Life and Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger

Life & Legacy
of
Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger

Life & Legacy
of
DORIS JEAN
WADEL SOLLENBERGER
PARAGON ROAD
Solana Beach, CA

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To my daughter, RuthE, who insists that this book be written, and who is doing the work.

“
Because the road was steep and long
And through a dark and lonely land
God set upon my lips a song
And put a lantern in my hand.
- Joyce Kilmer
From the title page of the book A Lantern in Her Hand
by Bess Streeter Aldrich which I read as a teenager.

Contents
About This Book
In the Beginning
Timeline
Childhood
Life with John - Marriage and Family
Turning Points
My Life Must Go On
Open Doors for Work and Service
Personal Philosophy
Notes from Friends & Family
Pieces of History
Biography Interview Transcript
1
2
6
9
27
47
57
65
73
85
107
123
Rowe Run near Pinola, Pa.

About This Book
Hopes, Aspirations & Purpose
My Dear Family,
You are my pride and joy! You are my greatest earthly treasure! My hope is that my life story would be a
challenge and an encouragement to you.
My story is not strictly about me because other persons have been involved: my parents, my siblings, my
teachers and those whose lives touched mine in various ways. As I think back over my life, I ask the Lord to help
me interpret the past kindly. I want to remember not to criticize but to understand because it is from the past
we draw the nutrients of who we are today. He who has no story has no God!
This really is His-story: of how God has created my life and has used the happenings to mold me and shape
me into the person I am today. I tend to be one who reaches out to hurting people and attempts to remedy
everything! God and I are still in the molding process. Sometimes I am a willing partner - other times I drag
my feet - pretend not to hear, but He does get my attention eventually.
I think of my life as having been rich and interesting. My biggest surprise was that John came into my life
bringing me so much love, as well as challenge and many possibilities. I was so proud of him and he was so
proud of me in how I interacted with our life, as well as for my nursing achievements.
Growing up, I often felt “put down” in my family and in the community. Out of that, I wanted to encourage
people and help people. Then as a preacher's wife I wanted to not be a preacher’s family that was above the rest,
but I wanted us to be in there helping people in real, tangible ways.
My wish for you, my dear family, is that you be sensitive to the possibilities around you for reaching out to
others with love and understanding. I have enjoyed doing lots of things in my life but I want you to always
know that it’s “Not what these hands have done,” but rather how God can work in a person’s life.
I love you all!
"Grandma" and "Mom"
Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
July 2019

In the Beginning
How Life Started...
Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger:
Born: November 28, 1931
Place: At home in Pinola, Pennsylvania
Parents: Emma Jane Shetter Wadel and Harry Samuel Wadel
Weather: Snowy
Our house in Pinola where I was born

One Snowy Day in Pinola
I imagine the time of my birth to have gone something like this:
The week of Thanksgiving in the small village of Pinola, Pa. was mainly uneventful
other than three inches of snowfall that Friday. The Feed Mill business was scaled back
this time of year. Lola’s Store, which handled the basic grocery needs of the half-dozen
households, did an average business early in the week. Thanksgiving came and went
without much ado but on Saturday of that week, there was a scuffling about in the
Harry Wadel house, the last one on the right going west on Pinola Road.
Early that morning, my father, Harry, had hurried out of the house heading to his
car parked along the road in front of the feed elevator. Off he went in the direction of
Shippensburg. A short time later, he returned with a passenger who was dropped off
directly in front of the house. The passenger, a man with a sizable black bag in hand,
strode purposefully toward the house and disappeared in the front door. This must be
the doctor and perhaps someone was in labor. Yes, indeed, someone was in labor and it
was my mother, Emma. My two older siblings, Ralph and Gladys, had been bundled
over to Grandma’s house next door and now the doctor was on hand so let the baby
make her entrance! By noon, a baby girl was safely delivered and swaddled in Mother’s
arms, Daddy hovering close by. They named her Doris Jean. The baby was me! I had
arrived!
The next day being Sunday, likely Daddy and six-year-old Ralph went to church
while four-year-old Gladys stayed home to “help” with the new baby. Eventually, Aunt
Anna, Mother’s youngest sister arrived to stay a week or two. My grandparents, two
aunts and two uncles living next door likely came over to greet the new family
member. And from there, life picked up and carried on as usual in the little village of
Pinola, Pa.

My Family and Community the Year I Was Born
1931
Wadel extended family: My father’s
parents lived next door with a full house of
mostly grown children. The four oldest (of
nine) were married with homes of their
own elsewhere. The five youngest, ranging
in ages from 14 to 25, were still living there.
As the operator of the Pinola Feed Mill,
Grandpap (John P. Wadel) was a respected
leader in the village.
In my little community in south
central Pennsylvania, the world was
very small. Pinola was comprised of
six houses and a feed mill at the
intersection of Pinola Road and the
railroad tracks.
The Row Mennonite Church was a
little wooden structure about half a
mile north of Pinola that could seat
about 100 people on wooden benches.
Everyone living in Pinola went to
church here.
My dad drove a model T Ford car and
worked for his father at the Pinola Feed
Mill.
Mother made this baby
quilt when expecting her
first baby and used it for
all of us.
Shetter extended family: My
mother was from Chambersburg.
The Shetter family had a farm just
west of town. Her mother had
died two years previously but
Grandpa Shetter was still farming
with the help of his two sons, Eber
and Paul, and the youngest
daughter, Anna.
Lola’s store was on the corner across
from the Pinola Feed Mill. Lola was a
widow with three daughters to
support. She kept a nice little store of
basic grocery supplies including
several kinds of tobacco. On the rare
occasion that we had a few coins, we
would buy some penny candy.

The Nation the Year I Was Born
1931
In the year I was born, 1931, the nation was facing the fact that the economic downturn following the Stock
Market Crash of 1929 was not a temporary recession. President Herbert Hoover was working ceaselessly to
correct the problems without success. He was defeated in 1932 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. While my family was
among the poor of our community, we never experienced the destitution which many faced at that time. My
father was never unemployed and we always had food to eat.
Cost of Living:
Average cost of new house: $6,790.00
Average wages per year: $1,850.00
Cost of a gallon of gas: 10 cents
Average price for a new car: $640.00
Banana: 5 cents a pound
Eggs: 18 cents a dozen
Loaf of bread: 8 cents
Postage stamp: 2 cents
In 1931, General Motors Frigidaire made refrigerators safe for household use but we did not get one. We kept
food cool in an ice box on the back porch. We went to Shippensburg to get a block of ice as needed. Neither
did we have indoor running water nor a flush toilet. We did have a water pump on the back porch. We got
electricity in the house in Pinola when I was six or seven, but when we moved to the farm, we took a step back
(no electicity). We had access to a telephone at the Feed Mill just across the road in Pinola.

Timeline
From the Beginning to the Present
June 7, 1946
Nov. 28,
1931
I was born.
July 29,
1933
David was
born.
Sept 10,
1935
Joseph
was born.
Sept. 30,
1939
Mark was
born.
Oct, 17,
1936
Paul was
born.
Gladys and Willis
were married.
April 1944
Oct. 1949
We moved
Started
to the
dating John.
Grove farm
He became
and Jeannie
an ordained
was born in
minister in
November.
Dec.
Dec. 9, 1951
Married John.
Sept. 2, 1952
Rhoda
Christine
born.
April 18,
1955
My brother
Paul died
in auto
accident.
Aug. 1,
1962
Rachel
Jean born.
Dec. 28,
1959
Ruth Elaine
born.
1964
(Spring)
Got out of
farming
and John
did
construction
work.
1931
1941
1951
1961
May - Sept. 1932
age six mo. my
family went to
Alberta Canada
for the summer.
Sept. 1937
Started
first grade
at the
Rowe one
room
school
house.
April 1939
We moved to
the Stewart
farm.
1946
May 2, 1942
Started
baptized at
working
Rowe
for Dr.
Mennonite
and Mrs.
Church.*
Bikle
* At age 10, I gave my heart to the Lord at a revival meeting at
the Rowe. Richard Danner from Hanover Pa. was the preacher.
1945
Started my
one and only
high school
year in
Shippensburg.
April 5, 1950
Earned Diploma
from Chicago
School of Nursing
and started
working at
Chambersburg
Hospital.
Aug. 29,
1953
Joseph
Lee born.
He lived
five hours.
Dec. 26,
1954 James
Eldon born.
April 12,
1957 Joel
Edward
born.
1963
Three
week stay
at Brook
Lane
Psychiatric
Hospital.
Aug. 1960
Moved from
Warm Spring
Rd. farm to
Brechbill Rd
farm.

Timeline • 7
1999
Wadel
Nov. 3, 1971
Death of
my mother
Emma Jane
Shetter
Wadel.
June 12, 1977
Joel and Sue May 29, 1983
married. Rachel and
Craig
June 29, 1973
married.
Rhoda and
Daryl married.
May ,
1976
Jim and
Debbie
married.
1978
I began
work as
nurse's aid
at Leader
Nursing
Center.
1993
Visited Chet
and Millie
in Zambia.
Geneology Book
was published
with cousin Les
Wadel.
1997
Retired
2008
from
Rhoda and Daryl
nursing.
bought my
house and the
three of us lived
there.
2015
RuthE and
Linden made
an apartment
for me in their
house.
1971
1972
1974
Rhoda
graduated
from
college and
she and
Daryl left
for a 1 year
mission
term in
Guatemala.
John founded
Marblux Co.
(cultured marble
manufacture).
1981
1982
-Graduated
LPN March
-My father
came to live
with us.
-RuthE
graduated
form college
in May and
married
Linden June 5,
1982
Oct. 13, 1989
John died of
Non-
Hodgkin's type
Lymphoma.
1991 2001
2011
2001
Bought the house
next to RuthE and
Linden and
moved to
Waynesboro.
2010
Traveled to
Europe on a
Mennonite
2021
Heritage tour.
“
In every conceivable manner, the
family is a link to our past, bridge to
our future.
2019
RuthE put this
book together
for me.
Alex Haley

“
From generation to generation
may each of us have the
hands and hearts that can
work togehter,
love together,
and pray togehter.
Parents
~HANDS TO WORK HEARTS TO GOD ~
Emma Jane Shetter Harry Samuel Wadel
Wadel 1902 - 1971
1902 - 1982
Siblings
Ralph Ira Wadel Gladys Irene Wadel John Harry Wadel Doris Jean Wadel David Nye Joseph Shetter Paul Jason Mark Nathan
1925 - 2011
Halteman
1928- 1929 Sollenberger
Wadel
Wadel
Wadel
Wadel
1927 - 2013
1931 - 20__ 1933 - 20__ 1935 - 2016 1935 - 1955 1939 - 2007
Our Children
Ralph & Elizabeth Gladys & Willis Doris & John David & Ruth Joe & Orpha Mark & Betty
Jean Elizabeth 1944 Rachel Ann 1948
Alvin Wadel 1949
Esther Mae 1950
Emma Jane 1952
Nelson Wadel 1953
Rhoda Christine 1952
Joseph Lee 1953
James Eldon 1954
Joel Edward 1957
Ruth Elaine 1959
David Marlin 1957
Paul Eugene 1959
Stephen Clair 1962
Judith Eileen 1965
Joy Elizabeth 1970
Leah Faye 1954
Rachel Jean 1962
Sarah Jean 1956
Willis Alderfer 1957
Dale Wadel 1959
Dan Wadel 1960
Edwin Wadel 1961
Lois Marie 1963
Nevin Ray 1970
Linda Sue 1956
LuAnn Kay 1959
Jerry Lee 1961
Jason Nye 1965
Carol Fay 1967
Mark Nathan II 1970
Kimberly Anne 1973
Micheal Lee 1976

Childhood
My Parents, Brothers, Sister & Memories

10 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Epic Family Trip to Duchess, Alberta, Canada
2,300 miles from Pinola to Duchess
When I was just six months old my family packed up and drove 2,300 miles in a Model T Ford to Alberta Canada. Of
course, I was too young to remember anything. Still, it was a prominent element of my childhood. It was the one and only
such adventure for our family. The travelers included my parents, my Aunt Anna, my brother Ralph, my sister Gladys and
me.
My mother’s older sister, Ruth, had married
Canadian, George Brubaker, and they were
farming near the town of Duchess, Alberta. They
had three children at the time. Aunt Ruth was
terribly homesick. Around that same time, my
mother’s father, John Shetter, decided to dole out
to his children the funds that had accumulated
from his own father’s estate (he did this every so
often). My mother and her younger sister Anna
pooled their resources and when Uncle George
offered to give my dad work on the farm for the
summer, it was decided to make this epic journey.
It must have been something for my parents to leave their
home for four months and to make such a long trip! They had
never traveled more than 100 miles from home. The trip took
nine days of travel time to drive from Pinola, Pennsylvania, to
Duchess, Alberta, Canada. In those days, a Model T could go
about 45 mph max (if you were going down hill with the wind
behind you). The roads out west were often nothing more than
dusty tracks with periodic mud holes to navigate. Today with
modern vehicles and highways, it would be a three or four day
trip.

Lookinig out the front
windshield of the Model T.
Mother is shaking out my
diaper for drying.
In her journal, Aunt Anna tells how
they packed for the trip with various
boxes under the seats or stowed on the
running boards on either side. They
somehow rigged up a little bassinet
hung behind the driver’s seat for me,
“the baby,” to sleep in. I always loved
hearing how Mother would wash out
my diapers by hand and hang them to
dry on the “side mirrors” of the Model
T. They used a little Sterno stove to
heat up canned soup for meals and
canned milk for my bottle.
Back row: Daddy, me, Mother, Aunt Ruth, Uncle George
Front row: Ralph, Gladys, Johnny, Betty, Harold
Childhood • 11
These are the earliest photos of me.
Thanks, Aunt Anna!
Anna Belle Shetter
Aunt Anna wrote in her diary each
day on the trip to Alberta and took
many pictures with her box camera.
Her last entry was "Came down the
road a mile and a quarter to G. L.
Brubaker's place. It is now 1 minute till 12.
May 21, 1932." I guess she had other
things on her mind on the return trip
as she had met and become engaged
to Paul Byers. Although she continued
to take pictures of our experiences,
she didn’t write another word about
the trip once we got there.

Childhood
My Life as a Young Girl in Pinola
“I was born in the little village of Pinola into a very loving home, fourth in a family of eight children. I came following a series
of loses in the family. My mother’s mother had died in June of 1929, and then in September of that same year my parents
lost their third child, John Harry (age 14 months), to spinal meningitis. My parents often spoke of their grief over this loss.
Then Mother had a miscarriage following a fall (1930). I was born on November 28, 1931 and filled those aching arms.
My first eight years were fairly relaxed, happy years. My father worked at the feed mill across the street for his father.
Daddy spent many hours at bedtime reading to us - a memory I treasure. He and my mother were church custodians at
Rowe Mennonite Church. I learned to love the church. We children often played church, the boys taking turns being
preacher or chorister.
My Wadel grandparents lived next door. I remember my grandmother Katie’s beautiful alto voice singing of heaven as
she worked. My grandfather, John P., was rather austere and authoritarian; I did my best to stay out of his way.
My childhood was lived in two parts: "The Pinola Years" (up to age 8) and "The Farming Years" (age 8 to 19) on two
different rented farms in the vicinity of Pinola. In a sense, my childhood ended when we went to farming. I was “blessed”
with a personality that seemed to take on responsibility for whatever was happening around me. When you combine an
ever-present concern for Mother’s health (heart condition resulting from a near fatal bout with scarlet fever) with a feeling of
needing to do everything in my power to help Daddy make farming a success, you end up with a heavy load for young
person to carry.
Emma Jane
Shetter Wadel
1902 - 1971
My mother had a good sense of humor and an
infectious laugh. She loved to read so she was
tolerant when I would take a book and escape to
the pump house. She was skilled in fine
needlework. She was so sharp that she could see
a picture of a crocheted item in a magazine and
recreate it without a pattern. She would make
cakes for special occasions, sometimes even
angel food cake where she had to whip egg
whites to a peak by hand. She loved flowers! She
would plant one long row of flowers along the
vegetable garden and our window sills were
crowded with house plants. My mother was
something of a mystery to me. I’m grateful that I
got closer to her by the end of her life.
Harry Samuel
Wadel
1902 - 1982
Dad was a loyal family man. He saw to it that
his mother got to her childhood church's
communion service biannually and he did
the same for Mother. He tried his best to tow
the line and never challenged his father’s
strict notions of how things should be. When
as a teen, I would talk about things that didn’t
make sense to me, Daddy would listen but
never said a word against his father. He
worked for Grandpap at the Feed Mill until
age 37 when he decided that farming would
be good for his family. Daddy always read
aloud from from the Bible each morning. He
was earnest and sincere about living his
everyday life for Christ and the church.

