Patricia Ann Shay

Patricia Ann (Umberger) Shay, 92, of Mt. Gretna and formerly of Duck Key, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, September 24, 2026 in Harmony at Hershey. She was born Thursday, July 26, 1934 to the late Joseph Umberger and Mable (Frantz) Stambaugh. She was predeceased on Thursday, June 12, 2003 by her loving husband of 50 years, Arlo A. Shay.

She and her husband were self-employed building contractors and developers who built a lasting legacy in the Mt. Gretna community. Together, they built Timber Hills in Mt. Gretna and built, owned, and operated Timber Hills Apartments, creating a successful collection of rental properties that became an important part of their life together and the community they loved.

She was a former member of Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church, Kirk of Keys Church in Marathon, FL and was also a former member of the Marathon Yacht Club and The Club at Hawk’s Cay in Duck Key, Florida. She was a current member of Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey.

A truly beautiful woman, she was a wonderful mother, a loving Nanny, and a cherished friend to so many. She was well known and deeply loved throughout Mt. Gretna and the Florida Keys, where her warmth, generosity, and spirit touched countless lives.

She was loved more than words can ever express. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

She is survived by two daughters, Beth Ann Graeff of Hershey, Sue Ann Becker and husband Harold of Palmyra; four grandchildren, Ben Graeff and wife Eliza of Marshfield, MA, Capt. Elizabeth Guthman, USMC and husband Capt. Joseph Guthman, USMC of Kailua, HI, Amy Speece and husband Zachary of Palmyra, Ashley Becker of Jacksonville, FL; four great-grandchildren, Ava Guthman, Marie Graeff, Margo Graeff, Leo Speece; a sister, Bette Jo Horst of Athens, OH.

Pat requested a private graveside service to be held in Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon. Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Mt. Gretna United Methodist Church, 400 Boehm Avenue, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com