Evalyn Ruth (Gingrich) Bierly, 90, of State College died on December 14, 2010 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College after an extended illness. She was born on July 7, 1920 in Altoona, the daughter of John Stamme and Ruth Wilson Gingrich, and was a 1938 graduate of Altoona High School. On January 2, 1943, she married Paul Wolfe Bierly in Baltimore, MD. They were married 48 years until his death in November, 1991.
Mrs. Bierly served 15 years in the Centre County hospital auxiliary. She received the Volunteer of the Year award for her years of dedicated service in the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. She was long affiliated with RSVP projects and supported the Toys For Tots program in the area from its inception. For 40 years, Mrs. Bierly was an active member of The Lemont Woman's Club and its choral and bridge groups; she also enjoyed music, golf and bowling; and expressed a keen interest in writing. Mrs. Bierly was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and during the early years was a member of the Dorcas Bible Class.
Mrs. Bierly was employed at Penn State University from 1963-73, resigning as head secretary at Materials Research Lab to care for her terminally ill mother. During her work years, she organized and served as president of the Central PA Chapter of the National Secretaries Association.
Surviving are three sons: Douglas of Spring Mills (Marsha) and grandchildren Michael, Sean Wilkins, Adam and Melissa; Jeffrey of Petersburg (Andrea) and grandchildren David and Danyel; and Richard (Nancy) of New Hope and grandchildren Kristen, Lauren and Suzanne; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Bierly was predeceased by her brother, John S. Gingrich, Jr. who died in 2004.
There will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held for immediate and extended family at 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 9, 2011, at the Grace Lutheran Church, State College, with Rev. Larry Louder officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 South Garner Street, State College, PA 16801 or to the American Heart Association. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
A guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.