My Sister and Brothers
Childhood • 13
1) Ralph was an independent soul with rakish good looks. He took
adventure wherever it might be found. Once, around age 14, a truck
driver offered to take Ralph along on a run to the mid-west somewhere.
So Ralph said, “Sure thing!” and took off on an adventure. My parents had
no idea what had become of him. After a day or so, Daddy reluctantly and
painfully, went to the police to report his missing son. Eventually, Ralph
returned and life went on as if nothing had happened. Ralph was like that.
He usually did whatsoever he pleased. We younger ones were always
trying to please him. We would lace up his tall leather boots for him and,
once in a great while, he would give us a coin for our trouble. He loved
Mickey’s Auction and would bring home interesting things... a large
branch of bananas which he stored in the cellar, another time, a puppy
(named her Mickey). At age 18, Ralph married Elizabeth Graham and we
welcomed the newlyweds into our home. They moved with us to the
Grove farm in 1944 and Jeannie was born later that year. Ralph moved
his family to Florida for several years where he worked in an orchard.
Ralph was a good mechanic and later bought the Garage in Scotland, Pa.
from Uncle Norman which he operated for many, years. He was known
for his kindheartedness in rescuing people whose vehicles had broken
down on the highway. Ralph died in 2006.
2) Gladys, my only sister, was four years older than
me. One time on the Stewart farm, I must have been
eight or nine, I went for the mail and found a
package for me. Inside was a small rag doll with a
diaper, bonnet and several changes of clothing. I was
so surprised and delighted! I thought it must be
from Aunt Florence who lived in Lancaster.
Eventually, Gladys "fessed up" that she had made it
for me. In general, Gladys and I didn’t have much in
common. She usually ended up doing inside work
and I the outside. She was more prim and proper
and she was very accomplished at needlework. They
say she had made her first quilt by age four. We had
our adversarial moments, for example, I knew
Gladys didn’t like to be kissed so I chased her down
the road to the stop sign till I caught her and kissed
her. Thankfully, we became close as adults. Gladys
married her "Words of Cheer" pen pal, Willis
Halteman from Souderton, Pa., and they had a
family of 13 children. I like to keep in touch with the
children since Willis and Gladys are both gone now.
Gladys died in 2014.
Ralph, Johnny, and Gladys
3) Johnny - I never got to know this brother
because he died at age 14 months before I was
born (from spinal meningitis). My parents talked
about him a good bit and I continued to think of
him as my “little” brother even though I was
actually the younger.
Johnny and Mother, Aunt Ada's
back porch in Letterkenny

14 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
4) Doris - Me! I remember always
feeling a nagging worry about
Mother's health. She would have
“heart spells” and be in bed for
days at a time. I tried to do
everything I could to lighten her
load. One main way I found to
help out was to look after my four
younger brothers and that I did
with relish!
David, Aunt Anna, Doris
5) David was next, less than two years younger
than me. A neighbor thought David was the cutest
baby - cute even when he cried! David loved to
throw something unexpected into regular family
life. One time, he slid into his seat at the supper
table just as our heads were bowing for prayer,
having slicked his eyebrows straight upward with
soap. We who had gotten a glimpse had to keep
our composure for the prayer before letting loose
the laughter. I always felt close to David. We went
to Millwood Bible School as teenagers. David
loved it when he was assigned a “topic” (a short
speech delivered to classmates). He did well, and
in due time, the Lord called him to the ministry at
Blue Rock Mennonite Church in Lancaster. He
married Ruth Blank and they raised a family of
five. David later became bishop and traveled
extensively. He is still going strong in spirit
although he has had to slow down physically. I
treasure his periodic calls to check on me.
David, Joe, Paul, Mark

6) Joe was a beautiful blue-eyed, blond-haired baby.
Aunt Rosetta would make a grand to-do about his
beautiful blue eyes which became embarrassing as
he grew older. Throughout his childhood, Joe was
afflicted with extended illnesses (including multiple
bouts with rheumatic fever). I remember trying to
think up interesting ways to keep him occupied
when he had to stay in bed. At school, I felt
responsible to see that he was treated fairly. Mother
wanted him to be called by his full name “Joseph,” so
I had to see to that at school. He became “Joe” later
on, in spite of anyone’s efforts to the contrary. Joe’s
heart had been weakened, but he did well in
construction and woodworking, which was an outlet
for his creativity and attention to detail (see “Pieces
of History” section). He married Orpha Boll and
they raised their family of five children in Mount
Airy, Maryland. Later, they moved to Canada. Joe
was also called to the ministry and served several
churches in Canada. Joe suffered health problems
again at the end of his life, and died in 2016.
Mark, Paul, Joe
Childhood • 15
7) Paul- Dear Paul, how we missed
him when he was tragicly taken from
us so young (age 18)! Paul had just
committed his life to Christ and was
rejoicing in spiritual freedom! He was
driving late one night having seen his
girlfriend, Ruthie Sollenberger, to her
home, when he fell asleep at the wheel
near State Line, Pa. His dark green
Chevy collided with a tractor trailer
which burst into flames. Both drivers
died on the spot. In the early morning,
my parents got a call from the
Hagerstown police. Ralph went to
identify the body. We were
devastated! We clung to the memories
of the Paul’s recent conversations
about his joy in the Lord.
Mark - Mother was pregnant with Mark when we moved to the Stewart farm in April, 1939. He was born on September 29. We
thought he was so cute and loved caring for him. Mother even departed from her rule about sticking to given names and called
him “Markie.” One summer day when Mark was about 16, he was working out in the middle of the corn field by himself when his
hand got caught in the corn picker. He yelled and waved with his free hand to someone driving by. That driver, thinking Mark was
just being friendly, waved back and kept on going. Help came eventually. After surgery and therapy, he regained limited use of the
hand. Mark signed up to serve with the PAX program which aimed at rebuilding the devastation in Europe after WW2. He worked
in Germany for two years. Daddy was not supportive of Mark’s going abroad, but in the end he was the one who paid the $10 a
month for Mark’s keep. That meant so much to me! All my brothers were good at telling stories, but Mark may have been the best
of all of them. Somehow, he always had the most unusual things happen to him and he would meet up with the most remarkable
people. He shook hands with President Kennedy, and people thought he looked like Richard Nixon. Mark married Betty Runkles
and they settled in Mt Airy, Md. Mark also became a pastor and ministered in many churches in the area. Mark and Betty had three
children. Mark died of cancer on August 28, 2007.

16 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My Favorite Things as a Kid...
Ice cream on Friday nights
Sunday evenings
Climbing the tree
School and books
with Uncle Paul, Aunt
singing from the
outside the kitchen
Dorothy and cousins
hymnal
door.
Playhouse Above the Hog Pen
This picture is of my older brother, Ralph on his motorcycle.
In the background is the hog pen where we had a playhouse on
the second floor. You went in the door and off to the left was a
narrow set of steps (full of cobwebs) that went to the second
floor under the eves of the roof.
We had the old camping stove (the one that we used on our
trip to Canada when I was 6 mo old) to do our pretend cooking
on. We had boxes and crates for furniture. Mother saved
broken and chipped dishes and cups for us to use. We
scavenged worn out cloths to cover up our “table.” We
collected milkweed pods for pretend food and we used to go
over to the big long trough that the cows drank out of to get
water.
It got hot up there but there were windows at each end
which we opened for air circulation. We didn’t let the heat
or the pig smell stop us, although we didn’t go up there in
the height of summer. Gladys, my older sister, played with
us some but I played mostly with my next two younger
brothers, David and Joe. I felt territorial about this space and
I didn’t want my brothers playing there if I wasn’t there.

My Favorite Family Memories...
Childhood • 17
The Shiny Red Handbag
Oh, No! My shiny red handbag was tumbling toward the water of the Susquehanna River. Will its descent be intercepted
before it’s too late?
My grandfather Shetter was a traveler at heart. He wasn’t able financially to sponsor long distance trips but I remember
a weekend trip when I was eight years old. Grandpa took three cousins, Norma, Lois and me, to Lancaster, Pa.
We boarded the Greyhound bus in Chambersburg heading for the Harrisburg train station. Grandpa had packed lunch
for us. Since we had an interval of time until our train was scheduled to leave, It got we hot ate up our there lunch but on there bank were of windows the at each end
Susquehanna River, where afterward, we ambled along enjoying the antics which of the we ducks opened on the for water. air circulation. Imagine my We didn’t let the
consternation when the chain handle strap of my little red patent leather heat handbag or the slipped pig smell out of stop my us hand although and fell we to the didn’t go up
concrete steps that led down into the river. I watched with increasing alarm there as my in the precious height handbag of summer. tumbled, Gladys, as if in my slow older sister,
motion downward, hitting step after step.
played with us some but I played mostly with my next
Was it a guardian angel that reached out and caused it to stop on the last two step younger before splashing brothers, into David the and water? Joe. How I didn’t relieved want the
I was! I gratefully retrieved my treasured handbag and held it close to my my bosom! brothers playing there if I wasn’t there.

18 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Something Licked my foot!
One year in early spring before the hay mow was filled,
we were trying to gather up enough hay to make a pile to
jump into. Suddenly, my foot went down through a
hidden gap between two floor boards. Before I had a
chance to figure out how to get out of this tight spot (my
leg had gotten a nice brush burn on the way down), I
suddenly felt something licking my dangling, bare foot!
With a yelp of fright I yanked that leg out, adding more
scrapes.
After tears of shock and pain, I began to wonder what
manner of beast had licked my foot. So we ran out the
barn door and down around to the stalls where we found
a big ol’ bull. Then we howled with laughter!
Later in the season, the barn floor would be nothing but
a huge mound of hay and we would jump from the hay
loft into the springy pile squealing with delight. It was so
much fun!
Cows and Cats
While milking cows we would squirt milk
into a cat’s mouth. Recently at a funeral,
Donny Graham, brother of my sister-inlaw
Elizabeth, came up to me and said,
“Do you know what you taught me?” I
couldn’t think of anything particular. He
continued, “You taught me to milk a cow.
And you would always scoot milk into the
cats’ mouths!”
Airborne Delicacy
On the Stewart farm, we had a registered Holstein cow named Inka. One windy day, Inka was cropping
grass on the lawn between the house and barn. Gladys and I were there watching that she didn’t stray
away. All at once, a gust of wind swooped Gladys’s covering off her head. It sailed in the air and drifted
down toward Inka who was grazing. Inka lifted her head just in time to open her mouth and shloop this
floating delicacy into her mouth. We watched in amazement as she swallowed it down wholesale - the
white strings were the last to disappear. Gladys shrieked because the ribbons had been attached with
straight pins. Inka survived with no residual effects.

Childhood • 19
Thrown from a Horse
One summer day just before noon, Mother sent Gladys and me out to the back field to call the
men for dinner. We were so pleased when Daddy put each of us on the back of a horse for the
trip back to the house. Gladys was on our white horse, Rex (which died on New Years Day one
year), and I was on Barney, our brown horse. Daddy handed me the empty water bucket (an old
metal King Syrup can) with its tin cup in the bottom. I innocently held this bucket back of the
horse’s ear as I also held on for dear life to the knobs of the horse hames (collar). As we plodded
along, the tin cup made a rattling sound. This eventually got to be too much for poor Barney
and Rex. Without warning, the two horses took off, throwing Gladys and me into the bushes of
the fence row. Gladys suffered a sprained wrist and I was unconscious. Someone picked me up and carried me
back to the house. When I failed to revive, they decided to take me to town to see Dr. McBride. A buddy of
Ralph’s, Lester Martin, was there at the time and I was laid on the back seat with my head resting in Lester’s lap.
Although I had been unconscious all this time, at some point during the short trip to town, I opened my eyes for a
few seconds and beheld the face of an angel (Lester). Comforted by this sight, I slipped back into oblivion. I
wonder what the Doctor said. At any rate, he couldn't do anything for me and sent us back home to see what would
happen. Imagine that! I eventually regained consciousness late that night. Later, one of my brothers, he was kind
of a bratty guy, and he told me that that's why I was so hard to live with, because that horse threw me out there and
hurt (affected) my head.
Uncle George’s Memorable Nose
Ralph, Gladys and I got in an argument. They, my two older siblings, were trying
to say that I had been too young to remember the summer our family went to
Albert, Canada. I insisted that I did remember. No, they said, you were too little.
Yes, I repeated, I did remember because I remembered that Uncle George had a
big nose! At that, Ralph and Gladys roared with laughter! The truth was that I had
been a mere six months of age on that trip. While it was true, Uncle George did
have a prominent nose, I must have seen the pictures and heard poor Uncle
George’s nose mentioned so often that I thought I remembered it myself! In the
photo Uncle George is joking that his nose is as big as the cucumber. Aunt Anna
snapped this photo.

Rowe School 1937 - 38
My First Grade Year
Teacher, Miss Bedford. Betty Martin is beside Miss Bedford. Ralph is in the back row, 3rd from right.
Gladys is in the middle row, 3rd from left. Can you spot little me? (Middle row, last on right)

I started school
when I was five
(six in Nov). I
loved school!
I loved spelling and did well in
school spelling bees. I knew
some of the girls didn't like it
that I usually won, so I would
misspell a word here and there
on purpose. At Clearfield School,
I received a scrapbook from Miss
Mellinger for the spelling prize.
(1941, grade 4) One year I
memorized 300 verses for the
"Bible Lady." I got special
recognition but made sure to
keep the pride I felt to myself.
School Days
My first school was the Rowe
one room schoolhouse. It had
two nice outhouses on either
side. We had a playground to
play ball. In front of the
school was a porch with a
pump at one end with a
trough. It was less than half a
mile from our home in Pinola
village. We each had a slate
and chalk to do our work on. I
liked that. I went to the Rowe
School for my first 3 years.
We would put our pint
jars of milk (with
vanilla and sugar) in the
snow drifts on our way
to school. It would be
icy till lunch time.
Miss Bedford was my teacher at the
Rowe School. I don't have great
memories her. She would leave us to
our own devices at lunchtime and go
out on the front porch to talk with
her boyfriend. One time, Betty
Martin was feeling exuberant and
with a "Woopie!" launched her piece
of pumpkin pie toward the ceiling
and there it stuck. We laughed and
laughed!
Mrs. Singiser
Second Grade
Starting in grade four, we walked a mile and
four-tenths from our farm to Clearfield School.
Our teacher was Miss Mellinger who later
became Mrs. Singiser. Mrs. Singiser had a great
impact on me. She treated me with dignity and
worth in a way that was new to me. I flourished
under her care. One Christmas, when Joe was
sick, she sent me home with of large fruit box
for my family. Daddy thought highly of her
and bought her a set of mixing bowls as a
wedding present. I was the only student in my
eighth grade class. I loved the one-on-one
instruction from Mrs. Singiser. She would have
me help out with younger students.
Fifth Grade

22 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Impact of World War II
How did World War II affect my life?
I was born Nov. 28, 1931, in the small village of Pinola, Pa. In 1939, we moved onto a farm just beyond the Rowe
Mennonite Church. It was there that I remember of over-hearing conversations of adults in my family talk about
the threats of war! Often after supper, I would lay on the bench back of the table and listen to my father and
brother Ralph discussing the news. As nonresistant/pacifist Christians, it was of grave concern to see the turn that
world events seemed to be taking. We did not have a radio or T.V. so our source of information was the local
Newspaper. It was a scary time for everyone.
At school we sang a lot of patriotic songs about "The Army and The Navy and the United States Marines." My
Parents strongly encouraged us to not participate in the salute of the flag. They explained our allegiance should be
first to God, not our country! I remember feeling sad and ostracized from my classmates!
I clearly remember an experience when I was nine or ten years of age. There were hired painters painting the
farm buildings on our farm. Our car was parked under our huge maple tree by the house. The car had a spare tire
on the back which became exposed to the hot sun as the day progressed. The heat became intense, causing the
poor quality of rubber to give way, resulting in a horrendously loud blow-out, popping noise! We all scattered and
ran to hide! And one of the painters yelled, “The Germans are coming!” He was joking, of course, but we children
were terrified!
In school, we practiced what to do if there were bomb scares. We were asked to not have lights burning after
dark as as black-out measures! We had Gas-Sugar-Rubber Rationing Books, which limited the amounts of those
items we could buy. I still have my Ration Book somewhere in my things.
Dec. 18, 1941, the Secretary of War issued an order to purchase land for an ammunition depot in South Central
Pennsylvania. A piece of beautiful farm land in Letterkenny township, Franklin County was selected for this
purpose. Once the purchase was finalized, residents of this area were given two weeks to evacuate. This brought
hardship and heartache to our families and churches! Many of these families were our relatives. The Strasburg
Church was closed and repurposed for military uses. I remember the deep sadness that permeated our final visits
with our relatives as they struggled to relocate in a short time! John's widowed grandmother, Katie Lehman
Burkholder, came to live with his family as a result of this order.
I remember of wrestling with issues as the war continued. "What is a loving Christian response in a time like
this?" "What would I do if Communism took over our Country? Would I be targeted because of my plain dress?" I
was filled with fear!
Written for grand nephew Eric Sollenberger when he requested information for a school assignment. 02/26/10

Childhood • 23
My Father was a compassionate man! He approved of my making a "Care" package to send to a German Refugee
program. The package included school items and a homemade dress. It helped comfort me to be doing
something positive! Later, they sent us a picture of the little girl wearing the dress I had made for her. My brother
Mark chose to enter the "PAX" ( Latin word for Peace) program operated by MCC (Mennonite Central
Committee). He had many friends who served in the military far away from home so he felt the least he could do
would be to volunteer for the cause of Peace! He served in Germany, Austria and Greece helping to rebuild
homes, schools and helped in various ways! I treasure his letters he wrote me those two years.
I remember the World War II episodes written about in the Encyclopedia. What a time of unrest and turmoil!
So many lives lost - so much pain and grief. All a result of greed and selfishness. As I look back I recognize that
slowly the intense fear I knew back then began to lessen as I came to grips with the truth that we have not been
promised an easy life, but God has promised to be with us. And that makes all the difference!
Care Package
Ration Books
War Ration Books were started in 1942 to conserve gas,
cheese, canned goods, sugar, etc. In 1945, rationing was
lifted on everything except sugar, which continued till 1947.
Ration books were such a pain! Daddy would often forget
to take them when he went for groceries.

24 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
One Year of High School
I started school when I was just five, so when I graduated from
eighth grade, I was not yet to the age where I could legally quit
school. I started my ninth grade year at Shippensburg Jr. High
School and thankfully, my parents didn't apply for my work
permit until the end of the school year. When my work permit
arrived in the mail one balmy spring day, I did my best to be as
happy as expected, but that night I wet my pillow with my tears.
Mr. Wentz was my teacher for General Science.
He took an interest in me, I guess because I did
well in his class. When he became aware that I
would be leaving school at the end of the year, he
came to me and wondered why and encouraged
me to stay. He was an older man and a really good
teacher. I just drank in everything he taught.
I had two girlfriends, Shirley Heberlig and Elizabeth Alleman.
We had our classes together. They were my first real friends -
pals. At lunch time, it wasn't far to the ice cream store so we
would get ice cream sometimes. We talked about our families,
school work, etc. I really missed them when I had to quit school.
In Home Ec. I made a little
dress for Jeannie as a project. I
didn't really learn much new
but I loved sewing. Classmates
would come and ask me for
help, not the teacher.
It should be noted that while I
got A's in Science and mostly
B's in my other classes, in
English I got mostly D's and
barely made a C- as a final
grade! I don't know what the
world that was about.
Later on at age 48, I took and
passed the GED test and was
given a high school diploma
from Shippensburg Area School
District. At age 50, I got my LPN
license.

Work after High School
Childhood • 25
After leaving high school, I
worked in homes for families
when a new baby arrived or when
someone was sick. Ellie Baer and
her mother, Lydia Martin (Aunt
Lydie) who lived next to the Feed
Mill in Pinola, had a baked goods
stand at market in Chambersburg.
I worked for Ellie on Thursdays
baking all day. That's where I
learned to make pies, from Ellie's
daughter-in-law Eunice. Then we
went to market early Friday
morning and Saturday too. Ellie's
mother, Lydia Martin, "Aunt
Lydie" and Eunice worked, also.
The Bikle's - When Joe had rheumatic fever, Dr. Bikle (pronounced Bick-lee)
came out to the house to treat him. When Gladys finished with eighth grade
she went to work for the Bikle's in their home. I took Gladys's place when she
got married in 1947. I would stay at their house in town (Shippensburg) all
week long doing housework and child care (they had three children) and then
Dr. Bikle would drive me home on Friday evening. They treated me like
family (the youngest child, Chrissy, told me years later of the disappointment
she felt when she realized I was not her biological sister). I learned so much
from the Bikle's! I learned self worth, etiquette, how to be professional. Being
so close to the medical field was exciting for me. I kept reading any medical
book I could get a hold of. When they realized how interested I was in nursing,
the Bikle's offered to send me to nursing school. That didn't work out but I was
able to take a one year correspondence course during that time. I worked for
them almost three years, up until I got a job as a nurse's aid at the
Chambersburg Hospital. I kept in touch with them over the years. Esther Bert,
a single Brethren In Christ woman, also worked for the Bikle's around the
same time as I did. She took me under her wing and made a real positive
impact on me.
Tower 120 Box Camera
I bought a camera somewhere along the way. I
must have gotten it while I was still in ninth
grade because I have a small album with
pictures of classmates and teachers. I probably
ordered it from the Sears catalog. Ralph had a
camera but no one else in my family had one.
If I wanted to have pictures then I had to have
my own camera. You would get 12 pictures to a
roll of film. I wonder what happened to my old
box camera. All we have is the owner's manual.

