Josephine Royer

Josephine Alice Royer, 82, died peacefully August 9, 2017, surrounded by the love of her family, at Kline Hospice House, Mt Airy, MD, after a long courageous battle with  Alzheimer’s.
Born in 1934 near Lantz, MD, she was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Wm. “Dan” Portner & Mildred E. Wilhide Portner of Thurmont, and sister, Margaret E. “Peggy” Dorsett of Manhattan, Illinois.
Josie graduated from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Emmitsburg, MD in 1952 and married Joe later that year.  Early in life she was employed at the Thurmont Movie Theater, where she met her husband, and the Claire Frock Sewing Factory.  During her marriage she worked side by side with her husband in their business endeavors.
She was a member of the Graceham Moravian Church and volunteered for the American Legion Post 168, and The Thurmont Historical Society.
Josie was a gifted seamstress and master quilter, winner of many blue ribbons at local and national competitions including the American Quilters Society shows and The Great Frederick Fair.   One of her best quilts was featured on the cover of the national magazine, Quilters’ Newsletter, June 1979.
She was an expert bridge player, enjoying hosting and attending the ladies’ Wednesday Night Bridge Club for over 30 years. Josie loved spending time with her husband, especially dancing with the Woodsboro Dance Club, but her greatest joy was watching her grand and great-grand children grow up.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Joseph F. Royer; daughters, L.Lee Royer & husband Daryl E. Bruner of Taneytown, Lois G. Royer & husband James Blackwell of Frederick, Jamie K. Royer of Thurmont and daughter-of-her-heart, Karen Stottlemyer Baetzel & husband Bernard of Arlington, TN; brothers, Webster “Jack” Portner of Thurmont, Robert Wm. Portner & wife Darleen of Morgantown, WV, and Edward C. Portner of Thurmont; fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grands.
The family will receive friends at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E Main St, Thurmont, MD from 3-6 P.M. on Sunday August 13.  A funeral service with Pastor Sue Koenig presiding, will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday August 14 at the Germantown Church of God,16924 Raven Rock Rd, Highfield-Cascade, MD.  Interment will be in Germantown Bethel Cemetery, beside the church. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon following services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josie’s name to Hospice of Frederick County or your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  The family would like to thank Joyce Marshall for her kindness as caregiver for Josie during the final months of her life.