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Lt. Catherine Marie Bender, US Army
Major Catherine Marie Bender, USA (Retired), 91, of Willow Valley Retirement Community, Willow Street, PA and formerly of Malvern, PA, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA. Born in Germantown, Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Dr. Charles H. and Henrietta A. Schwehm Bender.
A graduate of Green Street Friends School in Germantown, Class of 1930, Catherine earned her B.S. from Temple University, Class of 1938, and her M.S. in Education from Temple University, Class of 1941. She taught elementary health and physical education in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, before enlisting in the US Army in 1944. After receiving her commission in 1945, Catherine served stateside and overseas in the Philippines, Japan, Korea and Germany, before retiring as a major in 1965. She became a physical therapist in the Army after completing Physical Therapy School at Walter Reed Hospital. Her most notable patient was General Dwight David Eisenhower. Catherine served as Chief Physical Therapist at Tokyo Army Hospital from 1950-1951. After retiring from the Army she earned her school counselor certificate from Villanova University and then taught in the Delaware County School District.
Her life memberships included the Bernhard F. Schlegel American Legion Post #134, West Chester, PA, the Valley Forge Chapter of the Retired Officers Association and the Great Valley Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Catherine also belonged to the National Health and Physical Therapy Association and she was listed in the Who's Who in American Women, 7th and 8th Editions, 1972-1975.
Surviving Catherine are her nieces and nephews, The Honorable Richard B. Abell of Alexandria, VA, Stephen G. Abell of Chester Springs, PA, Constance Abell Baranzano of St. Davids, PA, Henry S. Bender, Jr. of Ocean City, NJ and Jeanne A. Lowe of Charlotte, NC. Her brothers Henry S. Bender, D.D.S. and SGT John Eichelberger Bender and sisters Charlotte A. Abell and Mary Ann Hogarth preceded Catherine in death.
Dean Brubaker
Dean R. Brubaker, CCDP, LSW, 55, of Willow Street, died Tuesday, August 26 at Lancaster General Hospital of complications caused by multiple myeloma. He was the husband of Mary Lou Brodhecker Brubaker for 35 years.
Born in Lancaster, Dean was the son of Jay Robert and Dolores Smith Brubaker of Willow Street. He is also survived by two daughters, Lydia A. Brubaker of Lancaster and Amelia K. Brubaker, companion of Nicholas O'Madden of San Diego, a son, Isaac T. Brubaker of Willow Street, two brothers, David, married to Leslie Brubaker of Sussex, New Jersey, and Andrew, married to Colleen Brubaker of Lancaster, two sisters, Virginia, married to George Tullidge of Palm City, Florida, and Elizabeth Brubaker-Weida of Lancaster, his father and mother-in-law, K. Walter, married to Erna Hamm Brodhecker of Lancaster and a large, loving extended family.
Dean graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School in 1970, earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Social Work from Temple University. He worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Family Therapist at Lancaster General Hospital for 28 years.
Dean enjoyed winter camping and took trips with friends to Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He was a long distance runner and took part in many local and regional races, including the Conestoga Trail Run, which he participated in since its inception. Dean also enjoyed hiking, fishing, gardening and orcharding. He loved experimenting in the kitchen and went to great lengths to perfect his favorite recipes. He was particularly fond of making pies. Dean had a passion for music, especially the Blues. He loved to discuss philosophy and politics, make people laugh and share jokes and stories with family, friends and acquaintances.
Dean volunteered for Kids Kamp, a program of the Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse, where he had also served on the Board of Directors. He was on the Board for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services and was a past President of the Board for The Betty Finney House.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider sending a contribution in Dean's memory to Kids Kamp, c/o Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 630 Janet Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601-4575. Visit www.dahelp.org for more information.
Harry S. Burkey,
Jr.
Harry S. Burkey, Jr., 75, of Gordonville, died Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at the Harrisburg Hospital. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Harry S., Sr. and Mary D. Burkey.
A veteran of the US Army, Cpl. Burkey served in Germany during the Korean War with Battery A 529th Field Artillery OBSN Battalion. He was an armored artillery driver and a chauffeur. He then drove truck for Mushroom Transportation in Lancaster for 34 years. An honorary member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America, he also belonged to Garden Spot VFW Post #1690 in Lancaster. Harry enjoyed camping and attending auctions.
Harry is survived by three sons, James R., husband of Esty Burkey of Denver, David B., Sr., husband of Kelli Burkey of Enola and Kevin S. Burkey of Lancaster; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother and two sisters. His brother Raymond preceded Harry in death.
Contributions may be made in Harry's memory to the American Cancer Society, Lancaster County Unit, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.
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Mark Emmons
Mark W. Emmons, Jr., 23, of Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, September 29. He was the son of Lisa Leitzel Herr, step-father, Andrew Herr of Strasburg and Mark W. Emmons, Sr., of Florida. Mark worked in the construction industry and was an accomplished artist with some of his work displayed in Lancaster downtown galleries. Mark was a member of The Highwaymen Skateboarding Crew. Mark had attended the First Wesleyan Church. Born in Pottsville, Mark is also survived by a sister, Amanda Lynn Emmons serving at Fort Drum, NY, a brother, Michael Wells Emmons of Lancaster, a 5 year old niece, Serena Lynn Mangham, a 3 year old nephew, Peyton Andrew Mangham, and his maternal grandparents, James and Diane Leitzel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reid Mentzer Skatepark, c/o Reid Mentzer Memorial Fund of York County Community Foundation, 14 W. Market St., York, PA 17401. Please include "In Memory of Mark, aka Dirt, Emmons" in the memo line. Or contribute online at http://www.yccf.org.
Claire Grace
Claire Grace, 78, of Bachmantown Road, Ronks, and formerly of Dumont, New Jersey, died Friday, September 26, while under the care of Hospice of Lancaster County. She was the wife of the late Edmond M. Grace, who died in 2000. Claire was of the Roman Catholic faith. She enjoyed craft making and ceramics. She had operated a ceramic craft business in New Jersey. Born in New York, Claire was the daughter of the late Ludwig and Agnes Zyber. Claire is survived by a son, William married to Karen of Pine Bush, New York, a daughter, Carol married to James Mylan of Lancaster, with whom Claire lived for the last several months, two grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
PLEASE do not send flowers. Kindly consider sending a contribution in Claire's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. www.bachmanfuneral.com
Erma High
Erma D. High, 99, of 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, entered into rest on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. She previously resided at 1986 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. Born in Gap, Mrs. High was the daughter of the late J. Frank and Ella Leaman Denlinger.
A lifelong, loving homemaker, Mrs. High was married for 55 years to the late Sanford H. High, founder of High Welding Company (predecessor of the High companies). On their wedding day, they drove workers to a jobsite as they left for their honeymoon. While never active in the day-to-day activities of the company, Mrs. High was involved as a shareholder in the company's infancy. She would later attend activities of the High Beamer Retiree Group.
Mrs. High was a member of Mellinger Mennonite Church where she was quite active in the sewing circle. She lived at Landis Homes since the early 1990's, where she participated in many senior activities.
She enjoyed spending time with family and, especially, with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sons Calvin G. High, married to Janet Clark High; Donald L. High, married to Dorothy Mellinger High; and S. Dale High, married to Sadie Beiler High, all of Lancaster; 11 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. High was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael E. High, two brothers, Paul L. and J. Clair Denlinger, and two sisters, Elsie Denlinger Martin and E. Pearl Denlinger Groff.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial service on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 11 AM in the West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA, with Chaplain Don Good and Pastor Leon Oberholtzer officiating.
Friends will be received immediately following the service. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in her memory to The Caring Fund of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz, PA 17543.
