Obituary of Laura Violet Warfel

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. That they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them. Revelation 14:13 Laura Violet Weldie Warfel was gathered to her Lord on Saturday morning, Jan. 25, 2014 at Calvary Fellowship Homes in Lancaster, PA in her 96th year. Born on July 25, 1918 in North East, MD, she was the daughter of the late Helen Weible Weldie and William Traynor Weldie. She was the widow of Harvey Harold Warfel, who died in 1993. The oldest of six sisters, she grew up in Broomall, PA. A 1937 graduate of Marple Newtown High School, she began nurse's training at Johns Hopkins but discontinued her studies to marry Harvey in 1941. They lived in Oxford, PA for many years before retiring to Lancaster. For many years Laura and her husband spent time at their home in Florida every winter. Laura was a skilled cook, knitter and seamstress. She made it possible for her husband to build a successful trucking business, Warfel Express, in Oxford. She also hosted many people in her home who were involved in Christian organizations and mission work. Laura and Harvey were very supportive of Christian causes such as Youth for Christ, Gideons International, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Christian Business Men's Committee, as well as her church, Calvary Independent and, more recently, Westminster Presbyterian, both in Lancaster. She is survived by three sons; William H., husband of Carol, Manheim, PA; David H. of Bradenton, FL; and J. Ralph, husband of Sandi, Bradenton, FL; six grandchildren, Andrew Warfel, David Warfel, Timothy Warfel, Stephanie Zavislan, Christine Bodden, and Karen Cruz; seven great grandchildren; and three sisters: Ann Eshleman of Dillsburg, PA, Wilma Hoff of Dillsburg, PA, and Hope Schirard of Durango, CO. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Pauline Warfel and Helen Gilmartin. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10:30 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Deacons' Fund or Child Evangelism Fellowship, 5308 Main St., East Petersburg, PA 17520. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.