Mary E. Mellinger

Mary E. Mellinger, 89, of Lancaster, formerly of New Holland, was promoted to glory, following a stroke, on Thursday, December 20, 2018. We rejoice in her homecoming with the Lord whom she has served so lovingly all her life.

Born in Paradise, she was a daughter of the late Isaac and Esther (Burkhart) Hershey. Her first husband of 50 years, Wilbur H. “Biz” Mellinger, died in 1999. Her second husband, John Darras, died in 2018.

Mary was a homemaker most of her life and a member of the Conestoga Church of the Brethren where she served with Stephens Ministries. She was also a member of the Lancaster County Society of Farm Women for many years.

She loved her family most of all, and also cherished the memories of the Jersey shore and boating, traveling on Ford trips, ball games, golfing, going to Florida, singing hymns, playing cards with her friends, and serving others.

Surviving are four daughters, Jane E., married to Jack Ballurio of Staunton, VA, Connie L., married to A. Eugene Martin, Jr. of New Holland, Kathy M., married to James M. Long of Lancaster, and Nancy J., married to Bob McCormick of West Chester; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth, married to Roy Book; and three brothers, John, married to Carolyn Hershey, Isaac, Jr., married to Betty Hershey, and Jere, married to Cherry Hershey.

Preceding her in death is a granddaughter, Elizabeth Custer; and three sisters, Evelyn Rutt Rohrer, Miriam Herr, and Rhoda Nolt.

A Viewing will be held on Friday, December 28 from 6-8 pm at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland. A private interment for the family will be held on Saturday morning.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11 am at Mountville Church of the Brethren, 60 Clay St, Mountville, PA. A luncheon will follow. The family will receive friends before the service from 10-11 am.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Brethren Disaster Ministries, www.brethren.org. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.