Reba L. Kensinger, 78, of Conestoga View and formerly of Willow Street, died at Lancaster General Hospital on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, following a long illness. She was the wife of A. Donald Kensinger for 56 years. Born in Strasburg Twp., she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Ruth Hagens Andrews.
Reba graduated from the former Paradise High School. She worked as a nurse's aid at both the former Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital and Whitehall Nursing Home. She was a member and Sunday School teacher at the former St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Lancaster and she belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of Willow Street Fire Co.
Surviving Reba are her husband Donald, sons A. Donald, II, husband of Sherri Myers Kensinger of Mount Joy and David I., husband of Melissa Kensinger of Centerville and two granddaughters. Her brother Arthur Andrews and sisters Erma Abdallah and Hattie Myer preceded Reba in death.
Services and interment in Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery will be private. Please omit flowers.
Genevieve Kramer
Genevieve M. Kramer, 94, formerly of Paradise, died Monday, July 7, 2008 at the Mennonite Home. Her husband George F. Kramer died in 1993. Born in Paradise Twp., she was the daughter of the late Omar and Myrtle Shoemaker Metzler.
Genevieve worked in the cafeteria at Pequea Valley High School. She was a member of Calvary Monument Bible church, where she had been active in the Ladies Missionary Fellowship.
Genevieve is survived by her daughters, Patsy F., wife of David G. Ritchie of Vineland, NJ, Donna E., wife of W. Thomas Lefever of Paradise and Linda J., wife of Robert M. Martin of Lancaster; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sisters Mary Ellen, wife of Charles Donley of Rothsville and E. Dorothy Bechtold of Lancaster. Her siblings A. Elizabeth Groff, Elmer Metzler, Robert Metzler and Janet Graybill preceded Genevieve in death.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Genevieve's memory may be made to Calvary Monument Bible Church Missionary Fund, 1660 Mine Road, Paradise, PA 17562 or to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Joan M. Leaman, 67, of Cherry Hill Road, Paradise, died of natural causes at Lancaster General Hospital on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. She was the wife of Ray H. Leaman for over 47 years.
Joan had worked as a seamstress for the former Hershey Garment Factory. She enjoyed playing bingo. She was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Paradise. Born in Paradise, Joan was the daughter of Mary Harsh Herr of Paradise and the late Harlan Herr.
In addition to her husband Ray and mother Mary, Joan is survived by sisters, Dale married to Jim Bowman of Ronks, Ann married to John King of Smoketown and Cheri married to Glenn Rinehart of White Horse, brothers, Dick married to Phyllis Herr of Paradise and Jim Herr, address unknown.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider sending a contribution in Joan's memory to the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, 101 Good Drive, Suite 1, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Jerry Mahoney
R. Jerry Mahoney, 74, of Lancaster, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at the Essa Flory Hospice Center. He and his wife Roberta L. Black Mahoney observed their 52nd wedding anniversary on June 9th. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Roland D. and Esther Wissler Mahoney.
Jerry was a 1952 graduate of the former East Lampeter High School. He owned and operated R. Jerry Mahoney Plumbing for 35 years, before passing the business onto his son Dennis. A lifelong member of Calvary Church, Jerry enjoyed hunting, taking cruises and traveling throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Rome.
In addition to his wife Roberta, Jerry is survived by four daughters, Deborah, wife of Richard T. Wimer of Quarryville, Kathy, wife of James Groff and Denise "Dede", wife of Randy Lantz, both of Strasburg and Lisa, wife of Rodney Lantz of Willow Street; his son Dennis, husband of Karen Kendrick Mahoney of Refton; seven grandchildren; and his brothers Donald, husband of Johanne Henry Mahoney of Conestoga and Bernard, husband of Louise Rice Mahoney of Willow Street.
Contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
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Grace A. Rebman, 86, of Lititz, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at Ephrata Community Hospital. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the William and Elizabeth Urban Griffiths.
