Everything about our MASH Class of '71
William R. Ingraham
William "Bill" Ingraham
April 25, 1953 - July 3, 2012
WILLIAM INGRAHAM OBITUARY
William R. Ingraham, age 59, of Mechanicsburg, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at home after a long battle with cancer. Born April 25, 1953 in Mechanicsburg, he was a son of the late Ross W. and Pauline R. (Zimmerman) Ingraham.
Bill retired after thirty six years of service with the Social Security Administration, and was the organist for twenty five years at First United Methodist Church, (FUMC) Mechanicsburg and Otterbein United Methodist Church, Boiling Springs. For his many accomplishments he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hershey Theatre. He also wrote the theme song for their high school Apollo Award Program. He was a member of FUMC and a former member of Mechanicsburg Rotary Club.
Bill was a well known pianist and organist in central PA. He was active with Open Stage; Hershey Theatre; Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg; Oyster Mill Playhouse; Messiah Choral Arts; Central PA Oratorio; Mechanicsburg Ecumenical Choir; Wednesday Club; Theatre Harrisburg; Susquehanna Chorale; Voices of Hershey; Mishar Productions and an accompanist for many soloists and musicians. He was a member of the group Signature and performed at the White House with Kamotion. As a friend recalled, "there probably isn't a piano in Central PA that Bill hasn't played". In addition to his music Bill enjoyed participating in softball, racquetball and basketball.
Surviving are his wife Tammy Ingraham, three children, Tricia Nicole Ingraham of Los Angeles, CA, Christopher Scott Ingraham of Dillsburg, and Julie Beth Ingraham of Santa Cruz, CA, two grandchildren Maya R. Ingraham and Brandon A. Domonkos, two brothers Donald R. Ingraham of West Friendship, MD and Robert E. Ingraham of Hershey. Bill will always be remembered for his humble spirit, musical talent, dedication to his family and incredible optimism.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at First UM Church, Mechanicsburg with the Rev. Michael V. Minnix officiating. There will be a viewing from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg. Private burial will be in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First UM Church, 135 W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or Otterbein UM Church, 647 Forge Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.
To sign the online guestbook visit www.malpezzifuneralhome.com
Published by Patriot-News on Jul. 4, 2012.
James R. Jacobs
James "Jim" Jacobs
October 2, 1953 - February 6, 2010
James R. Jacobs, 56, of Dillsburg, PA passed away Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill. He was born October 2, 1953 in Mechanicsburg to the late James D. Jacobs who died April 18, 2008 and Joan M. Gilbert Jacobs of Mechanicsburg. He graduated from Mechanicsburg High School, Class of 1971, having played and lettered in both football and basketball. He was member of the Eastern Ban of Cherokee Indians, a Sales Rep for Dales Drum Shop, Colonial Park, member of the Mechanicsburg Club, and former drummer for the band Dangerous Dogs.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sister, Sandy L. (Joe) Jacobs Owle of Cherokee, NC; two nephews Josie and Joey Owle; and a great-nephew Josiah Teesateskie.
There will be no services. Burial will be in Cherokee, NC, at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church, Filbert and Simpsons Sts., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Deborah L. Kennedy Smyser
Deborah L. Kennedy Smyser
September 26, 1953 - June 18, 2017
Deborah “Debbie” Lee (Kennedy) Smyser
Loved the Beach -
Deborah “Debbie” Lee (Kennedy) Smyser, age 63, of Camp Hill, and formerly of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2017. Debbie was born on Saturday, September 26, 1953 in Mechanicsburg to Robert Kennedy and the late Winifred Kennedy.
Debbie’s survivors include her father, Robert Kennedy and his wife, Irene, of Mechanicsburg; her brother, Steven Kennedy and his wife, Suzanne, of Bowmansdale; her three children: Kristy Smyser and her companion, David Stewart, of Mechanicsburg, Bob Smyser and his fiancé, Angie Fitzgerald, of Mechanicsburg, Alicia Duvall of South Carolina; her six grandchildren: Brittani Stonehouse, Casey McDade, Taylor McDade, Benjamin Smyser, Noah Smyser, Jacob Duvall; her three great-grandchildren: Corina Spencer, Shaun Stonehouse, William Stonehouse; her nephew, Michael Kennedy and his wife, Allison, and their children: Katie and William, of Mechanicsburg; and her former spouse, Mosser Martin Smyser, Jr. of West Virginia.
