03/05/2026
Cathy Ebeling Surra
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Cathy Ebeling Surra was an extraordinary lady with a zest for life. Her legacy is not the past; the legacy lives on through lives she touched and where they are today. Countless young people were treated with courtesy and were gently taught how to read, write, hold a fork or crayon, how to stay clean, how to hug and express love. She also enjoyed attending church where she was a catechism teacher or singing in the choir
She was an accomplish calligrapher, remarkable artist/painter, sewed and or darned blankets and gifted her work away. Her decorating skills were not only found in her home, but when she was dressed for an occasion, she was meticulously dressed, and her most pronounced feature were her eyes and a smile.
Her travels through the world were found within books, and by visiting in person, Germany, and areas within the USA. She was excited by situations such as standing within a few hundred feet of Evel Knievel’s Rocket soaring over to the far side of the Snake River Canyon and plummeting downward, riding copilot on a motorcycle, watching the Geysers of Yellow Stone, hanging out in Wall Drug, and staying for some time in Cody. Driving was a challenge, but she ensured her nieces had the training and experience she did not have in her youth. Long visits to Sarasota and Siesta Key were also high on the list of her memorable places. Wine tasting in the Finger Lakes with Myke and Bob Karr or visiting Chautauqua Institution, and then off to Lucy’s home with Larry Bump and Jim Marzo were unforgettable. It is well known she enjoyed “shopping” for unusual items. Her family and friends shared hilarious times with her during those excursions.
She supported herself by faith in Jesus’s word, Scripture and Psalms that gave her strength through challenging times. She received her first personal Bible from her father, Wilfred Ebeling, and her mother Margret Peet Ebeling when she was eight years old. That Bible is well read. Spiritual people, namely Steve Edel and Ron MacDonald met Cathy, and intuitively knew her beliefs in the Lord and broke into spontaneous prayer with her, which she was so thankful. She was also moved by prayer with brother David and Kathy Ebeling, and sister-in-law Bonnie Surra. Surrounded by Angels adorning her home, she did not feel alone. Her mother, Margaret Ebeling, being her best friend, visited often and was always welcomed, and when she brought her homemade cookies, tea was served in fine china.
Cathy was extremely sick but achieved a remarkable recovery when she met Dr. Sebastian Wilk. His skill and knowledge turned Long Covid and Lupus into a manageable disease for 4 years. Within 3 weeks of diagnosis and medication for inflammation of the brain, heart, lungs and joints, Cathy was able to walk better, talk for the first time in 8 months, read, write, do crossword puzzles, and take care of herself. Others that gave remarkable medical care were Danielle Gregoire, Ryan Alberts, Nicole Marker-Zewe, and David Roae.
With the ability to walk and use her hands, she and Mark had agreed earlier in the spring of this year to dance on their 52nd wedding anniversary. They danced on the evening of October 27th. After the dance, Cathy stated she was going to sing him some songs. She had printed the names of five songs and how to listen or find them.
The songs she sang to Mark had been recorded by Leanord Cohen and best listened to on YOU TUBE Leonard CohenVEVO (Official Live in London 2008). She sang these songs in this sequence. If It Be Your Will, Bird On The Wire, In My Secret Life, Hallelujah, Coming Back to You. From her soul, her voice was angelic, and very emotional. Hearing her singing the words brought memories where Cathy’s greatest life achievement, she said, was when she spoke of sincere regrets, apologies, and forgiveness. At multiple times, those thoughts and statements were reciprocal. She was finally at peace with herself, her relationship, and knew that both people in the room were in the same place spiritually. She repeatedly said “Thank you” to Mark for being there, helping her with her spiritual and physical care, and cooking all of her delicious meals.
Her immediate family, brothers and wives, David and Kathy Ebeling, children, Shanna, Matt and Jared, brother Jerry Ebeling and wife Yvette, children Vanessa and Danielle, as well as all of the generations of children will miss her. Cathy’s father-in-law, John Surra Sr., whom Cathy loved dearly, was sorely missed when he passed away. John’s wife Jane, and children John Surra Jr. and wife Diane, children Jocelyn and Melanie, sister-in-law Lisa Surra and brother in-law, Paul Surra will sadly miss her smile and humor too. Dane Surra and wife Bonnie, with children, Nickolas, Skylar, and Kameron were extremely helpful people in Cathy’s life. Dawn Siebert, being compassionate and caring for the last 5 years, was another asset to the success of keeping Cathy alive, loved daily, and motivated.
Cathy’s spirit went to Jesus in preparation to meet God, while CPR attempts to resuscitate her were being performed by Mark, on October 30, 2025. The last 10 minutes of Cathy’s life were memorable as she was intermittently awake and aware that Mark’s lips were on her lips breathing love and oxygen into her lungs, while trying to keep her heart beating.
Cathy was very patriotic. Short or long-term honor or memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers Make a One-Time Donation (T2T.org), and/or “Wounded Warrior Project” (WWP) or you may support those people in Shinglehouse that care for feral cats.
Cathy’s husband entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Cathy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page.
