Mabel Vanderhoff

Mabel A. Vanderhoff, 92, of 616 Elk Street, Franklin, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 13, 2012, at the home of her son. Born July 27, 1919, she was the daughter of Charles and Grace Hull Woolstrum of Troy Center, PA. Mabel attended school in Townville and graduated in 1937. Mabel was married on July 28, 1937, to the Rev. Charles Edward Vanderhoff at the Hydetown Baptist Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows at Hydetown. Theirs was the first wedding at the church. Charles preceded her in death on February 21, 2007. Mabel served with various companies as an executive secretary. She retired in 1984 after 16 years as the Venango County Deputy Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. She faithfully served with her husband at the various pastorates he held in Warren, PA; Forestville, NY; and Emlenton, PA. Following her retirement she enjoyed camping with her family and spending time at her residence in Florida. She was known by many as "such a sweet lady." She is survived by four children: Imogene Post and husband, John; Beverly Brenan; and Calvin Vanderhoff and wife, Beverly, all of Franklin; and Carol Ann Kightlinger and husband, Lyman, of Duck, NC. She is also survived by one brother, Frank Woolstrum, of Cooperstown, and numerous nieces and nephews. Surviving grandchildren include David Post, James Post, Brian Post, Susan Emerson, Bruce Brenan, Chris Brenan, Jeffrey Brenan, Michelle Vanderhoff, Allyson Vanderhoff, Melissa Chapman, Brad Vanderhoff, Amy Johnston, Brad Pizzimenti, Steve Kightlinger, and Marne McAvoy. Mabel is also survived by 34 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four siblings, Arthur Woolstrum, Ralph Woolstrum, Leota Durfee Houghtling, and Frances Bly; one son-in-law, the Rev. Jack Brenan; one granddaughter, Tanya Dunkle; and one great-granddaughter, Elaina McAvoy. Mabel will be sadly missed by her entire family and many friends. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 16, at Christ United Methodist Church, 1315 Buffalo Street, Franklin, with the Rev. David Janz and Dr. John Seth officiating. Mabel will be entombed at the mausoleum at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurses Foundation of Venango County, 491 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin PA 16323. To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or to obtain further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.