26 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Trip to CPS Camp
I went along with Ralph and Elizabeth to
visit Glenn Martin (Rowe Church
member) stationed at the CPS camp in
Powellsville, Md. (the only CPS Camp
near the Atlantic Ocean). Glenn's wife Lois
Horst Martin and sister Miriam went
along, too. Ralph drove us down. This
was my first time to see the ocean! Glenn
seemed happy there at the camp doing
soil conservation work, building fences.
(This is the best we could piece together
from some conflicting stories.)
Trip to Florida with Mrs. Graham
April, 1948 - Elizabeth's mother wanted to
make a surprise visit to Ralph and
Elizabeth in Florida but didn't want to
travel alone. She asked my parents and me
if I would go with her. After careful
deliberation, I said I would if my parents
thought it best. Two days later, we were on
the bus headed south. We made plans
through Daddy's cousin Charles Nye who
lived near Ralph and Elizabeth. We
changed buses in Hagerstown, Md. and got
the train in D.C. What a big, new
adventure! After 27 hours of travel, we
finally reached our destination! Ralph and
Elizabeth were so surprised!

Life with John
Marriage and Family

28 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Enter John
John entered my life in October of 1949 (I was 17 years old). Back then, a boy would just show up at a girl’s house
early Sunday evening and ask her to go to church with him. Here are segments of a poem I wrote to John after we
had been dating for about eight months. It starts out how my younger brothers and I had decided to go to church
that Sunday evening, October 2, 1949, to a service at Diller’s church to hear the last of a series of meetings by Elias
Kulp. Then something unexpected happened:
What is it I hear at our front gate?
Daddy is going out the walk at his usual gait.
But sure enough there is a car.
Who is it? I surely should be able to see that far.
“Mother look and see who’s out there,” I cry.
I lay down my knife with a big sigh,
As I hear you say, “Is Doris in there?”
I stop to look in the mirror as I pass by
No glasses! Hair stribbly! Oh! My!
I hurry on to the living room door
“Good Evening, Won’t you step inside?” I implored.
“Have you anything planned for the evening?” you asked.
“Nothing special,” I gasp.
“Would you like to go to Newville?” you questioned me.
“Sure! That would be fine as can be!”
The evening was a success in spite of both of us being a bit tongue-tied, and the terrible skunk smell that
somehow attached itself to our car along the way. I was immediately attracted to John and felt honored because
he was an up and coming young man in the church. John was from the Peasant View Congregation where my
mother grew up and she knew his family well. Our home churches were in the same district so we had common
ground. What joy we experienced kneeling to pray together at the end of each date.
As our relationship took shape, I struggled with a nagging worry: how would John take my call to a nursing
career? Few people understood the strong call I felt. I knew I had to choose nursing over him if it came to that.

So it continued week after week.
I learned to know you so manly but meek.
It was December 12th to Walter Jr.’s reception we went
Most of our evening with them was spent.
But a little time we had together
How well I do remember.
How we spoke of my nursing career.
Some people thought it quite queer.
I was in your arms if I remember right.
I thought I’m going to tell you tonight.
So with mixed feeling I unfolded to you
My call and how relieved I was when I knew that you knew.
Now it was time for you to go
I realized I loved you so.
I was so happy I could hardly sleep.
It was for joy that I did weep.
Life with John • 29
In December of that same year, John found himself one of eight men in the “lot” for minister at Pleasant View
Church. The senior pastor there had called for assistance. Ministers were chosen from within the congregation.
Bishops gave “qualifications” sermons and the mind of God was sought through prayer. On a given Sunday,
members could submit names of their preference. Eight names were given and John’s was one of them. The
following Thursday afternoon the Pleasant View church building was packed out. The Sermon was given. Then
eight Bibles were set up on the edge of the pulpit. They all looked alike. The only difference was one had a slip
of paper in it with Prov. 16:33 written out: “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the
Lord.”
Each one stepped up and took a book
Then Crist (Martin) began to look
I couldn’t see but it was getting pretty long,
When I looked up and Eunice said “Doris, it’s John.”
The sun was shining on your golden head
The beauty of it drove away all fear and dread.
Words will never be able to express
The comfort and sweet peace it brought I must confess.
The calm manner in which you arose that day
Your head bowed as on your shoulders Crist lay
The duties and responsibilities of a minister and Shepherd of souls
The thought of it often from my heart rolls
Many cares and perplexing problems.

30 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
I waited for you after services, because I couldn’t leave
Until to you I had expressed my thoughts and thus my mind relieve
You held my hand and as I looked up to you and smiled through tears
Your reply, “It seems to be the Lord’s will.”
Has helped me over many a hill.
That was December 15, 1949, after we had been dating less than three months. Now, at 19 ½ years of age, John
was a minister of Pleasant View Mennonite Church. He feared I would dump him because of that, but I assured
him that I respected God’s will in this matter. He had a tenth grade education, and he set about this thing of
becoming a preacher as best he knew how. He attended ministers’ weeks at Eastern Mennonite School; he
studied and preached, studied and preached and learned slowly but surely. Having been taught that one of the
ways God calls is through the church, he responded to this call with sincerity.
Dedicated to Christ and to each other, John and I had some serious talks as we sought God’s will for our lives.
Our dedication to the cause of Christ grew as well as our love for each other. I was touched recently as I
happened upon a diary that John kept during those years. The entries were brief but I treasure his expressions
of love and devotion to God, to the church and to his “sweet little Doris.”
Getting ready for our marriage included buying new “plain” suits (O my, yes!) for John and his brother, Ira.
John’s was a medium blue, bought at Hager’s in Lancaster, a store that sold ready-made “plain” suits. I found a
medium blue fabric I liked for my wedding dress. I made the “cape” in the more conservative style with a little
point in back. As a minister’s wife, I felt I needed to respect the real plain people. My cousin, Almeda made a
pink dress to wear as my attendant.
We were married December 9, 1951. A well-wisher told us in the receiving line: “The best is yet to be!” And we
marveled together about that statement. How could anything be deeper than what we felt that day? We were to
learn much in the days that lay ahead.
(Above section edited from DJS "Sharing My Life’s Story")
A Church Wedding
At the time, couples would simply go to the home of the bishop to get married and then go to the bride’s home
for a special family meal. But we wanted a church wedding. We felt that as John was now a minister of the
church, our wedding rightly belonged in a church service. This had never been done before. John talked this
over with Amos Martin our bishop and, “Amos said it would be okay.” (DJS diary)
On Sunday, December 9, 1951, we met with the ministry in the men’s anteroom during the Sunday School
hour. At the transition between Sunday school and church, we filed in and sat down on the front row - John
with

Life with John • 31
Ira beside him on the men’s side, and I had Almeda beside me on the women’s side. First, came the sermon. It
was somewhat about marriage but not entirely. After the sermon, the Bishop Amos Martin had us stand up side
by side with our attendants for the marriage ceremony. Following our “I do’s,” we went back to our seats for the
rest of the service. We had Nelson Baer, the chorister, lead “Tread Softly” as one of the congregational hymns.
After the benediction was pronounced, John and I walked back the aisle and greeted everyone as they left the
church. I remember greeting my nursing coworkers from the hospital. I was so tickled that they came.
At my home, we had extra tables set up so that everyone could be seated. Aunt Amelia served us. John and I sat
at a table in the living room with our parents. Gladys made us a very fancy wedding cake. She and Willis with
four children were there; also, Ralph and Elizabeth with Jeannie; and my four younger brothers. John’s parents
and brothers were all there. After the meal, we said goodbye and headed for Harrisonburg, Va. We were so
excited!

Our Wedding Trip
We took the Skyline Drive
through Virginia and kept
on going to the tip of
Florida. We visited friends
and relatives of my Dad,
like Charles and Myrtle
Nye. We were gone three
weeks.
Pure Village, Harrisonburg, Va.

John and Doris
Life with John • 33
John B. Sollenberger
1930 - 1989
Children
Doris Jean Wadel
Sollenberger
1931
Rhoda Christine
Sollenberger Lehman
1952
Husband: Daryl
Joseph Lee
Sollenberger
1953
James Eldon
Sollenberger
1954
Wife: Debbie
Joel Edward
Sollenberger
1957
Wife: Sue
Ruth Elaine
Sollenberger
Showalter
1959
Husband: Linden
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren
Rachel Jean
Sollenberger Pool
1963
Husband: Craig
Martie:
Burchelle (Britney):
Giana, Raina
Shaquille,
Shaliqua (Tyler):
Marcel, Athena
Daryl II (Angie) :
Braxton,
Tate,
Riley
Delton (Charity):
Ezra, Asher,
Colson, Aviel,
Ezekiel, Marshall
Torin
Justin (Jennifer) :
Hannah
Abigail
Isaac
Rueben
Derek (Brittany):
Addison
James
Liam
Scott (Shannon) :
Caleb
Ethan
Seth
Joshua
Chloe
Noah
Jessica (Chris):
Ella
Anna (Stefan)
Austin (Sarah):
Andre
Tobin
Gloria
Grantley
Petra
Courtney (Matt):
Mitchell
Callista
Josh (Holli):
Mason
Rylan
Brielle
Levi (Hillary):
Carson
Wesley

34 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Our Babies
Rhoda - Premature and born “Frank Breach”
(buttocks first). John called her his “Blessed Baby”
and would bounce her on his knee while studying
for sermons.
Joseph -
Joey was born August 29.
He was premature and was
whisked off to an incubator before I
even got to hold him. He died five hours later.
I returned home broken-hearted and empty
handed on September 2,
Rhoda’s first
birthday.
James - Premature and had to stay in the hospital for four weeks. It was
hard when he came home. It was hard to get even a fourth of an ounce
into him and then he would spit that up. I didn’t breastfeed him. I held
him just a little before they took him off to the incubator. I didn’t get to
hold him again till we brought him home. He was so little and tiny - less
than five pounds. I didn’t take him to church for a long time. The first time
I took him out was to Rowe Church for the first service in the new
building, and here they didn’t have heat yet.

Life with John • 35
Joel - Full term and it felt like he was overdue. He was
our first redhead. He weighed over seven pounds.
After the difficulties of the three previous births, we
were so happy with a normal healthy baby. He was
chubby and Aunt Joyce called him “Rolly Polly Joely.”
Ruth - Born six weeks premature. Seven-year-old Rhoda was
delighted with a sister. She said, “I don’t know why but my
feet keep turning toward the bassinet.” At 11 months, Ruthie
fell down the cellar steps from the living room. The next day
she developed a fever of 106 degrees. We took her to the
hospital and she ended up staying for over a week. She had
cerebral meningitis and we feared for her life, and if she lived,
brain damage. We consider it a miracle that she fully
recovered.
Rachel - Full term and our second redhead. Dad brought the whole
family, including four Fresh Air children, to the hospital to bring baby
Rachel and me home. I remember in the long room there, we were all
together and everyone was so happy with the new baby. Everybody
took turns holding her. Harvey Martin's and Marlin Lehman's were up
in Canada at a conference, and when they heard we had a baby girl
they said, “I bet they name her Rachel!” (Rhoda, Ruth, _____)

My Favorite Family Memories...
A letter written to my brother and his wife that gives a little glimpse of life in 1955 with just two little ones.
March 22, ‘55
Guess it will be good to see Franklin Co. folks today.
Dear David and Ruth,
A year ago today you were happily on your way to Florida. Thought so much about you on Sunday. I’m sorry this will be late.
Seems as though my letter writing has come to almost a stand still since James is here. He’s growing fine in spite of the time we
have with his sore mouth. Last week, he was vomiting so hard for a while. But that seems over for now again. He weighed 10 lbs.
8 oz. yesterday. It’s only been a little over a week that he gave me his first smile. I was well repaid for all I ever went through just
by his smile.
Rhoda has mastered the English language remarkably well. Our favorite expression of hers is “I like you Daddy”, she puts
Mommy and James there too.
Maurice, Norma, and Uncle Paul are coming for supper tomorrow evening. They will be entering I-W
service in Baltimore, April 1st. They will be working in a center for delinquent children right in the slums
of the city. It's private owned I believe.
Made a dress for Rhoda yesterday cut one out for Janie just like it. Don’t know if I’ll get it made today
or not as I want to clean chickens and bake.
It’s really raining and my diaper supply is low. Hope it’s nice tomorrow.
Love,
John’s
P.S. Les Lehman (Victor Lehman’s boy) is hunting a place for his I-W term. I suggested The Home and if he didn’t get the job at
Allentown till today he’s coming down to see about it.
They have two girls just a year apart. The baby is James’s age. They had started farming but has to quit.
Bye now and hurry up to see us.
We’re trying to plan to come down two weeks today. Haven’t made real definite arrangements yet but want to come . John
just now mentioned we’d better try to come next Wednesday as we have Easter and Good Friday services the next week. You
will get off work soon after dinner on that Wednesday. Won’t you? Maybe you could write if it would suit better on Thursday
or some other day. Spring work is just about to get into full swing and we do want to come before too long. This is sort of
mixed up but hope you can understand it.
So long,
Doris

Our Growing Family
Rhoda
James and Rhoda
Joel, James and Rhoda
Joel, Rhoda holding Ruthie, and James
Front: Me-Doris holding Rachel, Ruthie, Rhoda
Back: John, Joel, James
(Allen Betts took this picture on Easter Sunday, 1963. "Uncle Allen"
rented the apartment at the end of our farmhouse and made a
significant cultural contribution to our family over the years.)

My Favorite Family Memories...
My Little Rhoda
As one of the older grandchildren, Rhoda had closer connections with my siblings than my later children. Rhoda was like a
live doll baby for my niece Jeannie. My brother Mark was still an early teenager when she was born. One time, we went
somewhere with my brother David, his wife, Ruth; and Mark. Rhoda was about three years. Mark was in the front
passenger seat and Rhoda stood behind on the console where she could see over the front bench seat to talk to her Uncle
Mark. Rhoda talked nonstop the whole trip. Upon arrival, Mark asked, "Does she always talk like that?" He wondered if this
was normal.
The Train Whose Name was Joe
James loved the book about the train named Joe. He had me
read it so often he had it completely memorized. Then one
Sunday in the middle of a church service a train whistle could
be heard from outside. At that, James perked up and began
reciting the book aloud. “This is the train whose name is Joe.
Listen, hear his whistle blow!” And he would not be stopped
until he had recited the entire book.

Life with John • 39
My Favorite Family Memories...
Mistaken Identity
I don’t know what I was doing – working out there on the back porch by the wash house. The grape
arbor was built over the concrete porch and walkway. It was old, with a thick matting of vines. There
was an apricot tree out there, too. I was probably doing laundry and was aware of some movement
among the grape leaves - probably a cat. Yes, there was some orange marmalade fur to be seen.
James was playing on the porch and he began to babble excitedly. I could tell it was something
about Joel. I kept on with my work. James didn’t let up so I decided to investigate what he was trying
to say and found that it was not a cat up in the grape arbor, but my red-headed little Joel! I froze to
the spot under him, arms outstretched, just in case. He was in an awkward spot being unable to go
forward nor backward. I urged him to stay put and yelled for help. John was in the barn and heard
my urgent cry. He came running to the rescue. Joel was in a tight spot unable to go forward nor
backward. The only way to get him down was for John to go in the house, up the stairs, out the one
bedroom window, onto the porch roof and over to the adjacent grape arbor to fetch our little
adventurer. And how, we wondered, could a three-year-old end up in such a precarious place?
Airplane Ride with George Brunk
Evangelist George R. Brunk flew into Hagerstown in his own “Tail Dragger
Cessna” airplane. George stayed with us during the week of meetings. At the end
of the week, John and I drove him to his plane in Hagerstown and George
offered to give us a short ride in the air. Ruthie and Joel were the only children
along that day. Once airborne, Ruthie, age three, decided she was ready to get
out now and wanted someone to open the side door. It took some serious
talking to convince her that it wasn’t possible until we landed. She probably
never did understand what was going on but the rest of us enjoyed our first
flight.
George Brunk, Ruthie, Joel and John

40 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My Favorite Family Memories...
Blackie
We took a weekend family
vacation to Black Water Falls,
West Virginia. Aside from the
fact that it rained almost the
entire time and we were in a
leaky tent, a memorable
element was the little stuffed
black bear with a red collar
and leash that we got for
Rachel at the gift shop. Oh,
how she loved that soft fuzzy
bear! She named it "Blackie"
and they were inseparable for
a long time.
Family Read-Alouds
Thinking of that wet weekend at Black at
Water Falls reminds me of how we huddled
in that leaky tent and I read aloud, hour after
hour. Reading books aloud on Sunday
afternoons was one of my favorite
memories when our children were all home.
I read all the "Little House" series and some
biographies.
Inventing Our Own Family Vacations
Neither John nor I had grown up with any concept of a "Family Vacation."
There was always just too much work to be done. We wanted our family to
have vacations, so we grew extra peas and other garden produce for
vacation funds, and we worked to build time for a break from regular, busy
life. The first such outing was a weekend trip to see Eli and Katie Beachy in
Ohio. Then followed: Niagara Falls and Lake Ontario, Black Water Falls, and
several years we attended the week long family camp at Camp Hebron. We
used our camper given to us by our neighbors on Brechbill Rd, Harlan and
Margaret Hill.

Life with John • 41
My Favorite Family Memories...
Bicycles in My Life
When our children were growing up each had a bicycle or
tricycle according to size and age. We had a long farm lane,
so a bicycle ride was much better than a long walk to get the
mail or to meet the school bus. John was good at fixing all
kinds of things. He looks pretty well stumped in this photo,
but I'm sure he found a way around the obstacle.
I never learned to ride a bicycle. My brothers all learned
but I never did. Riding a bike was not considered a proper
girl’s activity, plus I had plenty to do helping Mother. Till
any bike entered our family scene, I was older and I had lots
of fears. I may have tried it but quickly gave up. Years later,
when my own kids were growing up on the farm on
Brechbill Rd., I was persuaded to give it a try once again. My
children couldn’t imagine what could be so hard, as they
were used to zipping around all over the place on bikes.
John held the bike steady as I mounted at the top of a slight
hill. Slowly, I ventured forth. I was supposed to be pedaling
but soon my feet were out at each side. I began picking up
speed and headed for the grassy strip along the driveway
between the house and barn. The grass slowed me down
and the bike went over on its side, and so did I. I just lay
there wondering, "What next?" The view from the starting
point was that suddenly I completely disappeared from
sight. The grass was long overdue a mowing and effectively
hid me and the bike from sight. My family came running to
see if I was ok and I was. I never tried that again.

