Eshleman, George Strite (1883-1964)

Latest revision as of 10:12, 1 October 2020

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Sep 10 p. 8

Birth date: 1883 Sep 14

text of obituary:

George Strite Eshleman was born in Washington County, Md., Sept. 14, 1883. He spent his entire life in this area. He died June 6, 1964, aged 80 years, eight months and 23 days.

On Aug. 1, 1906 he was married to Amanda E. Weaver. Soon after this they both became Christians, united with the Mennonite church and were faithful members of the Reiff and later the Miller congregations in Washington County. They lived on his father's farm near Maugansville a few years and then bought their own farm near Litterbug where they lived until 1931. They then moved to Maugansville, and he took up work with the Maugansville Elevator Co., where he worked until he retired.

His interest in the work of the Lord and the church was evident throughout his Christian life. Their children were encouraged and helped in getting an education in preparation for Christian service. Their son became a medical missionary in Africa, and their daughter a missionary wife in Philadelphia and Europe.

His wife preceded him in death on Oct. 24, 1961 after a brief illness. His home was then with his children, but with declining health was mostly with his daughter. During the last months of his life as he gradually became weaker he was a bed patient and was lovingly cared for in her home.

He is survived by two children: Merle W. Eshleman, M.D., Harrisonburg, Va., and Mrs. Clarence (Lela) Fretz, of rural Hagerstown, Md. There are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters: Mrs. Phares (Martha) Witmer, Maugansville, Md.; Mrs. Lewis (Cora) Martin and Mrs. Jacob (Rhoda) Martin Sr., both of Harrisonburg, Va.

Funeral services were conducted June 10, 1964 at the Reiff Mennonite church with Samuel Martin and Irvin Shank in charge. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.