Jean Arthur

Jean Arthur, 96, of Muncy, died Sunday, September 14, 2014, at her home. Her middle name was Frances, given to her by her mother, while her father was serving in France in World War I. She was born on June 15, 1918, in Lairdsville; her parents were Lee C. and Maggie Diltz Harding.

Her talents were abundant including embroidering, sewing, her magnificent flowers, her fabulous cooking and baking and her collections of plates, arts, bears and on and on.

Her story telling and recollection of her younger years were fascinating; which included caring for a sickly uncle, which prompted her to pursue her nursing talents. This came a little later in life, after numerous jobs and the raising of her four children.

She apprenticed under several doctors; allowing her to go on with some additional schooling and a test to certify her as a licensed practical nurse. She worked at the Muncy Valley Hospital mostly in the maternity ward. Her job was very rewarding to her and she was constantly recognized as that individual who shared the most important part of that woman’s life. She gave six out of eight of her grandchildren their first bath.

She was a rebel, paying no attention to her age, but to living life. She was extremely young at heart, loved to travel and explore new places. Reading was her passion and therefore, she could talk about many subjects and the current state of the world. She was strong, fiercely independent, and had no problem keeping her family in line. A light went out in her life when she lost her youngest child, Larry, in an automobile accident; but, she went on because that is just what you do. Her cat, Baby, was her buddy and kept vigil by her side. Close to her passing, Baby crawled up on her bed, looked Jean in her eyes, and ran her paw along her face.

We thank you Mom, Jean, Gram, for your part in our lives, and so glad that you are home now.

Surviving are two sons, Chester (Salinda) Arthur, of Georgia and Ronald (Pamela) Arthur, of Muncy; a daughter, Elaine “Tootie” George, of Lairdsville; two sisters, Dolores (Dave) Lutz, of Virginia and Mary (Dale) Lunger, of Hughesville; eight grandchildren, Mark Arthur, Debbie Gardner, Todd Arthur, Dina George, Tanner Arthur, Rachel Arthur, Kristina Arthur and Sara Arthur; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Baby.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Grant Arthur; a son, Larry Arthur; a son-in-law, Harley George; and two brothers, Carl and Paul Harding.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 18, at St. Mark’s Church of Lairdsville, 6456 Rt. 118 Hwy., Lairdsville, with Pastor Paul Shaner officiating. Burial followed in Lairdsville Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jean to St. Mark’s Church of Lairdsville, 6456 Rt. 118 Hwy., Lairdsville, PA 17742.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Hughesville.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.