Louise Marie Balzer Straub, 86, of Brethren Village, died peacefully on Sunday resting amidst the prayers and blessings of her family and friends. She was the widow of the late J. Wayne Straub, who passed away in 1992.
A native of Williamsport, PA, Louise called Lancaster home for the past 50 years. She was active in Calvary Church and Abbeyville Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School in the Junior Department for many years. Her students appreciated her shining devotion and her insistence on their learning the names of all the Old Testament Kings and Prophets.
Louise became an LPN after her children were grown and worked at Lancaster General Hospital until retirement. She also worked in the bakery of the former Erbs Market in East Petersburg. She was an avid reader and enjoyed oil painting.
She is survived by a daughter Sophia, wife of Steve Hower, of York; a son, Gary, husband of Geneva Straub, of Louisville, KY; six grandchildren, Karen Straub, Amy Landvater, Angie Smith and Scott Weibel, all of Lancaster, and Jen Straub and Jessica Finewood, of Louisville, KY. Louise loved and enjoyed the antics of her 6 great grandchildren, who will miss their “GG.”
She was preceded in death by a son, Rick Straub.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service in the Chapel at Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606 on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 10:00 AM with the Rev. Dana E. Statler, Dr. Gary Straub, and the Rev. Jen Straub officiating. Friends can greet the family from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will immediately follow the service at East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Louise’s memory may be made to the Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606.
Linda and John Yurchak
Sophie,
Linda and I send our sincerest condolences for the loss of your Mother.
We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Joan Knight, Williamsport
Dear Family,
I was surprised and saddened to see Louise’s obituary. I had only met her once, the day Rick graciously agreed to be my participant in the Straub DNA genealogy project. My sister and I, along with Rick, spent a fun filled afternoon, looking through her family photographs….she was a sweet lady!
My condolences to all of you.
Aunt Mary and Diane
Dear Sophie and Gary,
Mom and I are so saddened to hear of your loss. Your Mom was such a beautiful person, inside and out. We know she’s now celebrating with her Lord and Savior and can’t you just imagine the beautiful reunion going on right now with our loved ones that have already gone home?!? God Bless you guys…we’re thinking of you.
Elsie Witmer
Hello Sophie,
Condolences to you and your family. I lived in East Pete on Valley Road across from your home.your Mom and I had Bible Study together. Ginney Herr is my sister-in-law and she lived next door to Louise at the Brethren Village.
With sympathy,
Mrs. Witmer ( Susie Witmer’s Mom)
Zerbe’s Nursing Center – Narvon, PA
Lois McNutt
Dear Rick and Sophia,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. What a lovely woman she was! My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Lois
(from across the street in DuBoistown)