Emma J (Frey) Russ

Emma J. Frey Russ was born on March 20th 1932 to Emma J Garman Kitner Frey and Frank M. Frey, Sr. at their home on Sterretts Gap, the youngest of eight siblings, Corrie who died in her childhood, two other sisters, Mae Kitner Nelson and Mary Kitner Franciscus, and four brothers, Samuel and Walter Kitner, and Frank Frey Jr. and Fred Frey, Sr. who have also preceded her in death. Emma passed from this life on Sunday morning, March 14th after a battle with Parkinson's Disease of over thirty years.

As a child Emma lived with her family who were the owners of Frey's Roller Skating Rink on the Cumberland side of Sterretts Gap. At that time the Skating Rink was known as a local favorite where everyone could enjoy the park as well as skating, square dancing, and eating meals at the restaurant. Emma knew her husband, Bill Russ from his coming to the Skating Rink, when he teased her for being so long-legged and slender. That all changed when he came back from the Merchant Marines and they married in the summer of 1950.

Emma was a master of several professions. She first completed Beauty School and was a licensed beautician through the time that her children were young. She often had a Beauty Shop in her own home so that her hours were compatible with her family responsibilities. Emma also worked for the Office of Aging when it occupied space in the Old County Home, She worked for the Head Start Program when it was just beginning as their Intake Person, she was a sales person for Murray's in New Bloomfield selling cars, and she retired from Century 21 where she sold homes all over Perry County. She was always involved in the community in the church and other organizations like Cub Scouts, as a Den Mother, and the Landisburg Ambulance Association as an ambulance attendant.

Emma and Bill were always a team and enjoyed traveling with the family. They enjoyed camping on weekends and through the summer. Their involvement in the church was also important and most recently they attended Three Springs Church of the Brethren.

Emma was the Mother of four- two daughters, Gay Irwin and Joy Zerance, and two sons, Mike Russ, married to Carol (Chubb), and Ted Russ, married to Becky (Arnold). She has 1 1 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Over the last two years nothing made her smile more than holding one of the grandbabies.

A viewing will be Thursday March 18, 2021 from 6pm to 8 pm in the newly renovated chapel of the Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville.

Funeral Services and internment will be Private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to Three Springs Church of The Brethren,  944 Three Springs Rd, Blain, PA 17006 or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, Please follow this link https://www.michaeljfox.org

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