Rev. Margaret “Hazel” Gearhart, 95, of Lititz, PA and formerly of Bigler, left us to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 5, 2022. Born November 2, 1926 in Tyrone, PA, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur Roy Patton and the late Madeline Shovestul Patton Reese. She graduated from Tyrone High School in 1944.
She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas C. Gearhart who died in 1990 after 43 years of marriage; her daughter Linda L. Gearhart of Bigler; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
She is survived by her children Thomas “Roy” Gearhart (Lorri); Connie Gockley (Paul-deceased); Charles “Chip” Gearhart (Gayle); and William “Pat” Gearhart (Tamara). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
During her life Hazel was very family-oriented and heavily involved in the community. She was a volunteer for the Girl Scouts of America for many years, a youth leader at the Bigler United Methodist chapel, and helped spread the word of God by smuggling bibles into China. She loved music and enjoyed singing in several musical groups within the church.
She formerly worked as a secretary at the Pentagon, served as a tour guide in Lancaster, Pa., and delivered flowers for Pinkerton Flower Factory in Manheim, Pa. Most of her life was spent raising her family on a dairy farm in Bigler, Pa.
She had a zest for traveling including visiting China, New Zealand, Russia, Germany, Australia, and the Holy Lands. One of her favorite passions was going to the beach with family and friends and cruising to tropical destinations.
The family would like to thank the staff at Zerbe Sisters Nursing Center for their kindness and wonderful care given to the matriarch of our family.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Bigler Cemetery with Pastor Clare Pannebaker officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for consideration in donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
To send online tributes please go to www.bennettandhouser.com
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