Rhoda Stauffer Oberholtzer

  Rhoda Stauffer Oberholtzer, 92, of Lititz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died peacefully and went home to be with her Lord on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Landis Homes Retirement Community. Born in Lititz, she was the daughter of the late Roy Sr. and Florence Wenger Stauffer. Rhoda was the loving wife of Jay R. Oberholtzer. They celebrated their 71 st wedding anniversary in May of this year. Rhoda’s marriage to Jay was a double marriage ceremony with her twin sister Ruth and Lloyd Denlinger in 1952. In 1954 Rhoda and Jay moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she worked at the Cleveland University Hospital. After two years Rhoda and Jay moved back to Lititz where they both were involved in the family business, Stauffers of Kissel Hill Fresh Food & Garden Center. Rhoda founded and managed the Floral Design Department, making custom floral arrangements and taught floral design classes. She was also active in the local Floral Club and won many awards. She worked for Stauffers of Kissel Hill for 48 years, retiring in 1996. Rhoda’s spiritual commitment and interest in floral design led to her development of programs she presented with scriptural interpretation with flowers to many organizations and groups. Throughout the years Rhoda presented over 500 programs by traveling to many places in the US, Canada and even to Shanghai, China and Africa. In 2015 Rhoda shared her life story in a book she published titled “Designed” – A Life of Business Fulfilled with Purpose”. Rhoda was an active and faithful member of Lititz Mennonite Church where she served on Church Council, a Sunday School Superintendent and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Through the years Rhoda served on a number of Business and Nonprofit Boards: 1^st Federal Savings & Loan, Sovereign Bank and Executive Board of Sovereign Bancorp, Mennonite Economic Development Association, Eastern Mennonite Mission Board and Shalom Publishing Board. Rhoda volunteered her time helping to mentor for Assets, taught women’s bible studies and was a spiritual director for many women.

  The wellbeing of her family was of the utmost importance to her. Her desire to share her faith and experiences in life through teaching and parables was equally important to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She enjoyed the outdoors, nature, cooking, teaching, skiing with family, camping, riding motorcycles with friends, traveling and mission work.  Her love, kind loving spirit and servant heart will always be remembered by those who knew her.

   Survived by her husband Jay, their three sons: Donovan, husband of Carol Oberholtzer of Lititz, Gregory, husband of Jeannie Oberholtzer of Blooming Grove, Steven, husband of Sheri Oberholtzer of Lititz, four grandchildren: Jana, wife of James Mackay, Justin, husband of Lori Oberholtzer, David Oberholtzer, Bryan Oberholtzer, five great grandchildren: Leah Mackay, Josiah James Mackay, Kendon Mackay, Talia Oberholtzer, Benjamin Oberholtzer, three brothers: Earl Stauffer of Florida, James, husband of Sue Stauffer of Lititz, Paul, husband of Valerie Stauffer of Lancaster, three sisters: Martha, wife of James Garber of Mount Joy, Jean, wife of Richard Eby of New Holland and Shirley, wife of Frank Burris of Elizabethtown. Preceding her in death are two brothers: Roy Stauffer Jr., Robert Stauffer, three sisters: twin sister, Ruth Denlinger, Mary Sweigart, and Dorothy Tweed.