The Rev. Sally D. (Plarr) Zelker, 77, of Macungie, died peacefully July 2, 2021, in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Lower Saucon Township.

She was the wife of the late Henry G. Zelker.

Born Sept. 10, 1943, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles J. and Dorothy M. (Rau) Plarr, who, as a child worked at Dorney Park, founded by her grandfather, Robert Plarr.

A 1961 graduate of Parkland High School, she had a varied early professional life.

She went to beauty school, eventually opening her own beauty salon, De Plarr Coiffeur in Colonie, N.Y.

She sold real estate for Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate, and then had her calling to the ministry.

She attended Moravian College and Kutztown University before entering Moravian Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Zelker was ordained June 15, 1987, in her home church, the former Hope United Church of Christ, Allentown.

She was serving as pastor of Morgenland Union Church, Orefield since 2007.

Before that, she served as pastor of Grace United Church of Christ, Northampton, and St. John’s United Church of Christ, Emmaus.

Her hobbies included oil, watercolor and pastel painting.

Her survivors include children James C. “Zeke” Zelker (Elaine) of Easton, David M. Zelker (Debbie) of Balston Lake, N.Y., Lisa M. Hillegas of Allentown, Lynda A. O’Connor (Chuck) of Alburtis; sisters JoAnn Willis of Churchville, Cathy C. Kavounas and Suzanne C. Seitzinger, both of Allentown, Kay Ellen Heinz of State College, Elizabeth J. Griscom of Mount Laurel, N.J.; grandchildren Julia, Emily, Kate, Zachary, Shauna, Tim, Courtney, Kevin and Charley.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morgenland Union Church and/or to the Allentown Rescue Mission both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.