Deaths of Local Interest – Sept. 1, 2016

Frank Archibald Graham Jr., 95, of Elizabethtown, passed away Aug. 22 at Pleasant View Retirement Community, Manheim. For 40 years, he held accounting and managerial positions in both the private and public sectors, retiring in December 1985 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. Frank served in the U.S. Air Corps from July 1942 to October 1945, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

J. Paul Hostetter, 84, formerly of New Holland, went home to be with the Lord Aug. 23 at Ephrata Manor. J. Paul was a car salesman and then sales manager for John Sauder Chevrolet, New Holland, which cultivated his love of cars. He was a member of Grace Family Church and enjoyed bicycle riding, golfing and traveling. A daughter, Carol S., married to Duane R. Hurst, lives in Lititz.

Kathryn D. (Pickel) Lefever, 89 formerly of Strasburg, died Aug. 28 after a lengthy illness. Kathryn was a manager at several Turkey Hill locations in the Lancaster area. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, cooking, and trips to the cabin in the mountains. She loved her Yorkie, Gracie. Her son, Gary L. Laurie Lefever, husband of Laurie, lives in Lititz.

Doris A. Meyers, 80, of Brownstown, entered the presence of her Lord Aug. 21. A homemaker most of her life, she enjoyed gardening, watching birds, and viewing light houses. She also volunteered at Child Evangelism Fellowship and Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Calvary Church. A son, Kevin L. Meyers, lives in Manheim.

Steven E. Riehl, 72, of Lancaster, passed away Aug. 26 after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was a self-employed contractor and the owner of Riehl Painting. Throughout his career he spent many years as a bridge worker and sandblaster, working on many of the most prominent bridges in the mid-Atlantic region. He will be dearly missed by his daughter, Dana R. Neiss, and her husband, Chad; as well as his two grandsons, Chad II and Hunter, all of Lititz.

Patricia L. Stephens, 75, of Mountville, formerly of Johnstown, passed away Aug. 23. She worked as a unit clerk in the emergency room at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for many years before her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her son, David M. Stephens, lives in Lititz.

Ethel McClure Witmer Tucker, 90, passed Aug. 19 at Ephrata Manor. Ethel’s teaching career spanned from 1946 in Quarryville, until her retirement in 1988 from Smoketown Elementary School. She had several works of poetry and children’s books published. She loved dancing, swimming, writing, painting, and the beach. Her son, Lawrence C. Witmer Jr., lives in Lititz.

Helen S. Wagner, 96, of Quarryville, entered into rest Aug. 22. She began her lengthy teaching career in 1940, working at several one-room school houses throughout the county; and finished her career as a reading teacher in 1981 in the Solanco School District. Helen enjoyed traveling and working in her garden. Her son, Harry R., and wife Anita, live in Lititz.

James F. “Jim” Youndt, 84, Denver, died Aug. 26, in Ephrata Community Hospital. Beginning at age 14, Jim joined the family business, Youndt Brothers Home Dressed Meats, working for 58 years, becoming co-owner with his late brother, Robert, and continued by his sons. An avid hunter of both large and small game, he also enjoyed golf. His son, Andrew, husband of Kim Hess Youndt, lives in Manheim.