6/23/2026
Sally S. Bear, 88, of Lititz, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. She was the widow of John R. (“Dick”) Bear, who passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2011. They had been married almost forty-eight years.
Born in Pottstown, PA, on April 27, 1938, Sally was the daughter of the late Calvin B. and Evelyn Kline Staudt. She graduated from Pottsville High School with the Class of 1956, and from the Moore Institute of Art, Philadelphia (now Moore College of Art & Design) in 1960, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. Her graduate coursework was completed at Kutztown State College (now Kutztown University).
Her teaching career began at Reynolds Junior High School in Lancaster, PA, where she taught 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade art from 1960 to 1964. Following her marriage, she accepted a position in art with the Manheim Township School District, where she taught elementary art at Neff, Brecht, and Schaeffer schools from 1964 to 1972, after which she became a full-time mother and homemaker.
Surviving are her two sons and five grandchildren: John C. Bear (former State Representative), husband of Roberta (“Bobbi” Crownover) Bear, and their son John R. (“Jack”) and daughter Brynn E. Bear. David M. Bear, husband of Andrea (Steffy) Bear, and their three sons, Matthew D., Andrew C., and Daniel J. Bear.
In addition to Sally’s love for her family and pets, her other interests included antiques, art, and architecture. She enjoyed being involved with the restoration of homes. Sally previously served three 5-year terms on the Lititz Historical Advisory Committee. She was also a dedicated member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and numerous historical organizations.
According to her wishes, a private burial will be held at the convenience of the immediate family.
