Stradling and Roseboro Stradling Funeral Homes

08/12/2026

William G. Mensch, 98, of Ephrata, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Keystone Villa.

He was born in Spring Glen to the late Ralph and Maizie (Zerby) Mensch and was the husband of the late Mary E. (Troxell) Mensch.

William worked as a tile setter for Interstate Tile. After his retirement, he mowed lawns for over 20 years.

He is survived by a half-brother, Allen Artz as well as Doug Snell and Chris Snell.

He was preceded in death by wife, Mary E. (Troxell) Mensch.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 1 PM, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Harrisburg.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

08/12/2026

Proud to support the Cocalico Boys Basketball program and their upcoming purse bingo!

Check out some of the great purses up for grabs on August 23. We're looking forward to a fun event and supporting the Eagles!

08/11/2026

Darron Wright, age 17, of Ephrata PA passed peacefully on August 1st 2026. He was born October 27th 2008. Standing tall at 6-foot-3, he was the true definition of a gentle giant. To know Darron was to know a heart of pure gold! A young man who was exceptionally kind, deeply thoughtful, and unfailingly compassionate.

He enjoyed playing video games and making others laugh. There was never a dull moment when it came to his humor. He showed immense strength and determination throughout his life. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his witty humor, the way he showed love and protection for the ones he cherished, his kind nature, and his big heart.

Although his time with us was short, he leaves behind a legacy of friendships, and unwavering enthusiasm for life. He is survived by his mother, Catherin White age 52, his father Timothy White age 54, sister Autumn Madera age 33, sister Kaitlyn Wright age 29, brother Timothy White Jr. age 23, and nephews Kiegan, Aiden, and Marshall.

His family, community, and friends will carry him in their hearts forever. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by the many lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata

08/11/2026

Howard “Peanut” Weachter, 89, of Manheim, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Pleasant View Retirement Community.

He was born in Lititz to the late Howard Stark and Gladys (Earhart) Weachter and was the loving husband of Darlene (Forney) Weachter, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. To his family and friends, he was known as “Peanut,” a nickname he received in third grade.

Howard served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956 to 1960. During his working years, Howard worked as the Superintendent of Kurtz Brothers Quarry before moving on to Service Supply in Brownstown, where he eventually retired. He developed lifelong friendships with many of the customers he served, creating a special bond with many members of the Amish community. Howard loved his job and the customers he served. He was also a member of the Warwick Township Lions Club.

Howard and Darlene enjoyed boating and took many trips together that created lifelong memories. Howard was an avid Phillies fan and also enjoyed watching Penn State football. He enjoyed spending time in his garden, where he took great pride in the vegetables it produced. He also took pleasure in working his magic on the grill and baking sweet treats for friends and staff at Pleasant View.

Howard was known for his good sense of humor and always enjoyed joking around with the people he loved. He greatly appreciated the friends he met while living at Pleasant View Community and often spoke of their kindness and generosity. He loved the staff at Pleasant View and frequently spoke of how wonderful they were to him. He considered them not only caregivers but friends.

In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by a brother, Dennis, husband of Deborah (Hummel) Weachter of Lititz; a sister, Darlene, wife of the late Vernon Steely of Lititz and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Weachter and a niece.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at Pleasant View Retirement Community, 544 N Penryn Rd, Manheim, main entrance, Hoffer Auditorium, with pastor Scott Davis officiating. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Howard's memory may be made to Rothsville Fire Company, 2071 Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

08/11/2026

Paul B. Zimmerman, 72, of Bernville, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2026. Paul is cherished by those who knew him as a faithful husband, father, and devoted man of faith who exemplified quiet wisdom and humility.

Born on April 11, 1954, in Brownstown, PA, he was the son of late Aaron and Eva (Burkholder) Zimmerman.

Paul’s early years were characterized by hard work and good friends; including making memories of building blue silos, fixing up old cars, hunting trips, and snowmobile rides on his 440.

Paul began his endeavor to dairy farm in 1979. It was truly a dream come true in the ‘wild’ country of northern Berks County in the shadow of the Blue Mountains. Most knew him as a farmer who was dedicated, hardworking, and full of Godly character. Paul deeply cared for his livestock, family, friends and neighbors.

Paul’s life was marked by benevolence and caring for others’ needs with generosity. He himself was a grateful recipient of care from many after experiencing a devastating barn fire in 1990. By the grace of God, Paul’s dreams were not snuffed out, and he was able to rebuild and persevere alongside his wife, (Geraldine Hoover).

Together, Paul and Geraldine (married January 3, 1976) raised 5 children. Lucille (Wilbur), Roy (Crystal), Dwight (Kathi), Randall (Jessica), and Eric (Naomi). Work hard, play hard was the motto Paul lived by as he stated, “I never want to retire and rot away in my easy chair.” His children fondly remember times backpacking, going on beach trips and cabin vacations, and bike riding countless miles together. Paul always seemed to be in the middle of stories and storytelling. He was “all in” for clamming in the bay, playing ice hockey, canoeing down the Pine, and taking hunting trips with “Pop” at “Aunt Nettie.” The notorious “Zimmerman laugh” was always heard coming from his direction as he contained a joy that comes from the Lord. His love for farming, John Deere tractors; growing and harvesting has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Paul’s commitment to service was evident in his active participation in his church (Grace Reformed Fellowship) and many other community groups, such as: PA Young Farmers 4-H Dairy Club, Holstein Association, and Farm Bureau.

