86, Brethren Village resident

Ella Steger, 86, formerly of Lititz, passed away May 14, 2013 at Brethren Village.Private services were held at the convenience of the family.

87, WWII veteran, educator, volunteer

Stanley S. Ulrich of Ft. Collins, Colo. passed away Tuesday, June 4, after a brief illness.

After high school graduation, Stan enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a Bombardier Cadet. He served in WWII and received an honorable discharge in 1949. He received a B.A. in 1951 from CU Boulder and a master’s from CSU.

He met his wife, Bonnie, and pursued his career in education until his retirement. While overseas teaching, they adopted their only child in 1961.

Stanley graduated from Rothsville High School. He faithfully visited his Lititz family and homestead over the years and carried on the tradition of making fresh sauerkraut, scrapple and Dutch apple pies.

Stan’s volunteer service after retirement was exemplary, and he remained active in national, state, county and city governments advocating for seniors.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents: John H. and Ellen Ulrich; and five siblings: Ellen M. Clair, John H. Ulrich, Myrtle Becker, Chet Ulrich and Walter Ulrich. Surviving are: Irvin Ulrich, Elva Shaak and Miriam Miller; wife, Bonnie L.; and daughter: Christine Ulrich-Jones. He leaves behind two grandsons: Benjamin K. Likes and Richard C. Dempsey III and great-granddaughter: Abigail Lynn Dempsey.

The memorial service will be held June 14 and interment June 17 in Denver, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to go to: City of Ft. Collins Senior Center Bldg. Expansion Fund or Pathways Hospice, c/o Vessey Funeral Service.

76, Navy veteran, Lititz Post Office retiree

Jackson "Jack" M. Heagy, 76, of Lititz, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, June 2, 2013.

He was the loving husband of Kay L. Gainer Heagy and they celebrated 54 years of marriage April 5. Born in Manheim, he was the son of the late Clair E. and Hazel A. Ebersole Heagy. Jack proudly served in the US Navy from 1954 to 1957 aboard the USS Macon. He was employed at Howmet, now Alcoa, of Lancaster for over 20 years and retired from the U.S. Postal Service, Lititz, with 20 years of service.

A faithful member of Brickerville United Lutheran Church, he was involved with church council for many years as well as teaching Sunday school. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was known for his tie collection. Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children: Rusty D. Heagy, Lititz; J. Todd (Sheri) Heagy, Ephrata; Candy K. (George) Metzler, Lancaster; and Chris P. (companion Dawn Hoffmaster), Manheim; five grandchildren: Matthew (Leah) Metzler, Caitlin Metzler, Cody (fiancée Brigetta Reeser) Heagy, Alec and Bree Heagy; and one great-grandson: Luke Metzler. Jack was preceded in death by a brother: Harry Heagy.

Relatives and friends attended Jack’s Life Celebration memorial service June 6 at Brickerville United Lutheran Church, Lititz. Burial is private and at the convenience of his family.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to Brickerville United Lutheran Church, 340 E. 28th Division Highway Lititz, PA 17543. To share your fondest memories of Jack please visit lifecelebration.com.

Susan L. Sensenig, 97, of Denver, passed away Monday, June 10, 2013, at Colonial Lodge Retirement Community, Denver.

She was born in Geigertown to the late Elam and Laura (Kochel) Steffy and was the wife of the late Warren Sensenig.

Susan was a member of the Peace United Church of Christ, Denver. She worked at F&M Hat Company, Denver, and was the owner of Cedar Crest Motel from 1959 to 1962. Susan was a former member of Friendly Circle at Lincoln and Women’s Fellowship at church. She enjoyed reading, embroidering and playing the piano.

Susan is survived by one brother: Harry, wife of Kathryn (Gerhart) Steffy of Ephrata; a sister: Kathryn Edris of Palmyra; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by three brothers: John, George and Charles Steffy.

