Alta H. Esbenshade

Alta Burkhart Esbenshade, 99, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, Oct. 17 under the care of Hospice and Community Care in Mt. Joy while surrounded by her family. Formerly of New Holland, she had been a resident of Fairmount Homes since 2010.

She was the wife of Adam B. Esbenshade with whom she enjoyed 75 years of marriage before he proceeded her in death June 6, 2016.

Born in Bowmansville Sept 24, 1919, she was the daughter of the late David & Sally Hurst Burkhart.

During her earlier years she worked at the New Holland Garment Factory. After marriage she was a homemaker and support to her husband who was a pastor and church planter. She was a member at New Life Fellowship, Ephrata, Pa. Alta enjoyed quilting and donated many quilts to various fund raiser events. Her family was very important to her, and she prayed daily for each one of them.

She is survived by her children: Geraldine (Geri) married to Ivan Martin, Cornwall; Wilmer (Wil), married to Janice, New Holland; Linda, married to Ray Geissinger, Mifflintown. Grandchildren: Rodney (Angie) Martin, Wendell (fiancee Melissa) Esbenshade, Denise (Tom) Oberholtzer, Wade (Jenn) Esbenshade, Dan (Joni) Geissinger, Judy (Chris) Mummau. Great-grandchildren: Caitlin & Ethan Martin, Davin, Myla & Sophianna Esbenshade, Katie & Quinn Oberholtzer, Julia, Valerie & Carter Mummau.

Being the last of her immediate family, Alta was proceeded in death by siblings Ralph Burkhart, Lizzie Good, Lester Burkhart, Paul Burkhart and Grace King.

The family would like to thank Fairmount Homes, Ephrata ER and Hospice for the kind, loving care they gave to her.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Fellowship Church, 420 E. Fulton St, Ephrata with Pastor Kevin Horning and Pastor Rodney Martin officiating. Private interment will be held in Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 6:30 – 8:30 at Fairmount Home Wheat Ridge Chapel, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10 -11AM. If desired, memorials may be sent to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com