Abraham S. Derstine, 81, of Rightmire Road in Gillett, PA went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 1, 2018 from the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.  Abe was born on May 23, 1936 to Willis and Mildred (Shelly) Derstine in Perkasie, PA. He grew up on a dairy farm with his five brothers and five sisters.  On January 1, 1957 he married Elizabeth “Betty” Young.  He operated a portable hammer mill for Agway until 1966 when he purchased a dairy farm near Athens, PA.  He sold the farm in 1987 and moved to Gillett.  He worked for Century 21 and later America’s Choice until his retirement. Abe was a Christian by faith, was a member of the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church, and loved the Lord with his whole heart.

Abe is survived by his wife Betty, his sons: Lynn Derstine of Wiliwana, PA, Ralph (Wendy) Derstine of Scott City, KS, and Leslie (Amy) Derstine Watonga, OK. His grandchildren were the light of his life and they include: Lisha and Timothy Derstine, Angel and Nathaniel Derstine, Madison Williams, Lynn Derstine, Jr., and Keith Derstine.  His siblings include Alma (Alban) Wissman of Dewey, AZ, George (Nancy) Derstine of Telford, PA, Merrill (Elaina) Derstine also of Telford, PA, Lorraine (Clyde) Van Pelt of Pocatello, ID, Betty Jane (Earl) Strouse of Sellersville, PA, Wayne (Charlotte) Derstine of Sellersville, PA, and Mary Alice (Walter) Appold of Zionsville, PA. Abe is also survived by in-laws Arlene Young of Telford, PA, Earl Young of Salfordville, PA, Russell Young of Souderton, PA, Stewart and Kathleen Young of Red Hill, PA, along with several nieces and nephews. Abe is preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law Allen and Maggie Young, brother Wilmer and wife Lorraine, sister and brother-in-law Doris and Arthur Histand, sister and brother-in-law Stanley and Betty Derstine, brother -in-law Harold Young, sister-in-law Mary Young, and sister-in-law Mildred Young.

Family and friends are welcome to call from 9:30-11:30 am on Friday, January 5, 2018 at the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church 13255 Berwick Turnpike in Bentley Creek, PA. The funeral Service to honor Abe’s life will be held at the church at 11:30 am on Friday, January 5th with Rev. Robert J. Wuethrich and Reverend Joel Histand officiating. Burial will be at a later date in South Litchfield Cemetery. The Roberts Funeral Home, Inc. 279 Main Street Wellsburg, NY has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Abe’s memory to the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church 13255 Berwick Turnpike Gillett, PA 16925.

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