Grace E. Hoober

Grace E. Hoober, of Leesport PA, died on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Reading Hospital following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Rodney R. Hoober, DDS. They were married for 59 years, prior to his death in 2015.

Born on May 10, 1932 in Shamokin, PA, Schuykill County, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Carrie (Dietrich) Emerich. She had an older sister, Marian Dowhouer.

Grace received her nursing certificate in 1954 from Temple University Hospital School of Nursing. She met Rod in their junior year of college, when she was dating his roommate. She needed some dental work done in the student dental clinic, and the rest was history. Rod was commissioned into the Air Force, and they married on February 19, 1955, in the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historic Park.

The Hoobers moved to Syracuse, NY, while Rod was in the Air Force. Grace worked briefly in a doctor’s office when they were first married. Cynthia Ann was born there. Two years later they built their home & moved to Morgantown, PA. Rod established his own dental practice there, while Grace helped with dental assisting and office management. John Mark, Elizabeth Edith, and Allison Grace were all born in Lancaster/Morgantown. Family was very important to Grace. She spent as much time with the children in their school activities, they spent time together at their family cottage and on the Chesapeake Bay in Nana’s boat. Grace loved her family very much and even down to her last days alive, she tried to keep track of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

Grace was an involved member in her churches, Morgantown United Methodist Church, Grace Full Gospel Church and Hopewell Church for the last approximately 40 years. The Hoobers served as choir members, Sunday School teachers, parking staff, and greeters. Many people recall their pleasant Sunday morning greetings, as well as Grace’s big smile and the best warm hugs. Both Rod and Grace were involved in a small group through Hopewell Church for over 30 years. Grace was also a very active member in the Elverson Garden Club for many years, including several positions, and later also the Country Gardeners of New Holland, PA. Grace also used her love of flowers throughout the church, like the huge Christmas wreaths that hung in the sanctuary, and little arrangements throughout the church, or for friends. She was a member of the PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) at Conestoga Christian School for numerous years. Her vegetable & flower gardens brought her much joy, that she shared fresh produce & baked goods with neighbors, doctor’s offices & friends.

Grace was often remembered for her beautiful smile & gracious nature, the definition of her name. She welcomed people into their home with wonderful home-cooked meals, usually a big salad & vegetables from their garden out back, and understated grace. Even her final few years at Berks Heim, all the staff talked about how gracious and kind she was, how she tried to remember everyone’s names, and that she never complained.

Grace is survived by her daughters, Cynthia A. Santiago (Michael), of King of Prussia, PA; Elizabeth Hoober of Morgantown, PA; and Allison G. Ponsell (Michael), of Morgantown, PA; and 2 grandchildren, Emmett J. Ponsell, and Aila G. Ponsell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney R. Hoober, DDS, and her son, J. Mark Hoober.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Hopewell Church, 2286 Hopewell Road, Morgantown, PA, 19543. Pastor Duane Britton will be officiating. There will be a time for gathering and a light luncheon after the service.

A private burial will be held at the Hopewell Church Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Church.

To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.GroffEckenroth.com Arrangements by The Groff High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA