Betty L. Souders

SHAMOKIN – Betty Larene Souders, 103, formerly of Shamokin, died Thursday, April 30, at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg, where she had been a resident since 2014.

Betty was born in Danville on Aug. 5, 1922, to the late Clarence Henry and Martha Elizabeth (Hartman) Baylor. She graduated from Danville High School in 1940.

On Oct. 24, 1947, she married Charles A. Souders, who preceded her in death, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Danville. They shared 63 years of marriage until his death in 2010.

She worked in retail stores prior to marriage, then followed her husband, a Lutheran minister, to parishes in Dushore, Berwick and finally, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shamokin. She was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir and served as organist at Grace Lutheran for many years until failing eyesight caused her to relinquish those duties.

She also worked as a reading aide and cafeteria worker for Shamokin Area School District. Even after being declared legally blind in her 60s, Betty forged ahead with daily walks for many years and continued to do the things she enjoyed as well as she could. She was an avid reader, and listened to books on tape and in digital format until shortly before her death.

She and her husband also enjoyed the arts, and were regular attendees with friends at shows at Bloomsburg, Bucknell and Susquehanna universities. She and her husband were members of the Sunflower Club and made many trips around the country with the group. She also was very involved with volunteer organizations and activities, particularly the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society. Betty was known for her kindness and patience, and always tried to see the good in everyone.

Betty is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela Souders and her husband Frank Bucher, Lewisburg; Brenda Loyd and her husband, Charles Loyd, Mechanicsburg, a son, Charles (Chuck) Souders II, Shamokin; a grandson, Andrew Loyd and his wife, Lisa, of Fuquay Varina, N.C.; two great-grandsons, Noah Loyd and Crew Loyd, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a brother, Roland Baylor; two brothers-in-law, Robert and Wilbur Shoemaker, and several half-siblings

FUNERAL NOTICE

Betty L. Souders, 103, Lewisburg – Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being cared for by Farrow-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Service, 240 W Chestnut Street, Shamokin, PA, Lori Ann Campbell, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor's choice. To send condolences to the family please visit www.FarrowFH.com