Elam N Leid was born to Ivan W and Lydia Nolt Leid on Jan.11,1943 at his grandparent's farm in Lancaster County, Pa while his father Ivan was in the Lewisburg Penitentiary serving his time as a C.O. Elam peacefully passed away at Lehigh Valley Hospital on February 15, 2022 at the age of 79.

At the age of 6, his parents moved to Berks County as pioneers to a new Mennonite Community.

Dad was the oldest of eight children and grew up on the family farm. He completed his education at the local country school which is now Weaver's Hardware. After quitting school at age 15, he worked for neighboring farmers.

He found his life's companion in Bertha Martin and they were married at her home in Fleetwood, PA on December 19, 1963. They shared life's joys and sorrows for 58 years.They spent their life farming in Berks County except for 3 years in Union County. Their home was blessed with ten children - seven sons and three daughters.

Dad realized his need for the Lord and surrendered his life to him. Our parents came in contact with the Church of God in Christ Mennonite and were baptized on December 26,1976. Christian Life and the church were very precious to him till the end.

Dad's hobby was gardening and he enjoyed growing new seeds and plants. He taught us by example the principles of  honesty, integrity and good work ethics. Dad fulfilled life's duties without complaint. Fellowship with his church family was an important source of courage and strength to him. In later years, Dad and Mom also found a special place in their heart for the Lancaster Mission and enjoyed participating in their services.

He left us a legacy of an unwavering faith and security in God's love.

Those left to treasure his memories are his wife, Bertha; Children: Mahlon & Mary,  Mertztown PA; Lucy & Craig Peters, Louisville, GA ; Amsey & Teri, Halstead KS; Emerson & Julie, Lime Springs, IA; Edward & Renae, Bethel PA; Mark & Rochelle, El Campo TX; Eunice & James Bender, Mifflinburg, PA; Reuben & Jill, Eden ID; Wilma & Brian Smith, Ogallala, NE; James & Melanie, Sumner MI; thirty -two grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; brothers: Marvin & Ellen, Withee WI; Caleb & Mabel, Fleetwood PA; Ammon & Edna, Kutztown, PA; sisters: Edna and Noah Weaver, Versailles, MO; Erma Leid, Withee WI; Vera and Daniel Nolt, Greenwood WI; one brother-in-law, Luke & Anna Brubaker, East Earl PA; one sister-in-law, Elva Brubaker, Stevens,PA;

He was preceded in death by his parents, and parents-in-law, 1 sister Anna Brubaker, and two infant grandsons.