in death. She attended Bethel and completed her education at Michigan State University. She was an elementary teacher at Beecher School District and attended Faith Missionary Church (Mich.). Rev. Dale Linhart, age 87, passed away May 15, 2025. A devoted pastor in the United Methodist Church, Dale faithfully served congregations in Swayzee, New Paris, Churubusco and LaGrange. A longtime Bethel friend and parent, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marian (Lehmer) and children Dr. Terry (Kelly) Linhart and LeAnne (Keith) Koteskey. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dale was a longtime volunteer firefighter. Dr. Tom Murphy, age 94, passed away Sept. 5, 2025, survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Eloise. He served as the Pastor of United Methodist Churches in Indiana, Kentucky and New York, then as Pastor at Gospel Center Missionary Church, in South Bend, Ind. He served as a chairman of the board of trustees at Bethel, Chairman of Bethel Publishing and Director of Development and Communication for the Missionary Church denomination. Terry Powell ’72, age 75, passed away Sept. 22, 2025. He graduated from Bethel with a degree in ministry. In 1972, he married Peggy (Clark) and together they celebrated 53 years of marriage. Terry served as a dedicated leader and Missionary Church pastor in the area for more than 50 years. He also served at the denominational level and with World Partners. Carol (Bender) Shearer, age 80, passed away April 19, 2025. Carol graduated from Taylor University in 1966 and was married to her husband Frederick H. (Rick) Shearer in August 1967 until his passing in 2023. Carol taught for five years while earning her master’s degree. When her children were older, Carol served as a teacher’s aid at Bittersweet Elementary School for 23 years. She was a servant in her church community where she was an active member for over 50 years. She is survived by her son, Brian F. Shearer, daughter Kathryn M. (Shawn) Holtgren ’96 and three grandchildren. John Snyder, Jr. ’66, age 63, passed away Dec. 1, 2025. In September 1992, he married Tracey Lynne (Wilcox) Snyder, and they raised three children. Professionally, John worked as a dedicated salesman of office products, but his true calling was in fire service and journalism. He spent many years as a reporter for WSBT and served more than 40 years with the Penn Township Fire Department. Sarah (Miller) Stouffer ’64, age 85, passed away Dec. 14, 2025. She will be loved forever by her husband of 62 years, Allen. She served as an elementary teacher in the Mishawaka Public School system, but her primary focus was preschool children. An author, she published “This Way To Canada” (children’s book) and “Loaves & Fishes,” both in 1980. David Troyer ’94, age 56, passed away Nov. 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife Amy and sons Ace and Jack. He attended Bethel, was on its NCCAA National Champion Basketball Team and was considered to be the most dominating scorer in Bethel College history. A natural-born educator, teacher, administrator and student services director over the course of his career, he most recently served at School City of Mishawaka. Mattie (Cripe) Ulrich, age 91, passed away Oct. 10, 2025. She married Earl Ulrich, who preceded her in death in 2016 after 57 years of marriage. Surviving is Mattie’s daughter Sharon Minnich ’86, three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughters Judy Ann and Lyn Marie. A devoted member of St. Mark Missionary Church for nearly 50 years, she lived out the Gospel in word and deed. For over 25 years, Mattie faithfully stewarded Osceola Cleaners. Estate and Planned Giving LEAVE A LEGACY WITH PLANNED GIFTS Giving to Bethel through a bequest, deferred gift or charitable gift annuity can make an impact on students for generations to come. Visit BethelUniversity.edu/Give or contact Steve Matteson, Director of Estate and Planned Giving, at PlannedGiving@BethelUniversity.edu to learn more. You can also call 574.807.7485. Read more at BethelUniversity.edu/Magazine 23
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