Deaths of Local Interest – March 30, 2016

Ronald E. Brown, 73, of Zephyrhills, Fla., formerly of Lancaster, died March 6 at home. Ronald had retired from Armstrong World Industries, Lancaster Plant after 38 years of service. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His daughter, Lynn Brown, and son, Ronald “RJ” Brown Jr., live in Ephrata.

Loretta M. (Good) Harnish, 101, of Fairmount Homes, Ephrata, formerly of Strasburg and Lancaster, passed away March 23. With her husband, Loretta owned and operated a Central Market Stand in Lancaster. After her retirement, she managed the gift shop at Lancaster General Hospital where she received an award for outstanding service. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Henry E. Hess, 71, of Lancaster, died at Lancaster General Hospital on March 26. Henry was a painter for GSM Industrial. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, wrestling, seeing live music, and watching westerns. his brother, Ken Hess, husband of Tina, lives in Denver.

Helen S. Mayer, 93, of Lititz and formerly of Manheim, passed away March 25 at Luther Acres, Lititz. A homemaker, her interests included crocheting, needle point, reading, baking and cooking; especially her homemade chicken pot pie. Helen loved to spend time with her family. Her granddaughters, Jenna Graffius and Tammy Miller; and a niece, Donna Engle, all reside in Ephrata. A grandson, Larry Mayer Jr., lives in Bowmansville.

Diane E. Ostapuck, 72, of Lancaster, passed away March 20 unexpectedly at her home. She worked in the clerical department for Armstrong World Industries until her retirement, and later in the office of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir. Diane loved reading, crossword puzzles, gardening and decorating her home for the holidays. Her brother, Thomas D. Ostapuck Jr., husband of Barbara, lives in Stevens.

David D. Walczyk, 87, died March 21. He was a parishioner of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ephrata. David was a hard-core sports fan and enjoyed keeping up with both pro and collegiate basketball and football and could be found watching pro golf tournaments whenever they were telecast. He was also an avid card player, especially bridge.

Anna Belle (Weaver) Zook, 90, of Fairmount Homes, formerly of Oxford, passed away March 25 at Ephrata Community Hospital. A homemaker, she assisted her husband with their dairy farm. She was a member of the Media Mennonite Church, Oxford, where she was a past member of the sewing circle. She enjoyed sewing and reading.