Arlene F. Martin, 80, of Denver, died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 at home surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of Wilmer E. Martin for 58 years this past Oct. 2.

Born in Ephrata Township, Arlene was a daughter of the late Elmer and Mabel (Forney) Bollinger.

She was a housewife and member of Middle Creek Church of the Brethren.

Arlene enjoyed caring for children and served in the church nursery and 4-year-old Sunday school class.

Early in life, she and her sisters sang in a trio at various churches and weddings.

In addition to her husband, Wilmer, Arlene is survived by two sons: Shaun R. Martin, husband of Faye (Shaner) Martin, of Denver and Roger L. Martin, husband of Lisa (Nauman) Martin, of Lititz; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters: Jean Mummau of Lititz; Marian Stoltzfus of Lititz; Helen Kreider of Mt. Joy; Ruth Weaver of New Holland and one brother: Carl Bollinger of Terre Hill.

In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by a brother, Mark Bollinger.

Friends will be received at Middle Creek Church of the Brethren from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 7. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday with the Rev. John M. Hess and the Rev. Paul W. Brubaker officiating.

Place of interment will be Middle Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

To offer your condolences visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com

Ivan L. Fasnacht, 70, of Ephrata, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at Denver Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Lebanon County to the late Ivan and Elizabeth Fasnacht.

During his working years, he worked as a machinist at Sperry New Holland for 27 years.

Ivan is survived by a son: Brian, husband of Aundrea Fasnacht of Ephrata; a daughter: Lorraine, wife of Eric Sescilla of East Petersburg; five grandchildren and a sister: Amy Davidson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter: Denise Fasnacht and a sister: Betsy Eberhart.

A funeral was held Feb. 1 at the Stradling Funeral Home, Ephrata. Interment took place in the Heidelberg Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Myerstown.

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

Amy Katelyn Grace High, infant daughter of Cleason and Syliva (Martin) High of Ephrata, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at her home.

She was born at the Hershey Medical Center, Derry Township, she was a trisomy 18 syndrome child at birth.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings: Courtney, wife of Loren Nolt of Myerstown; Cari High, fiance of Kerek Zimmerman; Cleason Jr.; Collin; Titus; Zachary; Joshua; Katrina; Isaiah and Caleb, all at home; maternal grandparents: Titus and Mabel (Martin) Martin of Lincoln; paternal grandparents: James and Grace (Martin) High of Leola and a nephew: Trent Nolt.

Funeral services will be held Feb. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the Farm Crest Chapel with further services at 2 p.m. at the Groffdale Mennonite Church (Weaverland Conference), West Earl Township with Bishop Curvin Z. Zimmerman and Ministers Edwin Reiff, Clair Hurst and Richard Burkholder officiating. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers.

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

Kathryn M. Hirneisen passed away Sat., Feb. 1, 2014, at Fairmount Homes, where she resided for 2 1/2 years.

Born in Reinholds, she was the daughter of the late C. Menno and Florence H. (Weinhold) Fry and was the wife of the late Emory R. Hirneisen.

She was a member of the Faith United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denver.

Kathryn is survived by a son: Donald, husband of Mary (Eisenhauer) Hirneisen of Lebanon and a daughter: Ruth Ann, wife of Earl Nussbaum of Denver; a grandson: Erik and a great-granddaughter: Zoey; brothers: Alvin, husband of Alverta Fry and Eugene, husband of Hazel Fry, both of Denver.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Hirneisen.

A funeral was held Feb. 5 at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Kramer officiating. Interment will take place in the Fairview Annex Cemetery.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Kathryn’s memory may be made to Fairmount Homes Benevolent Fund or to the Faith United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Peter Porch Food Collection.

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

Thomas Nevin Kline, 68, of Akron, formerly of Warwick Township, passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at Maple Farm Nursing Center.

He was born in Ephrata to the late Lester and Nora (Eitnier) Kline.

Thomas was a member of the Jerusalem Church, Penryn. He was involved with the EARS program. He enjoyed working on the family farm, caring for his many pets and riding bike.

