Carol J. (Mccleary) Innerst

Carol J. (McCleary) Innerst, 78, died Monday, June 6, 2016 at her home in York. She was the wife of the late Preston E. Innerst. Mrs. Innerst was born June 7, 1937 in York, daughter of the late Gene C. and Delilah (Spangler) McCleary. She was a 1955 graduate of William Penn Senior High School, and received her Associate of Arts degree from York Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maryland at College Park. Following her graduation from the University of Maryland, Mrs. Innerst embarked on a four decade career as a newspaper reporter, freelance writer, and editor at various publications, including the York Gazette and Daily, the Allentown Call-Chronicle, the Philadelphia Bulletin, and the Washington Times, where she retired in 1998 as the national education writer. She also authored York College of Pennsylvania, The Campus History Series, which celebrates the evolution of the school from its beginnings to national recognition. Mrs. Innerst was an avid sports fan, particularly of the University of Maryland basketball and the Washington Nationals baseball teams, and she enjoyed swimming and playing golf. She was passionate and opinionated about politics and education. She listened to Christmas carols year-round, particularly the songs of Mannheim Steamroller and Straight No Chaser, and she volunteered with the York Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Innerst was a member of Out Door Country Club, where she also served on the Board of Directors, and First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Innerst is survived by a son, Preston E. Innerst, Jr. and his wife Cima of Kensington, MD; a daughter, Christine and her husband Richard Webby of Studio City, CA; an aunt, AnnaKate Delle of York; four grandchildren, Donovan and Logan Innerst and Alexander and Lachlan Webby; a stepson, Robert Innerst and his wife Cindy of York; a stepdaughter, Carol and her husband Rodger Thomas of Perry Hall, MD; three step grandchildren, Adam Innerst, Michael Thomas and Jennifer DeVincent; and nine step great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements.