1932 North Coventry High School Graduate Dies

Grace L. (Bealer) Wampler, 98, widow of Francis M. Wampler Sr., of North Coventry, passed away on Monday evening, April 16, 2012, in the Coventry Manor.  Born in North Coventry, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Ethel (Leary) Bealer.

Mrs. Wampler was a 1932 graduate of the former North Coventry High School and had attended her most recent class reunion at Reading County Club.  Grace was a camp counselor at Camp Swatara for two years and also served as its director for one year.  She volunteered with the PTA at the former Kenilworth School when her children were young and also with the Brownies and Girl Scouts. She was a very active member of Coventry Church of the Brethren where she had been a deaconess for 60 years, starting in April 1941.  She was also the Cradle Roll Superintendent of the nursery department from 1934-1965 at the Church.  She was employed at Brethren Service in Denver, Co from 1965-66 and along with her husband was employed at Church World Service Clothing Center in Denver in 1968.  Grace was a homemaker for most of her life, but was also employed from 1960-65 at The New York Store in Pottstown and again from 1970-1980.  In 1985 she began working as a hostess at the for a few years during lunchtime.

Through her work and her love of travel, Grace and her husband had visited every state over the years. Mrs. Wampler is survived by her daughter: Loretta F. wife of Harold Schweitzer of North Coventry; son: Francis M. Wampler Jr. husband of June (Laverty) of East Coventry; brother: Harold Bealer of Lititz; grandsons: Harold Schweitzer Jr., Robert Schweitzer, Gilbert Wampler, Paul Kevin Wampler, Dale Schweitzer and Greg Wampler; sixteen great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and her companion for 25 years, Jack Fries of Royersford.  She was preceded in death by one son: W. Gordon Wampler; and two grandsons: Gordon Wampler Jr. and Francis M. Wampler III.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at the Coventry Church of the Brethren, South Keim Street at East Cedarville Road, Pottstown, on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 11:00 am.  Officiating will be the Rev. Sandford J. Christophel.  Interment will follow in the East Coventry Mennonite Cemetery.  Friends will be received from 9:00-11:00 am at the Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Grace’s name to the Coventry Church of the Brethren, 946 Keen Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.  Arrangements are being handled by the .  Condolences may be offered online at www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com.