Jeanne L. (Vonada) Wasson

Jeanne L. Wasson, formerly of Coburn, passed from this life on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Wynwood House in Centre Hall.  She was 92.  Born April 29, 1929 in Coburn, Jeanne was a daughter of the late Lee and Edna “Musser” Vonada. 

Jeanne was a 1947 graduate of the former East Penns Valley High School.  Jeanne then “furthered her education” at the “Rud-Mar” School of Cosmetology in Philadelphia in 1948.  Later that year Jeanne opened her own beauty shop in Coburn and continued that business for 32 years.  On December 30, 1950, she married J. Ivan Wasson who preceded her in death in 2003, ending a 52 year marriage.  After Jeanne closed her beauty shop, she worked at the Penns Valley High School as a cafeteria worker for 14 years.  She was a life member of the St. James United Methodist Church in Coburn where she was a Sunday school teacher, church organist and choir director for some 50 years.  Jeanne was also a member of the Penns Valley #158 Grange and helped Ivan with the trailer camping at the Grange Fair and horse shows for 18 years.  She and Ivan were active in the ARC programs, as well at the Skills programs.  Jeanne also enjoyed camping and especially spending time with her family.  

Jeanne is survived by two daughters, Sherrin L Gentzel (Thomas) of Camp Hill and Sheryl A. Grove (David) of Centre Hall; one son, James Ivan Wasson, Jr. of State College; five grandchildren, John T. Gentzel of Arlington, VA, Adam J. Gentzel (Kathleen) of Bryn Mawr, Nathan Gentzel (Kristal) of Falls Church, VA, Niki L. Page (Troy) of Lewistown and Holly A. Johnson (Erin) of Centre Hall.  Also surviving are eight great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Charlotte Gentzel, Rhett and Hudson Gentzel, Nora Gentzel, Courtney L. and Sean A. Page, and Gerty S. Johnson.  In addition to her husband, Jeanne was preceded in death by one sister, Mae Saylor. 

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 10-11 am at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. David Hersch officiating.  Jeanne will be laid to rest in the UCC and Lutheran Cemetery in Madisonburg.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jeanne may be given to Skills of Central PA, 1225 Benner Pike, State College, PA  16801.  

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