Debbie graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1971. Debbie loved the beach and spending time at Atlantic Beach in North Carolina, which she lived close to for over 10 years. Her grandchildren remember spending many summers there with their grandmother. Debbie loved her grandchildren dearly and she was always catering to them every chance she had. Her family will cherish the memories they made with her and Debbie will be missed dearly by all of them.
Debbie’s family will be remembering her life privately. Cremation was private.
Debbie’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Debbie’s full obituary, view her picture, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.
Donna Kimmel Botterbusch
Donna Kimmel Botterbusch
January 27, 1953 - February, 2025
From her daughter:
Hi all - it is with a heavy heart that I announce that Donna Botterbusch passed away this morning. I am grateful that she died peacefully at home while my dad and I sat with her. A few weeks ago, I helped her write her own obituary - in a true-to-her fashion of planning ahead and making sure things were done well! Please read the obituary below. We will be having a Celebration of Life Service and Graveside Reading and Prayer in Pennsylvania (Red Lion/York) and I will post those details as soon as it is scheduled.
Donna was born on January 27, 1953, in Mechanicsburg, PA to the late John Israel Kimmel and Ruth Kuhns (Bushey) Kimmel. In addition to her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her sisters, Joyce Kimmel, and Rose Ann (Kimmel) Whitesell. Donna is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert Botterbusch, children Adam Botterbusch (and wife Stephanie Botterbusch) and Carina (Botterbusch) Taylor (and husband Wes Taylor), four grandsons (Braxton, Henry, Jack, and Lincoln Botterbusch), nephew Richard Whitesell, grandnephew Remington, and siblings-in-law Cindy (Botterbusch) Malandro, Rich Botterbusch, and Steve Botterbusch and their respective families.
Donna graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1971 and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Shippensburg College in 1975. Donna is best described as an organizer and leader. She credits these gifts and opportunities to God. She was instrumental in countless organizations, including Joy School, a food co-op, and the York Homeschool Association; as well as initiating a movement for homeschool evaluations to be completed by non-teachers, establishing long-standing board game groups in each state she lived, providing computer tutoring and wellness coaching services, teaching others how to make kombucha and play pickleball, and establishing New Adventures Club in Cleveland, TN. These efforts demonstrate her life philosophies of “blaze your own trail,” “if it doesn’t exist - start it,” and “do what you believe in.” As a homeschool mom, she loved her diverse work opportunities, including sales, cleaning, data entry, retail management, delivery driving, and customer service. She devoted many years to the homeschool community serving in leadership positions; providing educational seminars about homeschooling; and providing evaluations, transcripts, and diplomas. Earlier in life, Donna also worked in food service, human resources, retail, secretarial, accounting, and printing. She credits her variety of work experiences to her lifelong ability to connect with others and build a vast network of loved ones.
Donna was also an organizer and leader of unforgettable experiences within her family life. She and Robert enjoyed travel as a young couple, including Long Beach Island, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, White Sands Beach in Florida, and the western United States. Donna continued these adventures with Robert and their kids, including biennial trips to Long Beach Island and regular trips to the Poconos. Other treasured favorites include New Hampshire and Vermont; Pagosa Springs, Colorado; Indio, California; Ontario, Canada; the Outer Banks, North Carolina; and the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Adam’s and Carina’s families also joined for family trips, including a bucket-list trip to the Grand Canyon in 2023.
Donna is described by others as impactful, loving learning and teaching, a loyal friend, fiercely herself, inspiring, influential, determined, and extremely loving and well-loved. Donna is also adventurous and courageous. After her first bout of cancer in 2015, her daughter encouraged her to do a triathlon in 2016 which resulted in a valued family activity through 2022. Donna often placed in her age group and was extremely proud to win her age group in 2018. Another example of her unique and genuine life was her hosting a living celebration of life open house with her family and friends on November 16, 2024. Donna was consistently amazed with and grateful for her blessings in life, which she saw as gifts from God.
