May F. Warmkessel, 95, died peacefully Jan. 3, 2025, surrounded by family in Fellowship Manor. She was blessed with a 53-year marriage to the first love of her life, Harold I. Warmkessel, who died in May 2001.

They raised a family of seven children.

Following Harold’s death, his dear friend, Walter G. Knappenberger continued to visit her and provide companionship. In July 2002, Walter and May married and spent nearly nine happy years together before Walter died in June 2011.

Born in Lanark, she was the daughter of the late Marcus and Eva (Stortz) Reith. She was one of 12 children. She graduated from the Limeport School after the eighth grade. Before starting her family, she worked as a sewing machine operator in the pajama factory building of the Emaus Shirt Company in Emmaus. She rejoined the workforce after the twins, the youngest of her children, were able to care for themselves. She began by working at General Seating Company in Topton, then went to work at Dorney Printing in East Texas. She retired in 1984.

The most important thing in her life was her family. She had a very strong work ethic which she applied when growing large vegetable gardens and canning and freezing the produce. She had a talent for raising African violets. She was especially known for her sticky buns, fastnachts and shoofly pies — baking and selling to a multitude of people until the symptoms of old age and dementia started affecting her strength and ability to bake in large quantities. During the winter months she was busy crocheting afghans, doilies and baby blankets for everyone dear to her.

She was involved with the Macungie VFW Ladies Auxiliary, at one point serving as president.

She was the last surviving member of that generation of siblings and their spouses. She also survived her own siblings and in-laws except for one sister-in-law.

She is survived by sons, Ellis (Marlene), of Spring Hill, Fla., Leon, of Reading; daughters, Sharon Werner (Bob), of Macungie, Lynne Peiffer (Dennis), of Allentown, Marie Fulmer (Brian), of Allentown; daughter-in-law, Benedetta (Dottery), of Breinigsville; son-in-law Merton (Jim) Whitney, of Fleetwood; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Annabelle Yeakel Reith; staff members of Fellowship Community who came to love her as one of their own.

She was predeceased by a son, Alvin; daughter, Debra; great-grandson; great-granddaughter, three sisters; eight brothers.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 10 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Quarry Rd # 1, Alburtis. Calling hour will begin 10 a.m.

Memorials can be considered to Fellowship Community, c/o Schmoyer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 190, Breinigsville, 18031.