Helen Haines, W.W. Moyer secretary
Helen M. Haines, 93, a lifetime resident of Ephrata, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Stone Ridge Retirement Home in Myerstown after a lengthy illness.
She was the daughter of the late Lizzie Ensinger. She was the wife of Alvin D. Haines.
Helen worked at the former W.W. Moyer Company in Ephrata for 32 years as the executive secretary for Mr. Jacob Krieder. She was a 1935 graduate of Ephrata High School and a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Ephrata.
In addition to her husband she is survived by a son: Lee D. Haines, husband of Mary Jane (Weber) Haines, of Ephrata; a grandson: Bruce Haines, husband of Tami (Garman) Haines, of Florida; a granddaughter: Kimberly, wife of Robert Cochran, of Marienville; and five great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received at Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, 100 W. Main St. in Ephrata, from 1-2 p.m. July 20. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jeffrey Martin officiating. Interment will take place in Cedar Hill cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, 131 Terrace Ave., Ephrata, PA 17522.
Colleen Coldren, 65, Denver Girl Scout leader, bookkeeper
Colleen "Bootsie" Leslie Coldren, 65, of Denver, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Ephrata Manor.
She was born in Reading to the late R. Lester and Edna (George) Althouse. She was the wife of Donald Coldren, to whom she shared 33 years of marriage.
Leslie worked as a bookkeeper for Dr. Paul H. Ripple for 27 years. She was a 1964 graduate of Cocalico High School and a graduate of McCann’s Business School.
Leslie was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Denver. A Denver Girl Scout leader for 10 years, she was also a member of the Innisbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.
A visitation will be held July 22 from 9:30-10 a.m. at Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St. in Denver, followed by a memorial service at 10 with Pastor David Brumbach officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Fairview cemetery Annex.
Memorial contributions in Bootsie’s memory may be made to St. John’s U.C.C., Attn: Church Choir, 659 S. Fourth St., Denver, PA 17517.
Arrangements were made by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Denver.
Ammon Burkholder, truck co. owner
Ammon N. Burkholder, 62, of Shiloh, Ohio, died Friday, July 15, 2011 at his home.
He was born Jan. 29, 1949 in Ephrata. He had lived in Shiloh for the past 35 years.
Ammon was the owner and operator of Ammon Burkholder Trucking Company since 1971. He was a member of the Chester Mennonite Church in Wooster, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife: Floretta "Flossie" (Martin) Burkholder; his children: Clyde Loren Burkholder, of Shiloh; Diane Yvonne Burkholder, of Shreve, Ohio; and Ileen Renee (Lavern) Troyer, of Millersburg, Ohio; five grandchildren; his parents: George O. and Anna Mary (Nolt) Burkholder, of Ephrata; his siblings: Lester, husband of Annie Burkholder, of Ephrata; Mary Ellen, wife of Clarence Weaver, of Martinsburg; Erma, wife of Norman Shirk, of New Holland; Ida Ann, wife of Marvin Martin, of Versailles, Mo.; and Etta, wife of John Mark Martin, of New Holland.
He was preceded in death by his son: Edwin Lamar Burkholder in 1973.
Funeral services were held July 19 at at the Chester Mennonite Church in Wooster, Ohio with Paul Zimmerman officiating. Burial followed at the Chester Mennonite cemetery.
The family requests that flowers be omitted.
Pierce Sweigart, 83, vet, Weaver Industries worker
Pierce D. Sweigart, 83, Myerstown, formerly of Denver, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 in Lebanon VA Hospice.
He was born in Lancaster, a son of the late Harvey K. and Helen C. (Redcay) Sweigart. His wife, Mabel H. (Young) Sweigart, died Feb. 22, 2010.
A member of Peace United Church of Christ, Denver, he had been attending Frieden’s Lutheran Church, Myerstown. Pierce worked for Weaver Industries, Denver, for 35 years and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Denver Borough Police Commission, Denver Fire Company, Basketball Old Timers, American Legion Cloister Post 429, Lancaster Chapter- National Association of Accountants, Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman’s Club and the Marion Senior Group of Myerstown.
Surviving are a twin brother: Daniel P., husband of Louise Law Sweigart, of Adamstown; and two grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son: Robin D. Sweigart.
