Ethel M. Brendle

Ethel M. Brendle, 93, of 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, formerly of New Holland, died Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Landis Homes after a brief illness.

Born in Caernarvon Twp., she was the daughter of the late Israel W. and Leah S. (Martin) Brendle.

Ethel graduated from New Holland High School and from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught at Maple Grove School for 15 years, Western School for 16 years, and Summit Valley Elementary for 6 years. She served as librarian at her churches, Goodville Mennonite Church for 17 years and later at Weaverland Mennonite Church for 24 years, and then from 1995 until 2006 at Landis Homes. She helped to initiate, and then served on the leadership team of Books Abroad for 23 years, until Dec. 2000.

Ethel also volunteered in Re-Uzit shops in the area, the Mennonite Historical Society, and contributed, in a significant role, when her congregation sponsored a refugee family from Laos and also a family from Russia. She enjoyed reading books and traveling.

Surviving are three sisters, Louisa Lehman of Chambersburg, Ruth Kauffman of Ephrata, and Marian, married to Darrel Hostettler of Goshen, IN; and a sister-in-law, Alma Brendle of Goodville.

Preceding her in death are three sisters, Irma Hoober, M. Arlene Martin, and Pauline Weaver; and a brother, Melvin M. Brendle.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8 at 11 am at Landis Homes, West Bethany Chapel, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA, 17543 with the Reverend C. Kenneth Martin and Nevin Martin officiating. Private interment will be held at the Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday at Landis Homes from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Landis Homes Caring Fund (address above.) To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.