Darlene J. Sitler

DARLENE J. SITLER


Darlene J. Sitler, age 53, of 7 West Fourth St., Coudersport, Potter County, died Sunday morning at the First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, when she was shot by her former husband while playing the organ for a service.

Born at the Berwick Hospital on June 5, 1959, she was a daughter of Martha E. (Shaffer) Sitler of Orangeville and the late Derl W. Sitler. She resided in Coudersport for the past 30 years.  

She was a 1977 graduate of Benton Area High School and a 1981 graduate of Lebanon Valley College, Annville. In college she took part in the girls’ band symphony orchestra chapel choir, college choir, and the symphonic, marching and concert bands.

Darlene was on the faculty of the Northern Potter County School District for 30 years as an elementary music teacher. She was recently recognized by her colleagues when they nominated her as a Yale Distinguished Music Educator in 2011. She was a District 2 East Elementary Festival coordinator of the Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association. Darlene played the French Horn in the Performing Arts Orchestra, Wellsville, New York.

She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, where she served as the church organist and choir director.  

Surviving in addition to her mother are two brothers:  Arden W. Sitler, and his wife Roseanne, Berwick and Marlin L. Sitler and his wife, Lois of Orangeville; six nephews and nieces and a number of great nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Dean W. Kriner Inc Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 30 Two and A Half Street, Benton. Interment in Zion Cemetery, Fishingcreek Township, Columbia County. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 - 8 p.m.