United States Army

Service times: Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

SSG John D. Shoff, Sr., USA, Ret., 71, of York Haven passed away, surrounded by his family on September 10, 2018 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Washington Boro to the late Joseph A. and Ruth Bleacher Shoff. He attended Hempfield High School and proudly served in the United States Army. John was an old cowboy at heart who loved camping, traveling and vacationing, and being outdoors. He was known to be a jokester and a fast-talking storyteller. John adored his family and was a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan.

John leaves behind his wife of fourteen years, Monique Shoff of York Haven; four siblings, Emma "Snooks" Earhart of Lititz, Esther, wife of Ron Lambert of Manheim, Lil Keesee of Columbia, Butch, husband of Harriet Shoff of Marietta; his children, Jeannie, wife of Ace Simmons of Bradford, Sandy, wife of John Cramer of Erie, PA, Diana, wife of David Ferrell of Tallmadge, OH, Ilene Shoff, companion of James Zercher of Columbia, Brandy Shoff of Columbia; fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild; his feline daughter, Squeaker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Shoff and Bill Shoff.

Services for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14, 2018 and one hour prior to services. Burial with full military honors will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. John's favorite flowers were red roses and his family will graciously accept any flowers of remembrance. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville.

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obituariesKelly BrommerSeptember 13, 2018Comment

Rosalie Warner

Volunteer for Columbia Public Library

Service times: No formal services.

Rosalie Warner, 79, of Columbia passed away on September 9, 2018. She was born in Lancaster to the late Benjamin and Catherine Pfautz DiBerardino and was a lifelong resident of this area. Rosalie was a graduate of Penn Manor High School with the Class of 1957 and continued to enjoy lunch dates with her "girls of ‘57". She worked for many years at 5th Avenue Cards and was a teacher's aide at Headstart of Columbia. She also volunteered her time at the Columbia Public Library. In addition to spending time with her family, Rosalie enjoyed day trips to Longwood Gardens and visiting the Casinos.

Rosalie leaves behind her daughter Claudia Branam of Goldsboro, NC; her son, Fred, husband of Heather Warner of Columbia; three grandchildren, Justin Warner of Goldsboro, NC, Zane Hughes of Columbia, Olivia Warner of Columbia; a great grandson, Justin Warner, Jr. of Goldsboro, NC; a sister-in-law, Ginny DiBerardino of Lancaster. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick B. Warner in 1988; her daughter, Jennifer L. Warner; her brother, John D. DiBerardino.

In honor of Rosalie's final wishes there will be no formal services and she will be laid to rest at Habecker Mennonite Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Dr., Lancaster, PA 17604. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville.

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obituariesKelly BrommerSeptember 13, 2018Comment

Mary Theresa Wolpert

Devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother

Service times: Monday, September 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Mary Theresa Wolpert, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at UPMC Pinnacle Lancaster. She was the wife of the late Lawrence E. Wolpert, Sr. with whom she was married 63 years until his death on February 22, 2017. A lifelong Columbia resident, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Mary Hook Foley.

Better known to her friends as "Tese", she was a graduate of St. Peter's Grade School, the former St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing. She worked for many years until her retirement from the former Columbia Hospital where she was employed as a registered nurse.

A devoted member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Columbia, she was active in the Altar Rosary Society, PCCW and the annual Lenten fish fry. For many years she took great care in ironing the priest albs. She enjoyed traveling and looked forward to lunches and dinners with her former classmates and friends. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting others before herself.

She is survived by her children, Michael J. husband of Eileen Wolpert; Melanie M. wife of Dennis Hollingsworth; Lawrence E., Jr. husband of Karen Wolpert; William J. husband of Barbara Wolpert; Robert J. husband of Michele Wolpert; Theresa M. wife of Mark Carter; 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Ashley Wolpert preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St., Columbia, PA on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Anthony Swamy, Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery. There will be no viewing at the church on Monday; however, friends may view at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA on Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m.) In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Theresa's memory to St. Peter's Catholic Church or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donatewould be deeply appreciated.

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obituariesKelly BrommerSeptember 13, 2018Comment

Charles E. Eshbach, II

Private Services

Service times: Private

Private services will be held.

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obituariesKelly BrommerSeptember 5, 2018Comment

Roy H. Gantz

Retiree of Bridge Valley Egg Plant

Service times: No Formal Services.

Roy H. Gantz, 85, of Marietta, passed away on September 4, 2018 at the M.S. Hershey Medical Center. Born in Washington Boro, he was the son of the late Roy F. and Esther Hoak Gantz.

Roy retired from the Bridge Valley Egg Plant and was previously employed at the Wenger Feed Plant.

He is survived by his daughter, Esther L. Gantz; two grandchildren, Tyler Sauder; Allison Gantz; brother, Dean R. husband of Anne Gantz; sister, Mae Landis. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mildred Brown, Hilda Deardorff and Helen Gentzler.

At Roy's request there will be no formal funeral services.

Arrangements are in care of the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc.

www.cwkraftfh.com

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obituariesKelly BrommerSeptember 4, 2018Comment

Donna Mae Dambach

Loved spending time with her family.

Service times: Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Donna Mae Dambach, 76, of Marietta passed away on August 27th, 2018 following an extended illness. She was born in Columbia to the late James R. and Ruth Rhoads Jones. Donna attended Columbia High School and worked for many years at AMP before her eventual retirement. She was an award winning needlework artist. From traveling abroad, to family picnics at Jim's Vineyard and the family Thanksgiving dinner, a tradition started by her late mother, then carried on by her niece, Kathy and presently by Mary, Donna loved spending time with her family.

Donna leaves behind her son, Anthony, husband of Dawn Fidler of Shrewsbury; two grandchildren, Amanda and Megan; nine great grandchildren; niece and nephew whom she helped her mother raise, Kathy, wife of Tom Soltysik of Centerville and Jim, husband of Anita Jones of Alexandria, VA; a brother, Jim Jones of Felton, PA; several nieces and nephews and a large extended family; her lifelong friend, Mary Gable. Donna's family would like to thank her niece, Selena Wilkinson for her care during Donna's illness. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her late husband Reed Dambach in 2011; two sisters, Marlene Williams and Joanne Hivner.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 23 S. 6th St, Columbia, PA 17512. Casual attire requested per Donna's wishes. There will be no formal visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Dr, Lancaster, PA 17604. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 29, 2018Comment

Ada Bell Frey

100 Years Young

Service Times: Monday, August 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Ada B. Frey, 100, formerly of 6391 Jeanette Dr., East Petersburg, PA entered into her eternal Heavenly home on August 20, 2018 to be with Jesus Christ, her Savior, who has blessed her with a long life and proven his faithfulness to her, as she had been always faithful to him.

Ada was born on October 24, 1917 to Claude and Helen Campbell in Columbia, PA. She was the wife of the late Bernard W. Frey who preceded her in death in 2011. She is survived by her two children, Pauline wife of Melvin Denlinger, Stevens, PA and Bernard T. husband of Terry Breddy Frey of Lancaster, PA, 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving is a sister: Pauline M. Fritz of Wrightsville, PA. She was preceded in death by a brother and sister.

Ada loved being a homemaker, and took pleasure in sewing furnishings for her home, as well as making most of her own clothes, spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoyed vegetable and fruit gardening, cooking, baking, going to auctions and taking vacation trips to various states including Hawaii. Ada was a member of the New Life Church on the Old Philadelphia Pike in Lancaster and was previously a member of the Assembly of God Church on Columbia Ave. in Lancaster. In former years she served faithfully in many roles of service.

Ada's Home Coming Celebration will be held from the New Life Church, 1991 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 11:00AM (VIEWING: 10:00AM – 11:00AM) with Pastor Moses Baker officiating. Interment will follow in Silver Spring Cemetery. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 247 Main St., Landisville, PA.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 21, 2018Comment

David L. Sheehan

United States Air Force

Service times: August 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

David L. Sheehan, 70, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at the Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Caledonia, MN, he was the son of the late Donald (Toppy) and Beatrice (Betty) Sheehan.

David attended St. Mary's Grade School and Caledonia High School in Minnesota where he excelled in wrestling. He was also an excellent high diver. He was employed as a sales representative for over 32 years at Fullmer Industries Sales, Douglassville, PA. He proudly served in the U.S.A.F. during the Viet Nam War working as an aircraft mechanic. He was a member of the Columbia Fraternal Association; Wrightsville Social Club; American Legion Post 372 and enjoyed fishing, traveling and golf.

He was an awesome brother and friend and will be missed forever. Survivors include, son Casey (Amy Nissley) Sheehan; sister, Bonnie (Russ) Riley; nephews, Alan, Sean and Jason Marty; niece, Shanna Will; 12 great-nieces and nephews. His best friend and partner, Deb Myers and her children, Joey (Steve) Braas, Jon Myers and grandchildren Stephen and Meghan Braas also survive.

A memorial service will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Joshua R. Brommer, officiating. There will be no viewing; however, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Kindly omit flowers. Contributions to the American Lung Association in David's memory would be deeply appreciated.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 20, 2018Comment

Veronica Ann Warner

Loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother

Service times: Monday, August 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Veronica Ann Warner, 77, of Columbia passed away on August 14th, 2018. She was born in Columbia to the late William and Marriam Fry Nikolaus and was a lifelong resident of this area. Veronica retired from Park Elementary School as a playground monitor and was known to her students as Grandma or Nanny. She was also known to her family and community as a strong-willed woman. Veronica was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who adored her family.

