HELEN M. BOWERS
Helen Mae Bowers, 92, of Mechanicsburg passed away on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.
She was born May 21, 1928, in Shermans Dale to the Earl E. and Harriet R. (Thomas) Shenk
She was the widow of Vinal E. Bowers.
Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Janice S. Shenk, and a granddaughter, Renee M. Perry.
She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Dale.
A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 1, in Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle.
Burial was in Westminster Memorial Gardens.
CLARENCE E. GRAYBILL
Clarence E. Graybill, 79, of Mt. Pleasant Mills entered into rest on Friday, April 2, 2021, at Watsontown Nursing and Rehabilitation facility.
He was born Aug. 31, 1941, in East Salem to the late Lester L. and Marie M. (Naylor) Graybill.
He enjoyed working with his dad in the garage and on their farm.
Surviving are two sisters, Alice Mae Fultz and Faye I. Miller, and a brother, Larry W. Graybill, and his wife Darlene L.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, LeRoy L. Graybill and Ray A. Graybill, and a sister, Dorothy M. Graybill.
Burial was in Lauver Mennonite Church Cemetery.
George P. Garman Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant Mills, handled arrangements.
James M. Brubaker
JAMES M. BRUBAKER
Pastor James “Mel” Milford Brubaker, 86, of Ickesburg went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 5, 2021.
He was born June 28, 1934, in Granville to Allen Graybill Brubaker and Barbara Musser Hess.
He graduated from Messiah Academy, studied at Temple University, ministered as a lifelong Brethren in Christ bi-vocational pastor, and served his Lord and others with his whole heart.
He was a lifelong minister in the Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church, a farmer, and, for more than 25 years, a dedicated employee of the Quaker Oats Company, mechanical department, Shiremanstown.
His pastoral ministry in mission churches for the BIC began near Alpena, Mich., in 1957, not long after completing two years of 1-W (conscientious objector) service at Byberry State Hospital in Philadelphia. He faithfully served the congregations and communities at Maple Grove (Rust) Church (1957-1964), Springhope Church (1964-1966), Saville Church (1967-1995), and Centre Grove Church (1995-2010), concurrently with Blairs Mills over two years. He continued preaching in various churches as requested during his “retirement” years. His ministry was marked by a deep heartfelt concern for others and a determination to follow the call of Jesus unreservedly.
His inherited love for agriculture was enhanced by tilling three different farms in Perry County from 1972 through 1976. He augmented ministry and farm work by night-shift employment with Quaker Oats from 1967 through 1992, where he derived many engaging sermon illustrations and built lifelong friendships.
While on assignment in Philadelphia at the Byberry State Hospital, he also served at the BIC Philadelphia Mission. Over time, Ella Clark, a city girl with a beautiful voice, caught his eye. Not long after, they were married by his father in a simple service. They faithfully served the Lord together through many health issues, challenging ministry assignments, difficult financial periods, and the challenges of raising five children.
Family was important to him. He wanted to ensure that each of his children developed with an exemplary work ethic, a love for music, a foundational understanding of Scripture, and a passion for serving all people groups. For years, he fasted and prayed that all of his descendants would love and serve Jesus faithfully.
In his spare time, he loved to hunt, explore, solve problems, and devour the information in books (including audiobooks after he lost his eyesight). He also loved the creative challenge of construction. He designed and constructed four homes, led numerous renovations and provided significant volunteer effort for at least six substantive church building projects. But most of all, he loved to sing. As his sight deteriorated, family members helped him compile 111 of his favorite hymns in a booklet that he would provide for nearly all visitors to his home to sing together before their departure.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Ella (Clark); two daughters, Mary (Ash Dotson) of Nevada and Rhoda (partner Sylvia) of California; three sons, John (Kathy) of Thailand, Jay (Melinda) of Pennsylvania and Ken (Carol) Texas; three siblings, Merle (Ila), Stanley (Sarah) and Lois (Roy Lehman); 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by elder brothers, A. Hess and A. Graybill.
A celebration of life service will be held at a future date. A graveside service was held in Buffalo Cemetery, adjacent to Saville BIC Church, Ickesburg.
Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Touch of Christ Ministries, Chantilly, Va.
Elinor A. Chermela
ELINOR A. CHERMELA
Elinor Ann Wise Chermela, 87, of Greensboro, N.C., passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
A native of Loysville, she was the wife of the late Eugene Chermela and the daughter of the late Charles Wise and Anne Wilson Kingsborough.
She often mentioned the happy childhood she had and stories of growing up in the country with her sister Susie and brother Sam. She moved to the big city of Philadelphia to attend Jefferson College of Nursing. As a registered nurse, she worked in intravenous therapy for most of her career. She had a wonderful flair for decorating the home with her signature color being pink. Desserts were her favorite, especially chocolate. Her grandchildren remember fondly of Milky Ways she placed in the cricket box for them to discover. She will be remembered as a loving mother, wife, sister and friend.
Surviving are two daughters, Adrienne S. Gavin of Lititz and Carol Moriarty and husband Tom of Kernersville, N.C.; a son, Matthew Chermela of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren, Kathleen, Chelsea, Erin, Elaina, Janel and Thomas; two great-grandchildren, Evie and James; a sister, Suzanne Smithers and husband Wayne of Harrisburg; and a sister in-law, Margaret Kingsborough.
She was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Chermela, and a brother, Samuel Kingsborough.
A private, family memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 17. Flowers may be sent to Carol Moriarty, 1310 Driftwood Acres Drive, Kernersville, N.C. 27284.
Pierce-Jefferson Funeral and Cremation Services, Kernersville, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, N.C. 27262.
Jonas K. Stoltzfus
JONAS K. STOLTZFUS
Jonas King “Joe” Stoltzfus, 77, died Thursday, March 25, 2021, as a result of multiple brain tumors.
