Jessie Rishel-Magee

Jessie Gail (Stair) Rishel-Magee, 97, formerly of Farmington, Pa., went on to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Born October 31, 1926 in Farmington, she was a daughter of the late Jesse R. and Emma (Sheering) Stair. Following graduation in 1945 from South Union High School, she worked at Metzlers Dept. Store, Fayette Farm Service, sold World Book Encyclopedias for 23 years, and lastly was a seamstress at the Boutique Shoppe in Uniontown. Her greatest vocation, however, was being a devoted wife and mother, creating a warm and loving home to raise her five children. Jessie was active for over 70 years in the Wharton Furnace Union Chapel near Elliottsville, serving on the Church Board, singing in the choir, playing the piano and organizing for many years the annual Bible School, Mother’s Day and Christmas celebrations, and many other special services. Later, she became a member of the Hopwood Garden Club, the Mountain Area Senior Citizens Action Group, and the Christian Womens Club in Uniontown. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, making homemade candy to pass out to her family and neighbors, working in her beautiful flower beds, and collecting vintage lady head flower vases. Since moving to Virginia in 2021, she enjoyed visits with family and friends, concerts and art galleries, attending services at the Fairview Baptist Church, strolling around the Riverside neighborhood, and working with her personal trainer, Steve. Always wanting to be active and helpful, her faith, strength and perseverance continued to amaze us all. Surviving are four children, Alan F. Rishel of Carlisle, Pa., Gail Carlins (Rick) of Fruitland Park, Florida, Philip S. Rishel of Point Marion, and Susan Brown (Kevin) of Fredericksburg, with whom she made her home for the past several years; grandchildren, Emma (James), Jeana, Barbara (Rob), Kyle (Claire), Kirsten (Duane), Karina (Isaiah) and Paige; great-grandchildren, Tyree, Timmy, Avah and Levi; two brothers, William C. Stair (Janet) of Norcross, Georgia, and D. Mark Stair (Lisa) of Brookville, Pa.; several loving cousins, nieces, and nephews and their families; and her beloved faithful feline companion, Callie. Preceding her in death was her first husband and the father of her children, William F. Rishel in 1982; her second husband, William S. Magee in 2004; a son, Brian W. Rishel in 1973; and her only sister, Beulah Baxter. Friends will be received in the Wharton Furnace Union Chapel, 1030 Wharton Furnace Road, Farmington, on Sunday, June 2nd, from 4 – 8 PM, and again Monday from 11 until the 12:00 Noon hour of service, with Rev. Steve Davis officiating. Interment follows in Bethel Cemetery, Farmington. Arrangements are in the care of the Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion, Philip S. Rishel, Owner and Director. As much as she loved flowers, Jessie loved her Lord and the work of her church more, so it is suggested that in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be offered to the Wharton Furnace Union Chapel, % Kathy Marks, Treasurer, at 255 Wharton Furnace Road, Farmington, PA 15437.

Jessie Rishel-Magee

October 31, 1926 - May 29, 2024