M. Catherine Hawbaker

M. Catherine Hawbaker, 94, a resident at Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA, passed away Saturday morning, July 4, 2015 at the nursing home. Born March 26, 1921 in Shippensburg, she was a daughter of the late Floyd and Ruth Gettel Staver. Catherine was a member of Prince Street United Brethren Church in Shippensburg where she enjoyed playing the piano for the youth department. She loved to knit, crochet and read. Catherine taught Sunday School and was in charge of the church’s Bible School for a number of years. She also cooked at Rhodes’ Grove Campground. Her husband, Rev. Laban Hawbaker, preceded her in death on July 16, 1999.

She is survived by four children, Ray F. Hawbaker of Chambersburg, Margaret A. Klinger and husband Ronald of York, Berniece K. Crider and husband Max of Carlisle, and Sharon L. Lehner and husband Steve of Germantown, MD; nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Wayne L. Hawbaker; a brother, Arthur Staver and a sister Grace Keeseman.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 11:00AM at Prince Street United Brethren Church, 20 North Prince Street, Shippensburg, PA. Pastor Richard Black will officiate. Interment will follow at Norland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 11:00 AM Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Prince Street United Brethren Church at the aforementioned address.