Ethel P. Kreider, 81, of Manheim, died April 11, 2010 at Hospice of Lancaster County, Mount Joy, after a brave struggle with cancer. She was married to Dr. John K. Kreider for 47 years, the daughter of the late Irvin M. and Anna Hostetter Wolgemuth.
A native of the Mt. Joy area, Ethel graduated from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing in 1950 and worked at the hospital after graduation. She served as a nurse from 1953-1955 in the West Bank, Jordan, under the Mennonite Central Committee, followed by one and a half years in Denver, Colorado, and serving for three years at the Navajo Mission Hospital in New Mexico under Brethren in Christ World Missions. After caring for her family at home for thirteen years, she assisted her husband in his medical practice, in East Petersburg and Diamond Street Wholistic Health Center in north central Philadelphia. She completed her formal nursing career by working as a private duty nurse for Central Penn Nursing Care.
Ethel's life centered around her home, children, and grandchildren whom she adored. She was a very active member of the Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church where she served in many capacities; as a deacon, teacher, encourager, and prayer warrior; she offered hospitality to many.
She will be lovingly missed by her husband, three children and their spouses: John W. and Susan N. Kreider, Bird in Hand; Mary A. and Gary T. Lathrop, Hummelstown; and Rebecca S. Kreider and Jeff P. Gingerich, Norristown. Ethel also had nine grandchildren: Leann, Danny, Laura, and Johnny Kreider; Jeff, Matthew, and Meghan Lathrop; and Katie and Sam Gingerich. Patricia Ncube of Zimbabwe also considered Ethel and John to be her American parents. Ethel is survived by 3 siblings: Ruth married to Leroy Heisey; Anna Martha married to Blaine Wingert; Earl married to Joan Wolgemuth; and many nieces and nephews. Two siblings, Lester Wolgemuth and Alma W. Engle, preceded her in death.
A Memorial Service and meal will be held at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church, 1865 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster on Saturday, April 17, at 11 a.m. There will be no viewing. Ethel has donated her body to the Humanity Gifts Registry. Visitation will be Friday evening 6-8 p.m. at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Paxton Ministries, 2001 Paxton St., Harrisburg, PA 17111 or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 whose ministrations over several weeks were especially appreciated by the family.