Margaret J. “Jean” Dunklebarger of Centre Hall passed away peacefully just one month after celebrating her 101st birthday. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born on January 6, 1921, in Potter Township, she was the daughter of the late Jacob F. and Cora (Osman) Slack. She was raised on her family’s farm and loved working outside, helping with farm chores and tending to animals. Jean graduated as the Valedictorian from Centre Hall-Potter Township High School in 1938 where she was on the basketball team. During World War II, she worked at Standard Steel in Lewistown. Later in life, she worked as a secretary for the Penns Valley School District and as an aide in the nurse’s office at Penns Valley High School.
On January 3, 1942, Jean married the love of her life, Roy K. Dunklebarger. They spent 68 years together before Roy entered his heavenly home in July 2010. After marrying, Roy and Jean started their family. Jean devoted much of her time and energy to raising their four children and creating a loving and comfortable family home. Jean was an exceptional wife and mother who made her family’s happiness her number one priority. As a child-centered mother, she was actively involved in the activities her children enjoyed, such as being a cub scout leader. Her caring, loving, generous, and gentle spirit had a way of making everyone, especially each of her children, feel like they were her favorite person without making anyone else feel less important or special. The love and support Jean provided not only nurtured her own children but has enriched the lives of her grandchildren and their children. Together, Jean and Roy modeled how to be a genuinely good human. Being in their presence made others strive to be better.
Jean was a lifelong member of the Trinity United Church of Christ church in Centre Hall, serving as the first female president of the church consistory. She loved her church and lived her life as a true Christian woman. Her faith never wavered, and she was never judgmental of others. In all her actions, Jean demonstrated what it means to live a life marked by acceptance, support, and grace. In addition to her church activities Jean enjoyed traveling with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her other hobbies included reading and quilting. In her 101 years on this earth, Jean had many stories to share, taught many valuable lessons, and created innumerable special memories. Consequently, she will live on in the hearts and minds of the many people who were fortunate to love her and be loved by her.
Jean is survived by her four children, Michael R. Dunklebarger and his wife Jacqueline, of Centre Hall, M. Ann Williams and her husband, Dr. David Williams, of Bloomington, IN, Sally K. Arnold and her husband, Rick, of Spring Mills, and David F. Dunklebarger and his wife, Mardi, of Waddle; 15 grandchildren, Jeremy, Desiree, Janine, Audrey, Jason, Natalie, David, Cate, Paul, Ellis, Mitchell, Johnathon, Kevin, Craig, and Drew; ten great grandchildren, Abbey, Spencer, Olivia, Owen, Benjamin, Sasha, Sage, Mia, Zoe, and Jacob; and one sister, Miriam Whitman of Winter Haven, FL.
Along with her husband and parents, Jean was preceded in death by her brother Frederick Slack and four sisters, Sarah Wagner, Alice Lutz, Betty Brown, and Shirley Slack.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Trinity UCC church in Centre Hall. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor David Downer officiating. Jean will be laid to rest privately beside her husband at the Reformed & Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall.
Masks are being required for all services, regardless of vaccination status.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Trinity United Church of Christ, PO Box 212, Centre Hall, PA 16828, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.