The Lord peacefully called Vada E. (Elliott) Etter, 86, of Chambersburg, PA, home on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of family.
Born November 27, 1939, in Doylestown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Aldene (Mitchell) Elliott.
Mrs. Etter had a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and purpose found in God’s creation, and looking back, that same sense of purpose can be seen throughout her own life.
She graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School with the Class of 1957 and from the Chambersburg School of Business in 1958. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in general agriculture, with an emphasis in agronomy, from Penn State University in 1962. One of relatively few women studying agriculture at the time, she learned to work hard, hold her own, and expect no special treatment. She was also active in 4-H in her younger years, where she developed practical and creative skills, and later served as a 4-H leader. Growing up, she enjoyed hunting and fishing with her father and siblings, experiences that helped nurture her lifelong love of the outdoors.
Mrs. Etter knew from a young age that she wanted to marry a farmer. On September 4, 1960, while still attending Penn State, she married the love of her life, Emery C. Etter, Jr., at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Chambersburg. She was deeply proud to be Mrs. Emery Etter, Jr., and they shared more than 63 years of marriage before his passing on February 2, 2024.
Fruit growing was woven throughout their life together. Emery’s father and grandfather had both operated orchards, and Mrs. Etter continued studying fruit trees, using her agricultural and business education as she and Emery built their own farming enterprises. Together they operated orchards in Franklin and Adams Counties, orange groves in Florida, a fruit stand, and a pick-your-own cherry business. Teenagers came to earn spending money, while families came either to earn a little extra or simply pick cherries for themselves. In their earlier years, they also raised steers, hogs, and chickens.
Mr. and Mrs. Etter were true partners in marriage and business. Mrs. Etter served as Chief Financial Officer and was a sharp, shrewd businesswoman and a perfectionist. Every penny was accounted for, and very little escaped her attention. Although years of hard work brought success, they continued to live simply. She loved a bargain, clipped coupons, and believed in being a good steward of what they had, while remaining generous and thoughtful toward others.
For all the responsibilities they shared, she simply loved being beside Emery. She especially enjoyed riding with him to their orange groves in Florida, often stopping along the way for one of her favorite treats, a hot dog.
Mrs. Etter often said she had wanted six children and was blessed with eleven. To them she was simply “Mother,” and the farm was both home and classroom. Her children learned early to work, drive tractors, help with the orchards and fruit businesses, peel peaches, husk and cut corn, cook, clean, sew, and preserve what the family grew. She disliked waste and taught them to be hardworking, capable, and self-sufficient.
She was a wonderful cook who loved Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Creative and attentive to detail, she took a cake-decorating class so her children’s birthday cakes could be extra special and later made a baby blanket for each of her grandchildren. Birthdays were remembered, and gifts were thoughtfully chosen, carefully wrapped, and often finished with a handmade tag. The details mattered because the people mattered.
Her mothering nature extended beyond her own family. Many of the men who worked for Mr. and Mrs. Etter regarded her as a mother figure, and when someone needed help or advice, Emery was known to say, “Go talk to Mama.”
Mrs. Etter remained active in the life of her church and community. At one time, she sang in the church choir, something she greatly enjoyed. She also volunteered her time helping with elections and, in later years, looked forward to pool aerobics and the companionship of her group of “pool ladies.”
Mrs. Etter also had a special affection for God’s creatures. Cats and dogs were part of her home throughout the years, with cats holding an especially dear place in her heart. She often said, “I like dogs, and dogs like me,” and loved watching the birds gather at the many feeders around her home.
Almost always seen with a smile, Mrs. Etter was intelligent, determined, feisty, generous, and never afraid to take charge when necessary.
The God whose handiwork she so appreciated in nature was at work throughout her own life as well, preparing her for the farmer she would marry, the family they would raise, and the life they would build together. Proud to be Mrs. Emery Etter, Jr., she leaves a legacy of faith, strength, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family. Her family takes comfort in knowing how happy she is to be reunited with her beloved Emery.
She is survived by her eleven children: Emery C. Etter, III, and his wife, Lisa, of Chambersburg; Elizabeth E. Yates and her husband, Garner, of Stuart, FL; Linda Etter of State College, PA; Frank L. Etter and his wife, Melissa, of Chambersburg; Nathan P. Etter of Harrisburg, PA; Judith A. Etter of Lisbon, IA; Matthew P. Etter and his wife, Karen, of Spring Grove, PA; Kathleen F. Griffin and her husband, Paul, of Lithia, FL; Grant J. Etter and his wife, Joanna, of York, PA; Roselynn V. Mellott of Chambersburg; and Georgia D. Etter of Chambersburg; 26 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and her much loved siblings, Florence Elliott of Redlands, CA and Perry Elliott and his wife, Anita, of Vancouver, WA; one nephew; and two nieces.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Salem Church of the Brethren, located at the corner of Salem and Letterkenny Roads, Chambersburg, with Rev. David Rawley officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining Salem Church of the Brethren Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. until the start of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 43 W. Washington St., Chambersburg, PA 17201-2462, or online at www.chburgmow.org; or to Salem Church of the Brethren Cemetery Association, 4685 Letterkenny Rd. West, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle, PA, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com