Thomas is survived by a brother: Allen R., husband of Sharon Kline of Lititz; two sisters: Doris J., wife of Kenneth Markley of Akron; Virginia A., wife of J. Larry Griffith of Akron; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held Feb. 3 at the Stradling Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor Jonathan Shirk officiating. Interment took place in the Brunnerville United Methodist Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Thomas’s memory may be made to the SPCA of Lancaster County, 599 Chesapeake St., Lancaster, PA 17602.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the staff at Maple Farm for their kindness and great care that was given to Tom.

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

Mary A. Martin, 96, of Ephrata, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at Fairmount Homes.

She was born in Earl Township to the late John and Lydia (High) Weaver and was the wife of the late Elvin M. Martin

Mary was a member of Valley View Mennonite Church. She was a homemaker and had worked at Walter W. Moyer Co. and Martin’s Country Market.

She is survived by two daughters: Mabel, wife of Allen Z. Martin of Ephrata and Mary Ann, wife of John B. Martin of Denver; two sons: J. Elvin, husband of Vera Martin of Ephrata and Leon E., husband of Marlene Martin of Leola; 10 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren and a sister: Lydia, wife of David Leinbach of East Earl.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers: David and John Weaver; two sisters: Eva Weaver and Fannie Herr; one granddaughter and two great-grandsons.

A viewing will be held Feb. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Chapel at Fairmount Homes, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata. Funeral services will be held Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the Valley View Mennonite Church, Gockley Rd., Stevens, with Ministers Nelson Nolt, Harold Good, Clarence Good and Lamar Garman officiating. An additional viewing will take place following the service prior to interment in the adjoining church cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers.

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

Paul N. Weaver, 83, of Ephrata, formerly of East Earl, passed away after declining health Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at Fairmount Homes.

Born in East Earl, he was the son of the late Ivan G. and Anna (Nolt) Weaver. His wife, Mary M. (Hoover) Weaver, died June 1, 2005.

Paul retired in 2003 after 34 years working in maintenance at Conestoga Wood Specialties in East Earl. He was a member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference.

Surviving are six daughters: Ruth Ann, married to Robert Horning of Cato, N.Y.; Arlene Weaver of East Earl; Mary Elizabeth, married to Nevin Zimmerman of Newmanstown; Dorothy, married to Jay Paul Hoover of Mt. Pleasant Mills; Carolyn, married to Clifford Nolt of Kutztown and Alta Jean, married to Keith Zimmerman of Snover, Mich.; five sons: Ivan Ray, married to Elva Weaver of Osage, Iowa; Harlan, married to Dorothy Weaver of East Earl; Melvin, married to Betty Weaver of East Earl; Jay Paul, married to Norma Weaver of East Earl and Jonathan, married to Karen Weaver of Narvon; 57 grandchildren; 85 great-grandchildren; a brother: Ivan Weaver, Jr. of Annville and a sister: Anna Mae, married to Paul Martin of Manheim.

Preceding him in death are two grandsons: Andrew Nolt and Kevin Weaver; three brothers: Melvin, Franklin, and Clarence Weaver; and two sisters: Frances Hoover and Elizabeth Martin.

Funeral services were held Feb. 5 at Weaverland Mennonite Church with the Bishop Amos G. Martin officiating. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers.

Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

Nino C. Belfiore, 93, of Lancaster, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at the Mennonite Home. He was the husband of the late Kathleen Hall Belfiore and brother of Gerardo and Patrick Belfiore. His son, Glenn, married to Nicole, lives in Ephrata.

Joshua Tyler Broomell, 13, of Honey Brook, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 at the Reading Hospital. Born in Lancaster, Joshua was the beloved son of Donald B. Broomell, Jr. of Honey Brook and Kristie L. Broomell of Lancaster. His maternal grandmother, Karen Firestone, lives in Ephrata.

Susie Horst Brubaker, 94, of Womelsdorf, who resided for the last nine months at the Richland Christian Home, Richland, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. She was the wife of the late George B. Brubaker who died Sept. 5, 2008. Her daughter, Susan and husband Daniel Horst, lives in Ephrata.

