Thomas L. Duke

 
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Thomas L. Duke, 78, of Lititz, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at home. He was the husband of Joanne Drybred Duke with whom he celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in August of 2020. He was born in Lancaster, son of the late G. Herman and A. Alice Dussinger Duke. Tom was a pharmacist, having worked for Lancaster General Hospital, York Memorial Hospital and Merck-Medco, where he was Director of Professional services and from where he retired. He was a graduate of JP McCaskey High School, Class of 1960 and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Class of 1965, where he was very active in the Kappa Psi Fraternity. Tom was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ; a former member and past president of the Mountville Lions Club; a former Board Member of the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission; a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of Lodge #43 F&AM. He enjoyed his garden railroad, fly fishing and traveling.

Surviving in addition to his wife, one daughter: Christina A.D. (Kevin S.) Ganz, Elkins Park. Two grandchildren: Caleb H. and Lillian K. Ganz. One brother: George H. (Ellen) Duke, Colorado. One sister-in-law: Gladys Drybred, Mountville. He was preceded in death by one son: Curtis L. Duke and one grandson: Maxwell Ganz.

A Private Service will be held at a later date. Interment in Mountville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation (CHOP), PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352 or Children's Dyslexia Center of Lancaster, 213 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

J. Elvin Hershey

 
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J. Elvin Hershey, 93, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the husband of the late Marian M. Hershey, who passed away on March 20, 2001 and Patricia K. Gentry Brubaker Hershey with whom he celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on December 24, 2020. He was born in Paradise, son of the late John C. and Grace E. Hershey Hershey. He was a truck driver for John Gerlach and Sico Company for 27 years before his retirement. Following retirement, he worked for Apple Belting Company and BDH Belting Company. He was a former member of Central Manor Church of God for more than 50 years where he served as a board member, deacon, treasurer and was a choir member and is now a member of Harvest Bible Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife, one son: Barry L. (Debbie J.) Hershey. Three step-children. Three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren eight great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. One sister: Helen (Paul) Kreider. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Thelma Kreider; Harold Hershey; Paul Hershey; Leon Hershey; and Martha Yoder.

The Graveside Service and Burial will be at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Harvest Bible Church, 1460 Eden Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Jean Cullison

 
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Jean Cullison, 87, formerly of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Luther Acres. She was the wife of Ronald M. Cullison to whom she was married for 67 years. She was born in West Jefferson, NC daughter of the late William and Viola Marsh Baldwin. Jean worked in the admissions office at Lancaster General Hospital before her retirement. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, reading, antiquing and spending time with her family.

Surviving in addition to her husband, her children: Debra (late George) Myers; Greg (Karen) Cullison; Suzanne Stevenson and Lisa Cullison. Six grandchildren: Laura, Meggie, Cole, Rob, Joey and Michael. One great-granddaughter: Ella. One sister: Mabel Poling. She was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.

A Private Service and Burial will be in Mountville Cemetery. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Anthony J. Purcell

 
 
 
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Anthony J. Purcell, Sr., 63, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 unexpectedly at home. He was the husband of Deborah L. Wolf Purcell for almost 45 years. He was born in Shamokin, son of the late Thomas, Jr. and Dorothy Royack Purcell. Anthony graduated from Penn Manor High School and attended both Bloomsburg University and Elizabethtown College. He was employed as an industrial electrician for Armstrong World Industries for over 40 years. While there he serve as International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Vice-President, and later President for over 20 years, through several contract negotiations. He served on the Community Services of Organized Labor in Lancaster County. He further served two terms on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Lancaster County and was awarded Rookie Volunteer of the Year in 2009. He was a lifelong member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. From a young age, he was a sports enthusiast, which included his favorite teams of the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his early 20's he played for the Lancaster Red Rose Rugby team in addition to playing and coaching the Saint Philip's Killer Bees Softball team in Millersville for over four decades and leading them to numerous championships. Later in life, he coached and played softball for the Springford Over 50's Softball team. He lead many of his teams to state and international championships. Other pastimes included participating in a local poker club for over 30 years, card tournaments and sudoku. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to 46 of 50 states and abroad. Anthony was widely known for his dedication to family, generosity, honesty and equality. It was known that he fought for the "little guy". He will be deeply missed by family and numerous friends.

