Richard A. “Pop Pop” “Sonny” Weaver Jr., 69, of Ephrata, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at his home.

He was born in Lauschtown to the late Richard and Nora (Weinhold) Weaver and was the husband of the late Barbara J. (Border) Weaver who died on May 30, 2008.

Richard enjoyed hunting and bingo, and was an avid fan of the Ephrata Fair, Philadelphia Flyers, Phillies and Eagles, and the Hershey Bears. He also loved hunting at the family cabin in Schuylkill County, and was a former PTA member, and a Cub Scout Leader for Pack 75 of Ephrata. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.

Richard worked as a driver for the service parts department for Sperry in New Holland for 38 years prior to his retirement.

Richard is survived by a son: Scott R., husband of Shari L. (Rabold) Weaver of Stevens; a daughter: Jill K., wife of Thomas D. Spencer of Stevens; three grandchildren: Karena Spencer, Lindsay N. Weaver, and Owen S. Weaver; a brother: Carl Weaver of Ephrata; and four sisters: Ruth, wife of Leroy Mumma of Denver; Shirley, wife of Ellis Pritts of Somerset; Grace, wife of the late Haskell Firestone of Denver; and Mary, wife of John Getz of Reinholds.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother: Clair Weaver.

Services were held Sept. 29 at Mellinger’s Lutheran Church, Stevens, with Rev. Timothy Craven officiating. Interment followed in the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

If desired memorial contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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

William T. Newell, 74, of Ephrata, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy.

He was born in Philadelphia to Evelyn Koscvo of Bethlehem and was the husband of Jean M. (Lindemuth) Newell. The couple would have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Jan. 22, 2015.

William had worked in the office for Storage USA and previously was a supervisor for a high rise painting company in Florida. He served his country in the US Marine Corps and was a past Exalted Ruler at the Ephrata Lodge B.P.O. Elks #1933. Along with his wife, he operated an antique stand at the 272 Antique Market. William was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping, going to auctions and was an Eagles fan.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by a son: Tom Newell; a daughter: Theresa Newell; and a brother.

He was preceded in death by a son: Scott Newell.

Services were held Sept. 27 at Stradling Funeral Home, Akron. Interment 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.

Robert J. “Sonny” Boley, 76, of New Holland, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014 in Mount Joy after a lengthy illness.

Born in East Earl, he was the son of the late Paul and Amanda I. (Sandoe) Boley. He was married 43 years on Sept. 4 to Anita (Glass) Boley. His first wife, Edna (Allmoney) Boley, died in 1969.

Robert was a welder with Simon Ladder Towers in Akron until 1992 when he became disabled. He was a member of Mt. Culmen E.C. Church. He enjoyed making wood crafts and attending craft shows.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter: Robin L. Keeling of Jacksonville, Fla.; three grandchildren; a step-son: David, married to Lorrie (Connor) Hillard of New Holland; a stepdaughter: Donna, married to Scott Mathiot of Lancaster; three step grandchildren; one step great-granddaughter; and seven brothers and sisters: Dorothy White of Hamburg; David, married to Mildred (Hanna) Boley of New Holland; Vonnie, married to Melvin Boley of Blue Ball; Malcolm, married to Shelba (Hollinger) Boley of New Holland; Sharon, married to Gerald McEldorney of New Holland; Deborah, married to Robert Chamberlain of New Holland’ and Rickey L., married to Wilma (Parsons) Boley of Orbisonia.

Preceding him in death is a grandson; and two brothers: Paul H. and Larry Boley.

Funeral services were held Sept. 30, at Mt. Culmen E. C. Church, East Earl, with the Reverend Glenn Miller officiating. Interment followed in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

To send the family online condolences, visit groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.

Sarah E. Burkins, 90, of Ephrata, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Conestoga View.

She had attended the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata and enjoyed sewing and cooking as hobbies.

Sarah is survived by her husband: Jay J. Burkins; a son: Guy A. Burkins, at home; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son: Jay Burkins Jr.; two brothers: Jacob and Perry Mersinger.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Sarah’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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

Raymond Leland Lane, 55, of Clay Township, was called by his Father to his heavenly home Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014.

Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Raymond L. and Bessie (Scott) Lane.

Raymond was an electrician and a social member of the Amvets of Ephrata. He enjoyed woodworking, hiking, and spending time with his loved ones.

Raymond is survived two sons: Petty Officer Lane, Christapher M., USN, and his wife Rebekah, of Virginia Beach, Va.; and Petty Officer Lane, Daniel W., USN, and his wife Glynda, of Rota, Spain; a grandson: Viktor Lane, son of Daniel; a fiancée: Rosemary S. Weidman; a brother-in-law: Gary Mieczkowski; a nephew: Chad Mieczkowski; a niece: Tara Townsend; and a loving dog: Scooter.

Raymond was preceded in death by two sisters: Carolyn Killian and Mary Mieczkowski, as well as his parents.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. To send the family online condolences, visit groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill.

Harvey Z. Hoover, 86, of Ephrata, passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at home.

He was born in West Earl Township to the late Daniel and Anna (Zimmerman) Hoover and was the husband of the late Eva H. (Nolt) Hoover who passed away in 2008.

Harvey was a member and deacon of the Conestoga Old Order Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

He is survived by six sons: Ira N., husband of Atta (Leid) Hoover of Himrod, N.Y.; Floyd N., husband of Ada Mae (Rissler) Hoover of Penn Yan, N.Y.; Elvin N., husband of Ella Mae (Zimmerman) Hoover of Ephrata; Adam N., husband of Elva (Fox) Hoover of Penn Yan, N.Y.; Mervin N., husband of Lucy (Sensenig) Hoover of Ephrata; and Vernon N., husband of Verna (Zimmerman) Hoover of Ephrata; two daughters: Amanda N. Hoover of Ephrata, and Marian N. Hoover of Ephrata; 41 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Annie Weaver of Orrstown.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by two great-grandchildren; three brothers: Frank, Amos and Ivan Hoover; and two sisters; Frances Martin and Lizzie Stover.

Services were held Sept. 30 at Conestoga Mennonite Church, West Earl Township. Interment took place in the adjoining church cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

Aaron N. Hoover, 86, of Leola, passed away after a lengthy illness Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at his home.

He was born in West Earl Township to the late Levi and Ellen (Newswenger) Hoover and was the husband of Esther N. (Hoover) Hoover.

He was a member of Conestoga Mennonite Church, Groffdale Conference.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by eight sons: Leon, husband of Lucy (Snyder) Hoover; John Aaron, husband of Elizabeth (Nolt) Hoover; Enos Hoover, Ivan Hoover, Paul, husband of Eva (Weaver) Hoover; Roy, husband of Martha (Weaver) Hoover; Amon, husband of Erma (Burkholder) Hoover; and Norman, husband of Jennifer (Gehman) Hoover; two daughters: Emma Hoover, and Ella, wife of Ivan Sauder; 61 grandchildren; and 65 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Daniel, Joseph and Ivan Hoover; two sisters: Ada and Emma Hoover; and a sister-in-law: Martha Hoover.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandchild; one great-grandchild; two daughters-in-law: Mary and Anna Hoover; a brother: Martin Hoover; and three sisters: Anna Mary Sauder, Katie Reiff, and Susanna Gehman.

Services were held Sept. 29 at Conestoga Mennonite Church, Ephrata, with Bishop Ammon Weaver officiating. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery. Kindly omit flowers.

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

Dennis L. “Deets” Dietrich, 63, of Manheim, passed away at home Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.

Denny was born in Reamstown to the late Lester Dietrich and Helen Stover. He had been married for 30 years to Patti Dietrich and continued their long friendship following separation.

Denny was employed by NTN-BCA for over 35 years until his retirement. He was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed Harley motorcycles, carpentry, and collecting antiques.

Denny is survived by two children: Justin Dietrich, husband of Caitlin, of Philadelphia; and Melissa Riehl, wife of Michael, of Stevens; two grandchildren: Carley and Michael; and two sisters: Donna Barto, wife of Terry, of Hopeland; and Bonnie Kendig, of Elizabethtown. Denny also leaves behind his beloved dog: Mocha.