Fresh Air Son, Wayne Johnson
Written in the spring of 1967
Spring is in the air! Do you feel it? I do! I first experienced this special feeling when Fresh Air children came into my life
in my early teens, when we entertained a New Yorker, Helen Achlan, for two weeks in my parental home. Then in 1954,
my husband and I (we had a two-year-old daughter), entertained my brother’s Fresh Air daughter, Maureen Estado for a
week. Since then, each summer, our home has welcomed various numbers, colors, and creeds of these precious buds who
have found themselves planted in the Bronx NYC; and Jamaica, Queens, NYC.
Until 1960, we had only entertained girls, and by then our three- and five-year-old sons were clamoring about getting a
summer brother. There were just too many girls about the place. It was simply the only thing to do when our coordinator
asked if there wouldn’t be families in our area willing to take two boys from the Huntington Community Center, and so
we applied. The profile of these boys gave us to know that they were having problems, and so it was with not a few
misgivings that we watched as the bus swung into the station. To my amazement, only one six-year-old boy walked (not
stormed) off the bus and very politely got his luggage and joined our family in the car. We hadn’t gone two blocks until I
saw two tears steal their way softly down over his cheeks. This was enough, or shall I say, too much. Wayne had won all
our hearts.
The next morning around six o’clock, I woke and tried to plan a little ahead so I could meet the boys upon awaking with a
well-planned formula for the day, when I heard someone shrieking to the top of his voice and another voice calling,
“Mommy, help!” You can be sure no time was lost in getting out of bed, down the steps and out to meet the terrific
commotion, only to find the boys had decided to take an early morning stroll down through the cow pasture. Wayne was
not aware that the cows use these grounds, not only for eating, but also for their lavatory, as well. He had planted a
barefoot in a good-size pile, with natural results.
Țo really appreciate this experience, you should know of Wayne’s terrific abhorrence of
dirt. Wayne is one of the neatest tidiest boys I know of. He taught our children quite a few
lessons. This was a bit opposite from what one expected! Well, we were off to a rather
noisy start, and you can be sure there was not one moment lost of these two weeks with us
that summer. It was not necessarily in doing big things but in the way Wayne drank in all
of the wonders of life - special things to him, yet so very common to us: hanging laundry
on the line, and running upstairs and downstairs, out through doors and back in again, and
oh, the tremendous volume of his voice from such a little boy. He seemed as though left
out of a cage. Meal times became a rare treat with his tremendous humor and wit, and oh,
how he could stow away plate after plate of food!
When he got on the bus headed for home, there were tears again but resulting from an
entirely different cause. And were you to have checked the family waving to him from the
street, you would have seen tears on their cheeks, also. Wayne Johnson, 1964

A letter arrived from his parents after he left, a bit too late, to inform me that Wayne had a nervous condition and
usually vomits after each meal. Sure was glad it was late! Wayne came the following Christmas vacation along with three
of our Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican girls. How our house rang with Carols (and dear knows what else) that year! How
Wayne enjoyed the huge snow banks that God blessed us with that year!
Wayne has been with us each summer for the entire summer since, until last spring, he wrote telling us he would not be
able to come, as he was playing on a baseball team, and also was taking trumpet lessons - making it impossible. We had
mixed feelings. How we would miss him, and yet we were so happy Wayne was able to have these opportunities to
become involved and develop his abilities.
Wayne brought his five-year-old brother, Alan, with him in 1964, and was with us again the summer of 1965.
Afterward: Wayne stayed in contact sporadically over the years. He visited us a couple of times and he calls now and
then. His health is not good at this point, so I worry about him. He talks about his journey of trusting Jesus, so I'm
encouraged by that. Thank you, God, for Wayne and all the Fresh Air kids who have touched our lives!
1962. Back: Wayne, Rhoda, Gloria, James. Front: Ruthie and Joel
Wayne and Allen, summer of 1964

44 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Our Family in 1963
Clockwise: John, Rachel, me - Doris, Johnny Wadel (my cousin and our resident
"hired man" on the farm), Joel, Ruthie, James, Rhoda

Our Family in 1970
Clockwise: Jim, Rhoda, Joel, John Kriner (foster son), Rachel, Doris, John, Ruthie
Life with John • 45

46 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Family Portait - February 24, 1987
Back row men: Craig Pool, Joel, Jim, Linden Showalter, Daryl Lehman
Middle row women: Rachel, Sue (Martin), Debbie (Neil) RuthE, Rhoda
John and Doris

Turning Points
Life Shaping Experiences
Background photo taken in Switzerland (European Anabaptist Herigage Tour 2010)

48 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My Two Grandfathers
My two grandfathers were very significant figures in my life in almost completely opposite directions. One side
was to me like a smothering wet blanket, where the other was like a window that let in light and fresh air.
If I stop to think about it, my two grandfathers did have some ways they were alike. They both had the first
name John. Both lived all their lives in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Both lived lives devoted to the Mennonite
church. They were both successful, responsible and respected members of in the community. They were both
loyal to their marriages (their own fathers had not been) and had many children (Shetter 7, Wadel 9). Other than
that, they were as different as night and day and they each impacted my life accordingly.
My father’s father was known as John P. in the community and as Grandpap to me. While John P. was a
respected pillar of the community, he cast an austere and foreboding shadow over me in my growing up years.
We lived next door to my grandparents and while I loved to be with my Grandma, I avoided Grandpap as much
as possible.
He was a man of few words but his views were implicitly understood and went unchallenged. He generally
frowned upon the idea of learning more about the world. He felt that being a Christian meant to “deny yourself.”
Grandpap’s spiritual zeal for following “the letter of the law” resulted in my father converting my mother’s
beloved pump organ (a worldly entertainment) into a cupboard. My dad always did his best to please his father. I
would hide out behind the chicken house to try to learn to whistle because Grandpap didn’t like girls whistling.
He considered photos and doll babies to be graven images forbidden by the Ten Commandments. One of my
earliest memories is finding my doll baby on its head in a corner. This was Grandpap’s way of showing his
disapproval of my playing with a doll.
He was a large man and wore blue and white striped bib overalls with a engineer style cap. He had bushy
eyebrows and would “behold” you over his dust-covered reading glasses. I have no memory of Grandpap ever
visiting our home even though we lived next door for the first eight years of my life. He was consumed with his
work. My one happy memory of Grandpap was the rare occasion when he would offer us a chocolate drop or a
pink lozenge from a glass dish at the feed store. Grandpap's only other departure from sober-mindedness was the
harmonica. Once in a while, our ears would perk up when we heard the sound of harmonica music coming from
next door. We stopped and listened but we didn't dare go over.
As an adult, I was surprised and then glad to hear of the positive impressions others had of my Grandpap. He
operated the Pinola Feed Mill for many years. During hard economic times he extended credit to customers who

Turning Points • 49
were never able to pay him. In the end, the amount of money owed to John P. could have bought him two nice size
farms. He somehow kept the business afloat and didn’t harbor resentment. Once, his cash box was robbed of $400.
His response was to get down on his knees there at his desk with his sons and pray for the thief and then declare,
“Now we are going to forget about it.”
Grandpap died on Saturday, February 10, 1945, and the funeral was scheduled for the following Wednesday,
February 14. I was in eighth grade and had to miss the annual school Valentine celebration (it's amazing that we
were allowed to participate in such a heathenish holiday). It somehow felt to me like Grandpap had done that on
purpose to squelch my fun once again.
Grandpa Shetter, my mother’s father, on the other hand, was the light and inspiration of my life. I always looked
forward to his visits. He loved to read and would tell us about all kinds of things like the history of US westward
expansion.
On occasion, he would decide to make a trip to see Aunt Ruth and Uncle George in Lancaster. He would take the
opportunity to invite a grandchild or two to accompany him. When it was my turn, Daddy would drive me to meet
Grandpa at the Greyhound Bus Station in Chambersburg in the early morning. The bus would take us to the train
station in Harrisburg and we’d take the train from there to Lancaster. Aunt Ruth would meet us at the train station
and take us out to their farm. Oh, it was so exciting! On one of these trips Grandpa gave me a small shiny red
purse. One time, he gave Gladys a red felt hat with grosgrain streamers.
Grandpa read his Bible faithfully. One time, he had me read the Bible to him when he was sick. He helped start a
new church in Chambersburg named Pleasant View. Grandpa seemed open to all people, even if they didn’t
believe exactly like him.
I have fewer specific memories about Grandpa Shetter
but a whole lot more good feelings. He was such a
wonderful person! He gave me a sense that the world is
good and there are many opportunities. I know this
helped me press on toward education and rebound from
difficult times in life.
I’m grateful for both of my Grandfathers. I had more
of a relationship with Grandpa Shetter and more fear of
Grandpap Wadel, but they both contributed, in their own
ways, to a stable family and community that nurtured me
and launched me into adulthood.
John H. Shetter
John P. Wadel
did not approve
of photography

50 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Journey Through Depression
I’m sure the seeds of depression are sown long before the first symptoms appear but I’ll start this part of my story when I
was about 28 years old, married with four children, a pastors wife, a farm wife - trying hard to keep up.
John had four younger brothers and so did I, so our home was constantly buzzing with young people, stopping by to chat
and to raid the cookie jar. We tried to keep abreast of congregational needs. One year, we visited each church family on
their anniversary, offering a freezer of homemade ice cream. Guests for Sunday dinner were frequent. John needed time
to study. Our fourth child, Ruthie joined us in 1959 - six weeks premature. I hemorrhaged seriously following her birth.
Rhoda was so glad for a baby sister!
The year following I began slowly but surely to feel overwhelmed. John and I attempted to talk this over, but alas, I
began to slip into a depression. I was frightened. What was happening to me? I was bewildered! I began to perceive (not a
fact) that God was not close by, as I had known Him to be earlier. I felt I was not good enough to be his daughter anymore.
Many people laid hands on me and prayed. The precious Bible verses in Jeremiah 29:11-13 just didn’t seem to make sense.
One day (1960) John came home from a Ministers’ Seminar on the Pastor’s Role in Mental Health. He said, “Honey, I think
I heard some things today that may help us. Would you go with me to talk with a counselor?” I was so afraid but what could
I lose? I knew I couldn’t go on this way. John’s tender support was invaluable as I began this long journey back to wholeness.
About this time my family physician noted I had an under-active thyroid. Depression is one symptom of this malady. This
was the year we moved from the farm on Warm Spring Road to John’s home farm on Brechbill Road.
Our daughter Rachel completed our family. She arrived in 1962, a beautiful redhead. How we loved her! Still, the family
was to celebrate Rachel’s first birthday while I was at Brook Lane Psychiatric Hospital for a three week stay.
It was so painful. I felt I had let John down. How I thank God for Christian therapists who patiently helped me
understand that it was as though I had stuffed my anger down inside me until it was no longer possible to stuff anything
any longer. It was very difficult for me to understand the anger bit. Me - angry? I was a Christian! I had interpreted
Galations 4:26 - “Be ye angry and sin not” to read “Don’t be angry - if you are, you are sinning!” Yes, I learned I had deep
anger inside, and what a tremendous experience to recognize that anger and offer it to the Lord - the freedom I felt was
similar to the experience of my salvation.
The devil will try many ways to get us off balance - he knew I wouldn't buy into out-right sin, so he got me to overdo a
good thing (Fresh Air children, foster children, etc.). Out of my background, I had developed a tender, sensitive spirit to the
hurts in others' lives and I attempted to fix everyone’s problems. I learned that we do need to CARE, but we can’t CURE all
ills. I was being DRIVEN, not LED. I learned to hug my children - and say “I love you” to them. And I learned it was OK to
take care of me. So I began learning to enjoy my family and take time out for me.
It’s been a slow, but sure process. I am still learning. I suspect it’s a lifelong process.

Turning Points • 51
Long Road to Becoming a Nurse
I sat back on my heels and watched that kid goat take off prancing around the yard. I felt a sense of satisfaction and
some pride at having done a passable suturing job on my son’s little goat. It had somehow gotten a cut under one
eye and a flap of skin was hanging loose, calling for some type of intervention. While my two boys had done their
best to hold the kid still, I had cleaned the wound and then used a needle and thread to stitch the flap of skin back in
place where it could heal. No, I was not living out my childhood dream of becoming a nurse but I was using my
skills for my family and various friends and neighbors.
As a girl, I loved school! I loved reading and learning about the world! School was a haven for me where I could
excel and get a reprieve from the constant burden of work at home. However, my parents, and the Mennonite
community we were part of, viewed education with suspicion. Education might lead one away from the straight and
narrow way of the Mennonite tradition. I was torn. I loved God and the church and wanted to be faithful, and at the
same time, I loved school and learning! I wondered how learning about God’s world could be so wrong.
In our church periodicals, I followed the story of a missionary nurse who got her training at a Mennonite nursing
school in Colorado. I was fascinated by her work among native Americans, but my parents reminded me that a
woman like that was not “our kind of Mennonite.” This did little to dampen my interest.
I worked hard at home on the farm and eventually I had jobs elsewhere. The most significant was working in the
home of a local physician. I did housework and child care. I lived in their home during the week and then went
home on weekends. Dr. and Mrs. Bikle were like a second set of parents to me. They encouraged me and taught me
in ways that my own parents were not able to do. My interest in things medical was nurtured by the Bikles and they
conceived the idea of sending me to nursing school, offering to pay my tuition. My parents quickly declined. They
feared I would be lead astray. It was such a mixed-up time for me. I was so excited about the possibility of nursing
school and then I had to accept that it would not be a reality for me.
Then surprisingly, my dad agreed to let me take a one year correspondence course offered by the Chicago School
of Nursing. He even wrote out a check for $10 to pay for it! I completed the course April 5, 1950. I was working at
Bikle’s while taking the correspondence course. I talked to Dr. Bikle about things I was learning. He had such a
happy spirit. After finishing the nursing course, I took a nurse's aid job at the Chambersburg Hospital. I was shuffled
all around to various departments, and I loved all of it, but perhaps my favorite was pediatrics.

52 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
During our courtship, I made sure John knew of my devotion to nursing. He had some qualms but learned to accept
how important it was to me. When John asked me to marry him, of course, I said, “Yes!” I continued my job at the hospital
for a few months after we were married. By then I was pregnant with my first child. We eventually had six children (the
second died five hours after birth) and my nursing knowledge and skills channeled into use in family life.
I contributed to the family income by working various part-time jobs. Then, in 1978, I took a nurse's aid position at
Leader Nursing Center. Working at Leader was a big step for me. Finally, I was close to the nursing world once again! By
now, my two youngest children were in high school and I had more freedom. Still, when Leader offered me a scholarship
to get training as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I assumed that I wouldn’t be able to accept it. However, John was
excited and said, “Of course, you will!” So at age 50, I entered LPN school at our local Vocational School. I was excited and
terrified at the same time. I loved the medical field, but would I be able to do the work after all those years?
It was a difficult task. I felt consumed with learning and trying to understand it all. I felt energized but there was that ever
present, gnawing fear about what would happen if I didn’t get it all. It’s serious business to care for human life. I was
inspired by my teachers as well as my classmates. In March of 1982, at age 51, I graduated with a practical nursing license.
My husband, John, gave the invocation and benediction. He was so proud of me! I felt that he was graduating with me
because he was so supportive the whole way through, including making oatmeal for me for breakfast every morning.

Turning Points • 53
I worked in the Alzheimer’s unit at Leader until 1997, when I retired. I loved working with those elderly people! I felt
the honor and call to care for them in their final years of life. It helped me be determined to face my own aging with
confidence and dignity.
In his final years, my father made the rounds of his children, staying with each of us several weeks. I will never forget
one day I was caring for him when he was sick and he said, “What would I do without you being a nurse!” At that
moment, I felt the affirmation that he had never been able to express before. At last, I felt my father’s approval for my
pursuit of education.
And so, from following the story of a missionary nurse as a child, to sewing up a goat’s injury, to working as a
professional nurse in geriatrics, my dream to serve as a nurse was at last fulfilled.

My Greatest Loss
Written 1994
Somewhere along the way in a very slow, subtle way, something was happening to my John.
I left Leader in 1986 to do Home Care Nursing, freeing me to do some office work at
Marblux. The summer of 1988 I was in the office almost all the time. I had a constant vague
awareness that all was not well. Meanwhile, I had been asked to return to Leader (Sept. 1988)
to work two days a week in the Alzheimer’s Unit.
John’s poor judgments while driving annoyed me to no end. I remembered my mother’s
yelling at every bend and turn; I thought I was becoming like her! John fell asleep at the
slightest provocation. I reasoned he was stressed out. But extra sleep did not help. In January
1989, on Saturday morning, he fixed oatmeal and somehow it ended up in his lap.
Immediately I cleaned it up as I automatically do at work. Later on that morning, a thought
exploded in my mind. “Doris, you are not at Leader - something is wrong!” John agreed to
go for a physical and came home with a prescription for Xanax. With that, he couldn't sleep
and thrashed around all night. I felt like I had been in a war. A counselor picked up on these
signals and a CT was ordered. Then an MRI - and biopsy at Hershey. March 1 we learned the
results: Non-Hodgkins type Lymphoma, 3 lesions...inoperable! My first reaction: What will I
do now? John was my ballast through my sometimes stormy life. O God, please don’t let me
bring disgrace to Your Name.
John was in the process of leaving us. I wanted so badly for him to talk to me. He couldn’t.
He went through radiation, then chemotherapy, but to no avail. On October 13, 1989, sensing
this was John’s "graduation" day, I called the children home. All there were but Rachel. I sang
to him and held him close, asking him if he could just wait until Rachel comes. At her arrival,
she gave him one last hug, we told him one last time we loved him and within two minutes
he was gone. What a loss! On the other hand, what a gain for him! I’m so glad I could care for
him.
Just after his diagnosis, we experienced a house fire that was devastating, due to a
malfunctioning gas regulator on our stove. John was so grateful for the caring gestures of our
church family. We lived in our basement from April until August when things were put back
together a bit. I am so grateful things were under control before he had to leave us.

Grieving
My family physician's wife invited me to join Bible Study Fellowship, an interdenominational
group of women who meet weekly. I was so weary, I wasn’t sure I could drag myself there. But
in January of 1990, I began attending and it’s been the greatest help in my working through
my grief. My employer graciously gives me each Thursday off so I can attend. I've also
benefited from attending a grief recovery class in town.
It’s five years now since John has gone. Just recently I had this overwhelming desire to get
“caught-up” on our happenings together. I suppose he knows what I am doing but I’d like to
hear from him what he’s been involved in. We were such a team! As I attended my first
wedding without John, I remembered the quote, “The best is yet to be!” and I pondered it. Will
this be at the marriage supper of the Lamb?
Adjustment
I’ve had to work at ways of coping with relating to my grandchildren as a widow. We used to
take them on short trips together. Now I settle for a cozy meal, one-on-one, at birthday time.
There are 15, and five extra, who call me "Grandma." I also have two great-grandsons. I have a
deep burden for one granddaughter who is off on some side trails at present. I anticipate a
time when I do not need to work full-time.
I’m so grateful for several close friends who have walked with me through the lonely
times...Grace and Edgar, Sharon, Chet and Millie. When Chet and Millie left for Africa in
January 1992, I was frightened at how lost I felt. Upon reflection, I needed that experience to
wean me from dependency. I learned to do things on my own - even traveling alone to visit
Chet and Millie in Zambia.
The book, “Glimpses of Grace,” describes grace as the divine influence on the heart and its
reflection in the life of a Christian. How can pain bring glory to God? By the Christian’s
perseverance? Is it simplistic to say Christians suffer to show the world how to handle suffering
in God’s power? 2 Cor. 12:9 - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.” Perhaps this is saying, “My divine influence on your heart and its reflection in your
life is sufficient for you.” My goal is to respond to life’s happenings through God’s eyes -
knowing tests will come. My response to these tests will make all the difference.
Jude 1:24 - “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His
glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory,
majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all ages now and
forevermore. Amen.”

