Bishop Abe W. Schlabach, 63, of Sugarcreek, died Dec. 17, 2011, at his residence, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born July 5, 1948, Abe was a son of the late Abe W. Jr. and Mary Schlabach. He was employed at Miller Wood Design, Sugarcreek, and was a bishop in the Old Order Amish Church.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Schlabach; children, Larry (Ruth) Schlabach of Dundee, Allen (Esther) Schlabach and Mark (Renea) Schlabach, both of Sugarcreek, Leon Schlabach and Marlin Schlabach, both of the home, Laura (Roy Alan) Hershberger of Dundee, Susan Schlabach of the home, and Marie (Raymond) Mast of Apple Creek; 21 grandchildren; and siblings, John (Sarah) Schlabach of Topeka, Ind., Mose (Elmina) Schlabach of Dundee, Ivan (Elsie) Schlabach of Sugarcreek, Adin (Ella) Schlabach of Millersburg, Dale (Mae) Schlabach of Sugarcreek, Dean (Anna) Schlabach of Millersburg, and Reuben (Esther) Schlabach and Rosanna Schlabach, both of Sugarcreek.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Freda Schlabach; and a grandson, David Lee Hershberger.

Services were held Dec. 20, at the Schlabach residence, with Bishop David Fry officiating. Burial was in Hershberger Cemetery, Sugarcreek Township, Tuscarawas County.

Smith-Varns Funeral Home, Sugarcreek, handled arrangements.