N. Gladys “Chick” Ahrens

Chick Ahrens 68 of Havre de Grace, Maryland passed away on May 5, 2010 at her home in Havre de Grace.
The daughter of Eddie O. and Ida L. Ishbaugh, Chick, the youngest of four children, and was born on June 24, 1941 in Perryman, Maryland.
A member of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church since 1955, she was actively involved in the choir, Women of the Church, Sunday school teacher and assistant Treasurer for many years. She also was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Joseph L. Davis Post 47 in Havre de Grace. Over countless years she volunteered her time and talents to the poppy program that provides assists to disabled and hospitalized veterans, The Americanism Essay contest for school students and The Children and Youth Program. For years she and her husband made floats for the fourth of July Parade in Havre de grace.
Through her life she enjoyed attending family reunions in Pennsylvania, gardening, and spending time with her family. As a lifelong resident of Havre de Grace, Chick was known to many as Sister. Her working career in Havre de Grace included Reads drug store and soda fountain, switchboard operator at C&P Telephone, bank teller for Maryland National Bank, office Secretary for Phillips Petroleum, Friendly Oil, and worked with her daughter at Janet’s Thrift Shop.
As her mother before her, she was an expert cook; seamstress; doctor of cuts, bruises and broken hearts; storyteller of family history and days gone by; and provided a helping hand and warm heart to those in need. Her love for her family was superseded only by her love for her savior, Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years Ralph A. Ahrens Jr.; her son, Ralph “Trip” Ahrens III and wife Patti; and her daughter, Tammy “Aggie” Coakley and husband Dwayne, all from Havre de Grace.
To her honor, there are four grandsons: Cpl Ahrens Christopher C. USMC and wife Ashley of Hubert, NC; Matthew C. Ahrens, Havre de Grace; FR Coakley Travis A. USN, Great Lakes, IL; and Tyler A. Coakley, Havre de Grace.
To her glory, there are two great-grand daughters: Adalynn Grace Ahrens and Lainey Ann Ahrens, Hubert, NC.
She is also survived by two brothers Robert “Bob” Ishbaugh and wife Claudette and Ormand “Bud” Ishbaugh and wife Shirley.
Chick was preceded in death by, her father Eddie O., her mother Ida L., and her sister Elma Jean Ishbaugh.
Friends will be received on May 10, 2010 from 6 to 9 pm at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church located at the corner of Fountain and Stokes streets in Havre de Grace, Maryland. A service will be held at the church on May 11, 2010 at 11 am. The Reverend Mark Spect and the Reverend Dr. Robert W. Blum will officiate.
Servings as Pallbearers are; Cpl Ahrens Christopher C. USMC, FR Coakley Travis A. USN, Matthew C. Ahrens, Tyler A. Coakley, Ralph A. Ahrens III, Dwayne A. Coakley. Alternate Pallbearer; Paul Workinger.
Donations can be made to Grace Reformed Episcopal Church, PO Box 92, Havre de Grace, MD21078.
Arrangements provided by Zellman Funeral Home, 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD.
Friends will be received on May 12, 2010 at 10 am, at Rairigh Funeral Home in Hillsdale, Pennsylvania. Services will follow thereafter, officiated by the Reverend Dr. Robert W. Blum, and interment will follow at MontgomeryCemetery.

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