Mary H. (Rishel) Gilmore

Mary H. Gilmore, 102, of Millheim, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Salem Hill Haven.  Born September 27, 1914 in Madisonburg, Mary is a daughter of the late John and Cora “Shaffer” Rishel.  She was a 1932 graduate of Miles Township High School.  On February 7, 1937, Mary married Paul J. Gilmore who preceded her in death on November 25, 1989. 

Mary was employed as a cook for the Penns Valley Area School District.  She began her long term employment at the former elementary school on North Street in Millheim and retired from the Penns Valley High School in 1984.  She was a member of the St. James United Methodist Church in Coburn.  Mary’s greatest joy in life was taking care of her family. She loved to cook, bake and do canning.  Her angel food cakes and various cookies were well known in the family and loved by many. She also enjoyed shopping and would never miss Grange Fair.  She tented at the fair into her 90’s and attended her last fair just this summer. We love you “Gram on the hill”, you will be missed.

Mary is survived by one daughter, Shirley A. Zimmerman of Millheim; four grandsons, David Zimmerman (Lori), Todd Zimmerman (Penny), John M. Zimmerman (Cinnamon) and Brett Zimmerman (Heather); twelve great grandchildren, Brandon, Dustin, Julie, Nathan, Lisa, Mark, C.J., Tyler, Brent, Hunter, Dallas and Colby and twelve great great grandchildren, Ryan, Makayla, Braden, Chloe, Brayden, Peyton, Haiden, Lila, Eve, Sadie, Brantley and Hadley.  Also surviving are two nieces, Lois Albright and Charlotte Lamey and one sister in law, Jean Stover. In addition to her husband, Mary was proceeded in death by four sisters, Florence Grove, Martha Orndorf, Arlene Decker, and Charlotte Rishel; and three brothers, Dervin, Harry and George Rishel; one infant brother; one son in law, Robert E. Zimmerman, Sr, one grandson, Robert E. Zimmerman, Jr; one great grandson, Todd Zimmerman, Jr; and two granddaughter’s in law, Kathy Jo and Nancy Zimmerman.

Family and friends will be received at the St. James United Methodist Church on Monday, November 7th from 9:30 – 11:00am.  The funeral service will follow with Pastor Chris Lutz officiating.  Mary will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Millheim.  Contributions in her memory may be given to St. James U.M.C, Po Box 90, Coburn, PA 16832 or to Salem Hill Haven, 424 Heckman Cemetery Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.  

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