Ethel Virginia (Knisely) Humer

Ethel Virginia (Knisely) Humer

Ethel Virginia (Knisely) Humer, age 97, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020.  Ethel was born on Wednesday, October 18, 1922, in Mechanicsburg to the late Katherine (Wynn) Knisely and Paul Otterbein Knisely.  Ethel was the widow of Willard “Wid” Christian Humer, Sr., whom she married on December 25, 1944, and who died on December 1, 2003.  In addition to her parents and husband, Ethel is preceded in death by her daughter Connie Richard; her son Willard “Pee Wee” Christian Humer, Jr.; her sister Ruth Reed, and her beloved canine Rusty.

Ethel’s survivors include her two children: Barry Carl Humer and wife Melissa of Mechanicsburg, Lois Eileen Heckard and husband Dave Jr. of Mechanicsburg; her eight grandchildren: Brad Humer, Dawn Marie McKay and husband A.J., Sean Humer and wife Jess, Kelly Rhodes and husband Matt, Stephanie Watts and husband Michael, Willard “Skip” Humer III and wife Brandi, David Heckard III and wife Casey, Taryn Tavares and husband Mark; her daughter-in-law Lorraine Humer; her 14 great-grandchildren;  her two great-great-grandchildren: Haven Scott and Zane Humer; her sister, Grace Lysell of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Ethel graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1940.  Outside of the home, she worked as an administrator for the military; while running her family’s household and its finances.  Ethel was a lifelong member of Young’s Evangelical United Brethren Church in Mechanicsburg, where she was involved in many activities and raised her children in the faith that was so important to her.  Ethel loved camping and being in the mountains.  She cherished time spent at the family’s two cabins in the Northwoods of Potter County, hunting deer and playing cards with her husband and friends.  Ethel was fiercely competitive and never liked to lose at Pinochle or HORSE.  She enjoyed traveling with friends to other destinations:  Hawaii, out West, and the Shore.  In addition to watching sports on TV, Ethel loved to tune in to The Tonight Show and laugh out loud at Johnny Carson’s comedy.  She was a big sports fan, and being so focused on her family, Ethel happily supported her children and grandchildren at their many games throughout the years.

Ethel’s immediate services will be private with public services to be announced when scheduled.  Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mechanicsburg will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Brookdale at Grandon Farms who so lovingly cared for Ethel while she lived there.

Contributions in celebration of Ethel’s life can be made to Asana Hospice & Palliative Care, 2708 Commerce Drive, Suite 300, Harrisburg, PA 17110; or www.AsanaHospice.com/donations.

Ethel’s’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ethel’s full obituary, view her memorial portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.