Metra Sharene Naraghi, 52, beloved daughter of Joyce Bixler Hooper of Wrightsille; and Masud and Taraneh Naraghi of Newburgh, N.Y.; entered into her heavenly home Jan. 31, 2016 at Hanover Hospital.

Metra was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., on Dec. 2, 1963, with Rett’s Syndrome, which presented enormous challenges. She and all who loved her persevered through these times to encounter happiness and joy, illuminated by Metra’s bright eyes and lovely smile.

Metra lived years far beyond what was predicted, and her life was graced by extraordinary, loving care and tenderness by all who knew her. She especially enjoyed music, and the birds and flowers of our wondrous creation.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her stepfather: James Hooper; and stepbrothers: Dr. Reza (Sanaz) Naraghi of Australia; Dr. Amair (Mina) Naraghi of Ohio; and Ali (Sepideh) Naraghi of Washington, D.C.; also step-siblings Patrick (Tara) Hooper; and their children Brooke, Nicholas, and Zoe; and Adam Hooper and fiancée Megan; aunts: Gwendoline Lehman and Bonita (Russ) Frey of Ephrata; and nieces and nephews: Jesse, Tim, and Regina, Eric, and Michelle (Chris) Cable.

Services were held Feb. 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata, with Pastor Henry Herbener officiating; and Feb. 6 in Gettysburg at Christ Lutheran Church, with Chaplain Eric Stenman, of Hanover Hospital, officiating. Interment will be held privately at Bergstrasse Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

The family expresses deep gratitude to all the caregivers and staff of Skill of Central Pennsylvania and the Dover Community Home for the quality of life and the excellent care that Metra received.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Metra’s honor can be sent to Skill of Central Pennsylvania Inc., 600 Linden Ave., Hanover, PA, 17331

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

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Landis Kent “Kenny” Eshleman, 74, of Ephrata, passed away Jan. 30, 2016, at his home in Ephrata.

Kenny was born in Lancaster, to the late Landis H. Eshleman and the late Florence (Simmons) Kreitz, on Jan. 26, 1942.

Kenny was a graduate of S. Horace Scott Senior High School in Coatesville. During his years there he was an avid member of the model making club, a hobby that lasted his entire life.

Kenny was a craftsman and worked as a machine operator in the production department of FMC/American Viscous/Cyklop Corp. in Downingtown for more than 40 years. He retired in 2003. He was a six-year veteran of the U. S. Army infantry where he was both a qualified sharpshooter and rifleman and, after a cook’s training course, served as a cook, stateside, during the Vietnam War.

Kenny’s dad, Landis, loved boating but Kenny was prone to seasickness, so he made radio-controlled model boats and sailed them at the marina and on Speedwell Forge Lake. He was looking forward to the lake at Speedwell being refilled after its forced drainage.

Kenny’s craftsmanship extended to repairing and restoring almost anything but especially Lionel trains. He was a dedicated model builder (usually from scratch) and sometimes said that he worked so that he could afford to pursue his hobby. He also built radio controlled airplanes and intricate ship models.

Kenny identified himself as a Christian and though he had no specific church affiliation he was a devoted student of the Bible and quoted it frequently. He is remembered for his patience and sense of humor. Though he was not a joker he could find enough humor in everyday things to even make himself laugh.

Kenny is survived by one son: Kevin Matthew Eshleman, and his wife Christina Carlisa (Williams) Eshleman of Ephrata; grandson: Esaiah Landis Eshleman also of Ephrata; a brother: Lynn H. Eshleman and his wife Shirley of Emmaus; nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Gravenor Home For Funerals 100 W. Main St., Ephrata. A memorial service will be held at 8 p.m. following the visitation time.

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

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Albert L. Fisher, 88, of Ephrata, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital

Born in East Nantmeal Township, Chester County, he was the son of the late Gideon K. and Anna Z. (Weaver) Fisher.

He was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ, Ephrata, and enjoyed playing bingo and walking. When he was younger, he frequently rode his bicycle.

