John Meyer Cameron, 76, of Ephrata, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, at his residence.

Born in Philadelphia, John was the husband of Lois Holman Cameron, and they celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on Aug. 12. He was the son of the late John and Blanche Meyer Cameron.

He was a 1965 graduate of Montclair State College, majoring in Latin and Spanish. He also went to Rutgers for a brief time. John taught a Sunday school class and was in the choir at Church of the Living Word. In New Jersey, he taught Latin and Spanish for 10 years in three different schools. John was called to be a missionary and served for 43 years with BCM International, Inc. For 10 years, he served in Chester County and 33 years in Lancaster, teaching Bible clubs and Bible studies, and mentoring men in prison for 20 summers. He served as a counselor at Niagara Bible camp and was a member of New Life Baptist Church, where he preached a few times and served on the leadership team.

In addition to his wife: Lois; he is survived by his daughter: Joanna Grace, wife of Vincent Michael Sensenig, Gap; eight grandchildren; and a sister: Elaine Blanche Cameron of Lancaster.

He was preceded in death by his adopted son: Jonathan Winfield Cameron, in 1998.

Services were held Oct. 28 at Harvest Bible Church, Lancaster, with Pastor Jon Walters officiating. Interment was at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the BCM International, Inc., 201 Granite Run Drive #260, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Visit John’s memorial page at TheGroffs.com. Arrangements entrusted to Groff Funeral & Cremation Services, Lancaster.

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Lt. Commander Charles “Bill” Willard Locke Jr. of Denver went to be with his Lord on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at Lebanon, of natural causes after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Bill was born in Royal Oak, Mich. on March 18, 1944 and attended high school at Murrah High School, Jackson, Miss.

Bill was the son of the late Charles W. and Clarabelle (Proffitt) Locke, and was the husband of Melody (Meschen) Locke, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.

He was a member of Cocalico Community Church, Reinholds, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and the Military Officers Association.

Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and retired in 1991 as a Lieutenant Commander. He attended University of Detroit from 1970 to 1974, and graduated with a bachelor of science. He also attended Wayne State University from 1974 -to 1978, and graduated with his master of science in medical technology. After retirement he worked as a lab manager at Lancaster Community Hospital from 1991 to 1993. He then worked in the finance department at Manheim Auto Auction from 1996 to 2006. In his spare time he enjoyed painting in various types of media.

In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by two sons: Matthew, husband of Sunny (Booth) Locke, of Austin, Texas; and Mark, husband of Melinda (Gamache) Locke of Austin, Texas; a daughter: Cara, wife of Jeremy Allen of Denver; 15 grandchildren: Ciarra, Christiana, Olivia, Malia, Evangelina, Beringer, J.T., Zephyr, Kolbe, Maximus, Micah, Maggie, Malachi, Moriah, and Libby; and a sister: Sharon, wife of Jerry Allen of Hazel Park, Mich.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister: Kathy Allen.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cocalico Community Church, 1200 W. Swartzville Road, Reinholds. An additional viewing will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m., with Pastor Jon Miklas officiating. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, where full military honors will be accorded.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Rock Steady Boxing, 136 W. Main St. #200, Leola, PA 17540; or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 S.E. First St. #800, Miami, FL 23131.

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

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Mabel N. (Martin) Martin, 90, of Ephrata, passed away Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at Fairmount Homes.

She was born in Ephrata to the late John N. and Mary (Nolt) Martin, and was the wife of the late Titus H. Martin, who passed away in 2016.

