Abram K. Shirk

Abram K. Shirk, 74, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy. He was born in West Hempfield Twp., son of the late Moses M. and Lydia N. Kniesley Shirk. He was a shop crane operator for High Steel for 34 years before retiring in 2003. He enjoyed singing and going for walks.

He is survived by two sons: Charles A. (Annette) Shirk, and Thomas A. (Donna) Shirk. Seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One brother: William Shirk. Two sisters: Frances M. (Richard) Armstrong and Esther S. Shirk. He was preceded in death by one brother: Samuel K. Shirk and one sister: Doris N. Shirk.

A strictly private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Patricia L. Stephens

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Patricia L. Stephens, 75, of Mountville, formerly of Johnstown, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.  She was born in Johnstown, daughter of the late George D. and Agnes Rafferty Miles. She worked as a unit clerk in the emergency room at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for many years before her retirement. She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by three sons: David M. Stephens, Lititz, James P. (Fiancée Lori L. McCardell) Stephens, Lebanon, and Thomas W. (Danna M.) Stephens, Landisville. Five grandchildren:  Tyler, Timothy, Hannah, Dylan, and Tanner. Six brothers and sisters: Thomas Miles, Bill Miles, Maryann Miles, Victoria Dugas, Deborah Thomas, and Steven Miles. She was preceded in death by one brother Donald Miles.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 2310 Bedford St., Johnstown on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Rev. David S. Peles, Celebrant. Interment in Richland Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Please omit flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA17603. Arrangements by Workman Funeral Homes, Inc. To send an online condolence visit the condolence page.

John M. Sponar

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John M. Sponar, 67, of Lower Windsor Township passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at home. He was the husband of Hazel E. Bachman Sponar with whom he celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on June 15th, 2016. He was born in San Francisco, CA, son of the late John T. and Margaret Sheehy Sponar. He worked for Conrail for 9 years and also was a union painter for the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades for 30 years before his retirement in January 2014. He attended Living Word Community Church, was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam conflict serving two tours of duty. He was a lifetime member of VFW post #7045 Hellam, King of Clubs Hunting Club, Hornton, VA, American Rifle Association, Yorkanna Game Club, and the Boykin Spaniel Society.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons: Jon C. Sponar, East Prospect, and Justin W. (Fiancée Abbey) Sponar, York, PA. Two grandchildren: Emily A. Sponar and Carter. Two sisters: Rosemary Weidman, Ephrata and Carol Sponar, Columbia.

Graveside service and burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:30 AM.  Please omit flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA 17356.  Arrangements by Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Columbia/Mountville. To send an online condolence visit the condolence page.