Mark E. Atkinson, 52, Lake Panasoffkee, Fla., died Feb. 21, 2013. Left to cherish his memory is his mother: Bette Jane Atkinson-Gibble of Denver; several siblings; and extended family members.
John M. Becker, 77, of Manheim, entered into rest in the presence of the Lord Jesus on Monday, April 8, 2013 at his home of natural causes. Born in Brownstown, he was the son of the late John P. and Anna K. Good Becker. He was the husband of Mary A. Gutelius Becker for 56 years last October 20. His brother, Robert Becker resides in Denver.
Janet M. Colodonato of Narvon, formerly of Audubon, N.J., joined her husband of 29 years April 6, 2013. Local survivors include her son: Enzio "Luke" Colodonato, married to Amanda Prestash, Terre Hill; brother: Charles "Butch" Slye (Beverly), Ephrata; and granddaughter: Athena Prestash, Terre Hill.
Donald R. Graybeal, 74, Manheim, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Thursday, April 11, 2013 at his home after a long struggle with ALS. His sister, Eleanor Atherton, lives in Reinholds.
Caroline L. Hess, 93, formerly of Lititz, passed away at Bob Fryer and Family Hospice Inpatient Center, Mount Joy Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Born in Terre Hill, she was the daughter of the late Ivan and Hazel McManee Fry. She was married to the late James B. Hess who died in 1991.
Jean M. Leach, 93, of The Highlands of Wyomissing, passed away April 9, 2013. Born in Altoona, she was the daughter of the late Frank A. and Lottie M. (Fink) Myers. Her grandson, Peter Leach, resides in Ephrata.
Esther R. Martin, 87, of Narvon, passed away April 11, 2013, at her home. She was the wife of Lloyd E. Martin for 63 years. She was formerly employed by Van Husen Shirt Factory, Ephrata and Martindale Garment, Reamstown Garment and Denver Upholstery, Denver. Local survivors include daughters: Velma Jean, married to Leon Hess, East Earl; and June Lucille, married to Thomas Hoffman, Ephrata; and her sister: Emma Martin, Ephrata.
Rachel M. Martin, 58, of New Holland, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Lancaster General Hospital after a one-week illness. Local survivors include brothers: Leroy, married to Rachel (Zeiset) Martin of East Earl; Lloyd, married to Roxann (Stauffer) Martin of Fivepointville, and Edwin, married to Dorothy (Bailey) Martin of Ephrata; sisters: Lucy, married to Robert Stauffer of Ephrata, Alta, married to Leon Brubaker of Fivepointville, and Ruth, married to Russel Auker of Ephrata.
Samuel M. Shirk, 88, of Versailles, Mo., died Thursday, April 4, 2013 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Ephrata on April 1, 1925 to Noah M. and Susanna (Martin) Shirk.
Albert L. Whitesel, 79, New Holland, died Thursday at Hospice & Community Care. His daughter, Reba married to John Harper, Jr., lives in East Earl.
Harvey S. Zimmerman, 83, East Earl, died after a brief illness Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the home of one of the children.
Local survivors include his children: Mary R., married to David M. Shirk of East Earl; David R., married to Edna M. (Zimmerman) Zimmerman of East Earl; and a brother: Joseph Zimmerman of Ephrata.