Geraldine (Kreider) Bradley, 68, of Palmyra, passed away at home unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. She was born Saturday, Oct. 20, 1945 in Lancaster to the late Bert and Blanche Kreider. Her son, Michael Conrad and wife Carol, live in Denver.

Stella E. Wilson, 71, of Lancaster, entered into her eternal rest Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Mary Elizabeth Archer Wilson. Stella had been employed at the Anderson Pretzel Bakery for 20 years. Her brother, Paul Wilson Jr., lives in Ephrata.

Irene L. Weaver, 90, died at her Lancaster home with her daughter Suzanne holding one hand and her caregiver Ronita holding her other hand, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014. Local survivors include her loving friend and caregiver, Ronita Weis, of Ephrata.

Jonas F. Zook, 88, Ronks, passed away at Conestoga View on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. He was the husband of Alverda M. Lapp Zook with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage July of last year. His sister, Aary, wife of Leroy Glick, lives in Denver.

Jean F. Lindberg

She was born in Conestoga to the late Adam and Marguerite (Hornberger) Redcay and was the wife of Ronald L. Lindberg.

Jean was a member of the Hope United Methodist Church, Ephrata, where she served on the finance committee and was active in the Wide Awake Sunday school class. She was a 1965 graduate of Conestoga Valley High School. She worked as an administrative assistant at Roy’s Body Shop, Lititz, until her retirement in January 2013. For 30 years she was active with the Ephrata Boy Scout Troop #73, where she also served as treasurer. She was an avid Department 56 and Longaberger basket collector. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending all of their sporting events. She especially loved lacrosse. Jean took great pride in her flower beds.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons: Ronald L. Jr., husband of Marjorie (Garofalo) Lindberg of Lititz; Shawn C., husband of Kelley (Sikie) Lindberg of Ephrata; five grandchildren: Stephanie, wife of Austin Bailey and Julie, Kyle, Dylan and Ryan Lindberg; two great-grandchildren: Snow-Lynne Bailey and Leo Xavier Bailey; sister-in-law: Maudine Redcay of Denver and a brother-in-law: James Lindberg of Ephrata.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother: Larry Redcay and a sister: Wanda (Redcay) Lindberg.

A funeral service was held Feb. 3 at the Hope United Methodist Church,Ephrata, with Pastor Victor F. Pronesti officiating. Interment will take place in Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Jean’s memory may be made to the Hope United Methodist Church, 3473 Rothsville Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.

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

Joan Adams-Ransom

She was born in Ephrata to the late Ralph and Ida Mae (Longenecker) Hirneisen and was the wife of Ralph H. Ransom.

Joan graduated from Ephrata High School, the Reading School of Nursing and earned a bachelor of science degree from Elizabethtown College.

Joan was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata, where she served on various committees. During her working years, she was an RN at the Eastern Lancaster County School District. She was a member and past vice president of the Woman’s Club of Ephrata, volunteered at the Ephrata Public Library, Eicher Arts Center and was an usher at the Ephrata Playhouse. She enjoyed reading, oil painting, cooking, baking, walking and doing puzzles. Joan liked to play cards and was a member of the Bridge Club of Ephrata for over 50 years. She especially enjoyed cooking for her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters: Barbara Adams, wife of Jon Sears of Atlanta, Ga.; Patricia J., wife of Mitch Komesz of Reading; a stepson: Richard C., husband of Julia (Harlan) Ransom of Albany, Ore.; two stepdaughters: Roxanne L., wife of William Burton Jr. of Newark, Del.; Ralynn R., wife of William Norris Jr. of Bear, Del.; three grandchildren: Natalie Lotspeich, Jonathan and Geoffrey Sears; 13 step grandchildren and 14 step great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband: Earl H. Adams; a brother: Donald Hirneisen and two sisters: Pearl Doremus and Arlene Beck Wingenroth.

A viewing will be held Feb. 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Henry E. Herbener officiating. Interment will take place in the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to the Ephrata Public Library, 550 South Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522 or the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522.

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

Lorraine Christel, 84, of Reading, passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 in Zerbe Sisters Nursing Facility in Narvon.