56 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
I Am Standing By the Seashore
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each
other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"
Gone where?
Gone from my sight.
That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined
port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...
Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
1989. Shortly before John "set sail."
By Henry Van Dyke
(Rhoda shared this poem with me and it has been so helpful.)

My Life Must Go On
Finding new courage, strength and purpose
Background photo taken in the Netherlands through a bus window. (European Anabaptist Heritage Tour, June 2010

58 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
From “After A While,”
by Veronica A. Shoffstall
...After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t always mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your own head up and your eyes wide open
With the grace of a woman not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong.
And you really do have worth.
And you learn, and you learn.
With every goodbye, you learn...
(I found this poem in the
newspaper some time after
John's death. It was an
encouragment to me.)

My Life Must Go On
A Meditation on the 23rd Psalm
During the months following John’s diagnosis (March 1989) I remember of us pouring over the 23rd Psalm with
him. We would read it, quote it and talk about its meaning in regard to our circumstances.
I often talked about what it meant to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, attempting to keep in focus
that it’s only a valley of shadows to those of us who stay behind. To those who have “the light of the world” with them
in that valley, there can be no shadows. I sensed how vital this was for John when he spontaneously shared, “It's so
wonderful to not be afraid,” as we discussed his imminent going (to heaven). His vital relationship with God was
evident to the end. [When he breathed his last,] we sensed he had gone to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
And then I found life must go on without John. And what did the 23rd Psalm say to me? Life didn’t just
automatically fall into place. Making decisions alone is very difficult. I am choosing that the “Lord is my Shepherd”
even though many times I feel forsaken and alone. There are times when “I shall not want,“ doesn’t seem relevant as I
struggle to meet mortgage payments, taxes and more taxes. Visions of “green pastures” evade me as I mow the lawn
on hot sweltering days.
I do sense God is restoring my soul through Bible Study (Bible Study Fellowship). He is leading me in “paths of
righteousness for His name sake” as I consciously make an effort to say, “I believe God is in control.” And that helps
me go through these shadowy days - to replace my fear with faith and to be comforted by His “rod and staff.”
I have sensed in a very real way the Battle that is raging. The devil wants me to indulge in self pity and ask those
endless whys, and all the while God has “prepared for me a table” spread with all the courage, strength, faith and hope
I need. I am sensing there is healing in facing the questions that come instead of stuffing them down inside, only to
have them erupt at some inopportune time.
I cry out for the “anointing of oil” not only on my head but for my aching heart as well. Sometimes it happens in
the most unexpected ways.
I miss John so much when I babysit the grandchildren. We were such a team! Each summer we would take the
grandchildren for a day alone. My daughters assisted me a few weeks ago so that this tradition could continue. It was
so good to talk about Pappy together!
And so as the Holidays approach, I am choosing to make plans for our family to be together on New Year’s Day. I
miss John so much! But I am choosing to believe that “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life” and best of all, I too “shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
(Written about a year after John’s death for the West Chambersburg Together free newspaper, November/December, 1990)

60 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Healing Dream
It had been seven years since John had died and I still would have
dreams of him being with me. Then I’d wake and grieve deeply. This
night in my dream I was in my car in Franklin Shopping Center and I
noted John driving a van. He noticed me and searched for a place to
park. He came over to my car. As I saw him come I wondered should I
hug him or not. He came over and talked at great length with great
exuberance and enthusiasm through my open car window. I don't
recall much of what he said. His eyes were so blue and his skin was
translucent. And the only words I remembered was “Doris, it’s alright
and it’s going to be alright for you, too.” Then he turned and walked
back to his van and drove away. When I woke the next morning, I was
ecstatic. A tremendous sense of awe enveloped me. No grieving! This
was a turning point in my grieving process.

Grandchildren
Marta Joy - We met her first at the airport when Rhoda and Daryl brought her home at about two years old. I can see her
eating corn on the cob.
Daryl II - He was born in Harrisonburg Va. I remember how Marta loved him and mothered him.
Justin and Derek - Deb would always have her boys give me a hug and say “I love you!” in saying goodbye.
Scott was born in April and Courtney in October, 1981. Scott was a big baby. Joel was so proud and came to tell me at Leader.
Courtney - She was so cute - big plump cheeks and blue eyes.
Josh (Chambersburg Hospital) and Jesse (Waynesboro Hospital) were born the same day. Uncle David (Sollenberger) wished
they had waited one day because “then we could have our cake together.” Rachel and Sue both drank a special tea to bring
on labor.
Josh - Grandpa bought a little John Deere tractor for Josh’s first birthday.
Jessie - She was strawberry blonde. Josh and Jessie were born the same day! Dad commented, "Twins from different
mothers."
Anna - We got the call after we had gone to bed.
Levi - He came one day too early for Rachel because she wanted his birthday to be 12-12.
Austin - Dad was still here. We had Anna while Austin was being born.
Gloria - When she was born I realized it was the first time I felt real honest joy since Dad’s death.
Grantley - Loved firemen outfits.
Petra - She was a pebble (not a rock as her name implies). I was at her delivery!
Great grands (37): Burchell, Shaquille, Shaliqua, Braxton, Tate, Riley, Ezra, Asher, Colson, Aviel, Ezekiel, Marshall, Torin,
Hannah, Abigail, Isaac, Rueben, Alex, Sarah, Addison, James, Liam, Caleb, Seth, Ethan, Joshua, Chloe, Noah, Ella, Tobin,
Mitchell, Callista, Mason, Rylan, Ellie, Carson, Wesley

Some of my Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren - August 2019
Sollenberger Picnic at Rhodes Grove Camp

Comforters for Grandkids
Here's a sampling of the pieced
comforters I made for a wedding
present for each of my 15
grandchildren. In my late 70's I made a
big push to make ones for RuthE's
children who were still young.

64 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Hard Times
It wouldn’t be a balanced story if I didn't mention hard times in my life. My family is full of imperfections just
like everyone else’s.
Hard times for me include a daughter's teenage pregnancy, marriages in crisis, broken marriages, a son-inlaw's
multiple addictions which has left many scars, a granddaughter who died young of AIDS complications,
children at risk, various broken and difficult relationships that still await resolution.
Each individual situation affects the whole. It’s so sad for me to see relationship problems continue and then
overflow from one generation into the next. I want it to stop!
By nature, I have been deeply involved and affected in these hard situations yet I consider each to be also part
of the story of God’s faithfulness. God continues to use all kinds of experiences to refine and nurture me into
His likeness. The pain and sadness goes deep in my heart. I used to try to talk to and counsel people. Then I
would think: “What can I do? What did I do? What caused this?” I end up feeling that I failed somehow. I sensed
that my family felt that I did too much trying to help, and so I have backed off. I back off because I don’t want to
be a part of the problem - seeing how sometimes families can be too much involved. . . I’ve kind of given up on
trying to help. I wonder, “Do they want help?”
My relationship with God is my foundation. I may feel alone but I know God is always with me. I have less
contact with people in general now. With each calamity, I spend more time in prayer. God will get to them. I’m
not even sure others are interested in hearing what I believe as truth. As I’m praying, I’m not thinking that I
have to have the answers. Life is a mystery. You think you know how it’s going to be, but it doesn’t work out that
way.
I wish you could have met Esther Bert (whom I got to know when working for Dr. Bikle's as a teen). I thought
a lot about her when I was back at Roxbury last week. How she radiated her walk with God... her face showed
peace and joy. It meant so much to me to know her as I was facing hurt and pain as a teen. She would have me
in her home and talk to me. I feel like I was an older person long before I was old. I was trying to figure out this
and that. I wanted to make sense of things so that life could go on happily instead of repeating the same
patterns.
I wonder what my mother and father thought about life. I didn’t talk with them about things like I did with
Esther Bert.
My theme song these days:
Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face,
there to sing forever of his saving grace.
On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice.
Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice
August, 2019

Open Doors for Work and Service
Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
Rowe Run near Pinola, Pa.

66 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My Mission and Calling in Life
When I think of my life’s work, the Fanny
Crosby hymn “Rescue the Perishing” comes
to mind right away. All around me are
people who are struggling and need help.
That’s been my mission and calling in life to
help them. From very early in life, I was
worried about my mother’s health. I felt
responsible to make things easier for
everyone, especially Mother. That
responsibility developed into a general
feeling of needing to take care of people
around me. I was strong and able, and I
liked the feeling of being needed. As a child,
I wanted to be loved and accepted, and
serving others was how I got it. This pattern
flowed into my roles as nurse, mother,
foster mother, pastor’s wife and community
member, etc. As an adult I had to learn how
to manage my tendency to overdo it.

Open Doors for Work and Service • 67
Why Do I Want To Become a Nurse?
Written as part of my application for LPN Training - 1980
I suppose I need to go back to my early elementary school years when a teacher so inspired me to keep on
giving my best to education, which to me meant becoming a nurse. I had many apprehensions as my family
looked on continued education as a threat to their way of life. But I dreamed, hoped, and prayed.
At the completion of ninth grade I was taken out of school to help my mother. She had a severe heart
problem, and with four younger brothers, I must admit I was needed. In my late teens, while living in the home
of Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Bikle, I shared my dreams with them and as a result they offered to send me through
R. N. School but my parents refused to permit me to go.
I worked at Chambersburg Hospital as an aide 1950 - 1951 until I married and became pregnant. Thus my
nursing career came to an halt. Six children later and when my youngest was 16, I decided to try to get back to
my first love, “nursing” and so I applied at Leader and was accepted as a nursing assistant. I thrilled to the
challenges nursing care gave me and devoured the Geriatric course we took there from Harcum Junior College.
I also, at that time, took night classes and received my High School Diploma. Since then, I have become nursing
Assistant Supervisor, and just last week I received a scholarship to L.P.N. school through Leaders....

68 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My Thoughts About Money
To me, money is not the goal in life but something that you have to reckon with. It does not just work all by
itself. You have to apply yourself and manage it well. Money is not just about you and your wants and needs.
Any money that you earn, or that comes to you, is for you to be a good steward of. Take care of it so you can
share it out.
Growing up, money was scarce. We had less income than families around us. I felt we were at the bottom of
the totem pole. I was so embarrassed about our finances as a child and when I got older I wanted to do
something about it. I worked and saved, and had as much money as John did when we got married. In our
early years of marriage, it was rough because John was frugal, but wasn’t used to skimping as much as I was.
I was a mother and homemaker but many times I had to find a way to make ends meet, so I got various
part-time jobs: took in laundry, child care in our home, transported kindergarten students in our station
wagon, cafeteria work in the local middle school, and nurses aid work at Leader Nursing Center (which
eventually led to getting a practical nursing license). I would never have sought out these jobs if we hadn’t
needed the money, but I’m grateful for all the people I met and all the opportunities that were opened up to
me through working.
I’m grateful I don’t have to worry about money now. John’s been gone now almost 30 years but he had a good
life insurance, and I was able sell his business. I also have a nice long-term health care policy if I ever need it.

Open Doors for Work and Service • 69
A Gift to Give Away
Isn’t God Great! Here is a story of how I experienced God’s greatness in an unexpected way.
In November of 1997, I found myself feeling frustrated as I listened to requests for funds for mission board,
our own congregational budget, as well as many other needs in the community. I love to be able to give
money but on my limited income, there just wasn’t any to give. I asked God to show me where I could change
my lifestyle so I could give more. Two weeks later, my car died and I needed to replace my vehicle. That
didn’t seem like the answer I was looking for.
However, in mid-December, I received a call from the son of Mrs. McCleary, a lady for whom I had served
as caregiver until her death the previous March. Imagine my surprise when he informed me that his mother’s
estate was holding $10,000 for charities to be named by Doris Sollenberger! Wow! What an answer! My
kitchen was a concert of praise. Even though it was late in the day, I called my pastor and we rejoiced
together!
What a delight to sift through the possibilities! My final selections were:
Mennonite Mission Board - Guatemala
Brethren In Christ Missions - House on Sikalongo Hospital Compound, Zambia
Network ministries - Street ministries of Chambersburg
Pregnancy Ministries Inc
Wycliffe - support of nephew, Marcus and Glenna Sollenberger
Pleasant View Mennonite Church
My joy knew no bounds! I eagerly live each day with a sense of anticipation. Though I encounter many
challenges, God is sovereign and generous!

70 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Open Doors She Walked Through
By RuthE Showalter, daughter
Mom has frequently stated that when she’s gone, she doesn’t want people exclaiming over long lists of her
accomplishments. She knows her life has been (and still is) very interesting and full of opportunities. Still, she doesn’t
like the idea of people focusing on what she’s done. “I want all the glory to go to God, not me!” Mom grew up with a
strong cultural and spiritual ethic against the sin of “Pride.” Out of that also can arise an equally unbecoming “false
humility.” So this piece of writing is not about bragging. It’s about leaving a legacy to inspire the next generation. Mom
used what she was given and bravely walked through doors that opened themselves before her.
“You should write a book!” is a statement which has cropped up more than once when folks hear Mom tell about her
experiences. Mom highly values genealogy and knowing your family history but yet she isn’t comfortable with focus on
herself. So it falls to me because I don’t mind at all celebrating my mom’s amazing life! The following list highlights
open doors for employment, as well as community service that Mom has walked through. These choices have impacted
me as well as others.
Pastor's Wife - From day one of her marriage, Mom was a pastor's wife. She embraced this role with characteristic
energy and devotion. Like all Mennonite ministers of the time, Dad was self-supporting, which added a challenging
dynamic.
Normal life work - Normal life in our agrarian community included plenty of everyday and seasonal hard work that
should not be glossed over. Mom and Dad together managed several large gardens to raise produce for eating, some for
preserving for the winter, some for selling and of course plenty to give away. She passed down knowledge from her
Mother about gardening, and also flowers, “posies,” and house plants. Every spring and fall, there would be a grand
potting session. Mom did all kinds of sewing, from making our clothing to reupholstering furniture, to stitching the
goat’s injury. Mom didn’t keep perfectly on top of the housework, laundry and ironing because people were always
more important (or there was a book to read). Like her mother before her, Mom would rather be outside. Still, she was
an inspired cook, always making sure everyone had plenty to eat. As a late teen, Mom somehow came into possession of
a new Westinghouse Cook Book. She read through it and aspired to try every single recipe. Her younger brothers were
obliging guinea pigs.

Open Doors for Work and Service • 71
Childcare was an ever present occupation for Mom. She didn’t bat an eye at feeding and supervising hordes of
children. She loved when other people’s kids called her “Mom.” She was never one to “shoo” her children out of the way
so she could do the job right by herself. We were always included in each kind of work and not always willingly on our
parts. It was the best way for us to learn life skills. In 1965, we took in two brothers, John and Jeff Kriner, through the
Children's Aid Society, Foster Care Program. After a few months, it was clear that Jeff would need a different situation,
but John stayed with us for seven years. John was six months older than Joel and in the same grade at school.
Teaching Children's Classes - Mom frequently taught children’s classes in Sunday School, the annual two weeks of
Summer Bible School in June and weekly winter Bible school sessions. Well into her 70’s, Mom was still teaching the
Kindergarten class at Pleasant View. At a funeral recently, a young man came up to her, introduced himself and wanted
to thank her for teaching him in Kindergarten Sunday School. She had made a lasting impression on his life.
Employment - Mom found ways to contribute to the family budget, including taking in laundry (Mrs Votow), child care
(Johnny Stumbaugh, Rodney Schuchman), transporting Kindergartners to school in our station wagon (1967), cafeteria
worker at Chambersburg Middle School (1969), nurse's aid, and then LPN at Leader/Manor Care (1978), Helping Hands
home care and Manor Alzheimer's unit. All of these jobs were more than just working to receive a paycheck. These were
all opportunities where Mom made connections with people and channeled her boundless love and care for others.
Fresh Air Fund - Mom and Dad hosted Fresh Air kids each summer since Rhoda was preschool age. From early on,
Mom was involved as an escort, and an assistant director of the program. Many of these kids became part of the family,
staying for the full eight weeks, and returning year after year bringing friends and siblings. As adults, many stayed in
touch and came back to visit with their own families. Recently, I realized in amazement, that when my youngest sibling,
Rachel, was born on August 1, 1962, four Fresh Air kids accompanied Dad and his 4 biological children when he went to
the hospital to bring Mom and the new baby home! All summer, she managed four Fresh Air kids in addition to her
own four, while being seven and eight months pregnant! Blows my mind!
Parent Teacher Associations at Portico and Hamilton Heights elementary schools. Both of my parents were active in
our elementary school PTA. We have a newspaper clipping of a PTA Christmas program including a duet by Rev. and
Mrs Sollenberger.
Pregnancy Ministries International (PMI) started a new chapter in Chambersburg with Mom on the administrative
board. She served many years. After retirement, she was still active with the annual fundraising banquet. In 2011, she
presided over a table filled with high school boys (Grandson, Grantley, and buddies) who wanted to hear the
comedian/speaker that year.

72 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Parish Nurse - After retirement, Mom was designated “Parish Nurse” for her home congregation, Pleasant View
Mennonite Church. She offered blood pressure checks and consulted with members on health issues. She started a
periodic Sunday dinner at the church for those 60 and over. It was very well received and continues in some form to
this day. She put out a monthly prayer calendar, with a name on each day, as well as birthdays and anniversaries.
Women's Ministry - Women’s Missionary Service Commission (WMSC) was the women’s service branch in the
Mennonite Church. Mom always participated and also worked on the leadership team planning events, retreats and
establishing contacts with missionary needs abroad. It's so interesting to come across notes from talks Mom gave for
Women’s groups over the years. My favorite is the one on hospitality. Hospitality is what my mom is all about!
Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Participant and Group Leader - This was an important connection after Dad was gone.
Mom started as a participant and was soon asked to train as a group leader. She served as group leader for many
years. This gave her significant connections with women in the community. Later, Common Bond replaced BSF.
Golden Age Retreat - The local church camp offers a yearly camp week for “Golden Agers.” A friend, Martha Frey,
invited Mom to join her one year in the early 2000’s. It was a wonderful experience, and Mom served on the
planning committee for several years.
Wadel Genealogy Book - A chance meeting in 1994 with a distant cousin, Les Wadel, lead to the writing of the book,
Descendants of Johann Peter Wadel. Mom has always been a keeper of family lore and we are so grateful that this part
got written down in a book! She and Les spent many hours researching and writing this book, published in 1999.
Mentoring - There is no way to include all the informal mentoring that Mom has done over the years. There were
always several people at a time that she would be sheltering under her wing, nurturing them in life and in faith. I
won’t even attempt to make a list of people she mentored. Some will show up in the “Letters” section of this book. I
grew up knowing that life was about reaching out to care for others.
One day a year or so ago, Mom said, out of the blue, “It’s a great life, if you don’t weaken.” Of course, I wanted to
know where that came from, but she had no idea. It was just something she remembered from childhood. She has
often commented on how interesting and wonderful life is and I know she was well aware of her human limitations.
Yet here she is at 87 years of age, "fat, ragged and sassy"* and still “plugging away.”
*A phrase Mom commonly used, meaning well supplied, contented, pleasantly discombobulated but, in high spirits.

