Mona L. “Kitty” Emenhizer, 85, formerly of Milesburg, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Centre Care in Bellefonte. Born on December 6, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Howard J. and Margaret L. (Weston) Thomas. On April 6, 1958, in Port Matilda, she married William E. “Bill” Emenhizer, who preceded her in death on July 10, 2019.
Kitty was a proud graduate of Port Matilda High School, class of 1956, and was a member of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir.
Her secretarial career began soon after high school, starting at Penn State University in the Ordnance Research Lab. Although her time there was brief, it was followed by a position at the Office of Employment Security in State College, where she greeted clients and worked as a secretary and part-time unemployment interviewer. After five years, she joined the Federation of Telephone Workers of PA (FTWP), where she handled a variety of secretarial functions, including payroll and hiring part-time employees.
Kitty then spent a year as a bookkeeper for Frank Mauceri-Financial Consultant before finding her long-term home at Capperella Furniture. For over 30 years, she served as the office manager, overseeing payroll, sales tax reports, inventory maintenance, and other accounting tasks.
Kitty was passionate about gardening and couldn’t resist pulling weeds whenever she saw them. She was an excellent cook and baker, enjoyed shopping with her sister Bonnie, and had a penchant for QVC. A Hallmark Movie enthusiast, she always found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Mona was known for her love of cleanliness; she often tidied up before the cleaning lady arrived!
Family meant everything to Kitty. She cherished the time spent with loved ones, especially during the holidays, when she would decorate her home, prepare large meals, and savor a cup of tea with friends. No matter how busy, Kitty always enjoyed feeding and watching the hummingbirds.
Kitty is survived by her three daughters: Sherry L. Boone and her husband, Michael, of Howard; Joy R. Lerch of Milesburg; and Dawn M. Taylor and her husband, James G. Taylor, III., of Howard. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Brett M. Boone (Teresa), Kari L. Zuback (Ray), Brandi L. Lerch (Brent Ott), Jesse R. Taylor (Kaylee Harter), Christi M. Lerch, and Danielle M. Flasher (Christian); three great-grandchildren: Honesty Boone (Holden Fanning), Krystianna Boone (Ryan Hollobaugh), Grayson Taylor; and one great-great-grandchild, Cassidy Boone.
Additionally, Kitty is survived by her brother, Wayne G. Thomas (Donna) of Perkasie, PA, and two sisters, Nancy J. Miller (Kenneth) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bonnie L. Ishler (Barry) of Bellefonte.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as two brothers, Leslie Thomas and William “Bill” Thomas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1pm at the Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Jacobs officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Milesburg, PA. An online guest book is available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com, where condolences may be shared.