Thelma R. Varner

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the memory of Thelma Romaine (Gettle) Varner, who was born at home in Newville, Pennsylvania, on November 8, 1938. Thelma was one of nine beloved children of E. Paul and Anna Margaret (Eckenrode) Gettle. From the beginning, she brought a shy and kind temperament to the family, a bashful Thelma who hid behind her mother’s skirts.

A proud graduate of the Big Spring School District, Class of 1956. Thelma was the first in her family to earn a high school diploma. She studied business and secretarial skills and worked at Halter’s Store after school and on weekends, always diligent and dependable. She also sang joyfully in the school choir and formed friendships that would last a lifetime.

After a tender and loving courtship, Thelma married her soulmate, Glenn Varner, on July 6, 1958. Their love was steady and true — a partnership that spanned more than six remarkable decades. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, family, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another. They began in a small Newville apartment near family and friends, and later made their home in Boiling Springs, where they lovingly raised two daughters who became the center of their world.

Before starting her family, Thelma worked as a switchboard operator at Frog and Switch Manufacturing Company. Once she became a mother, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her home and children. When her girls grew older, Thelma continued her life of service as a paraprofessional for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, a role she cherished until her retirement at age 62.

Faith and fellowship were guiding lights in Thelma’s life. She and Glenn were long-time members of St. John Lutheran Church in Boiling Springs, where Thelma found deep joy in her sewing group and the many church gatherings that became the foundation of lifelong friendships. Together, she and Glenn shared countless weekends swimming, playing volleyball, picnicking, and simply enjoying the company of their church friends — a circle of love that endured for more than 60 years. In recent years, they found a new spiritual home at Carlisle First Church of God, where Thelma continued to grow in her faith through Bible studies and the fellowship of the 4Fs group.

Thelma’s spunk and spirit shone through in everything she did. She delighted in the simple joys of life — tending to her plants, watching birds from her porch, arranging flowers, and baking treats that filled her home with warmth and sweetness. A meticulous homemaker, she created a space that was both tidy and full of love. She and Glenn were true companions — best friends who shared a love of listening to music, dining out, and traveling. Their adventures, especially their Alaskan cruise, gave them treasured memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Above all, Thelma’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into each generation with selfless love, devotion, and pride. Though she is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved Glenn — her husband of 66 years — her love continues to live on through their two daughters, Pam Kammerer (Jared) and Kim Spisak (Steven); seven cherished grandchildren — Carrie Powell (Andrew), Patrick Line (Kristin), Drew Line (Chelsey), Anna Spisak, Joe Spisak (Carissa), Mary Spisak, and Emma Spisak; and six adored great-grandchildren — Jacob and Charlie Line, Allie and Rowan Line, Karlie Powell, and Sev Spisak. Her family was her heart, her joy, and her greatest legacy.

A visitation with Thelma’s family will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, at Carlisle First Church of God, 705 Glendale Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Interment at Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Thelma’s memory to Carlisle First Church of God, honoring the faith and community that gave her so much joy.

Thelma’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, faith, and family — woven together with kindness, laughter, and grace. She will be remembered always, and her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.