WILMINGTON — Susan Rosenberger Derstine, 72, of Wilmington, N.C., passed away early Sunday morning, Nov. 27, 2016, in her home with her husband of 53 years and her daughter by her side. She was born on Jan. 16, 1944, in Lansdale, Penn., the daughter of the late Raymond and Sally Rosenberger of Hatfield, Penn.
Surviving are her husband, Carl Landis Derstine; daughter, Lisa Rosenberger Bapst and her husband, Robert Michael Bapst, of Grove City, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Brandon Murray Bapst, Nicholas Derstine Bapst and Alexi Landis Bapst. Also surviving are four sisters and three brothers, Mildred L. Burkholder, Marcus L. Rosenberger, and his wife, Evelyn, Gladys L. Grasse, and her husband, Willard, Mary L. Newcomer, and her husband, Arthur, Henry L. Rosenberger, and his wife, Charlotte, Dr. James L. Rosenberger, and his wife, Gloria, and Sally L. Harshbarger, and her husband, Paul.
She was preceded in death by her brother, William L. Rosenberger; sister, Arlene L. Rosenberger; and a brother-in-law, Melvin Burkholder.
Susan grew up in Hatfield, Penn.., worked in the family-owned business, Rosenberger Dairies, and attended Penn View Mennonite grade school and Christopher Dock High School (now known as Dock Mennonite Academy).
After marrying her husband in 1963 at the age of 19, she moved to Wilmington, N.C., with her husband and daughter in 1968. She dedicated herself to serving her family and friends, including those within her church. Susan’s deep faith in Jesus Christ, now a member of the Living Church of God, expressed itself by example rather than vocalizing it. In many respects she personified the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31.
She loved gardening and had been a member of local garden clubs. She had a special interest in nutrition and was involved with the local Tidal Creek Co-op almost from the inception in the early 1980’s. Susan’s wonderful sense of humor and special way of being will greatly be missed by her family and friends.
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. with a funeral service following at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at Andrew’s Valley Chapel, 4108 College Road, Wilmington, NC 28412. Interment will be held in Oleander Memorial Gardens.