He was born Nov. 11, 1943, to Isaiah and Katie Stoltzfus, and was one of 16 children.
A poet with a big heart, he was known for his passions of beekeeping, organic farming, land preservation and soil conservation, beef and broth production, and steel fabrication. When he wasn’t enthusiastically sharing his wisdom or poetry with others, he loved to generate creative solutions to a wide range of problems.
Over the years, he served in leadership roles in many different community organizations, including the Blain Lions Club, Perry County Fair Board, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, the 4-H Livestock Club and many others. He was an integral part of the Perry County Land Preservation board since its inception, serving as chair for a number of years. He was an active member of Three Springs Church of the Brethren for nearly 40 years.
He was known for pithy sayings and telling jokes and stories. If you knew him, you heard him talk about the dishes that were as “clean as water could make them” or heard him say things like, “the difficult we will do right away; the impossible will take a little longer.”
He loved meeting new people and had a gift for making authentic connections. His gentle soul and kind spirit left an indelible impression. He will always be remembered and missed.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Judith (Lehman) Stoltzfus; four children, Jeffrey Stoltzfus, Jonathan Stoltzfus, Jolita (Stoltzfus) Peterson and Jamie Stoltzfus; eight grandchildren; and eight brothers and six sisters.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Bertha.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) at pasafarming.org/donate or Rodale Institute at rodaleinstitute.org/get-involved/donate.
Brian E. Fleisher
BRIAN E. FLEISHER
Brian E. Fleisher, 55, of Newport, passed away Monday, April 5, 2021, at UPMC Pinnacle West Shore Hospital.
He was born Dec. 24, 1965, to Hazel Sheaffer Fleisher and the late Lester E. Fleisher.
He was a 1983 graduate of Newport High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in dairy husbandry from Delaware Valley College. He was a lifelong dairy farmer. He was a member of the former Wila U.M.C., Newport Social Order of Owls, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Oliver Grange and life member of Newport Fire Company. He also was a leader of the 4-H Dairy Club for many years, and was treasurer of Perry County Holstein Association for a long time.
Surviving are his wife, Amy (Innerst) Fleisher; two children, Evan M. Fleisher and Jessica L. Fleisher; mother, Hazel Sheaffer Fleisher of Newport; and a sister, Brenda J. Cox and husband Wayne of Middletown.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Vickie Fleisher-Gann.
A service was held April 10 in New Harvest Community Church, Millerstown, with pastor Terry Burton officiating. Burial was in Newport Cemetery.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry County Junior Holstein Association.
Merle E. Matthews Sr.
MERLE E. MATTHEWS SR.
Merle E. Matthews Sr., 83, went to be with the Lord at his Elliottsburg home on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
He was born June 25, 1937, in Newton-Hamilton, Mifflin County, to Fern E. and Margaret T. (Carnathan) Matthews.
He retired from Edwin L. Heim Company, having worked as an electrician most of his life. He was a member of IBEW Local 143, Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, Sherman’s Valley Heritage Days, Percheron Horse Association and Steam-O-Rama of Windsor, Pa.
Not one to mince words, he was a straight-shooter. He was known to be honest, sincere and hardworking. He enjoyed farming, driving his Percheron horses and mules, as well as hunting with his children and grandchildren and attending public sales.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Viola M. (Paulus) Matthews; three children, Paul J. (Marsha), Donna Brubaker (Swade Rotz) and Merle Jr. (Nancy); eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Morgan, Evan, Marissa, Samantha, Courtney, Jacob and Aaron; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul D. and Alan J. Matthews.
A service was held March 29 in Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, with pastor Bradley Bennett officiating. Burial was in Rolling Green Memorial Gardens, Camp Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ickesburg Fire Company, New Bloomfield EMS or Join Hands Ministry.
MARY E. GEORGE
Mary E. George, 78, of Marysville, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
She was retired from Pamela’s Flowers and enjoyed spending time with her family, playing with Daisy, talking with friends, gardening, watching birds and eating ice cream.
She was the widow of Marlin R. George.
Surviving are two children, Terry George of Etters (wife Kim) and Patty George of Marysville (partner Ruth); four grandchildren, Brittani, Lyndsay, Kasey and Nick; four great-grandchildren, Brantley, Ryder, Savannah and Lisa; two great-grandchildren, recently joining the family, Genna and Charlie; four sisters, Esther, Alice, Barb and Gladys; three brothers, Ivan, Lee and Jay; and her dog, Daisy.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Gene.
Donna Martin
DONNA MARTIN
Donna Martin, 75, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 4, 2021. She fought a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born April 15, 1945, to the late Warren and Betty (Parks) Reisinger of Ickesburg,
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She always put family first and was generous, giving and loving.
In addition to raising a family and running a household, she worked at Masland’s, Montgomery Ward, Piezo Crystal, and Cumberland County Emergency Preparedness. She retired from Cumberland County Drug and Alcohol, Carlisle. She belonged to West Shore Woodcarvers, AAA and AARP. In her rare free time, she enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing, gold mining, and painting and drawing animals.
She was the widow of Robert E. Martin, who died in 2017 and to whom she was married for more than 50 years.
Surviving are four children, Lori Ann (Jeff) Dunn of Carlisle, Jeanette Louise (Jason) McManus of Loris, S.C., and Robert Michael Martin and Troy Morton Martin, both of Carlisle; and grandchildren and great grandchildren — too many to count.
A service was held April 8 in Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, with the Rev. Bill Pipp officiating. Inurnment was in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice Foundation, 5440 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Troy, Mich. 48098 (www.residentialhospicefoundation.org), or North Middleton Volunteer Fire Company, 2061 Spring Road, Carlisle 17013.
Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.