Obituary of Ardell Harry Gross Sr. , 86

Ardell H. Gross Sr. 86, of Centre Hall, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Centre Hall.

He was born in Centre Hall on June 10, 1926, a son of the late Harry and Laverna B. Scott Gross.

He was married to the former Ruth (Bush) Gross who preceded him in death on November 21, 2000.

In 1944 he graduated from Centre Hall Potter High School, where he lettered in soccer and basketball and enjoyed playing the tuba in the band. He also was an avid sports fan and pitched for the Centre Hall Senators for several years.

Ardell served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 having served on the USS Gordius in the Pacific during World War II. Ardell was a life member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Free and Accepted Masons.

He retired from Rockview State Correctional Institution in 1988, as a Food Supervisor/Butcher. He previously worked at Houser Vending, owned his own restaurant in State College, ran a slaughter house in Centre Hall and ran Gross’s Eating Stand at the Grange Fair in Centre Hall for many years. He also did work as a carpenter.

Ardell enjoyed caning chairs, restoring furniture, playing cards and games on the computer and was an avid tenter at Grange Fair. Other things he enjoyed were grocery shopping (Bellefonte Weis) and finding a good buy! He loved dogs, watching NASCAR (Jeff Gordon), attending auctions/sales, listening to country music, going to the Legion, where he enjoyed Name That Tune; and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his four children, Rebecca A. Smith of Orlando, FL; Ardell H. Gross Jr.; at home: Sandra J. Seibert and her husband, N. Thomas Seibert II, of Tarboro, NC; and Krista Faith Winkelblech and her husband Paul Richard of Centre Hall; 10 Grandchildren, Ardell Matthew Gross of Pleasant Gap, Jason Smith of New York, Joslyn and Jena Smith of Florida, Trevor, Torrie and Tranell Seibert of North Carolina and Lukas, Kailen and Riley Winkelblech of Centre Hall; two great grandchildren, Jayalie Smith of Florida and Evelyn Seibert of Massachusetts; one brother, Donald Ripka and his wife Vernie of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following his wishes there will be no public visitation. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, with the Reverend Rick Wilson officiating. Burial with military honors will be at the Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, West Church St. Centre Hall.

His request was that no flowers be sent for the services, but rather that contributions may be made to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall; or to PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com

On behalf of our father, we would like to thank Homecare Nursing Agency, all the doctors, nurses, and staff, who helped make our father’s wish of dying at home possible. Also a special thank you to Bellefonte Weis employees, butcher shop managers and employees; and to our family and friends for your support throughout this journey.