Lois Marie Critchfield, 93, of Somerset passed away peacefully April 6, 2013 at Somerset Hospice House. Born Nov. 10, 1919 in Conyngham, to Roy H. and Katherine (Phillips) Yost. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald A. Critchfield; and older brother, Robert Yost. She is survived by a younger brother, William of Conyngham; her three children: Jon Allen, married to Mary (Mulcahy); Roy Eric, married to Kathy (Hunter); and Sarah "Sally" Katherine, married to Randall "Pete" Urban; grandchildren: Jon Stephen Critchfield, Pittsburgh; Allison S. (Urban) married to Ben Walter, Somerset; Angela P. (Urban) married to Michael Drenning, State College; Brian E. Critchfield, married to Selena (Bortz), Shanksville; and Laura S. Critchfield, Harrisburg; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois graduated from West Hazelton High School and attended Susquehanna University where she majored in organ performance. At Susquehanna, she served as the chapel organist and sang in the Motet Choir. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota international music sorority. After college she completed post-graduate studies in organ performance at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. under the supervision of Dr. Charles M. Courboin, noted Belgian organist. During World War II, Lois taught school at Mountain Top near Wilkes Barre. In 1945 she married Donald and moved to Somerset where she taught elementary school and junior high music for many years. Lois was the organist and choir director at many local churches, including her home church, Trinity Lutheran. She taught piano to generations of local children. Lois was active in the Somerset Music Club and Garden Club. She was a member of the Humane Society of Somerset County and the Trinity Chapter #138 of the Order of The Eastern Star. She loved animals and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset, the Rev. Linda McElroy Thomas officiating. Interment at Somerset County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Somerset County, P.O. Box 182, Somerset, PA 15501 or Trinity Lutheran Church, 918 Tayman Ave., Somerset, PA 15501. www.haugerzeigler.com
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