Surviving in addition to his wife, one son: Anthony J. Purcell, Jr. and two brothers: Thomas (Janet) Purcell, III; and Jeffery (Kate Fitzpatrick) Purcell. Also, nieces and nephews: Heather Wolf; Beth Purcell Confer; Charles Wolf, III; Sarah Purcell Brock; Thomas Purcell, IV; and Mary Purcell. Many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law: Daniel Espejel.

A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment in Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 or the Community Services of Organized Labor, 675 Manor St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence.

Andrew P. Mock

 
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Andrew P. Mock, 51, of Bowmansville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at home. He was born in Lancaster, son of the late Vernon C., Jr. and Beverly A. Mock. He was a welder by trade and was an avid musician, having played the guitar. He enjoyed golfing, football, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

He is survived by two daughters: Kelsey A. Mock, Wrightsville and Aryanna J. Mock, Columbia and their mother: Carol A. Brown, Wrightsville. One granddaughter: Aslyn Witmer. Two brothers: Christopher Mock, South Africa and Aaron J. Mock, Lancaster.

The Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Columbia/Mountville. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

James R. Smith, Sr.

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Jim, known as “Smath,” never met a dog, antique or old movie he didn’t enjoy.

On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, James R. Smith, Sr., 79, of Manor Township, husband, father and grandfather, entered eternal life, at home. He was the husband of Rosemarie L. Cassidy Smith for 44 years. Jim spent his life working at Buck Foundry and Howmet where he later retired in 2004. He was a Veteran of the US Navy and had a passion for creating beautiful stained glass, taking the scenic route while driving and celebrating his favorite holiday, the 4th of July.

Surviving in addition to his wife, four children: Jimmy (Jean), Eli (Sharon), Lisa (Fran) and Tonya. Two Stepchildren: Stephen (Candy) Knepp and Albert (Marilyn) Knepp, Jr. Eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. One brother: Michael (Maryanne) Long. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Long, his father, Jim Smith and one sister, Lorna Fry.

He will forever be remembered and always loved.

Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Barry E. Geib

 
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Barry E. Geib, 60, of Mount Joy Township, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 of natural causes. He was the husband of Linda E. Wolf Geib with whom he would have celebrated 26 years of marriage on January 31, 2021. He was born in Lancaster, son of A. Lorraine Burkey Moser, Lancaster and the late Eugene S. Geib. He was an auto mechanic technician A. Barry was raised in the Methodist faith and enjoyed NASCAR Racing, fishing and reading.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother, one son: Jeremy A. (Lori) Geib, Willow Street. One granddaughter: Alyssa Geib. One step-son: Steven M. Singer, Mount Joy Twp. One step-daughter: Cindy Caretti, Virginia. Five step-grandchildren. One sister: Joanne D. Hollinger, Lancaster. Several nieces and nephews.

The Graveside Service and Burial will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

 

Frederick W. Caswell

 
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Frederick W. Caswell, 68, formerly of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in Forksville, PA. He was born in Columbia, son of the late Lloyd E. and Mildred Miller Caswell.

He is survived by one daughter: Melissa A. Downing (fiance: Marcus G. Allsup), Mount Joy. One sister: Lorraine M. Dommel, Columbia. Several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother: Dennis Caswell and one sister: Shirley Culp.

