Alvira Straley

Alvira Nelson (Whitley) Straley, 77, of Greencastle, PA, entered peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by her family at her home on Monday, November 5, 2012.

Alvira was born in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late William and Catherine Whitley. In addition to her parents, Alvira was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Ralph J. Straley, Sr., and her daughter, Catherine Irene Straley. Alvira was raised in Renderdale and later moved to Hershey, where she resided for nearly 30 years, before settling in Fayetteville for a number of years, and finally Greencastle. She was a graduate of Carnegie High School and Westminster College. Her greatest joy was the love she gave to her family, especially her children. Wherever she was, the "Welcome" at her door was genuine; her home was a delightful hub of activity for family, friends, and neighbors.

Alvira leaves behind her daughter Cynthia Ann Straley and her husband Julius Vasylenko of Boston, MA; her son Ralph Julius Straley, Jr., his wife Melanie, and their daughters Kaitlyn and Marley of Roanoke, VA.; her sister Sally Zobuk and her husband Terry, and nephew Nicholas Cason of North Port, FL.; and many friends to celebrate her life.

Her life will be honored in a memorial service on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd. Chambersburg, PA, officiated by Pastor Taylor Camerer of Greencastle Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 11 AM, with services at 12 PM. She will be interred with her husband at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Lebanon County, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, Franklin Fulton Unit, 384 Floral Ave. Chambersburg, PA 17201, or to a charity of your choice.