Surviving is a sister: Hannah E. Martin, Ephrata, 20 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Elwood G. and Eli W. Fisher; and a sister: Estella M. Stauffer.

His funeral was held Feb. 8 at Mohler Church of the Brethren, Ephrata with John Fry officiating. Interment was in Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to Ephrata Social Services (food bank), 227 N. State St., Ephrata, PA 17522.

The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences maybe posted at groffeckenroth.com.

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Suzanne Shellehamer, 59, of Ephrata, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at the Audubon Villa Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lititz, where she had been a guest for one month.

Born in Montclair, N.J., she was the daughter of Patricia Noll Shellehamer and the late Donald Lee Shellehamer.

Suzanne was a graduate of Warwick High School, Class of 1975. She joined the U.S. Navy in 1978 and was stationed in Brunswick, Maine; and served in Iceland and Spain, being discharged in December of 1982.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by two sisters: Denise M., wife of John Gibson, of East Earl; and Marybeth, wife of Renaldo A. Angelini Jr., of Lancaster; and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Ann Flory.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be posted at thegroffs.com. The Groffs Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Lancaster, assisted Suzanne’s family with the arrangements.

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Pablo Osvaldo Catalano, 77, of Ephrata, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at home.

Born Jan. 9, 1939, in Berazategui, Argentina, he was the son of the late Salvador Catalano and Cesarea Barba.

He was the husband of Carmen Maria Catalano for 13 years. They were married Sept. 16, 2003.

Pablo was a police officer in Argentina for two years. He was also a businessman, who owned a coffee shop; and was the administrator of Corso Night Club, all in New York, for 15 years. Pablo was a member of New York’s Lions Club for many years.

Also surviving are two children: Hugo O., husband of Denise Catalano, of Long Island, N.Y.; Patricia I., wife of Daniel Mahod, of California; a stepson: Brian E., husband of Emma M. Garcia, of Lancaster; seven grandchildren: Amanda and Michelle Catalano, Jason Mahod, Timothy, Emmanuel and Emily Garcia, Lauren Margolis; and two great-grandsons: Kayden and Lian Callaghan.

Services were held Feb. 13 at the Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home, Lancaster, with Deacon Miguel Granda officiating. Interment was in the Mellinger’s Mennonite Cemetery in Lancaster.

To send an online condolence, visit scheidfuneralhome.com. Scheid Funeral Home, Lancaster, handled the arrangements.

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Etta Mae Sheaffer, 76, of Denver, formerly of Akron, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

She was born in Reading to the late Ralph and Gladys (Stoud) Schmeck; and was the wife of Carl L. Sheaffer, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

She was a lifelong member of the Mohn’s Hill Evangelical Church, and she belonged to the LCBA. She was a graduate of Wilson High School, was an avid birdwatcher, prayer warrior, and loved spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren. Etta worked as a teacher’s aide for Diamond Street Preschool.

In addition to her husband, Etta Mae will be lovingly missed by five daughters: Karen, wife of the late Phillip Trimber, of Chester County; Denise, wife of Stan Mellinger, of Stevens; Carol Sheaffer, lifelong companion of Jesse Snyder, of Denver; Diane, wife of Michael Wolf, of Stevens; Carla Sheaffer, companion of Allen Testerman, of Denver; two brothers: Bruce and Wayne Schmeck; a sister: Verna Shumate; and her wonderful 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by a brother: Barry Schmeck.

Services were held Feb. 13 at Mohn’s Hill Evangelical Church, Berks County, with Pastor Jeff Martin officiating. Interment took place in the Mohn’s Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Etta Mae’s memory may be made to Red Creek Wildlife Center, 300 Moon Hill Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

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

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Richard Glen Shober, 86, formerly of Adamstown and Denver, passed away Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at Ephrata Manor.

