Elma I.Githens;one of Belle Vernon’s oldest residents and the daughter of pioneer Rostraver Twp.settlers;Philip and Edna Watson Shepler;died Tuesday;April 19;1977;at 1:50 a.m.in Haven Crest Convalescent Home;Carroll Twp. Mrs.Githens;98;formerly resided at 303 Short St.;Belle Vernon. She was born in Rostraver Twp.on June 1;1878 and lived her entire life in the Belle Vernon area. She was preceded in death by a son;Samuel Ellison Githens in 1965 and by her husband;William M.Githens;on Nov.4;1949. Surviving are four sons;William S.Githens;Lloyd K.Githens;Robert T.Githens and Albert W.Githens;all of Belle Vernon;three daughters;Mrs.Harold (Edna) Lambert of Belle Vernon;Mrs.Arthur J.(Elizabeth) McSteen of Greensburg and Mrs.James B.(Grace) Chalfant of Fairless Hills;14 grandchildren;24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the Shelby D.Ferguson Funeral Home;Belle Vernon;from 7 to 9 p.m.Tuesday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.Wednesday. Services will be held Thursday at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m.with the Rev.Dr.S.Arthur Talman;pastor of the first Presbyterian Church of Belle Vernon;officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Shelby D.Ferguson is funeral director in charge.