Two remarkable lives, each defined by devotion to family, service to community, and a gentle sense of humor, came to a close this past week as Ray Stauffer Oberholtzer of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Donna Massara of Columbus, Ohio, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Their stories—rooted in different places but united by similar values—offer a poignant glimpse into the quiet legacies left by everyday heroes.
Ray Stauffer Oberholtzer, who passed away at age 83 on Friday, September 26, 2025, after a gradual decline from heart failure, was a fixture of Lancaster County’s educational and faith communities. Born on January 3, 1942, to Harold and Anna Mary (Stauffer) Oberholtzer, Ray—affectionately known as “Obie”—spent his life in service to others, whether in the classroom, on the playing field, or in his church.
Obie’s early years were marked by a knack for both athletics and the arts. According to his family, he graduated from Hempfield High School in 1959, where he played four sports and took the lead role in the school musical. He continued his studies at Franklin & Marshall College, graduating in 1964, and later served in the medical unit of the Pennsylvania National Guard—an experience that underscored his lifelong commitment to helping others.
After completing a graduate degree at Temple University, Obie returned to Hempfield High School, this time as an educator and coach. Over a career spanning 25 years, he taught social studies and coached football, wrestling, and golf, before spending a decade as the school’s athletic director. His colleagues and students admired him for his humility and generosity. As his family fondly recalled, “He treated everyone with dignity and respect, was generous with his time, and was loved by students and admired by colleagues.”
Obie’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. He served in leadership roles for the Lancaster-Lebanon League, where he was known for his warmth and ability to foster cooperation. After retirement, he was inducted into the Hempfield Athletic Hall of Fame—a testament to the lasting mark he left on the school and community.
Retirement did little to slow him down. Obie found joy in guiding visitors through Amish Country as a tour guide, sharing his deep knowledge and affection for the region. His faith played a central role in his life; he served in numerous leadership capacities at Community Bible Church in Marietta, including as a Sunday school teacher, camp counselor, choir member, shepherd leader, and chair of both the elder board and building committee.
Obie’s family life was filled with laughter, games, and love. He relished travel, golf, and cribbage, but, as his grandchildren arrived, he found himself playing more Sorry and Dutch Blitz. He was a storyteller with a booming voice and an uncanny ability to recommend the best desserts in Lancaster County. Those who knew him describe him as “a kind, helpful, honest, and loyal man—an epic storyteller with a booming voice, who could tell you where to find a good dessert on just about any road in Lancaster County.”
He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Dorothy Jane (Miller), his children Heidi (and Mike) Lee and Chad (and Kate) Oberholtzer, five grandchildren, his sister Mary Ann Oberholtzer, and numerous extended family members. A memorial service in his honor will be held at Community Bible Church, 331 Anderson Ferry Road, Marietta, at 4 PM on Sunday, October 12, preceded by a time of visitation at 3 PM. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Community Bible Church’s Next 75 Fund or Tandem Living’s Benevolent Care Fund.
Meanwhile, in Columbus, Ohio, Donna Massara’s family is mourning the loss of a beloved matriarch whose life was defined by warmth, resilience, and boundless generosity. Donna, aged 87, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, surrounded by her family. From her earliest days, Donna’s life revolved around her large family, music, and simple joys. As a teenager, she loved singing with her sisters on the front porch, roller skating, and picking berries for her mother’s pies—memories that her family treasures to this day.
Donna’s enduring love story began at age 14, when she met Charlie while filling in for her brothers’ paper route. The two married on April 30, 1957, embarking on a partnership that lasted 57 years until Charlie’s passing. Together, they raised five children, and Donna became a familiar face at St. James the Less Catholic School and Parish, volunteering in the lunch cafeteria and preparing food for funeral luncheons. Her dedication was palpable, and she made it her mission to support her children’s education and spiritual life.
Staying active was a cornerstone of Donna’s routine. She exercised daily with the Jack LaLanne show, later switching to the Beverly Exercise show, and found camaraderie in bowling leagues and as a “Mall Walker” at the old Northland Mall. Donna’s green thumb was evident in her beautifully kept yard and flower beds, while her kitchen was the heart of the home—her cheesy scalloped potatoes, corn bake, and homemade cobblers (featuring fruit grown by her husband) were legendary among family and friends.
Family gatherings, holiday visits, and annual Skeen reunions were the highlights of Donna’s year. She cherished her 13 siblings, delighted in her grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events, and was always ready with a supportive word or a delicious meal. Donna is survived by her siblings Harold, Donald, Betty Hunt, Judy Zinser, Beverly Nevills, and Linda Skeen; her children Tina (Mike) Lee, Vincent (MaryLee), Nick (Erin), Gina (Dan) Badea, and Tony; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Charlie, her parents Joseph and Lucille Skeen, several siblings, a granddaughter, and a great-grandson.
According to her family, Capital City Hospice was “a huge blessing to Donna and her family over the last 2 years of her life.” Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14, from 6-8 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home, with additional visitation Wednesday, October 15, from 10-11 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and interment at Resurrection Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Capital City Hospice.
As communities in Lancaster County and Columbus gather to remember Ray Oberholtzer and Donna Massara, their stories serve as powerful reminders of the enduring impact of ordinary kindness, steadfast faith, and the ties that bind families together. Their legacies live on in the generations they nurtured, the institutions they served, and the countless lives they touched—proof that a life well-lived leaves ripples that extend far beyond the moment of passing.