Maria Gsell (Longanecker) McCulloh

McCulloh – Maria Longanecker McCulloh, daughter of Samuel and Maria Gsell Longanecker, was born November 28, 1877 near Morrison, Illinois. She passed away August 18, 1960 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Samuel Keefer, Grantham, Pennsylvania. She was married to Rev. William E. McCulloh who preceded her in death, along with a son, Archie S. McCulloh.

In 1909 she and her husband helped establish the Mt. Carmel Orphanage. From rural mission projects in which they labored together there were those who answered the call of God for Christian service, one becoming a missionary to Africa. Quietly and without ostentation she gave expression to a deep and abiding devotion to her Lord and in His name ministered unselfishly to all who had need.

She is survived by three sons: W. Paul McCulloh, York, Pa.; S. Ezra McCulloh, Columbus, Ohio; Rev. Charles W. McCulloh, Marysville, Pa.; seven daughters: Mrs. Guy Van Dyke, Harrisburg, Pa.; Mrs. Samuel R. Keefer with whom she resided; Mrs. Paul W. McBeth, Chambersburg, Pa.; Mrs. Lester S. Keefer, Manheim, Pa.; Mrs. Leroy Yoder, York, Pa.; Mrs. Daniel S. Keefer, Grantham, Pa.; Mrs. R. Bruce Bainbridge, Mt. Wolf, Pa.; 35 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, one brother, Edward Longanecker, Morrison, Ill, and one sister, Mrs. Esther Hanson, Vancouver, Washington.

Funeral services were held at the Myers Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg, Pa. and at the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church. Dr. Asa W. Climenhaga had charge of the services and, at the request of Mother McCulloh, preached a Gospel sermon using Acts 3:19, the text she had selected. Dr. Climenhaga was assisted by the Rev. Arthur Musser and Rev. Allon Dourte.