Alta Hockensmith Schaefer

Alta Jean Hockensmith Schaefer, 84, of Fayetteville, PA and formerly of Lady Lake, FL, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at her daughter’s home in Chambersburg. Born May 22, 1931 in Monroe Township, Bedford County, PA, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Cora Belle Messersmith Smith. A homemaker most of her life, Alta enjoyed working with flower arrangements, crocheting, and knitting. She especially liked spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was of the Protestant faith.

She is survived by her son, Orville Hockensmith, Jr. of Mercersburg; her daughter, Wanda Barnhart Amsley of Chambersburg; five granddaughters, Tammy Ganoe, Linda Eiker (Eric), Brenda Vanpelt (Steve), Bridget Rife (Gerry), and Shaunna Barnhart; and seven great-grandchildren, Jesse, Tucker, Skyler, Brody, Jordan, Harley, and Emily. Also surviving are three sisters, Thelma Garland of St. Thomas, Bertha McCall of Ohio, and Melva Peters (Earl) of Fayetteville; two brothers, Ralph Smith (Mary) of Virginia and Ronald Smith (Lyndel) of Chambersburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer W. Schaefer on August 25, 2007; five sisters, Marjorie Ritter, Phyllis Snoke, Ruth Johns, Ethel Gilbert, and Joyce Smith; as well as a brother, Robert Smith.

A memorial service to celebrate Alta’s life will be held at 7:00 PM Friday, August 28, 2015 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Paul B. Baker will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.