Julia Ann Crowther, 51, of Ephrata, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at her home.
She was born in Williamsport to Mary Ann (Moore) Wrench, of Jersey Shore, Pa., and the late William T. Wrench. She was the wife of Tim Crowther with whom she shared 29 years of marriage this past October 16.
Julia was a member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Ephrata, where she previously served as a religious education teacher (CCD). She enjoyed exercising, reading, scrapbooking and was currently a midget football cheerleading coach. Julia served on numerous athletic booster clubs and the post prom committee. She was very active in the D.J.D. Fight On Foundation for several years. Julia especially enjoyed being Nana to her grandchildren.
She worked as a second grade teacher at Highland Elementary School for 25 years in the Ephrata Area School District. She was a graduate of Jersey Shore High School, class of 1978; a 1982 graduate of Lock Haven University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education; and received her master's of education from Millersville University in 1997 as well as her reading specialist certification.
Along with her husband and mother, she is survived by three sons, Nicholas (Nick), husband of Sarah (Coiner) Crowther of Denver, Ryan S. and Blake K. Crowther, both at home; two grandchildren, Lydia and Phinehas (Phinn) Crowther; three brothers, Mike, husband of Jean (Bennett) Wrench, Bernard, husband of Joy (Smithgall) Wrench and Tom, husband of Jan (Wykoff) Wrench, all of Jersey Shore, Pa.; a sister, Charlene, husband of Phillip Harbach of Jersey Shore, Pa.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Stradling Funeral Home, 201 N. Church Ave., Ephrata. An additional viewing will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. to noon at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebration at 1 p.m., at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 320 Church Ave., Ephrata, with Father John McLoughlin C.SS.R. as celebrant. Final commendation and farewell will be held in the Middle Creek Brethren Cemetery, Ephrata Township.
Donations will be accepted to promote education in the Ephrata area in Julia's memory. Contributions may be made to the Ephrata Public Library, 550 S. Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.