Funeral services took place on Oct. 21 at Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Reamstown, with Rev. Dr. Robert K. Miller officiating. Burial took place in Muddy Creek cemetery, Swartzville.
Rather than flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Robin Plank, 51, Boose employee, boxer lover
Robin L. Plank, age 51, of Denver, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 in M.S. Hershey Medical Center.
She was born in Reading, a daughter of Paula M. (Wells) Valentine, Reading, and the late James H. Brown.
A 1978 Cocalico High School and Empire Beauty School graduate, she was employed in human relations with Boose Aluminum Foundry, Reamstown, and over the years had worked for Accents by U, Bollman Hat and F&M Hat Companies. Robin enjoyed public and yard sales, flea markets, Christmas, riding four-wheelers in Potter County, country music (especially Toby Keith) and was an active committee member of Adamstown Community Days. She loved her family, friends and boxers, supporting boxer rescue efforts.
Also surviving are her 19-year companion: Richard C. Eckenroth, with whom she resided; her legal spouse: Richard A. Plank, of Adamstown; "adopted" daughter: Sandra L., wife of Tim Ott, of Denver; "adopted" grandchildren: Shanelle R. and Kara J. Ott, of Denver; and her beloved "dog-ters": Hayden Pearl and Hope Grace.
A brother: Michael J. Brown; and her first boxer girlie: Magdalynne Rose, predeceased her.
Funeral services took place on Oct. 22 at Good Funeral Home, Reamstown, with Rev. Sandra L. Gideon officiating. Burial took place in Muddy Creek cemetery, Swartzville.
David Nolt, 85, Ephrata, Nolt Brothers vice pres.
David Stehman "Stemie" Nolt, 85, of Ephrata, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at Hospice of Lancaster County.
Born in Leacock Township, Leola, he was the son of the late Amron R. and Rhoda R. (Stehman) Nolt and was the husband of Arlene (Zimmerman) Nolt .
He was a member of Muddy Creek Lutheran Church. David was also a member of the Blue Lodge #665 F&A.M. He joined the lodge because of his son’s illness. His other memberships include the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, the Reading Consistory, 32nd degree and lifetime membership of the American Legion, Ephrata. David enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Phillies fan. David also enjoyed going to the mountains and spending time with his grandchildren. David was vice president at Nolt Brothers, Ephrata.
In addition to his wife, David is survived by his daughter: Mary Jane, wife of Joseph D. Green Jr., of Stoughton, Mass.; his son: Robert L., husband of Dinah L. (Stoyer) Nolt, of Ephrata; his step-son: Jeff, husband of Christina (Miles) Sullivan, of Morgantown; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Burnell, Levi, Gilbert and Donald Nolt; and his sister: Eleanor (Nolt) Dumbach.
M. Charlene Musser, real estate, firm owner
M. Charlene Musser, 80, of Seminole, Fla., formerly of Ephrata, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 at Barrington Terrace of Largo, Fla.
She was born in New Holland to the late Charles C. and Elizabeth (Williams) Kochel and was the wife of Robert E. Musser for 58 years.
Charlene graduated from Ephrata High School in 1949. Over the years she worked for the Borough of Ephrata, Fleet-Air Shoes and Fasnacht Brokers. She was also broker-owner of Century 21 Musser-Ochs Realtor. She campaigned for Harry Gring and Noah Wenger in their re-election bids and was involved with the Women’s Republican Summer Party of Lancaster County as co-chairman and chairman. She was Lancaster County jury commissioner from 1978 to 1982. In April of 1996 Charlene, in conjunction with Soroptimist International of St. Petersburg, Fla., was instrumental in establishing a Personal Hygiene Pantry for women infected with HIV/AIDS.
In addition to her husband, Charlene is survived by a son: Robert Jr., husband of Lori, and grand-daughter: Maia, all of Davie, Fla.; sisters: Betty, wife of Claude Sweigart, of Lititz; Carolyn, wife of John Gerhart, of Yuma, Ariz.; and Beverly, wife of Lester Marsh, of Sciota; and a brother: Glenn, husband of Barbara Kochel, of Tucson, Ariz.
Earl Millward, 60, Dart mechanic
Earl E. "Gene" Millward, 60, of Reinholds, died at his home Monday, Oct. 17, 2011.
He was the son of the late Mary Millward.
