Mary L. Kahler, 99, of Oak Leaf Manor North, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was the wife of the late Richard H. "Dick" Kahler, to whom she was married for 55 years before his passing in 2005.
She was born in Centerville, daughter of the late Harry and Mary Wissler Holbein. Mary was a graduate of East Hempfield High School, Class of 1944. She worked in the Stenographic Department for Armstrong Cork Company. She was a charter and oldest member of Hempfield Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She served the church faithfully in many ways over the years, serving on many committees, boards and had a heart for missions. Mary and Dick were lay leaders. She loved Jesus and was a true prayer warrior. They were also part of a couples Bible study that met together for forty years. She did volunteer work at Meal-on-Wheels for forty years.
Mary enjoyed needlework, music, reading, camping, traveling with the RV, including a week each summer with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories. She loved her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were always close to her heart.
She is survived by one son: Thomas R. (Cynthia M.) Kahler. Two daughters: Linda S. (Larry R.) Denlinger and Carol A. (Steven W.) Heisey, all of Lancaster. Six grandchildren: Erin (Greg) Farmer; Jonathan (Jessica) Kahler; Chad (Christina) Denlinger; Derek (Allison) Denlinger; Matthew Heisey and Rachel (Sean) McDermott. One sister: Rosie (Fred) Joost. She was preceded in death by one grandson: Colin Kahler. Two brothers: Herbert and Clyde Holbein and one sister: Evelyn Risser. Mary also had a longtime relationship with her fostered, special need child: Janet Barshinger until she went home with Jesus.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hempfield Church, 3050 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor David Woolverton, officiating. The Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. A private interment will be in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Hempfield Church Mission Fund or Richard and Mary Kahler endowed family scholarship, at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.