He was born in West Reading to the late Martin and Mary (Taylor) Shober, and was the husband of the late Marian L. (Gehman) Shober who died in 2012.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Adamstown. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed NASCAR, traveling, and going to public auctions. Over the years, he was very active with the Boy Scouts of America. Richard was a member of the Teamsters Union, working for HR Ewell for 36 years, driving long distances. Upon retirement he drove locally for several businesses until 2002.

Richard is survived by four sons: Neil G Shober of Pensacola, Fla.; Curtis G, husband of Denise Shober, of Rising Sun, Md.; Drew G Shober of Denver; and Lyle G, husband of Kimberly Shober, of Ephrata; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister: Ethel, wife of Pierce Lesher, of Adamstown.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Earl, Ralph, George, Edwin, and John Shober; and six sisters: Grace Kurtz, Arlene Emes, Helen Gensemer, Mary Trupe, Polly Emerich, and Edna Messner.

A viewing will be held Friday, Feb. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver, and on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 80 E. Main St., Adamstown. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Sandra Gideon officiating. Interment will take place in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 80 E. Main St., Adamstown, PA 19501.

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

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Nelson “Nellie” E. Martin, 74, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully of natural causes after a long illness, on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy.

Born Jan. 23, 1942 in Leola, he was the son of the late Allen N. and Edna Mae (Steffy) Martin, and the stepson of the late Lydia M. Martin. He was the widower of Kathy M. Martin, and was formerly married to the late Shirley (Sellers) Martin.

Nelson graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 1959. He was a 50-year resident of Ephrata, once employed by Engle’s Body Shop. He spent the majority of his life working as a millwright. He retired from Alcoa, Fruitville Pike, in the 1980s, and then began working for Dana Corp., Lancaster. He later worked at Armstrong World Industry, Liberty Street, and retired in 1999. While employed at Alcoa, he was the president of AWIU No. 415 Local Union; and while employed at Armstrong he was a member of Lodge 928 IAMAW.

Nelson loved to travel, visiting many countries in Europe, China, and many of the United States. He enjoyed auctions, being employed at Green Dragon Auction during retirement. He also enjoyed flea markets and was an avid reader.

He is survived by a daughter: Tammy S. Martin, fiancée of Bob Ross, of Lancaster; two grandchildren: Brooke L. Martin of Ephrata; Raine E. Martin of Lancaster; brother: Ronald L. Martin, husband of Jane L. Martin, of Lancaster; sister-in-law: Sylvia Martin of Strasburg; and several nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three nephews and two brothers: Gilbert S. Martin of Strasburg and Mervin A. Martin of Millersville.

Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Nelson’s memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, Pa 17552.

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

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Helen S. Hirneisen, 94, of Keystone Villa in Ephrata, formerly of Denver, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

She was born in Clay Township to the late Alvin and Erla (Meiskey) Steely; and was the wife of Elmer H. Hirneisen, with whom she celebrated 77 years of marriage on Oct. 1.

She was a member of Mellinger’s Lutheran Church in Stevens. Helen worked for Fleet Aire Corp. in Ephrata for 26 years.

In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by two daughters: Lorraine, wife of David Eberly, of Ephrata; and Janet Hirneisen of New Holland; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a half-sister: Betty, wife of Ralph Firestine.

She was preceded in death by a son: Kenneth B. Hirneisen; a granddaughter: Julia Hirneisen; two half-sisters: Readith Petery and Merla Lorrah; and a half-brother: Ray Showers.

Services were held Feb. 15 at Mellinger’s Lutheran Church, Stevens, with Pastor Timothy L. Craven officiating. Interment took place in the Mellingers Union Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to Mellinger’s Lutheran Church, 80 Gockley Road, Stevens, PA 17578.

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

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Rebecca S. “Becky” Fittery, 50, of Denver, passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

She was born in Lebanon to Clarence M. and Mildred M. (Weidman) Fittery.

She was a member of the Newmanstown United Christian Church. She loved making crafts, especially bracelets, and sharing with those whom she loved. She was a 1986 graduate of Lancaster-Lebanon IU-13. She enjoyed going to church and the Seyfert Camp in Birdsboro, and most of all she loved spending time with her loved ones, family, and friends, and she loved little children.

