JB Litwiller

JB Litwiller was born to William (Earl) and Sabina (Betty) Stier Litwiller on the old home place in Newark Township on October 4, 1930. On October 7, 2025, as the morning light filled the room, he peacefully took his last breath. He lived his entire life in the same familiar home where he was born.

JB, named after his grandfather Jacob Buerge Litwiller, was the middle child of ten siblings. He loved his family well and shared a special bond with each one. He recalled pleasant memories of the Smith Allen School and the lifetime friends that attended there with him.

As a child, Jay learned early to work hard; milking cows on the family dairy and pulling weeds by hand across "The Twenty" for five cents a row. In later years, he diligently drove his tractor across those same fields. Cultivating, planting, and harvesting were in his blood.

Jay served his two years of 1-W service in Flint, Michigan where he performed public service jobs. He would drive home on weekends to work on the family farm. He recalled paying eighteen cents a gallon for gas during these times. Again, he made lifetime friends during these years.

Jay gave his heart to God and was baptized by Minister Jesse Johnson on January 27, 1947, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. The old Newark Church was just down the road, and Jay told of walking there barefoot as a boy and sitting on the wooden porch railings listening to the service. Jay loved attending church and helping in the various work projects.

A private, quiet man with practical ways, Jay had a generous heart. Many friends will remember his collection of cars and enjoyed riding with him. His nephews and nieces received special attention.

Jay lived with his parents on the family homestead for many years until their passing. A great host, he served Pepsi and popcorn to the crowd on the porch or in the living room. He appreciated farming with his dad, saying, “He was the best helper a man could ever have.”

With the passing of his parents, living in the big house was lonely. He asked me, Susan Toews, to be part of his life. He freely shared all his hard-earned resources with me. He was a ready presence in the kitchen, preserving fruit, making meals and always washing my dishes.

We welcomed a son, Matthew, into our lives to complete our small family. Matthew’s gentle strength and helpfulness in these last days was beautiful to watch.

Retiring from farming several years ago, Jay accepted aging with grace and stoicism. He loved the different seasons and watched the crops closely.

After several recent hospital stays this year, he requested to come home and stay. We are so thankful his wishes could be granted and thank the Care Team, especially Adam, for their help. Home is where Jay loved to be.

Matthew and I will miss him every day but look forward to meeting him “just inside the gates.” Sharing in our loss are his siblings; brother, Ardis; sister-in-law, Joan; sister, Erla and Alvin Schneider; brother, Galen and Evie; brother-in-law, Bob Seiler; and brother-in-law, Joe Krezan with Carylon Ozolins. Susan’s family: Ronald and Frances Unruh, Laurence and Ling Toews, and Annette Toews. Also, a host of many nieces and nephews (who love to share their Uncle Jay stories), and so many relatives and friends.

Gone before him are five sisters, one brother, and one sister-in-law.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation at the Newark Mennonite Church, 3446 S. Alger Rd., Ithaca, MI, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the church at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at the Hayes Road Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in JB’s memory to either Maple View Retirement Community, 4396 S. Luce Rd., Ithaca, MI 48847, or to Gospel Tract & Bible Society, c/o Newark Mennonite Church, 3446 S. Alger Rd., Ithaca, MI 48847.