Pearl Margaret Blades Torbert, 99

FELTON - Pearl Margaret Blades Torbert of Felton went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at Westminster Village in Dover. She was 99.

Mrs. Torbert was born on Sept. 14, 1908, on a farm near Harrington, daughter of the late J. Howard and Lillie (Scott) Blades and received her education through the Felton School District.

She later met and married Lynn F. Torbert of Felton, with whom she celebrated over 60 years together before his passing in 1991.

The Torberts traveled to many parts of the country and to several islands.

They left Felton to take an undertaking position in Wilmington, but returned in 1950.

It was then that they built their lovely home and operated two grocery stores, along with Lynn's brother Russell, known as Torbert's Market and Torbert Bros.

The Torbert's also owned and operated farms in the Felton area, for many years.

Mrs. Torbert, known to many as "Aunt Pearl," was a homemaker and enjoyed baking cakes and pies, making soup and doing special handcrafted projects of knitting and crocheting.

She enjoyed oil painting and painting china.

She was a very opinionated lady who knew what she wanted.

Mrs. Torbert was a member of the Felton United Methodist Church, Rebekah Lodge 16, Felton Avon Club and the Felton Alumni Association.

She is survied by a godson, Thomas Chambers of Chicago, Ill. and many nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton, where friends may call one hour prior.

Burial will be in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.

Her nephew, James B. Torbert, will officiate.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Rebekah Lodge 16, c/o Colleen Whitt, P.O. Box 284, Felton, DE 19943; or Felton Avon Club, c/o Nancy Vansant, 24445 Paradise Alley Road, Felton, DE 19943.