Grace R. Distler

Grace R. Distler, age 105, of Clarion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Clarion Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on December 15, 1919 in Huefner to the late Edward M. and Pauline Schill Hartle. Grace married Vernard J. Distler on August 19, 1941. They shared thirty-six years together until his passing on December 23, 1977. She was the cafeteria manager at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Clarion, retiring after twenty-seven years. Grace was a devout Catholic and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarion, where she was also a member of the Ladies' Guild and proudly served as eucharistic minister for the shut-ins. She also loved to read, play cards, and make crafts. Grace is survived by her children, Jeanne Melfi and her husband, Bill, of Elwood City, Nancy Gangle and her husband, Mike, of McKean, and Jim Distler and his wife, Shari, of Clarion; six grandchildren, Michelle Mazzant and her husband, Amos, of Texas, Bill Melfi, Jr. and his wife, Renee, of Cranberry Township, Mark Melfi and his wife, Melanie, of Ohio, Todd Melfi and his significant other, Christy, of Florida, Michael Gangle, Jr. and his wife, Rebecca, of Kansas, and Shari Roll of Florida; six great-grandchildren, Brandon Melfi, Kaitlyn Mazzant, Alexandra Foster, Hannah Oberle, Caden Melfi, and Ava Gangle; and six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Cyphert and her husband, Don, of Leeper and several special nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Grace was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Huefner, and her brothers, Bernard Hartle, George Hartle, and Morris Hartle. Family and friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Jason Feigh presiding. Interment will follow beside her loving husband in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Grace’s honor may be sent to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 720 Liberty Street, Clarion, PA 16214 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Grace R. Distler

December 15, 1919 - November 4, 2025