A viewing was held at Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, Denver, June 14 followed by funeral services with Rev. William E. Hoch officiating. Interment took place in the Swamp Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Susan’s memory may be made to Asera Care Hospice, 315 Prime Lane, Ste. 101, Mount Joy, PA 17554.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.

Frank Wilson Swayze IV, 42, of Akron, passed away Monday, June 10, 2013, at the Ephrata Community Hospital.

He was the husband of Joan M. (Good) Swayze, born in Spring Grove to Frank Swayze of Hanover and Darlene, wife of Larry Becker of Spring Grove.

Frank attended the Ephrata Community Church. He was a paramedic in the Ephrata area. He also volunteered at the Ephrata Hospital and New Holland ambulance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his step children: Brad, husband of Denise (Templeton) Willwerth of Smoketown; Mark, husband of Katie (Wright) Willwerth of New Holland; Andy Walker of New Holland; Adam Walker of Lancaster; Jenn, wife of Kevin Porsche of Leola; April, wife of Neil Good of New Holland; 18 grandchildren; a brother: Patrick Swayze of York County; two sisters: Lori, wife of Bob Haverstock of Abbottstown; and April, wife of Jeremy Brady of Spring Grove.

A memorial service will be held June 23 at 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Community Church, 70 Clay School Rd., Ephrata with Pastor Kevin Eshleman officiating.

Memorial contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation of the Susquehanna Valley, 1054 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Beatrice L. Walker, 78, of Ephrata, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Ephrata Manor.

She was born in Saskatchewan, Canada to the late James and Elsie G. (Sloan) Linnen and was the wife of the late Walter Walker.

Beatrice was a teacher in Canada and a teacher’s aide for Conestoga Valley School District until her retirement. She enjoyed bingo, board games, cards, gardening, knitting and cooking and baking with friends. She especially enjoyed her family.

She is survived by a son: Kenneth, husband of Deborah (Hendley) Walker of Carrollton, Ga.; a daughter: Susan Walker of Birmingham, Ala.; a sister: Patsy Waddel of Ontario, Canada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Leslie and Howard Linnen and a sister: Loretta Crowder.

A viewing was held June 17 at the Stradling Funeral Home followed by her funeral service with Chaplain Sally Maxwell officiating. Interment will take place in the Metzler Mennonite Cemetery.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

94, Pleasant View resident, worked at Woolworth’s

Petra Viruet, 94, of Manheim, formerly of New York, passed away Monday, June 24, 2013 at Pleasant View Retirement Community in Penn Township.

Born in Junco, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Serafin and Marcelina (Rodriguez) Olmedo.

Her son, Daniel, resides in Lititz.

She was employed by F.W. Woolworth as an office clerk for over 30 years. She was a true people person and enjoyed life to the fullest. Petra enjoyed listening to music and spending time with her family.

She was of the Catholic faith.

She is survived by her son: Daniel, husband of Mitzi Rodriguez, of Lititz; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons: Manuel Rodriguez, Jr.; and John Rodriguez, husband of Dahlia, of Manhattan, N.Y. Other relatives preceding her in death include Manuel Rodriguez and Philip Viruet.

Viewing and funeral services were held in New York, and interment was in St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, N.Y. Local arrangements were handled by Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory.

To send online condolences, please visit snyderfuneralhome.com.

88, Warner Lambert secretary

Geraldine M. Blankenmyer, 88, of Manor Care in Elizabethtown, passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lititz, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Ida Althouse Uhland, and she lived most of her adult life in Lititz.

She is survived by her children: Jimmy Blankenmyer, Barbara Peiffer and Rodney Blankenmyer; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Blankenmyer.

Geraldine was a 1942 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School. She worked as a secretary at Warner Lambert in Lititz (now Johnson & Johnson) until her retirement. She enjoyed needlepoint, ceramics and other crafts.

Geraldine’s life celebration service was held June 28. Interment was in Longenecker’s Brethren Cemetery, Warwick Township. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders, Greater PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205 Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.

90, Church of the Brethren

member, milkman

John S. Jurell, 90, of Wellsboro, died Sunday, June 23, 2013.

