Marian "Ferne" (Wentz) Leppert

Marian “Ferne” Leppert, 97, of New Paris, died on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at her home. She was born on July 7, 1927 in Ryot, a daughter of the late Clyde Jacob and Hazel Catherine (Miller) Wentz. She was one of 8 children. On November 20, 1945 in Winchester, VA, she married Marvin Leppert and he preceded her in death on February 1, 1989.  She is survived by four children: Judy Price and husband Gerald; Gerald “Jerry” Leppert and wife Kanako all of New Paris; Diane Michaels of Modesto, CA; Mary Lou Smith and husband Daniel of Alum Bank; 9 grandchildren: ToddPrice of Alum Bank, Kelly Price Groff of Bernville, Troy Price of Mt. Joy, Terry Price of North Huntingdon, Toni Kenee Margeson of Manteca, CA, Keith Leppert of Alum Bank, Kevin Leppert of Lanexa, VA, Joshua Smith of Fishertown, Angela Smith Henry of Breinigsville; 17 great-grandchildren: Steven Price, Craig Price, Cassie Price, Cindy Price, Connor Price, Andy Price, Tim Groff, Mary Groff, Brian Leppert, Andrew Leppert, Jillian Leppert Gresko, Ryan DeRose, Skyler DeRose, Kenzie Margeson, Carter Smith, Leah Smith and Emma Smith; 1 step-great-granddaughter, Mindy Lowery; 9 great-great-grandchildren: Carson Leppert, Casey Leppert, Ari Price, baby girl Price (due in March), Wesley DeRose, Mason Heck, Christian Kautz, Annalena Kautz, and Raelynn Kautz; 4 step-great-great-grandkids: Xander Lincoln, Branden Lowery, Henry Lowery, and Anastasia Lowery; 2 brothers:  Ray Wentz of Catlett, VA and Donald Lee Wentz of Fort Worth, TX.   Ferne was preceded in death by an infant brother, Clyde, three sisters: Dale Claycomb, Donna Leibfreid, and Jeanne King, one brother, Ira “Jack” Wentz and an infant grandson, Scott Leppert.

Ferne graduated from Pleasantville High School and prior to her marriage worked at the Post House in Bedford. She helped her husband and son Jerry in building their own home in the late 50’s and in operating their construction business while raising her family. In the mid 60’s she went to work at the New Paris Post office working as a postal clerk. She continued to work both at New Paris and also the Bedford post offices until her retirement. Ferne was a life time member of the Ryot United Methodist Church where she served as the church treasurer until the church was closed. Next she attended Helixville United Methodist Church until she could no longer drive. In her later years she attended Bedford CMA Church with her son and daughter in law. Ferne enjoyed being an active member of the Alum Bank Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary until well into her early 90’s. The family express their gratitude and appreciation for the excellent care given to Ferne by Janet Miller, Jackie Rose and Denise Wissinger allowing her to remain in her own home during these past five years. Also a huge thank you to Grane Hospice for the support and guidance during the final week of Ferne’s life.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Rick Ralph and Pastor Brad Price officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Fishertown Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home, and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Alum Bank Fire Company or the Ladies Auxiliary, 6738 King St. Clair Road, Alum Bank, PA 15521. Our online guest book will be available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com

Alum Bank Fire Company or the Ladies Auxiliary
6738 King St. Clair Road, Alum Bank PA 15521