Obituary for Elizabeth J. James
Elizabeth J. James, 87, of State College, passed away at home on Saturday, December 25, 2021. Born on April 8, 1934, in Rome, New York, she was the daughter of late Clarence and Mildred (Paddock) Burk. On February 9, 1952, she married her beloved husband, Carl F. Pepple, who preceded her in death on December 17, 1972, after sharing 20 years of marriage together.
She owned and operated the Hillside Tavern from 1976 until she sold it in 1982. After that she worked for Mount Nittany in Environmental Resources until she retired in May 1999 after 15 years of service.
She is survived by her four children, Gary Pepple (Valarie) of Huntington, James Pepple (Crissie) of New Enterprise, Patricia Miller (Pete) of State College, and Brenda Bathurst (Steve) of Yarnell, seven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Beatrice Brown of Montours Fall, New York, and Mary Ott of Camden, New York, and two brothers, Ward Burk of Rome, New York, and Steve Burk (Pat) of Altmar, New York. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews that played an important role in her life.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Russell and Shirley Manges, and a brother, Willard Burk.
Elizabeth always looked forward to going to the Grange Fair each year. She loved spending her winters at Sun Rise Palm RV Park in Cocoa, Florida with Robin and Maxine Bland. Some of her favorite hobbies included cooking, canning, sewing and knitting. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Rome Wesleyan Church, 317 W. Embargo Street, Rome, NY 13440.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.
She owned and operated the Hillside Tavern from 1976 until she sold it in 1982. After that she worked for Mount Nittany in Environmental Resources until she retired in May 1999 after 15 years of service.
She is survived by her four children, Gary Pepple (Valarie) of Huntington, James Pepple (Crissie) of New Enterprise, Patricia Miller (Pete) of State College, and Brenda Bathurst (Steve) of Yarnell, seven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Beatrice Brown of Montours Fall, New York, and Mary Ott of Camden, New York, and two brothers, Ward Burk of Rome, New York, and Steve Burk (Pat) of Altmar, New York. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews that played an important role in her life.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Russell and Shirley Manges, and a brother, Willard Burk.
Elizabeth always looked forward to going to the Grange Fair each year. She loved spending her winters at Sun Rise Palm RV Park in Cocoa, Florida with Robin and Maxine Bland. Some of her favorite hobbies included cooking, canning, sewing and knitting. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Rome Wesleyan Church, 317 W. Embargo Street, Rome, NY 13440.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.