Mabel was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference). She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Susan, wife of Leroy Martin of Geneva, N.Y.; Curvin, husband of Edith Martin of Memphis, Mo.; Nelson, husband of Alma Martin of Mount Joy; Nancy, wife of the late Paul Brubaker of Romulus, N.Y.; Titus Jr., husband of Lois Martin of East Earl; Mary, wife of Curvin Good of Narvon; Virginia, wife of Darryl Eberly of Loysville; Rosene, wife of Shelley Musser of Lititz; Sylvia, wife of Cleason High of Ephrata; Arthur, husband of Janice Martin of Lebanon; daughters-in-law; Elaine Martin of Ephrata; Lorraine (Martin), wife of Daniel Faus of Waterloo, N.Y.; 87 grandchildren; 211 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Mary, wife of the late Melvin Martin of Ephrata.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five children: Walter and Wesley Martin; infant children John, Leon and Martha Martin; a granddaughter: Amy High; two great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother: Elam Martin; and five sisters: Anna Martin, Alta Lehman, Edna Martin, Minerva Horning and Laura Weaver.

Services were held Oct. 30 at Groffdale Mennonite (Frame) Church, with Bishop Curvin Zimmerman officiating. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.

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

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Terry Lemar Lefever, 77, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at Lancaster General Hospital-Penn Medicine after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Lincoln to the late Christian W. and Bertha (Irwin) Lefever, and was the husband of Shirley A. (High) Lefever.

He was a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ephrata.

Terry was a photographer for Science Press in Ephrata for 40 years before retiring. He was a graduate of Ephrata High School, Class of 1959 and a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

A 32nd Degree Mason, he was a member of Ephrata Blue Lodge #665 F.&A.M., the Rajah Shrine, Tall Cedars of Lebanon-Lancaster Forest and Eastern Star Lititz Springs Chapter #499 O.E.S., Manheim. He was also a lifetime member of the Ephrata Amvets Post #136. He traveled extensively and enjoyed reading, hockey and spending time with family and friends. most importantly he enjoyed transporting patients to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, for which he received special recognition for a milestone award of 100 trips.

He was a loving and faithful husband and friend for 52 years of marriage and was eternally thankful for God’s many blessings of family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Terry is survived by a brother: Vernon, husband of Patricia Lefever of Ephrata; a sister-in-law: Nina Lefever of Ephrata; two nieces; and three nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Russell, Doran and Jack Lefever; and a nephew: Richard Lefever.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m., at Stradling Funeral Home, 201 Church Ave., Ephrata, with military honors accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Family will receive friends following the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in the Lincoln Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Terry’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140.

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

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Joseph Gradischer, 89, of Stevens, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.

He was born in Holbrook, N.Y., to the late Anthony and Ella (Proni) Gradischer, and was the husband of Dolores Jeanne Gradischer, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Joseph was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Lancaster. He served in the vestry for St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Mars. He was a member of the Chemical Engineer Society, a board member of Boy Scouts of America, and a Cub Scout Leader. The youngest of nine, he enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After college he worked as a chemical engineer for many years prior to his retirement.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by two sons: Michael (Virginia Ann) Gradischer, and Mark Gradischer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.

Interment will take place in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.

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

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Lena N. Nolt, 76, of Ephrata, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.

She was married 56 years to John J. Nolt. Born in East Earl, she was the daughter of the late Adam S. and Margaret H. Newswanger Zimmerman.

Lena was a homemaker and also operated Lena Nolt Weddings for over 50 years. She was a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.

Surviving besides her husband is a daughter: Susanne Z., wife of Bishop Curvin Z. Zimmerman of New Holland; six grandchildren: eight great-grandchildren; a brother: Adam M., husband of Jerrene Seibel Zimmerman of New Holland; and a sister: Margaret Ann, wife of Earl Ray Hursh of Middleburg.

She was preceded in death by a brother: Luke N. Zimmerman; and a brother-in-law: John David Kurtz.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. at the Weaverland Mennonite Church, 1120 Weaverland Road, East Earl, with Bishop Amos G. Martin officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center, 352 Martindale Road, Ephrata.

Arrangements by the Groff High Funeral Home, New Holland.

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Victoria Rose Zimmerman, infant daughter of Charles and Michelle (Knicely) Zimmerman, of Narvon, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at UPMC Pinnacle Lititz.

