Fern A. Groff

Fern A. Groff, 95, formerly of 424 West High Street, Manheim, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Pleasant View Retirement Community. Born in Manheim, she was the daughter of the late Abraham W. and Alice Wunderlich Longenecker. Fern was the loving wife of the late Ira L. Groff who died in October of 2013. For many years, Fern worked as a secretary for the Fuller Company, Manheim. She was a faithful life-long member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Manheim, where she was a Sunday school teacher and served on the altar guild. Fern was devoted to her community by serving as a volunteer for the Manheim Community Library, Meals-on-Wheels for the Manheim area, and helping at the Nearly-nu Thrift Shop. Her interests included stamp collecting, finding coupons and rebates where ever she could, and playing scrabble. Fern had a deep passion and love for her extended family and it was her joy to participate in the life of her many nieces and nephews throughout her life.

Surviving are two sisters: Janet Flack of Harrisburg, Joyce wife of Kenneth Smeltzer of Manheim, a brother, J. Harold Longenecker of Manheim, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews by the hundreds. Also surviving are sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She was receded in death by a brother, Abram W. Longenecker Jr.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Fern’s funeral service in the Hoffer Auditorium at Pleasant View Retirement Community, 544 North Penryn Road, Manheim, on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Friends may visit with the family in the Hoffer Auditorium on Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Hernley Mennonite Cemetery, Manheim. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Fern’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse P. O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607-3000; or to Pleasant View Retirement Community Benevolent Care Endowment Fund, 544 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545.