Russell T. Stover

Russell T. Stover, 95, a long-time resident of Millheim, passed away August 10, 2015 at Valley View Haven in Belleville. He was born in Woodward to Paul and Lodie (Motz) Stover on October 20, 1919 and graduated from East Penns Valley High School in 1937. He married his wife of 70 years, Violet (Warntz) on June 24, 1945.

Russell served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class during WWII. His 29th Division unit landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion. Russell's division was featured in the well-known photograph used on the cover of Cornelius Ryan's book "The Longest Day". Russell was wounded twice before being sent home and discharged as a disabled veteran.

Twelve days later, he began working at Farmer’s National Bank in Millheim. He successfully advanced from bookkeeper and teller to trust officer during his 37 years of employment. Russell was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Millheim Lions Club, and he served the community as President of the Penns Valley School Board, Treasurer of the Centre County Vocational Technical School and Chairman of the Centre County Hospital Authority.

In 1953, Russell was stricken with polio, losing the use of both legs. Following treatment, he needed the assistance of braces and crutches; however, he was still able to shovel snow, drive, hunt, and pick apples, often with the assistance of his self-created adaptive devices.

Russell took pleasure in photography, collecting coins, and was an avid reader of history, religion, and psychology. He and his wife shared daily devotional reading of scriptures from the Bible. Russell was a Sunday School teacher and church lay speaker for many years. The couple enjoyed traveling, going to 48 of the 50 United States, as well as England and France. Throughout his life he remained a WWII enthusiast and enjoyed sharing this information. He also wrote and spoke about his war experiences both as a contributor to the 29th Division magazine and as a keynote speaker at their convention in Boston, and he was frequently interviewed for local newspapers.

He is survived by his wife, Violet, of Valley View Haven; his daughter, Darlene and husband, Douglas Maple of Lemont; his son, Douglas and wife, Emily Stover of Herndon, VA; three granddaughters; Susanna Withers of Melrose, MA; Rebecca Lamey of State College; and Kara Wiseman of Rockville, MD; and one great-granddaughter, Julia Jane Withers of Melrose, MA. He is also survived by his twin brother, Randall Stover of Aaronsburg; his sister, Esther Haugh of Jersey Shore, and many nieces and nephews. Russell was preceded in death by two brothers, Lowell and Francis “Fritz” Stover.

Russell maintained a positive outlook throughout his life. He was a modest, kind man who enjoyed helping others. He faced adversity with grace, courage, and common sense.

Visitation for Mr. Stover will be held on Friday, August 14 from 6-8pm at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home, Millheim.  A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 15 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Millheim with Pastor Julia Sprenkle officiating. Russell will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Millheim.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley View Endowment Fund, 4702 E. Main St. Belleville, PA  17004 or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 101 Mill St. Millheim, PA 16854. Online condolences for the family may be made at stevenrnefffuneralhome.com.

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