Jean Troyer

Mary “Jean” Troyer, 88, of Goshen died Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Greencroft Gables Healthcare.

She was born August 1, 1929 in Hopedale, Illinois to Levi Z. and Emma (Bechler) Birky.  At age nine the family moved to Kouts.

On June 14, 1958 she married Cephas C. Troyer at Hopewell Mennonite Church, Kouts.  He preceded her in death April 21, 2012.

She is survived by a daughter, Janice (Paul) Beachy of Syracuse; a son, Nevin (Sue) Troyer of Goshen; three step grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; three “adopted” grandchildren; two “adopted” great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois Kuehl of Valparaiso; and three brothers, Wendell (Marlene) Birky, Willis Birky and Merlyn (Mary Jo) Birky, all of Valparaiso.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Iris Birky, and two brothers, Eldon Birky and Orville Birky.

Jean taught school in Iowa and Indiana for 29 years and was an active member of Clinton Frame Church, serving in many capacities including secretary, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and elder.  She also volunteered at Ten Thousand Villages and Greencroft.

She enjoyed music, gardening and nature.

Friends may call Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and Monday, March 19, 2018 from 9 to 9:45 a.m., prior to a 10 a.m. funeral service, all at Clinton Frame Church, 63846 C.R. 35, Goshen. Pastor Matt Yoder will officiate.

Burial will follow at Clinton Frame Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Clinton Frame Scholarship or Brotherhood Fund.