Laura Stover

Laura Jane Beidler Stover, former resident of Quakertown, PA died at the Tidewell Hospice in Venice, Florida on November 5, 2009. Mrs. Stover was born to George and Valeria Beidler on August 8, 1925 in Perkasie, PA. She attended Sell-Perk High School, then Boston University-Sargent College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and was the valedictorian of her class. She later earned her masters degree in this subject as well. Laura Jane married Charles Henry Stover, then a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the year 1947. Married for 62 years, they lived in Quakertown, PA until they moved to Venice, FL in 1991. An All-American field hockey player, Mrs. Stover taught physical education in the Quakertown Community School System for 25 years, teaching high school as well as kindergarten through sixth grade physcial education. Mrs. Stover created and then directed the Quakertown Borough Department of Parks and Recreation's renowned K.I.D.S. (Kids Involved Doing Something) Program for many years, beginning in 1974. After 35 years, this program is still going strong today. She was also a Girl Scout leader for 25 years. Laura Jane Stover may be best remembered for the abundance of love she shared with her family, friends, and students. Her interest in children, depth of understanding of the value of play and movement in people's lives, and a belief that supporting individual's needs and encouraging personal talents was crucial in education sprung from her extraordinary enthusiasm for life. Her beloved husband Charles H. Stover, two daughters, Robin Stover, an attorney in Sarasota, FL, and Dr. Jaime Stover Schmitt, son-in-law Christopher Schmitt, and granddaughters, Genevieve Schmitt and Tara Mae Schmitt survive her. Services: 11:00 am Sat., Nov. 14 Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral Home, 20 N. Ambler St., Quakertown. Viewing: 10-11 am Sat. in the funeral home. (www.janauglefcs.com) In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.