“The Walk of Honor has become so important, especially for family and team members to gather and honor loved ones. It’s a very sacred time.” – Donna Mack Shenk
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t was 2017 when the first Walk of Honor quilt was auctioned at Fellowship Day to support the Caring Fund and donated back to Landis Homes for use following the
death of residents. Te deceased is covered in a special quilt while family, friends and team members walk with them to the funeral car. Tis has become an exceptional way to say goodbye.
“Carol Oberholtzer contacted me over a year ago and suggested she make one for her father, David Weaver. She could sense he was nearing his time, and wanted to do something special.” Donna Mack Shenk, Chaplain of Landis Homes shared.
David was a farmer and pastor, eventually serving as a Bishop in the North Penn District of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference. In 2008, David and Esther Weaver moved to Landis Homes where David enjoyed watching farmers work the surrounding fields. Although he experienced several physical challenges throughout his career, he always found a way to adapt and stay positive with the help of his family and church community.
“Dad expressed an unpleasant memory when Mom was taken away after she passed in February 2017,” Carol said. “Because of that, I felt there ought to be something to cover a person when they are taken from their room. Later, I heard about the Walk of Honor and I wanted to make a quilt. As I looked for a design for the quilt, I had in mind Psalm 23 which is commonly used at funerals, and I imagined my Dad reciting it many times throughout his years in ministry. Te words, ‘still waters and green pastures’ remind me of him because he loved being outside in nature. I was drawn to the landscape design that reminds me of the many layers of my Dad’s life. It was a beautiful life,” Carol said.
In January 2021, David passed away and the quilt that Carol made covered him on his last journey from Landis Homes.
“We are grateful not only for the chance to provide for residents who need help through the Caring Fund, but also to live out our mission of Honoring Lives,” Donna Mack Shenk said. “Tis new quilt will allow us to continue to do that.”
Dr. Kristin Nebel, quilt auction winner and donor
Enriching
Lives, Together
David and Esther moved to Landis Homes in 2008. He began leading morning devotions and both of them stayed active. In January 2021, David passed away. The family received the phone call that the Walk of Honor was going to take place at 6 am. The quilt that Carol had made covered him on his last journey from Landis Homes.
Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2021 • 13
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