Julia G. Beitler-Liechty

Julia G. Beitler-Liechty, 101, of Berne, Indiana, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday evening, August 5, 2025, surrounded by her family at Swiss Village in Berne.

She was born on January 20, 1924, to the late Wilber E. and Della (Neuenschwander) Lehman at their country home in Berne, Indiana. She never lived more than two miles from the home she was born in. Julia was united in marriage to Chester Leroy Beitler on August 26, 1945, at First Mennonite Church, and he preceded her in death on February 12, 1982. Julia later married Adam J. Liechty on January 7, 1989, at First Mennonite Church, and he preceded her in death on January 14, 2009.

She was a faithful lifelong member of First Mennonite Church in Berne. Chester and Julia served as team teachers for Kindergarten for 19 years. Julia also taught Sunday School and Wednesday nights at the church and was active in the Women’s Missionary Society. Julia was a gifted contralto singer and shared her gift with many people. She actively sang for 70 years in the Mennonite Choral Society, Chancel Choir, and the Ladies Sextet for many years. Julia also sang solos in many weddings and funeral services.

Julia walked to and attended Munsterberg #9 School through 8th grade, and she graduated from Monroe High School in 1941. Following high school, Julia began working for Berne Overall Factory. As Chester and Julia began their family, she stayed home to raise their family. As their children grew up, Julia returned to work at Economy Printing, now EP Graphics, and continued there for 21 years.

Julia had an exceptional talent for quilting and sewing. Throughout her life, her hands were rarely still. During her time at Swiss Village, she put together 100’s of jigsaw puzzles. She hand-quilted numerous quilts over the years and was actively quilting until last week. Julia mentored and quietly came beside many people to share her love for quilting. During the summer months, she loved spending time tending to her flowers and gardening. She cherished the time spent with family. Above all, Julia was a true example of a woman of God and encouraged so many people with prayers, handwritten cards, and kind words.

Survivors include her son, John (Brenda) Beitler of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; daughter, Christine (Larry) Nofziger of Beaverlodge, Alberta; son, Stanley Beitler of Fort Wayne, Indiana; step-daughter, Anita (Dan) Wenger of Berne, Indiana; step-son, Stanley (Shirley) Liechty of Port Huron, Michigan; step-son, John (Peggy) Liechty of Ypsilanti, Michigan; step-son, Dallas (Jacki) Liechty of Osceola, Indiana; step-daughter, Audrey (Gary) Kah of Noblesville, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Sharon Beitler of Forest, Ohio; sister-in-law, Naomi Lehman of Berne, Indiana; twenty-eight grandchildren; fifty-seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Julia was preceded in death by her son, Robert Beitler; great-grandson, Wesley Beitler; four siblings, Celeste Liechty, Warren Lehman. Lavon Wulliman and Eugene Lehman.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana, with Pastor Jim Schwartz and Pastor Jeff Linthicum officiating. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by going to firstmennonite.org. Burial will follow in M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Swiss Village Chapel in Berne, Indiana, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.

Preferred memorials can be given to First Mennonite Church, Gideons International, or the Swiss Village Samaritan Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana