Sarah N. “Sally” Defenderfer, 93, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on November 18, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
Sally was born on May 14, 1932, in Shippensburg, PA, the daughter of the late Harry and Margaret Strike Newman.
She was a 1950 graduate of Hustontown High School. Sally married the late Jerry R. Defenderfer on Sept. 4, 1957. After graduating high school, Sally worked at the Stanley Company in Chambersburg, PA.
She was a devoted housewife and homemaker, acting as a motherly influence on her children, grandchildren and her church family. Sally was a lifelong Christian and follower of Jesus Christ. She attended the St. James United Brethren Church for most of her adult life.
Sally is survived by her two daughters, Karen (wife of Richard Jr.) Egolf of Chambersburg, PA and Kathy Defenderfer of Chambersburg, PA, four grandchildren, Cindy (wife of Brad) Keller, Rick C. (husband of Samantha) Egolf, and Gabriella and Raeleigh Stockslager, seven great grandchildren and two great great grandsons.
In addition to her parents, Sally is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Jerry R. Defenderfer, and two siblings, Helen Newman Dickinson and Charles Newman.
There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. James United Brethren Church, 2398 Warm Spring Rd. Chambersburg, PA 17202 with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
The family has entrusted Sally’s care to Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home in McConnellsburg, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sally’s memory to the St. James United Brethren Church, 2398 Warmspring Rd. Chambersburg, PA 17202.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah, please visit the floral store.