Personal Philosophy
Values, Advice & Experiences That Have Shaped Me

74 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My life is a glow-in-the-dark puzzle
Jan 8, 2015
I’ve been working on a very frustrating puzzle! It’s a picture of a living room fireplace with a Christmas tree to the side.
The picture is pretty enough but the shapes of the pieces and the coloring are very challenging for me. I started this on
New Year’s day and finished it today, eight days later! I worked diligently until this morning at 10:30 when I finally put in
the last piece. Hallelujah! I feel like I’ve been through something significant!
For some reason, this has been a week of struggle for me. Sunday, I attended the dedication of the remodeling of the
Pleasant View church sanctuary. At that service, recognition was given to leaders and members in the past who
contributed to the church through the years. To me, there seemed to be a glaring absence of any mention of my
husband, John Sollenberger, pastor for 30 years. I felt very tearful on Monday and didn’t know why but then I realized I
was grieving. I was really missing John and I found myself getting in touch with feelings of rejection that I hadn’t thought
about for a long time. Whether I wanted it or not, streams of memories came back to me - feelings of being abandoned
throughout my life. Wave after wave of memories came, and with them, those painful feelings.
I tried my best to give it all to God but it felt like I was in an endless dark tunnel. All the while, I was working on this
beastly puzzle! I couldn’t turn my back on it. It had to be done. I was consumed with getting this puzzle to completion .
I got no relief at nighttime by closing my eyes, as the puzzle persistently appeared in my mind’s eye.
Then Tuesday night, in some wakeful hours and silence, I was seeking answers to the turmoil I was feeling. Suddenly, I
could see the perfect parallel between this puzzle and my own life. God showed me that my life is like this 1,000 piece
puzzle. The pieces didn’t seem to fit at all well. It was difficult to tell for sure if the pieces really went together. They didn’t
have any predictable shape and they often didn’t meet at the corners. The colors of the picture had many dark and
incomprehensible areas. I thought that surely there must be some pieces missing.

Personal Philosophy • 75
My mind was flooded with the similarities of this puzzle and my life! Lots of things have happened and I
didn’t know why - painful memories: my mother’s poor health, parenting struggles, the loss of our first son,
clinical depression, John’s early death, church conflicts, loss of our granddaughter Martie - on and on. The
pieces of my life’s puzzle have been irregular and I was convinced many times that there would be missing
pieces. But slowly and surely, God is bringing the pieces of my life together.
In all these things, God seemed to be saying: "Trust me, my child. I will see you through until the last piece
of your life’s puzzle is in place." I felt His tender love, understanding and assurance that I am His child and
there really is rhyme and reason to all these misfitting pieces of my life. While I still wonder how things will all
come together in the end, I am recognizing that making sense of my life puzzle is not up to me. God has a
pattern of beauty and order, just like this provoking puzzle, which finally did come together into a complete
picture in the end, with no gaping holes.
When I got up this morning, I was so excited as I put in the last pieces of the puzzle. My arm just aches from
the effort, but I had to finish.
Looking back over the past few days, I think I was seeing everything through the eyes of grief. My
granddaughter Anna gave me a book for Christmas, about the art of dying. (The Christian Art of Dying: Learning
from Jesus by Allen Verhey). I’ve had to read it slowly because it is so deep. Ideas from this book have been in
the mix of my thoughts during this time, too. This author says that it’s all about God’s agenda, not God doing
our agenda (page 217). It’s not that we have to try harder to think right, and have the right attitude, or love
Jesus more so we get to heaven. Instead, it’s about loving people, and letting Jesus shine out.
A special feature of this puzzle is that it glows in the dark! So the puzzle is all put together and at night you
can turn out the light and it will glow in the dark! That’s Jesus’ love shining through the pieces of my life!
Hallelujah! Amen!

76 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
My Values
My highest value in life is to be all that God wants me to be. That covers about everything, but if I had to narrow
it down, maybe my top three would be: cheerfulness, children, and hospitality.
Cheerfulness
When I was young, my mother’s heart trouble cast something of a cloud of gloom. Mother was not often able to
be her natural jovial self. As a child, I specifically remember resolving with myself to be a cheerful person, even if
I didn’t feel like it. I did my best to make things easier for Mother and I tried to keep things happy and fun for the
rest of my family. I liked to joke around with my brothers and occasionally pull a prank on someone (like flicking
a spoonful of mashed potatoes across the table, hitting Gladys square in the eye). I started making birthday cakes
for my family and loved the excitement on their faces. I looked for ways to celebrate the ordinary things in life. In
my 50’s, my resolve to cheerfulness was tested when working with older people at Leader/Manor Care. Some
people get to the end of life with bitterness, and some with joy and happiness. When working at Leader, I loved
the challenge of bringing cheerfulness to these people, especially the grumpy ones. This was not always
appreciated. I remember one woman named Amanda, shaking a knobby finger at me and declaring that someday
I would be in her shoes and she hoped I would get the same kind of treatment I was giving her (I was trying to
wash her face and comb her hair for the day). These days in my late 80’s, I continue to do my best to stay
cheerful. It’s not always easy, of course. I get lonely and have some old-age aches and pains. Even harder than the
aches and pains of the body is when I hear of sad things that happen to my loved ones. Although cheerfulness
may be hard, I know that depression and despair would be even harder. “A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but a sad heart crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13.
Children
Children make me happy! Children have always filled up my life. I love to see their smiles and sparkling eyes. As
a girl, I seemed to often end up caring for the younger children. I wasn’t exactly the lady-like ideal that my sister
Gladys was, so I would be out there playing games at a family reunion. I was used to managing my younger
brothers, so I guess it came naturally. One of my younger brothers, Joe, was sick often and tended to be grouchy
a lot of the time. One day it dawned on me that it would be hard to be cheerful when not feeling well. I began to
empathize with him and brought him things to do in bed. As an adult, I have loved all the children in my world:
my own kids, nieces and nephews, Fresh Air kids, neighbor kids, church kids, summer Bible School kids,
kindergarten kids, troubled kids, compliant kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and now great great grandkids!

Personal Philosophy • 77
Children need firm guidance but they are so precious and vulnerable. I always wanted to protect them and
make them happy. I was not nurtured as well as I needed to be as a child, so I always tried to reach out to
children, especially to hurting children. I believe strongly that caring for all the children is fundimental to the
health of our world.
Hospitality
When I was young, my dad loved to invite people home after church for Sunday dinner. He usually did this
without consulting Mother. We would scramble to get a meal on the table. Thank God for canned beef which
was easy to warm up quickly to serve! Our housekeeping was far from ideal and I would feel embarrassed about
that aspect, but still, I learned how to make a good meal and serve people. After the meal, Daddy would sit with
the male guests in the parlor and talk while the women cleaned up the dishes. My older brother, Ralph, also
liked to bring his buddies home for a meal.
My husband, John, and I loved having guests in our home for a meals or overnight stays. We always felt we
gained more than we gave. John loved that I could cook and host people. As a pastor’s wife, I felt it my honor
and duty to be prepared to serve anytime my pastor husband invited guests, even if it was the occasional
hitchhiker. I always wanted my children to feel free to bring their friends home anytime. All this was not
without some mixed feelings on my part. Hospitality is not easy. I got tired and sometimes guests didn’t know
when to leave.
Hospitality is having a servant heart. As Christ came to serve so, we must live our lives in total service to God
and others. Hospitality can be as short as a friendly word, or as long as a lifetime friendship. To me, hospitality is
sharing what I have with all God’s people. It’s what life is all about. My life has been so enriched by all the people
I’ve come to know through practicing hospitality.
One of the losses that comes with aging is that I don’t have homemade cookies on hand like I used to have. I
always want to make a meal for a family with a new baby. I can’t do that anymore and I really miss that! I love it
when my daughter invites one of my friends and serves us tea. Instead of cooking a meal for my children, we go
to a restaurant. It’s not quite, the same but almost.

Tips for Life
Quick Points to Ponder
-Be happy and make others happy, too.
-Seek Jesus in everything.
-Work hard but have fun, too.
-Use common sense.
-Read and learn all you can.
-Make do with what you have but don’t just settle for any ol’ thing. Keep working.
-Share what you have.
-Make friends with anyone. People need you and you need them.
-Feed people tasty things, especially cookies.
-Love and serve the whole world.
-Bump people out of complacency.
-Remember where you’ve come from. Tell and retell the stories. Share profound ideas you
learn along the way. (Use discretion. Some people just like to hear themselves talk and can wear
out their listeners. Don't do that!)
-Love and serve your family. Treasure all the memories.
-Treasure things especially heirlooms. These things make us who we are.
-Don’t throw things away. You might need it sometime. (Within reason that is.)
-Enjoy being with your friends and family, even if it’s just ordinary life.
-Laugh often.
-Take every chance you get to “sit under” someone knowledgeable and wise.
-Of course, be honest and keep your promises.
-When you are making something like a dress from a dress pattern, look at the directions only
as a last resort but when cooking follow the recipe closely (A habit observed by RuthE).
-If you spot a dandelion in a yard, stop right away. Go get a butcher knife and dig that thing out.
Be sure to go down deep to get all of the root.

Quotes for Life
Ponderables
“I will think of thee with sympathy but thou shalt do thine own praying.” - Mrs. Votow
Quaker lady, I did their laundry, friends of Bikles.
“Blessed are they that go in circles for they shall be called wheels.” My mother would say
this.
“This too shall pass.” Mother used this.
“It’s not what happens to us that matters but what we do with what happens.”
“We are what we have been becoming.”
"For me to live is Christ." Phil 1:21
“There are two kinds of people: those who can’t read a book if there’s housework to do
and those who can’t do housework if there’s a good book to read.” (RuthE: Mom may
have only said this once but it has stuck with me my whole life! )
There was a woman who combed her hair once a year. It was such an ordeal that she was
so glad that she only had to do that once a year.
“Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.”
“It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.” -John Buchan, Scottish novelist. This popped in my
mind out of the blue one time when Grantley was home.

80 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
What I’m Grateful For Today
Today I feel grateful for all the connections with family and friends that letters bring...Being part of a loving
network... Grateful that Rhoda takes me to church Sunday mornings and I get to hear my grandson, Delton
preach... Last Tuesday, I got to visit my great granddaugher, Shaliqua and her two little ones... I’m really looking
forward to all of us being together at Rhodes Grove in August... I like seeing people on facebook... The beautiful
pink magnolia outside my window in spring... Sitting in my chair watching snow fall in winter… For my electric
recliner chair … I’m grateful for being able to spend time outside on my balcony... Grateful that I can walk
downtown Saturday mornings to the farmer’s market... I can take a little walk around the block by myself every
day...I can still do the steps without trouble... Songs like “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and “Oh, I Want to See
Him, Look upon His Face”... My counselor Nancy that I see every other week, who is such a wonderful
encourager… My money is reaching around for all my needs... I miss Dad (John) so much these days, though I am
so thankful for the wonderful memories I have ... I never feel alone because of the scriptures… For books! ... All
kinds of books! ... I am just grateful for everything!
In 2015, RuthE and Linden made a little apartment for me on the second floor of their house. I have a tiny
kitchen/dining and living room area, a bathroom all my own and a spacious bedroom. I can open my back door
and walk right outside onto the open air balcony. I have all I need. It was very hard to downsize but now I’m glad I
have less to look after. I have always loved doing jigsaw puzzles and now I do them one after the other. I like to
watch what’s going on out the windows - neighbors’ activities or the traffic going by. I love getting visitors. I go to
an exercise class and to prayer meeting weekly. This summer, RuthE is taking me on trips to see her children in
Va. I’m in general good health, but exhausted a lot of the time, so I’m glad I can rest often.
As my friend Holly would say, "I’m just here waiting for my 'invitation' from heaven to arrive." It will be a great
day!
July 2019

Personal Philosophy • 81
Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
July 8, 2019
Age: 87

82 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger

The Rowe Run near Pinola, Pa.
“
We are faced with
a series of great
opportunities
brilliantly disguised
as impossible situations.
- CHARLES SWINDOL

Clippings
From Here and There
I cared for Martha and Ross Foglesaner at Leader/
Manor Care. They were originally from a farm near my
home on Rowe Road.

Notes from Friends & Family
“What cannot letters inspire? They have souls; they can speak; they have in
them all that force which expresses the transports of the heart....” - Heloise

86 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
-Doris Jean-
1. In Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
In Pinola, a little eight-house town,
There was joy and happiness, one November day,
As a blessing from high heaven was sent down.
6 They raised a healthy family of six but
Little Joey was taken, causing many tears.
Later, John developed a brain tumor.
Making Doris a widow now for many years.
2. Harry and Emma Wadel lost little Johnny,
Less than a year before.
So, Doris Jean had a special welcome
and they could not have loved her more.
7. We admire Doris’s strong constitution
And her cheerful outlook, even today.
May we all benefit from her testimony
And follow Jesus who is the way.
3. She grew up through normal childhood,
with family, the church and the school.
There were four boys followed her in the family,
So her growing up years were quite full.
By your brother, David
Washington Boro, Pa.
June 2019
4. I, David, was next to her in the family,
So we grew up side by side.
I benefited much from her example,
In the decisions that were mine to decide.
5. In her late teens, she met John Sollenberger
He was ordained preacher before they wed.
They were married in the old Rowe Church.
Many years have passed since the “I do’s “ were said.
David and Ruth
50th Wedding
Anniversary,
2005

Notes from Friends & Family • 87
Dear Doris –
I'd like to share these memories with you.
The first time that I learned of Doris Wadel was after her first date with my older brother, John. He said he
wanted to go to the Diller's Mennonite Church on the other side of Newville. Pop, as we called our father, told
him of all the turns he knew to get through Newville. The next day John told us he had no trouble going
through Newville. Then we learned it was his first date with Doris Wadel, and she knew the best way. From
that time on, we always knew that was the best way.
After Doris and John started dating steady, we became good friends with her four younger brothers. John
also had four younger brothers. We found the very best friendships for all. There was good cooking and lots
of fun and fellowship in their home, which has lasted for a long time. After John and Doris got married, their
home was a place where there was an open door for all. We gathered there often and she would feed us, all
these brothers. After the meal there would be all these dishes! I was impressed when I saw John helping her
wash them.
John was also an ordained pastor at the Pleasant View Mennonite Church and had some responsibilities at
the Shady Pine Mennonite Church. His two younger brothers were dating girls from Shady Pine. These girls
found Doris to be a good spiritual mentor to them and helped them to make dresses suitable for the
Mennonite Church and gave them support as they married.
The relationship we have had with Doris will be treasured as long as we live.
Samuel B. and Patsy Sollenberger
John’s brother
Chambersburg, Pa.
June 2019

88 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
June 2019

Notes from Friends & Family • 89

90 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Dear Doris,
What a faithful friend you have been for me! My memories of you start way back when we were young adults. You
were a year younger than me, but I picture you as the girl with grace and beauty which I envied, feeling myself
quite the opposite, being tall and clumsy. I remember one time at the huge Chambersburg Church you crossed the
aisle and retrieved a crying niece or nephew. You were always ready to bring comfort to the little ones.
Marriage and motherhood consumed our time and energies for some years. And for you being a pastor’s wife
from day one was an added responsibility. We all admired the neat French braided hair of the Pastor’s daughters
and the Fresh Air children from NYC. During this time we spent many hours sewing for our families. For me I had
help from my sister-in-laws, but you sewed not only for your family but you were like Tabitha in the Bible, sewing
garments for many people.
Over the years we have experienced changes in our church life. Some brought anxiety and confusion. We
discussed mental illness issues and the pros and cons of treatments offered by local community and church
facilities. We shared helpful books and authors, radio programs, and articles as well that were helpful. Your keen
interest in health issues led you to earn a LPN degree. You worked at Leader Nursing Home and in addition
became nurse in the congregation. Then you began to serve with us on the Deacon Care Team at Pleasant View.
Now in our late eighties, Edgar and I still have benefited from the tidbits you shared on your monthly
newsletters, one of which reads the ABCs and the Ten Commandments For Growing Older. I smile when I
remember the day my sister Sarah, you, and I traveled to Lancaster for a history tour of the Martin family by
Darvin Martin. We were so excited to see our great grandfather’s unmarked grave sites and the tour that showed
us the Hans Henry Martin homestead by the banks of the Conestoga Creek. The creek flowed along a long lane
leading into the homestead of (Creek Henry) where our great grandfather lived before he made a decision to
emigrate to Franklin County. He moved his family to a new homestead near the banks of the Pinola Creek (Rowe
Run). After that day in Lancaster, we spent hours drawing and filling in our Genealogy Charts.
A Valentine message from you to me reads....”God gave me You for a friend...What a beautiful way to show His
love!” I was touched by the additional words you wrote. “Dear Grace and Edgar, you truly have proven to be my
friends throughout the past years since John is gone! The loaf of bread you gave me at Christmas time was so
appropriate. It seemed to speak to me of all the ingredients that we offer to God. He can pour them together and
make something that brings life. Bread of Heaven! Thanks so much for Everything! Doris”
Doris, thanks so much for your friendship!! You have blessed not only my life but many of our lives!!
Grace Burkholder, friend and sister in Christ (also, second cousin once removed)
Chambersburg, Pa.
June 2019

Notes from Friends & Family • 91
Dear Doris,
First, I’d like to express deep appreciation for your interest in me, your caring, and sincere support over the years
from the years as small child when our family visited your farm back the lane to as a young adult visiting in your
kitchen.
I’m so impressed by your big heart, reaching out, your interest in broad range of ideas, and quick wit. Most
importantly to me was your ability to apply language to feelings in a way that was freeing, liberating & growth
enhancing.
I well remember two things: 1) Many cups of tea while visiting around your kitchen table those first years
when home after being “away from home” at nursing school. Without a doubt, I felt your support and often felt
like it was mutual when each time I gave you a listening ear as well. I recall you expressing your concerns about
John in the weeks of waiting for testing. As I was leaving your kitchen, you two were interacting regarding how
he had cooked the entire corn, just as he had picked it from your garden (husk and all).
2) Another stand out time was this: Just like my mother and me, you were a reader and we would share ideas
from different books and sources we found interesting. I remember my mother consulting you in regards to a
book I was reading, How to Be Your Own Best Friend, by authors Mildred Newman & Bernard Berkowitz. Written
in 1971, this little book has turned out to be a classic in the self help field. I gave you the book to read. Thank
goodness it passed your approval! Somehow you manage to soothe two generations in the opinion you gave to
each of us separately about that little book.
In some ways, that book planted a seed in one of my lifelong conundrums … loving my neighbor as myself.
You watered that seed by befriending me. Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate my neighbors AND myself.
And I thank you!
Heart full of love to you,
Miriam Burkholder
San Antonio, Texas
Church member, friend, mutual support
July 4,2019
Right: Mim, Grace, Dori with family
herloom - Hannah Burkholder's tin
breadmaking pan.

