Obituaries for Perry County for the weeks preceding May 25.
THOMAS R. SHOPE
Thomas Ronald Shope always had a song in his heart. The son of Marguerite and Walter Shope, he died at age 90 from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease at Spang Crest Nursing Home on Saturday, May 11, 2024. He was a resident of Harmony at Hershey.
A proud son of Perry County, he graduated from Blain High School with honors. A Navy veteran and a graduate of Millersville University, he received a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. He was a geography teacher for 26 years at Juniata Joint High School. After retirement from teaching, he worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 15 years.
He was well liked by everyone he met. He enjoyed driving seniors in the West Hanover van and he was a volunteer for Bunny People animal shelter and Operation Christmas Child. He loved to travel, had a fondness for sweets, animals (especially cats), children, going to the casino and new cars. He loved to sing and was a loving husband, stepdad and grandpa.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 24 years, Anna (Killinger) Shope; a brother, Donald Shope of Enola; three nieces and a nephew; four stepchildren, Joseph Killinger, Laurie Berry, Steven Killinger and Dale Killinger; seven stepgrandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren, who loved him very much.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Gene, and his adored cat, Skittles.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 25, in St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4200 Londonderry Road, Harrisburg, with the Rev. James Person officiating. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bunny People, 6784 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg 17112, or to the Humane Society of Greater Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg 17111.
VONNIE M. SHANNON
Vonnie Mae Shannon, beloved wife and mother, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her home leaving a void her family cannot fill.
She was born Jan. 4, 1942, one of five children to Edith (Barkley) and Blair Sheriff of Landisburg. She loved to share childhood tales of her brothers and sisters and their mischief and pranks.
She also worked at her family garage, where she learned about cars and motorcycles which challenged the norms of the day. She knew her way around cars and was riding her own motorcycle when girls didn’t dare.
She also was a force in the sports she loved, competing in bowling and golf leagues. She taught that love to her family who shared many laughs trying to beat her scores. She loved any and all activities that her family enjoyed whether it was soccer, baseball, fly-fishing, shooting clays or just plain work. She truly will be missed by all.
She was the devoted wife of Thomas Frederick Shannon for 65 years and the beloved mother of three children, Blair Randall (Randy) Sheriff of Landisburg, Christine Booher of Shermans Dale and Jill Reeder of Loysville. Her family was the center of her world.
She was a grandmother to eight grandchildren, Brandon Reeder, Ethan Reeder, Kristen Storrick, Jake Kennedy, Tommy Booher, Jillyan Sawyer, Lindsey Blumenschein and Britton Sheriff; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy. She made holidays, birthdays and family get-togethers special for everyone.
A celebration of life was held May 18 in The Andersonburg Place.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blain Ambulance EMS, P.O. Box 7, Blain 17006.
CHEERI A. TYSON
Cheeri Anne Tyson, 76, of Brandy Lane, Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Duncannon, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 10, 2024, at her home.
She was born Sept. 19, 1946, in Lewistown to the late Paul and Helen (Aurand) Ritter.
She graduated from Chief Logan High School and Career Academy.
She was an active member of Newport Assembly of God Church where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and participated in many mission trips to Indian reservations. In 2005, she became a member Harrisburg First Seventh-day Adventist Church where she led women’s ministry and sang in the choir.
She was married to the late Barry Richard Tyson from 1966 to 2022. In 1978, the couple adopted their children, David Jerome, Helen Grace and Jonathan Lee, enriching the lives of all. They served as Cub Scout leaders for 10 years.
Surviving are two sisters, Paulette Witt (Guy) and Lola Foberg (Paul); a daughter, Helen White (Mike); a son, Jonathan Tyson (Missy); eight grandchildren, Ashley Brown, Brandi Brown, Brandon Brown, Sienna Tyson, Scarlett Tyson, Cameron Rosancrans, Alexis Rosancrans and Malayna Walker; and husband, Dean Espenshade.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Tyson; a son, David Tyson; nephew, Tony Tyson; and a grandchild, Mayson Mahaffey.
A service was held May 20 in Harrisburg First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Burial was in Bloomfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, to help with funeral expenses, may be made to Boyer Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, New Bloomfield 17068.
DELORES J. FULLER
Delores Jean Fuller, 86, of Ickesburg went to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at West Shore UPMC.
She was born Jan. 16, 1938, to the William and Florence Wright of Newport.