In addition to her parents, Becky is survived by a sister: Brenda A., wife of Rodney Becker, of Mount Penn; and a brother: Clarence E., husband of Linda (Sellers) Fittery, of Denver; seven nieces and nephews: Crystal Brendle, Jamie Rolon, Elizabeth MacFarlane, Matthew Fittery, Steven Fittery, Jared Fittery, and Tyler Fittery; and five great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother: David Lee Fittery.

Services were held Feb. 15 at Newmanstown United Christian Church, Newmanstown, with the Rev. Leroy Bomgardner officiating. Interment took place in the Millbach Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Becky’s memory may be made to the Seyfert Camp Meeting Association, 3950 Main St., Birdsboro, PA 19508.

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

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Clair O. Ansel, 87, Terre Hill, died peacefully at home Feb. 9, 2016.

Born in Reamstown, a son of the late Harry G. and Edna (Sweigart) Ansel; he was married to Allegra (Newpher) Ansel for 67 years.

A 1946 East Cocalico High School graduate, he maintained lifetime relationships with his classmates. Graduating from Libby Star Beauty School, Reading, he apprenticed at Hayden Howard Barber Shop, Reamstown, and then owned/operated Clair’s Barber Shop, Terre Hill, from 1948 until his death. Clair was an outstanding player of basketball and hockey in his early years; loved music; was an excellent cook; avid hunter, fisherman, and naturist; a Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan; and supported sports activities at Garden Spot High School, Elizabethtown College, and Bucknell University. He was involved in Terre Hill community activities. Clair loved animals and was always in the company of his dog “Cutie.”

Also surviving are his sons: Ted Williams Ansel, Mechanicsburg; and Dr. James C. (Rosemarie Meranti) Ansel, New Lebanon, N.Y.; granddaughters: Katie, Jackie, Deborah, Shanndah, and Ronda; nine great-grandchildren; sister: Marguerite Mohn, Akron; and brother: Marvin (Florence) Ansel, Ephrata.

Brothers: Vincent, Carl, Kenneth, and Donald, predeceased him.

Services were held Feb. 15 at Good Funeral Home, Reamstown. Private graveside services were held at Terre Hill Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers, and consider contributions to Terre Hill Playground, Box 250, Terre Hill, PA 17581; A.S.P.C.A., 848 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603; or Hospice and Community Care, Box 4125,Lancaster, PA 17604.

Good Funeral Home, Reamstown, was entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be given at goodfuneral.com.

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Elwood E. Kreider, 88, known as “Ellie” throughout his life, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Moravian Manor. He was a lifetime resident of Lititz. He was the husband of the late Mary Lou (Bender) Kreider and the son of the late Richard & Anna (Roth) Kreider.

Ellie proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked for Alsam Shoe Company as a machine operator, and later at Yerger Brothers until retirement.

Ellie had a love for baseball. He signed contracts with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He also played for county teams and helped Denver win the City-County Championship in 1957 with a .446 batting average. Joe Rineer mentioned Ellie in his book “The Ballplayer” numerous times. Ellie also coached baseball in Lititz (Warwick Phillies and Lititz Odd Fellows) for over 35 years.

Ellie received the Distinguished Service Award from the Lititz Area Jaycees; Service to Mankind Award from the Lititz Sertoma Club; and was Odd Fellow of the Year in 1979 for outstanding and dedicated service. The baseball parents put a plaque on the high school baseball dugout in honor of Ellie’s coaching the youth of Lititz. He belonged to the Lititz IOOF Lodge #1050, the American Legion, and the VFW. Ellie was a faithful member of the Lititz United Methodist Church where he had been Sunday school treasurer for many years.

Ellie was an avid Phillies fan. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball; bowling; playing cards; fishing with his grandsons; golfing with his son and friends; and attending all Warwick sporting events. Family was very important to Ellie, and he loved spending time with them.

