Velva Wiley Hildebrand

Velva Wiley Hildebrand, 84, of Peach St., Ellwood City went home to be with her Lord and Savior  on  Sunday, September 1, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. 

Born June 16, 1929 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Hobert H. and Clara Vogler Miller.  She was married to the late  F. Jay  Wiley Sr. and then to the late J.C. “Jack” Hildebrand.

Velva was an extremely  active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City.  She proclaimed her love for the Lord through music, having sang in the choir for over 70 years.  She was the former adult, children’s, and bell choir director.  Velva also taught and was the music director for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She was a member of the Methodist Women having held numerous positions through the years.  She was a member of the church’s quilting club, the soup kitchen and the leader of the prayer chain.  Velva retired from J.C. Penney’s in Ellwood City. 

Survivors include two sons, F. Jay (Florence) Wiley Jr, Jeffrey J. (Debra) Wiley, both of Ellwood City; two daughters, Joan A. Ritzert of Ellwood City, Jeanne  L. (Mark) Snyder of New Castle; sister, Carolyn Sarver of Ellwood City, brothers, Ray (Carolyn) Miller of Kingsport, TN, Tom (Becky) Miller of Clarion; sister in law, Thelma Miller of Ellwood City; 18 grandchildren; and 30 great grandchildren. 

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by daughter, Linda Lou Wiley, son, Gerald R. “Jerry” Wiley, brother Hobert J.C. Miller and a sister, Marion Martin. 

Visiting hours will be held on  Tuesday September 3 from 4:30 until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City. Her pastor, Rev. Jim Cannistraci will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Locust Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.  Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.