Harlene Zephie Flanagan

Harlene Zephie Flanagan was born in Welch, West Virginia, in the heart of coal-mining country. She was dearly loved by her parents, Sylvester Patton Stallard and Una Opal Fizer, her big brother J.D. Stallard, and many aunts and uncles.

Harlene passed away on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, grace, and generosity.

Fiercely independent, strong, and fearless, Harlene carried herself with effortless grace and a timeless sense of style. She was always impeccably dressed with her hair in a classic bun. She had a special gift for finding joy in the small moments, using her finest dishes for tea, savoring a sweet treat, or simply enjoying the beauty around her.

Harlene loved animals and nature and shared her life with many beloved dogs, often taking in strays and giving them a safe, loving home. She was a foster parent and welcomed anyone who needed a place to stay, offering comfort, stability, and unconditional love. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in their lives, stories, pictures, and laughter. She made everyone she knew, family, friends, and even new acquaintances, feel special, valued, and loved.

Harlene worked at UPS and took on many side jobs to support her family. Adventurous to the core, she drove trucks and motorcycles and even jumped from an airplane. She embraced technology, friendships, and life's simple pleasures with equal enthusiasm.

Harlene's home in Myersville, Maryland, was her happy place. Her mountain home was a sanctuary of peace and tranquility, where she felt most herself and most connected to the natural world. She spent countless hours in her yard and on her porch or swing, feeding birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer. She also had visits from bears, including a three-legged bear who

wandered through often, and even a porcupine that liked to dine on her house. She treasured her "Hugging Tree" and her swing overlooking the spring that gurgled down from the mountain.

Her creativity shone in her home, where she transformed treasures found at estate sales, "the bins," and yard sales into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflected her unique style. Her home was a peaceful, magical place filled with eclectic treasures. It was her wish that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue to enjoy and experience the beauty and wonder of the mountain home she loved so deeply.

Harlene loved the gifts of every season. She appreciated the quiet and the white of winter. Her home sits on a hill about a mile and a half long, and while others often worried about her being snowed in, she truly loved it. Being alone on her mountain gave her peace and solitude, a chance to step away from the bustle of life below and simply be herself. She cherished the quiet, the

stillness, and the freedom to live life entirely on her own terms. Spring held a special place in her heart, and she often said she hoped to live to see the bright green of spring return, a season whose renewal filled her with joy and wonder. She loved the fullness of summer, with sun-drenched days and flowers in bloom, and spent much of her time tending her gardens. In the

fall, she enjoyed driving in her truck to take in the brilliant autumn foliage. She also looked forward to the full moons throughout the year and often had bonfires to enjoy their bright beauty.

Harlene always saw the best in people, forgave freely, and would do anything for anyone. She was loved by all who knew her, and she gave that love back generously. Her wisdom, strength, and spirit live on through her family: Stephen and Mari Geist, Stacey, Tyson and Siobhan Titus, Shannon, Jared, Lucas and Layne Gruber, Russell Geist, Kelly and Max Joyner, Leslie Geist,

Olivia and Wyatt Almond, Russell Geist Jr., and Marsha Lessley.

She requested no service or celebration. The greatest honor in her name is to be good to one another and to spread the love she shared with everyone she encountered. From a little girl growing up in the coal-mining hills of West Virginia to the remarkable, adventurous, and creative woman she became, Harlene's spirit will continue to shine through all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services entrusted to Going Home Cremation and Funeral Care.