GRESS – Elva H., 86, Hollsopple, died Oct. 30, 2012, at Laurel View Village. Born Aug. 25, 1926, in Meyersdale, daughter of the late Nannie Murray Beal. Preceded in death by husband, Dr. William W. Gress; brothers, Kyle and Robert (Bob) Hare; and sister, Alma Andrews. Survived by sons, John W., Hollsopple; William P., York; Robert E., Pequea; and David G., Hollsopple; and daughters, Carolyn G. Schumann, and husband, Mark A.; and Ambler and Barbara L. Gress, Collegeville. Also survived by grandchildren, Bill, Adam, Courtney, Kyle, Mike, Annelise, Margarette, D.J., Caitlin (husband, Chris), Alaina, Jenna, Melissa (husband, Chris), Lauren and Krista; great-grandchildren, Kiley, Jaiden and Lily; and sister, Joyce R. Bolden, Connellsville. Elva graduated as valedictorian of Meyersdale High School and was a graduate of Conemaugh Valley Memorial School of Nursing. She was the school nurse at Meyersdale High School and was general manager of Gress Medical Associates, Davidsville. Member and past president of Memorial Hospital Women's auxiliary, and a member of Johnstown Garden Club and Sunnehanna Country Club. She also was a master bridge player and enjoyed golf, ballroom dancing, horseback riding, skiing, snorkeling, traveling, singing and crossword puzzles. She especially enjoyed playing UNO, going to the beach and baking with her grandchildren. Elva was a charter member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Angelo Patti. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at George E. Mason Funeral Home Inc., Davidsville. Entombment, St. Joseph Mausoleum. "In life, Elva was a strong, vibrant and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She had a compassionate, kind and appreciative heart. She loved and protected her family until the end. Her spirit is now free, and is at peace with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour. The memory of her smile and the kindness of her heart will always be with her loving family. The family also would like to thank the staff of Laurel View Village and Windber Hospice for their loving care and support.

Published on November 1, 2012
Tribune-Democrat
Johnstown, PA