Ronald F. Leister, Sr., 80, of Stevens, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at his home.

He was born in Norristown to the late Harold and Jennie (Calhoun) Leister and was the husband of Ann C. (Murphy) Leister, with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage on Oct. 15.

In the earlier years he was employed with the Hilton in Lancaster, which he assisted in opening. He was employed as the director of sales with Kaplan Tours in Connecticut, and Paragon Tours in Massachusetts. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1999. He was a member of the Cocalico Sportsmen’s Association. and the National Tour Association. He enjoyed reading and was a fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and the UConn women’s basketball team.

In addition to his wife, Ronald is survived by three daughters: Margie, wife of Douglas Sing; Sharon Combies; and Donna Raposo and fiancé Jack Avilla; seven grandchildren: Jeffrey, Jennifer, Amiee, Christopher, Jonathan, Kenneth and Laura; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son: Ronald F. Leister Jr.; three brothers; and two sisters.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut Street, Denver. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with Chaplain Glen Beard officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Ronald’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.

Patricia A. “Pat” (Rutter) Hess, 72, of New Holland, died unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 in the emergency room at Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Pauline (Shiffer) Rutter.

Pat was employed by the Shopping News in Ephrata for over 20 years. She was currently employed for over 23 years as the night auditor by Comfort Inn, New Holland, last working Tuesday. She was of the Methodist faith.

She is survived by a son: David Hess and his wife Joni, of Lititz; a daughter: Barbara A. Hess of Lancaster; a brother: Rick E. Rutter of Pittsburgh; and three grandchildren: Dylan, Ryan, and Bryce.

She was preceded in death by a brother: Harold “Bud” Rutter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz. Friends will be received at the funeral home two hours prior to the service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to Children’s Miracle Network, c/o Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, or online at pennstatehersheycmn.org.

To place a condolence online, visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz.

Marlyce A. Balton, 75, of Lancaster, went to her eternal home Nov. 25, 2014.

Born in Bertha, Minn., she was the oldest child of the late Rev. Martin and Arlene Eastman.

She was the loving wife of David H. Balton; mother of six children: David C. of Ephrata; Daniel W. of Toms River, N.J.; twins Debra L. Edgington of Lancaster; and Dean A. of Wrightsville; Diana Sheehan of Lebanon; and Darren L. of Beachwood, N.J. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Services were held Nov. 30 at Lancaster Alliance Church, with interment in Conestoga Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. with a notation of “Great Commissions Fund.”

Online condolences may be offered at SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lancaster, handled the arrangements.

Lillian K. Fry, 95, of Ephrata, passed away on Dec. 2, 2014 at Ephrata Manor.

Born in Marietta, she was the daughter of the late George Washington and Isabella Irene Elder Kibler, and the wife of the late John H. Fry, who passed away in 1975.

Lillian was a graduate of East Donegal High School. She was the administrative assistant to the Superintendent of Donegal School District. She was a member of the former Marietta United Methodist Church, Mount Joy BPW where she was past president, Maytown Fire Company Auxiliary, and the American Legion Post #466 Auxiliary. Lillian also enjoyed playing bingo, singing and being involved in community service.

Lillian will be lovingly remembered by her daughter: Molly A. (Larry) Sollenberger of Ephrata; her grandchildren: John B. Fry, Jason S. Fry, Andrew J. Sollenberger, James E. Sostarecz and Janice E. Clause; her great-granddaughter: Elizabeth E. Clause; her sister: Doris Kibler Smith of Marietta; and her brother: Frank, (Joann) Kibler of Wrightsville.

She was preceded in death by her husband: John; her two sons: John G. Fry and Terry H. Fry; and her granddaughter: Kate E. Sollenberger.

Services were held Dec. 6 at Smedley Funeral Home, Marietta. Interment followed in Marietta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Lillian’s memory to the Maytown Fire Company, 160 E. High St., Maytown, PA 17550 or to the Marietta American Legion Post #466 Auxiliary, 19 S. Gay St., Marietta, PA 17547.

