Lois Kaufman Bontreger

Lois Marie Whitehead Kaufman Bontreger was born October 31, 1930, to Merl and Edna Whitehead in Goshen.  On April 9, 1950, she married Melvin Ray Kaufman from Johnstown, Pennsylvania at the Rock Run Church of the Brethren near Goshen.  Mel passed away in 2014.  On May 1, 2015, at the age of 84, she married Harold Bontreger of Goshen.

Lois attended Waterford Elementary School, Goshen High School and Goshen College.  She was active in the North Goshen Mennonite Church and held many offices there including teaching Sunday School, Bible School and Bible Study.  She enjoyed working on community projects, such as Church Women United and The Window, Fairfield Extension Homemakers Club and volunteering at The Depot Thrift Store.  She was also the owner/operator of Draperies by Lois, Inc. for 46 years and enjoyed the interaction of her customers, friends and employees.  In 2015 she became a member of Clinton Frame Church where she was also active in Bible Studies and the ladies monthly sewing group.

Three children were born into the family, Charles Kaufman of Tucson, Arizona, Gail (Kevin) Brumbaugh of Wakarusa, and Donald (Kris) Kaufman of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  Also surviving are five grandchildren, Christopher (Stacey) Harris, David (Brittany) Harris, Allie (Daniel) Chatham, Bryn Kaufman and Colton Kaufman.  She also enjoyed being with seven great grandchildren, Alexis, Coy, Thomas and Scot Harris and Luke, Philip and James Chatham, two step-great grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.  There are two stepsons, Tim (Laurie) Bontreger of Goshen and Kent (Becky) Bontreger of Middlebury and five step-grandchildren, Tori (Brad) Blosser, Amy Stutzman, Jamie (Naomi) Cross, Kristian (Shana) Bontreger and Michael Cross and nine step-great grandchildren.  Lois is survived by a sister, Roberta Carpenter Leonard, Goshen.

Visitation will be Friday, August 6, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Clinton Frame Church.  A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m.  Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The Depot Thrift Store of Goshen, an organization that Lois loved and spent many hours enjoying the work and fellowship.  Lois has touched many lives over the years with her positive attitude and love for the Lord.  She will be missed.