Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Nan. L. Grassmyer
GRANVILLE - Nan L. Grassmyer, 78, a resident of Malta Home, Granville, and formerly of 218 Montgomery Ave., died at 5:23 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2003, at the nursing home.
Born Nov. 28, 1924, in Huntingdon, she was a daughter of the late Dale G. and Alice D. (Sharp) Bell. Her husband, Robert P. Grassmyer died April 7, 2002.
Surviving are: four sons , David L. Ripple, Robert W. Ripple,Hagerstown, MD, Randall K. Ripple of 36 Cliffside Dr., Lewistown, and Steven C. Ripple, Tampa, FL; a brother, Dale Eugene Bell, Berkeley Springs, WV; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sisters .
She was a homemaker. She was a member of the American Legion Post 90 and the VFW Post 7011 Ladies Auxiliaries and a life member of the City Hook and Ladder.
Her funeral service will be at the convenience of the family at Hoenstine Funeral Home, Inc., 75 Logan St., Lewistown, with Rev. Donald Peters officiating. There will be no viewing. Interment will be in Pine Glen Church of the Brethren Cemetery.
Ellen Sarah 'Gram' Graybill
RICHFIELD - Ellen Sarah "Gram" Graybill, 69, of RR1 Richfield, died at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in the Sunbury Community Hospital.
Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Brown's United Methodist Church, McAlisterville. Interment will be in Richfield Union Cemetery.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the church.
Arrangements were handled by the George P. Garman Funeral Home, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Mills.
Mary A. Graybill
MCALISTERVILLE - Mary A. Graybill, 92, of the Penn Lutheran Village, Selinsgrove, and formerly of RR1, McAlisterville, died at 6:17 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.
Born Oct. 21, 1910, in Delaware Township, Juniata County, she was a daughter of the late Jacob and Sallie (Wert) Auker. Her husband, S. Ralph Graybill, whom she married on Oct. 21, 1933, preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 1983.
Surviving are two daughters , Sara Jane Swartz and her husband, Robert E., RR1, Thompsontown, and Nancy Beiler and her husband, Elam W., RR5, Mifflinburg; two sons , Melvin R. Graybill and his wife, Maria, RR1, Selinsgrove, and Allen W. Graybill and his wife, RuthAnn, McAlisterville; one brother, Merrill Auker, RR1, Thompsontown; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers , John and Jacob Auker, and two sisters , Elva Brubaker and Ruth Auker.
She was a member of Delaware Mennonite Church, RR1, Thompsontown, where she taught Bible school and was a faithful member of the sewing circle.
She was a homemaker.
She enjoyed gardening, baking, quilting, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the Delaware Mennonite Church, RR1, Thompsontown, with Rev. Glenn D. Hosler and Rev. Roy L. Brubaker officiating. Interment will follow in Delaware Mennonite Church Cemetery, RR1, Thompsontown.
Viewings will be held 4-9 p.m. Monday from the McAlisterville Chapel of Brown Funeral Homes Inc., 16 Westfall St., McAlisterville, where the family will be present 7-9 p.m., and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Juniata Mennonite School, P.O. Box 278, McAlisterville, PA 17049.
Joseph C. Griffith
BELLEVILLE - Joseph C. Griffith, 66, of 285 K.V. Railroad Drive, Belleville, died at 7:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, at his home.
Born Jan. 7, 1937, in Belleville, he was a son of Beatrice E. (Stuter) Griffith of Belleville and the late James F. Griffith. He is survived by his wife, Maria A. (Olnick) Griffith of 285 K.V. Railroad Drive, Belleville.
Also surviving are: children, Gregory Scott Griffith, Houston, TX, Mrs. Stephen (Monica) Berger, Belleville, and Mrs. Eric (Michelle) Zeiders, Spring Mills; four grandsons, Seth Berger, Scott Griffith, Nicholas Griffith and Chayton Griffith; brothers and sister, Jack R. Griffith, Ronald R. Griffith and James F. Griffith Jr., all of Belleville, and Mrs Ronald (Margaret) Marrone of Lewistown.
He retired from Ford New Holland in 1992 after 34 years, last working in production control.
A veteran of the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958, he was a member of the Stroup-Alexander V.F.W. Post 5935 of Belleville.
