Effie Ruth Eshelman

Effie Ruth Eshelman completed her earthly journey on Monday, March 25, 2024 after living a full life of 97 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Rev. James M. Eshelman. Prior to moving to Brethren Village in 2003, they lived their life on the family dairy farm in Mount Joy Township. Effie was the daughter of John E. Eshleman and Ruth (Forney) Eshleman. She was born in Mount Joy Township on October 1, 1926. She is survived by one brother, Dr. J. Ross Eshleman and preceded in death by sisters, Mildred Eshleman, Orpha (Eshleman) Hayes, Joyce (Eshleman) Marks, brother Dr. Robert F. Eshleman, daughter Lucina A (Eshelman) Brubaker and son-in-law David Brubaker (husband of Lucina). Effie’s surviving children are Cynthia (wife of Michael Studebaker) of Mount Joy; and Timothy (husband of Susan Huysers Eshelman) of State College. Grandchildren are Peter Brubaker (husband of Erin Swaney) of Austin, TX; Robin Brubaker (husband of Meghan Dabkowski) of New Castle, DE; Emily (Studebaker) Valentine (wife of Chris Valentine) of Cary, NC; Kristie (Eshelman) Dombroski (wife of Stephen Dombrowski) of Midlothian, VA; Scott Eshelman (husband of Katie (Beegle) Eshelman) of Dayton OH; and Bethany (Eshelman) Rummel (wife of Dylan Rummel) of State College, PA. Great grandchildren are Samantha Valentine, Jacob Valentine, and Nathaniel Valentine. Effie graduated from East Donegal High School in 1944 and went on to attend Elizabethtown College. She was a long-time member of the Florin Church of the Brethren where she served with her husband as a deacon, Jr. High advisor, and Bible School director. She also sang in the church choir and directed the children’s choir for many years. Effie’s life verse was Galatians 5, the fruits of the spirit. Having the gift of hospitality, their home was always full of guests, evidenced by entries that fill multiple guest books. For many years, the family hosted fresh air children during the summer and at Christmastime. Effie will be remembered for her many talents such as cooking, quilting, and knitting. She was a charter member of the Red Rose Quilters Guild having made 160+ quilts for family, friends, and Disaster Relief. In 1998, her quilt, “Charming Hearts”, was featured in the Quiltworks Magazine and Quilting Today Magazine published her “Amish Triangles” quilt. Effie was contacted by the Walt Disney Corporation to make a quilt for the American Pavilion, but she turned that opportunity down because in her words, “Some things are not for sale”. However, she did make a brief appearance as a quilter for the Reader’s Digest video, “A Musical Portrait of America the Beautiful” which came out in 1995. Her quilts won many 1st place and “Best of Show” ribbons at quilt shows and one was selected to represent the state of Pennsylvania at “The World’s Fair of Quilts in Houston TX. Effie was also a prolific knitter, making sweaters, blankets, prayer shawls, and baby hats. She knitted over 1700 baby hats for new-born babies. Her hands were always busy doing something for others. The family wishes to thank Rev Tom Weber, Pastor of the Florin Church of the Brethren, Dr. Quimby (her physician who also helped in the distribution of baby hats), the staff of the Brethren Village Terrace Crossing, Village Manor, the Courtyards, and the Hospice teams for their compassionate care throughout Effie’s residence and illness. A funeral service honoring Effie’s life will be held at the Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Avenue, Mount Joy, PA 17552 on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11 AM. Family and friends will be received at the church before the service from 10 AM to 11 AM. Interment will follow the luncheon at West Green Tree Cemetery. If desired, a contribution in Effie's memory may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606 or to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Tributes

Effie Ruth Eshelman

October 1, 1926 - March 25, 2024