She attended Newport High School. She worked for many years for C.H. Masland and Sons and also Ettingers Carpet. She attended Faith United Church, Ickesburg. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She enjoyed painting, sewing, embroidery, reading, attending Blain Senior Center and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her husband of 70 years, Harry J. Fuller; a daughter, Saunda B. Wolfersburger of Carlisle; a son, Gregory E. Fuller (Jodie) of Ickesburg; a grandson, Brandon M. Fuller (Melissa) of Elliottsburg; a granddaughter, Dawn M. Mitten (Nathan) of Loysville; four great-grandchildren, Rylee Fuller, Kaylin Mitten, Gavin Fuller and Avarie Mitten; and two sisters, Sarah Woods (Wayne) and Patricia Coller (James).
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Debra Kay.
A service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 23, in her church, with visitation at 1:30.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her church, P.O. Box 100, Ickesburg 17037.
LOIS BROWNAWELL
Lois Brownawell, 89, of Carlisle died Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at her residence.
She was born in Carlisle Springs to Ernest and Anna (Smee) Hockenberry.
Lois worked for many years at the Village Food Market, Carlisle Springs. She was a very active member of Young’s Church, Shermans Dale, and, until her passing, was the oldest active member and was very supportive of the church softball team.
She loved bowling, participating in many bowling leagues, and putting together puzzles, completing more than 100 since her husband died.
What brought her the most joy was her family. She enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s events, as well as monthly breakfasts with her four sisters.
She was the widow of Robert Lee Brownawell, who died in 2019.
Surviving are two sons, Dennis (Bonnie) Brownawell of Aspers and Roger (Colleen) Brownawell of Lewisberry; five grandchildren, Ashley Brownawell, Shelby Elicker, Garrett Brownawell, Lauren Pendelton and Sara Grim; four great-grandchildren, Rogan Kidd, Dexton Thomas, Landen Elicker and Trey Mackey; and four sisters, Rena (Robert) Brunner of Sherman’s Dale, Myra Ruppert of York Springs, Audrey Kuhn of Boiling Springs and Wanda (David) Cupp, of Shermans Dale.
A service was held May 22 in Hoffman Funeral and Cremation, Carlisle. Interment was in Westminster Cemetery, Carlisle.
Memorial contributions may be made to her church, 101 Youngs Church Road, Shermans Dale 17090.
MARIAN E. SHATTO
Marian Elizabeth Shatto, affectionately known as “Doats,” 80, of Shermans Dale went to be with her heavenly Father on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her home.
She was born Oct. 19, 1943, in Southwest Madison Twp., the sixth of seven children to John and Freda (Smith) McGarvey.
She was a lifelong member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, New Bloomfield, and a 1961 graduate of Blain Union High School. She was a dedicated homemaker while her children were young. She entered the workforce as a nurse’s aid for West Perry School District from which she retired. Most of her career was spent in the health room at Carroll Elementary where she pulled countless teeth and is fondly remembered by many students and faculty. She was an EMT for the Shermans Dale Ambulance Association and provided EMT services for West Perry High School athletic events. She was a member of Shermans Dale Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, a census worker, and a minority inspector of elections for Carroll Twp.
She dearly missed her late husband, Darb, but found joy in the family they started together. She loved nothing more than spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had an endless supply of hugs, kisses and snuggles. She also nurtured loving relationships with her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed luncheons with her classmates, yard sales, a good game of Scrabble and, of course, tomatoes and bacon. She was a loving mother and dependable friend and will be remembered for her kindness, positive attitude (even in the midst of adversity) and that smile.
Surviving are four children, Jacklyn Kline (Alan), Daphne Shatto, Timothy Shatto (Tammy) and Mitzi Richard (Eric); 13 grandchildren, Jordan Stine, Alexa Markowitz, Caitlin Ercole, Colton Stine, Dustin Lyons, Andrew Sherman, Elizabeth and McGarvey Shatto, Benjamin and Victoria Heikenfeld, Madison Wieland, Darby and Wyatt Richard; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard “Dick” McGarvey; mother-in-law, Mary Louise Shatto; sister-in-law, Marjorie Kapp; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Darwin E. Shatto; two sisters, Jeanne Metz and Anne Zimmerman; and three brothers, Charles “Chuck” McGarvey, John “Jack” McGarvey and William McGarvey.
Mass of Christian Burial was held May 21 in her church. Burial was in Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Shermans Dale.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
DORIS JEAN ZEIDERS
Doris Jean Zeiders, 95, died Thursday, March 21st at the Harrisburg home of her daughter.
She was born June 19, 1928 in Elliottsburg, Spring Township, Perry County, to Forrest Wertz Reeder and Evelyn McBride Bower Reeder.