A Private Graveside Service and Burial will be held at Silver Spring Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: the Alzheimer's Association, 2595 Interstate Dr., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Columbia/Mountville. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Karen M. Hess

 
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Karen M. Hess, 76, of Manor Township, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021. She was the wife of Kenneth F. Hess. Karen was born in Manor Twp., daughter of the late Robert and Mildred E. Hinkle. She worked as a production worker for Slaymaker Lock Company and Armstrong World Industries before her retirement. She was a member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church of Creswell where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a life-long attendee at Central Manor Camp Meeting. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, creating hand stamped cards, taking care of her family and going to the mountains.

Surviving in addition to her husband, one son: David Hinkle, Lancaster and one grandson: Kevin Hinkle. She was preceded in death by several brothers.

The Funeral Service will be held at Bethany EC Church of Creswell, 1165 Letort Rd., Conestoga, PA 17516 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Maria Yocum-Carlson, officiating. Interment in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Viewing will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn and social distancing will be enforced. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Bethany EC Church of Creswell Building Fund. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Harold F. "Peck" Stauffer

 
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Harold F. "Peck" Stauffer, 96, of Mountville, a retired self-employed home builder and general contractor, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Oak Leaf Manor-North. He was the husband of the late Pauline Yeagley Stauffer. He was born in Columbia and raised in Mountville and was the youngest son of the late Clarence G. and Alice Hall Stauffer. Peck was a graduate of Columbia High School, Class of 1942. He served in the US Army Air Corps from 1944-1946 during which time he received his wings as a B-24 Bomber Pilot. Peck was very proud of his accomplishments in the service and spoke often and fondly of his training days at airfields in Alabama, Kentucky and Indiana. He was stationed in Walla Walla, WA, awaiting his overseas orders when WWII ended. After leaving the military, he attended Franklin and Marshall College, studying engineering, during which time he opted to join his father in his cabinetry business. Several years later, in 1948, he met and married Pauline M. Yeagley of Willow Street, who worked as a bookkeeper for the Lancaster Newspaper. He later started his own contracting business, building single family homes in the Mountville area, including his own, the Mountville Fire Station and several miniature golf courses. Peck enjoyed bowling in several leagues at Leisure Lanes, maintaining an average of 200 per game; was an avid fly fisherman, who enjoyed tying his own flies and was often accompanied by his father and brother Carl, on fishing trips and in later years by his wife, who would sit quietly nearby. He also hunted for small game, deer and turkey for many years, both locally and in Potter and Mifflin Counties. He will be remembered by many for his sense of humor and quick wit. Peck was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church; served on the Mountville Boro Council and the Mountville Cemetery Association. He loved Mountville and never wanted to live anywhere else.

He is survived by two daughters: Barbara Hackman, Mountville and Joan (David C.) Stauffer Boyd, Pasadena, MD. Eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Carl C. Stauffer and Russell H. Stauffer. Three nephews and one niece.

A Private Funeral Service and Burial will be held in Mountville Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Robert A. Retallack

 
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Robert A. Retallack, 80, of Mountville, formerly of Johnstown, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. He was the husband of the late Pauline K. Forrey Retallack who passed away on April 26, 2013. He was born in Johnstown, son of the late Harry Retallack and Sadie Ickes Gisbricht. He was a fire guard for Armstrong World Industries for 30 years before his retirement and was a veteran of the US Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed yard sales, going to flea markets, antique cars and was a model train collector.

He is survived by one daughter: Misty D. (Matthew C.) Giberson, Mountville. Two grandchildren: Elisa R. (Christopher) Slaugh, Mountville and Malachi M. Giberson. Two great-granddaughters: Harper and Quinn Slaugh. Two brothers: Richard (Kathryn) Retallack, Bainbridge and Jim R. ( Beverly) Retallack, Florida. One sister: Sue Plovich, Armaugh. He was preceded in death by one sister: Carole McIntosh.

