Claribel Zentmeyer Latsha

Claribel “Claire” (Stone) Zentmeyer Latsha, age 98, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on July 21, 2026, with her family by her side.  Claire was born on October 31, 1927, in Mechanicsburg to the late Clinton Fredrick Stone and Ada Florence (Sweger) Stone. Claire was the widow of Harry R. Zentmeyer, Jr., whom she married on May 11, 1947, and who died on March 9, 2000, and Ernest E. Latsha, whom she married in 2006 and who died on August 18, 2011. In addition to her parents and husbands, Claire is preceded in death by her son, Stephen R. Zentmeyer, and her four siblings Woodrow "Woody" Stone, Guy Stone, Winifred “Winnie” Welliver, and Regana “Jan” Snover.

Claire's joy was serving her family, always listening with enthusiasm or tender concern, creating gatherings for family birthdays, preparing holiday feasts and homemade black raspberry ice cream (a labor of love to strain the seeds). As a teenager, she worked at the soda fountain at Eckels' Drugstore in Mechanicsburg. Chocolate was her favorite flavor. After high school, she worked at the Navy depot with her future mother-in-law who introduced her to her husband-to-be, Harry.  Throughout her life, she worked for Bell Telephone, Weis Market, Daniel's Pharmacy, and CCNB Bank. At Christmastime, she worked in the gift wrapping department for Bon-Ton, which may be why she always saved wrapping paper and bows after opening Christmas or birthday presents. For at least ten years, she served as a companion for Mrs. Dorothy Beckley, which she especially enjoyed. At one time, she was a merchandiser for American Greetings.  She treasured and saved every card her family sent to her. For many years in her church, she served as a Primary children's teacher and in the women's Relief Society. She loved music, especially Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. When her grandchildren were in middle and high school, she attended every basketball game, cross country meet, softball game, play, and concert she could.  She loved going to their high school football games to watch them cheer or play in the marching band. She loved beautifying her yard by planting flowers and was very talented in creating silk flower wreaths, which hung on the doors at every season and holiday.  Claire was a member of the Eastern Star for over fifty years and served as many Star Points and as Worthy Matron twice.

Claire’s survivors include her four children and daughter-in-law: Kurt F. Zentmeyer (Rosario) of Currituck, NC; Brock W. Zentmeyer (Nancy) of Mount Holly Springs; Saundra Z. Roldan of Mechanicsburg; Lance K. Zentmeyer (Kris) of Columbia, MO; and Deborah J. Zentmeyer of St. Petersburg, FL; her 11  grandchildren: Marc Zentmeyer, Kara Saggiomo, Ashley Reigle, Lindsay Spencer, Drew Zentmeyer, Erika Roldan Hulse, Alberto Roldan, Adrianne Roldan Taylor, Javier Roldan, Colin Zentmeyer, and Avery Zentmeyer; her 13 great-grandchildren: Noah Zentmeyer, Nicholas Zentmeyer, Caroline Saggiomo, Gia Saggiomo, Andrew Saggiomo, Isabella Reigle, Zayden Spencer, Zuri Spencer, Carter Roldan Hulse, Gavin Roldan Hulse, Felicity Roldan Hulse, Heath Taylor, and Cosette Taylor; and many nieces and nephews who considered her their favorite aunt. 

All are welcome to join Claire’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with an Eastern Star Ceremony at 11:15 a.m. Claire's memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Carlisle Ward, 216 Skyline Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA. Immediately following the service, Claire’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at the church. Interment will follow the reception in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill. The memorial service will be live streamed and the link is posted below.

Contributions in celebration of Claire’s life can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105, Donate Here.