Lucretia "Lu" M. (Lamb) Dilling

Lucretia Marie “Lu” Dilling

April 22, 1945         September 2, 2017

     Lucretia M. (Lamb) Dilling, 72, Martinsburg, passed away peacefully Saturday morning at UPMC Altoona with family at her side.

     She was born in Philipsburg, daughter of the late Thomas J. and Helen I. (Miller) Lamb.  On December 23, 1976 she married Jerry A. Dilling in Winchester, VA.

     Surviving are her beloved husband of 40 years; 6 daughters: Terri Emmons and Tamara Wagner both of Bradenton, FL, Laurie Gelwicks of Shippensburg, Linda Sell of Roaring Spring, Sherry Dilling of Martinsburg and Amy Sue Dilling of Philadelphia; 2 sons: Jamie Hale of Denver, CO, Michael Dilling of Martinsburg; 7 grandchildren: Garrett Long, Elizabeth Knode, Blair Wagner, Nicole Emmons, Sheena Mickel, Carl Sell and Jacob Reynolds; 3 great-grandchildren with another expected soon; 4 sisters: Ramona Laich, Shirley Hurley, Lucinda Lamb and Karen Webb; and 4 brothers: Forest, Thomas, David and Richard Lamb.

     She was preceded in death by a son, Edward Hale.

     Affectionately known to her siblings as “Keeshie”, Lu was a graduate of Phillipsburg-Osceola Mills High School and Penn State University where she earned a degree in elementary education.  She was also very proud of her service in the United States Marine Corps from 1963-1965.  Lu was a member of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, Martinsburg where she enjoyed children’s ministry, choir and worked as the church secretary for many years.  To her church family, she is remembered as one of two special “Weird Angels” and the “Pocket Lady” of Camp Blue Diamond Heritage Fair.  Throughout her life, she was involved in many volunteer activities which include: Children’s Disaster Services (spending weeks comforting children following Hurricane Katrina), Woodbury Community Library’s Read to Feed, Martinsburg Food Bank, and years ago the “plant lady” at local nursing homes.  Lu is remembered by many as a fun and energetic substitute teacher and affectionate private tutor.  She rescued many animals throughout her lifetime, most memorably her special basset hounds, Pearl and Daisy Mae.  More importantly, Lu rescued many people throughout her lifetime and was a true example of a strong Christian woman.  Her home was always open to anyone in need, coffee was always brewing to lift the mood, and no one left hungry.  She loved reading, vacationing at the beach, gardening, and spending time with her family.

     Lu will be deeply missed by her friends and family but all who knew her will recognize she is at home with the Lord.  She will be waiting for us. Lu loved her “jackrabbits and you know what I mean” and we loved her.

     Friends will be received from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, rural Martinsburg.  A funeral service will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the church, Pastor Marlys A. Hershberger officiating.  Interment with full military honors accorded by the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard will be held at Brumbaugh Cemetery, rural Martinsburg.  Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Lu can be given to Children’s Disaster Services, 601 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 31776-0188 or www.brethren.org/cds/.

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