Mary R. Mellinger, 78, of Ephrata, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Hospice & Community Care, Lancaster.
She was born in Ephrata to the late Roy and Mary M. (Trego) Rice and was the wife of Robert G. Mellinger with whom she shared 61 years of marriage on April 12, 2013.
Mary was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata. She worked for the former W.W. Moyer Co. for 22 years, was a notary for 30 years and was the CEO of Bob's American from 1972-2001. Mary enjoyed collecting dolls, going to the beach and she took great joy in sending cards to people. She was a very special person who loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Kathy A., wife of Doug Weaver of Ephrata, Mary K., wife of Glen Weaver of Lititz, Robert G., husband of Michelle Mellinger of Ephrata, Jean L., wife of Kurt Martin of Akron, Betty M., wife of Chris Witthuhn of Drum; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence T., husband of Mitzi Rice of Ephrata and Donald, husband of Rose Rice of Akron.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amanda M. Brynarsky; 2 brothers, Harold E. Rice, R. Herbert Rice and a sister, Helen I. Shirker.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2013, from 6 to 8 pm at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main Street, Ephrata. An additional viewing will be held on Monday from 9 to 10 am at the church, followed by her funeral service at 10 am with Rev. Henry E. Herbener officiating. Interment will take place in the Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.