In addition to her parents, Victoria is survived by a sister: Lexi Dawn Zimmerman; paternal grandparents: Lester N. and Sharon A. (Shirk) Zimmerman of Narvon; maternal grandparents: John M. and Laura F. (Wenger) Knicely of Bridgewater, Va.; paternal great-grandparents: Irvin M. and Martha (Nolt) Zimmerman of Ephrata; Vera W. Shirk of Narvon; and maternal great-grandparents: Eunice Knicely of Dayton, Va.; and Willis and Ruth Wenger of Dayton, Va.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother: Brett Janson Zimmerman.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

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Norman R. Stauffer, 90, of East Earl, died after a short illness on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at his home.

Born in Ephrata, he was a son of the late David and Mary (Reich) Stauffer. His wife, Susie (Stauffer) Stauffer, died Dec. 4, 2008.

Norman worked as a missionary providing electrical and plumbing services at the Red Lake Northern Light Gospel Mission in Ontario from 1969 to 2005. Prior to that he worked at the former Favorite Nest Works in Martindale.

He was a member at Martindale Mennonite Church, volunteered at Christian Aid Ministries for the past nine years, enjoyed having coffee with his friends, and was a prayer warrior for his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are three children: Jim, married to Lois (Davidson) Stauffer of Wha Ti, North West Territories; Mary Elaine, married to Jon Peachey of Espanola, N.M.; and Steph, married to Dale Nolt of Ephrata; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Horace, married to Mary (Stauffer) Stauffer of Ephrata; and Lloyd, married to Etta (Zimmerman) Stauffer of New York; and a sister: Beatrice Stauffer of East Earl.

Preceding him in death are two stillborn grandchildren; five brothers; and five sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at Martindale Mennonite Church, 171 Hurst Road, Ephrata. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held at the church on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries, PO Box 360, Berlin, OH 44610.

To send the family online condolences, visit groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

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Mabel H. Snyder, 83, of Ephrata, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, at Lincoln Christian Home.

Born in West Earl Township, she was the daughter of the late Aaron E. and Minnie (Hoover) Snyder.

Mabel was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.

She is survived by two nieces and four nephews: Arlene Martin, wife of the late Melvin Martin, Seneca Falls, N.Y.; Edna Mae High, wife of Clair High, Lebanon; Marvin S. Hurst, husband of Ada Shirk, Savannah, N.Y.; Earl S. Hurst, husband of Ruth Ann Martin, Ephrata; Raymond S. Hurst, husband of Lois Good, Denver; Aaron E. Hurst, husband of Janice Weaver, New Holland; and 43 grand-nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her sister: Anna Mae wife of the late Phares Hurst; her stillborn twin sister: Miriam; three infant brothers: John, Melvin, Leroy; and two nephews: Lester S. Hurst and Phares S. Hurst Jr.

Her funeral was held Oct. 31 at Groffdale Mennonite Church with Bishop Curvin Zimmerman, Paul Newswanger, Richard Burkholder and Edwin Reiff officiating. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.

The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, was in charge of arrangements.

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Elaine E. Lewandowski, 59, of Stevens, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at home.

She was born in Philadelphia to Charles Caudill Sr. and the late Elaine E. (Tasch) Caudill, and was the wife of John M. Lewandowski Sr., with whom she celebrated 40 years of marriage on June 30.

Elaine attended the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall in New Holland. She enjoyed camping, spending time with her grandchildren, and watching home improvement channels.

She was employed with Bollman Hat Company and Henry Schein Company.

In addition to her father, Elaine is survived by her mother-in-law: Audrey Lewandowski; son: John M. Lewandowski Jr.; daughter: Amanda Lewandowski; grandsons: Ethan and Mathew Lewandowski; brother: Charles Caudill Jr., and sisters: Elizabeth “Sherry” Derr and Linda Caudill.

In addition to her mother, Elaine was preceded in death by brother: Edward Caudill.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Elaine’s memory may be made to AseraCare Hospice, 280 Granite Run Drive #180, Lancaster, PA, 17601; or Western Berks Ambulance Association, 2506 Belmont Ave., West Lawn, PA 19609.

