M. Evelyn Fernburg

M. Evelyn Fernburg, 91, of Mill Hall, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 13, 2024. Born on April 24, 1933 in her family’s home in Milroy, PA, Evelyn was the daughter of the late Forest Earl and Ellen F. (Fultz) Whitsel. On May 11, 1957, she married the late Harry Clarence Fernburg, after confidently asking for his hand in marriage. Together, they shared three daughters, the late Cathie Rote of Mill Hall, surviving daughters, Nadine and her husband (James) Gorham of Mill Hall, and Sherri and her husband (Michael) Kibbe of Anthem, AZ.

She was the only sister of four brothers, the late Nelson Ernest (Dorothy) Whitsel, Warren Whitesel, Curtis Whitsel, Forest Whitsel, Jr., and her youngest surviving brother, Lewis (Carol) Whitsel. 

Evelyn had 7 loving grandchildren that she enjoyed spending much of her time with; Jessica (Douglas) Madenford, Matthew (Amanda) Rote, Carrie (Ryan) Bower, James (Mary) Gorham, Natasha Gorham, Hannah Kibbe, and Michael T. Kibbe. Additionally, she had 8 great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Armagh Brown, class of 1951, she went on to study education at Juniata College for a year. Evelyn worked at Dolly’s Dairy Dip, developing a love of ice cream that lasted her entire life. She then spent many of her adult years at the Stone Quarry in Salona before retiring and enjoying her hobbies, like gardening, cooking, sewing, helping, quilting, crosswords, and collecting Snow White memorabilia.

Evelyn experienced life to the fullest. Having profound devotion to the Lord, she attended church for many years at Cedar Heights Brethren Church of Christ, then later at Green Grove Brethren. She taught Sunday School and led children’s programs sharing her creative side and love for teaching. When she wasn’t doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you could find Evelyn traveling the United States, visiting National Parks and Monuments, and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Helt Funeral Chapel, Inc., 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall. A viewing will be held from 11-12:00 Noon Friday at the Funeral Chapel. Private burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Park Foundation in honor of Evelyn’s love of travel, adventure, and seeing the treasures of the world. www.nationalparks.org