Patricia B. Firster

Patricia B. Firster passed away July 15, 2026 at 4:45 pm at Oakwood Heights Village where she had resided since January 2026.

Patricia is the daughter of the late William “Luke” and Eyla Gilson Balas from Chapmanville, PA where she grew up on a large dairy farm. She was a 1965 graduate of Townville High School where she was the first graduating class of the new high school. Prior to that she went to school in a one room schoolhouse for grades 1-6.

In October 1976 she married the love of her life, Dennis M. Firster who survives. They met in the basement of her parents’ house during a bible study group. This coming October 2026 would be 50 years they would have been married.

She worked several places during her working career including Sears, National Fuel Gas, WIC, Franklin Bronze, substitute office clerk and aid for Franklin, Oil City, Rocky Grove, and Titusville school districts, and Intermediate Unit 6 in several local schools until her retirement in 2009.

She loved to play the piano and organ at church and for the children’s choir. With her Slovak background she loved to dance and polka. Her free time was spent watching her favorite tv shows, knitting, camping, being outdoors, helping at vacation bible school, Sunday school and volunteering as a 4-H leader for 14 years. Spring and summer was spent caring for a large garden to freeze, can, and preserve several homemade items.

Patricia was preceded in death by a daughter Lori Denise Firster, in-laws Lois and Earl Firster, and special friends Mary Ann and Paul Weibel.

Patricia leaves behind a son Ryan Firster and wife Angela of Cooperstown and daughter LaNae Stoltenberg and husband Steven of Franklin; her grandchildren Aleeah and Emma Firster, and Baby Stoltenberg due August 2026; her brother Gerald “Gerry” Balas and wife Kathleen “Kathy” of Titusville, PA and sister Karen Balas of Franklin; her In-laws James and Rose Harriett, David Firster, and Jayne Firster of Cranberry; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Patricia leaves behind two long time friends Kay Bradley of Texas, Linda Griffith of North Carolina, and a special pet, Holly.

Family and friends are invited to Bethel Community Christian Church, 2656 PA-417, Franklin, PA on Tuesday, July 21st from 10 am until the start of services at 12:pp pm with Pastor Jerry Burns officiating.

Patricia will be laid to rest in Chapmanville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patricia’s memory to the Kirtland Cancer Foundation, PO Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323 or visit https://www.kirtlandcancerfoundation.org; Bethel Community Christian Church, 2656 PA-417, Franklin, PA 16323; and/or the Oakland Volunter Fire Department, 779 Speer Road, Cooperstown, PA. 16317.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Patricia’s Book of Memories online at WarrenFH.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin, PA 16323.