Ethel M. (Gray) Bigger

Ethel M. (Gray) Bigger, 87, of Muncy, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, at her home.

Born Nov. 9, 1921, in Picture Rocks, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Bernice Barto Gray.

Her husband of 58 years, Donald H. Bigger Sr., preceded her in death on March 25, 1998.

A 1939 graduate of the Danville Area School Class, she was previously employed at the Milton Shoe Factory and Milton Wood Products. She was also an Avon Representative for many years and retired from the Muncy Valley Hospital in 1988, after having worked there for over 10 years.

Mrs. Bigger was a member of the Friends Evangelical Church, Hughesville for over 40 years. Her service to the Lord included Ecroyd Missionary Circle, church Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, Youth Group Leader, serving on the Hospitality Committee and Elder. She held Good News Clubs, volunteered for the Sonlight House, Meals on Wheels and the Muncy Valley Hospital. She also loved hunting, in her earlier years, and spending time with her family.

Surviving are a son, Donald H. (Janet) Bigger Jr. of Turbotville; four daughters, Betty L. Meckley of Milton, Mary C. (Carl Jr.) Buck of Montgomery, Cheryl A. (John) Laudenslager of Watsontown and Donna K. (Jim Jr.) Reichard of Watsontown; a sister, Maude Martyn of Virginia; 12 grandchildren, Staci Calabro, Jeffery Bigger, Lisa Lapp, John Meckley III, Michael Meckley, Dawn Fleming, Wendy Haynes, Gregory Buck, Joshua Laudenslager, Kristin Laudenslager, Eric Wagner and Stefanie Wagner; three step-grandchildren, Erika Reichard, James Reichard III and Danielle Reichard; 15 great grandchildren; and five step-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, John E. Meckley Jr.; a sister, Evelyn Gray; and two brothers, Paul and Clyde Gray Jr.

Funeral services were held Nov. 24 at the Evangelical Friends Church, with the Rev. Dan Cale and Rev. Richard Gesslinger co-officiating. Burial was in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy. Memorial contributions may also be directed to the Evangelical Friends Church, Hughesville.