Ethel A. Hoy, 73, of Pleasant Gap, was called home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2012 at Mount Nittany Medical Center surrounded by her family.
Born May 24, 1938, in Snydertown, she was a daughter of the late Ralph J. and Velda I. (Burris) Grove.
On May 14, 1955 in Houserville, she married Earl M. Hoy, who survives at home.
Ethel loved attending and camping at Grange Fair where she was known for her award-winning exhibits in needlework. Many people were recipients of her beautiful handiwork. Another one of her joys was making homemade donuts for visitors attending the Pleasant Gap parade, known to the family as Hoy Donut Day. She enjoyed working all kinds of puzzles.
Ethel's love for children was evidenced by the many children she cared for in her home. In addition, she shared God's love through Child Evangelism Fellowship Good News Clubs, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday school classes. She was a member at Calvary Bible Church, Centre Hall.
Her greatest joy was raising her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She was the loving mother of Helen Packer (David) and children Scott Packer (Rachel) and son Tristen, Amy Karstetter (Brandon) and daughter Laura; Nancy Masullo (David) and son Bryan; Harold Hoy (Shelby) and daughter Kelly; Judy Brown (Byron) and son Calvin; Connie Zies, who predeceased her on April 29, 2010, (Larry) and children Stephanie Matt (Mike, deceased), Chad Zies and daughter Courtney, and Amanda; Hope Wenzel (Joseph) and daughters Rebecca and Lydia; Rachel Unger (James) and children Seth and Hannah; and Denise Geissinger. She is the sister of Bernice Ammerman, Hazel Peters, Alma Rider, Howard Grove, Alice Grove and the late Harold and Melvin Grove.
Visitation will be 6-8 PM, Friday, April 20, 2012 at Calvary Bible Church, 600 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA and from 9 AM, Saturday, April 21, 2012 until time of the funeral service at 10 AM, at the church. Pastors Rick Gilbaugh and Tom Harris will be officiating. Her earthly remains will be interred at Jacksonville Evangelical Reformed Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Ethel's name may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, 539 Jacksonville Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823 or Calvary Bible Church, 600 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com