Bio-Minerd, MaryRodeheaver

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Mary Ellen (Minerd) Rodeheaver
(1888-1949)

Mary Ellen (Minerd) Rodeheaver was born on March 28, 1888 in Lemont Furnace, near Uniontown, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of James C. and Suvina (Yauger) Minerd Sr. One of her sons gave his life for our nation during World War II.

Mary married Clyde Elzie Rodeheaver ( ? -1965).

They had nine children -- Harold "Frank" Rodeheaver, James Rodeheaver, Cevilla Wahler, Charles Rodeheaver, Clyde Rodeheaver, Benton Rodeheaver, Mary Lucinda Gray, Homer Rodeheaver and LeRoy Rodehaver.

Elzie was a coal miner. In about 1907, they moved to the coal mining town of Keisterville, Fayette County. They resided there in house number 36.

The Rodeheavers were members of the Pleasant View Presbyterian Church at Smock.

Miners in the famed "Connellsville Coal Seam"

In an unfortunate incident, son Homer lost an eye at age three or four when he was accidentally shot by a gun.

Mary enjoyed visiting with her many adult sisters and brothers over the years. These social gatherings were important in the ongoing life of the family. In the photograph seen at left, taken on a sunny day, Mary is seated at far left, with her sisters, left to right: Harriet "Hattie" Dettling, Stella Hager and Blanche McCabe.

During World War II, son Harold "Frank" Rodeheaver (1922-1945) served with the Army's 14th Armored Division in Europe. Tragically, he was killed in action at the age of 22 in combat in France during the Battle of the Bulge, on Jan. 19, 1945. Frank's remains later were returned home for burial in 1948 at LaFayette Memorial Park near Uniontown.

In July 1998, officials from our reunion marked Frank's grave with a special plaque and flower, seen here.

Mary died at home at age 61 on Nov. 30, 1949. At the time, she had 12 grandchildren. She was buried at LaFayette Memorial Park.

Elzie spent his final years in Keisterville. He died on March 23, 1969. For some years after that, his daughter placed classified advertising on the anniversary his death, expressing her sadness with a poem

Daughter Mary Lucinda Rodeheaver (1920-2007) married (?) Gray. She resided in Keisterville. Mary passed away at the age of 87 on Dec. 4, 2007. She was laid to rest at LaFayette Memorial Park at Brier Hill, near Uniontown.