Stoltzfus, Ben (1936-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Oct 16 p. 3

Birth date: 1936

text of obituary:

British Honduras Worker Found Shot to Death

SALUNGA, PA. — Missionary Ben Stoltzfus, 33, was found dead in his Toyota station wagon in British Honduras on Monday, Oct. 6

He had been traveling through bush country, midway between Orange Walk, his home, and Belize, his destination.

He was traveling alone and apparently there were no witnesses. His watch, wallet, and suitcase were gone, so it is believed that the motive for the slaying may have been robbery.

AS FAR AS the missionaries know, there was no animosity towards Ben or the group that would have given occasion for this tragedy. Official investigations are being made.

Ben and Rebecca had served two years in British Honduras under the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions, Salunga. In addition to his evangelistic and pastoral responsibilities, Ben gave leadership to the Mennonite Trading Center, a service ministry to Old Colonists and the local community. Stoltzfus was manager of the branch at Orange walk, and chairman of the management committee for the total project. He was en route to Belize to meet with Paul Kraybill and Harold Stauffer on the first day of their administrative visit to British Honduras.

AS A YOUTH volunteer Ben had served in Eastern Board's agricultural program in Tocoa, Honduras, from 1959 to 1961. To prepare himself for further service, he graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute in 1964, and from Eastern Mennonite College in 1967.

On July 9, 1967, he was ordained to the ministry at Rossmere, Lancaster, Paw., his home congregation. Eight days later the Stoltzfus family proceeded to British Honduras.

Stoltzfus is survived by his wife, the former Rebecca Stoltzfus of Elverson, Pa., and two daughters, Cynthia Joy (age 6) and Denise Eileen (age 3), and by eight sisters and five brothers. Stoltzfus was born on April 11, 1936, near Lancaster, Pa., the son of the late John F. and Malinda Stoltzfus.

THE FUNERAL and burial were held on Thursday, Oct . 9, at orange Walk, British Honduras. Representatives from the family arranged to attend the services. A memorial service will be held in the Lancaster area at the conveniince [sic] of the family.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Oct 23 p. 6

text of obituary:

Memorial Services Held for Missionary

Salunga, Pa. — About 500 persons attended the funeral services for Missionary Ben Stoltzfus at the Mennonite Center, Orange Walk, British Honduras, it has been learned here.

Bro. Stoltzfus, a worker under the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions, was fatally shot by an assailant while traveling alone on Oct. 6.

Ten representatives of his family from the States attended the services at Orange Walk, and in turn reported to a memorial service held at the East Chestnut church in Lancaster on Oct. 12. About 500 also attended that service. Daniel Miller led the devotional meditation, and John Glick preached for conversion of the assailant, and for someone to fill the vacancy.

The Mennonite obituary: 1969 Oct 28 p. 651