Obituary of Mildred Z. Gnegy

Mildred Ziegler Bean Hartzell Gnegy, 96, of Somerset, PA, formerly of central PA, finished her earthly journey on July 11 at Somerset Senior Living. Born in Millcreek Twp., Lebanon County, she was the daughter of the late Jesse H. and Mary Darkes Ziegler. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William John Bean, Jr. (1974) and her second husband, Dan E. Hartzell (1999). She was also preceded in death by her last husband, Merlin L. Gnegy (2015).

Mildred was a faithful and active member of the Sipesville Church of the Brethren since 1969 when her late husband, Rev. William Bean, Jr. was called there as pastor. Her involvement included being church pianist and organist till age 89, working in the church office, and serving in numerous other positions in the church. She also served the Western PA District COB as moderator and district ministry chair. She also participated on a workcamp to Puerto Rico.

Mildred was a graduate of Hershey High School and attended Central Pennsylvania Business School where she excelled in shorthand and typing, completing a year program in nine months. In the 70s, she worked for several years in the 511 Tax Office in Somerset, becoming supervisor. She was later elected as tax collector for Somerset borough and served for 16 years.

At an early age, Mildred became an accomplished seamstress. She made her own wedding dress as well as wedding dresses for others. Her talent helped to clothe her children. Mildred acquired a passion for traveling as a young woman. She traveled to 48 of the 50 states, as well as to Ireland, Israel, and Italy.

She is survived by four children, Fred Bean (Ed Burau), Pittsburgh, Lois (the late Mike) Charles, Winston-Salem, NC, Sandra (Craig) Miller, Lansdale, and Althea Brown, Somerset; six grandchildren, Kelsey (Jon) Hurst, Amanda (Robert) Knepp, Alex (Megan) Brown, Sara Charles, Aaron Miller and Caleb Miller (Elizabeth Amory); five great grandchildren, Christopher and Evelyn Hurst, Mina Knepp, and Theo and Emmett Brown; and two siblings, Rev. Dr. Levi (Helen) Ziegler, Lititz, and Virginia Sandifer of Altoona. Mildred is also survived by Dan Hartzell’s two children, James (Mildred Hartzell), Gibsonia; Timothy Hartzell, (Karen Rimmel) Champion, and Merlin Gnegy’s children, Debbie (Ronald) Hoffman, Fountain Inn, SC, Linda (Paul) Stahlman, Fairmont City, Beverly (Rodney) Whited, Russell, Susan (John) Coughenour, Berlin, Kevin (Jennifer) Gnegy, Duncansville, and Steve (Jennifer) Barron, Somerset. Also surviving are many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11 am at Sipesville Church of the Brethren, 711 Sipesville Road, Somerset, PA 15501. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at the church on August 2 from 10 until 10:45 am. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 3 at 2 pm at Bunker Hill E.C. Cemetery, 2208 Route 72, Lebanon, PA, 17046. A time of fellowship will follow each service. If desired, contributions may be made to Brethren Disaster Ministries https://churchofthebrethren.givingfuel.com/all-ministries, or the Alzheimer’s Association. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.