Obituary of Walter E. Vandergrift

Walter E. Ike VanDergrift, age 93, of Wellsboro, PA, died Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, Wellsboro, PA. Walter was born October 24, 1914 in Stony Fork, PA, a son of Walter and Bertha (Wheeler) VanDergrift. Ike was the husband of the late Dorotha (Fuller) VanDergrift. Ike retired from the Charleston Twp. at the age of 73. He had been employed by Gillett Implements, Wellsboro; had his own school bus for 13 years, was a mechanic and drove bus for Byron Benedict for 10 years; was a Charleston Twp. Supervisor for 24 years; was on the Charleston Twp. Planning Commission for 15 years; the Sewer Authority for 10 years; he had worked for the state highway department; worked with his brother for several years digging diversion ditches and ponds for Soil Conservation; and was licensed to work with dynamite. Ike was a lifelong farmer, an avid square dancer, enjoyed gardening, going to auctions and working with horses. Ike is survived by a daughter, Christine (Don Cleveland) VanDergrift of Mansfield, PA; a sister, Leda Starkweather of Wellsboro, PA; special friends, John and Lynda Painter of Westfield, PA, and Jack and Sue Vogler of Wellsboro, PA; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorotha in 1988, two sisters, Ida Berger and Eva Burton, and a brother, Homer VanDergrift. At Ikes request, there will be no services. A private burial will be in Catlin Hollow Cemetery. The Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com