Veronica leaves behind her seven children, Veronica, wife of Ron Caswell of Galloway OH, Carl, husband of Rebecca Warner of Lancaster, Harold Warner of Columbia, Ruth Ann Eckert of York, Joe, husband of Julie Best of Columbia, Jay Best of Overlea, MD, Roberta Shackelford of Winter Haven FL; sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; her siblings, Joe of Lancaster, Mim of Middletown, Patricia of Harrisburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her companion of thirty five years, R.T. "Joe" Best in 2014.

Services for Veronica will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 20th, 2018 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Flowers will be accepted. Veronica will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 15, 2018Comment

Nancy M. Keesey

United States Army Air Corps

Service times: Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.

Nancy M. Keesey, 96, formerly of Columbia, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018 at ManorCare, Elizabethtown, where she had resided for the past four months. Born in Landis Valley, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Martha Demmy Leese.

Nancy was last employed at the Armstrong Carpet Plant, Marietta, however, she fondly recalled all the years working as a telephone operator at the former Columbia Telephone Company.

She was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps serving as a typist during World War II. In addition, she was a member of the Breezyview Assembly of God.

She is survived by her daughters, Winifred, wife of Donnie Mathews; Denise, wife of Ted Groff; granddaughters, Crystal wife of David Silkworth; Nikki wife of Jake Geesey; Erica, wife of Cory Balani; great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Tenley, Kaylee, Keegan, Dalton and one foster daughter. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Daniel Paul Geesey, sister, Evelyn "Billy" Leese, brother, Clarence Leese, adopted daughter, Christine Crawford and two foster daughters.

Funeral services will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Family and friends may view on Thursday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to Feed the Children, PO Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0036 or at www.feedthechildren.org.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 13, 2018Comment

Patricia A. Eisenberger

Loved going to the beach with her family

Service times: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.

Patricia A. Eisenberger, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Hospice and Community Care. She was the wife of the late Raymond R. "Ray" Eisenberger, with whom she was married 66 years until his death in 2013. A proud and lifelong Columbia resident, she was born to the late Francis and Anastasia Moriarty Gaus.

A Columbia High School graduate, Class of 1943, Pat continued her education graduating from St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. In addition, she served in the U.S Cadet Nurse Corps in Washington, DC during World War II. She later was employed by the Columbia Boro School District as an elementary school nurse, retiring in 1989 after 25 years of service.

Pat was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Columbia. She was a longtime volunteer at the Columbia Visitor Center, enjoyed needlepoint, was an avid reader and loved going to the beach with her family in Stone Harbor, NJ, which she did for over 50 years.

She is survived by her children, Doris A. Eisenberger; Jane M. wife of Kevin N. Quinn; Steven P. husband of Susan D. (Place) Eisenberger; four grandchildren, Sean J. and Brian P. Quinn; Hannah K. and Luke S. Eisenberger. The last of her immediate family, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Francis and Richard Gaus; sisters, Mary Ellen Barrett, Jean Motter, Joanne Kavanaugh and Geraldine Schlegelmilch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 12 noon with the Rev. Anthony Swamy, Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery. There will be no viewing on Tuesday, however friends may view at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. If desired contributions in Pat's memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or at www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 10, 2018Comment

Heather N. Lehman

Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan

Service times: Friday, August 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Heather N. Lehman, 41, of Columbia, passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at home. Born in York, she was the daughter of Richard W., Sr. and Roxanne Lehman Anderson.

A graduate of Columbia High School, Class of 1995, she was employed for the past 21 years at Kleen-Rite Corporation where she worked in the warehouse.

Heather loved going to the beach, animals, purse bingo and rooting for the Eagles and Phillies. She was always up for a good time with her friend, "Fred TC".

In addition to her parents, Heather is survived by her children, Shania J. Smith; Jarrid L. Smith; brother, Richard W. Anderson, Jr. husband of Sarah (Mahler) and a niece, Candice.

A funeral service will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplains Stephen C. and Brooksyne Weber, officiating. Friends may view at the funeral home on Friday one hour prior to the service. At the family's request, please consider a donation in Heather's memory to the American Diabetes Association, 3544 Progress Ave., Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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obituariesKelly BrommerAugust 9, 2018Comment

Evelyn H. Mayer

Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother

Service times: Wednesday August 8th, 2018

Evelyn H. Mayer, 97, of Mount Joy passed away on August 3rd, 2018. She was born in Point Lookout to the late Elmer and Alice Jennicks Dunlap. Evelyn was known to be crafty and enjoyed hunting and fishing. She had a love for chocolate and ice cream, and also taught water aerobics until she was ninety. Evelyn was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother who adored her family.

Evelyn leaves behind her daughters, Vickie, wife of Don Forry of Mount Joy, Karen Klinedinst-Elslager of Mount Joy; five grandchildren, Tim Nell, Jr., Kelle Bell, Steven Klinedinst, Donald Forry, and Jody Carroll; ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Mayer.

A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8th, 2018 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. There will be no visitation. Evelyn's family is requesting attendees wear casual Penn State attire. She will be laid to rest at Holy Savior Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Evelyn's name to Donegal Braves, P.O. Box 402, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville. www.cwkraftfh.com