Grace Schlichter

Grace Muriel Tyson Wolfrom Schlichter formerly of Shippensburg, PA called by our Lord to glory on August 29, 2013. Recently she resided at The Hickman personal care home, West Chester, PA. Grace touched positively many lives during her 98 years. She remained a devoted mother, involved community leader, and a progressive businesswoman.
Grace was born in Kenilworth, Chester County, PA and graduated from North Coventry High School. While in high school she worked at her father’s, Russell R. Tyson and mother’s, Bertine H. Evans’s finance and insurance business in Pottstown. Although she planned initially to have a teaching career, Grace graduated with an English degree from then, women only, Wilson College of Chambersburg in 1935. In 1938 she married Richard R. Wolfrom, Shippensburg attorney. The couple resided in Shippensburg and had four sons (Lawrence, Joel, Kenneth and Rolf). Grace endured her husband’s absence for service during WW II. Later, she followed her many interests to become a community leader and volunteer for her sons’ activities.

Widowed suddenly in 1953, Grace supported part-time reporting and proofreading for the News-Chronicle Company, then owned by her husband’s parents, Ralph and Gertrude Wolfrom. She served also as a substitute teacher in the Shippensburg School District. In 1965, after becoming co-owner of the News-Chronicle along with Richard and Eleanor Wolfrom Taylor (brother-in-law, sister-in-law), Kennett Square, PA, she continued to do reporting and served as Secretary of the corporation. In 1974, Grace purchased the outstanding stock and became President/Publisher of the News-Chronicle Company. Meanwhile, Grace assumed leadership roles with the Shippensburg Business and Professional Women, the Shippensburg Civic Club, the PA Newspaper Publisher’s Association, and the American Association of University Women. She was requested by the Cumberland County Republican Party to run for the State Senate, but, she declined to raise her then young sons. During the 1960’s, she served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Cumberland County. For over seven decades, she’s remained a member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Shippensburg.

In 1977, Grace married Chambersburg, PA insurance agent C. Graydon Schlichter. They were active members of the Chambersburg Country Club and supported many events at Shippensburg University. Grace started an education scholarship at Shippensburg University in memory of her eldest son Larry, who died suddenly at his age 47. The couple had many friends in the Shippensburg and Chambersburg communities. Grace especially enjoyed her bridge club. Her other interests included local theatre, reading history, and commentaries on political current events.

Grace and Graydon traveled extensively in the US, Europe, and the Far East. Mostly, Grace loved maintaining her E. Orange Street, Shippensburg home, garden and entertaining family and friends. Especially, she tended her rose garden with the same attention and love she shared with those close to her. Grace served as a role model by exemplary strong values of fairness, hard work, and attention to details.

Grace remains remembered fondly by her immediate family: Ann Wolfrom Scrivener and husband Gwynn of Tucson, AZ, Joel R. Wolfrom and wife Karen of West Chester, PA, Kenneth E. Wolfrom and wife Linda of Charleston, SC and Dr. Rolf B. Wolfrom and wife Lauren of Tequesta, FL. Grandchildren include: Richard B. Wolfrom, Fredericksburg, VA; Sarah Grace Wolfrom, Atlanta, GA; Laura Beth Scherwitz, Pompano Beach, FL; Faith Wolfrom Vakil, Rockville, MD; Rebekah Lynn Wolfrom, West Chester, PA, and Reed Tyson Wolfrom, Tequesta, FL. Great grandchildren include: Raina and Milind Vakil, Rockville, MD and River Leigh Scherwitz, Pompano Beach, FL.

Funeral services are at Memorial Lutheran Church, 34 E. Orange Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257, (717) 532 – 4614 on Saturday, September 7, 2013. Family visitation
10 – 11 a.m., followed by 11 a.m. services. Interment will be at Spring Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are handled by Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home (717) 532-2211; www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s memory may be made to Memorial Lutheran Church; or to the United Way of Shippensburg, 53 W. King Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.