Sara Jane Jury

Sara Jane Jury, 91, of Gratz, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. She was born on November 28, 1931, the daughter of the late John A. Schoffstall and Lillie Ann Willier Schoffstall. She was called Jane by most, especially her husband and sister. Jane was the first of her family of four sisters and four brothers to graduate from high school, specifically Hubley High School located in Sacramento. Shortly after graduation, she was married to the late Earl R. Jury. They were married 65 years before his death nine years ago. Most of her work experience outside the home was spent in manufacturing factories such as Phil-Mar and Dormar, eventually retiring from Calvin Klein in Millersburg. She was a talented seamstress and made many bedspreads, using patches and knotting them. These were gifts to numerous family members and friends. She also knitted and crocheted making many baby sweater sets for each new member of the family, and most recently dish clothes which she shared widely. Sara lived in Gratz or Lykens Township her entire life. She was a wonderful housekeeper. Her house was always in order and clean, but "lived in" and welcoming. She was a great cook and a fantastic baker and she loved doing both. Most people in the area were recipients of her baked goods, as well as her family and their friends. All were very grateful to receive the bounty of her kitchen. She made many, many dinners to celebrate birthdays, holidays or just "get together" meals. These special meals usually included the all-around favorites, homemade ice cream with her homemade chocolate cake with caramel icing. She was active in babysitting most of her grandchildren and loved to snuggle those sweet little ones. She participated in the Eastern Star organization. She was a long-time member of the Simeon United Lutheran Church in Gratz. She was also a member of the Simeon's Willing Workers and made lots of ham and bean soup for fund raisers. She was a born again Christian and prayed regularly for her family and friends. Her faith was very important to her and she was a light for many others. She is survived by a daughter, Diane Wiest, husband Boups, of Gratz, and a son, Chris Jury, wife, Holly, of Elizabethville. Grandchildren: Sean Wiest, wife, Jacqueline, of Elizabethville; Nathan Wiest, friend, Marie, of Williamstown; Cortney Koppenhaver, husband, John, of Spring Glen; Colby Jury, wife, Brittany, of Erdman. Great Grandchildren: Zakkary Wiest, wife, Dana, of Lancaster; Raquel Koppenhaver, Austin Koppenhaver, and Khloe Koppenhaver of Spring Glen; Ian Wiest of Elizabethville; Maverick and Caroline Grace Jury of Erdman; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Hannah Shiffer, Eva Wiest, Edna Lubold, and Alberta Leitzel; brothers, John Schoffstall, Jr., Stanley Schoffstall, Albert Schoffstall, and Charles Schoffstall. Sara was a gentle, kind soul with a very loving and generous nature. She loved her family dearly and blessed them with her time and patience. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, October 12, at 10:00 - 11:00 for visitation; 11:00 for funeral service at Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz. Memorial contributions can be made to her church, Simeon United Lutheran Church.

Sara Jane Jury

November 28, 1931 - September 29, 2023