Smedley Funeral Home, Marietta, handled the arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at lifecelebration.com.

Eugenia Grivas, 85, of Akron, passed away Dec. 4, 2014 at the Maple Farms Nursing Center.

Born in Karpathos, Greece, she was the daughter of the late Constantine Sofillas and Maria (Prearis) Sofillas. Eugenia was the wife of the late Kosmas Grivas who died in 1977.

Eugenia was self-employed most of her life. She was very determined and driven with a “can-do” attitude. Eugenia’s tenacious, energetic and unyielding personality helped her overcome the many obstacles that she faced throughout her life. Eugenia will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her.

Surviving are five children: Maria Diatsidis of Greece; Nicholas Grivas, husband of Mari, of Wildwood, N.J.; Constantine Grivas of Wildwood, N.J.; Calli Glass, wife of Gordon, of Reinholds; and Irene Dovin, wife of Kim, of Lancaster; eight grandchildren: Kosmas, Anthony, Gina, Nicholas, Sasha, Jenna, Jeremy and Joshua; and four siblings: Vasilis Sofillas, George Sofillas, Michael Sofillas and Arhondia Tsoutis.

Eugenia was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Sara; son-in-law: Tasos; and a sister: Irene.

Services were held Dec. 10 at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Lancaster, with Rev. Alexander Veronis officiating. Interment was at Conestoga Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.

To send the family online condolences, visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz.

William R. Sweigart, 79, Mt. Airy, died Dec. 13, 2014, in Lancashire Hall, Neffsville.

Born in Cumru Township, Berks County, a son of the late Harry S. and Mabel (Dautrich) Sweigart, his wife of 50 years, Donna L. (Heimel) Sweigart, died July 31.

Bill was a Korean War Army veteran and worked as a mason with Snyder Construction & Latshaw Brothers. He was a member of Schoeneck Lions Club, past president of Reinholds Athletic Club and a fire policeman. He was very patriotic, enjoyed golf, quoits, NASCAR and loved animals.

Surviving are daughters: Michelle (Michael) Cisney, Ephrata; Lori (Anthony) Miller, Mt. Airy; sons: Keith (Sherry Zimmerman) Sweigart, Ephrata; and Michael (Deborah Potts) Sweigart; and Matthew (Christy Ayers) Sweigart, both of Denver; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two sisters; and four brothers.

A memorial celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. from Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Reamstown, concluded with military honors. The family requests that everyone dress casually.

Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Reamstown, handled the arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at goodfuneral.com.

Roy E. Gascho, 84, of New Holland, formerly of Kitchner, Ontario, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Garden Spot Village.

He was born in Kitchner, Ontario, Canada to the late Emmanuel and Melinda (Steinman) Gascho and was the husband of Martha F. Horst Kurtz Gascho with whom he shared 17 years of marriage.

Roy attended the Akron Mennonite Church and he was a member of the Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. He attended the Bahia Vista Mennonite Church, Sarasota, during the winters he and Martha enjoyed in Florida. He was the dealer principal of Gascho Motors in Kitchener, a role he shared with his late brother Carl. In his retirement years in Canada he was a full time volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Canada. In New Holland he was a member of the ROMEO club, and everywhere and always enjoyed visiting with friends, loved to golf and attend vintage car shows.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons: Brad (Karen) of Kitchener, Canada; Ross (Darren Gobert) of Toronto, Canada; step children; Cynthia Kurtz Hinkle (John, deceased) of Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; Melissa Peacock (James Kurtz, deceased) of Naples, Fla.; Darlene Kurtz Walker (John) of Lancaster; David Kurtz (Kathleen) of San Jose, Calif.; Joan Kurtz Barnes (Vincent) of Bowmansville; three grandchildren: Adam, Brianne and Alyssa Gascho; eight step-grandchildren: Caroline Kurtz (Brian) Scheirer, Emily, Cullen and Brendan Kurtz, Elisabeth and Andrew Walker, Vincent and Christian Barnes.

