Verna E. Gerhard

Verna E. (Heiney) Gerhard, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, age 96, of Quakake Road Weatherly, died Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at Weatherwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr. in Weatherly.

Widow of Raymond Samuel Gerhard. They had 63 wonderful years together prior to his death in 1997.

Born in Weatherly, the daughter of the late George and Lucy (Hinkle) Heiney.

She is survived by her;

Daughters,
Nancy C. (Gerhard) Hinkle wife of Dennis, her caregiver for 6 years;
Mildred (Gerhard) Selert wife of Arnold;

Son,
Grover Gerhard and his wife Pat all of Weatherly;

Seven grandchildren
Thirteen great-grandchildren
Eleven great-great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by a son, Donald Gerhard; infant daughter, Ellen; and stillborn son, Jerome; sister, Mrs. Mildred Breise; brothers, George, and Harold Heiney.

A homemaker and hard working farmer's wife, Verna was a member of St. Matthew's Church of Weatherly. Verna was a vibrant, fun-loving woman who enjoyed being surrounded by her large family. She was particularly fond of her grandchildren, including the greats and "double greats". Verna was a skilled, avid seamstress who sewed her own clothes as well as gowns and dresses for several family weddings. Her craftwork was given liberally to family and friends. She was particularly known for her cathedral window design used in pillows and quilts. She also enjoyed gardening and search a word puzzle books.

She served several years as Weatherly Flower Club President. Her love of babies and children served her well as a Sunday School teacher at Bethany Union Chapel and as a 4-H leader. As a former member of Weatherly Senior Citizens, she and her late husband enjoyed several trips as well as playing Bingo.


Arrangements are being handled by Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 211 First Street, Weatherly, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. until time of services Friday December 20, 2013.

Funeral service will be at Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home at 11 o'clock A.M., Friday, December 20, 2013, Rev. Dawn Richie, whom Verna taught as a Sunday School Teacher, to officiate.

Interment will be at St. Matthew's Cemetery, Weatherly.

Memorials in her name to:
St. Matthew's Church 5247 Quakake Road, Weatherly, Pa. 18255.

Online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com