Mary Elizabeth Hoover Harris

RED LION - Mary Elizabeth "M.E." Hoover Harris, 92, passed away July 29, 2010 at Cross Keys Village-Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, PA. She was the loving wife of the late Dr. Paul S. Hoover. Mary Elizabeth was born September 13, 1917 in East Huntingdon Twp., PA, a daughter of the late E. Guy and Bertha Frances (Weaver) Wentsler. She was the oldest of four children and preceded in death by her two brothers, Fred and Guy Wentsler and a sister, Amy W. Hoover. Mary Elizabeth was a graduate of Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and the University of Pittsburgh with a Master's Degree in Counselor Education. Mary Elizabeth worked as a school teacher at East Huntingdon High School, and at Chester High School in Philadelphia while her husband completed medical school. She and her husband then served as Church of the Brethren missionaries in Bulsar, India. Upon their return to the United States, Mary Elizabeth helped her husband establish a medical practice in Windsor, PA, serving as office manager until his death in 1984. She was a member of the First Church of the Brethren in York serving as a Sunday school teacher, bible school teacher, camp counselor, delegate to annual conference and Christian Education Director. She was also active in community activities in the Red Lion area. In later years, she transferred her membership to the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren. Mary Elizabeth is survived by two daughters, Linda Hoover Moyer and husband, Clay of Souderton, PA and Carol Hoover Gordon and husband, Ken of Mt. Laurel, NJ; 11 grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Dr. Dean Hoover; two sisters-in-law, Edna Carbaugh and Anna Weaver. A Memorial Service will take place at the convenience of the family. Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Church of the Brethren Global Mission Partnerships, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois, 60520.