Born Jan. 13, 1923 in Lancaster, he was a son of the late Milton and Effie (Snyder) Jurell. He was the husband of the late Vilma R. (Reichenbacher) Jurell.

John was a milkman for many years, and a member of Lititz Church of the Brethren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and the outdoors.

John is survived by a son and daughter-in-law: Scott and Sherry Jurell of Mertztown; daughter and son-in-law: Denise and Michael Gehman of Tioga; sister-in-law: Lucille Jurell of Lititz; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held June 27 at Lititz Church of the Brethren with Rev. Ralph Moyer officiating. Interment was in the Longenecker Brethren Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the church.

85, owned catering business

Rhoda E. Kilheffer, 85, of East Hempfield Township, died Tuesday, June 25, 2013 surrounded by her family following a stroke at Hospice and Community Care in Lancaster.

Her brothers, Harold and Glenn Esbenshade, live in Lititz.

Born in Manheim Township, she was the daughter of the late H. Clay and Ruth Yocum Esbenshade. A homemaker, she was the loving wife of Willis A. Kilheffer and they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in July of this year.

Rhoda was a faithful and active member of the East Petersburg Mennonite Church and was involved with the sewing circle and Sunday school class. For many years she helped her husband on the family farm. She volunteered for the East Petersburg Fire Company Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and entertaining her friends. For 25 years, she operated an in-home catering business called Rhoda’s Place.

Surviving in addition to her husband, are two sons: James L., husband of Martha Peifer Kilheffer; Gerald L., husband of Sylvia M. Hess Kilheffer, all of Manheim; two daughters: Dolly, wife of Curtis Martin of Palmyra; Donna L., wife of Mervin Hershey of New Holland; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four brothers: Harold, husband of Ruby Esbenshade; Glenn, husband of Rachael Esbenshade, all of Lititz; Carl, husband of Bonnie Esbenshade of Neffsville; and Kenneth, husband of Betty Esbenshade of Raleigh, N.C.

The family would like to thank Hospice and Community Care for the kindness shown by the staff toward Rhoda and the family during her illness.

Relatives and friends attended her funeral at the East Petersburg Mennonite Church June 29. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery.

70, worked for King’s Potato Chips

Clarence M. Redcay, 70, formerly of Lititz, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at Corn Heritage Village in Corn, Okla.

His son lives in Lititz.

Clarence was born in Manheim to the late Henry and Lizzie (Martin) Redcay. He was the husband of Stella M. (Weber) Redcay, with whom he would have shared 50 years of marriage on July 29.

Clarence was a member of the Hahnstown United Zion Church. During his working years, he was a truck driver for King’s Potato Chips. Clarence enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. He enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons: Ray L. Redcay of Millersville; Clair L., husband of Karri (Lee) Redcay, of Corn; Mervin E., Sr., husband of Christine (Wentzel) Redcay, of Lititz; Clarence L., husband of Betty (Walter) Redcay, of Reinholds; a daughter: Karen L. Sweigart of Manheim; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four brothers and seven sisters.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson and one brother.

A funeral was held July 1 at the Hahnstown United Zion Church in Ephrata with Pastors John Fry and John Leisey officiating. Interment took place in the Red Run Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Clarence’s memory may be made to the Stevens United Zion Church, 49 South Line Road, Stevens, PA 17578.

94, Moravian Manor volunteer, Order of the Eastern Star matron

Dorothy K. Taft, 94, of Lititz, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Moravian Manor.

Born in Lititz, she was the daughter of the late Harry F. and Carrie Kling Herr, and was the wife of the late Albert W. Taft.

Dorothy was a member of the Lititz Moravian Congregation, volunteered at Moravian Manor, and was a past matron of Lititz Springs Chapter #499, Order of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include her daughter: Diane L. Dickson, Lancaster; son: Richard D., husband of Janice Taft, Lynchburg, Ohio; one granddaughter and two great-grandsons.

Funeral services were held June 29 at the Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home, 216 S. Broad St., Lititz. Burial was in the Lititz Moravian Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

To send online condolences, visit richardheiseyfuneralhome.com.

100, Luther Acres resident

Emma M. Zinkand, 100, of Luther Acres Manor in Lititz, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013.

She was the widow of the late John F. Zinkand, who died in 1979.

Formerly of Columbia, Emma was employed by the former L.J. Manufacturing Company. She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was born March 28, 1913 in Drumore Township, and was the daughter of the late Martin and Harriet (Grider) Peifer.

She is survived by a son: John P., married to Linda (Gerlach) Zinkand of Lancaster; grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann, married to Neil Michel of Davis, Calif.; and John R., married to Jacqueline (Karl) Zinkand of Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren: Marley Rae and Donald John Michel.

She was the last of her immediate family, predeceased by her brother: Roy G. Peifer, and sisters: Fanny P. Siegler, Ida G. Kleiner and Ruth G. Musser.

A funeral service for Emma was held July 2 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia, with Rev. Mark Kopp officiating. Interment followed in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Please omit flowers. Contributions in Emma’s memory may be made to: St. John’s Herr Estate, Chapel Fund, 200 Luther Lane, Columbia, PA 17512.

61, locksmith, enjoyed golf

James "Jim" A. Duty, Jr., 61, of Lititz, died Monday, July 15, 2013 at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy, after a lengthy illness.

Jim was a self-employed locksmith for many years.

Born Dec. 11, 1951 in Lancaster, he was the son of the late James A. and Ellen M. (McComsey), Duty, Sr.

He was an avid sports fan and followed the Green Bay Packers, L.A. Dodgers and the L.A. Lakers. He also enjoyed golf.

Surviving are four children: Susan L., married to Theodore R. Fearnbaugh, of Mechanicsburg; James A. Duty, III, fiancée of Vanessa Andes; Zachary J. Duty, all of Ephrata; and Chelsea R., married to Christopher Reinford, of Palmyra; two grandchildren: Meagan Kinneer and Emma Grace Duty; and five siblings. He was preceded in death by two siblings.

Jim’s celebration of life service will be held at Mohler Church of the Brethren, 21 E. Mohler Church Road, Ephrata, July 20 at noon. Interment will be private.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial remembrances can be made to Hospice & Community Care.

92, farmer, Middle Creek deacon

Jacob K. Hershey, 92, of Lititz, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday evening, July 9, 2013 at his residence.

Born in Penn Township, he was the son of the late Graybill and Orpha Kulp Hershey. He was the husband of Verna M. Kreider Hershey for 67 years on Feb. 23.

Jacob was a member of Middle Creek Church of the Brethren in Lititz, where he served as a deacon for 40 years. He also served on the cemetery board for more than 40 years.

He was a self-employed farmer in Ephrata Township, and was also a school bus driver for 37 years for Groff Bus Company in Ephrata. In addition to watching sporting events, Jacob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter: Kathy Ann Hershey of Earlville, Md.; a daughter-in-law: Linda Hershey Fudrow of Reamstown; four grandchildren: Debra, wife of Keith Kauffman; Keith, husband of Elizabeth Hershey; Jason, husband of Melissa Hershey; and Corey Landis; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother: Daniel, husband of Joretta Hershey, of Manheim.

He was preceded in death by a son: Dale E. Hershey; and two brothers: John and Caleb Hershey.

Services were held July 13 at Middle Creek Church of the Brethren with ministers Paul Brubaker and Ivan Lutz officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Middle Creek Church of the Brethren.

82, Landis Homes administrator

Curtis L. Johnson, 82, of East Petersburg, went home to be with his Lord Monday, July 8, 2013 at Landis Homes Retirement Community, where he resided for seven years and had lived with Parkinson’s disease for almost 35 years.

Born in North Carolina, he was the son of the late J. Clinton and Luetta Malone Johnson. Curtis was the loving husband of Ruth Dibert Johnson for 47 years.

