Obituary of Julia Gearhart

GEARHART – Julia, 99, of Nanty Glo, died January 22, 2022 at home.  Born March 25, 1922 in Bakerton, daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Sidwar) Saxon.  Preceded in death by husband, Harry Gearhart Jr.; brothers John, George, Mike and Peter, Jr.; sisters, Mary Tocarchick, Sophie Bertolasio, and Ann Kowalski;son in law, Robert “Bob” Callis; grandsons, Harry Mathew Gearhart IV; and Ben Little; and great granddaughter, Braelee Rae Little.  Julia was the last living member of her immediate family. Survived by children, Leilani (David) Callis-Keiser; Harry R. (Cindy) Gearhart; Peter D. (Tammy) Gearhart; grandchildren, James Gearhart, Justin Gearhart, Robert Callis-Keiser, Amy Guest, Lori Sciko, Monica Kent, Jason Divido, Shawn Divido, Crystal Dorris-Roberts and David Roberts. Also great grandchildren, Julia Gearhart, Jamesyn Gearhart, Rylee Little, and Rhett Little. Member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nanty Glo. Julia supported the WW II defensive efforts as a Women Ordnance Workers (WOW), as she worked in a factory making ammunition and explosives in Baltimore MD. Upon returning home she became a Ladies Garment Worker, working in several of the local shirt and dress factories, then retiring from Phillip Jones Garment Factory.  She was proud to be one of the selected seamstresses to work on Bert Parks (Host of the Miss USA Pageant) shirts. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary’s Church (masks recommended), the Rev. Leonard Voytek and Rev. David Peles, concelebrants. Interment to follow at Lloyd Cemetery, Ebensburg. In lieu of flowers, Julia and the family request donations to St Mary’s Church Building and Maintenance Fund in her memory. The family would like to express special thanks to a very special nurse that brought sunshine and smiles to Julia’s day. Arrangements are in care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo. Condolences may be left for the family at www.askew-houser.com