Obituary of Sara J. Skipper

July 27, 1927 April 3, 2015 Sara J. Skipper, 87, a resident of The Village at Penn State died Friday, April 3, 2015, at the Atrium at the Village at Penn State. Born July 27, 1927 in Philipsburg the daughter of the late Esau and Rachael Williams Priestley. Sara was reared by an aunt and uncle, Boyd and Edith Friday. On December 3, 1947 she married Robert E. Skipper who survives in State College. Sara is survived by a daughter Wendy L. Cybert and her husband Kevin of Pasadena, MD and a daughter-in-law Lisa A. Skipper of Bellefonte; also surviving is her twin brother Samuel Priestley and his wife Kathryn of Lady Lake, FL. She is survived by four grandchildren, Jordan and Jacob Skipper and Courtney and Michael Cybert. In addition to her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her son, Robert Scott Skipper in 1997 and half-brother, Private Russell Crawford, who gave his life serving his country in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. After the death of her mother when she was just six years old, she and her twin brother, Samuel, were raised by her father's sister, Aunt Edith Friday. Her aunt was a piano teacher and instructed both Sara and her twin brother. Both became accomplished pianists and organists. Sara enjoyed playing for her family and playing music with her husband. She also enjoyed attending all of her husband's band concerts, never missing one. Sara was a graduate of Tyrone High School in 1945 and received her BS in Biology in 1949 from Juniata College. After working at Penn State University for several years, she then became a homemaker and enjoyed staying at home with her two children. Sara was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of State College. She was active in the events of her church and managed the church kitchen and organized the Lenten lunches each year. Sara was well known for her creativity and artistic nature. Whatever she did, she put her unique, creative touch on it. She enjoyed making flower arrangements and stained glass pieces. Her stained glass interest was a result of her own desire to preserve the stained glass window from St. Paul's United Methodist Church after a disastrous fire destroyed the church. She made crosses out of the remains of the stained glass window and gave them to all the members of the church. Sara also created a stained glass replica of the old church which hangs in the lobby of the new church. She was a world traveler, accompanying her husband's business and music group's foreign travels. She spent time living in Germany and Florida. During her travels, she enjoyed collecting miniature musical groups. She was also an avid Penn State University sports fan. She especially enjoyed cheering on the football, volleyball, and basketball teams. Sara had a rich and full life. She lived her life with kindness, grace, and love. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 11:00 am at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 250 East College Ave., State College, PA 16801 with Rev. Eric Shafer officiating. Private burial will be in Graysville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to State College Area Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1235, State College, PA 16801. 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.