Curtis worked at Bethany Hospital in Chicago from 1952 to 1968, when he moved to East Petersburg. He worked in the purchasing department at St. Joseph Hospital and volunteered at Landis Homes.

In 1971, Curtis was hired as an assistant administrator at Landis Homes and served in various roles until 1995. He was a faithful member of the Church of the Brethren all his life and served as a deacon at Hempfield Church of the Brethren for many years. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, working on cars and he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son: Alan L., husband of Lori A. Halenda Johnson of Manheim; a daughter: Beth Ann, wife of Kevin Pratte of York; four grandchildren: Scott and Marc Johnson, Taylor and Brady Pratte; a sister: Jeannetta, wife of Joe Grimes of Texas; and two brothers: Defoy, husband of Anna Johnson; and Claude, husband of Kathy Johnson, both of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by a brother: James Johnson; and a sister: Florence Setzer.

Services were held July 13 at Hempfield Church of the Brethren with Pastor Peter Kontra and Chaplain Jim Leaman officiating. Those desiring may send contributions to Lancaster Parkinson’s Support Group, P.O. Box 251, East Petersburg, PA 17520 or Landis Homes Caring Fund, Development Office, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.

Arrangements entrusted to Buch Funeral Home, Manheim. To send the family online condolences, visit BuchFuneral.com

73, Grace Church member, insurance agent and farmer

Paul H. Keller, 73, of Manheim, went home to be with the Lord following a brief illness Monday, July 8, 2013 at the Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Penn Township, he was the son of the late A. Rohrer and Emma Hershey Keller. He was the loving husband of the late Jean L. Heaston Keller, who died in June of last year.

Paul assisted in Brethren Volunteer Service. An insurance agent and broker, Paul was the owner and operator of the former Paul Keller Insurance Company in Lancaster. He also worked for other insurance agencies throughout the county.

A truck driver in his early years, Paul also operated the family farm in Penn Township. Following retirement, he was a school bus driver for Joseph Graybill Inc., Manheim, until his recent illness.

Paul was an active and faithful member of Grace Church in Lititz, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school class leader for the Navigators, and an usher.

He loved traveling the western part of the country. Paul also had a lifelong passion for his family, and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters: Charlene, wife of Jeff Mummau of Manheim; and Brenda Keller of Arlington, Va.; two grandchildren: Morgan and Drew Mummau; a brother: Harold, husband of Lois Keller of Manheim; three sisters: Lorraine, wife of Lester Beachy of Des Moines, Iowa; Leah, wife of Carl Brubaker of Lebanon; and Jean, wife of Raymond Meck of Leola.

Preceding him in death are two brothers: J. Richard and J. Hershey Keller.

Services were held at Grace Church, Lititz, on July 13. Interment was private in Midway Church of the Brethren Cemetery, South Lebanon Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Paul’s memory to: Transport for Christ International P.O. Box 117, Marietta, PA 17547.

To send the family online condolences, visit BuchFuneral.com. Arrangements were made by Buch Funeral Home, Manheim.

Victims of July 4 fire

David W. Kuhns, 51, Crystal L. (Kohl) Kuhns, 41, and their children — Skyler M., 8, Shawn A., 6, Mickie J., 4, and Cordail W., 2 — of Lititz, entered into rest as a result of injuries received in a fire Thursday, July 4, 2013 in Lancaster City.

David worked as a plumber. He was born in Lancaster, the son of the late Daniel C. Zook and Ellen L. (Ruth) Becker.

Crystal was a homemaker. She was born in Lancaster, the daughter of Frederick P. Kohl, of Lancaster, and the late Ruth N. (Becker) Kohl.

All the children were born in Lancaster. Skyler and Shawn attended Ephrata Elementary School. Mickie attended a head start program, and Cordail enjoyed cars, trucks and spending time with Mommy.

David is survived by two daughters: Zabrina and Willow; seven grandchildren; six siblings: Rose M. (Patrick) Cosgrove, John R., Richard C. (Donna), Charles L. (Beverly) Kuhns, Candy L. (Guy) Dillon and James L. Zook.

Crystal is survived by seven siblings: Leon W. (Keesha) Becker, Frederick P. Jr., John W. (Terrie), Robert V., Douglas W., Mary D. and April L. (Willie) Kohl, and a large extended family and caring friends.

The Kuhns and Kohl families would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Lancaster City Fire, Police, EMS, and the staff at LGH and Crozer-Chester Burn Center for their care and concern shown during this tragic time.

A celebration of life service for the family was held at the Millersville Mennonite Church on July 16; interment was in the adjoining cemetery. Memorial remembrances can be made to the Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home for the Kuhns Family to help defray costs.

104, Luther Acres volunteer

Esther E. Kurtz, 104, entered the peace of God Sunday, July 14, 2013.

Esther was a long-time member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Neffsville. She enjoyed worship and Bible studies, as well as overseas trips with her church.

She was also a volunteer at Luther Acres in Lititz.

Esther was an auxiliary member with the Neffsville Fire Company. She also worked at Stehli Silk Mill and Moore Farms Hatchery, Lancaster. Throughout her years, she was a homemaker and enjoyed baking, gardening, knitting, sewing and caring for her family and stepfather. She was a resident of Ephrata Manor.

She was the daughter of the late Elmer F. and K. Adeline (Caldwell) Rhoads. Her foster parents were the late Amos and Anna Brubaker. She was the wife of the late Harry G. Kurtz.

Esther is survived by a son: Donald P., husband of Kay A. (Martin) Kurtz of Ephrata; three grandsons: D. Craig, husband of Patti Kurtz; Kevin D., husband of Leigh Anne Kurtz; Eric D., husband of Amy Kurtz; and six great-grandchildren: Christy, Brent, Morgan, Kallie, Garret and Savannah.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a grandson: Douglas Alan Kurtz; and half brother: Arthur Verville.

A viewing will be held July 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Stradling Funeral Home in Akron, followed by her funeral service, with Rev. Craig A. Ross officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, New Holland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Esther’s memory may be made to Ephrata Manor, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522 or to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.

84, Brethren Village resident

Gladys Blessing Ney, 84, of The Brethren Village, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Hospice & Community Care of Mount Joy.

Born in East Donegal Township, she was the daughter of the late Raymond F. and Margaret W. Staley Blessing. She was the wife of the late Harold W. Ney who passed away in January 1995.

After graduating from the former East Donegal High School in 1947, she worked at Wyeth Inc., Marietta, for 20 years. She married Harold in 1949 and began married life on a farm in East Donegal Township. Gladys and Harold resided in the township until retirement from farming in 1991. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Maytown, where she served on church council and the Social Ministry Committee and taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She was also an active member of the Society of Farm Women #8, Lancaster County. She volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels and at the Milanof-Schock Library. She enjoyed cooking, playing pinochle, knitting, counted cross-stitching and reading, but her friends and the time she spent with her children and grandchildren were most important to her.

She is survived by a daughter: Kathleen Hay, wife of John Hay of Landisville; and a daughter-in-law: Deborah Gehman Ney Ebersole, wife of Brian Ebersole of Mount Joy; six grandchildren: Todd (Lindsay Porter) Hay of Austin, Texas, Elizabeth Hay (David) Adams of Snohomish, Wash., Katherine Hay of Lancaster, Chad Ney of Philadelphia, Chelsey Ney of Alexandria, Va., and Jeremy Ebersole of Mount Joy; and three great-grandchildren: Gabriel and Michael Rendon and Reagan Sarah Adams.

Gladys was preceded in death by a son: Steven, in 1985.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service honoring Gladys’s life on July 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11 N. Queen St., Maytown, with the Rev. Robert Lescallette officiating. The family will greet friends at the Church at a luncheon following the service. Gladys will be interred beside her husband in East Donegal Cemetery in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 96, Maytown, PA 17550.

Sheetz Funeral Home, Inc., Mount Joy., was entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to sheetzfuneralhome.com