Ruth H. "Polly" Stitzer, 89, of Centre Hall, died Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at the Altoona Hospital in Altoona.
She was born January 9, 1916 in Millheim, PA, a daughter of the late Clayton E and Mabel V. Crouse Hartley.
On November 11, 1942 she married Harold A. Stitzer who preceded her in death on May 3, 1964
Mrs. Stitzer was a 1934 graduate of Centre Hall-Potter High School.
In addition to being a homemaker, she worked at the former Swanger Pharmacy in Centre Hall and later worked as a clerk at Luse's IGA in Centre Hall for many years.
She was a member of St. John's Evangelical United Brethren Church in Centre Hall until the merger when she became a member of Grace United Methodist Church. She served as organist and pianist for over 60 years between both churches. She also sang in the choir and served as president of the United Methodist Women for several years and was still active in that group. For many years she was active in collecting funds for the Annual CROP Walk, and has raised thousands of dollars for that endeavor.
She cherished time spent with her family. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, collecting ceramic frogs, and watching Pittsburgh Pirates baseball.
She is survived by a daughter Gale S Marshall and her husband Robert F. of Centre Hall, one son Samuel H. Stitzer and his wife Sonnia L. of Centre Hall; a step son, Charles Stitzer of Pleasant Gap; five grandchildren, Michael S. and Mark J. Stitzer, Robert F. Marshall Jr., John H. Marshall and Susan L. Brindle; four great grandchildren, Colby and Maddison Brindle and Cara and Ian Marshall; three step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.
Friends will be received from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p. m. Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will be 10:00 a. m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Grace United Methodist Church, 127 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA, with the Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall, PA
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 292 Centre Hall, PA 16828
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com