A Private Service will be held for the family. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Vivian J. Walter

 
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Vivian J. Walter, 92, of Brereton Manor, Washington Boro, formerly of Manheim, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020. She was the wife of the late John N. Walter, who passed away in 2008. She was born in Lancaster, daughter of the late Christian and Myrtle Kuhn Hershey. Vivian worked at Hamilton Watch and also as a nurse's aide at Brethren Village before her retirement. She was a member of Lakeview Bible Church and enjoyed bowling, hiking, crossword puzzles, flowers, gardening, watching game shows, road trips to the mountains, playing piano and loved Southern Gospel Music. Vivian was a great example for her family as to what a mother should be and loved her Lord and Savior and reading the Bible. She loved her family unconditionally all of her life and was concerned for them and others before herself. She taught them the great value of family and loved them, her siblings and all extended family. As she got older, she lost friends, but made new ones. She also loved the staff at Brereton Manor and had an infectious laugh. Vivian was and always will be near and dear to the hearts of her family, until one day seeing her again!

She is survived by two daughters: Ginger D. (Steven H.) Kelshaw, Mountville and Rebecca L. (Gerald L.) Boll, Manheim. Five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Four sisters: her twin, Dorothy (Edward) Longenecker, Lancaster; Doris Hershey, Lititz; Beverly Geib, East Petersburg; and Donna Wagaman, Columbia. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Lloyd, Richard and John Hershey.

The Family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff, doctors and nurses at Brereton Manor and LGH for the care shown to them.

The Private Funeral Service and Burial will be at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Rosemary "Snookie" Pennell

 
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Rosemary "Snookie" Pennell, 92, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020. She was the wife of the late Eugene R. Pennell for 29 years before he passed away in 1979. She was born in Columbia, daughter of the late Harry A. and Anna Mae Resch Aston. Rosemary graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1946 and St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1949. She was employed as an office nurse for Dr. David Weinberg for 20 years. She then worked as a third shift nurse for ITT Grinnell Corp for 26 years before retiring in 1994. She was a devout, lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Altar Rosary Society. Snookie was also a member of the Grinnell Retirement Club and was a member and past secretary of AARP, Columbia Chapter. After her retirement she was a "Holy Roller" during Fastnacht Season. She enjoyed working at the election polls in Columbia for many years and was an avid reader, having been a member Emeritus of the Mountwaybia book club. One of her passions was giving friends a tour of her South Second Street home at Christmas and proudly showing her 11 foot Christmas tree. Snookie enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and in her earlier years, she enjoyed spending summers at the family cabin, on an island in the Susquehanna River.

She is survived by two sons: Steven (Sharon) Pennell, Wrightsville and Michael (Toni) Pennell, Pawley's Island, SC. One daughter-in-law: Tina Pennell Ness, Columbia. Ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons: Brian, Keith and Galen Pennell.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St., Columbia on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Stephen P. Kelley, as Celebrant. Final Commendation and Farewell in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Snookie's memory to: Our Lady of the Angels School, 404 Cherry St., Columbia, PA 17512. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Columbia/Mountville. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.

Susan M. Wile

 
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Susan M. Wile, Columbia, formerly of Mountville, passed into the arms of her Lord on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Lancaster General Hospital, after a brief illness. Sue loved her family; her daughters were her world. She made sure to always put her family first. Her grand and great-grandchildren gave her great joy. Sue loved the sound of the ocean, feeling the bay breeze and vacationing at Stone Harbor, NJ. Sue was a homemaker for many years and worked at Whallons, Shorty Macks, Gramps and retired from Interiors Home. She was a member of St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Columbia.

Sue is survived by her husband of 60 years, Kenneth E Wile. Her daughters: Tami (Mark) Lantz, Lancaster; Tracy (Don) Arndt, Columbia; Michelle (Steve) Harnish, Murfreesboro, TN; and Kimberly (Dominick) Plastino, Anitoch, TN. Also surviving are seven grandchildren

and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and two brothers.

Unfortunately, due to COVID 19 restrictions, services will be private at the convenience of the family. A celebration of Life will be held when it is safe to do so. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mountville Historical Museum or Meals on Wheels, c/o St John's Lutheran Church, Columbia. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.