A service was held Sept. 29 at Denny’s home in Manheim with Rev. Dwight Lefever officiating.

To leave the family an online condolence, visit snyderfuneralhome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lancaster, handled the arrangements.

Irene M. Wealand, 97, of Stevens, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at her son’s home.

She was born in Lititz to Harry and Nora (Wolf) Martin and was the wife of the late John H. Wealand.

She was a member of Hopeland United Methodist Church and attended Mt. Airy Chapel Sunday School class for many years. She was also a member of the Loyal Christian Benefit Assoc., and the Snappy Snippers of Hopeland U.M. Church. She enjoyed quilting, baking, and making braided rugs. Irene retired from the Hopeland Mfg. & Walter W. Moyer Co., where she was a seamstress.

Irene is survived by a daughter: Thelma M., wife of Dwight Shumate of Valrico, Fla.; two sons: Barry L., husband of Mary Ann (Nixdorf) Wealand of Stevens; and Carl E., husband of Mildred (Steffey) Wealand of Brickerville; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and a brother: Benjamin Martin of Ephrata.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 10 siblings.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Hopeland United Methodist Church, 295 North Clay Road in Lititz. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastors David T. Ryan, Russ Eberly, and Thomas Truitt officiating. Interment will take place in the Hopeland Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to Asera Care Hospice 315 Primrose Lane, Suite 101 Mountville, PA 17554.

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

Robert C. Christy, 68, of Narvon, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at Ephrata Community Hospital.

He was born in Pueblo, Colo., to the late Charles W. and Muriel (Bostick) Christy.

He was a very active member of the Swamp Lutheran Church, and a member of the Eastern Lancaster County School Board for 10 years. He was very interested in high school sports, especially football. He enjoyed golfing, outdoor gardening, running and track.

Robert graduated from Hempstead High School in Hempstead, N.Y., and was a 1967 graduate from Muhlenberg College in Allentown. He worked for Travelers Insurance in Reading, as a commercial lines underwriter. He became the manager of Insurance Management of Washington Inc. in Lancaster. He later worked in the commercial lines for Loomis Insurance of Reading, and retired from Kling Brothers Inc. in York, where he was highly respected and excelled in the insurance agency.

Robert is survived by his wife of 45 years: Linda (Wehr) Christy of Narvon; a daughter: Laura, wife of Joshua Rapp of Marietta; a granddaughter: Ashlynn Rapp; a sister: Joan Christy Catalano, wife of the late Alan Catalano of Carle Place, N.Y.; and six nephews: Matt, Ben and David Catalano, and Charlie, Kenneth, and Dylan Wehr.

Services were held Sept. 30 from Swamp Lutheran Church, Reinholds, with Pastor Dennis L. Trout officiating. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Allentown.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to Swamp Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, PA 17569.

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

Kevin L. Gress, 55, of Denver, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2014.

He was born in Ephrata to Reuben Gress of Denver and the late Helen (Keenan) Gress.

Kevin was a U.S. Navy veteran. He worked as a store clerk for the Wine & Spirits Store in Lititz, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, and music.

In addition to his father, Kevin is survived by a son: Dustin R. Gress of Reinholds; a daughter: Tiffany R. Alleman (engaged to Kyle Gerber) of Reading; a brother: Dean, husband of Nancy Gress of Denver; two sisters: Diane, wife of Larry Dull of Lititz; and Tamara Gress of Story, Wyo.; and two grandchildren: Maxx Gerber and Alyssa Wloczewski.

Services were held Oct. 3 from Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Kelly Sensenig officiating. Interment followed in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

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

Gerald “Jerry” L. Carvell, 74, of Lancaster, formerly of Rothsville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Brethren Village.

He was born in Ephrata to the late Willis Carvell and Arlene (Ruth) Carvell of Rothsville. He was the husband of Peggy (Wealand) Kurtz Carvell.

Jerry had worked for Lance, Inc., for 38 years. He enjoyed micro midget racing, NASCAR, boating, was a corvette enthusiast and an Eagles, Phillies and Penn State fan. He especially enjoyed wintering in the Florida Keys.

