Emily Brackbill Shenk

Emily Shenk Obituary

SARASOTA, Fla. - Emily Brackbill Shenk, 90, of Sarasota, Fla., died Sept. 8, 2008, at Sunnyside Nursing Home, Sarasota, Fla., of complications from Parkinson's disease.
Mrs. Shenk was born Sept. 28, 1917, in Malvern, Pa., and was the oldest daughter of the late Milton and Ruth Brackbill. She was a 1935 graduate of Eastern Mennonite (high) School. She was married to the late Rev. John H. Shenk of Denbigh, Va., where they lived for 22 years, raising eight children. She was a homemaker and enjoyed hosting many guests in their home and gardening. They moved to Sarasota, Fla., 39 years ago.
For 58 years, she was an active partner with her husband in church ministries, serving Mennonite congregations in Knoxville, Tenn., Newport News, Va., and three in Sarasota: Tuttle Avenue Mennonite, Bethel Mennonite and Bahia Vista Mennonite.
Survivors include two daughters, Judy (Mrs. James) Ranck of Johns Island, S.C., and Irma (Mrs. Pat) Lewis of Sarasota, Fla.; six sons, Milton (wife Betty) and J.C. (wife Jewel), both of Sarasota, Fla., Dan (wife Naomi) of Harrisonburg, Va., Gerald of Monterey, Calif., Richard (wife Cindy) of Satellite Beach, Fla., and Nelson (wife June) of Bally, Pa.; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Grace (husband the late B. Charles) Hostetter of Hickory, N.C., Miriam (husband Lowell) Nissley of Sarasota, Fla., and Peggy (husband Michael) Shenk of Harrisonburg, Va.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty (husband the late Kenneth) Leasa of Paoli, Pa., and Anita Purugganan of La Junta, Colo.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church, Sarasota, Fla., with Pastor David Kniss, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Warwick River Mennonite Church, Newport News, Va.
Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home in Sarasota, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Sunnyside Foundation, 5201 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34232. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Sep. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Emily Shenk

8 Entries

Lana Byler

September 19, 2008

I have wonderful memories of John and Emily while living in Sarasota with my parents Amos and Rachel Mast.
Lana (Mast) Byler, Allensville, Pa

Judy Nice

September 15, 2008

To all the Shenk Children and their spouses, My deepest sympathy in the death of your Mother. I pray God will hold you in his loving care and give your comfort during this time of loss and grief. On remembering Emily, I think of her wonderful smile, her delicious pies and her strength of character. She was a great role model. I think of what a good job Emily did in raising her children when I hear how dedicated you were to her and how lovingly you took care of her durning her long illness.

Gerry Wilson

September 14, 2008

Dear Dan and Naomi,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our sympathy, on the loss of your mother.
Sincerely,
Joe and Gerry Wilson

Barbara Wilson Miller

September 13, 2008

I have such special memories of Emily and John. I graduated in 1965 from Riverside Hospital School of Nursing. Mr. and Mrs. Shenk were so wonderful to all of us students who were a part of Warwick River Mennonite Church. They faithfully attended functions at our school, senior banquet, graduation,etc. They filled a parent /pastor couple role. Emily was such a sweet, hospitable person. I shall never forget her. May you find comfort in knowing that some day you will be reunited. My prayers are with you during this time of grief.

Karen Hinson Mumaw

September 13, 2008

We extend our sympathy to the entire family during this time of loss. Emily was an important part of our childhood and was loved dearly by all. To read a tribute to her, please visit http://www.dailypress2.com/forums/blog.php?b=147
Robert Mumaw and Karen Hinson Mumaw

Mel and Marion Delagrange

September 12, 2008

Dear Shenk family.. We are so sorry we won't be able to be with you at the special "Home going" service, at Warwick River, With so many years growing up in the Denbigh Colony, we share many good memories. Your family will always keep a special place in our Hearts. May God keep you close as you continue your walk with the Lord.

ELI&DOROTHY MILLER

September 11, 2008

REMEMBERING HER KINDNESS AND
HOSPITALITY

Carol Westerman

September 10, 2008

Dear Jewell and J.C. and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please accept my sympathy.
Carol Westerman

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