Gladys Dentler Spittal Burns, 100, formerly of Camp Hill, passed away peacefully March 6, 2014 at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg. The eldest daughter of Jacob and Nora (Peters) Dentler, she was born February 3, 1914 in Biglerville, PA.
Mrs. Burns was a graduate of Biglerville High School, Shippensburg State Teacher's College and the Pennsylvania State University. A teacher in the Biglerville, Lewistown and State College School Districts; she was also on the staff of Pennsylvania State University, a beloved teacher in the Camp Hill School District for more than 30 years, and a long-time volunteer tutor for the Harrisburg School District.
As a member of Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, she served as an Elder, taught Sunday School, and was an active member of the Dorcas Circle and the Presbyterian Women's Association. She was instrumental in establishing the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church
Pre-School and served as a charter board member.
Mrs. Burns was a Docent for the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Pi Lambda Theta, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the Shippensburg Alumni Association, the Penn State Club, and a life-time member of the Penn State Alumni Association. She was also a member and on the board of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, a member and Past President of the YMCA Auxiliary, a member and Past-President of the Camp Hill Women's Club, and a member of the West Shore Country Club, the Navy Officer's Club, and the West Shore Elks.
Predeceased by husbands Hugh Edgar Spittal and Wesley R. Burns Jr., she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Richard, William, and Daniel Dentler, and a sister, Katherine Dentler Oyler. She is survived by a daughter Pamela Spittal Burns Thompson and her husband the Reverend Tucker Thompson of Mechanicsburg, PA; and a son Wesley R. Burns, III of Conshohocken, PA. She is also survived by grandchildren; E. Kel Smith and his wife Chris, of Glenside, PA; Gregory S. Smith and his wife Jennifer of Harrisburg, PA; Steven Smith of Camp Hill, PA; Keith A. Thompson and his wife Debra of Coopersburg, PA; and Kym A. McCleerey and her husband Mark of Ocala, FL; great-grandchildren Madison, Maisy, Jillian, Mark and Samantha; numerous nieces and nephews, their children and grand-children; and a multitude of friends, and former students.
Mrs. Burns was a faithful patron of the Harrisburg Symphony, and strongly supported Mission At The Eastward. She enjoyed oil and acrylic painting until she was nearly 100, was an avid reader, and baked cookies by the hundreds to give away; the recipients knowing that if they returned the cookie tin, it would be refilled. She loved her summer house in Avalon, NJ, enjoyed sharing it with her family and friends, and had great fun teaching everyone how to play "Bones" when gathered around the table for the traditional 'after dinner' game nights. She played golf into her 90th year and was particularly proud to have accumulated over 900 hours at 'Curves' at the age of 95.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday March 22, 2014 at the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill, with the Rev. Dr. David Roquemore officiating. The family will also receive friends in the church on Saturday following the service. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Monday March 24, 2014 at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Myers-Harner Funeral Home, 1903 Market St., Camp Hill, is handling funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church Pre-School or Hospice of Central Pennsylvania. Online condolences will be received at myers-harner.com.