Rodney Lee VanPelt

Rodney Lee VanPelt, 76, of Orangeville, died early Saturday morning, March 21, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family, under the care of Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice. He had been in declining health since September. Born March 1, 1939 in Berwick, he was a son of the late Frederick Lee VanPelt who died August 25, 1980 and Bertha D. (Ebner) VanPelt, who died October 14, 2006. He and his wife, Donna L. (Pentz) Stackhouse VanPelt, celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary on December 27th. He was a 1957 graduate of Bloomsburg High School. He was a long time manager of Milco Industries where he was a plant supervisor. He retired in 2000 with more than 40 years of service. Earlier, he had been employed by the former Dockey Shirt Factory in Benton. Mr. VanPelt had also faithfully served his country in the U. S. Army and later in the Army Reserves. He was a member of the Stillwater Christian Church; the Elk Run Hunting Lodge and was also a member of a local bowling league. He was also a former member of the Benton V. F. W. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He also greatly enjoyed wood carving in his spare time and most of all, spending time with his family. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Donna, are his six children; Lori L. Savage, of Benton; Rodney C. VanPelt and his wife, Diana, of Benton; Tami J. Letteer and her husband, Kris, of Benton; Gena L. Gray and her husband, Jon, of Gilbertsville; Jody L. Karschner and her husband, Robby, of Benton and Tina M. Ignatavich, of Benton. Also surviving are two step children: Kelly Rooker and her husband, Donnie, of Benton; Eric Stackhouse and his fiancée, Missy, of Muncy; 20 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; a sister, Donna Lea Jacoby and her husband, Lloyd "Skip", of Mansfield and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two granddaughters: Leann Savage and Laura Laubach and a son-in-law, David J. Savage. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11 AM at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton (S. R. 487) with Pastors Gary DeSanto and Scott Lyons, officiating. Burial will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery, Orangeville with military honors accorded by a joint veterans group. Viewing, Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM and Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of the Service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Building Fund of Stillwater Christian Church, 42 Wesley Street, Stillwater, PA 17878 or to the American Cancer Society, Columbia County Unit, 1948 East Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

Rodney Lee VanPelt

March 1, 1939 - March 21, 2015