Sarah "Sally" T. Nerhood, 92, formerly of Centre Hall, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Centre Crest Nursing Home.
Born September 1, 1916, in Aaronsburg, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine (Cummings) Frazier. From the age of two, following her mother's death Sally was raised by Harry and Viola Burris. Following Viola's death and the subsequent marriage of Harry to Elizabeth Homan, Sally continued to live with the Burris family.
She was married to Hubert G. Nerhood who preceded her in death on February 20, 1987. She attended the Centre Hall Potter High School through the tenth grade. Sally was a homemaker and assisted on the family farm. Each summer for many years she would serve as a 4-H homemaking (sewing) project judge for the Centre County Extension Service. She also did babysitting for several families. She worked in the housing division at Penn State University for 12 years. Following the death of her husband she was employed at the Hills Store in State College for two years.
She was a 50+ year member of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Centre Hall where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and head of the Altar Guild for more than 30 years. She served as the treasurer of the Council of Churches in Centre Hall for a number of years. In 1991 she volunteered her time to help re-open the Senior Citizens Center in Centre Hall and served as the coordinator and manager for seven years, giving up the position in 1998. Sally was a 50 year member of the Linden Hall Garden Club.
Sally especially enjoyed growing flowers. In addition she had been especially devoted to and enjoyed caring for people who needed basic assistance and care which she did until her own health declined.
Surviving are her daughter Judith C. N. Bowles and her husband Larry of Frederick, MD, grandson Jeffrey B. Nerhood, wife Melody, great grandsons, Duncan Thomas and Connor Martin, great granddaughter Kaitlyn Rose of Phoenix, AZ. Granddaughter Stacy L. Baskin and great grandson Quindon Baskin of Dallas, TX. Sister, Kathryn Spayd, Centre Hall, half brothers Charlie Frazier, Millheim, Bill Frazier, Jersey Shore, half sisters Betty Frazier Benner, Centre Hall and Francis Frazier McMullen, Pleasant Gap, and her foster brothers and sisters, Fred and Larry Burris, Centre Hall, Twila Mothersbaugh, Centre Hall and Francis King, Bellefonte and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to Harry and Elizabeth Burris with whom she had lived for several years, She was preceded in death by six sisters, Evelyn Frazier Walker, Mae Frazier Harter, Ruth Frazier, Thelma Burris Fetterolf, Ruth Burris Puff, Rosella Burris Steiner; seven brothers, Elsworth, Sterile, John, Miles, Luther and Marshall, and Harry C. Burris Jr.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a. m. to 11:00 a. m. Thursday, August 20, 2009, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will follow immediately at 11:00 a. m. at the church with the Reverend Dean Rupe officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall.
Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828; or to Centre Crest Therapeutic Recreation Group, or the Centre Crest Volunteer Auxiliary Group, or to the Centre Crest Pet Care Fund, 502 E. Howard St., Bellefonte, PA 16823. Flowers should be delivered to the funeral home at 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall by 6:00 p. m. Wednesday Aug. 19, 2009.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.