Elva A. Smeltz

Elva A. Smeltz, 83, of 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, formerly of 51 Ashlea Village, New Holland, died Thursday, August 5, 2010 at Ephrata Manor.

Born in Valley View, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ammon E. and Mae S. (Mattern) Scheib. Her husband, Robert B. Smeltz, died in 1982.

Elva was a homemaker, seamstress, domestic worker, musician, and deaconess. She was a member at Zeltenreich's United Church of Christ where she formerly was a member of the Consistory, served as Sunday School Teacher, sang in the choir, served on the Mission Committee, was a member of the Lancaster Federation of Bible Classes, and played Mandolin in the Melody Strings. She also enjoyed crocheting and music.

Surviving are two sons, Henry, married to Sharon Smeltz of New Holland, and David, married to Paula Smeltz of Prospect Hill, NC; three daughters, Marilyn, married to Hal Beasley of Manheim, Sharon, married to Glenn Longenecker of Elizabethtown, and Sheila Smeltz of New Holland; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; a brother, Mark R. Scheib of England; and four sisters, Edna P. Reed of New Holland, Mary E. Shomper of Palmyra, Hilda M. Dietrich of Winchester, VA, and Verna M. Harner of Palmyra.

Preceding her in death is a son, Byron Robert Smeltz; and a sister, Mable I. Kantz.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 9 at 10:30 am at Zeltenreich's United Church of Christ, 752 Hollander Road, New Holland, PA 17557 with the Reverend Christopher Smeltz officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. There will be no viewing but the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall with refreshments following the interment. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Ephrata Manor Benevolent Fund, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA 17522 or to Zeltenreich U.C.C., address above. To send the family condolences visit us at www.beckfuneral.com.com. Arrangements by Beck Funeral Home, New Holland.