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

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Arlene Mae (Wertsch) Dougherty, 99, of Ephrata, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at Keystone Villa.

She was born in Harrisburg to the late Dr. John R. and Jennie (Root) Wertsch, and was the beloved stepdaughter of Miriam Wertsch.

She grew up in Ephrata, graduated from Millersville State Teachers College in 1941, then moved to Drexel Hill to raise her family.

Her first teaching position was in a two room schoolhouse in Bareville. She taught primary school in Delaware County for 15 years while raising her children.

After retiring, she returned to her hometown of Ephrata, where she enjoyed connecting with classmates, volunteering for the library, traveling with the Ephrata Golden Years Club and participating at the First United Methodist Church.

She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, John W. Dougherty, with whom she enjoyed traveling and camping along with family.

She is survived by their four children: Sally (Vince) Tobias of Stevens; John (Joan) Dougherty of St. Louis, Mo.; Daniel Dougherty of Ephrata; Mimi (Jim) Weiler of Downingtown; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Nov. 2 at First United Methodist Church, Ephrata. Interment followed in the Hopeland United Methodist Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Arlene’s memory may be made to VisionCorps Foundation, 244 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

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

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Ronald K. Good

81, Ephrata, educator, LVC admission worker, was active in Lutheran Synod

Ronald K. Good, 81, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy.

He was the husband of June Good, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in May.

Ron was a 1959 graduate of Millersville University. He taught high school math and later became a guidance counselor. He ended his career in education as senior assistant director of admissions at Lebanon Valley College.

Ron was also active in the Lutheran church, serving as chair of the executive board of the Central Pennsylvania Synod, vice president of the Lower Susquehanna Valley Synod and member of the Commission for Woman in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata.

Surviving besides his wife are two daughters: Beth Corl, wife of Tony of Akron; Barb Bauder of Akron; and a son: Brian Good, husband of Jayne Good of Akron; six grandchildren: Lyndsay Dahl, Logan Corl, Devon Reed, Taylor Ziegler, Erin Rudy and Mason Rudy; and four great-grandchildren: Ruby, Lola, Nora, Cael and a fifth due in December; and a brother: Dennis Good of Franklin, Tenn.

Ron was preceded in death by son-in-law: Joseph Bauder.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 17, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. There will be no viewing; interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, PO Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502.

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

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Charles R. Boyer, 79, of Ephrata, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, at Keystone Villa, Ephrata.

He was born in Reinholds to the late Calvin and Elverta (Haldeman) Boyer, and was the husband of the late Jo Ann (Ruhland) Boyer, who died in 1992.

Charles enjoyed Major League Baseball, going down to the shore, gardening, and he loved being around people.

Charles is survived by daughter: Karen L. Leisey; son: Brett L., husband of Tricia L. (Machemer) Boyer; daughter-in-law: Tammy L. (Krepp) Boyer; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister: Kathryn E. Sweitzer; companion: Judith L. Sauder and her children: Susan A., wife of Guy Templin; David M., husband of Lori Sauder; Jeffrey L., husband of Laurie Sauder.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son: Patrick J. Boyer; sister: Janice E. Clair; and brother-in-law: Kenneth Sweitzer.

Services were held Nov. 2 at Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church, Reinholds, with Rev. Dennis L. Trout officiating. Interment took place in the Middle Creek Brethren Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Charles’s memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA, 17604; or Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, PA, 17569.

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

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William T. Sherman, 88, formerly of Ephrata, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 at Landis Homes in Lititz.

He was the husband of Ruth L. (Anspach), with whom he shared 61 years of marriage prior to her passing on Oct. 16, 2012. Bill was born in Shartlesville, son of the late John and Anna Sherman.

He was a 1948 graduate of Newmanstown High School, and graduated from Temple University Pharmacy School in 1952. Bill and his wife raised their four children in Ephrata.

He started working for Royer Pharmacy in Ephrata, in 1954. Through Bill’s leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Royer Pharmacy expanded from one to five locations. All four of Bill’s children grew up in, and remain a part of, the family business. Bill’s direct involvement in the pharmacy gradually decreased over the years, although he maintained an active pharmacy license.

