Obituary of Velma F. Shenk

Velma F. Shenk, 74, of Elizabethtown, PA, passed peacefully of natural causes on Thursday morning, January 24, 2013 at Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Lititz, PA. Born in Mount Joy Twp., she was the daughter of the late Earl E. and Katie Flory Shenk. Velma was a faithful member of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, PA where, earlier in her life, she taught Sunday school in the primary department. More recently, she provided child care in the nursery while mothers attended the Neighbors Sharing and Caring program. Her love for children was demonstrated in the countless foster children she cared for as well as other children who simply needed a loving home. She also expressed her love for children by volunteering with Brethren Disaster Services, an agency providing care for children following disasters. Velma gave freely of herself, only expecting love in return. She was employed by E.E. Shenk Sons, Inc. as a bookkeeper for 40 years. In addition to Bible reading and daily devotions, she enjoyed playing games, solving puzzles, and reading for pleasure. She is survived by five children, Thanh H. Pham, wife of Van, of Lancaster, PA, Kathy S., wife of Chad Weaver, of Harrisonburg, VA, Anh Moralés of York, PA, Tuan A. Pham, and Tara A. Shenk, both of Elizabethtown; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; siblings, E. Eugene (Darlene) Shenk, Manheim, Glenn F. (Audrey) Shenk, Lititz, Galen F. (Nancy) Shenk, Elizabethtown, Gladys F. (Kenneth) Balmer, Elizabethtown, Marlin F. (Joyce) Shenk, Manheim, Gary F. (Janice) Shenk, Manheim, sister-in-law, Connie Shenk, wife of the late Ray Shenk, Lititz, Judy F. (Jacob) Stoltzfus, Manheim, Patsy F. (Dale) Brandt, Manheim, and Jerry F. (Julie), Hagerstown, MD. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Katrina Francissa Shenk, and an infant brother, Wilbur Shenk. A funeral service will be held on Monday morning, January 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Chiques Church of the Brethren, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, PA 17545 with ministers Ron Strickler and Randy Hosler officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. The family will receive guests at the church on Sunday evening from 6-8:00 PM and on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The family requests that flowers please be omitted. If desired, contributions may be made in her memory to COBYS Family Services, 1417 East Oregon Road, Leola, PA 17540 or to the benevolent fund of Chiques Church. A webcast of the service will be available the day following the service at www.spencefuneralservices.com.