Freida L. (McPherson) Gouker Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Freida Louise McPherson Gouker, 91, passed away on Sunday, February 21, at her daughter's residence in Bloomington, Ind.She was born in Springvale, Pa. on August 1, 1924 to E. Sidney and Mary (Burke) McPherson. She was a 1940 honor student graduate of Red Lion High School, and was quite proud of graduating at only 15 years of age. Early on Freida worked at the First National Bank of Red Lion, and was then longtime bookkeeper for T.E. Brooks & Co. Cigar Manufacturers and the Thompson Investment Company of Red Lion. She served as treasurer for the board of Kaltreider-Benfer Library in Red Lion, for the class of 1940, and as auditor for her church. She was one of the founding officers of the Red Lion Area Senior High School band parents club. She was a life member of the Springvale United Methodist church and the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. Her father, Sidney, founded and established the McPherson Tree Farm in Hellam. With his untimely death, Freida and her siblings became partners and staff of the farm. This family tradition of 63 years is carried on today with her nephew, Robert Stabley, and her son, John and his family. Mom had an incredible sharp mind and wit. Her busy and strong hands created home style food, fabulous art works whether stained glass, pottery, or fabric, beautiful flower gardens, home interiors and seasonal decorations. And these hands were always full of love and warmth. She was feisty, had strong opinions, was brutally honest, and never held anything back. Her stories entertained, and her laugh was infectious – many smiles and good times in our home. She loved the Phillies, music, politics, her church, and life itself. But there was nothing she was more passionate about then her pride for her children and grandchildren. You weren't in her presence long before any of our accomplishments and her love of us were made well known. Mom was our biggest fan and her belief in us never wavered. Freida is survived by her children, John Gouker of Red Lion, and Jane Gouker of Bloomington, Ind.; her daughter in law, Wendi (Wolf) Gouker; her grandchildren, Grant (Angela) Gouker and Gian (Rob) Walker; and her great-grandchildren, Ray and Sydney Gouker and Sutton and Hadleigh Walker; her sister, Lola Hamm; and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 41 years, Ray Calvin Gouker; and her siblings, Bertha McPherson, Margaret (Peg) Stabley, and Harry McPherson. The family would like to thank Almost Heavenly Home Care, Special Care of Lancaster, Deannie Taylor King Personalized Home Care, and Dr. Stephen Kreiger of the Red Lion area; and Home Instead Senior Care, Dr. Melissa Hullinger, and the Indiana University Health Hospice of Bloomington, Ind. for their compassionate care of Freida. Viewing will be Friday, February 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burg Funeral Home in Red Lion. Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 27 at 10 a.m., following an hour of viewing prior, at Springvale United Methodist Church. Pastor Thomas R. Osenbach will officiate. Burg Funeral Home of Red Lion and the Funeral Chapel of Bloomington, Ind., are entrusted with arrangements. Interment will follow in the Red Lion Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Springvale United Methodist Church, 265 Circle Dr., Red Lion, PA. 17356 or Yoe Fire Company, P.O. Box 249, Yoe, PA. 17313, or the Jane A. Gouker Endowment Fund for the Hoosier Youth Philharmonic, c/o Bloomington Community Foundation, 101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Suite 321, Bloomington, Indiana 47404 (make checks payable to Bloomington Community Foundation with Jane A. Gouker Endowment written on the memo line) or online at www.cfbmc.org/donate-now.

Freida L. (McPherson) Gouker

August 1, 1924 - February 21, 2016