Darlene E. Tobias

Darlene E. Tobias, 78, a long-time resident of Ephrata, passed away on Thursday evening, February 6th, 2025, at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy after a short battle with cancer. Born in Reading, PA on December 4, 1946. She was the daughter of the late William and Kathryn G. (Stover) Leisey who were also long-time residents of Ephrata.

She was employed as a wire twister manufacturer, specializing in hairdryer components by Marco Manufacturing of Womelsdorf. Darlene was also employed by Harding’s Bakery at the former Ephrata market which had been located on South State Street. She was a frequent customer of many of the downtown Ephrata eating establishments and businesses and enjoyed talking to those she met along the way. She enjoyed stopping in at Ephrata City Gate and her conversations with the volunteers and her friends there. Darlene loved her family and the many gatherings they had on holidays and birthdays, her friends, and her love of cats. She will be deeply missed by many in the downtown Ephrata area who would see her walking, her family and her friends. 

Darlene is survived by three children, Brian L. Tobias of Adamstown, Tina L. (Michael) Thompson of Ephrata, and Heather A. (Eugene) Ferrari of Stevens; nine grandchildren; & four great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service starting at 2:00 p.m. with memories given by people who knew her and Pastoral staff at DOVE Westgate Church, 1755 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ephrata City Gate, 100 East Main Street, Ephrata PA 17522. Any flowers can be delivered to the church for the services. Darlene’s final resting place will be at Fairview Cemetery Annex in Denver.