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Louise Elaine May

Louise Elaine May, 94, of Pleasant Gap, Pa, passed away peacefully Friday evening at The Oaks Manor, Pleasant Gap, Pa.

Louise was born at home in Reedsville, Pa on Oct. 29, 1927 to Clarence R. (Red) Nale and Anna E. Bodtorf. She was the eldest of five children. Louise graduated from Reedsville High School. Following high school, she traveled by train to attend nursing school at the Polyclinic Hospital, Harrisburg, Pa. Louise worked at a physician’s office in Milroy, Pa. and then at a hospital in Norfolk, VA.

Louise met her husband Earl May when he brought an injured person from a motor vehicle accident into her workplace. Louise was engaged at the Green Gables Restaurant in Lewistown, Pa. Earl and Louise married on Oct. 28, 1948.

Louise lived in Norfolk, VA from 1948 to 1950 while her husband served in the US Navy. Thereafter, they settled in Peru, Pa where they raised turkeys for sale to purchase their first car. Louise enjoyed residing in the home built by her husband for over 50 years before moving to a cottage at The Oaks campus, Pleasant Gap, Pa.

Louise assisted in managing the Pleasant Gap Hardware & Appliance Store for over 26 years. She also hosted numerous community activities held at the family’s “Camp Earl,” on Old Greens Valley Road, in the Nittany Mountains. During the holiday season, Louise would walk up to Big Rock, collecting trailing pine along the way to make Christmas wreaths.

Louise was devoted to community service. She is a Past Worthy Matron (1979) Order of the Eastern Star Lewistown Chapter #283. She is a past President of the Pleasant Gap Women’s Club. Louise was a member of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Pleasant Gap and participated in the Quilting Group. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, she counseled patients through the ACS “Reach to Recovery” program. Louise and Earl sponsored Fresh Air Fund children from NYC for many summers.

For fun, Louise enjoyed strolling the farm fields behind her home and walking the railroad tracks to the Pleasant Gap Fish Hatchery. Louise was an active member of Logan Grange #109 and completed the 7th Degree, which is the highest National level. She was both a “tenter” and camper at the Grange Fair, Centre Hall. Louise was an avid golfer; she had a gentle swing and was an excellent putter. She particularly enjoyed playing in the Tuesday Morning Ladies League at Nittany Country Club. She was a big PSU football fan and watched many games in the stands or at home. Louise was also a “snowbird;” traveling to her winter home in Deerfield Beach, FL. In their retirement years, Louise and Earl took trips and cruises to various locations throughout the world.

Louise is survived by her son, Dennis (Dan) May (Bellefonte), her daughters, Darlene Marley (Centre Hall) and Debra Price-Bench (State College); her brother Clarence Nale and sisters, Mary Hawk, Hazel Madden and Frances Krick. Louise has 7 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Edward May, daughters, Sharlene A. May and Cynthia Diane May; and her brother Charles L. Nale.

No Memorial Service is planned at this time due to COVID.

Burial place is the Centre County Memorial Park College Township, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Oaks, Pastoral Care Department, 200 Rachel Drive, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823; or the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 160 North Main Street, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.