Twila June (Heitzenrater) Rankin

Twila June (Heitzenrater) Rankin, 95, Strongstown, died Oct. 6, 2014, at home. Born Dec. 1, 1918, in Punxsutawney, daughter of the late Walter and Lottie (White) Heitzenrater. Preceded in death by husband, Walter; son, Everett Alvin; six grandchildren; four sisters; four brothers; son-in-law, Harold Wagner; and daughter-in-law, Sandy (McGlynn) Rankin. Survived by children, aka "Hammerheads," Alice Wagner, South Fork; Walter Rankin, Seward; Phyllis (Samuel) Foreman, Ebensburg; Diana (Roy) Rager, Seward; Elizabeth Sandoval, Johnstown; Ardyth (Thomas) Reed, Mundys Corner; Richard (Patricia) Rankin, Ebensburg; and Ginny Stephens-Clawson, Penn Run; 28 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; and 46 great-great-grandchildren. Sister of Pearl Burkey, Summerhill; and Homer (Marietta) Heitzenrater, Dover. Member of Ebensburg Evangelical Bible Church, Revloc. She enjoyed the sermons and music at Johnstown Christian Fellowship. She was recognized as "Woman of Valor" by Cornerston Television. Retired food service supervisor from the Ebensburg Center, 15 years prior to enjoying retirement. Member of Rebecca's. Her interests and enjoyments were cross-stitching, sewing, gardening, traveling, cooking, canning, bowling, dancing and gospel music. She will be fondly remembered for her homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, apple dumplings and famous Christmas cookies. She always looked forward to family reunions, joining the younger generation for the thrill of the ride. Yearly family Christmas parties and plays warmed her heart and put a smile on her face. Twila was known as the hat lady due to her stylish dress and love of hats. She was very devoted to family and friends and will be remembered as a kind and loving woman and will be sadly missed by everyone who was blessed to know her. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bowser-Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, and from noon until time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ebensburg Evangelical Bible Church, Revloc, the Rev. Marvin Lowery and Jim Gay, officiating. Interment to follow at Pineland Cemetery, Strongstown. The family would like to thank the Home Nursing Agency for all their love, care and support through this difficult time.