Eleanor Jane Lesher

Eleanor Jane (Skiles) Lesher, passed away on Feb. 17, 2014 with her children at her side. She had been a resident of the Laurel Center since Feb. 12, 2002.

She was born on October 26, 1928, to the late, Albert Clare and Nora E. (Deardorf) Skiles. Eleanor's husband, Walter C. Lesher, Sr., passed away on Sept.14, 2005.

Surviving are her children: Stephanie J., wife of Alan Ernst of Adamstown; Walter C. "Rusty" Lesher, Jr. and his companion Gayle Sallada of Reading; Timothy A., husband of Cynthia (Gallagher) Lesher, of Allentown; grandchildren: Tiffany L. Ernst; Alexander M. Lesher; A. Matthew Ernst and Lauren E. Lesher; two great-grandsons, Carter and Bennett Ernst; her former daughter-in-law Robin Royer; her brother, Jackson, husband of Wendy Skiles of Downingtown and their two sons, Steven and Scott and her sister-in-law, Barbara Skiles.

Eleanor was predeceased by her older brother, Albert C. Skiles.

She graduated from Downingtown Area High School and attended West Chester State College.

Eleanor had many different jobs in her 85 years, as a phone operator; in a dental office; at Beryllium Corp.; production at Western Electric; and clerk at Kleckner's Hardware and Suburban Window and Door. Most recently she was the owner/operator of EJ Upholstery.

She was an active member of the Muhlenberg Jr. Women's Club and the Sewing Guild; she also was secretary of the Keystone Canoe Club where she assisted with and was in charge of publicity for the annual Regatta. During WWII, she was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Eleanor was a very active member of Good Shepherd U.C.C., Tuckerton, serving many years as a youth advisor; singing in the choir and selling shoo-fly pies at the corner of Tuckerton Rd. and Route 61, across from the church!! Her volunteerism extended when she and her husband drove to Minnesota to deliver supplies to flood victims.

Eleanor was a voracious sewer, knitter and upholsterer and provided the church bazaar with craft goods and raffle items for many years.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd U.C.C., 170 Tuckerton Rd., Reading, PA 19605. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service in church. ELEANOR HAD REQUESTED THAT IT BE A TRUE CELEBRATION of her life and hoped everyone would wear bright colors and not black or "dismal" colors.

While flowers are beautiful, we would also appreciate donations in her name to Good Shepherd U.C.C. at the above address. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnstitzelfuneralhomes.com.