Grace Burkholder

Ada Grace (Lehman) Burkholder, 95, passed away peacefully in her home in Franklin County, Chambersburg, PA on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Ada (Grace) was born June 21, 1930, in Chambersburg, PA, the daughter of Walter H. and Ada (Martin) Lehman. She married Edgar L Burkholder, May 16, 1953, and enjoyed 70 years together before his death in 2023.

Grace attended South Hamilton school until 8th grade, then worked as a hired girl, and later as a seamstress at the Stanley Company. After marriage, Grace and Edgar farmed for 31 years in Hagerstown MD, Williamson, PA and Chambersburg, PA. Grace was a homemaker, tended a large organic garden, provided childcare, and housecleaning for various local families. She assisted Edgar in the Burkholder Water Service business for almost 25 years. She and Edgar successfully obtained their GEDs later in life.

As a lifelong member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church, she grew up with her father as a minister, attended area singing schools, taught Bible school, and was active in sewing circle. She served many years as the church librarian. Her life was filled with books, verse and song, church friends and family.

Surviving are six children; sons Isaac, Mark (wife Joyce) of Chambersburg, Royce (wife Sara) of Lititz, Dorcas Preheim (husband Arlan) and Carl (wife Nancy) of Lancaster, PA, and Miriam (husband Erik Nyquist) of TX; 8 grandchildren: Nathaniel, Stephen and Curtis Burkholder, Anita Zeiset, Katie Nolt, Julie Sensenig, Jonathan and Janell Preheim; 11 great-grandchildren: Annika, Kiara, Josiah and Kayliana Burkholder; Ariana, Derek, Kayla, Olivia and Sophia Zeiset; and Caleb and Micah Sensenig. Daughter-in-law, Rosanna (Isaac) and grandson, Andrew Burkholder preceded her in death.

Siblings surviving are; Sarah Lehman of Chambersburg, PA, Naomi Martin of Flintstone, MD, Ruth Miller of Hagerstown, MD, Marcus of Mechanicsburg, PA, Miriam Patterson of Orrstown, PA, John of Quincy Village and Sharon Miley Middaugh of Fayetteville, PA. Siblings Aldus, Walter, Esther, James, and Eunice preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, 346 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202 at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 24, 2026. where Rev. Eric Lehman will officiate. Interment will follow the service in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Friday evening, January 23, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

The children were honored to provide home care, with the support of hospice, to their mother for the last 16 months of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Historical Center, Molly Pitcher Highway Chambersburg, PA 17202. Condolences may be offered on her page at www.zimmermanfh.com.