Obituary of L. Joan Warefield

L. Joan Warefield, 88, of Bellefonte, died Friday, July 14, 2023, at Juniper Village at Brookline.

Born August 25, 1934, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Reuben and Loretta Hall Witherite. On August 6, 1955 she married Alan Lee Warefield, who preceded her in death on October 23, 1999.

She is survived by two children, Dianne Pighetti and her husband, Jeff, of Pine Grove Mills, Glenn Warefield and his wife, Colleen, of Bellefonte; three siblings, Robert Witherite of Lock Haven, Reuben Witherite and his wife, Connie and Audrey Witherite, all of Pleasant Gap; five grandchildren, Amanda Pighetti Marshall and her husband, Andrew, of Warriors Mark, Joanna Pighetti and her husband, Justin Glantz, of Port Matilda, Gino Pighetti of Pine Grove Mills, Jake Warefield and Jeremy Warefield, both of Bellefonte; two great-grandchildren, Dean and Leo Glantz. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Elsie Witherite.

Joan was a 1952 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. She retired from Penn State University after nearly 34 years as a Librarian at Pattee Library.

She was an active member of the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, where she was involved in every aspect of the church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Neighborhood Center, the Food Pantry and she was a Sunday School Teacher. Joan was a Representative for the Bellefonte Council of Churches. She organized and prepared meals for various organizations. She was also a member of the Pleasant Gap Lioness.

Joan enjoyed helping others. She was an avid Penn State Football fan, attending home games and in her younger years, she traveled to the bowl games.

Visitation will be from 10 until 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, 179 South Main Street, Pleasant Gap. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church, with the Reverend Carl Hill officiating.

Burial will be in Hublersburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 179 S. Main St. Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.