Freda Alice (Thacher) Shutters, a Certified Lay Minister, died Sunday, June 1, 2014.
Known as Alice to most, she was born on March 20, 1937 to the late Freida and John Thacher in Millstone Township, Elk County, in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Ridgway High School and wed Alvin Shutters Sr. on Sept. 12, 1959. She worked at Stackpole Corporation for many years, and later for BiLo grocery store.
She was an officer of Mt. Zion Cemetery Association nearly her entire adult life. She also served on the board of Mt. Zion Church Association until its dissolution. Alice was a member of the Weedville United Methodist Church for over 50 years and has served as a Certified Lay Minister to the five congregations of the Benezette Charge and as leader of the “New Beginnings” group.
Her interests included visiting her children and grandchildren, eating out, watching elk, and church.
She is survived by two children, Karen Launer (Chris) of Eagle River, Alaska, and Marvin Shutters (Linda) of Dayton, Wash.; a daughter-in-law Carrie (Aul) Shutters of Weedville; a sister-in-law, Elaine Yetzer of St. Marys; six grandchildren, Kenneth Shutters (Irene), Amanda (Shutters) Lattin (Eric), Jenna Launer, Bradley Launer (Sarah), Matthew Launer, and Sarah Shutters; siblings William Thacher (Gail), Charles Thacher (Hazel), and Lydia Green; numerous nieces and nephews; and her “buddy” Donald Grolemund.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Alvin Shutters Jr.; a brother-in-law, Jim Green; and a granddaughter, Aileen Launer.
A funeral service was held Monday, June 9 with Reverend Timothy Rogers presiding at the Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home in Penfield. Burial will take place at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Weedville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations through the funeral home to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association were suggested.