4/8/2018
Katie Stoltzfus Beiler , 98, died peacefully surrounded by her loving children in her Lancaster home on April 8th, 2018. Born in Morgantown, Penna., she was the oldest child of Stephen E. and Barbara B. Stoltzfus , and sister to Melinda Stoltzfus, Annie (John M.) Stoltzfus, Savilla (Jacob) Stoltzfus, Sadie (Melvin) Smoker and Ben O. (Miriam) Stoltzfus. In addition to her parents and siblings, she is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Christian Fisher Beiler, their infant daughter Anna Mary, son John Ivan Beiler and granddaughter Darlene Beiler. Katie and Chris raised ten children together, moving from Honey Brook, PA to Kent County, Maryland in 1954 where they farmed for more than 25 years. They helped start and build Lake View Mennonite Church. They were active members of Gideons International and positively influenced many children and neighbors through their faith and acts of kindness.
Katie is survived by her children Barbara (Karl) Stoltzfus of Bridgewater, VA; Ben (Janet) Beiler of Cochranville, PA; Sadie (Dale) High, Miriam Beiler, Verna Beiler, and Kae (Dwight) Wagner of Lancaster, PA; Steve Beiler of North East, MD; Shirley (Sherrard) Holland of Glade Hill, VA and Calvin Beiler of West Grove, PA; and daughter-in-law Shirley Smoker Beiler, Dover DE.
“Grandma B" loved and enjoyed time with her grandchildren and their families: Karl Jr., Michelle (Moyer) and Michael Stoltzfus; Jen (Carl), Anthony and Kristine Beiler; Clayton and LeVerne David Beiler; Christopher and Oliver Horst; Tyler and Holland Beiler; Gabe and Kate Groshong; Kettie (Rupnik) and John Will Holland; and Cali (Radcliff). In addition, she was blessed with 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great- great-grandchildren.
Always industrious and generous, Katie will be remembered for the beautiful quilts she gifted to charity, her children and grandchildren; her large productive meals for community and family gatherings; her bountiful garden; and her heart of service. She served as a volunteer for Hospice, Mennonite Central Committee, Ridgeview Mennonite Church (where she was a member, leader and teacher) 4-H, Meals On Wheels and Gideons International. She was a life time learner; reading, traveling and taking classes over the years. She cherished her times with family and friends, playing board games and listening to sacred music. Her unending devotion to her faith, family and her commitment to her children's education will always be remembered.
Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, April 13th from 6 – 8 pm at Ridgeview Mennonite Church 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville, PA 17529. A celebration of Katie's life will be held on Saturday, April 14th at 11:00 am at the church with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall. A private family burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ridgeview Mennonite Church (at the above address) or Hospice & Community Care (685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, Penna 17602).