H. Elizabeth “Betty” Shook, 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus, Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA. Known as Betty, she born September 15, 1935, in Harrisburg, PA, the daughter of Earl B. and Hazel M. (Myers) Zimmerman.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, William “Bill” Shook and by the following children: William (Lori) Shook and Michael (Lauren) Hengst both of Harrisburg, Gary (Tory) Shook, Kildeer, IL, Jeffrey Hengst of Seattle, WA, Gordon (Mindy) Hengst, Ph.D. of Cibolo, TX and Michele (Kevin) Spencer of Hummelstown; 19 grandchildren: Terra (Chris) Ward, Christine (Conrad) Newton, Katherine Shook, Carly (Andrew) Robinson, Lois Hengst, Becky (Nicholas) Hess, Lisa (Ben) Wilkins, Jason (Nicole) Shook, Adam (Shaina) Shook, Sam Hengst, Lulu Hengst, Marcos Gutierrez, Javier Gutierrez, Julia Gutierrez, Troy Spencer, Madison Spencer, Brent Spencer, Clay Spencer and Jenna Spencer; 8 great-grandchildren, Hadley Ward, Harper Ward, Conrad Newton V, Florence Newton, Natalie Hess, Cole Hess, Brooke Wilkins and Parker Wilkins; and two god daughters, Christie and Karin Senft. Betty is also survived by 2 brothers, Dr. Earl A. Zimmerman of Albany, NY and Dr. Andrew W. (Susan) Zimmerman of Hopedale, MA and a sister, Rev. Dr. Sara E. Zimmerman of Tampa, FL and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was a graduate of Lower Paxton High School, class of 1953 and Shippensburg State Teachers College, where she obtained her B.S. in Education in 1957. After graduation she taught for a short time at Linglestown Elementary School in the Central Dauphin School District. After moving to Rossmoyne Manor, Lower Allen Twp in the early 1960’s, she taught dancing to many young people in the basement of her home. After her marriage to Bill, they built a new unique home that they designed and built in the woods located in Lower Paxton Twp. There they built a new life together that lasted 47 years as of this past November 24th.
Since an early age Betty was a very talented seamstress and designer. She made many of the clothes for her children when they were small and continued using that talent when she became the proprietor of “Patch’s n Posies” a gift shop that she started in her home in 1977 where she and local artisans sold their creations. Later Betty was a self-employed artistic and craft designer specializing in weddings.
A former member of the Greater Harrisburg Chorus – Sweet Adelines, she not only enjoyed using her vocal talents singing with the Chorus, but years ago helped in designing and creating the gowns that were used by the members.
Betty was also a long time faithful and active member of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Harrisburg where for many years she was a member of the church choir. For the past decade she used her sewing and artistic talents as the founder and driving force for the “Extravaganza” at St. Mark’s, where she brought many individuals together from many faith traditions to create handmade items.
Many family and friends will remember Betty for the many wonderful Christmas Eve open houses that she and Bill had over the years. It was a time to decorate and open up their home at that festive time of the year. Many months were spent in planning and making hand made decorations and ornaments by the many grandchildren and friends. Family and extended family was so very important to Betty. She loved and enjoyed the annual family trips to the beach and as the matriarch of the family she insisted that one rule be followed - that everyone was to have a safe and wonderful time. She will be deeply missed by her many family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Betty will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019 in St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4200 Londonderry Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17109 with the Reverend James Person officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive guests in the church parlor beginning at 9:00 a.m. The family ask that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
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