Ellen ´Jean´ M. Shelhamer

Ellen M. "Jean" Shelhamer, 88 of Mifflinville, passed away peacefully Friday, October 10, 2014 at her residence. She was born Friday, May 14, 1926 in Montoursville, PA., a daughter to the late Reverend Norman J. and Marguerite (Watson) Simmons. Jean was married August 10, 1947 and spent sixty-seven years as the wife of her beloved husband, the late Milford Shelhamer. Throughout her younger years, Jean attended school in several different districts, as her father's church charges changed in the Methodist Ministerial. After graduating from high school, she worked as a dental assistant and eventually earned a license as an LPN. Later, she worked at the Mifflinville Knitting Mill and was the caretaker at the Mifflinville United Methodist Church along with her husband, Milford. She then worked as a secretary in the Central Columbia School District Office for over twenty years before retiring. Jean was a member of the Mifflinville United Methodist Church, where she was the organist for many years. Her interests included sewing, knitting, cooking, doing crossword puzzles and traveling in the family motorhome. She also enjoyed being at home where she became known for her cake baking and decorating. Remembering Jean with love and affection and are her two sons: James P. Shelhamer and his wife, Debra of Mifflinville and Thomas E. Shelhamer and his wife, Colleen, also of Mifflinville, a brother, Charles Simmons of Milton, a sister, Eleanor Buzbee of Arkansas, five grandchildren: James A. Shelhamer of Reykjavik, Iceland, Tara Scott and her husband, Steve "Randy" of Berwick, Kerry Shelhamer of Mifflinville, Nathan Shelhamer and his wife, Jonelle of Benton, and Joshua Shelhamer of Utah, and four great-grandsons: Steven, Kevin, and Christopher Scott, and Nathaniel Shelhamer. She will also be remembered by her devoted personal in-home caregivers. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings: James Simmons (as a toddler), Jake Simmons, Anne Slusser, Elva French, Chloe Mutchler, and Virginia Ritter. Visitations will be 6-8 PM Friday, October 17 at the Kelchner-McMichael-Baker Funeral Home, 119-121 E.3rd St., Berwick and 9-10 AM Saturday, October 18 at the Mifflinville United Methodist Church, 4th & Market Streets, Mifflinville. Her funeral will be 10 AM Saturday, following the visitation. Pastor, Andrew Burd-Harris will serve as the officiant. Burial will follow at the Mifflinville Cemetery. Donations in Jean's memory can be made to the Mifflinville United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be sent to www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.