He was predeceased by his first wife: Grace nee Brenneman.

Services were held Dec. 13 at Akron Mennonite Church, Akron, with Pastors Jim Amstutz and Michelle Dula officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Roy’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Akron Mennonite Church, 1311 Diamond St., Akron, PA 17501.

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

Paul F. Salmeri, 81, Denver, died at home, Dec. 7, 2014.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., a son of the late Salvatore and Mary (Vazzana) Salmeri, he was married to June A. (Leone) Salmeri for 54 years.

A Korean War Army veteran, he was a member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Ephrata. Paul worked for Gem Construction and cherished his family.

Also surviving is a daughter: Mary (Mark) Russell, Lebanon, Ore.; sons: Salvatore Salmeri, Springfield, Ore.; and Louis (Debbie) Salmeri, Beaverton, Ore.; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and brother: Salvatore Salmeri, Queens, N.Y.

A memorial Christian prayer service was held Dec. 13 at Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Reamstown, with Father John McLoughlin, C.SS.R. officiating.

Rather than flowers, consider contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To offer the family online condolences, visit goodfuneral.com. Arrangements by Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Reamstown.

Helen (Miller) Lutz, 89, of New Holland, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at her home.

She was born in West Cocalico Township to the late Harry and Ellen (Landis) Miller and was the wife of Lester I. Lutz, with whom she celebrated 67 years of marriage on June 7.

Helen worked for Fleet Air for 20 years. She then worked for Victor Weaver (now Tyson Foods) in New Holland and retired after 14 years.

She was a member of Swamp Christian Fellowship in Reinholds, a member of the Conestoga Chapter of American Ex POW, and a life member of the National Ex POW Organization enjoyed attending the POW Conventions.

In addition to her husband, Helen is survived a daughter: Faye Elaine, wife of Dale Lober of New Holland; a son, Glenn Lamar Lutz of Leola; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin brother: Lester L. Miller.

Services were held Dec. 16 at Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Craig Snow officiating. Interment took place in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Fritztown.

Memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to the Swamp Christian Fellowship, 390 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, PA 17569.

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

Miriam B. Hurst, 88, of Ephrata, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Ephrata Community Hospital.

Born in Myerstown, she was the daughter of the late Elias and Rebecca (Bauman) Gingrich and was the wife of Louis Hurst.

She was a member of the New Haven Mennonite Church, Lititz. Miriam enjoyed spending time with her family, antiquing, traveling, spending winters in Sarasota, Fla. and going to the mountains.

In addition to her husband, Miriam is survived by four children: Erla, wife of Carl B. Weaver of Ephrata; Melvin, husband of Arlene (Weaver) Hurst of Ephrata; Glenn, husband of Karen Kay (Martin) Hurst of Stevens; and Louis, husband of Sharon Louise (Eberly) Hurst of Ephrata; 20 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a sister: Lavina, wife of David Martin of Myerstown.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter: Erma Newswanger; a son-in-law: Lester Newswanger; three brothers; and six sisters.

Services were held Dec. 13 at New Haven Mennonite Church, Lititz, with the New Haven Mennonite Ministry officiating. Interment took place in the New Haven Mennonite Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Miriam’s memory may be made to Fairmount Homes Benevolent Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata, PA 17522.

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

Mae G. Hibshman, 98, of Denver, formerly a longtime resident of Lincoln, passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 at Denver Health and Rehab Center.

Mae was a member of Mission of Love Church in Ephrata and was a longtime cook at the former Daniels Diner in Denver.

She is survived by three daughters: Joyce, wife of Ronald Sweigart of Ephrata; Darlene, companion of Paul Kurtz of Denver; and Connie, wife of Scott Sweigart of Newmanstown; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by her companion: Elwood “Woody” Daniels; and her parents: George and Anna (Meiskey) Weachter.

