Elsie Mae (Garlick) Huber

Elsie Huber, 80, most recently of Dover and Camp Hill, but originally from Altoona, PA, was called home to the Lord on July 6th at St. Leonard’s Personal Care Home in Hollidaysburg.

She was born (ninth of 12 children) to the late William Raymond and Nellie Grace (Bennett) Garlick in Altoona.  She married Harold Joseph “Joe” Huber (also 1 of 12) on July 27, 1957.  Joe preceded her in passing on August 31, 2015, after sharing 58 years of marriage. 

Aside from her parents and Joe, Elsie was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Michele and many brothers, sisters, in-laws, other family, and friends—too many to name with such big families, but so many of whom she’s missed dearly and looked forward to seeing again in Heaven.

Elsie leaves to cherish her memory their 6 children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren:  Tonya (husband Ike) of TX; Joe of Needmore, sons Sam, Dan, and Willie (wife Mercedes, children Maddie and Michele); Tammy Faircloth of CO, children Quincy (wife Emily) and Amanda (husband Andy, son Nolan); Darla of Camp Hill; Shane of Dover, children Kari (children Gianna and Kaesun, all of Altoona), Adam, and Amber; and Greg (wife Holly) of Altoona, and daughter Briella.  She is also survived by one last beloved brother Dick Garlick and one last sister Shirley Eichelberger, both of Altoona.  Finally, with such big families, she leaves behind many loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were so meaningful to her—especially a few who most helped make her life through recent hardships more joyous and bearable: Helen Cuomo, Mim and Denny Gibson, along with brother Dick and (sister-in-law) Darlene.

Elsie graduated from Altoona High School in 1957 and spent the early years of her adult life building a home and raising a family with Joe on “Huber Hill.”  Although Elsie spent stints working at Sears and helping others with cleaning, her primary goal was always to be a good homemaker and Mom—and she excelled at both!  And we can’t forget her also taking care of all the horses when they were running riding stables in their early years on the Hill.    

As their children set up their own homes and endeavors (as well as other family and friends), they were both always there and helping—Elsie still helping and not slowing down much until the very end.  She was also very actively involved in Mardorf U.M. Church most of her adult life, whether with Bible School, singing in the choir, cooking for events, cleaning, spending fun times with the women from Club, the Youth Group (once her youngest boys joined), or any other help that was needed—all while trying to set a faithful example for her children.  Since moving to the Harrisburg area, though, she belonged to Hope U.M. Church in Mechanicsburg.  Her greatest joys came from spending time with her family, children, grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, always bursting into her biggest smiles when holding “her babies”!  She also greatly enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Scrabble, and cards—spending many years and New Year’s Eves playing pinochle with a club of dear friends, and more recently starting a club at Hope U.M.C.—listening to and singing mostly classic country music and hymns, watching wildlife and birds around her place, and reading or doing word-searches or building puzzles.

A celebration of Elsie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Mardorf United Methodist Church, 3429 Juniata Gap Road, Altoona, PA 16601.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Light refreshments will be served following the service.  And since Elsie preferred wearing bright colors, please feel free to wear bright attire…it seems Mom would like that!  Her ashes will be buried next to Joe’s, in a private ceremony, at Grandview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that, if so inclined, you make a donation to Mardorf or to Hope United Methodist Churches or to any charity that holds a special place in your heart.  

Arrangements by Sorge Funeral Home, 422 N. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.  

sorgefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Mae (Garlick) Huber, please visit our floral store.