Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
ELLEN M. BRUNNER MESSIMER
Ellen Marie Brunner Messimer, 82, of Rutherford Heights, now in the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour died on Saturday, January 15, 2005.
Born in Dellville, Perry County on October 21, 1922, she has been in the Spring Creek Care Center, Harrisburg. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Messimer Brunner and Mae Allimere Weldon Brunner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle David L. Messimer, Sr. deceased May 22, 1996. “Watch the Ice”, they were married on November 7, 1940.
She was a homemaker, a member of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Rutherford and the Helping Hands Sunday School Class.
She was the model of what a mother should be. She was Kind, loving, caring, gracious, generous, never spoke badly about anyone. She prayed hard for her family and grandchildren. We pray that all her prayers are answered. We love you and miss you, but can’t wait to see you again, Thank You Jesus for that promise.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Wendie Mae Messimer; a sister, Pearl Fry and a brother, George Brunner.
Ellen leaves to celebrate her life three sons , James E. Messimer, Sr. and his wife Barbara of Rutherford, their children Pastor James E. Messimer Jr.(wife Anna) pastor of “Family of GOD Worship Center” of Lewisberry, Anthony D. Messimer (wife Angela and children David, Jessica Ellen, Rebecca, Noah and Elijah) of Harrisburg, and Denise M. Messimer of Harrisburg, Merle D. Messimer, Jr. of Thompsontown and his children Kathy I. Stickle (husband Shawn and children Rebekah Messimer, Jacob Messimer and Shawn Stickle Jr.) of Harrisburg, Michael D. Messimer (wife Cori and children Kaitlin and Grace Ellen) of Harrisburg, and Nancy E. Hoch (husband John and children Trenton and Demitra) of Harrisburg, Gary L. Messimer of Thompsontown and his daughter Melissa M. Messimer and her daughter Alexis Thompson both of Lewisberry; and a daughter, Brenda J. Noble wife of Gregory Noble of Rutherford; one sister, Daisy J. Cassel widow of John Cassel of Hummelstown; two brothers , Charles Brunner husband of Arlene Brunner of Hummelstown and James Brunner widower of Vannie Brunner of Duncannon.
Her life will be celebrated on Thursday, January 20, 2005, at 11 AM in her church, 165 N. 67th Street Harrisburg, with The Rev. James E. Messimer, Jr., her grandson, officiating. Interment will be in the Dellville Union Cemetery. Viewings will be in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc. 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown on Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM and at the church on Thursday from 10 AM until time of the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 165 N. 67th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or to the Family of God Worship Center, 1095 Pinetown Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339.
WINIFRED I. BIEVER PAGE
Winifred I. Biever Page, 93, of Hummelstown, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2005, in the Twin Oaks Nursing Center.
Born in Millersburg, on June 21, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Issac C. and Josie I. Disney Biever. She was a homemaker, a member of the Grace United Methodist Church and the Golden Age Club both of Hummelstown. Winifred was a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years and was recognized as the oldest member of her church.
She enjoyed working outside and at her church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Page, on September 11, 1993.
She is survived by a daughter, Lois J. wife of Raymond E. Minich of Hummelstown; a sister, June Klinger of Lykens; 2 grandsons, Gregory D. Minich of Harrisburg and Scott W. Minich of Hummelstown: a great granddaughter, Amanda R. Minich of Harrisburg and two Great great granddaughters, Channing J. and Tjayda J. Minich of Harrisburg.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at 11:00 AM in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc. 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. John A. Schaefer, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home Wednesday from 10 AM until time of the services.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Grace United Methodist Church, 433 East Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
JAMES M. SNOKE, SR.
James M. “Shorty” Snoke, Sr., 70, of Harrisburg, and formerly of Hummelstown, died Wednesday in the Harrisburg Hospital.
He retired as a clerk from Penn DOT; and was a graduate of Hummelstown High School.
Surviving are three daughters , Debra, Diana, and Darlene; one son, James M., Jr.; and nine grandchildren.
Private services will be held.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
MARY CATHERINE GRUBER
Mary Catherine “Kay” Driscoll Gruber, 75, of Hummelstown, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2005, of natural causes.
Born in Elma, Iowa, on March 22, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Leo F. and Christine J. Lippert Driscoll. She retired with 34 years of service from the H. B. Reese Candy Company where she had worked in the Peanut Butter Department. She attended Mountain View Bible Church, Hummelstown. She was a member of the Sergeant Chauncey F. Yingst Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Unit 1687 where she had served as Trustee and Chairman of the Poppy and VA Committees, and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 265, both of Hummelstown. She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy H. “Dutch” Gruber, on January 26, 1987.
