Della “Dale” Grace Coursen, 86, of 137 Walnut Street, Barkeyville, Pennsylvania, passed from life on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the Grove City Medical Center.  She had been a patient at the Grove Manor Nursing Home, Grove City, for two months.

Della was born August 3, 1929, in Venango County, a daughter of Anton and Mildred Beach Krizon.  Della was one of 16 children.

On November 15, 1946, Della married the love of her life, William Clinton Coursen.  They enjoyed nearly 67 years of marriage until William’s death in August, 2013.  Della and William lived in Barkeyville their entire married life.  Della’s life was never the same after her husband’s death.  Della and William were the parents of three children, grandparents to seven and great grandparents to 11.

For years, Della and her seven sisters and a special friend, quilted each Thursday, taking turns at one another’s home.  When their eye sights and arthritic fingers made quilting difficult, they turned to the game of Dominos.  Soon, daughters, nieces and cousins joined the group and it was not uncommon for there to be five or six conversations taking place at any one time.  Della made many quilts over the years, and gifted each of her children and grandchildren with a handmade quilt -- quilts that are treasured.

Della worked for many years in the housekeeping department of Grove City Hospital and prior to that, at the Odd Fellows’ Home in Grove City, but most of all, she enjoyed being a housewife and mother.

Della walked each day with her brothers and sisters to attend school at Raymilton, with the older children being “in charge” of the younger ones as they grew up together.  

Della is the oldest living member of the Barkeyville Church of God, with more than 65 years of membership.  She attended faithfully until her health prevented her from doing so.  The church, her steadfast faith, and her family were the center of her life.

Della was not a great fan of animals, but “Sydney” and “Cooper” brought her many moments of joy as they waited patiently at the front door to be invited in for biscuits from “Grandma.”  

Della is survived by two sons, William D. and his wife Carol, Terence A. and his wife, Darlene, and one daughter, Sherry L. Surrena and her husband, Harold, all of Barkeyville.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren:  William D. Coursen, Jr. and his wife, Angie; Dr. Stephanie Coursen and her husband Curtis Bannister; Liza Hovis and her husband, Matthew; Tracey  Surrena; Chad Surrena; Tricia Ward and her husband, Jeffrey; and Joshua Coursen and his wife Kami.   She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren:  Mickey Coursen, Mint Coursen, Olivia Bannister, Basil Bannister, Fina Bannister, Alyas Hovis, Ivy Hovis, Lance Ward, Clinton Ward, Carter Coursen and Cooper Coursen.  She is also survived by a special little friend, Madyson, who called her “Grandma Dale.”

She is also survived by three sisters,  Elzada McFarland, Betty Buckley, and Sandra Morrow; and three brothers, Leroy and his wife, Judy, Danny and his wife Kay, and John and his wife Helen.  Della is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Della was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, George, Edward,  Dave, Steven and Charles; and by four sisters, Margaret, Rose, Barbara and Violet.

Della will be sadly missed by her loving family and many friends, including her special friend and quilting buddy, Anna.  “Gram’s” memories will live in perpetuity as the grandchildren relate stories of a lifetime of adventures with her.

Visitation will be from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the McKinley Funeral Home in Clintonville.  A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at the Barkeyville Church of God with Jerry Hanna officiating along with Pastor Mary Vergiels.

Following burial in the Barkeyville Cemetery on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, a time to celebrate Della’s life and to reminisce will be held at the Barkeyville Church of God, with lunch being served.

Memorials may be made to the Barkeyville Church of God,  or Butler County VNA Hospice, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA  16001.

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