Obituary
Hilda Moyer Alderfer, age 93, of Newport News, died August 22, 2000. She was born December 22, 1906, and was married to Frank Alderfer, who preceded her in death.
The Alderfers had six children: Richard, who preceded his mother in death, Sarah Weaver, Myrna Alderfer, Dorcas Schaefer, Kathryn Baer and Harold Alderfer. Sylvanus Moyer is also her brother.
Hilda was a member of the Warwick River Mennonite Church, where she was buried.
Hilda may not have been known by many in our congregation, but her legacy lives on in her two granddaughters (Tricia Nice and Carol Landis), the eleven Nice and Landis great-grandchildren, and extended members of the Moyer clan.
Prayer at Hilda’s Funeral
August 26, 2000
This poem was written and read by son-in-law, Wally Schaefer in memory of a precious mother-in-law.
Lord, Hilda’s gone, we may say,
but she is with us in a better way.Sure, her body she’s left, but it was stay to be planted for a future day.
It served her well for many years,
of work and worry, and yes, some tears.But you graced her with the gift of birth,
with family and friends, long life on earth;A birth that freed her to be more like you,
to reach out to others like you want us to.We’ll miss her, and in our grief will say,
we wish it wouldn’t have to be this way;But we rest assured in the promise you’ve made,
even now as in the ground she’s laid;Knowing you are here to take our hand, to dry our tears, to join that band,
Where saints do dwell in eternal bliss, that day, glorious day, we don’t want to miss.
Tricia Nice’s Journal
August 22, 2000
Dad just told me that Grandma Alderfer died just a couple of hours ago. Mom was with her-I feel such a comfort and peace. Dad and I shared tears and a hug in the driveway. I went inside to find my favorite picture of Grandma and sat at the dining room table with a cup of coffee and looked into Grandma’s smiling face. I remember...
Rice Pudding, hot cocoa and honey There is a part of you in all us—my dear sweet Dutchy Grandma. The smiling eyes and face you bore told all that you were at peace with life...with God. Your embracing spirit of unconditional love makes each one feel welcomed and accepted for who they are.Shoo-fly pie
Ground cherries
Wrigley's Gum
Orange peanut marshmallow candy
Multi-colored sugary gum drops
Myrna’s ferns in the living room
Button, button, who’s got the button?
Marble roller, clay marbles
The word "davenport"
Oyster-dressing
Cup cheese and scrapple
Pickles and Piccalilli
You point and shake your finger in a playful manner, all the while chuckling out a comment or two. Your "I-yie-yie", "now wait once", "You don’t say!" and "Ach-Vell" will always be a fond memory and reminder of your Pennsylvania Dutch background.
Family and friends cheered you up more than anything. You anticipated company and watched for their arrival. Then, after the visit, a prolonged farewell... Grandma waving through the window at the back door... with that wonderful loving smile lingering in my mind as we drive down the steep lane lined with pecan trees.
Dear, dear Grandma... forever alive in our hearts... now joined with your Frank in your heavenly home. We will come join you, too, one day...till then I can picture you waiting for us, your company, to come! We’ll greet each other with a holy kiss, we’ll sit and have a nice LONG visit together. Till then, precious Grandma—