Molly M.Criswell

Molly M. Criswell, 84, of Mifflinburg, completed her baptismal journey at 10:05 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg.

She was born January 2, 1939, in Catawissa, a daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth (Miller) Mattern.  Life had a rocky start, as Molly’s mother died from complications of childbirth.

But then blessings started falling upon her.  Extended family helped to raise her, primarily her aunt Katherine Long of Numidia.

She was blessed with educational opportunities – graduating from Roaring Creek Valley Joint High School in 1956, Bloomsburg University in 1960, and earning a master’s degree at Bucknell University in 1964.

She was blessed with a long career as a fourth-grade schoolteacher – first at Penns Creek Elementary School, and then for 29 years in Mifflinburg Area School District.

She was blessed with a devoted husband, William A. Criswell, who survives.  Their 56-year marriage began August 21, 1967.

She was also blessed with a son and daughter-in-law, David and Carrie Criswell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a grandson, Joshua.

Her many ways of serving Faith Lutheran Church, Lewisburg, included teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and singing in the choir.

Many friends will recall receiving gifts of handmade cross-stitch creations from Molly.  She was always up for adventurous travel, visiting many European countries, and places as far away as Peru and Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Above all, she will be remembered as a woman of great faith, and for contributing to a home abounding with wisdom, generosity, and love.

Family and friends are welcome from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, December 3, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2349 Old Turnpike Rd., Lewisburg, where the funeral service will be conducted at 2, with Minister Beverly Hoffman, officiating.

Burial will be private at Grace United Church of Christ Cemetery, Mill Grove.

Memorial gifts may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 2349 Old Turnpike Rd., Lewisburg, PA 17837.

Arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Rd., Mifflinburg.

Please share remembrances or condolences online at www.rouppfuneralhome.com.