92 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Dear Doris,
I was a teen when our friendship started, working for you as you had difficult pregnancies, and I bent your ear
constantly over my questions and teen struggles. You were always accepting, really hearing, always seeing the
funny side of things, as well as the frustrations, heartaches and grief. I remember John’s and your kindness to
me when your brother Paul, whom I really loved, and had dated about 2 years, was killed in a car accident after
our Sunday night date.
Another thing I loved that you did, that stands out in my memory, is how you worked so lovingly with the
Fresh Air Children from New York City. This program, sponsored, I believe, by the New York Times, arranged
for low income children to be guests of country families in the summer. Though the Times did good
inspections, there were some situations that were difficult and occasionally head lice got through. You arranged
with your doctor ahead of time, in case, and both your family and your guests made prescription shampoos a
good family event to begin the big summer adventure. And the kids came back every year. I’m not surprised
that these children and others returned in their grown-up years to visit.
When we lived in Maryland, your friendship continued in fun and serious times, as well as when we moved
to Franklin County, and you were an encouragement to our daughter having learning disabilities struggles.
Since our activities take us different places, it’s been wonderful to have special little visits. You have been an
important example to me of how to be a follower of Jesus on earth.
Love, Ruthie
Mrs. Al Good, (Ruthie Sollenberger Good)
July 2019
Doris was married to John, my late first cousin who was
assistant pastor at my church in my youth, and sister to my
boyfriend (who died in an accident when I was 18),
and lifetime friend.

Betty Houser
1924 - 2018
Betty Houser, my charge nurse
on Station 2, presented this to
me at my retirement from
Leader/Manor Care in 1997.
She said that she woke up one
morning and the words just
flowed out into poem. She
wrote it out in this beautiful
calligraphy and had it framed
for my retirement party. Betty
was always a mentor and friend
to me. I will always remember
her smile and that she
nicknamed John "The Rabbi."

94 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Dear Aunt Doris,
Thinking of you, Aunt Doris, is always a warm and pleasant experience. Your support and encouragement
helped me feel accepted and even important. I now realize that your love and prayers were you allowing God
to offer me His life and hope through you.
When I was in my early 20's I was quite disoriented in life and unsure what direction to take. Your
encouragement helped me have the courage and hope to pursue my heart and dreams to learn to fly and get
more education. This turned into a successful career in the airlines that has lasted for over 30 yrs.
Aunt Doris, your example has encouraged me to accept and encourage others. God living in you has
overflowed into my life and others. Psalm 25:5- "my cup overflows." I thank God for you.
Love and blessings
Your nephew,
Braxton Sollenberger
Elizabethtown, Pa.
June 2019
Stacy and Braxton's Wedding February 4, 2018
Rachel, Stacy (bride in fuzzy slippers), Braxton, Me, RuthE

Notes from Friends & Family • 95
Dear Aunt Doris,
One very fond memory I have is when I was little and spent time at your place, you would call me “Honey” and
“Sweetie” and those kind of terms of endearment. It meant a lot to me, as that wasn’t something that Mother
did often. For whatever reason, it always spoke to me. I could count on hearing those sweet words from you. It
always made me feel special and wanted and loved! Thank you for doing that because I always have that
memory with me! It is still special to me to this day!
I love you, Aunt Doris!
Kathy Crider
Niece
Chambersburg, Pa.
August 2019
Freda, Kathy, Aunt Doris, Beverly

Dear Aunt Doris,
I’d like to start by saying how much I love and appreciate you and the example you’ve been to me over the
years. As a child, I remember coming to visit and putting together the Formica shape puzzles. As time passed, I
enjoyed bringing my children to visit and hearing family stories. You are such a good storyteller!
I’m so impressed by your energy and determination. I have always admired how you became a nurse. I‘m
sure that wasn’t easy, but you persevered and were a blessing to many. I also appreciate all the time and effort
you’ve devoted to researching family history. That is a treasure to me and to future generations.
Thank you for being a wonderful example of a godly woman, full of kindness and compassion. You are
always happy to see me, displaying that twinkle in your eye so like my Dad’s. You have made me feel welcome
and loved every time we have met. You are a blessing, and you inspire me to be a blessing as well. I love you!
Love,
Kim Treadway, Niece
Ohio
July 2019

Notes from Friends & Family • 97
Dear Doris,
I would like to start by saying that I am thankful that the
Lord gave me a wonderful and dear sister-in-law when I
married your brother Mark. You have impressed me
with your acceptance of me into your family. You have
shown me so much love over the years and we have
grown closer now in our older years.
Thank you for inviting me to “old people’s camp!” We
share so many fun times there over the years! Thanks
for letting your love of Jesus shine in your life. Also,
praying for me has been a blessing in my life.
May the Lord continue to bless you in all you do. I love
you, my dear sister!
With Love,
Betty
Sister-in-law
May 21, 2019
Mount Airy, Md.
Thank you, Aunt Doris, for all you have
contributed in helping mold my life. You have
always been a strong pillar, a good counselor
and have greatly influenced who I am today.
You were sort of like a “big sister” to me and I
remember of always wanting to be a nurse, just
like you. However, there was a defining
moment when that all changed. We were on
the farm and I was helping to clean chickens,
preparing for a meal. Since my hands were
smaller than the adults around me, it was my
job to put my hand inside the chicken and
clean it. I found this totally disgusting and was
voicing my opinion. You wisely told me that if
cleaning chickens was bad, than I probably
would not enjoy being a nurse! My life’s
career goals took a turn after that day!! Thank
you!! You were so right!!
Also, there was the time when I stayed
overnight at Grandpa and Grandma’s and I
slept with Aunt Doris. The next day they were
having a surprise bridal shower for her. I was
told I wasn’t to tell her. I was so proud of
myself that I was able to keep that secret!!
Love, your niece,
Jeannie
July 24, 2019
Shippensburg, Pa.
Betty and Jeannie

98 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Dear Doris,
When RuthE asked me to contribute something to your
book, I thought of this statement that I gave at a mentors
meeting a while ago. I’m so glad that our relationship keeps
going after all these years!
If just one Soul
just one soul If
been enriched
Has
Doris Sollenberger became my mentor when I joined Pleasant
View Mennonite Church in May, 2004. She continues to be my
“Spiritual Mother!” We so enjoy each other’s company and she
continues to tell me, “Jen, don’t you forget you are God’s precious
child, His Princess! He does not want you to settle for less than
what He has for you!”
you trod this earth,
Because
if one doubting heart
Or
trust can
realize its worth,
And
turn to Christ
And
you shared
Because
joy Your
ease her pain,
To
Thanks and I love you!
Jennifer Grove (Ransom)
July 2019
Chambersburg, Pa.
know, beyond
You’ll
slightest doubt,
The
not have lived
You’ll
vain! in
Alice Hansche Mortenson

Notes from Friends & Family • 99
Dear Doris,
I have always enjoyed talking with you over the years whenever we would meet up here and there. You are just
such an easy person to know and have a good time with!
We both grew up at the Row Church but I was younger than you and you left before I did. I wish I could
remember what really started our friendship but I know I always loved to listen to your stories about growing up
and especially about my brother Lester. You were really into genealogy and I was interested in it, too. We always
liked talking about connecting with different people we both knew.
Then one day, you called me to see if I would be interested in going on a History Tour to Europe lead by
Wilmer Martin. I said, “Yes!” It was like a dream come true! It was such an enjoyable trip. I loved, at the end of
each day in our room, talking late about our day and about old times. I had this terrible fear about going on the
cable car up the Alps. I don’t know if you felt the same (probably not) but with you beside me, I braved it! It
turned out okay and I was glad I did it!
I’m really grateful for your friendship!
With Love,
Ruth Martin
Your friend, and second cousin once removed,
Chambersburg, Pa.
June 2019
Background photo of the Alps in Switzerland, European Anabaptist Herigage Tour 2010

June 2019, 2257 Sutton Terrace, The Villages, Fl. 32168
Second cousin once removed
Les, me and Marilyn. They visited me in Waynesboro. I
was knotting a comforter on RuthE's side porch.
May 18, 1996, the day we met on the
Letterkenny Cemetaries tour.

Notes from Friends & Family • 101
Dear Doris,
First, I’d like to say I have always admired you for your dedication to the church. Because of this dedication you
and I both served on the Franklin Conference WMSC (Women’s Mission and Service Commission) of the
Mennonite Church in the ‘70’s. It was in this connection that I also learned of your leadership skills. As an older
female, you set an example that women do have a place in church leadership.
I’m also so impressed by your courage to go to LPN school and become a Licensed Practical Nurse after raising a
family and grieving the loss of your husband, John, to cancer.
I well remember during the time of our WMSC experience that we traveled to Virginia to attend a regional
conference for WMSC leaders, held near Massenetta Springs, VA. There were about four or five of us in the car
and I was driving. We were chatting, as women do, as we traveled. Suddenly, conversation stopped in the back seat
as a car began to pass us on the left. As the car came into view across from me I too became silent. And then a bust
of laughter exploded from you and I joined in! And I think I was first to speak, saying, “Did I just see what I
thought I saw?” Then we had to explain to the others what took place. Out the rear window on the passenger side
of the passing car a young guy ‘mooned’ us! You were the first to see this unlikely sight displayed to a car-full of
‘plain dressed’ Mennonite ladies and an experience I will never forget!
Thank you for being my friend over the years since we first served together on WMSC. Your example of
strength and courage in the face of grief has also strengthened me, as I experienced the loss of a spouse in recent
years.
With Love,
Lorraine Eby
Mentored by Doris
1278 Sollenberger Road,
Chambersburg, Pa. 17202

102 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Dear Aunt Doris,
I'm going to apologize right up front and get that out of the way...we siblings are not writers and it's like pulling hen's
teeth to get a response out of anyone. So there! Anyway, I did get some memories from a couple of us so I'll jot a few
lines.
Rachel says two memories stand out in her mind... when Aunt Doris would comb her hair she would comb it in two
French braids... so tight that she felt like she couldn't blink her eyes! I'm sure it was a big help to Mom 'cause her hair
wouldn't have needed to be combed for days afterward. Another from Rachel: there was a wooden floor at Aunt
Doris's place and Rachel decided to run and slide on it with her bare feet. Well, she did, and got the biggest splinter
ever in the bottom of her foot that they had to work and ream around trying to get it out! She knew then to never try
that trick again!
From me, Lois Marie:
Aunt Doris, I loved going to your house over the holidays. You always had clear toy candy... man, you could make
those suckers last forever!! They were such a treat!
… Going shopping with you and cousin Rachel... packing our lunch 'cause pennies didn't come easy and we wanted
to save the money we had to buy something worthwhile!
… The time that my mom and you went shopping together and secretly bought each other the same candle that
said, “God couldn't be everywhere so He created Grandmothers!” Then laughing and laughing after you gave it to
each other, when it hit you, that the quote was actually a big fat lie!!
… Staying overnight with you the night before my big sister’s wedding.
… When I was six, my mom had a very bad car accident and had to be in the hospital over Christmas. Aunt Doris,
you sent the whole Christmas dinner down for us! I remember standing on the table looking in the box at all the
things you sent!!
Thank you, Aunt Doris, for thinking of us!
I think it was the last Christmas gift exchange in the Harry Wadel family that was held at Uncle John's farm.. You,
Aunt Doris, had my name. I was sitting beside my cousin, Ruthie, when they passed the gifts out. Anticipation of what
was in the gift was a huge part of the fun of Christmas. Well, my dear cousin leans over before I could tear the
wrapping off and said, “My mom gave you a doll baby!” Nevertheless, I loved that doll and the dress that Aunt Doris
made for it. I still have the dolly dress!
.

Notes from Friends & Family • 103
From Sarah:
Her first and foremost memory is a birthday of hers. She thinks it was her tenth birthday. They were invited up
to Aunt Doris's for Sunday lunch and Aunt Doris made her a birthday cake with a doll. The doll was a tall slim
doll with hair. It was standing up inside the cake and the cake was decorated to look like the doll's gown! Sarah
still has the doll!! She also still has a McNess cup in the shape of a bunny that Aunt Doris gave her. She has
memories of the tall sliding board that was at the farm… going to a rest home with Aunt Doris to visit someone
and scared spitless of some of the noises emitting from the elderly.
So there you have it! We are not a family of writers (I said that before, didn’t I?)! Anyhow, we all are grateful
for you and especially now since both of our parents are gone. You are our nearest and dearest connection to
our mom!
Love,
Lois Marie
Niece
Carlisle, Pa.
July 2019
.
My sister Gladys and her 13 children in 2005
Dolly Dress made by Aunt
Doris for Lois Marie
Alvin, Lois Marie, Nelson, Sarah, Willie, Leah, Dale, Janie, Dan, Esther, Ed, Rachel, Nevin

From Denise Angle:
I met Doris in 1979 when I started working at Leader Nursing Center. Doris was training me as a new CNA. As we
were talking and sharing things about ourselves, I came to find out she knew my parents. My mother said Doris was
her maid of honor at their wedding.
My family lived in Mercersburg at the time I started working at Leader. They decided they were going to move to
Fulton County and that would mean I would have to travel over the mountain to get to work. Doris so graciously
suggested that I could stay with her and John until I could find a place to stay. I very much appreciated the offer, and
agreed to stay, but was only expecting for it to be a couple weeks. Weeks turned into several months and during that
time, Doris and John very much made me to feel like part of their family. They also showed me what it was to have a
spiritual family. Their love for God and others showed every day and my faith began to grow as I spent more time
with them. When I did find a place and moved out, we kept in touch and the love they showed me grew even
stronger.
I felt honored when Doris asked me to help with John's care during his final moments. My children grew to know
them as Grandma and Pappy Sollenberger and they treated my children as though they were their grandchildren.
I learned so much from Doris. She took the time to teach me to cook and bake. My children especially liked the
Monster cookies and looked forward every Christmas for the cookie package from her. Doris was so kind, gentle and
spoke the truth even when I didn't want to hear it. She dried many of my tears and prayed with me and over my
family.
When she went to LPN school, I knew I also wanted to go on to be a Nurse. I wanted to be so much like her and would
tell her, but she would always point me to the Lord and tell me to be more like Him. I know it was a divine meeting
when our paths crossed, as I was going through a pivotal time in my life where I was questioning God and my faith. I
can never repay her for the time she invested in me, the direction and advice, but I will always remember the huge
part she played in helping me find my way back to God. I love Doris with all my heart and consider her "Mom."
With love,
Denise Angle
283 Shatzer Orchard Rd.
Chambersburg Pa. 17202
September 2019

Notes from Friends & Family • 105
Sarah Angle
(daughter of Denise Angle)
Gettysburg, Pa. 17325
April 8, 2006
Sarah Angle Harder and Denise Angle
on Sarah's wedding day

Notes from Friends & Family • 93
We're not sure
who took the
time to pen this
note. I
appreciate
whoever wrote
it!

Pieces of History
Heirlooms, Keepsakes, Mementos

Country Cousins
In 1910, cousin Bill Z. Shetter, was a
14-year-old city boy from
Philadelphia with a box camera. On
a visit to relatives in Chambersburg,
Bill captured this scene of cousins
and siblings along with “Frank,” the
workhorse, and the quintessential
“Stover Ideal Grinder” (for grinding
grains). Years later, he sent this
photo to Chambersburg's
newspaper, The Public Opinion, for
their “Olden Times” column, much
to the surprise and delight of the
country cousins!
On horseback:
Eber, Edna (sister of Bill).
Standing back to front:
Ada, Emma, Cora, Raymond
(Brother of Bill)

A Love Story: Harry and Emma
Pieces of History • 109
An Empty Buggy Seat
Young Harry Wadel was getting to an age were his was thinking about finding a wife. He turned to his
employer, Charles Hunsecker, for advice. Charles referred him to Roy Yeager who was dating (and later
married) Ada Shetter. Ada had a younger sister Emma, so maybe there could be a possibility for Harry in
that quarter. Harry soon found occasion to attend church at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, the home
church of the Shetter family. After the service, Harry approached Roy asking if he would please send
word to Emma, through her sister Ada, of Harry’s interest in making her acquaintance. Roy was willing,
and went over to Ada and pointed out that over there was Harry Wadel with an empty buggy seat, and
did Ada think her sister Emma would be willing to fill that empty seat. It turned out the Emma was
indeed willing and thus began a most vibrant of relationships.
The Rose Bush
Emma, (age 18), was living as hired help at the home of Henry and Ethel Sollenberger,
about three miles north of Pleasant View church, so that is where they headed. The
interaction between the two must have been pleasant enough but still Harry must have
been a bit nervous, and in taking leave, turned and nearly landed in the rose bush. Emma
hurried into the house to hide her giggles.
Penn Hall
Emma was offered a job in the laundry department at Penn Hall Girls’ School by Dan Welker, a neighbor of the
Sollenbergers who was manager of Penn Hall. Emma took this opportunity and was assigned to do laundry on the third
floor of the dormitory. Sometimes Dan Welker would give Emma a ride to work as he drove his car by the Shetter home on
his way Penn Hall. Other times, Emma would walk the four miles to work.

110 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
The May Migration
Each year, the entire school moved to the Esplanade Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ, to finish the semester and have final
examinations. Emma became part of this migration as laundry worker. Emma was enriched by this experience
and wrote long, passionate letters back home to Harry. She got to see the mighty Atlantic Ocean and to gather
seashells and pebbles. She got to connect with Uncle Jake and Aunt Fanny and attended a preaching conference.
A House for the Engaged Couple
Harry’s letters to Emma in Atlantic City, NJ, during May of 1923,
included updates on the digging of the cellar for their house next
door in Pinola. Harry’s father, John P., was having a house built for
his oldest son on the lot next to his own house, just has his father
had done for him and Katie on Bedford Rd. when they married in
1899.

The Terrible Accident
Friday, October 5, 1923, began like any ordinary day at the Pinola Feed Mill where Harry worked for his father. A cupola on
the very top of the long building had windows on four sides letting a bit of light to the engine that powered the auger of the
feed elevator. As Harry was attempting to change a belt while the motor was running, his pant leg got caught, and in the blink
of an eye, his leg was drawn into the machinery, causing a severe compound fracture just below the knee. Harry felt no pain
but realized something amiss when he tried to take a step. He let out a shriek of shock. At that, John P. and others came
running. They carried him, using a chair as a stretcher, down stairs and to the house across the street.
Someone had the presence of mind to apply a tourniquet above the knee. After much deliberation on the part of John P.,
Harry was at last put in an ambulance and transported to the Chambersburg Hospital. It was a very painful ride. He felt each
chuck hole in the road. The ambulance route took them by Penn Hall where Emma was working. As was the custom, the
workers all rushed to the window when they heard the siren to watch an ambulance go by. Emma had no idea that it was her
intended husband, her “Harry Boy,” that was being transported. Nonetheless, Emma was among the first that Harry laid eyes
on when he became conscious after two hours on the operating table.
Harry was still using crutches at the time of their marriage but eventually made a full recovery. However, he always needed
the help of a shoe with a built up sole for the affected leg.
Marriage and Wedding Trip
At last the day arrived, Tuesday, June 10, 1924. Harry now had a car and drove himself and his bride, Emma, to the home
of Bishop John S. Burkholder. Once married, they enjoyed a family meal at the Shetter home. The newlyweds spent a
few days visiting relatives in Lancaster and Uncle Isaiah Besore in Elizabethtown.