Funeral services were held Dec. 15 at Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata, with the Rev. Roger Hornberger officiating. Place of interment was Lincoln Cemetery.

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

Marian Elizabeth (Kline) Slawecki, 89, formerly of Ephrata, passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 at home in Union Township, Berks County.

Born in Royersford, she was the daughter of the late Erma Elizabeth (Coffin) and Howard E. Kline. She was the widow of Henry Adam Slawecki who died Jan. 5, 1987.

She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Ephrata Women’s Club, and she delivered and prepared Meals on Wheels in Ephrata and Birdsboro.

Marian is survived by her daughter: Deborah E. Custer, at home; a brother: Robert E., husband of Margaret Kline of Gilbertsville; a sister: Jeanne L. Lincoln of Pottstown; and her good friend: Esther.

She was predeceased by a sister: Dorothy M. Baker; and a brother: Evan J. Kline.

Services were held Dec. 16 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Berks County. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Gibraltar.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 N. 11th St., Reading, PA 19604, McGlinn Family Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 16052, West Reading, PA 19612-6052 or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6, Geigertown, PA 19523.

Dengler Funeral Home, Inc., Birdsboro, is in charge of the arrangements. To offer the family an online condolence, visit denglerfuneralhomeinc.com.

Vernon J. Leininger, 87, Reinholds, died Dec. 9, 2014, following a brief illness.

Born in West Cocalico Township, a son of the late C. Warren and Sallie H. (King) Leininger, he was the husband of Allegra H. (Kreiner) Leininger for 66 years.

Vernon graduated from Cocalico High School and studied agriculture at Penn State, State College. He was self-employed in the agricultural field his entire life and was a Master Farmer. His memberships include Mohler Church of the Brethren, FFA, Lancaster County Poultry Association, EAY Farmer, PA Poultry Federation, and was past president of Reinholds Lions Club. He enjoyed woodworking, showing sheep at PA Farm Show as a 4-H member, and especially driving his John Deere Gator around the neighborhood.

Also surviving are sons: Philip C. (Connie Showers) Leininger, Ephrata; and Michael K. Leininger (Deborah Barry-Leininger), Denver; daughter: Rose Ann Leininger, Cleveland, Ohio; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Erla Mae Levenson: Moravian Manor, Lititz.

A son, David V. Leininger, and grandson, Christopher Michael Leininger, predeceased him.

Services were held Dec. 16 at Mohler Church of the Brethren, Ephrata, with Pastor Carl L. Brubaker officiating. Burial was in Blainsport Cemetery.

Contributions may be sent to Mohler Church of the Brethren, 21 E. Mohler Church Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Good Funeral Home, Reamstown, is honored to be serving The Leininger Family. Visit goodfuneral.com to offer the family online condolences.

Jolene M. (Martin) Nolt, 22, of Ephrata, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.

She was the wife of Andrew Martin Nolt. Born in Lancaster County, she was the daughter of John Weaver and Brenda J. (Stauffer) Martin of Ephrata.

Jolene worked in the health-care industry as a certified nursing assistant for four years. She was also a member of Weaverland Mennonite Church.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she is survived by her in-laws: Galen L. and Betty S. (Martin) Nolt of Bethel; four brothers: Cleason R., husband of Rebecca (Huggins) Martin, of Akron; Darryl L., husband of Shirley (Weaver) Martin, of Ephrata; Jonathan L. Martin of Ephrata; and Timothy R. Martin of Ephrata; two sisters: Janelle R. (Martin) Nolt, wife of Dean, of Ephrata; and Sheila A. Martin of Ephrata; a niece: Haley; three nephews: Sean, Kobe, and Collin; maternal grandparents: Melvin and Mabel Stauffer; and paternal grandparents: Paul and Anna Mae Martin.

Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl, with Pastors Brian Martin and Nevin Hurst officiating. Interment will be in the Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wednesday Dec. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Weaverland Mennonite Church and on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at groffeckenroth.com.

Dr. Theodore L. Soistmann Jr. (Ted), 80, of Ephrata, went home to be with his Lord Dec. 16, 2014 at The Ephrata Manor surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Camden, N.J., he was the son of the late Theodore L. Soistmann and Ruth (Paulson) Soistmann Harrington. He was the devoted husband of Nancy Kathleen (Clifton) Soistmann for 55 wonderful years.

A student of Woodstown High School in New Jersey and graduate of Bullis Preparatory School, Ted continued on to the Naval Academy where he was a midshipman and seaman apprentice. Following his service in the military, he received his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College, Masters from Rutgers University and EdD from the University of Tennessee.

Ted served as school superintendent of Sauquoit Valley Central School, Sauquoit, N.Y.; Derry Township School District, Hershey, from 1974 to 1983 and retired from the Ephrata Area School District, Ephrata, where he was superintendent from 1983 to 1998. Throughout his career he was a teacher, principal and college professor with a passion for education and “youngsters.”

He was very active at Ephrata Reformed Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. Through the years he served in the following areas: President of the Ephrata Rotary Club, President of the Golden Years Club, member of the Eberbach Committee, life member of Phi Delta Kappa and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators and he was an Eagle Scout who also served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

In his spare time he enjoyed running, backpacking, traveling and camping with his family. He attended as many school music and sporting events as he possibly could to support his students and staff.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Nancy, are his children: David L. Soistmann, husband of Kirsten (Nagy) Soistmann of Yorktown, Va.; Heather C. Soistmann of Edgewater, Colo.; Kathleen R. (Soistmann) Walter, wife of Todd Walter of Landisville; seven grandchildren; and his sister: Nancy (Soistmann) Richmond, wife of Peter Richmond, of St. Simon’s Island, Ga.

Services were held Dec. 20 at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Ephrata, with Rev. Thomas E. Nicholas officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reformed Presbyterian Church, 21 East Locust Street, Ephrata, PA 17522.

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

Theodore “Ted” M. Crowther, 93, of Narvon, formerly of Ephrata, passed away Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at Zerbe Sisters Nursing Center, Narvon.

He was born in Ephrata to the late James and Esther (Miller) Crowther and was the husband of the late Vivian Y. (Fasnacht) Crowther who passed away in 2013.

Ted was a member of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren. He had worked as a tile setter for Banta Tile and Marble Company, Lancaster for 35 years. Ted served in the US Army during WWII and was a member of the Cloister Post #429, American Legion and Cocalico Post #3376 V.F.W. In the early years he enjoyed bowling and later boating, hunting, fishing and visiting his vacation property at Pot Nets Community in Delaware. He especially enjoyed his family and attending his grandchildren’s various sporting activities.

He is survived by a daughter: Donna Y.,wife of Craig Rockey of Gettysburg; a son: Timothy Crowther of Ephrata; five grandchildren: Eric, husband of Colleen Flannigan Rockey; Christopher (Chip) Rockey; Nicholas, husband of Sarah (Coiner) Crowther; Ryan S., husband of Hanna (Kollbocker) Crowther; Blake K. Crowther; and four great-grandchildren: Skylar and Tucker Rockey, Lydia and Phinehas Crowther.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by a son: Jeff Crowther; a daughter-in-law: Julia A. (Wrench) Crowther; siblings: Jerome M. Crowther, Beatrice Herr, Emily Sweigart, Ethel Brubaker, Esther Gerhard, William Crowther, Gertrude Schoenberger, George Crowther, James Crowther, Naomi Witmer, Minerva Frymyer, Leroy Crowther, Irene Leed and Charles Crowther. Ted was the last survivor of the 15 Crowther children.

