Miriam I Werst

Miriam I. (Leeser-Keiser) Rauenzahn Werst, 87, of Laureldale, formerly of Topton, died Monday, October 8, 2012 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. She was the widow of Thomas D. Werst, who died in 2003. Her first husband Edwin A. Rauenzahn died in 1967.

Born in Topton, she was the daughter of the late John H., Sr., and Marie (Webb) Keiser. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Topton, and was a 50 year member of the choir. Mrs. Werst was a 1943 graduate of Kutztown High School. She was employed as a teacher’s aide by the Brandywine School District for many years, retiring in 1990. She was also the tax collector for the Topton Borough for many years. Mrs. Werst was a member of the Topton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and Ray A. Master, Post 217 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was a past member of the Topton Democratic Club, Brandywine Minstrels, Jaycee Wives, Topton and was an original member of the Topton Centennial Committee.

She is survived by Daughters, Connie L. (Rauenzahn) wife of Harold L. Royles, Topton, Joan M. (Rauenzahn) wife of Michael Kelly, New Tripoli, Jill M. (Rauenzahn) Matelan, Fleetwood; Son, Jack E. Rauenzahn common-law husband of Grace M. Kelsch, Topton; Sisters, Nancy F. (Keiser) Steffy and Doris (Keiser) Herman, both of Topton; Brother, John H., Jr. husband of Marcia (DeTurk) Keiser, Kutztown; 3 Grandchildren, Lindsay (Royles) widow of Hans A. Sims, Steven E. Royles, Samantha H. Matelan, 2 Step Grandchildren, Lorie A. (Kelly) Karpyn and Jamie M. Kelly, 3 Step Great Grandchildren, Jaryd M., Chet W. and Evan J. Karpyn. She was predeceased by a Sister, Jean Ann Keiser and Brothers, Dallas Keiser and Larry C. Keiser.

Funeral Services are Friday, October 12, 2012 at 10:30 AM from Trinity Lutheran Church, 121 S. Home Avenue, Topton. Interment in Topton Union Cemetery, Topton. Friends may call Thursday, October 11, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Ludwick Funeral Home, 25 East Weis Street, Topton, and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the church.

Flower may be sent or contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 37, Topton, PA 19562. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Topton, PA.