In addition to his wife and mother, Jerry is survived by two sons: Todd Carvell of New Holland and Troy, husband of Lori Carvell of Aspers; two step sons: Brad, husband of Marilyn Kurtz of Lancaster and Doug Kurtz of Slidell, La.; a step daughter: Deb Kurtz, companion of Bill Weik of Lititz; four grandchildren: Megan Worley, Bill (Ashley) Carvell, Mike Carvell, Olivia Carvell; two step grandsons: Hunter Kurtz and Wyatt Kurtz-Deutsch; a great-grandson: Weston Carvell; a brother: Sydney Carvell of Centerville, Va.; and a sister: Sylvia Gwinn of Lititz.

Services were held Oct. 4 at Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lancaster, with the Rev. Dr. C. William Wealand and Chaplain Mark Tedford officiating.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17522 or Alzheimer’s Association, Greater PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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

Ella Mae Spotts, 95, of Ephrata, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2014 at Ephrata Manor.

Ella was a daughter of the late Milton and Edna (McGinnis) Landis. Her first husband, the late Leon E. Kopp, passed away July 22, 1971 and her second husband, the late Wilbur C. Spotts, passed away June 6, 2010.

She is survived by a son: Rodney Kopp, and his wife Pamela, of Lititz; a step-daughter, Carla, wife of Michael Weitzel of Terre Hill; two grandsons: Janson and Travis Kopp; two step-grandchildren: John Buckwalter III and Molly Buckwalter; a sister, Sarah Landis of Lancaster; and a brother, Richard Landis of Lancaster.

Services were held Oct. 3 at Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata, with Rev. Herbert A. Lohr officiating. Place of interment was Fairview Cemetery in Denver.

Those who desire may make donations in Ella’s memory to the charity of their choice.

To send an online condolence visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata, handled the arrangements.

Joan Eileen Seymour, 66, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, after fighting a five-year long illness. She was surrounded by her family at her home in Akron.

Born June 23, 1948 in Chester to the late Clifford G. and Barbara L. (Howard) Mullett

Joan graduated from Chichester High School in 1966, she went on to attend Houghton College and graduated in 1970 with a major in English. In 2005, she graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in education.

Joan was raised in Boothwyn and after college graduation she moved to Norfolk, Va. where she met her husband. They moved to Chester and settled in Akron in 1985.

Joan desired to serve the Lord in Christian education and was employed for almost 45 years by various Christian schools teaching children in grades K-12 throughout Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Grandview Heights Christian Academy, Ephrata, and Lancaster Christian School, Lampeter were where she taught most recently. She had a heart to help children who had learning challenges and earned her certification with N.I.L.D., National Institute of Learning Development. Her last 20 years in education were focused on helping children of all ages overcome those challenges. In addition to teaching full time, Joan also enjoyed working as a waitress part-time at the Akron Restaurant for 12 years.

Joan received Jesus Christ as her Savior and made Him her Lord at the age of 10. She loved Jesus and her family dearly. Joan lived every day for the glory of God. Faithfully praying for her family, her students, her friends and others she met along her path.

Joan loved herbs and gardening, going to beach with her family and blowing bubbles with her grandchildren. Joan and her family went to Colonial Meadows Family Campground in N.J. every summer for almost 30 years where many lifelong friends and memories were made.

Joan was a Phillies Phanatic and watched or listened to every single game. She inherited her love of baseball from her Father.

Joan encouraged her husband Mike as he fulfilled his lifelong dream of being a Pastor and supported him as he led the congregation of the Denver Bible Church for the last five years. She also helped him minister at various churches and organizations on behalf of The Voice Of The Martyrs. They were married for 43 years.

Joan will be remembered for her bright smile, her kind and gentle ways, her thoughtful and tenderheartedness and her desire to help others. Her husband lovingly describes her life as Proverbs 31:29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Joan is survived by her loving husband: Michael C. Seymour Sr. of Akron; a daughter: Corinne M. Adams, wife of Matthew M. Adams of Denver; three sons: Michael C. Seymour Jr. of Ephrata; Douglas C. Seymour Sr., husband of Christina L. Seymour of Denver; Brian J. Seymour, husband of Kaila L. Seymour of Ephrata; grandchildren: Virginia, Robert, James, William, Daniel, Cory, Zachary; Ryan, Kimberly, Stephanie, Douglas Jr. and Ruby; great-grandchildren: Logan and Coleman; and a sister: Barbara J. Kershner of Fort Myers, Fla.