She is survived by three daughters , Nancy L. wife of E.M. Watson and Theresa L. wife of Roger W. Liddick both of Lebanon, and Barbara L. wife of Raymond Lambright of Palmyra; four sons , Michael L. Gruber husband of Linda Shertzer Gruber, Edwin L. Gruber, and Francis L. Gruber husband of Susan Scadden Gruber all of Hummelstown, and David L. Gruber of Middletown; 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at 11:30 AM in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc. 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. Dr. Norman C. Marks, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township. Viewings will be in the funeral home Tuesday, January 11, 2005, from 7:15 to 9 PM and Wednesday from 10:30 AM until time of the services. Ladies Auxiliary Prayer Service will be held Tuesday at 7 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice, P. O. Box 1281, Lebanon, PA 17042-1281, or to the Veterans Administration Medical Center, 1700 Lincoln Avenue, Lebanon, PA 17042, or to the Mountain View Bible Church, 34 Sipe Avenue, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
FLORENCE E. SPECK
Florence E. Yeagley Speck, 99, of Frey Village Retirement Center, and formerly of Hummelstown, passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, in the home.
Born in Heidelburg Township on July 13, 1905, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Ellen N. Beamesderfer Yeagley.
She had worked with her husband as a farmer for Hershey Estates for 42 years. Florence was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church, Grantville. She was also a member of the Hummelstown Golden Age Club. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Allen H. Speck, on April 29, 1976.
She is survived by three daughters , Grace S. Kline and Clara J. wife of Martin Moses, Jr. both of Hummelstown, and Barbara A. wife of Kenneth R. Gingrich of Lansdale; one son, Edwin L. Speck husband of Caroline Speck of Palmyra; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren; 21 step great grandchildren; and 6 step great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Leroy Speck, on August 9, 1994.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 10, 2005, at 11 AM in St. Johns United Methodist Church, 165 Firehouse Road, Grantville, with The Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Grand View Memorial Park, Annville. Friends are invited to call at the church Monday from 10 AM until time of the services.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns United Methodist Church, 165 Firehouse Road, Grantville, PA 17028, or to the Frey Village Retirement Center, 1020 North Union Street, Middletown, PA 17057.
FLORENCE A. “FLOSSIE” SNOKE
Florence A. “Flossie” Snoke, 89, of Rawlings, VA, and formerly of Hummelstown, passed away Monday, December 27, 2004, in the John Randolph Medical Center, Hopewell, VA.
Born in Malta on April 13, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Lily B. Wentzel Wolfe.
She retired as a seamstress for the former Hesteco Dress & Sportswear Manufacturing Company. She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union; was an avid reader; and enjoyed sewing and quilting.
Flossie was preceded in death by her husband, Mark A. Snoke, on August 6, 1977.
Flossie is survived by one son, James M. Snoke, Sr. of Pennsylvania ; four grandchildren, Debra Jean, Diana Lynn and Darlene Marie all of Pennsylvania , and James M. Jr. of Virginia; and nine great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 2 PM in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Lower Paxton Township., with The Rev. Dr. Alan C. Wenrich, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hummelstown, officiating.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
WAYNE W. WERT
Wayne W. Wert, 84, of Hoernerstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 23, 2004, at his home.
Born in Hummelstown on October 7, 1920, he was the son of the late John I. and Elizabeth J. Nye Wert.
He retired from the former E. M. Warner Motors, Inc., Hummelstown, after 50 years of service as a mechanic. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in World War II. Wayne was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hoernerstown. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 265, Hummelstown. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edith M. Smith Wert whom he married on May 25, 1945; two grandchildren, Robyn K. Hare wife of Steven W. Hare of Harrisburg, and Larry L. Raynes husband of Brenda Raynes of Rexmont; six great grandchildren, Nicole Nowland of Hummelstown, Cortney Raynes of Halifax, Kasi Hare of Harrisburg, Devon Raynes of Rexmont, and Joashua Rohrbach and Tara Bowman both of Palmyra; three great great grandchildren, Logan Rohrbach, Hailey Bowman and Analeise Reice all of Palmyra; five sisters , Dorothy I. Lenker, Betty J. wife of Cyrus H. Cassel, Mary I. Fisher wife of George W. Fisher, and Shirley M. Bonawitz wife of John W. Bonawitz all of Hummelstown; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy B. Nace Wert of Palmyra.
He was preceded in death by two daughters , Candee M. Wert in 1956 and Sherrie L. Smith on January 2, 1988; and one brother, Charles C. Wert in October of 1983.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 27, 2004, at 11 AM in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 158 South Hoernerstown Road, Hummelstown, with The Rev. Kirk C. Kerns, his pastor, officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Monday at the church from 10 AM until time of the service.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 158 Hoernerstown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
TOM LOWE
Tom Lowe, 42, of McAlisterville, passed away Friday, December 17, 2004, in the Lewistown Hospital.
Born February 8, 1962, he was the son of Wilma Bashioum Lowe, of Sarasota, FL and William Lowe of MI.
Tom was a Narcotics Agent for the PA Attorney Generals Office. He was a graduate of Messiah College and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Stephanie A. Hicks Lowe, and his parents.