Earl was employed by the Dart Container Corp. of Leola as a diesel mechanic.
He is survived by three children: Ronald, husband of Sherry Millward, of Hungry Horse, Mont.; Robert, husband of Julia Millward, of Atglen; and Michael Millward, of Kinzers; six grandchildren; and one brother: Herbert Millward.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 22 at the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, followed by interment at the Glen Run cemetery, Atglen.
Online condolences may be posted at wildefuneralhome.com.
Walter Martin, 73, vet, electrician, scout leader
Walter G. Martin, 73, of Lititz, formerly of Denver, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 at Landis Homes.
Born in Terre Hill, he was the son of the late Clyde G. and Minnie (Groff) Martin. He was the husband of Faye (Landis) Martin, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.
Walter was an active member of the Pine Grove Mennonite Church in Bowmansville. He served on the board of directors for Camp Men-O-Lan in Quakertown and was an assistant scout master for the Terre Hill Boy Scout Troop #172. He worked as an electrician and retired in 2003. Walter served seven years in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. While on the U.S.S. Enterprise he made a trip around the world. Walter enjoyed traveling, visiting 49 of the 50 states plus several Canadian Provinces. He enjoyed hunting and making jellies and jams for competition in the local fairs.
Besides his wife he is survived by a daughter: Sheila Martin, of Denver; a son: Jason, husband of Melissa Lingle-Martin, of Marietta, Ga.; two sisters: Grace, wife of Selmer Redcay, of Coudersport; and Mary Good, of Ephrata; and a brother-in-law: Noah, husband of Pauline Zimmerman, of Lancaster.
Anna Loose, Ford Leather worker
Anna Loose, 90, of Akron, passed away Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 at Hospice of Lancaster County, Mount Joy.
Born in Hopeland, she was the daughter of the late George A. and Ella (Edwards) Ruth and was the wife of the late Arthur N. Loose who passed away in 2007.
She was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Akron and had worked for Yorktown Manufacturing Co. in Ephrata and Ford Leather Co. in Akron.
Anna is survived by two sons: Leslie, husband of Judy Loose, of Stevens; and Anthony, husband of Linda Loose, of Lititz; six grandchildren: Austin Loose, Kristin Clark, Steven Loose, Tammy High, Barry High and Darren High; 13 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband and parents, Anna was preceded in death by three sisters: Irene Ruth, Sadie Weik and Ella Eshelman; five brothers: Miles, Warren, Enos, Clarence and Charles; and her half brother: Raymond.
A funeral service was held on Oct. 26 at the Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Akron, with Pastor Leslie Cool officiating. Burial took place in the Rothsville United Zion cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Anna’s memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Paul Kofroth, 72, farmer, pastor
Paul David Kofroth, 72 of Cumberland, passed away at his residence Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011.
Paul was born in Ephrata, the son of the late Paul H. and Helen (Fry) Kofroth.
He enjoyed farming and working outdoors on the family farm. He worked as a truck driver for Horns Trucking and Larsons Express and he formerly served as the pastor for the Gaysport and Rural Dale United Methodist churches.
Paul is survived by his loving wife: Mary (Phillips) Kofroth, whom he married
Dec. 24, 1977; three sons: Mark, husband of Francia Kofroth; Bruce, husband of Tina Kofroth; and David Gould; three daughters: Judy, wife of Darrel Sollenberger; Wanda Kofroth; and Wenda, wife of John Calvert; two sisters: Sarah Ann Zimmerman; and Anna, wife of Leon Good; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by one son: David Kofroth; a daughter: Dawn Kofroth; and a brother: Larry Kofroth.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 20 at the Claysville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ken Ogg officiating.
To send a note of condolence to the Kofroth family, go to thompsonfarusfuneralhome.com.
Rufus Eberly, 90, Dana retiree
Rufus B. Eberly, 90, of Denver, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center.
Born in Denver, he was the son of the late Abraham and Edna (Brubaker) Eberly and was the husband of the late Pearl M. (Schell) Eberly, who passed away in 2009. They had been married
67 years.
Rufus was a member of St. John’s (Hain’s) United Church of Christ in Wernersville. He worked as a tow motor operator for Dana Corp., retiring after 30 years.
He is survived by numerous cousins.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are being made by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.
