Sylvia Zimmerman

Sylvia Burkholder Zimmerman, 96, a guest at Menno Haven and formerly of West Main Street, Fayetteville, PA, died Saturday morning, January 7, 2012 in the nursing home. Born August 21, 1915 in Greene Township, she was a daughter of the late Noah and Phoebe Mahon Burkholder. A homemaker most of her life, Mrs. Zimmerman was a long time member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Fayetteville where she taught Sunday School for twenty years. She volunteered for many years at the former Piney Mountain Home and the Falling Spring Nursing Home. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and sewing. Her beloved husband, Wilbur A. “Bib” Zimmerman, whom she married August 7, 1937, preceded her in death on December 4, 2004.

Mrs. Zimmerman is survived by two daughters, Barbara J. (Mrs. Lee) Meyers of Greencastle, and Susan Z. (Mrs. Allan) Ward of Chambersburg; six grandchildren Karen J. Meyers of Greencastle, Perry A. Ward and wife Dana of Fayetteville, Barry L. Meyers and wife Jill of Greencastle, Nathan A. Ward and wife Threslyn of Chambersburg, Lora S. (Mrs. Curtis) Stoner of Greencastle, and Mark A. Ward and wife Ranee of Chambersburg; and six great-grandchildren, Allison B. Meyers, Jacob C. and Jaren I. Stoner, Zoe B., Arran A., and Zara M. Ward. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and long-time family friend Richard Statler of Fayetteville. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by six sisters, Catherine Witmer, Ethel Knoll, Verna Humelsine, Rhea Fisher, Ida Martin, and Ruth Stouffer Hock; an infant brother; and brothers Leo Burkholder and Noah Burkholder, Jr.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday January 10, 2012 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. Rev. Mike Baumgardner and Rev. Thomas Willis will officiate. Interment will follow in Lincoln Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 61 West Main Street, Fayetteville, PA 17222 or the Menno Haven Employee Appreciation Fund, 2011 Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.