Ellie is survived by a son: Michael C. (Alison Wieczonek) of Pen Argyl; and a daughter: Sandra L., wife of Gary Rehm of Lititz. He had five grandchildren: Kristi L. Davis, Chad M. Kreider, and Ryan M. Kreider all of Bangor; Jeremy R. Rehm of Leola, and Eric M. Rehm of Lititz. He also was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Jaxson and Sofia Kreider; Tyler, Zachary and Nathan Davis; and Ava and Nora Kreider. Ellie is survived by a sister: Dot Weit.

He was preceded in death by seven sisters and sic brothers: Clarence Roth, Helen Kreider, Winifred Schoenberger, Ruth Witmer, Edith Christener, Paul Kreider, Bert Kreider, Donald Kreider, Arlene Davidson, Ray Kreider, Patsy Clausen, Pauline McClellan and Richard Kreider Jr.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, Feb. 19, at Lititz United Methodist Church, 201 Market St., Lititz, at noon. Friends and family will be received one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Please omit flowers. Contributions in Ellie’s memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552; or to the Warwick High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Warwick High School, 301 W. Orange St., Lititz, PA 17543, attn. Athletics Office (payable to Athletic Hall of Fame).

To send an online condolence, visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Spacht-Snyder Funeral Home, Lititz, handled the arrangements.

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Jack Randolph Seiverling, 93, passed away at the Lebanon Veterans Hospital Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016.

He was born Aug. 13, 1922, in Ephrata, son of Irving Seiverling and Alma Ressler. He is survived by his wife. Joyce (Drybread), whom he married on Jan. 2, 1947.

Following his graduation from Girard College in 1939, Jack worked at Hamilton Watch in Lancaster until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, waiving his deferment as a defense worker. In December 1942 he was sent to the South Pacific where he saw action in New Caledonia and Bougainville. Although a Private First Class, he was selected for Officers Candidate School and sent stateside in 1945. He was in training at Dartmouth College when World War II ended.

Following his discharge, he returned to Hamilton Watch and later worked at an Army Civil Service job at the Marietta Depot. As a U.S. Army reservist, he was called to active duty during the Korean War and stationed in Germany, serving as a staff sergeant.

He returned to Ephrata in 1956 and began a career in real estate and insurance at the Arthur M. Yeager agency, Beginning as a salesman, he later assumed a managerial role and eventually became the firm’s owner.

Jack was the secretary of the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce for 23 years, active in the local PTA, and a member of the Ephrata Legion, Ephrata V.F.W, Ephrata Kiwanis Club and Salem Lutheran Church. He was also a 32nd degree Mason (Ephrata Lodge 665) and served on the Ephrata Area School Board from 1964 to 1970. His legacy of community service includes 25 years with Teen Challenge.

In addition to Joyce, his wife of 69 years, Jack is survived by his daughter: Jacklyn of York; and son: Jeffrey of North Carolina. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Elizabeth Fischer of New Jersey; Amy de Silva of Wales, U.K.; Adam Keagy of New Jersey; and Chelsea Bryan, and Tyler Seiverling, both of Ephrata. He has six great-grandchildren.

Services will be at the convenience of the family.

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

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Alma M. Brackbill, 88, formerly of Leaman Road, Ronks, a resident of Ephrata Manor, died at the home Monday, Feb. 15, 2016.

She was the wife of the late Norman W. Brackbill, who died in 2009. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Linton and Katie Stauffer Myers.

Alma had worked at Plain & Fancy as a cook and also cleaned the Eastbrook Family Health Center for many years. She was a member of the Mellinger Mennonite Church and had been involved with the sewing circle. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and sewing.

Surviving is a daughter: Joanne Diaco of Ephrata; a son: Kenneth R., husband of Jana Brackbill, of Simpsonville, S.C.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and two brothers: Earl, husband of Irene Myers; and Lloyd Myers, both of Denver.

Services were held Feb. 20 at Mellinger Mennonite Church, Lancaster, with Pastor Joe Miller officiating. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery.