A homemaker, Grace graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School, where she was the girl's tennis champion and tennis queen. She enjoyed drawing and crossword puzzles.
Surviving Grace are her children, Kent G., husband of Tina Rebman of Ephrata, Philip R. Rebman of Lancaster, Roberta L., wife of David Ott of Boulder City, NV and Sherry A., wife of Michael Ford of Grove, OK; 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her son Thomas L. Rebman, brother William Griffiths and sister Betty Griffiths preceded Grace in death.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Saturday, Oct. 11th at 10:00 am in the Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery. Please omit flowers.
Melvin Shenk
Melvin M. Shenk, 92, formerly of Woodcrest Villa and Lancaster, died at the Mennonite Home on Sunday evening, October 5, 2008. His wife of 71 years, the late Alta Mae Hershey Shenk, died in November 2007. Born in East Lampeter Twp., he was the son of the late Clarence and Blanche Mowrer Shenk.
Earlier in life Melvin operated a small farm on Greenfield Road for ten years and sold his produce at the Philadelphia Market. He then worked as a salesman for the former Penn Bangor, Inc. in Bangor, PA. He was a member of the former Bethel Mennonite Church in Lancaster and attended church at Woodcrest Villa. Melvin enjoyed making and repairing old clocks, bowling, golfing and flying airplanes out of Smoketown Airport. An avid hunter, he was a charter member of Mill Creek Hunting Club in Tioga County.
Melvin is survived by his daughters, Doris K. Stanley of Lancaster and Patricia, wife of Ervin Smoker of Conestoga; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister Mildred, wife of Jacob Herr of Woodcrest Villa; and his brothers Clair, husband of Rebecca Shenk of Florida and Clarence, Jr., husband of Marian Shenk of Lancaster. His son Ronald Shenk, granddaughter Sheri Lynn Shenk and 3 sisters preceded Melvin in death.
VIEWING: Thursday, Oct. 9th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Bachman Funeral Home, 7 S. Decatur St., Strasburg, PA.
FUNERAL: Thursday at 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with Chaplain Miriam Cruz officiating. Interment in Conestoga Memorial Park.
Contributions may be made in Melvin's memory to the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Fund, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.
Helen Singer
Helen M. Singer, 91, of Millersville and formerly of Ronks, died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was born in Providence Twp. to the late Clarence and Maude Mowrer Rineer. Helen's husband Howard S. Singer died in 1998. She worked at the former M & N Garment Factory in Bart and attended Calvary Monument Bible Church when she was able.
Surviving Helen are her daughters Shirley A., wife of Fred A. Douts of Willow Street and Patsy Charles of Millersville; three grandchildren; six great grandchildren and her sister Arlene Groff of Strasburg. Her siblings Ethel Hess, Jane Groff and Mildred, Parke, Clifford and Clarence Rineer preceded Helen in death.
Interment in Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made in Helen's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Benjamin E. "Ezzie" Smeltz, 84, formerly of New Providence, died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Hamilton Arms. He was born in Strasburg Twp. to the late Benjamin E. and Mary Ellen Dearolf Smeltz.
Ezzie served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked at Lancaster Brick Company and Prange Service Center. Surviving are his sisters Mary, wife of John Ross and Ida Shaeffer and his brother William Smeltz.
Following Ezzie's request, he will be cremated without any formal services.
Grace Steffy
Grace E. Steffy, 92, formerly of New Holland, died at Landis Homes on Sunday, August 24. Grace was the wife of the late George E. Steffy, who died in 1995. A seamstress, she had worked for the former Price Garment Factory, Blue Ball. Grace was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Paradise. She volunteered at the New Holland Re-Uzit Shop. Grace enjoyed cooking and boating from the Jackson Marina, Northeast, Maryland. Born in East Earl Township, Grace was the daughter of the late Harry and Ida Eshleman Zimmerman. She is survived by a son, G. Robert married to Ann L. Eshleman Steffy of Fisherville, Virginia, two grandsons, Rick married to Joanne Steffy of Willow Street, Gary married to Laura Steffy of Ann Arbor, Michigan and a great-granddaughter, Heather Steffy. Grace was preceded in death by two sisters, Emma Nonnemocher and Elsie Martin.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider sending a contribution in Grace's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Sandy Sutfin
Sandy L. Sutfin, 58, of Ronks, Pennsylvania, died at home on Monday, July 21, following a long illness. She was the companion of Steven G. Schofield for over 20 years.
