Jean A. (Gongaware) Kifer, 80, of Irwin, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. She was born July 25, 1932, in North Huntingdon, a daughter of the late Henry J. and Catharine I. (Stough) Gongaware. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly K. Hijek. Jean was a lifelong member of Brush Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church, Irwin, where she was a member of the choir for many years. She was a former assistant to the manager, her husband, at Brush Creek Cemetery for 30 years. She was an avid sports fan and loved cardinals. Surviving are her husband of nearly 60 years, Clay E. Kifer; a son, Jeffrey L. (Terri) Kifer, of Irwin; five grandchildren, Rachel L. (Don) Dacus, of Northeast, Caitlin E. and Kristen Hijek, of North Carolina, Katie D. and Matthew Kifer, of Irwin; and two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Hannah. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, 724-863-1200. Additional viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with her pastor, Pam Power, officiating. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Food Bank, Fifth and Main streets, Irwin, PA 15642.
Pitsburgh TibuneReview 8/11/2012
Family Members
Parents
Henry Jonas Gongaware
1900–1976
Catherine Irene Stough Gongaware
1902–1970
Spouse
Clay E Kifer
1930–2020
Siblings
Baby Girl Gongaware
1929–1929
Children
Kimberly K Kifer Hijek
1962–2008
