Florence Pithers

Florence Oleta (Bell) Pithers died at St Vincent Hospital on Friday, November 28, 2014. She was born on March 17, 1923 in Kaylor, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Raymond Westley Bell (1897-1979) and Laura Florence (Rohrbach) Bell (1902-1993).

Oleta married William Sidney Pithers on October 12, 1946 at Mt Pleasant Lutheran Church in Kaylor, Pennsylvania. William preceded her in death on August 25, 1983. There was a full moon on the night of their wedding. Oleta fondly recalled, as a newlywed, her husband saying, “That is God’s life shining on us. We’re going to have a good marriage.” Although separated by death, their love never died. The belief that they again share life together softens the loss for those who survive them.

Oleta was preceded in death by her siblings Ella Marjorie (Bell) Filsinger (1921-1977), John Raymond Bell (1928-2005), and Helen Geraldine (Bell) Shultz (1929-2005).

Oleta graduated from Kaylor High School in 1941 and the Butler County Memorial Hospital Nursing School in 1944. She attended the Nurses Alumnae Banquet in Butler, PA every year since 1969, which was one of the annual highlights of her life. She worked as a Registered Nurse for nearly 40 years at Butler County Hospital, Hamot Hospital, and Millcreek Community Hospital, from which she retired in 1981. Many of her patients, and their families, approached her in public places years later to recall the loving care she provided them. After retirement, she enjoyed having monthly lunches with her fellow retired nurses from Millcreek Community Hospital. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star (Gridley Chapter).

Oleta found an abiding faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young child, and her faith remained constant throughout life. Since moving to Erie in 1950, she was a member of Perkins Presbyterian Church and, after the merger of that church with Sarah Hearn Memorial Church, continued as a member at the New Hope Presbyterian Church. She served as a Deacon for more than two decades, a member of the Pilgrims Club, worked at the Food Bank for many years, and served the Church in numerous other ways. She truly served as a shepherd of Christ, for many years driving friends to church who were unable to drive themselves.

Oleta’s greatest joy was her family. She knew that the secret to life is enjoying the passage of time with the people you love, especially her grandchildren who knew her as Ammy. Each member of her family felt the strong spirit of her love every day. She had a delightful sense of humor that endeared her to her family, and to everyone she met. Her courage and strength of character were unmatched. Oleta also enjoyed driving, cross-stitch, Presque Isle, her dogs, and nature.

Oleta is survived by her two children, Phyllis Joan Smith (and her husband, James), of Meadville and her son, William Douglas Pithers (and his wife (and Oleta’s daughter-in-love), Alison Gray), of Erie. She also is survived by three grandchildren: Jonathan Smith of Meadville, PA; Courtney Smith of Pittsburgh, PA and her long-time companion Daniel Giesey; and William Smith and his wife, Kathryn, of Durham, North Carolina. Oleta is also survived by five nieces and six nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Oleta’s life be remembered by donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank (1507 Grimm Drive; Erie, PA 16501 or http://www.eriefoodbank.org), the New Hope Presbyterian Church (5440 Washington Avenue; Erie, PA 16509), and by letting your family know every day that you love them. This would be the greatest tribute to her, to the love she shared so deeply for her family, and to the love her family will hold for her through eternity.

Viewing hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Thursday, December 4th, at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematorium at 602 W. 10th Street, Erie, PA. An Eastern Star service will be conducted on Thursday at 6:30PM. The funeral service will occur at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 5th, at the New Hope Presbyterian Church at 5440 Washington Ave., Erie, PA, with the Reverend Charles McClung officiating. Interment will be in the Erie County Memorial Gardens.