Eva Hoke

Eva B. Hoke, age 100, formerly of St. Thomas, PA, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at Menno Haven. Born May 4, 1912 in Hamilton, OH, she was a daughter of the late William H. and Cora Miller Barnes. She attended schools in Ohio early in her life and after moving to Pennsylvania was enrolled in St. Thomas schools, graduating from the former St. Thomas High School in 1930. Eva later attended Shippensburg State College where she received her Elementary School Teaching Certification in 1932. In subsequent years she obtained her Bachelor of Education and Master of Education Degrees from Shippensburg University. She enrolled in courses at Temple University, Penn State University, Glassboro of New Jersey, and Western State of Colorado. For forty-five years she taught in St. Thomas and the Tuscarora Area School District, retiring in 1977. Her husband, Thomas B. Hoke, preceded her in death on July 4, 1972.

She was active in the educational activities of her profession on all levels, serving as President of local and county teacher associations. Later she served as Director of the Department of Classroom Teachers in the Southern Region and was elected as Director of the Southern Region of PSEA of which she was a life member. She also was a life member of the NEA and served as a state delegate to eleven NEA conventions. Mrs. Hoke was a life member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and its Franklin County Chapter where she served as President. She was elected Director of Region IV, PASR. During her retirement years she held many offices and served as travel chair for the county and planned trips for the state. She also held membership in numerous groups: Charter President of Beta Kappa Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma; the Franklin County Branch of AAUW where she was President; served as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Franklin County Literacy Council; a charter member of Franklin County Heritage; served as co-chair of the St. Thomas Bicentennial in 1934 and the Sesqui-Centennial in 1984; former member and secretary of Chambersburg BPW; former member of the United Way Board; member of National AARP; and served as local President and district officer of the PTA. She was included with the 1971 edition of Community Leaders of America and the St. Thomas High School Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Hoke was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Upton, PA. For some years she served as pianist and choir director at the church. She was active with the Lutheran Church Women, serving as President of the local group and later as DAC of the Chambersburg District. For thirty-four years she served as secretary of the District 3 Sunday School Association. She was also a member of various boards and task forces with Lutheran Social Services.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane H. Shupp (wife of the late Robert “Ben” Shupp) of St. Thomas; two grandchildren, Rhonda K. Shupp of Chambersburg and Thomas C. Shupp and wife Angie of St. Thomas; two great-granddaughters, Madison and Bella Shupp; her sister, Margaret Sheaffer of Lansing, MI; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, husband, and son-in-law, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Angle; and two brothers, David and Edward Barnes.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday, September 2, 2012 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Alan R. Wilson and Rev. Harold E. Yeager will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be at 10:00 AM Monday in St. Thomas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 8835 Lemar Road, Greencastle, PA 17225.