Leona Edna Foltz, age 81, of McAlisterville, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Brookline Manor Home after a long battle with dementia.
Born on September 10, 1935 in McAlisterville she was a daughter of the late Lee William and Mary (Mahlin) Varner. After her mother passed away in 1940, Lee married Blanche (Arnold) Varner. On April 13, 1953 she married her late husband, Darwin Foltz, with whom she was blessed to share nearly 45 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on January 30, 1998.
She is survived by a son, Harold Lee Foltz and wife Marta (Bretz) Foltz, of Carlisle; two granddaughters Jessie Lee (Foltz) Anderson and husband Greg, of Huntingdon, Kelly Elaine (Foltz) Potteiger and husband Joshua, of Carlisle, and 5 great grandchildren, Madilyn Grace Potteiger, Luke Joshua Potteiger, Levi James Potteiger, Ezra Lee Anderson, and Emma Jane Anderson. Also surviving are brothers and sisters Ruth Ferster, of Mifflintown, Samuel Varner, of McAlisterville, Faye Boaz, of McVeytown and Gary Varner, of McAlisterville.
She was preceded in death by an older sister Esther Varner who died at birth, and an older brother Donald Varner.
Leona was a lifelong member of St. Johns United Methodist Church where she had actively served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, youth fellowship leader, and St. Johns United Methodist Women member known for their mission work and delicious mixed pickle. She was a gentle soul but also a mighty prayer warrior for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She worked as a seamstress in garment factories in McAlisterville, Richfield, and East Salem. She was an avid letter writer, and enjoyed crocheting, quilting, holding babies, making homemade ice cream, visiting family and friends, and playing with her grand and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at St. Johns United Methodist Church, St John & Red Bank Rds, McAlisterville, with the Rev. Candice Arnold officiating. There will be a viewing at the church on Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. Interment will follow the services in the adjacent church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's United Methodist Church, 33401 Route 35 N, McAlisterville PA 17049-8186