Miriam J. Burkholder, 91, of Akron, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, surrounded by loved ones, at the Ephrata Community Hospital.
She was born in Rothsville to the late Elmer and Grace (Wechter) Shreiner and was the wife of the late Henry B. Burkholder who passed away in 1989.
Miriam was a member of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren. She was a graduate of the Rothsville High School, and the only female in the graduating class. Miriam was a member of the I.L.G.W.U., a former member of the Akron Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
During her working years, she worked for the Andes Green House, Akron, and later was an inspector for the Shorenson Sewing Factory, Brownstown. Her hobbies included flower gardening, going to the mountains and she especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Miriam is survived by three sons: Nelson N., husband of Erma (Steffy) Mohler of New Holland; Robert E., husband of Cindy (Fisher) Mohler of New Providence; Barry L., husband of Therese (Mylarksi) Mohler of Ephrata; three daughters: Mary Ann, wife of the late Richard Bender of Lancaster; Brenda J. Eberly of New Holland; Cindy A., wife of Earl Gerhart of Ephrata; two stepsons: Gregory A., husband of Judy Burkholder of Manheim; Michael L., husband of Susan Burkholder of Stevens; a stepdaughter: Sandra J., wife of James G. Witmyer of Lititz; 20 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 16 step great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; three step great-great grandchildren; three brothers: Elmer Jr., husband of Vera Shreiner of Akron; Charles, husband of Jean Shreiner of Shiresmantown; Richard "Dick" Shreiner of Mt. Joy; five sisters: Evelyn, wife of Lester Cammauf of Akron; Lillian Gochenauer of Lititz; Gloria Wolf of Poplar Grove; Jane, wife of Richard Houser of Akron and Nancy, wife of Ken Fern, of Manheim.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Miriam will be deeply missed by her family and we will cherish the memories we have of her always. The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the wonderful nurses from Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster. They would also like to give their deepest thanks for the excellent and compassionate care Miriam received from the EMTs (Ephrata Community Ambulance Assoc.), the paramedics, emergency room staff and medical staff at the Ephrata Community Hospital.
If desired, memorial contributions in Miriam's memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.