Elaine (Mock) Sollenberger

Elaine Sollenberger, 91, died Monday, February 14, 2022. Her parents were Clair and Ruth (Bowser) Mock.

On September 25, 1954, she married Ray Sollenberger (deceased) and together they established and farmed the farm known as Ralaine Jerseys. Their children are Beth, married to Tim Morphew and living in Goshen, IN, Lori, married to Rex Knepp and living in Everett, PA, and Leon, married to Sharon (Atwood) and living in West Chazy, NY. Elaine had four grandchildren: Keith and Craig Morphew and Morgan and Bradley Knepp.

Elaine is survived by two sisters; Donna married to Jim Everhart and Nancy married to Ivan Mitchell. Her brother Arthur is deceased. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Lloyd Sollenberger of Everett, PA.

Elaine graduated first in her class from Pleasant St. Clair High School and graduated in 1951 from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later taught English and Latin at Everett Area High School.

She wrote a weekly column for the Everett Press and later The Shopper’s Guide. Those columns were under the pen name O Justa Housewife and later One Woman’s Thoughts. More recently she contributed to Mature Living. She also served two terms on the Everett School Board and as chair of the board for 4 years. She filled an unexpired term as a Bedford County Commissioner.

Elaine was active in the Church of the Brethren and among her activities served as the first woman to do a number of things, among them: moderator of Middle Pennsylvania district, she served on and chaired the General Board (now Mission and Ministries Board) of the denomination, she served as the moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 1989 in Orlando and was the only person in recent history to serve in that capacity twice when she filled an unexpired term in 1998 in Charlotte. Serving as Moderator provided an opportunity visit many congregations and districts stateside and to travel to India to visit churches there. Locally over the years she spent time as choir director, Sunday School teacher and served on a number of committees and task teams.

Elaine took an active role in the farm work. She enjoyed looking after the animals at the shows. She and Ray were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the PA Jersey Cattle Association. She was instrumental in establishing the Pennsylvania Jersey Newsletter and served as the first editor of the publication. Elaine represented PJCA on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania All American Dairy Show. She was instrumental in organizing trips to Louisville All American Jersey Show for Pennsylvania youth.

Elaine treasured friendships from the diverse areas of her life.

A time to remember and celebrate Elaine Sollenberger’s life will be planned for a later date at the Everett Church of the Brethren. Pastor Mike Benner will officiate.

Memorial Gifts of remembrance may be made to either of these or to the donor’s choice: Everett Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund, 119 East Second Street, Everett, PA 15537 or Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120.