Margaret Mellinger

Margaret S. “Peg” Mellinger, 103, of Walnut Bottom, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at UPMC Carlisle with family by her side.

Margaret was born on October 13, 1920, a daughter of the late Clara M. (Zell) Young and Clarence N. Young. She married Paul R. Mellinger on April 1, 1945. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2003.

A hard worker all her life, Peg started working on the family farm as a young child. Her first official place of employment was at the Piezo Plant in Carlisle making crystals. After marrying Paul in 1945, the couple bought a house on the Pine Road just across from the Hays Grove United Methodist Church. Peg and Paul helped to take care of their beloved church for many years by mowing the grass, digging graves, preparing communion and teaching Sunday School classes, amongst many other tasks.

Peg spent most of her life taking care of people, always putting the needs of others first. She had two biological daughters, Carol and Darlene, and raised several foster children, including Eddie Sampson, Ruth (Nace) Graver and Eugene Ludt.

Peg was introduced to the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, a school for special needs children, when she enrolled Eddie in classes. She was driving him back and forth to school and was offered a job with them driving the school bus for other children as well. She later became a Teacher’s Aide and spent decades working with many fascinating kids, teachers and parents which brought her an abundance of joy.

Peg also enjoyed growing vegetables in her garden, cooking and canning, sewing, and planting and growing pretty flowers, all of which she shared with family and friends. She was especially proud of her beautiful gladiolus, which won an award at the Shippensburg Fair.

Peg is survived by two daughters, Carol E. Neil of Shippensburg, and Darlene K. (Jack) Ziegler of Newville and two grandchildren, Kristin D. Ziegler of Hilliard, Ohio and Bethany A. Woodward of Shippensburg, a nephew, Charles “Kenny” Houser of Newville, and five siblings: Dorothy Kepner of Carlisle, Emily (Bill) Hoover of Carlisle, Reba Wert of Carlisle , Clarence Young Jr (Vonnie) of Newville, Marlin Young of Orrtanna, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by seven siblings: Martha Walker, Esther Throne, Grace Myers, Mary Deitch, Donald Young, John Young, Norman Young, two foster sons Eddie E. Sampson and Eugene Ludt, a son-in-law James M. Goodyear, Sr., one grandson Zachary J. Ziegler, many good friends, and her cherished pug, Niki. Known affectionately as “Nan-Nan” by her closest family, she will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.

Peg’s funeral services will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Hays Grove United Methodist Church with Pastor Janice Bye officiating. Burial will follow at Hays Grove Cemetery. A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Peg’s honor to either: the Special Olympics at 2600 Virginia Ave NW, 11th Floor, Washington, DC 20037, Email: donorservices@specialolympics.org or to the Hays Grove United Methodist Church at 2180 Pine Road, Newville, PA 17241.