends may call Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and an hour prior to the 10 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2017, funeral service at East Goshen Mennonite Church.  Pastors Merle Hostetler and Naomi Yoder will officiate.

Burial will follow Monday afternoon, March 7, 2017 at 4 p.m. in Lockport Cemetery, Stryker, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mennonite Central Committee or Faith Mennonite Hospitality House.