Elva Gessner, 94, of Sunbury, passed away peacefully early on the morning of Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at her son Don's home in Brownsburg, Indiana. For the past 12 years, Elva and her late husband, John, had lived in Northumberland, Pa., until last fall.

She was born March 17, 1926, in Klingerstown, Pa., a daughter of the late Charles Willard and Flossie Brosius. At a very young age, following her father's untimely death, her mother married Daniel Rebuck who raised her.

Elva married the love of her life, John Gessner, on Nov. 15, 1947. She was a very gracious lady with a quiet and gentle spirit. Elva was a long-time member of the God's Missionary Church in Sunbury.

Early in life, Elva loved to play baseball and was often among the first picked for teams as she was an excellent hitter and fast runner. Elva had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed hosting people in her home. She invested her time in others, serving as a foster grandparent and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved. Elva tenderly cared for her husband during his illness for the four years prior to his death in 2013.

The greatest aspiration in Elva's life is found in the lyrics of the song, It's My Desire - "You may take this world's wealth and riches, I don't need earth's fame. It's my desire to live for Him."

Those left to cherish Elva's memory include a son, Don (wife, Shirl) Gessner of Brownsburg, Ind.; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Gessner of Paxinos, Pa.; two grandchildren, Abigail Gessner of Paxinos, Pa., and Eric (wife, Deborah) Gessner of Indianapolis, Ind.; four great-grandchildren, Mirabelle, Masselin, Marie Claire, and Maximilian Gessner; a sister, Corrine Welker of Lykens, Pa.; and a brother, Leon Rebuck of Felton, Del.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John E. Gessner; a son, Ernest Gessner; a sister, Arlene Rothermel; and by a brother, Paul Rebuck.

A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at God's Missionary Church, 900 Susquehanna Ave., Sunbury, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Keith Bunch officiating.

Burial will follow in God's Missionary Church Cemetery, Pillow, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Sunbury God's Missionary Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home, Klingerstown, Pa. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.srrfh.com