Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Fertenbaugh

Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Fertenbaugh, age 87, of Mechanicsburg, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 16, 2026. Mary was born on Thursday, June 15, 1939, in Carlisle to the late Lloyd William Baker and Florence Elizabeth Mae (Fishel) Baker. Mary was the widow of Ray Lester Fertenbaugh, whom she was married to for 57 years. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd "Billy" William Baker, Jr.

Mary’s survivors include her three daughters: Denise Palmer of Mechanicsburg, Barbara Glinski and husband, John, of Shermans Dale, Melanie Matesevac and husband, Jeff, of Mechanicsburg; seven grandchildren: Matthew Glinski and wife, Erin; Megan Hurley and husband, Steven; Jessica Rhoad and husband, Spencer; Brittany Palmer; Jeffry Matesevac and wife, Larissa; Stephanie Bernstein and husband, Ben; and Dylan Glinski; her 12 great-grandchildren: Emma, Sophia, Leah, Trey, Laney, Jared, Rian, Dean, Damian, Connor, Nick, and Logan; her four sisters: Patricia Shatto and husband, Blaine, of Carlisle, Betty Adams of Carlisle, Esta Brewbaker and husband, Kenneth, of Carlisle and Sue Holloway and husband, Kenneth, of Shermans Dale; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary graduated from Cumberland Valley High School as part of the class of 1957. She was a long-time member of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg. Mary retired from Harleysville Insurance, after many years of service. She had a strong work ethic and caring demeanor. Mary was a remarkable cook and baker. She always had something good to eat in the kitchen. Mary enjoyed knitting in the winter and spending time outdoors in her flower gardens in the summer.

Family was the heart of Mary’s world; she cherished every moment spent with her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sisters. She also enjoyed caring for others, often going out of her way to lend a hand to those in need.

Mary had multiple opportunites to travel with her husband, family and friends to destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Colorado, Las Vegas and Nova Scotia. Camping trips in their beloved camper became cherished traditions, with eager grandchildren lining up for their turn. Mary will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

All are welcome to join Mary’s family at her viewing on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. all at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Burial will follow the luncheon at Westminster Cemetery in Carlisle.

Contributions in celebration of Mary’s life can be made to Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 or to Skills of Central Pennsylvania Foundation, 341 Science Park Road, State College, PA 16803, "Shellbark" in the memo of the check.

Mary’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Mary’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.