Janet C. Gladfelter

FELTON-Janet Catherine (Runkle) Gladfelter, born in Felton, PA on December 22, 1920, died peacefully at the age of 101 surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday November 5, 2022 at 5:30pm. She is survived by a son, Kevin F Gladfelter and his wife Lindell S Gladfelter, and a daughter, Katherine J Gladfelter; two grandchildren, Rachel L Gladfelter, Seth K Gladfelter and his wife Mandy L Gladfelter; two great-grandchildren, Logan G Gladfelter and Nolan S Gladfelter. Janet married the love of her life, Freman E “Buck” Gladfelter, in 1945 and remained married to him until his death in 1976. She was also preceded in death by her parents Eli and Minnie (Flinchbaugh) Runkle, and all eleven siblings; Raymond Runkle, Elsie Overmiller, John Runkle, Henry Runkle, Jessie Wierman, William Runkle, Mardella Stern, Edward Runkle, Edna Miller, Richard Runkle, and Alice Royer.

The first in her family to graduate from high school, Janet graduated from Red Lion in 1938 where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society. After graduation, she worked as an office administrator for many of the prominent businesses in the Red Lion area including Farmers and Merchants Bank, Barnhart Automotive, Brooks Cigars, finishing her career at Arnold Lumber and Supply. She also was a telegram operator, ran an egg business, picked potatoes on local farms with many friends, and managed her own family farm. She and Buck bought their Felton farm in 1961 where she lived her life and always said it’s the nicest place she’s ever lived.

Janet’s favorite hobbies included quilting (over 300 full quilts), crocheting, gardening, and traveling to every state except Alaska. She was a church and local historian, co-author of two family history books, avid baker and cook, and the best listener anyone could ask for. She loved spending time with her family, chicken pot pie, pina coladas, Fitzkee’s candy, cracking crabs, reciting poetry and texting her family, even at 101 years old.

She was a friend to all and will be greatly missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have crossed her path.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion during Janet’s last six weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Janet’s favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A Celebration of Life Service for Janet will be held 10:30AM Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion. Officiating the service will be the Rev. Larry Parlett. A viewing will be from 9:30-10:30AM at the funeral home. Mrs. Gladfelter’s Tribute Service will be webcast on her obituary page at www.HeffnerCare.com. Burial will be held 2:30PM at Bethany United Methodist Cemetery-Felton with Dennis Kohler presiding.

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