Orpha Garman Kline Nye

Orpha Garman Kline Nye, 93, of Mount Joy, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday afternoon, October 18, 2025. Her passing was sudden, yet Heaven was ready. In one holy moment, she simply crossed the veil ̶ trading the prayers of earth for the songs of eternity. She left this life as she lived it: steady, surrendered, and full of quiet strength, carried by the love of God she had spent a lifetime knowing.

It was the kind of homegoing our father and her beloved husband, Reverend Harold J. Nye, often spoke of when reflecting on the patriarchs of old. He would quote: “When Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.” ̶ Genesis 49:33And so it was with her ̶ at peace, her work finished, her heart still worshiping, her spirit resting in the arms of the One she loved most.

Her whole life was a living testimony of her love for God. She trained each of us ̶ her children and her children’s children ̶ in that faith. Every one of us was uniquely shaped by her example, her words, her love, her instruction, and, at times, her discipline. Through her gentle yet unwavering hand, we were formed by the touch of her godly example and the truth she spoke into our lives. But we were also formed by her love of life ̶ her laughter, her playfulness, and those simple moments that became family legend. She could turn an ordinary evening into joy, and during a good game of Old Maid she’d always give herself away with a telltale laugh the moment someone pulled the Old Maid from her hand. That laughter, full of life and light, became part of who we are ̶ a sound we’ll carry in our hearts forever.

Her faith did not end with her; it continues in us ̶ in every prayer whispered, every song sung, and every burst of laughter that echoes her love and joy. Generations now rise to call her blessed. The name Orpha means “neck” or “turning,” and in Scripture it also carries the image of a gentle gazelle ̶ one who feels deeply and responds with heart. That meaning fits her perfectly. She was tender, intuitive, and always the first to feel the weight or the joy in a room. She could sense another person’s pain before they spoke it, and she carried it until she prayed it through.

Mom was health-minded to say the least. She was the one who taught us how to care for ourselves, how to supplement wisely, and how to listen to our bodies. She was fierce in her convictions ̶ she even called COVID “that junk” and stood firm in her beliefs about health, faith, and freedom. When joy overtook her, she’d bend over, unable to speak, her face red with delight ̶ a sound that could fill a house and heal a weary day.

Her life revolved around three great loves: first, worshiping and loving God; second, honoring and serving her husband; and third, pouring herself out for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She worked tirelessly so that those she loved wouldn’t have to struggle the way she and Harold once did.

Orpha was born on February 5, 1932, to Harry Long Kline and Frances Garman Kline in Halfville, She married her beloved husband, Reverend Harold J. Nye, on September 21, 1952. Together, they built a life centered on faith, worship, and service. In their early years, they worked alongside her father at Kline Motors in Lititz. Their shared love for Christ led them to Bible training and eventually to founding Mount Joy Full Gospel Assembly (Independent Assembly of God affiliated), where Harold pastored from 1964 until 2004 and Orpha faithfully served at his side.

Her ministry was worship and intercession. Her gifts were hospitality, compassion, and prayer. She didn’t just say prayers ̶ she touched God. Her compassion ran so deep that in later years she often couldn’t accompany Dad into hospitals because she would feel the weight of every sorrow and every need in the room. Her gentle spirit absorbed the pain of others as if it were her own ̶ and she carried it straight to the heart of God. Many remember her kitchen and kitchen table as a sanctuary and her soft voice as an anchor in the storm. Ministry, to Mom, was never confined to a building ̶ her life was ministry.

We remember so many times, even as children, watching Dad and Mom open their home to strangers, feed people who had no food, and comfort those they didn’t even know. What now seems like a much simpler time was, in truth, sacred ground ̶ a life poured out in practical love, generosity, and prayer. She and Dad lived the gospel by doing it, not just preaching it. Their home was a refuge, their table an altar, their kindness a doorway to hope. She inherited her laughter and love of fun from her mother, her entrepreneurial drive from her father, and her faith from both. Together, those traits made her a woman of faith, humor, resilience, and grace ̶ a strong neck that turned her family toward God, and a gentle heart that never stopped feeling the needs of others.

She and Harold poured their hearts into the farmers markets they owned and operated over the years ̶ Park City, Central Market, Southern Market, Roots, Green Dragon, Saturday’s Market, and New Eastern Market. Those markets weren’t just businesses; they were gathering places where friendships were made, families were fed, and the values of honesty and hard work were lived out daily. They became well known throughout Lancaster County among those who frequented the markets, remembered for their kindness, laughter, and entrepreneurial spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reverend Harold J. Nye (2012); by her twin sons, David and Daniel Nye; two grandsons, Matthew and Derrick Baltozer; one great-granddaughter, Sarah Zeager; a brother, Harry G. Kline (Helen); and three sisters, Ruth Shirk (Leroy), Mary Kline, and Rebecca Kline.

She is survived by nine of her children and their spouses: James H. and Carol (Wolgemuth) Nye; John K. Nye; Kathy S. and Joseph Baltozer; Sherry L. Sipling; Stephen L. and Gena (Zeedyk) Nye; Joel and Jodi (Waltz) Nye; Timothy K. and Kari (Kauffman) Nye; Philip R. and Lisa (Coover) Nye; and Becky A. and Jason Mann. She is also survived by 34 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, who continue the heritage she gave them ̶ a legacy of faith, prayer, laughter, and love.

Thank you, Mom, for showing us the way of life in Christ ̶ for the songs in the night, the prayers outside our doors, and the many moments of quiet strength we didn’t see. You taught us to stand in truth, to love without fear, and to reverence God above all. To God be the glory. Her song has ended, but her melody lingers in every heart she touched.

A service celebrating Orpha’s Life will be held at Manheim Brethren In Christ Church, 54 North Penryn Road, Manheim, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1:30 PM. There will be a public viewing at the church on Friday afternoon from 12:30 PM until the time of the service. After the service, family and friends will proceed to Graybill Cemetery for the graveside committal. Following the burial, everyone is invited to return to the church fellowship hall for a time of food and fellowship as we continue to honor her life and legacy together. Those desiring may send contributions in Orpha’s memory to Water Street Mission, 210 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.