Ora S. Troyer

Ora S. Troyer, 91, died December 31, 2023, at Waterford Crossing of Goshen, with his family by his side.

He was born June 3, 1932, the sixth child of nine born to Sam and Sarah Troyer. On May 7, 1955, he married Mary Mast. They met as teenagers in their church youth group and spent their 68 years of marriage living in the Goshen area.

Ora is survived by Mary, along with their children, Renee (Brian) Campbell, Cindy (Todd) Lederman, and Eric (Emily Headings) Troyer, and their grandchildren Cole (Emily) Campbell, Joel (Annerose) Lederman, Kenyon (Darcy) Lederman, Sarah (Alex) Roth, Seth and Zoe Troyer, and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Edith Herschberger.

Ora’s brothers, Alvin, Elroy, Howard, Floyd, and Sam Jr., and sisters, Ada Steury and Ida Riegsecker, and an infant son Stanwyn Lee Troyer preceded him in death.

Ora graduated from Goshen College in 1960 with a degree in education. After a brief time teaching at Parkside Elementary School, Ora spent most of his working career associated with the family business, Troyer’s Poultry. He went on to work in health insurance. He and Mary enjoyed traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. After retirement, Ora dedicated significant time to volunteer work. He and Mary served for a year in Americus, Georgia, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Ora continued to contribute many volunteer hours to Habitat locally and on the Jimmy Carter Blitz builds across the country. He helped with tax preparation for senior citizens, Red Cross blood drives, and many other volunteer opportunities in the community.

Ora was an avid reader, wrote poetry, enjoyed being outdoors, and biked countless miles well into his eighties. He loved music and shared his enjoyment through singing, song leading, and whistling. He treasured spending time with all of his family and joyfully welcomed each new grandchild and greatgrandchild. He valued social connections and always took time to greet and check in with others throughout the community. He and Mary were very active in the church fellowships of East Goshen, Berkey Avenue, and College Mennonite of Goshen.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 pm at College Mennonite Church as well as on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed by an 11:00 am memorial service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Troyer International Student Scholarship Fund at Goshen College.