Mary Ellen Getz

Mary Ellen Getz, 97, formerly of Oakland Road, Freeland, Md., died at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2006, at her home. Born January 11, 1909, in New Freedom, she was the first child of the late Rev. John B. and Rosanna (Wilhelm) Mays. She was the wife of the late Francis Lee Getz, Sr., whom she married in 1929. She was the wonderful mother of eleven children, Betty Lou Holmes, Richard Allen Getz, Emma Earline Marley, Phyllis Mae Gemmill, Charlotte Ann Williams, Loveda Darlene Price, Carole Sue Seitz, Thomas Quentin Getz, James Monroe Getz, the late Francis Lee Getz, II and the late Peter Nicolas Getz. She was the sister of Loveda Hazel of Mill Hall, the late Rosanna Myers, the late William Mays and the late Paul Mays. She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Getz graduated as a Registered Nurse from the former Buffalo New York School of Nursing. She and her husband operated the former Getz's General Store at Sunset View in Freeland, Md., from 1951 to 1981, in addition to farming Oakland Farm. She was a member of the former Oakland United Methodist Church. She enjoyed nature, especially birds, as well as history, reading and cooking shows. Her longevity was often attributed to her knowledge of natural medicine. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Oakland Church, 1415 Oakland Road, Freeland, Md., with Pastor Mike Myers officiating. Fellowship with family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service at Oakland Hall next to the church, with refreshments provided. The service will conclude with interment in Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery, Freeland, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. The J. J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 24 Second St., New Freedom, is in charge.