Velva Bistline

Velva E. Bistline, 97, a resident at Shippensburg Health Care Center, and earlier of Green Ridge Village, Newville, formerly of Shippensburg Mobile Estates, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2015.

Born December 13, 1917 in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, she was the daughter of the late James F. and Emma E. Negley Mowery.

Velva was a member of the Prince Street United Brethren Church in Shippensburg. She spent many years directing the church choir, playing piano for different church members as well as for the worship services. Her gift often brought inspiration for many listeners.

She and her husband, John N. Bistline, were also able to give assistance to a U.B. church plant congregation in Carlisle for a number of years. John passed away earlier on January 15, 1986 following several heart attacks. Her first husband, Charles Edward Perry, previously died on November 18, 1942.

She retired from working at the former Fry’s Market in Newville, while the family lived in that community for 29 years.

Velva is survived by a son, Charles F. Perry of Shippensburg; a daughter, Joan E. Swanger (husband Don) of Mohnton; a daughter, Martha L. Bistline of Shippensburg; a son, Warren L. Bistline (wife Mary) of Milford, OH.
She was happy to have seen seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren as well as a few nieces and nephews and a number of cousins.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2015 in the Prince Street United Brethren Church at 11 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. James O. Bolich, Rev. Steven Gibb, and Rev. Garry Culler. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. in the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home, Shippensburg, and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday in church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prince Street United Brethren Church, 17 North Penn Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.