Services will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 11 AM in the Grace and Truth Bible Church, 410 Pleasant View Road, Hummelstown, with The Rev. Daniel H. Norton, officiating. Friends are invited to call Tuesday at the church from 10 AM until the time of the service. Inurnment will be at the convenience of the family. Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stephanie Lowe Trust Fund c/o Juniata Valley Bank, P O Box 37, McAlisterville, PA 17049, the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Inc., East Shore Shelter, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.aspca.org.
H. RICHARD GROVE
H. Richard Grove, 83, of Hummelstown, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2004, in the Spring Creek Care Center, Swatara Township, after an illness.
Born in Hummelstown on August 13, 1921, he was the son of the late Henry B. and Amy Edna Grubb Grove.
He was a poultry farmer and a self employed roofer and painter. He was a 1938 graduate of the former Hummelstown High School. Dick was a member of Spring Creek Church of the Brethren, Hershey, where he was an usher. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and antique collector. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura M. Longnaker, on November 7, 1988.
Dick is survived by his wife of 13 years, Elizabeth “Becky” Wagner Grove whom he married on March 25, 1991; one stepson, Allan “Tim” Longnaker of Harrisburg; one stepdaughter, Helen H. Imhof wife of Kenneth P. Imhof of Hummelstown; one sister, Helen Duble wife of Carl Duble of Hershey; two nieces; one nephew; six step grandchildren; and nine step great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 15, 2004, at 11 AM in the Spring Creek Church of the Brethren, 335 East Areba Avenue, Hershey, with The Rev. Peter J. Kontra, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Stoverdale Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Wednesday at the church from 10 AM until time of the service.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Spring Creek Church of the Brethren, 335 East Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, for the building fund.
RICHARD H. SNYDER
Richard H. Snyder, 71, of Harrisburg, passed away Friday, December 10, 2004, at his home.
Born in Pine Grove on March 20, 1933, he was the son of the late Roy J. and Gertrude Weist Snyder.
He retired from the Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon, as an X-ray technician. He was a 1951 graduate of Pine Grove High School, and a graduate of the Franklin School of Philadelphia. Richard was a U. S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of the Susquehanna Valley Evangelical Free Church, Harrisburg. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Irene S. Daubert Snyder, whom he married on December 7, 1951; two sons , David R. Snyder of Enola, and Eric M. Snyder and his wife, Jacquelyne Fisher Snyder of Mechanicsburg; one daughter, Donna M. Gaffney wife of Joseph Gaffney of Harrisburg; one sister, Lois Connahan wife of Charles Connahan of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2004, at 11:30 AM in the Susquehanna Valley Evangelical Free Church, 6433 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, with The Rev. Arnold A. Hammarberg, his pastor, officiating. A private inurnment with military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township. Friends will be received at the church following the memorial service. It is the family’s request that those attending the service dress casually.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the service.
Those desiring may send memorial contributions to the Susquehanna Valley Evangelical Free Church, 6433 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111; or to PinnacleHealth Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112.
JOHN N. GAMES, SR.
John N. Games, Sr., 75, of Lower Swatara Township, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2004, in the SCCI Hospital, Harrisburg.
Born in Scranton on September 2, 1929, he was the son of the late F. Robert Games and Hilda Langan Games.
He retired from Three Mile Island where he was a Nuclear Maintenance Foreman; and from the U.S. Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class. John was a graduate of Central High School, Scranton. He was a member of the American Legion Post 594 of Middletown.
John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Arlene E. Rintala Games; two sons , John N. Games, Jr. of Philadelphia, and Jeffrey P. Games and his wife, Deanna Galli Games of Harrisburg; and three grandchildren, T.J. Games of Philadelphia, and Travis M. Games and Emily A. Games both of Harrisburg.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Patrick Games.
Graveside services with military honors will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2004 at 10:30 AM in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township, with The Rev. Emlyn H. Jones officiating.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the services.
ALBERT P. PERA
Albert P. Pera, 88, of Hershey, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2004.
Born in Hershey on August 29, 1916, he was the son of the late Iroldo and Latina Loffreda Pera.
He retired with 36 years of service from the former Pennsylvania Railroad as a conductor. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, Hershey. He was also a member of the BPO Elks Lodge 1092, Middletown.
Albert is survived by his wife of 24 years, Santina (Sandy) M. Sacco Pera; one daughter, Brenda L. Pera wife of Timothy L. Gesford of Hummelstown; two sons , Rod J. Pera and his wife Mary Kay of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Albert E. Pera and his wife Susan of Camp Hill; two sisters , Nancy J. Bruscia and Alvesta (Vae) Tancredi both of Hershey; and four grandchildren.
A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, December 10, 2004, at 11 AM in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. Fr. Dominic Mammarella, as officiant. Inurnment will be in the Hershey Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Friday in the funeral home from 10 AM until time of the services.
Those desiring may send memorial contributions to the charity of their choice.
