Evelyn E. (Eppley) Criswell

Evelyn E. (Eppley) Criswell, 93, of Mountain Road, Bedford, and formerly of Fishertown, went to be with the Lord early Monday afternoon, Feb. 24, 2014, at UPMC-Altoona.

Born on Dec. 3, 1920 in Newberry Township, York County, she was one of eleven children born to William B. Eppley and Myrtle F. (Stetler) Eppley.

She was the widow of Harold W. Criswell, Jr., whom she wed on June 28, 1952, and who predeceased her on June 22, 1986.  She was also preceded in death by her five brothers – Vance, William, John, Vernon, and Vest, and her five sisters – Maude Shue, Leah Coble, Dorothy Beck, Margaret Ness, and Theda Hartman.  She is survived by two sisters-in-law – Ruby Eppley, Clearwater, FL, and Ida Eppley, Carlisle.

She was the DEVOTED, loving mother of three sons and daughters-in-law, all of whom survive: Robert and Kathy (Heinze) Criswell of Huntingdon; Bradley and Laurie (Lehman) Criswell of Cessna; and James and Lynn (Rotanz) Criswell of Wilmington, N.C.  She is also survived by four grandchildren: Katharine Criswell-Garber and her husband Justin, of Chicago; Jason Criswell of Carlisle; and Keeley and Camden Criswell of Cessna.

Evelyn earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from Shippensburg State Teachers College and began her 38-year teaching career at Manchester High School, York County.  She retired in 1983 after 17 years at Chestnut Ridge High School, Fishertown.  She earned numerous awards during her teaching career.

She was a member of the Chestnut Ridge Independent Fellowship Church in Fishertown and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority International – Alpha Beta Chapter.  She also volunteered for several charities.

Evelyn enjoyed reading, baking pies, crocheting, bird-watching, college basketball, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan. Her greatest joys were spending time with her family and following the accomplishments of her grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 10AM Friday, February 28, 2014 at the Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home in Schellsburg, with Pastor Dan Oldham officiating.  Friends will be received from 7-9 PM Thursday evening, Feb. 27, and from 9-10 AM prior to the funeral service.

Interment will be at Paddletown Cemetary, Newberrytown, York County, at approximately 1:30PM following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory Mrs. Criswell to the Chestnut Ridge Independent Fellowship Church Youth Group, PO Box 15, Fishertown, PA  15539 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

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