Harshberger

Sandra J. “Sandy” (Ramey) Harshberger, 82, Altoona, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Wednesday at UPMC Altoona. Sandy was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Jack and Ethel (Guyton) Ramey.

She married the love of her life, the late Donald (Donnie) Harshberger, on Feb. 20, 1965.

Surviving are her sisters: Nancy Stolz of Altoona and Susan Hillegass of Bedford; and “adopted” sister and best friend of more than 53 years, Sherry Miller. Also surviving are her daughter-in-law, Olive Harshberger; granddaughter, Tammy Irion and husband, Fred; and great-granddaughters, Caitlin Schweighardt and husband, Kyle, and Carli DeVito and husband, William, all of Pittsburgh; dear friends, Bessie and Mert; and her dogs, Tugger and Gabby.

Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved Donnie; and Gary Harshberger, who was more son than stepson; and a sister, Jackie Calabrese.

She was a 1960 graduate of Altoona High School and retired from the Altoona Area School District as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. She previously had worked for Nabisco, where she met Donnie.

Sandy was a member of Altoona Alliance Church, where she taught Joy for the Journey Sunday School, she started the library and served funeral dinners for many years. Sandy was “the head peep” along with Nancy, Sherry, Debbie Fisher and Carling Miller.

She enjoyed making greeting cards, playing Farkle and reading — especially her Bible.

Her life was like “It’s a Wonderful Life” because she touched so many lives. She had an unlimited amount of love and hospitality for others. Sandy was full of joy and laughter; she was known as the “Minister of Sunshine” and led many people to the Lord.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at Altoona Alliance Church, 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona.

A visitation will also be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at Altoona Alliance Church, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim McGarvey. Interment will be held at Blair Memorial Park.

Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Sandy’s memory to Altoona Alliance Church, 3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602; or Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602 (centralpahumane.org).

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.