Anna Ruth Nolt Hepler, 86, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at St. Annes Retirement Community, Columbia, where she lived since April 2009. Born on the Nolt homestead, Anna was a life long resident of Nolt Road in West Hempfield Township, Lancaster County, and a descendant of the Anabaptist Swiss-German settlers of Lancaster County, Philip Nolty (1728) and Peter Mosser (1747).
She was the daughter of the late Samuel B. and Fanny H. Musser Nolt. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles H. Hepler, who died in 1986; a young son, Douglas, who died in 1958; and a brother, John Nolt, who died in 1998.
She is survived by a daughter, Janis, and son in-law Richard Bell of York; a sister Maria Nolt, and a brother Samuel Nolt, both of Lancaster County.
Anna was a life long member of First Assembly of God Church, Lancaster, and a homemaker her entire life. Whenever she saw a need she tried to fill it as best she could by giving food, money, or things she bought at yard sales, or the scrap books she made of pictures of dogs and cats and patriotic themes.
Anna selected the poem, The Road That Leads Home, for people to remember her,
Ive been on a long, long journey, And its been a rough old road. But I just keep pressing onward, Tho I carry a heavy load. Many times Ive asked the question: Why do I keep plodding on? Its then I am reminded: This old road will lead me home. Tho I stumble on the pathway, tho I fall along the way, theres still hope for my tomorrows, and there is strength for me today. For theres a Hand that stretches downward, makes my feet to walk again. Tho my journey may be rugged, Hell be with me til the end. Yes, this old road has been rocky, but I travel not alone. My dear Lord is ever with me-as I cross each stepping stone. Day by day, were getting closer to those gates that will swing wide Where Ill be welcomed home to heaven, as Jesus leads me safe inside. By D. Sue Jones Horton
There will be no public services. Anna will be buried alongside her husband and son at the Silver Spring Cemetery, West Hempfield Township, Lancaster County. Those who wish may make a contribution in Annas memory to The Therapy Pet Fund at St. Annes, 3952 Columbia Avenue, Columbia PA 17512.