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Ethel Mae (King) Emenheiser, of York, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on April 27, 2026, at age 98 at home surrounded by loving family. She was born on January 9, 1928, in York Township to the late Raymond Franklin King Sr. and Pauline Lydia (Stoner) King.
Ethel was the beloved wife of the late Paul Eugene Emenheiser, whom she married on April 24, 1948. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.
A devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in York, Ethel faithfully served her Lord and Savior in many ways, including volunteering on the altar committee, working in the nursery, and creating beautifully embroidered altar paraments. Her quiet dedication and servant’s heart touched many within her church community.
Ethel worked in the cafeteria at York Technical Institute and achieved a personal milestone by earning her GED at the age of 55, a testament to her determination and perseverance.
She was a loving and devoted mother to her three children: John (Marie) Emenheiser of York; Susan (John) Bryan of South Williamsport; and Daniel (Michele) Emenheiser of Camp Hill. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Steven Emenheiser, Lori (Bobby) Johnson, Matthew (Erica) Emenheiser, Joseph (April) Emenheiser, Brittney (Michael) Herr, and Brady (Kylie Zunich) Emenheiser; and was further blessed with eleven great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Hildebrand and Pauline (Gerald) Attig, and her brother, Thomas (Nancy) King. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Austin King, Robert King, and Raymond King Jr., and her sisters, Ruth Garvey and Catherine Smith.
Ethel found joy in sewing, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, and sticker books—but above all, she cherished her family. She always maintained a beautiful garden and lovingly prepared delicious meals for her family, especially during the holidays, creating traditions and memories that will be treasured for generations. She also enjoyed traveling with Paul, exploring 47 states on memorable bus trips. Known lovingly as “Mamaw” by her grandchildren, she will be remembered for her deep love, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith in Christ.
“The King of Love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His, and He is mine forever.”
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, 29 South George Street, York, with The Rev. Dr. Daniel Yeiser officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 AM. Burial will be in New Fairview Cemetery. Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to either: Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110, homelandhospice.org or to Christ Lutheran Church, 29 South George Street, York, PA 17401
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