Willavene Dunkle

Willavene (Willi) Bell Dunkle Willavene (Willi )B. Dunkle went to be with her Lord at11 :01 p.m. on January 19, 2012. She was born November 23, 1925 in Knox, PA and was the daughter of Ralph T. and Pearl E. Bell. She married Roy (Jim) M. Dunkle Jr. on June 22, 1946. He died September 24, 1982. She is survived by her son Timothy L. Dunkle and his wife Dottie, her daughter Micheleine (Mikki) Chmiel and her husband Jeffrey, all of Franklin. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Kristy Anderson and husband, Preston, of Cranberry and Timothy M. Dunkle and wife, Kelly, of Franklin. Willi had four great-grandchildren, three great-granddaughters Maria and Jordan Anderson of Cranberry and Kaylene Hoover of Franklin, and one great-grandson Colton Hoover of Franklin. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Willavene attended Rocky Grove High School where she graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1943 and was president of the Girl Reserve. She worked in the office of Joy Manufacturing and at J.C. Penny's following graduation. After being a stay at home mom, she worked as head cashier at Weston's for several years. She served as a President of the American Legion Post 476 Ladies Auxiliary and was a past District President. Willi was the leader of the Swinging Grovers 4-H Club and Bethel 4-H Club, served as a director and fair treasurer of the Venango County 4-H Fair. She was a lifetime member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary where she served as a trustee and chaired the hot sausage stand at the fair for several years. Willavene was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of Franklin. She enjoyed reading, crocheting her doilies, family gatherings, and her great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Leonard (Dick) T. Bell. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Family and friends of Mrs. Dunkle will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. ,Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday January 23, 2012 at the funeral home with the Rev. David Janz, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christ United Methodist Church,1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA, 16323. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or obtain further information, family and friends can visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com,