Emma Jane Umbaugh, 81, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
She was born on June 18, 1939, in Eleanora, McCalmont Township, a daughter of the late Homer Pifer and Elva (Rhodes) Pifer.
On August 29, 1959, she married her sweatheart, James Norman Umbaugh at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, which was located on Cypress Street at the time. He survives and resides in Punxsutawney.
Emma worked at Quaker Market from 1957 up until the business closed. She then worked in the bakery and deli at Comet Market in West End, as well as helping her husband Jim manage his business at Umbaugh Sales and Service for nearly thirty-seven years.
She was one of the longest members of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Her devotion to the church went above and beyond, she was involved with many facets, just a few of which were the basketball program, helping with mission trips, Vacation Bible School, Child Evangelism, fund raising, and helping with funeral dinners. Whatever the need, the church could count on Emma. She formed so many friendships because of her involvement, she especially took to “her little buddy’ Gavin Neal because of the Basketball Program.
She was a huge supporter of the Punxsy Little League, even after her grandchildren were no longer playing ball, she and her husband still attended games and listened to local football games faithfully. She was a fan of Penn State and Steelers Football, and Pirates baseball.
Emma loved her son in-law Jerry’s family like her own. She always enjoyed spending time with them doing anything and everything. She also liked going to Canada, camping, and fishing with her family. Emma was very involved with everyone and her presence will be dearly missed.
In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by one daughter, Patty Lellock and husband Jerry of Rossiter; two grandchildren, Dakota Lellock of Rossiter and Amber Soller and husband Tanner of Butler; one great granddaughter, Molly Soller and a grandson on the way; two sisters, Dorothy (Pifer) Shields and Leora “Mae” (Pifer) Smith and husband Robert; all of Punxsutawney.
Preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Glenn Pifer; and one brother-in-law, Grant Shields.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.
Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Umbaugh’s memory to Punxsutawney Alliance Church, 1307 S. Main Street Extension, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 or Juvenile Diabetes, 501 Martindale Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
