ONEONTA - Lois Shetler Herrick, 84, of Oneonta died unexpectedly on April 22, 2014 at Bassett Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 13, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of Kempter and Gladys (Huber) Shetler. Her early schooling was in Philadelphia and she graduated from Abington High School. She received a Bachelor's degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College in 1951.

She married C. James Herrick on June 16, 1951 in Jenkintown, PA.

She began a distinguished career teaching vocal music to K-12 students in New Jersey, Maine and Rhode Island prior to moving to Oneonta in 1960. Soon after, she began a long career teaching vocal music at Morris Central School. She is fondly remembered for producing annual school musicals that were beloved by many in the community. In 1976 she published a booklet "We Believe in Music" outlining musical ideas and programs for teachers. A highlight of her career was writing and directing the Centennial Pageant for the village of Morris in 1970. She retired from teaching in 1992.

For many years Lois was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church and in later years an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Oneonta. After retirement she became involved in many volunteer activities including the Fox Hospital Auxiliary where she served 2 years as President. She was also involved in local historical organizations including the Swart Wilcox House and the Greater Oneonta Historical Society. Her lifelong interest in antiques started a second career buying and selling interesting items with a specialty in postcards, ephemera and collectibles. She enjoyed attending Lettis Auctions for over 40 years. Up until her death she maintained a booth at Old Hickory Antique Center in Bainbridge, NY and also sold at many local antique shows.

Lois was a very caring and loving woman. Her family remembers numerous times when she would be called to the local hospital to provide emergency blood donations of her rare blood type to aid someone in need. In later years she enjoyed sharing her expertise through presentations for local organizations and she was an avid bridge player. She loved offering her music to the local nursing homes leading sing-a-longs with the residents. Her greatest love in her later years was actively following the endeavors and athletic events of her grandchildren. She truly loved all of her grandchildren and was delighted to have become a great grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years; two sons and their wives, Craig and Lizbeth (Huyer) Herrick of Liverpool and Kevin and Denise (Camp) Herrick of Oneonta; four grandchildren, Christopher Jason (Jake) Herrick and his wife Kerry of Syracuse, Samuel Herrick of Rochester and Brittney and Mallory Herrick of Oneonta; and one great granddaughter, Clara Jane Herrick. She is also survived by a brother, Richard Shetler of Strathmere, NJ and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents and sister-in-law Jane Shetler.

Calling hours will be from 11:30am to 1:30pm Tuesday April 29th at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Funeral Services will be at 1:30pm Tuesday at the Church officiated by Pastor Teressa Sivers, followed by a reception.

Burial will be later at the convenience of the family.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.