Lillian Trageser Brumbaugh

Lillian Trageser Brumbaugh died on January 19, 2026, while resting peacefully at Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, Indiana. Lillian was born April 4, 1931, in Beltsville, MD to Charles and Hilma (Mortenson) Trageser. Known as “Frances” during her childhood and youth, she was raised on her parent’s flower and fruit farm in Beltsville, where she was the youngest of eight children. In her youth, she was baptized into the University Park Church of the Brethren. Lillian received a BS degree in Home Economics from the University of Maryland, having first studied one year at Bridgewater College, Virginia. In February 1953, she married James Perry Brumbaugh II, son of James and Lydia Brumbaugh of Glenn Dale, Maryland. First living in Pennsylvania, they returned home to start a family in 1955. Lillian and Jim raised their four children in Laurel, Glenn Dale, and Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

In the mid-1960s, Lillian pursued teaching certification in Home Economics and then K-3rd grade. She taught approximately 15 years in the Prince George’s County public schools, primarily in the kindergarten classroom. In the late 1970s, Lillian experienced a spiritual renewal and began pursuing theological studies, first at Bethany Theological Seminary (Oakbrook, IL), then completing her Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC) in 1983. She was ordained to the ministry by the Church of the Brethren. She served as pastor for congregations in Nokesville, VA, Denton, MD, West Branch, IL, and Mesa, AZ. Until Jim’s passing in 1987, Lillian and her husband enjoyed travelling to the Holy Lands and to Brethren historical and mission sites in Germany, Nigeria, Sudan, and Haiti. She also traveled to China and visited her mother’s home in Sweden.

Lillian moved to Timbercrest in 2007, remaining there until her passing. For many years she was active on Timbercrest’s chapel committee, planning chapel services and leading Bible studies.

Lillian had a love of flowers, especially irises. She enjoyed recounting how on Saturday mornings President Truman walked four blocks from the White House to her father’s flower and produce stand at Western Market to buy flowers for first lady Bess Truman. Lillian’s children and grandchildren continue to tend bulbs descended from her father’s irises.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband, parents, five sisters and two brothers, and a son-in-law. She is survived by four children: Christine Brumbaugh (Onancock, VA), Cynthia Burton (Warsaw, IN), Gwendolyn Brumbaugh (Bridgewater, VA) and James (Amy) Brumbaugh-Smith (North Manchester, IN), as well as ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be laid to rest in George Washington Cemetery (Adelphi, MD) next to her devoted husband of thirty-four years.

Visitation: Saturday, January 24, 1:30-3:00, Timbercrest Chapel foyer, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN

Funeral: Friday, January 30, 3:00, University Park Church of the Brethren, 4413 Tuckerman St., University Park, MD (visitation one hour prior)

Preferred memorials: Bridgewater College, VA; Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, IN

Arrangements by McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, IN and Gasch’s Funeral Home, Hyattsville, MD.