She was the wife of Donald R. Christel. Born in Ephrata, she was a daughter of the late Ruth (Shiffer) Steinmetz Auer and Charles Irwin Steinmetz. Lorraine was a graduate of Ephrata High School in 1947 and she loved to walk, read and garden. She was employed by St. Lawrence Carbonizing Company until her retirement.

In addition to her husband, Lorraine has one daughter: Lois of Reading; two sons: Neil of Hyde Park and Kent, husband of Sandra of Wyomissing; three grandchildren: Carly, Amanda and Megan all of Shillington and one brother: William Auer, husband of Priscilla of Port Treverton. She was predeceased by a grandson Gary J. Christel in 1995.

A service was held Feb. 7 in the Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. Mount Penn. Interment was private. For online condolences, visit lutzfuneralhome.com.

Irvin C. Messner, 92, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, at Garden Spot Village.

Irvin C. Messner

Born in East Earl, he was the son of the late Harry and Kathryn (Sharley) Messner. He was co-owner with his brother of the former Messner Bros., a hide dealer and rendering plant in East Earl.

A longtime resident of Ephrata, he served in the army’s 31st Infantry “Dixie” Division during World War II. He served in the South Pacific, including on Papua New Guinea and Mindanao, the Philippines.

Irvin was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons: Craig D. of Silver Spring Md. and David V. of Ephrata; two sisters: Mary K. of East Earl and Edith, wife of the late Lester Hess, Lebanon and a granddaughter: Genevieve L. Messner of Bethesda Md. He was preceded in death by a brother: Lloyd, husband of the late A. Kathryn (Fry) Messner and four sisters: Alverta, wife of the late James Fry; Edna, wife of the late Samuel Hess; Helen and Luella.

A funeral was held Feb. 10 at Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, with the Rev. Keith Irvine officiating. Interment will take place at Memory Gardens, Ephrata.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Irvin’s memory may be made to the Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave, New Holland PA 17557.

To offer your condolences visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

Rev. David Paul Unangst

He was born in Quakertown to the late Paul and Marion (Frey) Unangst and was the husband of Mary Ann (Holsinger) Unangst with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.

David faithfully served as a United Methodist Pastor for 47 years in the Eastern PA Conference. During his ministry, he served the Memorial United Methodist Church, West Carrollton, Ohio; St. Paul United Methodist Church, Mount Carmel; Covenant United Methodist Church, Bath; Long Memorial United Methodist Church, Neffsville and after retirement he has been serving part-time at the Salem United Methodist Church, Rothsville for the past five years. Pastor Unangst also served as Chaplain for several police and fire departments where he was presently serving the Rothsville Volunteer Fire Company. He was a 1963 graduate of Palisades High School, Kintersville and a 1967 graduate of Elizabethtown College with a degree in religion and philosophy. In 1970, he received his Master of Divinity from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. His hobbies and interests included Lionel train railroading, NASCAR of which he was a Tony Stewart fan and collectible cars. His favorite sports teams were the Washington Redskins and the University of N.C. Tarheels. He especially enjoyed family time and being silly with his four granddaughters and vacationing at the shore.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son: Brian D., husband of Heather E. (Quay) Unangst of Bath; a daughter: Julie, wife of Jason B. Perkowski of Lancaster; four granddaughters: Erin, Kristen, Katelyn and Allison and a sister: Kathy L. Unangst of Leola.

A celebration of life was held Feb. 7 at the Long Memorial United Methodist Church, Lancaster, with Reverends James B. Todd and Harry L. Kaufhold officiating. Interment service was held Feb. 8 at the Point Phillips Cemetery, Bath, with Rev. Michael J. Netznik officiating.

Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church, 1744 Old Rothsville Road, Lititz, PA 17543 or LUMINA, 20 E. Clay St., Lancaster, PA 17602.

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

Faye I. Beard

She was born in Ephrata to the late Mark K. and Florence (Boone) Frymyer. Faye was the wife of Robert D. Beard, Sr. of Stevens. They celebrated 61 years of marriage last November.

Faye loved going to the beach and the mountains, bowling and reading. Before retiring she worked for many years as a seamstress at Yorktowne Manufacturing and then as a cafeteria worker for the Ephrata School District.