Sandy worked as an administrative assistant for Genex Services in Pennsylvania. She previously worked at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan, as program coordinator for Care-Flight Air Ambulance. Sandy enjoyed crafts, cooking and spending time with friends while boating on the Chesapeake.
Born in Kalamazoo, she was the daughter of the late Verne and Joyce Grisch Sutfin. Sandy was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Walraven. In addition to Steven, Sandy is survived by a sister, Vicki married to John Baas of Kalamazoo.
In lieu of flowers, her family wishes you will consider sending a contribution in Sandy's memory to The Water Street Rescue Mission, 210 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA, or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Catherine Wiggins
Catherine E. Wiggins, 87, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, July 24. She lived with her niece and nephew Pat and Ralph Wiggins, on South Colebrook Road, Manheim, for over 15 years.
She had worked on her family's farm for many years. Catherine was a member of New Providence Church of God and enjoyed listening to Sacred and Gospel music. She loved spending time with her family.
Born in Drumore Township, she was the daughter of the late Ralph. J., Sr. and Maude Beach Wiggins. Catherine is survived by siblings, Ethel Cooper of Lancaster, Ralph J. Wiggins, Jr. and Suie Wiggins, both of Manheim, Harry (Dorothy) Wiggins of Mount Joy, Doris (Frank) Groff of Lampeter, John F. Wiggins of Lititz, and many nieces and nephews, especially Shane Wiggins, with whom she lived and shared a special relationship. She was preceded in death by brothers, Clyde H. and Edgar L. Wiggins and a sister, Mary M. Wiggins.
Please omit flowers. Kindly consider sending a contribution in Catherine's memory to the New Providence Church of God Building Fund, 269 Cinder Road, New Providence, PA 17560
Lloyd Witmer
Lloyd K. Witmer, 93, of Lampeter, died Wednesday, August 20 at Pleasant View Retirement Community after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Pauline Rentschler Witmer, who died in 1993. Lloyd was manager and co-owner of E.R. Witmer & Sons grocery store in Lampeter until the store was closed. He was a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Lloyd was a life member of the LANCO Beagle Club and volunteered with Lancaster Meals-On-Wheels. He was inducted into the Lampeter-Strasburg Athletic Hall of Fame for baseball and basketball. Born in Lampeter, he was the son of the late Eli R. and May Kreider Witmer. Lloyd is survived by a son, R. Dale married to Judy Witmer of Manheim, a daughter, Judy W. Dietrich of Narvon, grandchildren, Linda J. Dietrich and Jeffrey R. Witmer, a brother, Paul A. Witmer of Quarryville and a sister, Mary Elizabeth married to Marvin Myer of Allentown. Lloyd was preceded in death by three brothers, E. Melvin, J. Elwood and E. Clair Witmer.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider sending a contribution in Lloyd's memory to Alzheimer's Association of Greater Pennsylvania, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Julie Zook
Julie A. Zook, 58, formerly of West Lampeter Township, passed away at Conestoga View on Saturday, August 23, 2008. She was the daughter of Harold B. and Ethel M. Stark Zook, and the sister of Daniel J. Zook, all of Lancaster.
Born in Lancaster, she was a 1968 graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School. Julie worked as a caregiver for Conestoga View and other healthcare and daycare services. She was a member of Church of the Apostles, U.C.C. in Lancaster. A great horse lover, she enjoyed trail riding. Julie also enjoyed photography and scrap booking.
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