Grace M. Sauder, 88, of Ephrata, formerly of Union Grove, died Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Fairmount Homes, after a brief illness.
Born in Upper Leacock Twp., she was a daughter of the late Jonathan S. and Elizabeth Z. (Martin) Shirk. She was married 68 years on July 23 to Eugene H. Sauder.
Grace’s love for her Lord and family greatly impacted how she lived her life. She was a faithful long time member of Lichty’s Mennonite Church. She had been a kindergarten S.S. teacher in the past and an active member of the sewing circle. She enjoyed planning family events and initiating family gatherings. She always remembered family’s special dates with cards and gifts. She provided in-home care for one of her sisters and her father until his passing.
She was an avid seamstress and quilter and made quilts for all 18 grandchildren, completing the last one in the fall of 2017. Grace enjoyed reading, cross stitch, gardening and taking pictures (especially of God’s handiwork of sunrises, sunsets and snowstorms).
Grace was very loving, compassionate and gracious, and will be deeply missed by her husband and family.
Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, Donna, married to James Mast of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Jay, married to Cindy (Neff) Sauder of New Holland, Glenn, married to Brenda (Auker) Sauder of New Holland, and Robert, married to Joyce (Martin) Sauder of East Earl; a son-in-law, Nelson, married to Louella Martin of New Holland; 18 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Elizabeth, married to Melvin Diffenderfer of Leola, and Frances, married to Clyde Martin of Ephrata.
Preceding her in death is a daughter, Joan Martin; a grandson, Caleb Mast; a sister, Helen Shirk; and two brothers, Richard and John Shirk.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 2 at 10 am at Lichty’s Mennonite Church, 1690 Union Grove Road, East Earl. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday from 6-8 pm at Fairmount Homes, Wheat Ridge Chapel, and on Friday at Lichty’s from 9-10 am. Kindly omit flowers. If desired contributions may be made to Fairmount Homes Sharing Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata, PA 17522. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.