Elva "Deetze" Mae (Burkett) Crosswaite

Elva “Deetze” Mae (Burkett) Crosswaite, 83, of Reynoldsville, PA, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022, while a patient at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital. She was born on January 7, 1939, to the late Charles and Emma (Himes) Burkett in Burkett Hollow, Punxsutawney, PA. She graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the class of 1956. Elva was a hard worker and had an extensive work history, she worked for the Belgian Consulate and Penelec both of Punxsutawney. While working at Penelec, through the window of the business, she caught the eye of Leon Crosswaite, who went inside and asked her if she wanted to join him for a walk. Leon and Elva shared a deep love for each other and were married on April 4, 1959, in Worthville, PA. Leon preceded her in passing on April 19, 2019, after sixty love filled years of marriage. Elva also worked for BFGoodrich making golf balls, and for the office of psychiatrist, Dr. Adam, as a secretary, both of DuBois. She eventually began working in Reynoldsville and managed the dental office of Dr. Means, as well as acting as dental assistant. She stayed at the practice after its transition of ownership to Dr. Earley, where she remained for more than ten years before her retirement. Through the entirety of her working life, Elva never faltered in her home life and was always regarded as a great mother. Elva was a lady, and made sure she and her husband were well poised at social events. In addition to her impeccable taste and good eye for style, she also embroidered and sewed, including some of her own clothing. Elva was an avid reader, as well as a writer and was a published poet. She had a wonderful voice and sang with her sisters in local churches to share their talent. Elva and Leon were extremely close and shared the ability to play piano and organ by ear. They also traveled together for Leon’s work. Elva was a loving mother and wife, and will be dearly missed by her family. Elva is survived by two children; Bradley James (Julie) Crosswaite of Reynoldsville, PA; Sharon K. (Donald Shaver) Crosswaite of Johnstown, PA; two grandchildren; Elizabeth Erin Thomas; Daniel Evan Thomas; four siblings; Agnes Burns; Isabelle Hetrick; Nelson Burkett; Kenneth Burkett; and her beloved dog, Twinkie. In addition to her parents and husband, Elva was preceded in passing by four siblings; Elvin Burkett; Albert Burkett; Alvera Burns; and Marion McKendree. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 12am to 2pm at the Snyder – d’Argy Funeral Home, 206 E. Main Street, Reynoldsville, PA 15851. A funeral service will take place immediately following the viewing, beginning at 2:00pm and officiated by Pastor Donna Sprague. Interment will take place at Beechwoods Cemetery, Falls Creek, Jefferson Co., PA. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Heart Association by visiting www.heart.org/donate or to the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind by visiting www.pablind.org/donate-online. Online condolences and other information may be found by visiting www.dargyfh.com

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