All are welcome to join Donna’s family for a Celebration of Life [date and time TBD] at Life Tributes by Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, PA. Immediately following, all are also welcome to join Donna’s family for a graveside reading and prayer at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, 250 Chestnut Hill Road, York, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BeLoved Asheville, which will directly support the residents of Western North Carolina (a region beloved by Donna) who are recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Monty K. Kreiger
Monty K. Kreiger
March 21, 1953 - March 19, 2009
MONTY KREIGER OBITUARY
Monty K. Kreiger, 55, of Dillsburg passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2009, at Harrisburg Hospital.
Monty was born in North Carolina on March 21, 1953, and was the son of Peggy (Barr) Miller of Dillsburg and the late John "Jack" Kreiger.
He was employed by Fromm Electric in Harrisburg, and part-time with the West Shore EMS.
He was a member of the Upper Allen Fire Department and the fire crew at Williams Grove Speedway.
Monty is survived by his son, Michael K. Kreiger of Dillsburg; his daughter, Rachael L. Leighow of Mechanicsburg; his mother, Peggy Miller; his paternal grandmother, Esther Kreiger of Harrisburg; five grandchildren, Faith, Chase, Raven, Kecia and Damien; and his girlfriend, Rebecca Funt. He was preceded in death by his father, John Kreiger; his stepfather, Paul R. Miller; and infant grandson, Devon.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the West Shore Evangelical Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road Mechanicsburg. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A viewing will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Upper Allen Fire Department, 104 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or to West Shore EMS, 205 Grandview Ave., Suite 211, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Myers Funeral Home of Mechanicsburg.
Published by Carlisle Sentinel on Mar. 20, 2009.
Diane Laher
Diane "Dee" Laher
January 26, 2018
Linda Lutz Ahern
Linda Diane Lutz Ahern
November 13, 1953 - January 5, 2025
Linda Diane (Lutz) Ahern, 71, of Elizabethtown, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Born on Friday, November 13, 1953, she was a daughter of the late William Joseph and JoAnn T. Lutz. Linda leaves behind 3 children, Jenna Lyn, 36, and husband Zach, William Joseph, 34, and wife Becca, and Jamie Nicole, 31. She also leaves behind 3 sisters, Karen Lutz Hidy, Pam Lutz, and Donna Lutz Yanalavage. Linda courageously, and with great humor, battled pancreatic cancer and liver cancer since 2016 until her death.
Linda graduated from Mechanicsburg Area High School, Class of 1971. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lock Haven State and a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Millersville University.
Linda’s parents moved from Mechanicsburg to Elizabethtown in 1971, and she never left. She began her 44 year school career at Elizabethtown Area School District serving as a secondary school counselor and her last few years as Athletic Director. She coached several sports throughout those years, Field Hockey, Basketball, and Track/Field. She retired in March of 2019. Linda’s 3 children are all EASD graduates, and she couldn’t be prouder of them! Thankful for all the teachers that impacted their lives, all went to college, University of Louisville, York College, and Bloomsburg University and they all have great jobs. Linda also wanted to thank the retirees who came to breakfast the first Wednesday of every month. She hopes you continue the tradition!
Linda and her family value all the friends that were close to her, everyone that stood by and helped her fight cancer. Whether it was taking her to appointments, treatments, and touring the treatment facilities (wow, the proton radiology chamber is awesome!).
Today, if there are any gifts she would ask for, it is to stay close in heart, laugh when you can, love when you can, and be just who you are.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to PanCan - or Barshinger Cancer Institute - 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.
James P. Miller
James "Jim" Miller
August 20, 2000
Craig Nicodemus
Craig Nicodemus
Unknown
Craig Pentz
Craig Pentz
May 15, 1953 - July 17, 1996
Craig was the only son of Dorothy (Dot) and Harry Pentz of Mechanicsburg, Pa. Craig attended Broad St. Elementary School, Mechanicsburg Junior High and graduated from Mechanicsburg Area School District.
Among many interests, Craig enjoyed skiing. During his Junior High years he used hay bales to stop at the bottom of the Blair Mountain ski slope and was rewarded with a broken leg.
At the time of his passing he was employed by Carlisle Carrier Corp. of Mechanicsburg.
Craig was a long time member of Citizens Fire & Rescue of Mechanicsburg; many of Craig’s fellow firemen attended his funeral. Surviving Craig was his wife, Kimberly, son Uriah, daughter Desiree and mother Dot.
