Imogene “Gene” Gallaher Stich, 88

Imogene “Gene” Gallaher Stich, 88, formerly of New Sewickley Twp. and Ellwood City joined her late husband Clarence Stich in Heaven on May 1, 2023.

Born August 19,1934 in Fombell, she was the daughter of the late J. Carl and Martha Gallaher.

She was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Geneva College, where she studied elementary education. Most of her professional life was devoted to teaching, tutoring, and sharing her love of reading.

Over the years, she was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Beaver Valley Vagabond Camping Club, and volunteering with her daughters as part of the Yellow Ribbon Girls.

Gene was one of the last remaining charter members of the New Sewickley Presbyterian Church. She previously held many offices and was involved in the Woman’s Association, Sunday School, Community Outreach, and was church janitor with two generations of her family.

She was a willing travel and camping companion, having visited most states, including Alaska and Hawaii, several trips to Canada, and once to Jamaica on a mission trip. Gene worked side by side with Clarence at Pap Pap’s Creations setting up and selling wooden crafts at festivals and fairs. Together Gene and Clarence square danced, visited fairs, attended family events, and made stops for ice cream.

Gene enjoyed indoor plants and outdoor flowers, often bringing a vase to shut-ins, neighbors, and friends. She was an avid reader and read her Bible, newspapers, and thousands of books throughout her life. She could start up a conversation anywhere, share a cup of tea, and talk for hours to friends on the telephone.

She is survived and deeply missed by her children; Vicki (James) Henley of New Brighton, Patti Phillippi, Bonnie (Tim) Phillippi, and John (Michele) Stich all of Ellwood City. She is forever cherished and remembered by her nine grandchildren: Michael (Victoria) and Timothy (Allyson) Phillippi, Jamie (Ryan) Wellman, Kristin (Daniel) Minkus, Jennifer (Jordan) Curcio, Rachael Guidry, Valerie (Joseph) Hamilton, and Caitlin and Lauren Stich. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren whom she treasured: Mikayla, Madison, Joshua, Nathan, Maddie, Sophia, Layla, Jianna, Joelle, Scout, Kaylee, Wyatt, Chase, and Jacob.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years at the time of his passing in 2013, Clarence, her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law Mildred and William Pearsall.

Friends may call on the family on Thursday May 4, 2023 from 3 pm until the time of her celebration of life service at 6 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Rev. Dr. Robert Guy will officiate.

Private interment will follow at St. Mark’s Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to New Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 101 Big Knob Rd., Rochester, PA 15074 or Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church, 291 Wurtemburg Rd., Ellwood City, PA 16117.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at marshallsfh.com