Obituary for Gail Dinwiddie Oyler
Gail Dinwiddie Oyler of Biglerville, PA died Thursday evening, March 29, 2018 at the Cross Keys Village Brethren Home Community, New Oxford, PA. She died peacefully of causes incident to age. Despite her age at nearly 98 years, Gail’s mind remained sharp and alert. She could still recall the names of every grandchild and great-grandchild and most of their birthdays, often sending birthday cards.
Born July 4, 1920 in Ridgway, PA, Gail was one of four children of the late Clyde and Mary (Tobias) Dinwiddie, all now deceased. She was the wife for 65 years of the late Dr. James R. Oyler, who died June 6, 2005.
Gail met Jim at Penn State University and they married in 1940. They moved back to Adams County in 1945 where they made their home and raised their family. They were active in the fruit-growing community of the area, where Jim worked with Knouse Foods and Gail was the business manager for their fruit farms. Gail was active in church and social groups, including St. Francis Xavier Church in Gettysburg, St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Buchanan Valley, the Daughters of the American Revolution which she served as Vice-Regent, and many others.
However, her greatest love was playing bridge with friends in bridge clubs throughout the area, and she was still a formidable player well into her 90s. After she and her bridge partner won a member-guest bridge tournament (consisting of 52 hands) at a local country club, she humbly stated “I had good cards”. She was a life-long learner, a voracious reader, and followed politics intently. She read The Wall Street Journal front-to-back, six days a week. She loved Penn State football, and more recently was a fan of the U.S. Naval Academy’s football team.
Gail is survived by her five children, Patricia G. Oyler of Watertown, MA; James R. Oyler of Salt Lake City, UT; John S. Oyler, of Huntington Valley, PA; Carol A. Snyder, of Harrisburg, PA; George A. Oyler, of Baltimore, MD; 17 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning, April 4, beginning at 9:30 AM at the Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA. Following the viewing, any who desires are cordially invited to proceed to Buchanan Valley for services and a reception. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 1095 Church Rd., Orrtanna, PA with Rev. Dominic M. DiBiccaro Celebrant. Immediately following the Mass interment will be in the church cemetery. The Monahan Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements and online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Adams County Library System, 140 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325, or Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, 1095 Church Rd., Orrtanna, PA 17353.
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Born July 4, 1920 in Ridgway, PA, Gail was one of four children of the late Clyde and Mary (Tobias) Dinwiddie, all now deceased. She was the wife for 65 years of the late Dr. James R. Oyler, who died June 6, 2005.
Gail met Jim at Penn State University and they married in 1940. They moved back to Adams County in 1945 where they made their home and raised their family. They were active in the fruit-growing community of the area, where Jim worked with Knouse Foods and Gail was the business manager for their fruit farms. Gail was active in church and social groups, including St. Francis Xavier Church in Gettysburg, St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Buchanan Valley, the Daughters of the American Revolution which she served as Vice-Regent, and many others.
However, her greatest love was playing bridge with friends in bridge clubs throughout the area, and she was still a formidable player well into her 90s. After she and her bridge partner won a member-guest bridge tournament (consisting of 52 hands) at a local country club, she humbly stated “I had good cards”. She was a life-long learner, a voracious reader, and followed politics intently. She read The Wall Street Journal front-to-back, six days a week. She loved Penn State football, and more recently was a fan of the U.S. Naval Academy’s football team.
Gail is survived by her five children, Patricia G. Oyler of Watertown, MA; James R. Oyler of Salt Lake City, UT; John S. Oyler, of Huntington Valley, PA; Carol A. Snyder, of Harrisburg, PA; George A. Oyler, of Baltimore, MD; 17 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning, April 4, beginning at 9:30 AM at the Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA. Following the viewing, any who desires are cordially invited to proceed to Buchanan Valley for services and a reception. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 1095 Church Rd., Orrtanna, PA with Rev. Dominic M. DiBiccaro Celebrant. Immediately following the Mass interment will be in the church cemetery. The Monahan Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements and online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Adams County Library System, 140 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325, or Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, 1095 Church Rd., Orrtanna, PA 17353.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
4
Apr
9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Monahan Funeral Home
125 Carlisle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Service
Wednesday
4
Apr
11:00 AM
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
1095 Church Rd.
Orrtanna, PA 17353
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Ignatius Cemetery
1095 Church Rd.
Orrtanna, PA 17353
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