Elaine Elizabeth Vatral, 87

February 6, 1936 - October 27, 2023

Elaine Elizabeth Vatral, 87, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Landis Homes. Formerly from Owego, NY, she was married to the love of her life, Stephen A. Vatral, Jr. for 56 faithful years before his death in 2015.

She was born in Peckville, PA, the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Andrasko) Mihok. Elaine graduated from Blakely High School in 1955.

Elaine was a wonderful homemaker extending her warmth and care not only to her own family but also to other children as she ran a babysitting business from her home. She affectionately became known as “grandma” to all the children in her care. And because of her efforts she and Steve were able to put all 4 of their children through college.

She was an accomplished cook and baker, and the house was always filled with the aroma of her freshly baked creations, especially the cinnamon rolls that were drizzled with thick homemade icing. She had a huge garden and would pressure-can many of the vegetables she harvested for winter months. She would also make wonderful quick breads using the overabundance of her garden. Often the family played the game of “guess what Mom baked in the bread today”. Her best meals came during the holidays when she would spend hours in the kitchen creating an amazing spread for her family and many friends. At Christmas and Easter, she would make the traditional Slovak meals. She taught her children to make these meals as she always had them help in the kitchen. To this day each child has carried on the traditional Slovak meal at holiday time.

Elaine loved flowers. Her home was surrounded with flower gardens that she planted that were bursting with color. She knew the name of each flower and how to cultivate it so it would reach its best potential. The deck of the house was lined with hanging baskets of flowers that would draw in numerous hummingbirds. She took flower arranging classes and made beautiful wreaths and bouquets for her children’s weddings.

Her pride and joy were her 10 grandchildren. She loved spending time playing games with them, teaching them how to bake, taking them to the carousel, reading stories, and singing with them while sitting on the porch swing. A trip to grandma’s house always included going down the road to pick blueberries and of course homemade blueberry muffins.

Elaine was a member of the Owego First Church of the Nazarene where she served as a Sunday School teacher, on various committees, sang in the choir and oversaw many social events. Elaine was known as a faithful prayer warrior, and she and Steve held many prayer meetings in their home. Her favorite passage in the Bible was Psalm 91 and every card she wrote would end with “Psalm 91” at the bottom. Steve and Elaine would also open their home to many in need, offering meals, shelter and financial help. Elaine lived in Lancaster, PA for the last 7 years of her life and volunteered in the nursery at LCBC City Campus doing what she loved the most, holding babies.

Elaine leaves her four children: Susan E. wife of James Hammer of Uxbridge, MA, Rev. David S, Vatral, husband of Karen of Rumford, RI, Beth A., wife of Rev. Brad Steele of Lancaster, PA, and Sharon K. wife of Greg Kolandjian of Fredericksburg, VA; ten grandchildren: Rebecca Hynes, Lauren Hammer, Joel Steele, husband of Maria, Chris Vatral, husband of Hannah, Caleb Vatral, husband of Tori, Ahni Kolandjian, Andrew Kolandjian, Amanda Kolandjian, Lindsey Steele, and Alexander Kolandjian; and one great-granddaughter Naomi Steele. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Vermeulen of Sparta, NJ, and Jeanette Brzozowsky of Edgewater MD.

A viewing will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a celebration of her life at 11:00 am with The Rev. Dennis King officiating, at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584.

Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA on Monday, November 6th at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
Landis Homes Caring Fund

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