Sara G. Marsh

Sara Grace Solley Marsh, 88 of Blairsville, PA passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2018 surrounded by her loving daughter Darlene and dear friend, Vicky Wheeler at their home.

The daughter of John Solley and Lillian Markle, she was born April 30, 1929 in Juneau, PA.

Prior to suffering a stroke thirteen years ago, Sara loved to crochet and was always making beautiful items for family and friends.  Sara crocheted four different wedding gowns in the past and had one displayed at Brody’s store and another at the Woolworth Department store in Indiana, PA.  More recently she spent her time watching her favorite TV shows and doing word search puzzles.

Surviving are two daughters, Darlene Palmer of Blairsville and Cindy Foreman of Black Lick; one son Mike Burtyk of Blairsville; 6 grandchildren, Tammy Reed of Blairsville, Jerry Blatt Jr. of Homer City, Eric Palmer of Aultman, Heather Bailey of Williamsport, Thomas Foreman Jr. of Pittsburgh, and Jessica Kerr of Shelocta; nine great grandchildren.  She is also survived by 4 sisters, Linda (Fred) Dawson of Aultman, Bessie Layton of Aultman, Jane Gordish of Blairsville, Betty McKerricher of Indiana; one brother, Harry Shaffer Sr. of Yellow Creek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Rick Burtyk of Williamsport; four brothers, Thomas Shaffer, Sr. of Aultman, Robert Shaffer of Aultman, Jack Shaffer of Blairsville, Charles Shaffer of Idaho; two sisters, Anna Mae Ward of Aultman, Doris Zimmerman of Blairsville; great grandson Brennan Kerr.

As per Sara’s wishes, there will be no visitation.  A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Blairsville by the Rev. Tim Monroe at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018.