Bill served on the Ephrata Area School Board, and later gathered and made contributions to the Landis Homes Caring Fund. His many interests included traveling, dining out, playing cards with close friends, photography, classical music, technology in all forms, scientific advancement, cars and motorcycles, current events, following the Phillies and Eagles, and golf cart and scooter rides at Landis Homes.

Bill’s greatest joys came from time spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his intellect, humor, persistence, and positive attitude.

Bill will continue to be deeply missed by his four children: Donald A. Sherman, husband of Donna J., of Ephrata; Robert O. Sherman, husband of Anne L., of Akron; Patricia J., wife of Mark E. Leaman, of Lancaster; and Pamela J., wife of Harold J. Groff, of Ephrata; grandchildren: Kelly (Kyle) Nardella, Amy (Paul) McHenry, Andrew (Tiffany) Leaman, Daniel Leaman, and Eric Sherman; and great-granddaughters: Lillian and Hailee, Claire and Evelyn, and Aubrey and Madison.

In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers: John and Herbert “Hip” Sherman.

Private memorial arrangements will be made at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.

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Janice I. Hostetter, 71, of Myerstown, and formerly of Stevens, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, at Stoneridge-Poplar Run in Myerstown.

Janice was born in Ephrata to the late Marvin K. Lausch and Irene B. Eberly Lausch on July 27, 1948. She was married to her loving husband, the late Aaron E. Hostetter, on Sept. 9, 1967. They shared 39 years of marriage before Aaron’s passing on Oct. 26, 2006.

Janice is survived by two children: Desiree L. Wagner of Denver; and Brett A. Hostetter (April) of Roundup, Mont.; two grandchildren: Christopher R. and Maria E. Wagner; one brother: Robert C. Lausch (Jody) of Lititz; a sister: Trish Fassnacht (Thomas) of Stevens; several nieces and nephews; and a son-in-law: Richard Wagner.

Janice worked as a medical secretary and was a member of Mellingers Lutheran Church in Schoeneck. She was a U.S. Civil War enthusiast and president of the Pennsylvania Oak Ridge Boys Fan Club. Janice loved music, dancing, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family and are under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata.

To offer condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com

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Shirley M. Maurer, formerly a longtime Ephrata resident, passed away at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.

Born in Denver on Feb. 7, 1941, Shirley was a daughter of the late Alvin and Esther (Miller) Meckley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward G. Maurer.

Shirley is survived by three children: Michael Shettel of Wilton Manors, Fla.; Jenifer Cammauf of Akron; and Ted Shettel of Lititz; two grandchildren: Noah and Lucy Shettel, both of Lititz; brother: Ronald Meckley of North Carolina; and four stepchildren: Gayle Sauselein of Harwinton, Conn.; Scottie Book of Coatesville; Tom Maurer of Pottsville; and Barbara Klumpp of Downingtown.

Shirley was the co-owner/operator of the former Shirley’s/Gil’s Diner of Ephrata and also co-owned and operated the former Conestoga Furniture in Brownstown. More recently, Shirley worked as a waitress at JD’s Sandwich Shop and Bright’s Restaurant.

Always known to greet people with a smile and positive attitude, Shirley will be lovingly missed by her family and many friends.

Memorial services will be held at Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, 100 W. Main St., Ephrata, on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Anne’s Retirement Community 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia, PA 17512, in honor of the excellent personal care that Shirley received there.

To offer condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

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Marie T. Sweigart, 75, of Elverson, passed away on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 at Reading Hospital.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Fox Williams. She was the loving wife of Frank S. Sweigart. They would have been married 56 years on Nov. 9.

Most recently, Marie had worked as a produce clerk at the Shady Maple Farmers Market from where she retired. She was a member of Hopewell Christian Fellowship Church, Elverson. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and volunteer work. She also liked collecting figurines and playing puzzle games.