A viewing will be held Monday, Dec. 29, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, 201 Crescent Avenue, Ephrata, followed by his funeral service at 1:30 p.m., with Pastors Rob Eshleman and Galen Hackman officiating. Interment will take place in the Middle Creek Brethren Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Avenue, Lebanon, PA 17042.

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

John P. Flanigan Sr. “Jack” of Reinholds, passed away Dec. 12, 2014.

Jack was the loving husband of Erma C. Flanigan. He was born in Lock Haven to the late Donald and Christine Flanigan.

Jack’s hobbies included NASCAR racing, hunting and football.

He is survived by his son: John P. Flanigan Jr.; daughter- in-law: Sharon A. Flanigan; grandchildren: Jessica Flanigan, Justin Hersh, Tiffany Griesemer and Brittany Latshaw; three great-grandchildren; sisters: Margaret and husband Richard Hoy, Jean Barner and Donna Wooster.

Cremation Services of Lancaster handled the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family, visit LancasterCremations.com.

Richard Lee Hersh, 64, of Denver, died unexpectedly of natural causes Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014.

Born in Mohnton, he was the son of the late Frank Z. and Irene (Good) Hersh. He was married 27 years on March 27 to Corinne (Matz) Hersh.

Richard worked as an equipment operator for Lyons & Hohl in Honey Brook for many years. He was also a Christian and enjoyed hunting.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children: Shawn, married to Lori Hersh of Denver; Heather, married to Mike Brechtlein of Reinholds; Paul, married to Miranda Pchola of Mohnton; and Brian Hersh at home; four grandchildren; a brother: Frank V., married to Rosanna Hersh of Terre Hill; and a sister: Teresa Amsbaugh of Honey Brook.

Preceding him in death are five sisters and a brother: Bernice Hersh, Arlene Loose, Marian Fox, Gerald Hersh, LaVerne Good, Marie Hersh.

A memorial service was held Dec. 20 at the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, with Pastor Stephen P. Cote officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908, or to Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

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

Marlyn S. Gockley, 76, of Lititz, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, at Ephrata Nursing Home.

He was born in Lancaster County to the late Ralph and Mary S. (Shennberger) Gockley and was the husband of Mary H. (Hammer) Gockley, whom he married Sept. 17, 1960.

Marlyn served in the U.S. Navy. He worked for Yellow Freight and retired after 35 years of service. In his earlier years, he was employed with Warner Lambert for 14 years. He enjoyed playing golf and going fishing.

In addition to his wife, Marlyn is survived by a son: Troy A. Gockley of Thornton, Colo.; a grandson: Zachary Gockley; a granddaughter: Victoria Reese; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by three sisters: Betty Nolt, Christine Lefever, and Naomi Fritz.

Services were held Dec. 19 at Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, Denver, with Brian Hammer officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

Mary H. Gockley, 96, a resident of Luther Acres in Lititz, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014.

Born in West Cocalico Township on Feb. 13, 1918, Mary was a daughter of the late Elmer Eberly Gockley and Amanda Hagy Henly Gockley and was baptized April 20, 1919.

Mary graduated from Denver High School and held degrees from the Reading Hospital for nursing and the University of Pennsylvania.

She practiced nursing and taught in several schools of nursing in Philadelphia for 41 years. During World War II, Mary specialized in contagious disease nursing.

Mary was honored on two occasions (1970 and 1974) for “Distinguished service in the education of nursing students” and “the care of pediatric patients” by the board of trustees, the medical staff, and the nursing school faculty of the Philadelphia General Hospital.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother: Jacob Henly Gockley; and two sisters: Marian Grace Roseboro and Amanda A. Baum. Mary was the last of her immediate family.

Funeral services were held Dec. 20 at Mellingers Lutheran Church, Stevens-Schoeneck, with Rev. Timothy L. Craven officiating. Mary was interred in Mellinger’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Mary’s memory to the Water Street Rescue Mission at wsm.org or, to the American Red Cross at redcross.org.

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