PHOTO PROVIDED Members of the Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard traveled to Balls Mills United Methodist Church on April 18, 2026 to pay tribute to fellow nurse, Mary B. Ginter RN (1933-2025). In addition to being a nurse, Mary was known as an accomplished gardener, quilter and weaver by many friends and family.

BALLS MILLS — The Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard continues to grow in membership, services and community outreach as they honor the lives and careers of nurses throughout Clinton and Lycoming counties.

Formed in January 2024, the volunteer organization began after the family of a local nurse asked whether a Nurses Honor Guard was available in the region. At that time, no such group existed locally, prompting a group of dedicated nurses to organize and consult with national leaders to establish the service.

The mission of the Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard is to provide meaningful tribute services to honor nurses at the end of their life and celebrate their dedication to the profession.

Many current members say they consider it a privilege to recognize fellow nurses whose careers were defined by compassion, service and care.

Building a Tradition

of Respect

Shortly after forming, the organization conducted its first three tributes within a single weekend across both counties. Members spent the early months developing ceremony procedures, selecting uniforms, creating communication systems and establishing relationships with funeral homes and nursing organizations throughout the region.

According to organizers Mary Kay Dremel-Farley, RN and Diana Ohl, RN, MS, CRNP, each ceremony is designed to respectfully acknowledge a nurse’s career and contributions. The tribute includes the reading of The Nightingale Tribute, reflecting on the calling and service of nursing, followed by the ceremonial Final Call to Duty, which symbolizes the nurse’s release from professional responsibilities. During the ceremony, the speaker calls the nurse to duty three times before relieving her and extinguishing the flame of the Nightingale lamp symbolically in honor of the nurse’s service.

At the conclusion of the tribute, a white rose and a printed copy of the poem are presented to the family. Fellow nurses attending the service are invited to stand in recognition of their shared profession.

Services are always provided free of charge and may be incorporated into funeral or memorial services held at funeral homes, places of worship or other locations.

Expanding Services to Meet Community Needs

In addition to traditional funeral tributes, the Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard has expanded its services to include living tributes. These ceremonies honor nurses while they are still living, often held in homes or care facilities, allowing families and colleagues to celebrate their accomplishments firsthand.

The organization serves any active or retired Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice Nurse whose funeral, memorial service or residence is located in Clinton or Lycoming counties.

Arrangements for services are typically made through a funeral director, who coordinates with the Honor Guard and officiant to incorporate the tribute into the service. Families may also contact the organization directly to request services or discuss living tributes.

Continued Growth in 2025

The year 2025 marked continued progress for the organization. Membership increased, and additional tribute services were completed, including a second living tribute in April.

Community involvement also grew during the holiday season. In December, members decorated a Christmas tree at Wayne Township Nature Park in McElhattan to honor nurses they had served.

Each nurse was represented by a personalized ornament bearing their name. The display earned second place in the decorating competition and received heartfelt praise from families and community members.

Currently, the organization includes 33 members representing a wide range of nursing backgrounds, including both active and retired nurses from Clinton and Lycoming counties. Members gather for bimonthly business meetings in addition to participating in tribute services.

Honoring the Lives of Nurses

During 2025, the Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard conducted tribute services honoring the lives and careers of several nurses, including:

— Angela Y. Morgan, LPN (1974-2024)

— Ruby G. Gibson, LPN (1934-2025)

— M. Sylvia Daniels, RN (1927-2025)

— Kitty L. Hofer, RN, MSN (1942-2025)

— Peggy E. Neyhart, RN (1926-2025)

— Marguerite M. Wolfgang, RN (1967-2025)

— Sandra B. Sheesley, RN (1937-2025)

— Marie B. Zurinsky, RN, MS (1939-2025)

— Antonia F. Dutcovich, RN (1944-2025)

— Nancy E. Gay, RN (1940-2025)

— Grace Lore, RN (1935-2025)

— Jo Ann Knoop, LPN, April 12, 2025, living tribute

Leadership and Mission

Moving Forward

The organization is led by a dedicated board of directors that includes: President Mary Kay Dremel-Farley, RN; Vice President Dawn Depasqua, RN; Secretary Jeannine Sheddy, RN; and Treasurer Gayle Kiessling, RN.

Leaders say the organization remains committed to honoring nurses who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. The tribute services not only recognize professional accomplishments but also provide comfort and closure to families.

Organizers note that nurses often spend countless hours caring for others, sometimes at the expense of time with their own families. The Honor Guard provides an opportunity to acknowledge that lifelong service and ensure that the nursing profession is remembered with dignity and respect.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As awareness of the Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard continues to grow, members look forward to expanding their services and welcoming additional volunteers.

Their ongoing goal is to ensure that every nurse in Clinton and Lycoming counties has the opportunity to be honored in a meaningful way.

With continued growth and strong community support, the Clinton Lycoming Nurses Honor Guard is helping preserve the legacy of nursing — one tribute at a time.