In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her brothers: Russell R. Harris Jr. and Don D. Harris; and a sister: Cheryl L. Bilbrough.

.A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m., at New Covenant Church of God, 111 E. Chestnut St., Ephrata, with Pastor Rick Clark officiating. A private burial will be held for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be sent to N.I.L.D., 801 Greenbriar Parkway, Suite B, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

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

Shirley Fegely, 85, of Ephrata, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at her residence.

She was born in Fritztown to the late Clarence Ohnmacht and Margaret (Baker) Ohnmacht Schmoyer and was the wife of the late Donald Gunselman.

Shirley enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by a son: Michael Gunselman of Wilmington, Del.; a daughter: Donna Good of Denver; four grandchildren: Diana Hornberger, Angela Schnader, Jordan and Tyler Gunselman; and seven great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Evan, Mason, Sydney, Hannah, Harrison and Maggie.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son: Dion Gunselman; and a sister: Janet Gerhart.

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.

Esther E. Bear, 92, of Brickerville, passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at Hershey Medical Center after a stroke and brief illness.

She was born in Hopeland to Enos E. and Elva S. Ruth.

Esther attended schools in Lititz, Brunnerville and Rothsville. She worked in sewing factories in Brownstown, Akron and Ephrata. She traveled to 50 states and most of Canada and enjoyed meeting Roy Rodgers in California. She was an accomplished seamstress, crocheted and embroidered. She made “little dresses” for mission projects in Africa, Guatemala and locally. She also made quilts and lap robes for the VA Hospital in Lebanon.

In her early years she was a member of Brunnerville EUB Church. Before her illness she worshipped at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Manheim..

Preceding her in death were: Helen Schwebel, sister; and George Ruth, brother.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years: Mahlon Howard Bear; daughter: Nancy Cartwright (Rev. Dr. Jeffrey), Harrisburg; and two granddaughters: Marie Cartwright, Mount Joy and Sara Cartwright, Reston, Va.

Friends will be received at Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, 100 W. Main St., Ephrata, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and at Brickerville United Lutheran Church, 340 E. 28th Division Highway, Lititz, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church with the Rev. Scott Davis officiating. Place of interment will be Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, adjacent to the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Water Street Rescue Mission, 210 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

To send an online condolence, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Arrangements by Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata.

Anna Mary Weidman, 87, of Reinholds, passed away at her home Friday, Oct. 3, 2014.

She was the wife of Charles A. Weidman with whom she celebrated 68 years of marriage on June 1, 2014. She was born in New Holland, daughter of the late Amos and Geneva Rutt and the step-daughter of Mary Sweigart Rutt.

For over 20 years she was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Ephrata, having served on the altar guild for a number of years. Previously, she had been a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Leola for 37 years. She loved her church and enjoyed socializing with her church family.

Along with her husband, she was co-owner of The Woodsman Gun Shop of Intercourse. Anna Mary loved gardening, bird watching and going to their cabin in Tioga County. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter: Faye D., wife of Lester O. Houck of New Holland; two grandchildren: Melissa Houck Wardwell, wife of Donald Wardwell of Lititz; and Chad R. Houck, husband of Debi Zabransky Houck of Lancaster; four great-granddaughters: Elizabeth and Anna Wardwell, Riley and Morgan Houck; and two sisters: Sarah Weaver of Ephrata and Charlotte, wife of Robert Bellman of Reading.

She was preceded in death by five siblings: Clarence, Edwin, Amos Jr., Elizabeth and Nancy Rutt.

A memorial service will take place at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. with a time to greet the family following the service. Reverend Henry E. Herbener will officiate. Interment will be private, prior to the memorial service in Brickerville Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery of Lititz.

If desired, contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522.

Arrangements by the Shivery Funeral Home, Inc., Christiana and Paradise. Online condolences may be offered at shiveryfuneralhome.com.

