Anna R. Lafferty

Anna R. Lafferty, 102, of Ephrata, formerly of New Holland and Beartown, died peacefully Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Ephrata Manor.

Born in Honey Brook Twp., she was the daughter of James and Isabelle Edith (Goodman) Whiteman. Her husband, Jessiah P. “Jesse” Lafferty, died Dec. 1993.

Anna worked as a seamstress at various sewing factories in the area. Previously she and her husband owned and operated a grocery store in Beartown.

She was a lifelong member of the Bridgeville Evangelical Congregational Church where she taught Sunday school and VBS, sang in the choir, served as treasurer of the Missionary Society, cleaned the church and took care of the cemetery with her husband for many years. She also enjoyed bowling and reading.

Surviving are two sons, George F. Lafferty, married to Sylvia of Henderson, NV, and the Rev. Marlin P. Lafferty, married to Mary Ann of Leesport and a daughter-in-law, Ethel Lafferty of New Holland, widow of James H. Lafferty; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 3 step-great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death is a son, James H. Lafferty; two sisters, Florence Patton and Kathryn Sweigart; along with some half-sisters and half-brothers.

The family would like to thank all the workers at Ephrata Manor who have lovingly cared for her over the years.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 10 AM at the Bridgeville E.C. Church, 5971 Division Hwy., Narvon, PA 17555, with the Rev. Kirk Wolfe and the Rev. Marlin Lafferty officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday at the Church from 9 – 10 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Bridgeville E.C. Church, address above. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.