Clifford H. Shantz

Clifford H. Shantz, 96, died early Thursday morning, July 14, 2011, at Greencroft Healthcare, Goshen, where he had been since February of this year. He had been healthy and active through January when his health began to fail.
He was born Sept. 17,1914 in Fairview, Michigan, to Ananias and Anna (Steckle) Shantz
On June 18,1939 he married Viola Stonebraker in Fairview, Mich. She died Sept. 28, 2003.
Surviving are daughters, Karen Gerber (Erv) Bontrager, Goshen, Rachael (Al) Miller, Goshen, Maribeth (Russ) Kennel, Keizer, Or.; sons, Michael (Sheueling) Shantz, Cupertino, Calif, and Kim (Sheryl) Shantz, Yuma, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded by his parents, son-in-law, Veron Gerber, grandson-in-law, James Jenner and his seven siblings, Ivan Shantz, Ada Handrich, Melvin Shantz, Ernie Shantz, Alma Bontrager, Emma Yoder and Edna Shantz. He enjoyed special friendship with Lucinda Bachman who preceded in 2010.
A graduate of Mio High School in Mio, Michigan, he operated a successful dairy farm until his retirement when he moved to Goshen. He was a lifetime member of the Mennonite Church and a member of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church in Goshen. He was active in community affairs. An avid hunter and freshwater fisherman he enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips in the western states and Canada.
Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Sunday at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church where the funeral service will be held at 11 am Monday. Pastor Terry Diener will officiate.
A public graveside service will be at 10 am Tuesday in Fairview Cemetery, Comins Township, Fairview, Mich.
Memorial contributions may be made to Clinton Frame Mennonite Church. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.