In addition to her husband, she will be lovingly missed by her four children: Robert D. Beard, Jr. of Ephrata; Karen L. Miller of Ephrata; Stacey L., wife of Donnie Musser of Ephrata; Michael K., husband of Julie Beard of Lititz; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stradling Funeral Home, 30 North Ninth Street, Akron. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

Reuben K. Stoltzfus, 76, peacefully passed from this life to his home in heaven at Fox Chase Cancer Center Monday, Feb. 3, 2014.

He was born November 24, 1937 in Ronks. He is survived by his loving wife Rachel S. Stoltzfus with a wedding anniversary a week ago of 57 years.

He is survived by four sons and one daughter: Gary Stoltzfus and wife Lynne; Glenn Stoltzfus; Leona Smucker and husband Steve; Daryl Stoltzfus and wife Dianna and Carl Stoltzfus and wife Nikki; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He will fondly be remembered by his remarkable perseverance and strength to overcome obstacles, as well as his gift of love and music he gave to many. The family is so grateful for the gift of a CD that he and his wife had finished a few months ago.

A memorial service was held Feb. 7 at Worship Center, Lancaster.Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to American Cancer Society- Astrazeneca Hope Lodge, 110 West Laurel Avenue, Cheltenham, PA. 19012. This is where Rachel stayed (free of charge) during Reuben’s stay at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

To send the family online condolences, visit caringbridge.com and type in Reuben Stoltzfus.

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

Irene H. Beachy

Born in Manheim, she is the daughter of the late Elias and Anna Frysinger Hornberger. Married to Eli R. Beachy, they would have celebrated their 67th anniversary March 1.

A loving mother and wife, she enjoyed baking and zucchini bread was her specialty. Irene loved the time she spent talking and crocheting bedspreads with her daughter. She liked to write letters and had 23 pen pals. In her earlier years she worked at Naugle’s Garment Factory in Manheim.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter: Pat, wife of the late Lester Brotzman, Ephrata; sisters: Mildred Neal, Parkesburg; Arlene Martin, Manheim and grandchildren: Dawn Brennan, Holly Graham, Gene Snyder and three great- grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter: Gloria Woodring; brothers: Arthur and Clarence Hornberger and a sister, Shirley Hornberger.

Funeral Services for Irene will be held at the Richard H. Heisey Funeral Home, 216 S. Broad St., Lititz, on Friday, February 14 at 11 a.m. with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Manheim.

To send online condolences to the family, visit richardheiseyfuneralhome.com.

Zachary L. Meck

Zachary L. Meck 33, dairy farmer, actively involved in dairy industry, Cocalico graduate

He was the husband of Suzanne P. (Perdue) Meck, to whom he would have been married two years on June 30.

Born in Ephrata Nov. 24, 1980, he was the son of Joyce (Stoltzfus) Meck of Denver and the late Ronald Meck, who died March 3, 2012.

A 2000 graduate of Cocalico High School, he was in partnership with his brother, Jeremy, as a self-employed dairy farmer and began shipping milk to Land O’Lakes in 1998.

He was a member of Tulpehocken UCC, Richland, was actively involved in promoting the dairy industry, and served in the Land O’Lakes Co-op delegates for which he lobbied in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg for DPAC. He was a member of the Marion Grange and the PA Farm Bureau.

In addition to his wife and mother, Zachary is survived by brothers: Matthew, husband of Susan Meck, of Denver; Jeremy Meck of Womelsdorf; paternal grandmother: Norma Meck of Lititz and two nephews.

Funeral services were held Feb. 8 from Tulpehocken UCC, Richland. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1274, Lebanon, PA 17042 or Vickie’s Angel Foundation, 511 Bridge St., New Cumberland, PA 17070.

For online condolences, visit grosefuneralhome.com.

Ruth A. Long

Ruth A. Long, 98, passed away at her home in Ephrata Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, following a brief illness.

A Pottsville native, she was born Nov. 26, 1915. Ruth was the daughter of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Murton) Mellody. She was preceded in death by her brother, Rev. Francis Mellody, a Catholic priest who served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and by her loving husband, Frank P. Long, who died in 1989.

