Elsie S. Wirth

Elsie S. Wirth, 97, of ­Lancaster, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Conestoga View surrounded by her loving family and the caring staff. She was the wife of the late Herman W. Wirth who predeceased her in 1961. She was born in Etna, PA, daughter of the late Joseph J. and Kathryn (Micor) Hereda. She was a 1932 graduate of Arnold High School in Arnold, PA. She was preceded in death by six siblings: ­Elizabeth, Harry, Helen, Emma, Marie, and Lily.

Elsie was the long-time proprietor of Wirth’s Grocery and Hardware Store at the corner of First and Ruby Streets in Lancaster. She was active at the Rodney Park Senior Citizen Center, enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and spending time with her family. She was an ardent Philadelphia Phillies fan. She was always available as an emergency babysitter for the grandchildren and great grandchildren she so dearly loved.

She is survived by a daughter: Joanne L. Lefever; two sons: John P. Wirth and Harry W. (Joan) Wirth, all of Lancaster. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Kathy (William) Helm, Lancaster, Lisa Helm, Safe Harbor, Abby (Edward) Brevick, St. Clair, MI, Gray C. (Aileen) Wirth, Skippack, PA, and Gary H. Wirth, Bridgeport, PA. Also surviving are six great grandchildren: William Helm, Brittany Helm, Summer Helm, TJ Helm, Jordan Wirth, and Alex Wirth.

A memorial service will be held at the Kearney A. Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9th. The family will visit with friends from 10 to 11:00 a.m. before the service. Interment will be in ­Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lancaster Recreation Commission, Rodney Park Senior Center, Attention: Doris Wagner, 525 Fairview Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.