Gayle Hartzell

Gayle (Weand) Hartzell, 78, died peacefully in her home in Laureldale on November 8, 2013. She had Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her long time companion of 33 years, Kenneth R. Lebo, and three siblings: sister, Barbara W., widow of Kenneth Kutz, Northmont, Reading; and two brothers: Barron L. Weand of Fairfax, VA, and Terry R., husband of Irene Fisher, Fleetwood. She had many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.

She was born February 2, 1935 in Reading to Luther H. Weand and Helen Pearl (Smith) Weand. She was a graduate of Reading High School, class of 1952. Following graduation, she worked for Carpenter Steel Co, and later as a payroll clerk at Western Electric. She retired from the successor, Alcatel-Lucent, in 1988, after 30 years of service.

During her retirement she was an avid traveler and spent several weeks each year in Aruba. She traveled extensively throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. She had many friends and enjoyed a variety of activities.

She was a lifetime member of Alsace Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School there for a number of years. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, and a lifetime supporter of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Kuhn-Stitzel Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Rd., Laureldale. A viewing will be held Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Alsace Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, P.O. Box 69 Mohnton, PA 19540. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnstitzelfuneralhomes.com.