Joe's Treasures
Grandma Katie's Spinning Wheel -
Joe bought this at Grandma Katie's
sale after her death. He
remembers, as a child, going up on
our grandparents' attic with a
brother or two, to play with this
discarded spinning wheel. They
would spin the wheel as fast as they
could and then insert small pieces
of wood to watch the splinters fly.
Not surprisingly, the spinning
wheel eventually fell to pieces and
it was those pieces that he bought
at the auction. Joe did the research
necessary to rebuild it to working
condition.
John P.'s business calendar saved because June 10, 1924, was a
very special date for my parents -Their wedding date!
Inscription on the bottom: "I handcrafted this piece for my
faithful bride of 58 years. Orpha, Thank you (dear one). This
maple is from the tree in front of the house in Pinola which
John P. and Katie Wadel built in 1923 (or shortly before). . . .
Daddy had the tree cut down, I bought the lumber . . . finding
a bullet in one piece, used that piece for the knob. - Joseph
Wadel 2013"

The original phone located in the store
part of the Pinola Feed Mill. This phone
served the entire village of Pinola. The
number was 917 R3.
Pieces of History • 113
To the left and sitting on the woodbox,
right, is the cabinet made from Mother's
pump organ. Because of Grandpap's
convictions against musical instruments,
Daddy dismantled the organ and made
this small cabinet with a mirror which
was hung by the back door ( convenient
for one last look at yourself before
leaving the house).
A needlework pillow top made by
Mother.
Joe has everything inside
neatly labeled.
The woodbox kept behind the stove (Grove
Farm). After we filled it, we would sit on top to
warm up in cold weather.

Ralph's Baby Quilt
Mother made the quilt on the
left for her first baby, Ralph,
and used it for all of us. In
2002, I made a replica for
Ralph's first great grandbaby,
Austin Gerlock.
Katie Wadel's China
Grandma's milk pitcher.
I remember it at
breakfast time.
The gravy boat from Grandma's
china dinnerware set.
I remember this teapot from my home.

About a month after John
and I started dating, I ended
up in the hospital needing a
tonsillectomy. When John
came to visit me, he was
carrying a longish gift (one
might think roses), but no, it
was something practical: a
colorful plaid umbrella with
a stylish handle.
The Majolica Pottery Pot
This little pot was on the mantlepiece in the
parlor at home. I don’t know for sure where it
came from. Probably Daddy bought it at an
auction somewhere. John and I would save our
quarters in there when we were dating. We
saved for our honeymoon. After we were
married, we saved quarters for hospital
expenses for our babies.
RuthE remembers that we
got this candy tin at the
Wadel Reunion. I sure am
glad that my children
remember things that I have
totally forgotten.
Ralph brought this wooden chest from Florida for
me. He would go down there to help with fruit
harvest when he was a teen. I kept letters and little
souvenirs in it.
RuthE says that somehow I won three
different door prizes that year, one was
probably for the most children, since
we always had several Fresh Air
children in tow. I gave away the other
two prizes and kept and this one. It was
filled with M&Ms.

116 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger

Pieces of History • 117

Pieces of History • 119

Pieces of History • 121
Mother's autopsy report
The second half of this report resolved
for me questions, and even tensions, I
had had over the years. As a child, I
often felt impatient that Mother was
tired so much of the time. This report
opened my eyes fully to what she was
fighting against.

An Interesting Letter From Mark

Biography Interview Transcript
May 31, 2019
The Rowe Run near Pinola, Pa.

124 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Interview with Paul Draper, anthropologist
May 31, 2019
(The following are exerpts from the interview.)
Paul: Where in the world are you right now?
Ruthie: Go ahead.
Doris: We're in, ah- - - (stage fright)
Ruthie: (pausing) Pennsylvania. We are in, South Central Pennsylvania.
Paul: Okay. And South Central, all I know in that area is, Hershey.
Ruthie: We're south of Hershey. We're just, maybe three miles above the Maryland border in the town of
Waynesboro, close to Chambersburg. We are about 1 ½ hours south of Harrisburg.
Paul: So how did you end up there as a family?
Doris: (Laughs).
Ruthie: Well, let's see. Back in the late 1700's, Abraham Stouffer came from Lancaster. On the Falling Spring
Creek, he set up a flour mill. That was one branch of the family. Another branch came in 1827... an unmarried
mother (Katarina) with two children. She decided to make the trip to the new world from Ober-Ramstadt,
Germany. She came with her brother and sister-in-law, her father, and her two children (Peter, age 5 and
daughter age 2)...from Ober-Ramstadt, Germany... they were among the steerage passengers.
Paul: Right.
Ruthie: ... on the trip, the little two-year-old daughter died and was buried at sea. Katerina’s brother was washed
overboard in a storm and was lost.
Paul: Oh.
Ruthie: But there's no record of the father. (He disappeared from any record on either side of the ocean.) When
they got ashore in Baltimore, the sister-in-law counted her coins and found that she had enough to go back, and
so she headed straight back where she came from. That left, Katarina, with her five-year-old son, to fend for
themselves... so she answered an ad from someone looking for a bride in Chambersburg. There was a German
settlement there. The German societies were making these connections for folks. So, she came to
Chambersburg and married. It was not a happy relationship. This husband turned out to be abusive to her son,
Peter, and he left home at about 12-years-old. He was walking along the creek where two bachelor brothers
farmed their father's land. They heard Peter’s story and invited him to come work for them. He became part of
that family and also became part of the Mennonite Church. The Mennonite Church is a big part of our story.
Paul: Still... are you still active Mennonites today?

Biography Interview Transcript • 125
Doris: Yes.
Ruthie: Yes, we are, both of us.
...
Paul: So how was childhood different than the world of today; what was childhood like 87 years ago?
Doris: Well, I grew up on a farm with... had one sister and five brothers.
Paul: Now, was it a ranch or a farm?
Doris: Farm. With cattle. ..And then the regular crops like corn and wheat and that kind of things.
Ruthie: How many cows did you have?
Doris: We had eight cows and I was the one that liked to milk the cows and so I enjoyed that and I milked
most of them every time.
Paul: So were you milking Holsteins?
Doris: Yes.
...
Paul: So when you were little... taking care of the cows-they were happy to see you in the morning?
Doris: Yes. Yes, they were filled up with milk and they wanted relief!
Paul: (Laughs). And how early did your chores start when you were little?
Doris: Well, usually around 6:30 and then we'd go out and tie the cows in the barn and get ready to milk
them.
Paul: What kind of acreage did you have back then?
Doris: Oh, that farm had a 132 acres.
Paul: So you knew what it was to plow the north forty?
Doris: That's right (laughs).
...
Paul: (Laughs). What was your favorite animal when you were little?
Doris: Well, we had lots of cats... to catch mice… I loved all the cats. Mother, she had a truck patch up where
she grew things to sell... like her corn for sweet corn and things like that. Tomatoes. And, ah, one day Mother
went out there to work and she told us that we (Gladys and I) were to watch our little brother (Mark). And so
we put him in a little swing (hammock) and hung it on the lower limb of a tree…... and swung him back and
forth till he went to sleep. And so then we had fun. We went in the house to play ... and then we looked out
every now and then to check on him and then one time when we looked there was a man coming toward our
door and we were afraid so we didn't answer his knock. We just let him stand there. And then it got quiet and
we kept watching and the man went over to where our brother was sleeping in that little swing and then we
were scared. We thought he was gonna do something to him. But he didn't take him. It was just...

126 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
he wanted to check what was in there but we didn't answer the door. We were afraid.
Paul: Good. Well, back then you didn't have Barbies and you didn't have Internet. Was it a doll... What were the
girl toys; a doll house or a cooking set or a corn cob doll, what did you have? ...
Doris: Well, we had dolls with clothes and we had a little clothesline we liked to wash the clothes out and hang
them up and we also had a pretend stove. Had a lot of fun like that. And we had a wagon. Anyhow, we would
get on that wagon and there was a long hill on the driveway and we'd get on that and fly down over that hill.
Oh my pigtails would fly straight out in the back!
Paul: So did you do your own pigtails or did someone do them for you?
Doris: Well, my sister did them for me.
Paul: (Laughs). That's great.
Doris: (Laughs).
Paul: That's togetherness.
Doris: Yeah, togetherness is right.
Paul: So you, you got along with all your siblings, you never fought?
Doris: Oh, I can't agree to that. No, they irritated me every now and then.
Paul: (Laughs). But, but you were always good, you never irritated them back?
Doris: (Laughing) I'll let someone else answer that.
...
Doris: My mother had an unfortunate experience, ah, when she had her first child, you know, the doctor
came to the home to deliver it and he came to her home there having just come from a Scarlet Fever case.
And he was not very careful and she got Scarlet Fever.* It weakened her heart and so she was often tired out. I
used to get annoyed. Why did she have to rest so much (laughs) but I didn't understand.
Paul: Yeah, until you were a mother and then you understood.
Doris: Yeah, I did (laughs).
....
Paul: But did you... Did you ride, ah... Did you ride thoroughbreds often?
Doris: We only had work horses.
Paul: So you had horses that pull the plows .... and the tractors?**
Doris: My dad worked for his father at the Feed Mill till age 37 when he started farming. Farming was a
struggle for him but ... and I think he did alright.
*Mother was so sick that her sisters came to the house and said good-bye to her through the window.
**Daddy eventually got a tractor when I was a teen on the second farm we rented.

Biography Interview Transcript • 127
RuthE: And he read to you?
Doris: Yeah, it's one of the things that was very special... Every time when it was bedtime Daddy would help us
get ready for bed and then we'd get in our beds and then he would sit at the top of the stairs on the (top step) ...
and read to us. He had a Bible story book and he'd read to us and I remember that. That was special.*
Paul: And you'd hear about Jonah and the whale?
Doris: That's right. All those good stories (laughs).
..
Paul: Now, you had children?
Doris: I have five children.
Paul: Five children? And do you like all of them?
Ruthie: (Laughing).
Paul: (Laughs). Did you, have some time that you read to them or what was your togetherness time with your
kids?
Ruthie: Yes, you read to us! (I loved that!)
Doris: Oh, I read a lot to them. I remember that.
....
Paul: Good. So what are your passions, your hobbies, what do you do? If you had a free day and lots of energy
and felt good, what did you like to spend time doing?
Doris: Reading a book! (Some times on rainy days Mother would let us go off and do what we wanted.)**
Paul: Okay.
Doris: Oh, I just read and read, and I don't know how it happened but my father got me a card from the local
library which was unusual for the time (laughs). Anyhow, I read and read and read.
Paul: What did you like to read? Were you reading Tarzan or were you reading, ah, you know, Louie Lamore or
what were you reading?
*This specific memory was from the Pinola years but some form of this reading aloud carried on through the
years. A neighboring farmer also with a large family, scoffed at this practice of Daddy's. "I don't have time for
that," he was heard to say.
** I love reading! One time, RuthE. suggested I keep a record in a notebook of titles of books as I read them.
Between the years 2011 to 2016, I read an average of 36 books a year! I've slowed down a lot since then but I still
love to read!

128 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Ruthie: Grace Livingston-Hill.
Doris: Oh, do you know Grace Livingstone-Hill?*
Paul: Grace Livingston-Hill, yes.
Doris: Yeah, that was some of my wilder ones, you know (laughing).
Paul: Yeah (laughs).
Doris: I was glad for that library card that I could draw those out. Mm-hmm (affirmative). We lived on a farm
and we had these, metal milk cans that we put the milk in, you know, then we'd take it to the creamery. So
when dad would go in and go to the creamery he'd drop me off at the library and I could pick my books out
while he went to the creamery.
Ruthie: Ohh!
Paul: So when you had cereal in the morning did you always have it with cream?
Doris: (Laughs) Milk. I didn't like cream. That's too thick (laughs).
Paul: Yes. Yes. Did you like to garden, did you like to paint-
Doris: Oh yes, I love gardening and that came from my mother too. She enjoyed gardening and she gave me
(when I was young) a part of her garden that I could plant and whatever I wanted and so I had tomatoes
organized here and there and... Oh, it was great. And then we'd take our salt shaker and go out and sit beside
the tomato plant that had a ripe tomato in and we would eat that tomato, sprinkle salt on it and have a good old
tomato.
....
Paul: Yeah. Good. So, so how do you feel as you're getting older, what are some of the accomplishments in your
life, the things that you say, boy I really did that well? What are you proud of?
Doris: Well, I'm proud of my LPN degree.
Paul: Yes.
*I think I read every single Grace Livingstone Hill book that the library owned! Aunt Florence gave me the
book, Borden of Yale which left a big impression on me to keep my standards high.

Biography Interview Transcript • 129
Paul: So, that's wonderful and that's something to be so very proud of. What is it if your children and
grandchildren and great grandchildren, who are some time in the future... if they want to get to know you better-
You may not be there at that time- if they want to know you better, what should they spend time doing to get to
know the things that you knew and get to like the things you liked?
Doris: Well, I don't know. I just love to tell stories and so my children, my grandchildren now they say,
"Grandma, tell us a story. You didn't tell us a story yet this time when we're visiting." And so that passes the
things on some. Ah, I think they could... if they visit my neighborhood (Pinola, where I grew up) they would
find out stories of what I did … rescue this or that (laughs).
Ruthie: I think getting into the medical world would be a way of getting part of your passion.
....
Ruthie: I'll put in a little bit here. When I've asked Mom about her favorite area of nursing. When she worked for
one year as a nurse's aide in the Chambersburg Hospital she got to sample every single department. She will say,
well... pediatrics was her favorite, but she loved them all! She loved all of the departments!
Doris: (Laughs) Yeah.
Ruthie: And then, in her late 40s she got a job as a nurse's aide in a retirement home and did geriatrics for years
and she was wonderful with that too!
Paul: Right.
Doris: So I hope there's somebody there for me when I need them.
Paul: Right.
Doris: (Laughing).
Paul: So how do you feel... Seeing how you've seen others get older, how do you feel about getting older?
Doris: Well, there's not much that you can do about it. You do get older. But I feel like if you think about it, not
just, ignoring and go down the road, you know, and take things as they come. Well, in a sense you do that but
still you, take thought in what you're doing and you claim the strength of Jesus. And, and it makes it easier.
Paul: So why are you, writing your story, what are you excited about sharing?
Doris: I just tell you what! That's my daughter's dream!
Ruthie: (Laughs).
Doris: That wasn't my idea at all.
Paul: Is it?
Doris: (Laughing).
Ruthie: (Laughing).
Paul: Really?
Doris: Did you catch it? (Laughing).

130 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Paul: Yeah. But she's so lucky that you're willing to do it. My grandmother was born in 1919 and I wish I knew
more about her. You know. And so... there are great grandchildren whom you may never meet who will benefit
from this.
Doris: From this. Yes, you're right.
....
Paul: So what... If you had the choice of flavor (of ice cream) what did you make?
Doris: Well, I... chocolate I believe.
Ruthie: Now what do you pick?
Doris: I like vanilla now.
Paul: Yep. Sure.
Doris: (Laughing).
Paul: Sure. And what's your favorite flower?
Doris: Flower, you mean a posy?
Paul: Yeah, posy.
Doris: Okay. Flower. Oh, I don't know. I love roses. I love their smells. Ah-
Paul: What, what colors of flowers?
Doris: Pink.
Paul: Pink. Yeah.
Doris: And I love gladiolas!
Paul: Oh, gladiolas, yep.
Doris: Uh huh. My mother would always have them... and I would help her in the fall bring out the bulbs and
protect them, put them away for the winter.
Ruthie: And what was that flower that somebody said, "Well, it's as big as Harry's face"?
Doris: Oh, that was a peony. Yeah. It was really big and we had a visitor and she said, "Well, it's as big as
Harry's face!"
Paul: And what was your favorite season of the year? Was there a favorite season, Christmas, Halloween, Easter?
Doris: I guess summer time. Yes. I had five brothers and, you know, we didn't have a lot. We lived on a farm
and so we had a lot of fun together making things… with boards and nails in the old chicken house on the
Grove farm.
Paul: Yeah. So summer was the time you got to get out and be.
Doris: Yep. Fresh air (laughs).

Biography Interview Transcript • 131
Paul: So, did you have a place that you, you would play; did you play in the woods or did you walk to the lake or
where did you go?
Doris: We had limestone caves on... out on the edge of our farm and ah, we would go out there and and
explore. You could get down in there, and I don't know if I'm imagining it or not, but I think people said you
could go through to clear Shippensburg underground. And that was so much fun! Oh, it made us brave as all
get out (laughing)! Yeah, that was really special.
Paul: You were... your were spelunkers?
Doris: That's right, we were spelunkers (laughing).
Paul: Okay. Well, Is there anything that you, wish you would have been able to ask? You said you didn't know
your grandmother. That she passed like many women did early back then.
Doris: Yeah.
Paul: What, what do you wish you would have known about her or could have asked her?
Doris: I wish... I mean, my mother was so skilled with sewing and creative things like that and I often thought I
wonder if mother and her mother were together what they'd come up with (laughs). You know, I thought
about that. Now, my father's mother, she was such a creative... She was so petite and little. I just couldn't
imagine a lady, a woman (laughs) being so small... but anyhow, she would make the best ground cherry pie!
Have you ever eaten ground cherries?
Paul: I haven't, no.
Doris: Oh, they are yummy! I hope you can have them sometime in your lifetime.
Paul: Must be a Pennsylvanian thing.
Doris: Ah, it might be.
Paul: And you're Dutch, who knows.
Doris: And so Grandma Katie made that pie and I loved it!
Paul: What's your favorite thing to cook? Is there something you like cooking?
Doris: Oh, I just love to cook!*
Paul: Yeah?
Doris: And I love baking, baking like cookies. I have... how many grandchildren do I have?
*Some years ago, I was looking ahead and knew that some day I would need to give up my drivers license but I
ask my girls to please not take away my "cooking license," I love cooking and baking so much. But now, I don't
drive at all and I cook much less than I used to do.

132 • Life & Legacy of Doris Jean Wadel Sollenberger
Ruthie: You have 15 grandchildren.
Doris: And so I like to make cookies for those 15 grandchildren.
Paul: 15. Wow!
Ruthie: And about 30... great grandchildren also. (actually, 35)
Doris: Well, yes.
Paul: Making the world better one child at a time.
Doris: That's right. Mm-hmm (affirmative). Thank you for that!
Paul: So... Yeah. Well, are there any questions? You know, they just... they want us to chat for about 30 minutes.
Is there anything you wanted me to cover?
Doris: Oh, I don't know that I know of anything. I just hope I was able to give you what you wanted to know
(laughs).
Paul: That's it. Just give a little... here a little energy and enthusiasm. Ruth, is there anything you wanted us to
talk about?
Ruthie: There's a whole lot that I've been learning - putting together pieces that have just been sort of scattered,
bits of info... now I'm understanding how everything fits together much better.
Paul: ... so my background is I'm an anthropologist. I interview people in cultures around the world. And just get
a feel for a person. And so I step away now and I'm so lucky I got to meet you and I'm excited about your
project. So lovely to meet you and I hope you guys have a great day!
Ruthie: Thank you, Paul!
Doris: Thanks so much!
Paul: And I hope I get to taste ground cherry pie someday!
Doris: (Laughing).
Paul: (Laughing) I'm sure. Thank you.
Ruthie: Okay. Bye bye.
Paul: Bye.
Ground Cherries

...heading into the future with the courage
that comes from knowing that Jesus holds
my hand!