Susan E. Herr, 40, of Ephrata, passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 in Lancaster County.

Born in Lancaster County, she was the daughter of Harold L. Herr and Linda L. (Heidlauf) Gerber. She was the stepdaughter of the late Wayne H. Gerber Jr.

She was a graduate of Penn Manor High School.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by a brother: David Scott Herr, husband of Pamela A., Lancaster; three nieces: Katelyn, Kyah and Lily; and a companion: David Miller, Ephrata.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at St. John’s (Hain’s) UCC, 591 N. Church Road, Wernersville, with the Rev. Dr. Jon A. Fogle officiating. A visitation will be held 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in Hain’s Church Cemetery, Wernersville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane League of Lancaster County, in Susan’s name, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, 243 W. Penn Ave., Wernersville, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at lammandwitman.com.

Shirley M. Metzger (Grumbine) (Beers) was called home Sept. 20, 2014. A former Ephrata resident, she died at Colonial Lodge in Denver where she had been living for the past three years.

She was born in Palmerton in 1930 to Preston and Mamie (Christman) Beers, Sr.

Shirley grew up on a farm outside Palmerton and graduated from Palmerton High School. She met Ray Grumbine while visiting her sister Pauline in Lancaster County and married in 1948, moving to Lancaster County permanently. In a mostly farm environment she raised three children: Robert Grumbine (Elizabeth) of New Holland, M. Eileen Grumbine of Leola, and Sandra Reilly (Dave) of Manheim. Also surviving are four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Her home was a regular gathering place for extended family on the weekends with her chocolate cake, homemade ice cream, and many other wonderful dishes. During this time she worked outside the home for Watt & Shand and Dutchmaid Clothing as an in-home demonstrator.

Divorced in 1972, she later married George Metzger who was a machinist at Federal Mogul. They spent weekends camping, boating, and traveling. She worked as a data processor for Victor F. Weaver Co. and computer operator for several other companies. Later in life, Shirley was an in-home caregiver. She loved being outside with her flowers and perennials, especially her extensive Iris collection. Shirley also loved clowns and displayed them throughout her house which included her favorite clown, Emmett Kelly Jr. George passed away in 2003; surviving are step-sons: Richard Metzger (Carol), and Dean Metzger (Rose), both of Lancaster.

Surviving are two sisters: Gloria Kreger (Harold) of Kresgeville, and Lillian Smith (Donald) of Palmerton.

Preceding her in death were two brothers: Cleo Beers and Preston Beers, Jr.; and two sisters: Miriam Burkhart and Pauline Hess.

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held Friday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Akron Church of the Brethren, 613 Main St., Akron, with Pastor Tom Weber officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Burial is private at the convenience of the family.

Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to the Akron Church of the Brethren in the name of Shirley Metzger.

Arrangements handled by Scheid Funeral Home, Lancaster. Online condolences may be left at scheidfuneralhome.com.

Elam S. Nolt, 77, of Ephrata, formerly of New Holland, died Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 at Lincoln Christian Home in Ephrata after a lengthy illness.

Born in New Holland, he was the son of the late John and Katie (Shirk) Nolt. He was married 55 years on Nov. 6 to Kathleen (Schaal) Martin Nolt.

Elam was a farmer and a block mason, and later he owned and operated Nolt’s Excavating in New Holland from 1977 until 2006 when he retired.

He was a member of Groffdale Mennonite Church, Weaverland Conference. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking, making walking canes along with toys.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children: Ada, married to Gerald Martin of New Holland; Sadie, married to Paul Good of Narvon; Steven R., married to Mary (Weaver) Nolt of East Earl; and Ethel, married to Ivan Kulp of New Holland; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Lydia, married to James Reiff of Farmersville; Martha, married to Joseph Oberholtzer of Leola; Esther, married to David Sauder of Colby, Wis.; and Elva Nolt of New Holland.

Services were held Oct. 6 at Groffdale Mennonite Church with the Bishop Curvin Z. Zimmerman, Edwin B. Reiff, Richard Burkholder, and Melvin W. Zimmerman officiating.

Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements handled by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.