Obituary of Miriam E. Gantz

Miriam E. Gantz, 84, of Manheim, PA, passed away on Sunday evening, February 24, 2013 at her home. Born in Elizabethtown, PA, Miriam was the daughter of the late Russell S. and Ruth (Kipp) Sweigart. She was married to Robert E. Gantz, Sr. for over 65 years prior to him passing away just 43 days prior to Miriam. She was a 1946 graduate of Elizabethtown High School. A homemaker most of her life, Miriam worked for almost 10 years for the former Bickel's Potato Chip Company in Manheim. When Miriam was in her 60's, she began learning to paint the Bob Ross method, and painted hundreds of canvases. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, and quilting, as well as many other types of crafts. Many baby blankets for Project Linus were made by Miriam's hands. She also had a talent for caning chairs and basket weaving. Miriam enjoyed ceramics, especially painting Hummel figurines. Miriam was a member of Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, and could be seen at the church's softball games in the spring and summer. She belonged to the Friendship Club and Prayer Power. Her spiritual gift was giving, and she gave generously to others. Surviving are her four children; Robert E. Gantz, Jr., Linda M., wife of W. David White, Timothy R. Gantz, and Kathy A., wife of Timothy N. Sauder, all of Manheim; seven grandchildren, Megan L., wife of John Chism, and parents of John David and Vivian; Brynn M., wife of Neal Hammer; Cortney L., wife of Dalton Milbourne, and parents of Makayla and Rylan; Colton T. Sauder, fiancée of Beth Trovato; Seth R. Gantz, husband of Sarah, and parents of Norah and Emma; Ian B. Gantz, husband of Ashley, and parents of Brice; and Lucas T. Gantz; four sisters, Nettie, wife of Richard Wenger, of Lititz, PA, Olive, wife of Harvey Eshelman, Doris, wife of Tom Mumma, and Alma Shearer, all of Elizabethtown; a sister-in-law, Mary Sweigart; and a brother-in-law, Melvin Hoffer, both of Elizabethtown. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Ronald L. Gantz; a brother, Richard Sweigart; a sister, Violet Hoffer; and a brother-in-law, David Shearer. A funeral service will be held at the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545 on Friday morning, March 1, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Private interment will be in the East Fairview Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Manheim. The family will receive guests at the church on Friday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, earmarked Dorcas Fund, or to Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community, 3026 Mount Hope Home Road, Manheim, PA 17545. A webcast of the service will be available the day following the service at www.spencefuneralservices.com.