Phyllis A. Harden Hershberger, 91, died on Thursday, April 18 in Donahoe Manor, Bedford, Pa. She kept the faith; to be absent from the body is to be present in the Lord.
She was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 17, 1927, the daughter of the late Lyda (Bussard) Harden Lyell (originally from Clearville, Pa.) and the late George F. Harden.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her only sister, Maxine Messner.
After attending Kent State University, in Kent, Ohio, she married Richard J Hershberger on May 23, 1948. He preceded her in death on October 12, 2000. Phyllis and Richard owned and operated a dairy farm for many years in Black Valley, just a few miles south of Everett, PA.
Richard and Phyllis raised seven children who are forever grateful for their parents' love and commitment to the Christian faith: Laura, wife of Michael Jackson, Everett; Katharyn, wife of Dana Calhoun, Mechanicsburg; Elizabeth, wife of David Layton, Everett; Janice, wife of Robert Shaner, Cordova, TN; Debra, wife of Alan Foor, Everett; Richard Hershberger, husband of Pamela (Fair), Clearville; and Nancy, wife of Jeff Sanders, Norco, CA. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Phyllis was a homemaker and very active in the Everett community. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and Lay Speaker in the Everett United Methodist Church. She also served on the Everett School Board from 1976 - 1981. An avid reader and life-long learner, she delighted in the wonders of wildlife, especially watching birds. Phyllis volunteered for the Everett Library, served as President of the Everett Elementary PTA, and was an active Band Parent for many years.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phyllis Hershberger may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital P. O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
A private memorial service will be held by the family.
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Private Services to be held by the family
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