Ferne Smith Hetrick

Ferne Smith Hetrick passed away peacefully at her home in New Cumberland on May 22, 2013. She was born July 1, 1917 in Warrington Township, York County, the eldest of 6 daughters of Luther B. and Bernice (Gerber) Smith. She was a life long resident of Cumberland and York counties.

She was a graduate of Camp Hill High School and Weber College in Florida, the first business college for women. She was a farmer, genealogist, historian, and a "Madame-Do-Gooder" wherever her many talents led her. Her awards and honors are too numerous to mention and include a Citation from the Pa House of Representatives.

She served for 12 years on the Pa. Historical and Museum Commission under three governors. Governor Shapp appointed her Chairman in 1972. She was the first woman to hold that office.
She is survived by her two sons, L. Bruce Hetrick and his wife Priscilla of Camp Hill, Homer S. Hetrick and his wife Janis of New Cumberland; two sisters, Zola Anderson VanMaaneen of Michigan, and Rosemary Kempner of Arizona; four grandchildren, Kristen Abner, Andrew Hetrick, Amanda Egertson, and Gregory Hetrick; seven great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Ferne's loving caregiver, Beverly Pincin, and her wonderful support team.

There will be no visitation. Burial in Emanuel Cemetery, Fairview Twp., will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church her great grandfather Morris Smith helped build in 1883: Mt. Airy United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 13, Rossville, Pa. 17358.
For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.Parthemore.com.