To send an online condolence to the family, visit DeBordSnyder.com. DeBord Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., Lancaster, handled the arrangements.

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Arlamae C. Fisher, 92, of Lancaster, died peacefully Feb. 20 at hospice. A former member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, she retired from Donnelly Printing after 27 years working as a quality control inspector. Arlamae had many passions including country and western music and the Oak Ridge Boys. Her son, Daniel Lee, husband of Dorena R. Fisher, resides in Denver.

S.G. “Bud” Fletcher, 88, of Lancaster, passed away Feb. 13 at Magnolias of Lancaster. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Bud was in the electrical business for 56 years and was the founder and president of Boston Electric and Engineering Co. in Allegheny County and president of Lancaster Electric Inc. in Lancaster. Bud invented and patented several electric control devices. His adopted son, Andrew Fletcher, spouse of Diane, lives in Ephrata.

Briana Danae Hursh, 14, of East Earl, died Feb. 17 at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital. Briana was baptized and attended Hinkletown Mennonite Church where she was involved in the youth group and with Bible quizzing. Briana had a gift for drawing, writing, and singing. She touched many lives in her short 14 years, and she will be deeply missed. She was the daughter of Bill and Linda (Horning) Hursh, and is survived by a sister, Larisa, at home.

Ronald L. Myers, 78, of Strasburg, passed away Feb. 13. He had served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ronald was a technician for RCA, Lancaster, retiring after 41 years. His son, Thomas Myers, husband of Dawn, lives in Ephrata.

Alice M. Shumate, 62, of Gap, died Feb. 19 at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief illness. She was employed as a pharmacy clerk and enjoyed reading, sewing, and spending time with her pets, Shadow and Buddy. Her sister, Ruth Sensenig, resides in Ephrata.

Ruth (Hehnly) Treisch, 95 of Denver, passed away recently. There will be no services.

Richard G. Valentine, 88, of Lititz, passed away Feb. 12 at the VA Hospice Unit in Lebanon. He was a member of New Beginnings Brethren in Christ Church, Ephrata. Upon retirement and moving to Lancaster County, he worked at Garden Spot Auto Auction in Ephrata. He loved to be on or near the water, whether it was on a boat or sitting on a dock. He loved to fish, crab, and dig for clams. He also loved to hunt for duck, geese or quail and always had his hunting dogs with him.

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Geraldine May Foltz, 96, of Lititz, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.

She was born in Reading to the late William and Eva (Eckenroth) Reinoehl, and was the companion of Charles Kofroth for 52 years.

She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, crafts and was a huge cat lover. Geraldine worked as a seamstress for Shorenson Co. in Brownstown for more than 20 years.

Geraldine is survived by four children: Dennis Foltz of Denver; Dorene Shaffner of Lititz; David, husband of Anne Foltz of Tampa, Fla.; Danette, wife of Clinton Witmer, of Lititz; five grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.

Private services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Geraldine’s memory may be made to SPCA of Lancaster County, 848 Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603; or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100 Harrisburg, PA 17110

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

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Rachel Mellinger, 69, of Akron, entered into rest Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at Maple Farm Nursing Center.

Rachel was the daughter of the late Raymond Mellinger and Edna Mellinger Snader.

She graduated from Ephrata High School with the Class of 1964 and later from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. Rachel retired from Alcoa Mill Products on the Manheim Pike in Lancaster in 2007 after 40 years of service. She was a member of the Young at Heart Seniors in Brownstown, and enjoyed traveling.

A graveside service will be held at Mohler Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 21 E. Mohler Church Road, Ephrata, on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m.

Services are under the care of Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata. To send an online condolence, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

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Alma M. Nolt, Ephrata, born Nov. 22, 1943, died Feb. 15, 2016; age 72 years, 2 months and 24 days.

She was the wife of Luke M. Nolt. She was the daughter of the late Samuel O. and Magdalena Burkholder.

