5/21/2017
Mary Lou (Lauver) Blank, age 86, of Gap, PA, passed away at home on Sunday, May 21, 2017 to be with her Lord & Savior. She was the loving wife of Dr. Lester Blank with whom she celebrated 63 years of marriage. Mary Lou and Lester served for 12 years as missionaries in Cuba and Mexico, 1959 – 1972. After returning to the States, Mary Lou served as receptionist in her husband's chiropractic office. She was a member of Rossmere Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA where Lester served as associate pastor for 16 years. Mary Lou also taught the younger children in the Sunday School classes for many years. She loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Once when asked about her hobbies, she said, “I love people."
She was the daughter of missionaries, the Rev. William G. & Florence (Byler) Lauver. Mary Lou was born in Argentina where she lived until 15 years of age. She graduated in 1951 from the Moline Public Hospital School of Nursing in Illinois.
Surviving besides her husband are six children: Beverly (Clark) Gray of Lancaster; Carol (Duane) Longenecker of Atlanta, GA; Nelson (Marilyn Kropf) of Gap; Keith (Brenda Burkhart) of Lancaster; Miriam of Gap and Paul (Marla Burkholder) of Lancaster; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her four siblings: Lois Lauver; J. Paul Lauver, survived by wife, Lois (Swihart) Lauver; Glenn Lauver and Elton Lauver.
There will be no viewing; however, the family will visit with friends on Monday, May 29 from 6 to 8 PM at the Mellinger Mennonite Church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at the Kinzer Mennonite Cemetery.
A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, May 30, at 11 AM at the Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602, with pastors Todd Gusler, Marilyn Kurtz and Lester Denlinger officiating. Visitation 9:30 – 11:00 AM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Eastern Mennonite Missions, P.O. Box 458, Salunga, PA 17538 or Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Home Instead and Hospice & Community Care.