Sarah Emma (Waltemyer) Rodgers

MANCHESTER - Sarah Emma (Waltemyer) Rodgers, 89, died Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Memorial Hospital. Sarah lived her life with modest, quiet, contentment, full of love, compassion and generosity for family and friends, not requiring any more than God provided for that day, and always thankful for his provisions. Her feet were grounded in the savior, her heart fully devoted to her husband and family, and her hands always willing and ready to serve others. She was the wife of Harvey F. Rodgers with whom she shared a wonderful marriage for over 71 years. They traveled the world together, seeing and experiencing things that she never dreamed possible. They shared a life of true commitment and companionship, always together fixing things and serving others. She was born June 9, 1922, the oldest daughter of the late George C. and Vernia I. (Keeney) Waltemyer of Potosi and is survived by her three loving sisters, Ellen Doll of York, Bessie Sipe of Red Lion, and Ruth Henry of Glen Rock. She was preceded in her passing by her five brothers, James, Elmer, Charles, John and Russell Waltemyer. Sarah attended Seitz one room school house where she loved learning, and until recently, regularly met with her classmates and school teacher, Ms. Brown. She touched so many as a Sunday School teacher, MOPS caregiver, Woman’s Fellowship member, quilter, worker, mentor and loving friend, as a member of the New Fairview Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Home Auxiliary. Sarah found great pleasure in the simple things, cooking, cleaning, sewing, knitting and quilting. Her hands were seldom idle. Sarah leaves us with wonderful memories and a legacy of a faithful life lived with her husband and for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is truly cherished by those she leaves behind including her two sons, Richard and his wife, Susan Rodgers of Dover, DE, Thomas and his wife, Jane Rodgers of Denver, CO; her three daughters, Delores and her husband, Phillip Graybill of Dover, Janice Belcher of Manchester, and Carol and her husband, Bradley Bear of York, and her son-in-law, Gary Fleming of York. To her great sadness she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Gloria Fleming, her son, Leroy and his wife, Sharon Rodgers, her son-in-law, Ronald Belcher and three grandchildren, Ethan and Wade Fleming and Kelly Rodgers. She never wanted to be alone and God graciously blessed her with a house that was filled with 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and the many who became family by spirit and marriage, numbering over 70. There was always room for one more; one more plate at the table, one more bed for a guest to rest his head, and one more space on her lap for a child. There was always room for one more and no reservations were ever needed, whether you were family, friend or stranger. We welcome family and friends to share in a celebration of Sarah’s life at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York with Pastors Paul Bentzel and Doug Striebig officiating. Viewing will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the church. Burial will be at Suburban Memorial Gardens. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Fairview Church of the Brethren, or a charity of your choice.