Ella Miriam (Boyer) Derr, age 92, a resident of Maria Joseph Manor, Danville, died Monday morning, February 18, 2013, a patient of Geisinger Medical Center. Ella was also formerly a resident of her home on W. 12th Street, Bloomsburg for over 60 years.
Ella was born on Friday, December 17, 1920 in Mount Pleasant Mills, Snyder County, a daughter of the late John Calvin and Margaret Anna (Shadle) Boyer. In 1938, she graduated from the Selinsgrove High School. Following her high school education, she attended and also graduated from the Geo. F. Geisinger Hospital School of Nursing in Danville in 1942. She was employed by the Bloomsburg Hospital for five years and also by the Danville State Hospital for over 13 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bloomsburg where she served as past Deacon and a past Elder. She also was a member of the Church Choir for many years. The Presbyterian Church and her church family were a very important part of Ella's life.
Ella, always smiling, loved and was much loved by all of her family and friends. She also loved her "furry friend", cats Mandy and Candy. She was always available for whatever needed to be done or just to be there and listen. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
On August 11, 1985, Ella was preceded by her beloved husband, the late William D. Derr. She was also preceded by three brothers: Albert Boyer, J. Rudolph Boyer and Lawrence Boyer, and by a sister: Sarah Boyer.
Surviving are two daughters: Margaret Kline and husband, Richard, of Bloomsburg; and Susan Kocher and husband, David, of Orangeville; a son: William D. Derr II and wife, Diane, also of Bloomsburg; eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held next Tuesday, February 26 at 11 a.m. from the First Presbyterian Church, 345 Market St., Bloomsburg, with Rev. David Pierce, officiating. A time of Visitation for family and friends will also be held at the First Presbyterian Church next Tuesday, February 26 from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Ella will be laid to rest next to her late husband in the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Mount Pleasant Mills.
The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is assisting the Derr family with arrangements. Memorial contributions in Ella's name are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 345 Market St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.