His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Donald E. Baggus Funeral Home, 3813 W. Main St., Belleville, with the Rev. Ivan E. Yoder officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Belleville.
Friends may call 6:30-9 p.m today at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 26 N. Brown St., Lewistown, PA 17044 or Hospice: The Bridge, 152 E. Market St., Suite 200, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Howard S. Gro
LEWISTOWN - Howard S. Gro, 91, of Gro Lane, Lewistown, died at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003, at Brookline Manor, Mifflintown RR1.
Born July 22, 1912, in Oliver Township, he was a son of the late Edward and Bella (Stine) Gro. His wife, Emma (Karstetter) Gro, whom he married March 16, 1946, preceded him in death on March 6, 1995.
Surviving are: a daughter, Jean Abbott, Lewistown; a grandson whom he raised, Troy Gro, Lewistown; and a sister, Mrs. Eugene (Mildred) Riley, McVeytown.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Virginia Hasson on May 18, 1999; brothers , Warren E., John A., Richard P.; sisters , Julia Gro, Lorma Setzler; and a granddaughter, Melissa Eckley.
He was a World War II Veteran of the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 having served in the European Theatre as a sergeant.
He was a self-employed farmer, also having worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad early in life.
He was an avid hunter and longtime member of the National Rifle Association.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Mark Hill officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park, Lewistown.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: McVeytown Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 11, McVeytown, PA 17051 or to West Granville Fire Co., 8392 U.S. Hwy 522 S., Lewistown, PA 17044 or to The American Cancer Society, 26 N. Brown St., Lewistown, PA 17044-1733.
Harshbarger Funeral Home, McVeytown, is in charge of the arrangements.
James Howard Groose
LEVITTOWN - James Howard Groose, 70, passed away Wed. Jan. 1, 2003, in Frankford Bucks Hospital, Falls Township, following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Lewistown and was a resident of Levittown since 1962, he was the son of the late William F. and Grace A. Groose. His wife of 46 years, Thelma (Weyant) Groose, survives.
Also surviving are: two sons , Rick Groose and wife Kathy, Eldersburg, MD and Randy Groose and wife Debbie, Winchester, VA; a daughter, Kathy Kearney, Levittown; two sisters and their husbands, Shirley and Joe Smith, Lewistown, and Jean and Ross Smith, Lewistown; six grandchildren, Jessica Lynn, Jason Richard, Jason Randall, Erin Nichole, Jordan Ashley, and Brian Scott.
He is an Air Force veteran of the
Korean War.
He was employed with Nabisco Baking Company, Philadelphia for 30 years until retiring in 1989 and was then employed with the Pennsbury School District, Fallsington for six years until 1995.
He was a member of American Legion Post #834 and the Falls Township Senior Citizens. He attended Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Levittown.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown. Interment will follow in Newtown Cemetery. There will be no evening calling hours.
Family and Friends are invited to call from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to: American Cancer Society, High Point Professional Building, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 201, Chalfont, PA 18914.
William J. 'Bid' Groce Jr.
LEWISTOWN - William J. 'Bid' Groce Jr., 65, of Valley St., Lewistown, died at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at Health South Nittany Rehab Hospital, Pleasant Gap.
Born Nov. 10, 1937, in Derry Twp., he was a son of the late William J. and Clare L. (Stoner) Groce, Sr. His wife, Linda (Hammill) Groce, whom he married Sept. 21, 1964, survives.
Also surviving are: seven children, Mrs. Glenn (Tammy) Stover, Lewistown, William J. Groce, III., Lewistown, Donna M. Groce, Hershey, Mrs. Randall (Clare) Breon, Bellefonte, Mrs. Raymond (Mary) Weaver, Lewistown, David A. Groce, Milroy, and Matthew W. Groce, Bellefonte; eight brothers and sisters , Marlin Groce, Ralph Groce, and Rick Groce, all of Lewistown, Mrs. David (Carolyn) Snyder, McClure, Sharon Leaman, Harrisburg, Mrs. Dale (Linda) Benson, Three Springs, O'Neal Groce, Lewistown, and Gary Groce, Granville; 16 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild, and 1 step-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katlyn P. Groce and a sister.
He was disabled. He was a member of the National Guard.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church.
His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, Third St., Lewistown, with Karen McCachren officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no public viewing.
