Buffalo Mills, PA – Estelle Virginia “Ginger” Whitney left her residence at Pennknoll Village and entered into Heaven to be with the Lord on Wednesday August 6, 2014 with her family by her side, she was 97.
Born November 26, 1916, in Lonaconing, MD; the only child of the late Melville Mann Fost and Sarah Ann (Foote) Fost. On December 19, 1953, she married SP5 Ralph F. Whitney at Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Chapel in Aberdeen, MD. He preceded her in death on December 6, 1997.
She is survived by her son, Thomas B. Smeak and wife Darlene (Hughes) Smeak of Hyndman, her daughters, Jacquelynn (Smeak) Dawson married to Curtis E. Dawson of Buffalo Mills; Rev. Nancy J. Clark wife of Franklin D. Clark of Bedford, Kay Whitney of Dallas, Oregon; 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by an infant great grandson, Jason Dennison, son of Roger and Cindy Dennison; her grandson, Barry Clark Sr., who died December 21, 2012, son of Frank and Nancy Clark; and her former husband, Ralph E. Smeak who died September 9, 1960.
She graduated from Allegany High in 1935. She traveled with her husband while serving his military career in Japan and Germany. She did missionary work in Tokyo and Mannheim, German, and helped with the orphanages, also organized the GI’s For Christ Program. Upon returning home she started her weekly “We Care” Bible study in her home and led several people to the Lord.
While residing at the Fort Bedford Inn in Bedford they owned and operated “Ralph’s Gadget Shop” and “Gingers Doll Collector Shoppe”
Ginger devoted her time and talents in teaching God’s Word, church pianist, teaching Sunday School and always giving donations beyond what was required of her.
She was an associated member of the Ministry of the Living Temple’s Faith Center in Carlisle, Stringtown, Hyndman and Bedford.
Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Friday from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.
A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home Saturday at 11 am with Pastor David Zona officiating
Burial will follow at Palo Alto Hilltop Cemetery
In lieu of flowers donations can be made for the Humane Society in memory of their beloved canine pet, TOBY.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.