In addition to her husband, she will be lovingly missed by her three children: David married to Virginia, Goochland County, Va.; Scott Sweigart, Reinholds; Donna Haas, Harleysville; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Nov. 11 from the Hopewell Christian Fellowship, Elverson. Interment was in Groffdale Mennonite Cemetery, Leola.

Arrangements by Furman Funeral Home, Leola. Condolences may be shared at FurmanFuneralHome.com.

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W. John Horst Jr., 82, of Elverson, passed away on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Reading Hospital.

Born in Ephrata, John was the son of the late W. John Horst Sr. and Thelma (Kilhefner) Horst.

After graduating from Ephrata High School in 1955 and earning teaching degrees from Millersville University and The Pennsylvania State University, John was employed as a history teacher at Scott High School in Coatesville.

He was a former member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata and The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Coatesville. John currently worshipped as a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln-Ephrata.

John was a world traveler and especially loved spending time in Hilton Head, S.C. He liked to play bridge and was an avid Penn State Fan.

John will be lovingly missed by his two sisters: Theda J., wife of Richard S. Raffauf Jr. of East Earl; and Harriet L., wife of Jay A. Stoltzfus of Ephrata; three nieces; one nephew; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1331 W. Main St., Ephrata. Memorial services officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Goodman will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Services under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata. To offer condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

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Lydia Z. Reiff, 91, of Ephrata, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Fairmount Homes after a short illness.

She was born in West Earl Township to the late Ezra and Lydia (Zimmerman) Burkholder, and was the wife of David E. Reiff, with whom she would have celebrated 71 years of marriage on Nov. 11.

A homemaker, Lydia was a member of South Hinkletown Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.

In addition to her husband, Lydia is survived by eight children: Edna, wife of Mark Burkholder of Myerstown; Vera, wife of Elmer Zimmerman of Lebanon; Pauline, wife of Leonard Hurst of Newville; Earl, husband of Anna Mae (Reiff) Reiff of Ephrata; Mary Jane, wife of Marlin Musser of Stevens; David Eugene, husband of Joanne (Nolt) Reiff of Loysville; Leon Reiff at home; Elvin, husband of Dorcas (Good) Reiff of Mount Joy; 49 grandchildren; 126 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; five siblings: Aaron (Ada) Burkholder of Shiloh, Ohio; Edna (John) Weaver of Kutztown; Elizabeth (Elmer) Weaver of Fleetwood; Weaver (Mary) Burkholder of Kutztown; Raymond Burkholder of Edino, Mo.; and two sisters-in-law: Lavina Nolt of Kutztown; and Mattie Burkholder of Versailles, Mo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by eight siblings: Lena Martin, Paul Burkholder, Mary Martin, Eli Burkholder, Esther Zimmerman, Anna Martin, Ezra Burkholder, John Burkholder; a sister-in-law: Mabel Burkholder; and three great-grandsons.

Services were held Nov. 11 at the South Hinkletown Mennonite Church, with Bishop Amos Martin officiating. Interment took place in the adjoining church cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.

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

The post Lydia Z. Reiff, 91, Ephrata, mother of eight, married 70 years, had 129 great-grandchildren appeared first on Ephrata Review.

Alice M. Steffy, 98, a longtime resident of Ephrata, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, at Maple Farm Nursing Center in Akron.

Alice was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Ephrata and worked as a retail clerk in the clothing department at the former Newberry’s in Ephrata.

She is survived by two sons: Donald G. Steffy (Sally Ann) of Ephrata; and Leonard J. Steffy of Leesburg, Fla.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Mildred (Eppenstein) Mountz; daughter: Linda Stephens; grandson: Shane Steffy; and five siblings: Harry, Harold, George, Wilson, and Arlene.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family and are under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Middle Creek Church of the Brethren, 351 W. Middle Creek Road, Lititz, PA 17543.

To offer condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

The post Alice M. Steffy, 98, Ephrata, Newberry’s worker, mother of three, Grace ECC member appeared first on Ephrata Review.