Juanita (Wilhite) Light

Juanita Wilhite Light, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 27, 2017 in Lancaster. She celebrated her 90th birthday in May surrounded by friends and family. Born May 7, 1927 in Derry Twp., she was one of six children in her family. She was a 1944 graduate of Hershey High School and in 1947, married Robert Hetrick Light. Together they were blessed with 68 years of marriage. Until December 2014 they resided in Palmyra when they relocated to Country Meadows in Lancaster.

Juanita and Bob were committed members of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren.

Juanita was a dedicated homemaker, always putting her family first. She enjoyed many interests and hobbies. She participated in a women’s bowling league and enjoyed following Penn State Football and the Philadelphia Flyers. She had a competitive spirit and loved playing games with family and friends. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, ceramics and shared her husband’s passion for boating. Juanita and Bob were blessed with good health and together enjoyed numerous trips, cruises and vacations.

Her husband Bob predeceased her on October 25, 2015 and was also predeceased by her parents John and Nellie Wilhite, her brothers John Wilhite, Jr. and Robert Wilhite, and a sister Winona Kluck.

Words cannot adequately express the family’s gratitude to the staff at Country Meadows, Grane Hospice and Home Instead. They exceeded all expectations in care, compassion, skill, sincerity and true devotion to Juanita. Even in recent years as Juanita faced many health challenges, she remained positive and always cheerful.

She is survived by her two grateful children: Vicki (Light) Pike of Bordentown, NJ, and Robert J. Light and wife Garnet of Palmyra; two grandchildren: Brian J. Pike and wife Marybeth of Robbinsville, NJ, and Amanda (Pike) McCrum of Delran, NJ;; four great grandchildren: Maddie and Jamison Pike, and Christopher and Tyler McCrum; two sisters: Wilma Etchberger and Virginia Naguski both of Hummelstown; a step granddaughter Michele Cessna of NuMine, PA and three step great grand children: Johnathan, Ryan and Addyson Cessna.

A mother’s love is a special gift that will live forever in the hearts of her children.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Palmyra Church of the Brethren, 45 North Chestnut Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 at 11:00 AM. Viewing will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made in Juanita’s honor to the church. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

Arrangements entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Palmyra.

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