Kathryn Landis Suter Obituary (1926 - 2014)

Kathryn "Kate" Landis Suter, 87, passed away on March 12, 2014 in her home in Bridgewater. She was ready to meet the Lord, whom she loved since her youth. Kathryn was born December 30, 1926, in Dover, Pennsylvania, to the late John and Pauline Landis. In 1946, she moved to Harrisonburg to take her job as one of the first ice cream dippers at Kline's Dairy Bar. There, she soon caught the eye of Eldon L. Suter, a young man from Rockingham County whom she married on May 1, 1948. Together, they raised five children, started N&S Auto Service on Waterman Drive, and tirelessly served the church and broader community for nearly 50 years until Eldon's death in 2005. Kathryn was a loving mother and devoted grandmother. Her nine grandchildren were the joy of her life. She cared practically and whole-heartedly for family, friends, church and those in need. She was active in the formation of Chicago Avenue Mennonite Church (now Harrisonburg Mennonite) and helped start its nursery. Kathryn taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and served for years on the church's Hospitality Committee. Kathryn helped with the Fresh Air Program, finding placements, including her own home, for inner city kids. She took meals to persons in need, both in the church and to strangers. She loved hosting youth groups in her home and cooking big meals for church, family and friends. Eldon and Kathryn spent over 20 years of their retirement years in short-term service work with Mennonite Disaster Service, Habitat for Humanity, and their favorite ministry, Highland Retreat Camp. They were among the longest giving contributors to the Billy Graham Foundation. A life-long homemaker, Kathryn was skilled in baking, cooking, canning, gardening, sewing and crocheting. She was honored by the Rockingham County Fair for many years of service as a judge for canned and baked goods. Surviving Kathryn are her five children, Donna Clayton and husband, Greg of Fredericksburg; Diana Berkshire and husband, Allen, of Mayland; Joy Halterman and husband Gary, of Singers Glen; Eldon "Eldie" Suter and wife, Lynn, of Bridgewater; and Jewel Knicley and husband, Scot, of Bridgewater; nine grandchildren, Andrew Clayton and wife, Danielle, Allison Chupp and husband, Ben, Abigail Price and husband, Derrick, Audrey Jackson and husband, Hampton, Anna Haarer and husband, Duane, Angela Morris and husband, Joshua, Austin Suter, Rebecca Suter, and Travis Knicley; nine great grandchildren; one sister, Pauline Messerly, and one brother Ronald Landis. Pastors Craig Maven and Mark Keller will conduct a memorial service on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. The family will receive friends following the memorial service until 4:30 p.m. Burial will be held prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. at Weavers Cemetery for family and friends. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Highland Retreat Camp, 14783 Upper Highland Drive, Bergton, Virginia 22811. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.