Vera M. Harpster, 96, formerly of Burnham and most recently of Elmcroft Senior Living in Reedsville, passed away at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Valley View Haven, Belleville.
Born June 7, 1924, in Spruce Hill Township, Juniata County, she was a daughter of the late Daniel G. and Myrtle (Smith) Brackbill.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, James C. Harpster, whom she married July 31, 1954, on Feb. 2, 2015; son, Carl D. Harpster; four brothers; and five sisters.
Vera is survived by: sons, Mark A. Harpster and wife, Aleta, of Burnham, and Leon J. Harpster and wife, Holly, of Columbia, S.C.; daughter-in-law, Cindy Harpster, of Burnham; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Carla and Bill, Cherie and Jeb, Curt and Kim, Chris and Tabitha, Eric, Jordanne and Bradley, and Brent and fiance, Emilee; eleven great-grandchildren, Logan, Billy, Caitlin, Shelby, Alivia, Blake, Brooklynn, Baylee, Brantley, Bennett and Silas; and siblings, Earl Brackbill, of Mechanicsburg, Edna Lauver, of Camp Hill, and Mildred Hendricks, of Mifflintown.
Vera graduated from Port Royal High School, Class of 1941. She also graduated from Thompson Business School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College in Barberville, Ky.
She was a member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church in Burnham; the Fidelus Sunday School Class; and United Methodist Women. She served as Burnham Community Leader in Mifflin County 4-H, and Treasurer of the Chief Logan Band Boosters.
In her earlier years, she was employed as an Admissions Clerk at Lewistown Hospital.
Vera loved working outdoors, gardening and landscaping, canning and quilting.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at Birch Hill Cemetery, Eighth Avenue, Burnham, with Pastor Chris Lutz officiating.
Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Burnham, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Street UMC, 203 North Walnut Street, Burnham, PA 17009.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/24/22 - Image Year: 1971
CLASS of 41 REUNION: (Seated l-r) Isabel McConnell, Esther Page, Frances Souders, Charlotte Turbett, Myrtle Kline, Dorothy McCachren; (Row 2) Reba Long, ??, Jean Krug, Pauline Henderson (Teacher), Doris Seacrist, Vera Brackbill, Miriam Taylor; (Row 3) Nelson Ernest, ??, Marjorie Wert, ??, Jane Short, Marjorie Towsey; (Back Row) Miles Heckendorn, David Brubaker, William Stouffer, Gerald Miller, William Boyer, Max Heckendorn
