Manns Choice, PA – Raye R. (Whetstone) Diehl Speicher, 85, of Manns Choice, formerly of Cairnbrook, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 4, 2016 at her home.

Born December 12, 1930 in Bedford; she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Marguerite (Drenning) Whetstone. She was also preceded in death by her first husband of 52 years, James A. Diehl, a sister, Esther Minetti, step son, Richard Speicher, step grandchildren, Sean Speicher and Michelle Skowronski.

Survived by husband Meredith D. “Mert” Speicher; a son, Larry Diehl of Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Lisa Diehl of Cairnbrook; step son, David Speicher and wife Carla, grandchildren, Scott Fedash and wife Joanna, Angela Lowe and husband Jeff, Jimmy, Lisa and Katie Diehl; step grandchildren, John, Richie, and Julia Speicher; great grandchildren, Isaac and Idalee Lowe; step great grandchildren, Anthony Lowe, Olivia Srabstein; sisters, Rose Harper, Linda Hollowniczky, Rhonda Whetstone, Anita Whetstone, brothers, Edward, Calvin, and Timothy Whetstone; step daughter-in-law, Marie Speicher and many nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws.

Member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bedford and former member of Graef’s Lutheran Church, Cairnbrook. She was very active in her churches; she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served on Church Counsel. Raye was a 1948 graduate of Bedford High School. She worked as a secretary and teachers aid for Shade Central City Elementary School. She loved her family and friends, especially her church family. She never turned down an opportunity to serve the lord.

Raye always had a song in her heart. She was a member of the Senior Moments Quartet performing regularly at Altoona Curve games, the Bedford County Lorelie Singers, Bedford Ministerium. Raye entertained church groups and civic organizations as “Aunt Lizzie”.

In the Shade Central City Community she was a former PTA member, Girl Scout Leader and business manager of the Black Diamond Drum and Bugle Corps; as well as sang in the community choir, member of Somerset County Society of Farm Women and for many years she served on the Shade Twp election board. She was also very proud to be a member of Pro-Life Bedford County.

Friends will be received at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 Penn St., Bedford on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Church on Monday at 11 am with Pastor Ray Short officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Burial will be at Dry Ridge Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Elaine and Heidi from Windber Hospice, caregiver Janet and her husband, Mert, for the care he gave Raye during her illness Mert was truly her guardian angel.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bedford County Chapter of Citizens Concerned for Human Llife, Treasurer Pam Lucas; 262 Zion Rd; Everett, PA 15537

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.