Paul was a faithful servant of the Jesus Christ with a deep love for people. The words “I Love you” were rarely heard from his lips; but his concern and compassion spoke volumes. A man of hard work and virtue, his actions reflected his faith in the Lord.

Predeceased are his parents and his son Dale (stillborn). He is survived by his 8 siblings; Vera (Allen Zimmerman), Alta (Edward Lehman), Earl (Brenda Martin), Marvin (Karen Hurst), Ruth (Carl Zimmerman), Eva Mae (Marlin Oberholtzer), Elva (Ray Hurst), Aaron Ray (Chantal Kassier), and 16 Grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5 to 8 PM at Hammer Creek Mennonite Church, 590 Hammer Creek Rd, Lititz. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9 to 10 AM, at the church, followed by his funeral service at 10 AM, with Pastor Marq Ortiz officiating. Interment will take place in Meadow Valley Mennonite Cemetery.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

08/10/2026

Barbara Louise Day, 79, of Lititz, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Landis Homes.

She was born in Ephrata to the late Ivan and Betty (Wolf) Callihan and was the wife of the late Edwin R. "Bud" Day. They shared 38 years of marriage.

Barbara graduated from Ephrata High School and medical secretary school in Hagerstown, MD. She was a medical secretary throughout her life. She had many interests and hobbies, including traveling, music, and playing games and cards. She loved watching sports, especially the Phillies, Penn State, and Duke. Most of all, she loved her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Michael, husband of Angela Day of Wrightsville, Scott, husband of Melissa Day of Bloomsburg; six grandchildren, Cameron Day, Parker Day, Bobbi Sue Berkebile, Kimber Lee Moore, Jaecey Major, Cristen Major; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joel, husband of Mary Jo Callihan of Ephrata and Kevin, husband of Barbara Callihan of Ephrata.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 17 2026, from 10 to 11 AM, at Stradling Funeral Home, 30 North 9th Street, Akron, followed by her memorial service at 11 AM, with Chaplain Ronda Good officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 862, Pittsburgh, PA 15106.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

08/10/2026

Michael Lee Roth, 79, of Ephrata, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his residence. Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata

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08/06/2026

George A. Hammaker, 77, of Ephrata, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.

He was born in Kirkwood to the late Anthony and Geraldine (Ross) Hammaker and was the husband of Barbara (Edwards) Hammaker with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.

George was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Ephrata. During his working years, he was a truck driver for Valley Proteins, Inc. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, board games, and trips to his camper in Delaware. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife and taking Sunday drives. George had an awesome sense of humor and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Diane Williams, Richard Hammaker, Karen Lowenthal; two stepdaughters, Kathleen, wife of William Fickes, Linda Fife, 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Lloyd, husband of Ann Hammaker and a sister, Kate Coleman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Scott Shelly and a sister, Linda Umble.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10 to 11 am, at Stradling Funeral Home, 201 Church Avenue, Ephrata, followed by his funeral service at 11 am, with Rev. Mark Luscombe officiating. Interment will take place in Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in George's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com

Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit charity organization for veterans and active duty service members. Learn about our programs and supporting wounded warriors.

08/05/2026

Gloria J. Mohler, 85, of Akron, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Hickory House Nursing Home, Honey Brook.
She was born in Ephrata to the late Harry and Esther (Sausman) Bender.
Gloria was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Akron. During her working years she was a nurse aid at Maple Farm Nursing Center. She enjoyed traveling, crafting and playing games with residents at Hickory House Nursing Home.
She is survived by a son, Kevin, husband of Alice Mohler and a brother, Dennis, husband of Linda Bender and a good friend Carol Royer.
A graveside service will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 1 PM, in the Akron Lutheran Cemetery.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.

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08/05/2026

Carol S. Beck, 81, of Temple, PA, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Phoebe Berks Health Care Center.

She was born in Ottawa, IL, to the late Henry and Cecelia Engle and was adopted and raised by the late F.W. and Lola (Engle) Gingrich. She was the wife of the late James M. Beck who passed away in 2021. They shared 32 years of marriage before his passing.

Carol was a member of Wyomissing Church of the Brethren, Pagoda Skyline Inc., and Antique Auto. She graduated top of her class from Muhlenberg Votech, Class of '81 to receive her LPN license. She graduated, with honors, from Reading Area Community College, with a degree in Applied Science, for nursing. She loved cats and would very often adopt or find a home for stray cats that wandered around her house. This love led her to volunteer at the Berks County Humane Society for many years. Carol had a love of art. She enjoyed sketching portraits and animals as well as painting rustic rural landscapes. She was a compassionate and loving woman who endeared herself to many people over the years. She will be sadly missed by all.

Carol worked as a Registered Nurse for St. Joes and Wernersville state hospitals.

She is survived by son, Carl Kaucher of Temple, daughter, Candace Elaine Kaucher of Womelsdorf; 2 grandsons, Nathan J. Kaucher and Dylan C. Kaucher; 2 siblings, John Gingrich and Bobby Bottoms.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 5 siblings, Jerry A. Bottoms, Lillian Bottoms, Barbara Gingrich, Robert Engle and James "Wilbur" Bottoms, and sister, Lillian Bottoms.

Services are private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.