Ruth was a 1932 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and a 1934 graduate of Kutztown State Teachers College. She was a public school teacher for 44 years, starting her career at Norwegian Township School, Schuylkill County, where she taught from 1938 to 1940.

Ruth then moved to Lancaster County and from 1941 to 1946 taught at Schoeneck School, West Cocalico Township (it was a two-room school at the time, and Ruth taught four grades in one classroom). Ruth continued her teaching career at Rothsville Elementary School, Warwick Township, from 1946 to 1956, and taught generations of 6th and 5th graders at Lititz Elementary School from 1956 until she retired in 1983 to care for her ailing husband.

Ruth was an involved and much-loved member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ephrata for 73 years. She was active in the Ephrata Golden Years Club and the Yearlings group at her church.

Ruth enjoyed socializing, visiting and dining with her friends and former colleagues, crocheting, and taking bus trips to Atlantic City.

She was an avid pinochle player and gardener.

Many of Ruth’s friends honored her by asking her to be the godmother of their children.

Ruth is survived by more than 30 godsons and goddaughters, by hundreds of men and women she taught as children, and by dear friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Ephrata, Feb. 11. Final Commendation and Farewell followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata.

Donations in Ruth’s memory may be directed to OMPH School at the above address.

To offer your condolences visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com

Elmer E. Kopp

Born in Schoeneck Oct. 2, 1923, he was the son of the late Robert Petticoffer Kopp and Minnie Gress Schannauer Kopp. He was the husband of Katherine W. Gelsinger Kopp with whom he celebrated 63 years of marriage June 24, 2013.

Elmer entered the United States Army in February 1943. He served with Company F of the 143rd Regiment, 36th Texas Infantry Division. After his initial training stateside, he traveled to and trained in North Africa. He fought three campaigns in the European Theatre. For his heroic action in France, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest medal. In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, Elmer was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

In September 1947, Elmer earned his private pilot’s license and in 1948, he worked in a gold mine in Goldstream, Alaska. After returning from Alaska, Elmer took up farming. In the 1980s, Elmer grew Atlantic Giant pumpkins. The largest pumpkin he grew weighed 724 lbs. It was pumpkins like these which he supplied to the White House. In addition to farming, Elmer also worked as a mason for Harvey Snyder Masonry.

Elmer E. Kopp

Surviving in addition to his wife are his three children: Janet L. Knabb of Reinholds; Linda L., wife of Theodore Sauer of Reinholds and Lisa M., wife of Michael DeMarco of Cumming, Georgia; four grandchildren: Jennifer H., wife of Eric Kepple of Denver; Elizabeth M., wife of Jesse Zimmerman of Stevens; Michael and Sophia DeMarco of Cumming, Georgia and three great-grandsons: Hunter and Chase Kepple of Denver and Theo Elmer Zimmerman of Stevens. Elmer is also survived by two brothers: Robert Kopp, Jr. of Reinholds and Daniel Kopp of Stevens and two sisters: Joyce Bollinger of East Earl and Linda Beard of Denver.

Elmer was preceded in death by three sisters: Anna Mary Kopp (infant), Helen Fasnacht and Ella Griffe.

A viewing will be held Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 533 Walnut Street, Denver, and also from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday at the Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Dennis L. Trout officiating. Interment will follow in the Swamp Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.

Patricia “Patty” A. Flory, 54, of Ephrata, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 at the Ephrata Hospital. Born in Montclair, N.J., she was the daughter of Patricia Noll Shellehamer and the late Donald Lee Shellehamer.

She was employed in the distribution warehouse at Ten Thousand Villages, Brownstown.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by a son: Cody Flory-Miller, Ephrata; a daughter: Jessica Flory Yancoskie of Clay; three grandchildren: Alex and Benjamin Yancoskie and Shelby Eitnier, all of Clay. Also surviving are three sisters: Denise, wife of John Gibson, New Holland; Suzanne Shellehamer, Ephrata and Marybeth, wife of Renaldo Angelini, Jr. of Lancaster and four nephews.

In accordance with Patty’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be posted at thegroffs.com.