Obituary of Lowie Bathgate Kerns

Lowie Bathgate Kerns, 97, of State College, died Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at home as she wished, 12 days before her 98th birthday.

Born May 24, 1923, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late John Willis and Emma Williams Bathgate. A resident of Puddintown her entire life, her grandfather was a farmer and Civil War veteran, and her father started Bathgate Dairy, now Schneider-Valley Farms Inc. On June 25, 1943 she married Richard J. Kerns, who preceded her in death on January 26, 2001.

She is survived by two daughters; Carol K. Schempf (Peter) of Centre Hall, and Virginia L. Channell (William) of Port Matilda, and the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren: Erin Soyster (Mike), Weston Schempf (Regan Bailey), Will Channell (Tori), Ashley Schempf Hirai (Daniel), Jonathan Channell (Joy), Brett Channell (Linsey Smith) Lauren Channell Buyer (Jeremy) and 17 great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as Grammie, she loved her role as a loving, caring mother, grandma and great grandma, and will be sorely missed. Lowie was preceded in death by four siblings: Philip Williams, Jean Green, Martha Jane Bathgate, and John C. Bathgate.

Lowie graduated from State College high school in 1942 and worked as a secretary for Public Information at Penn State University, retiring after 25 years of service. She had a beautiful smile and loved to help others. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels in her earlier years, and then at Mt. Nittany Medical Center where she was named Volunteered of the Year in 2013 with 4650 hours of dedicated service.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Boalsburg. A private burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family with grandson Jonathan Channell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Family Hospice of UPMC, 20 Sheraton Dr, Altoona, PA 16601. The family would like to thank her case manager Laura, the nurses and especially aide Jess Yoder from UPMC, and Jess from Bright Star for all the care and comfort they provided Grammie.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com