Melva Joan Neifert (née Buehler) of Middletown, Pennsylvania, returned home to her heavenly Father peacefully on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 at the age of 88. She was born April 26th, 1934 to Alvin and Edna Buehler. She was married to and predeceased by her beloved husband Lester Krans Neifert, Sr., of 41 years. She is also predeceased by her parents and seven siblings, Alvin Buehler, Jr., George Buehler, Dorothy Schweitzer, Harriett Erskine, John Buehler, Gerald Buehler, and Joyce Hauser; and also by her daughter-in-law Kimberly A. Neifert. She is survived by her three sons, Lester K. Neifert, Jr. and wife Susan of Camp Hill, Pa., Gregory P. Neifert of Lewisberry, Pa., and Brian K. Neifert and wife Amy of Harrisburg, Pa.; her former daughter-in-law Deborah Neifert; her grandchildren, Brooke K. Elser and Michael of Harrisburg, Pa., Shannon M. Peters and Timothy also of Harrisburg, Pa., Brittany A. Neifert of Lancaster, Pa., Brandon K. Neifert and Adam G. Neifert, both of Lewisberry, Pa., Tatum Smith of Harrisburg, Pa.; and her four great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jacob, Candace, and Kimberly. She dedicated her life to her family, doting first on her husband and three boys, and then later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as 'Mimi'. She was an active member at the former Zion Lutheran Church in Penbrook, Pa., and later St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Harrisburg, Pa., where she was a part of the choir, women's club, and taught Sunday School. She enjoyed sketching, ceramics, sewing, crocheting, and playing piano. She was best known for bringing everyone together to enjoy her delicious cooking, and being at the center of meals sharing family stories and howling laughter. Always able to find the best in others, she will be remembered for her kind spirit, her humility, her strong faith, as well as her perspective that time spent with loved ones was the most important part of life. A viewing and family visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg, Pa. with services immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, in Anneville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Grane Hospice Care of Central Pennsylvania.