Service was held at Community Baptist Church, York Road, Carlisle, Pa.
Obituary courtesy of Daryl McClimans
John G. Pretz
John G. Pretz
April 28, 1953 - December 6, 2022
John G. Pretz, 69, Rye Township, passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.
Born April 28, 1953 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Karl S. and Bertha Anne (Gross) Pretz.
He attended Mechanicsburg High School where he excelled in math. John went on to study Literature at HACC, receiving his Associate Degree and establishing his lifelong love for the arts. He retired in 2007 as a Statistical Analyst from the Pennsylvania State Department of Labor and Industry.
John filled his life with theatre, sports, music, travel and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a volunteer doing lighting or stage managing for many shows at the Theatre Harrisburg and the Mechanicsburg Little Theatre. He loved theater, traveling as far away as Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York City.
He was a classic movie buff, and excellent chess player, had a deep appreciation for all the arts; and was an avid reader. Possessing an eclectic taste in music, he could often be found at concerts for David Bromberg, Roger Hodgson, Rent, Graham Nash, and many others.
John spent days and weeks traveling the globe, often to exotic locales. Cruise ship enthusiasts, they were blessed to make many friends and to see nature up close and personal during trips to Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, and many other countries.
With his keen sense of humor and inherent stubbornness, John will be dearly missed for his engaging personality.
Surviving is his wife: Nancy Sutch Pretz; two sisters: Betsy Treharne (and her husband, Charles) and Pam Richardson (and her husband, Scott); many nephews and nieces; and a host of other family members and friends.
A Celebration of his life will be held at the family’s discretion.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Theatre Harrisburg.
Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.
Lee E. Reed
Lee E. Reed
January 25, 1954 - January 25, 2017
LEE REED OBITUARY
Lee E, Reed, Jr., 63 of Mechanicsburg, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at his home.
Born January 25, 1954, he was a son of the late Grace E. Sellers Lenker and Lee E. "Jake" Reed, Sr.
Lee loved his dog Diesel and enjoyed fishing.
Surviving are his children, Connie Still, Gary Reed, Emily Reed and Alyson Reed; grandchildren, Logan Still and Brianna Still; and sister, DiAnn Matheny.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 11, 2017, 5:00PM, at Camp Hill Church of God, 123 N 21st St, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canine Rescue of Central PA, P. O. Box 129, Dillsburg, PA 17019.
Arrangements by Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.
www.pennlive.com/obits
Published by Patriot-News on Feb. 5, 2017.
Robert A. Ritter
Robert "Bob" Ritter
November 12, 1953 - December 10, 2015
ROBERT RITTER OBITUARY
Robert A."Bob" Ritter, age 62 of Lewisberry, passed away Thursday, December 10, 2015 at home. Born November 12, 1953 in Mechanicsburg, he was the son of the late Clarence R. Ritter Sr. and Betty Ritter of Mechanicsburg.
Bob was a 1971 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School. He worked as a Farrier and a commercial truck driver. Bob was a member of the Kettle Creek-Tamarack Sportsman's Association, Mechanicsburg Club, and an outstanding founding member of the Lazy 7 Camp. He was a skilled archer and marksman and an avid hunter. Bob had a deep love for all animals and nature. He always cherished his time with his family.
Bob is survived in addition to his mother; his spouse, Jewell Baker; daughter, Tressie Nichole Ritter of Acworth, GA; two brothers, C. Richard Ritter Jr. and wife Maureen of Dillsburg and Thomas E. Ritter of Jonesborough, TN; two sisters, Brenda S. Ritter and husband Kevin Oberholtzer of Mt. Gretna and Betsy L. Ritter of Mechanicsburg; granddog Luca and grandcat Meezer.
Bob was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Linda Ritter; three nephews, Ian Dalton Ritter, Andrew Michael Ritter, and Randy L. Stevens Jr.; niece Mackenzie Marie Wyant.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Malpezzi Funeral Home, 8 Market Plaza Way, Mechanicsburg. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM till the time of service. Burial will be private.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Robert's memory to Lymedesease.org PO BOX 1352 Chico, CA 95927 or plant a tree in his honor.
To sign the online guest book, please visit www.MalpezziFuneralHome.com
Published by Patriot-News on Dec. 13, 2015.