Bethany A. McMullen

 Bethany A. McMullen, 68, of Willow Street, loving wife, mother, and sister, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 as a result of Alzheimer related conditions. 

 Born in Star Lake, NY, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Muriel Stockton VanGelder, and the step daughter of Goodwin Gardner of Canton, New York. Bethany was the wife of Gerard M. “Gary” McMullen and they observed their 36th wedding anniversary in August of this year. A 1978 graduate from Mansfield University with a degree in Social Work, Bethany worked in Human Services for local communities in Central Pennsylvania. She cherished opportunities to connect with children when she worked at Dayspring Christian Academy. Bethany and her sister, Barbara were the ‘Cookie Ladies” on the Kids Cookie Break radio program. She was an active member of Grace Church at Willow Valley; where she served as a volunteer for Kids Express Pre-School. Bethany loved her Lifegroup family. Bethany enjoyed crafts of all types, especially “Scherenschnitte paper cutting”, sewing, flower gardening, and creating costume designs for school plays. 

 Bethany was a lover of people and made friends instantly. She could always find a point of connection and made sure that all her friends smiled in her presence. Bethany loved animals and was known by some of her friends as the dog whisperer. 

 Surviving in addition to her husband, Gary, are two sons: Michael G. McMullen of Mount Wolf, Gabriel E. McMullen of Lancaster, a brother, Eric VanGelder of Eliot Maine, and a sister, Ellen VanGelder of Concord, N.H., and nieces and nephews. Beth is preceded in death by her twin sister, Barbara A. Mlambo.

 Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bethany’s Celebration of Life Service at the Byerland Mennonite Church, 931 Byerland Church Road, Willow Street, on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM. There will be a viewing at the church on Saturday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with additional viewing on Sunday from 1:30 PM till the time of the service. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Bethany’s memory to: Kids Express Preschool, 300 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster PA 17602.