Sylvia C. Stone

Following a brief but brave battle with liver cancer, and more than a few final displays of her well-known willfulness (some would say stubbornness), Sylvia Collins Stone, 90, heard the call of her sister and heeded the call of her Lord, entering into eternal rest on May 21, 2025. Throughout her final journey, Sylvia was surrounded by family and loved ones, just as she was lifted in spirit and in prayers by others, both near and far. Born in Harrisburg on December 14, 1934, Sylvia was the oldest daughter of the late Delphin Dick (DD) Collins and Anna Margaret (Peggy/Nana) Floyd Collins.

She is survived by her husband Charles (Charlie) Lehner Stone, youngest sister Lois "Butch" Bliss of Palmyra, and baby brother Richard Collins (and bonus sister Martha) of Harrisburg. Sylvia was preceded in death by first husband Jack Gruber, sister Sarah "Sally" Stevens and brother Delphin "Skip" Collins, as well as many dear, lifelong friends. She leaves behind two sons, Michael Delphin Gruber (Deb Harbaugh) of Marysville, and David Leo Gruber (Kathy) of Shiremanstown, and a daughter Lynda Kay Gruber Bowen of Mechanicsburg. She also leaves five grandchildren: Brooke Bowen, Andrew Gruber, Keith Gruber, Michaela Gruber, and Dylan Gruber, as well as two great-grandchildren.

Through her marriage to Charlie, she was blessed with a second set of family, including Kim Stone Shughart, Kelly Stone (Debbie) and Kory Stone (Linda), as well as 6 grandchildren, Bryce, Kourtney, Erin, Michelle, Jason and Jared, and 6 great grandchildren. Sylvia was a devoted daughter, proud big sister, loving mother, doting grandmother and great-grandmother, extraordinary aunt, and loyal friend.

Following her 1952 graduation from John Harris High School, Sylvia worked for an insurance company, as a 'lunch lady" at her children's elementary school, and for many years in the office at Weis Markets. After marrying Charlie in August 1980, she dedicated the last 45 years of her life as a wife, homemaker, babysitter, and force for good in the lives of all who knew her. Sylvia enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting (especially Christmas stockings), playing pinochle, and traveling with her husband. In later years, she loved to read, watch old movies, "do lunch," and work on word search puzzles. She was a Hersheypark "Comet" enthusiast who decorated for the holidays year-round. But her favorite pastime of all was spending time with family and relishing the role of grandma/mamaw.

Sylvia was an active member of Olivet Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg through early adulthood and later of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church.

Those of us who are left behind to mourn our loss can find solace in the fact that Sylvia's body and mind are no longer failing her. She proved to be true the refrain that so often crossed her lips:"This too shall pass." Sylvia is at peace and reunited with the earthly parents and siblings she loved and missed so much, as well as her Heavenly Father.

A memorial service will be held at 10am on June 20 at Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 9am. A "fruit and dessert" reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Contributions in Sylvia's memory may be made to: BreakthroughT1D (www.BreakthroughT1D.org – formerly Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF)) or UCP Central PA (www.ucpcentralpa.org).