Her childhood years encompassed the Great Depression and her adolescence spanned the years of World War II, times that spurred the development of her personal qualities of industry, thrift and ingenuity. A 1946 graduate of Landisburg High School, she attended Susquehanna University for music and Central Penn Business School. While raising four children, she entered the workforce with the West Perry School District and the U.S. Postal Service in both New Bloomfield and Elliottsburg. Doris eventually settled in as a beloved letter carrier in Lemoyne for over thirty years, brightening the days of residents and businesspeople with her determined dependability and cheery disposition.
Always purposeful, she embraced community and civic service, giving time and energy to the West Perry Band Boosters and the community projects spearheaded by her husband, Jack, Scoutmaster of Pack 92 and Troop 92. She gave of herself with devotion to her lifelong church, Messiah Lutheran in Elliottsburg, serving as sexton for many years, as an alto in the choir and, like her mother Evelyn before her, as organist.
She is survived by her daughter, Jan C. Polston of Harrisburg, and two sons; the Rev. Dr. Joel L Zeiders (Ruth) of Bloomsburg and Jeffrey A. Zeiders (Vickie) of Pittsburgh. Her legacy also lives on through nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jon Steven Zeiders, and an infant brother, Charles Nicholas Reeder.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at 11:00 AM, Messiah Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg, with a one-hour visitation prior to the ceremony. Interment in Bloomfield Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either Messiah Lutheran Church, 70 Limestone Ridge Rd., Elliottsburg, PA 17024 or Perry County Animal Rescue, 379 Sugar Run Road, Millerstown, PA 17062.
BAIRD E. COLLINS
Baird Edmund Collins, a lifelong resident of Loysville, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024. He now is home with his Lord and Savior.
He was born March 6, 1937, at home to Edmund Dale and Esther Hazel (Harris) Collins of Loysville.
He graduated in 1954 from Blain Union High School, and continued his education at Susquehanna University, earning a bachelor of arts in music education. Over the years, he completed a master of music education from West Chester State University. He loved music and thoroughly enjoyed sharing that love with others. He was a music teacher in the West Perry School District for 35 years. He sang with the men’s barbershop quartet, the Polka Dots. He was a founding member and director of the Good News Singers, as well as a member of the Good News Singers men’s quartet. He served as musical director and director of the pit band for 22 Lions Club Community Theater musicals.
Besides teaching, he loved woodworking. What started as a hobby during the summers when he wasn’t teaching, became his second career of more than 50 years, Collins Construction.
He was a very active member of Tressler Memorial Free Lutheran Church, Loysville, where he served on the church council and directed the music, adult choir, bell choir and children’s choir for many years. He served on the boards of Perry Health Center and Perry County Council of the Arts, and was a member of the Perry County Retired Teachers Association and Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. He was a former Tyrone Twp. auditor.
Surviving are his devoted wife of 61 years, Mary Jane (Bolze) Collins; two daughters, Barbara C. Miller (Michael) of Florida and Kathy A. Metz (Thomas) of Duncannon; two grandchildren, Taryn N. and Brady M. Evans; six stepgrandchildren, Jordan (Katelyn), Elise, Albert, Sarah (Isaac), Caleb and Jacob (Judith); a sister, Kay E. Range (William) of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.
A service was held May 18 in his church with the Rev. David Lusk officiating. Interment was in Messiah Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to his church, 3581 Shermans Valley Road, Loysville 17047.
ADELYNE V. ANTHONY
Adelyne V. Anthony, 86, of Powell Lane, Loysville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 13, 2024, at her home.
She was born Aug. 17, 1937, in Detroit, Mich., to Ishmael and Adeline (Fenton) Bigham.
She worked at Carlisle Hospital as a nurse’s aide for 18 and a half years and several years at San Antonio State Hospital.
She loved to bake, sew, work in her flower bed, shop, travel and spend time with family and friends.
She was a great mother, a loving grandmother and a great friend.
Surviving are three daughters, Sue Ann Anthony of Landisburg, Dawn McFarland (Chester) of Kinsey, Ala., and Tamera Sulick (Paul) of Loysville; three grandchildren, Donald Anthony (Tasha), Katie Briere (Joe) and Ian McFarland; two stepgrandchildren, Joshua Sulick (Sara) and Christina Sulick (Isaiah); a great-granddaughter, Ivy Jean; four stepgreat-grandchildren, Garbriel, Ralph, Roy and Rachel; a brother, Roger Bigham (Virginia) of Millerstown; sister-in-law, Winnie Bigham of Farmington, Pa.; many nieces and nephews; and close friends, Joni and Rummikub Rivals, Grace and Tommy.
A celebration of her life was held May 17 in the Church of The Living Christ, Loysville, with pastor Ethan Swartz officiating. Burial was May 18 in Reiber’s Cemetery, Shermans Dale.
Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, handled arrangements.
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