A homemaker, Mrs. Nolt was a member of Old Order Conestoga Mennonite Church.

Surviving are four sons: Nathan, married to Lucy H. Martin, of New Holland; Benjamin, married to Martha W. Hoover, of Colby, Wisc.; Norman, married to Mary Z. Martin, of Liberty, Ky.; Samuel Nolt of Ephrata; six daughters: Ida, married to Ion W. Zimmerman; Anna Mae, married to John R. Hoover, both of Colby, Wisc.; Esther, married to Titus Z. Sauder, of Ephrata; Rebecca, Lydiann, and Ellen Nolt all at home; 48 grandchildren; four brothers: Enos Burkholder and Aidin Burkholder, both of Fleetwood; Lewis Burkholder of Shippensburg; Samuel Burkholder of Ephrata; five sisters: Jane, wife of Floyd M. Nolt, of New Holland; Lucy, wife of the late Ivan G. Hoover, of Ephrata; Nora, wife of Harvey Z. Hoover, of East Earl; Clara, wife of Elam R. Hoover, of Dundee, N.Y.; and Martha Burkholder of Ephrata.

Services were held Feb. 20 at the Old Order Conestoga Mennonite Church, West Earl Township, with Bishop Ammon Weaver officiating. Interment took 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.

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C. Edwin Martin, 84, of Bowmansville, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Reading Hospital.

He is survived by his wife Deidre (Eckenroth) Martin. They would have celebrated their 28th anniversary on April 8. Born in Terre Hill, he was the son of the late Adam H. and Sadie (Good) Martin.

Ed was a member of First United Methodist Church, Ephrata. He was part owner of Terre Hill Silo Co., for almost 40 years and was the head mechanic for all of the company’s vehicles.

He was a member of New Holland Rotary and the Young Men’s Business League. He served with the Terre Hill Fire Company as first engineer. He liked to cook and was known as the “mashed potato king.” He loved music, especially Gospel music; and enjoyed the Breakfast Club; being out of doors; keeping a beautiful lawn; automobiles; and was a wonderful father and husband.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Barbara, married to Glenn Seifrit, Etters; Barry L., married to Patricia Martin, Lititz; Beth, married to David Fulmer, New Holland; and Bobbie Sue, married to Sam George, Lititz; his stepchildren: Darren R. Brubaker, Adamstown; Derrick Brubaker, Fivepointville; and Danielle, married to Brian Taylor, Doylestown; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister: Laura J., married to Paul W. Weaver, Lititz; and brother, J. Donald, married to Mary Ann (Mellinger) Martin, Myerstown.

He was preceded in death by nine siblings.

Services were held Feb. 22 at First United Methodist Church, Ephrata, with Pastor Walter Carter officiating. Interment followed in the Terre Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill. Online condolences may be posted at groffeckenroth.com.

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Barry Lee Tobias Kurtz, 60, of Honolulu, Hawaii, peacefully left this world in his sleep Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. Barry passed away in the home of his sister, Beverly Ansley, with her by his side and his cat buddy in his lap.

Born in Ephrata, he was the son of Phyllis Shealer of Ephrata and the late Gerald Tobias, and stepson of the late Russel Kurtz.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sister: Beverly Ansley, Rothsville; brother-in-law: Joseph Ansley, Lititz; sister: Teresa “Tess” Shank wife of Bob Shank, Denver; niece: Tanya Jo Stauffer, wife of Ken, Lititz; niece: Heather Kohl, wife of Hoyt, Lancaster; great-niece: LeiLani Stauffer; and great-nephews: Hendrix and Haven Kohl; half-brother: Brian Tobias; and half-sister; Staci Tobias; and cousin and friend: Jim Hickernell.

He was predeceased by his nephew: Joey Ansley.

There will be a private celebration of life service followed by his cremated remains being returned to his Kipona home in Hawaii. Much Aloha.

Please remember Barry by making contributions, in lieu of flowers, to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

The Klee Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Shillington is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given at kleefuneralhome.com.

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