Memorials may be sent to: The Groce Family, 437 Logan St., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Hoenstine Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martha A. 'Marce' Bowman Grumbine
MYERSTOWN - Martha A. 'Marce' Bowman Grumbine, 57, of RD2 Box 210, Myerstown, died at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon.
Born April 23, 1945, in Hanover, she was a daughter of Bertha (Murren) Bowman and the late Paul R. Bowman. Her husband, Ray A. Grumbine, whom she married Aug. 26, 1967, survives.
Also surviving are: two daughters , Ann, spouse of Mark Bonson, Lewistown, and Becke, spouse of Jeffery Demmy, Lebanon; two sisters , Mary Jane Murphy, Norfolk, VA, and Joan Hamberger, Gettysburg; five grandchildren, Sarah Bonson, Lewistown, Zachary Bonson, Lewistown, Ray Demmy, Lebanon, Hannah Bonson, Lewistown, and Maranda Demmy, Lebanon.
She was a florist and part time owner of Grumbine's Flower Shop.
She was a member of Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, 188 W. McKinley Ave., Myst.
She graduated from Penn State in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture. She had a stand at Saturday Market outside of Elizabethtown. She was a 4H leader and she enjoyed crafts and making items for her grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church. Interment will be in Iona "Fairview" Cemetery, Lebanon.
A viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Christman's Funeral Home, Inc., Lebanon and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the church. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mary J. Wray Gunsallus
LEWISTOWN - Mary J. Wray Gunsallus, 83, a resident of Beverly Healthcare William Penn, formerly of 31 Goss Terrace, Lewistown, died at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at the nursing home.
Born Nov. 20, 1919, in Mifflin County, she was a daughter of the late John H. and Annie Mae (Maben) Wilson. Her first husband, Homer H. Wray, died Jan. 5, 1978. Her second husband, Blair H. Gunsallus, died March 26, 1991.
Surviving are: a daughter-in-law, Shirley Wray, Mt. Union; three grandchildren, Teressa Bilger, Mt. Union, Brian Wray, Shirleysburg, and Leslie Wesolowski, Lawrenceville, GA; and three great-grandchildren.
She was the last of her immediate family having been preceded in death by a son, Hulbert H. Wray on Sept. 6, 1993, two brothers , three sisters , and two grandchildren.
She was employed at Arrow Division of Cluett-Peabody and Co., for 29 and a half years, retiring in 1982.
She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Hoenstine Funeral Home, Inc., 75 Logan St., Lewistown, with Rev. Kurt L. McKinney officiating. Interment will be in Union Memorial Gardens, Mifflintown.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Rt. 522 North, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Ralph R. Gutshall
YORK - Ralph R. Gutshall, 94, of York, died Feb, 19, 2003, at Normandie Ridge.
Born Aug. 20, 1908, in Lewistown, he was the son of the late Nevin and Sarah Mae (Kline) Gutshall. He was the husband of the late Erma (Beers) Gutshall and the late Dorothy M. (Lohss) Gutshall.
Surviving are two sons , R. Greg Gutshall of York and David Martin of Lewistown; one grandson; seven sisters , Mira Exler of Dunedin, FL, Ruth Johnson of Sheldon, WI, Janice Dalbec of Aurora, CO, and Julia Brocius, Jean Noerr, and Miriam Messerman, all of Lewistown; and a brother, William Sherwood Gutshall of Clearwater, FL.
He retired from Dentsply in 1977 after 20 years of service.
After his retirement he worked for the former Hill's department store in Delco Plaza for five years.
He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in York and was also a Sunday School Class teacher for 30 years.
He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of VFW Post 895.
Viewings will be 7-8 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at the John W. Keffer Funeral Home, Inc., 2114 W. Market St., York.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with his pastor, Rev. Owen H. Walter, officiating. Burial will be in Mount Rose Cemetery with military honors by the York County Veteran's Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 11 N. Richland Ave., York, PA 17404.
Donald L. Guyer
THOMPSONTOWN - Donald L. Guyer, 69, of RR1 Thompsontown died at 10:31 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, in Lewistown Hospital.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday from the McAlisterville Chapel of Brown Funeral Homes Inc., 16 Westfall St., McAlisterville. Interment is in East Salem Cemetery.
Friends may call 4-9 p.m. Sunday, with the family present 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.