Lela V. Sutter

Goshen-Lela V. Sutter, 97, passed away June 11, 2019 at Greencroft Healthcare where she had been a patient for five months.

She was born July 24, 1921 and grew up the daughter of Lee and Alma Sutter, amid the corn fields near Hopedale, Illinois.  She shared her childhood with six sisters and four brothers.  She received believer’s baptism; thus, the church and Christian service became her life focus.

In 1944 Lela receive an R.N. at Bloomington Mennonite School of Nursing and later a B.S. from Goshen College where she served as a college nurse.  In 1956 she graduated from Loyola University with a B.S. in public health nursing.

She started a public health program among the migrant workers at Mathis, Texas.  Here she planned, solicited funds and assisted voluntary services fellows in building a four-bed maternity home.  It was financed entirely by the community.

Lela was director of health service in a large high school near Chicago, serving 34 years.  This was a major challenge as she counseled, taught and dealt with the effects of broken homes, teenage pregnancy, drugs, alcohol and violence.  Lela’s students knew she cared and they trusted her.

She was an active member of the Lombard, Illinois Mennonite Church.  She often served in positions where her perceptive Christian vision and decision-making skills were highly appreciated.

Lela moved to Greencroft in 1982.  She was a member of College Mennonite Church and the Home Builders Sunday School class.  Her church, family and friends were important to her.

She is survived by three siblings, Willis, Eureka, Illinois, Earl (Margaret), Goshen and Jean (John) King, Aiken, South Carolina and 24 nieces and nephews.

Remembrance celebration of Lela’s life will be Friday, July 26, 2019 at College Mennonite Church with visitation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and memorial service at 11 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Sutter Family Scholarship Fund at Goshen College or College Mennonite Church Jubilee Fund.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.