Odena Detweiler, 93, formerly of Akron, homemaker, master quilter, incomparable hostess

Odena Detweiler, formerly of Akron, left this temporary world Aug. 15, 2014, at the age of 93 to live forever in the presence of the living and Triune God.

Born in Kalona, Iowa, Odena moved to Norristown, where she met and married Willis in 1949. They lived in Telford, and then relocated to Akron, in 1951 when Willis went to work for Mennonite Central Committee as the Treasurer. Her legacy demonstrates the tremendous calling of being a housewife.

She instilled in her children and those she influenced the extraordinary gift of hospitality. Her Sunday dinners were legendary. She welcomed her friends and neighbors, as well as her husband’s business associates, the friends and classmates of her children in ways that made everyone at home in her presence. While she was a great cook — sticky buns, creamed peas, roast beef and the purest mashed potatoes you’ve ever eaten — her recipes could not be duplicated. A pinch of this and a little of that were the most details she could offer.

Her needle skills were well known in the quilting community. As a master of tiny stitches her quilts raised many dollars to benefit various charity auctions throughout PA.

Most of all, her godliness was an inspiration to many as she loved and cared for those who gladly called her “friend.”

She is survived by two children: a daughter: Mary Lou Mojonnier of Atlanta, Ga, and two of Odena’s grandsons by Mary Lou: Alex and Aaron, along with Aaron’s wife: Betsy; and a son, Marlin Detweiler of Akron, and his wife: Laurie Detweiler, along with their four sons: Jameson, Brandon, Travis and Parker, as well as Alexia, Travis’s wife and their daughter: Ava.

Her husband, Willis, preceded her to the kingdom in 1988; and her son-in-law, Richard Mojonnier, in 2012.

A memorial service will be held at Blossom Hill Mennonite Church, 333 Delp Road, Lancaster, on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Souderton Mennonite Church, 105 W. Chestnut St., Souderton, at 5 p.m.

Donations in lieu flowers may be made to the Willis and Odena Detweiler Scholarship Fund, c/o Paidea Foundation, 4920 Lincoln Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55436 to benefit K-12 children seeking a classical Christian education.

Arrangements by Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, Telford. Visit williamsbergeykoffel.com to send online condolences.