Marian Sara Kreider Huffman, 86, formerly of Jonestown, died Feb. 21, 2022, at Celebration Villa (formerly Elmcroft), Lebanon, PA. She was born October 13, 1935, at the family home on N. 8th Ave., Lebanon to the late Henry A. and Sara E. (Miller) Kreider. Three brothers completed the family: twins Ray (wife Barbara) of Lebanon, and Roy (deceased), sister-in-law Carol, and Earl (wife Nancy) of Fayetteville.

After living in Womelsdorf, later in Hamlin, Marian graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1953 with close-knit classmates. In June 1956 she married one of them, Robert Huffman, who died in 2009 after 53 years of marriage.

After high school, Marian worked at a shirt factory in Lebanon until becoming a mother and full-time homemaker. She enjoyed sewing; her efforts garnered ribbons at the Lebanon Area Fair and the PA Farm Show in her younger years. She later enjoyed reading, watching TV, making beaded Christmas ornaments, and always visiting with her family and many friends.
Marian had a gift for music and played the piano by ear from a young age. She never took formal music lessons. She played for her own enjoyment as well as blessing others during Sunday School at the Fredericksburg EUB church. Her piano playing continued into her 80’s. She frequently blessed the other residents and staff at Kindred Place, Annville, where she resided for some years before moving to Elmcroft.

Known by some as “The Bible School Lady,” Marian enthusiastically led the singing every summer for literally hundreds of children spanning two generations in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s at Fredericksburg’s community Vacation Bible School. This included her daughter and granddaughters.

She loved the kids and singing, and taught Bible School as well. She directed the cherub choir and sang alto for decades in the adult choir. She was a long-time member of Fredericksburg EUB Church (later UM Church) and its King’s Daughters. She served in numerous church capacities, including the Junior Department Superintendent. Marian also sang in a women’s quartet, “The Happy Four,” with her mother, cousin, and family friend at various churches in the area.

Marian is survived by her daughter Jill Reed and husband Mark of Lebanon; also cherished granddaughters Karen Neufeld (husband Dan) and Kristen Hess (husband Erich); and great-grandchildren Cassidy Reed, and Colin and Calleigh Barlup; nephew-like-a-son Michael Arnold (wife Pat); and several other nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 3-5 p.m., and Monday, March 7, 2022, at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., all at Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home, 5 Camp Meeting Rd., Jonestown, PA 17038. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg.

As a family, we are grateful to those who blessed “Grammy” with loving and compassionate care at Kindred Place, Celebration Villa, and Grane Hospice. We will never forget your kindness.

In keeping with Marian’s desire that children know Jesus and His love, memorial donations will be appreciated by any of the following: Child Evangelism Fellowship of Lebanon County, 637 Chestnut St., Lebanon, PA 17042; True Life Youth Ministries, 740 Willow St., Lebanon, PA 17046; or Align Life Ministries, 131 S. 8th St., Lebanon, PA 17042.