Marcella (Smith) Dobbs

Marcella “Sally” Dobbs, one day shy of age 91, joined her Heavenly Father on January 20, 2023.  Formerly of Loysville, but spending her final years in Mifflintown, Sally was born in Blairs Mills on January 21, 1932 to the late Frank A. and Mabel (Carruthers) Smith.  She joyfully joined “Poppy”, her late husband of 68 years, Leo Dobbs, for eternal life in Heaven.  In addition to her late parents and husband, Sally is preceded in death by her foster daughter, Dianna Hollenbach, and her siblings:  Hazel Beaston and Melvin “Roy” Smith.  Known to everyone as “Sally”, Marcella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. 

Sally described herself as a homemaker, but her children quickly added that she was sooo much more.  Sally is survived by three sons:  Jeffrey (Jessica) Dobbs and Kevin (Tracy) Dobbs, both of Loysville, and Charles (Evelyn) Miller of Gatlinburg, TN.  She was the grandmother to 14 grandchildren:  Derek, Brad, Kristen, Amber, Amanda, Seth, Autumn, Renee, Christine, Matthew, Charles Jr., Landon, Laura, and Kayla, and many loving great-grandchildren.

Sally unselfishly volunteered her time to help others and was a very active member of the community.  She was a member of the Sandy Hill United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday School, served on the Consistory, sang in the choir, and served on the Ladies Guild.  She was also a member of Madison Grange #2064, from which she earned Granger of the Year.  She taught people to read through the Literacy County, led 4H, cooked meals for senior citizens, worked as a funeral assistant for Nickel Funeral Home, and passionately counseled cancer patients and their families. 

In addition to raising a family and running a household, Sally was a loving, compassionate and selfless woman, who in her rare spare time chose to spend time with family – spoiling the grandbabies – and working in her flower gardens.  This woman was a true friend, who was not afraid to speak the truth in love.

Sally’s celebration of life will be held on January 28 at Sandy Hill United Church of Christ.  The visitation with family will be from 10 to 11 AM, with the memorial service to immediately follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideons International online, at www.gideons.org/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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