Emma Lu Savage

Emma Lu Savage, age 74, 490 Third Street, Benton, died at 10:27 p. m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville where she was a patient for 11 days. She was in failing health for two months.

Born on October 28, 1935 in Benton, she was a daughter of the late Herman W. and Pearl D. (Shadle) Funk.

She was a 1953 graduate of Benton Area High School and also of the Empire Beauty School, Wilkes-Barre.

Emma Lu was last employed as the Food Director for the Benton Area School District, having worked in the cafeteria for 23 years, retiring in January, 2001. Earlier she ran the cafeteria at the former Benton Shirt Factory and also at the former Milco Industries plant in Benton. For many years she operated a beauty shop from her parents home on Third Street in Benton.

She was an active member of the Benton Christian Church where she served as the treasurer for many years. She also was in charge of the arts and crafts for the Bible school for many years and helped to organize a soap box derby.

Emma Lu loved her grandchildren deeply and also considered many children at school her adopted grandchildren. She served as a mentor in the Benton Schools.

She and her husband, Joseph G. Savage celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on March 31, 2009. Also surviving is a daughter, Kimberly A. Notestine, Benton; a daughter-in-law, Lori L. Savage, Benton; eight grandchildren; one great granddaughter; a sister, Catherine Kingsbury, Bloomsburg; and a brother John W. Funk, and his wife Gladys, Reading.

Emma Lu was preceded in death by a son, David J. Savage on November 3, 1990; a granddaughter, Leann Janine Savage on June 27, 1984; a son-in-law, R. Gregory Notestine on June 27, 2004 and a sister, Florence A. Kelchner on July 22, 2004.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a. m. in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Benton, with the Rev. John R. Koons, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Berwick officiating. Interment in the Benton Cemetery.

Friends may at the funeral home on Sunday from 6-8 p. m.