Lola Mae Felton

Lola Mae Felton 

Alum Bank

Lola Mae (Barefoot) Felton, 77, died at her home on February 14, 2017 surrounded by her family.  She was born June 15, 1939 on her family farm in Alum Bank. The daughter of Joseph Earl Barefoot(deceased) and Pauline Mae (Hostetler) Barefoot (deceased).  She was the first graduate to receive her diploma from the new Chestnut Ridge High School in 1956.  She attended Windber School of Nursing before marrying the love of her life, Robert A. Felton who she met on a blind date.  Lola was a popular and successful business owner of The Village Fashion Outlet in Bedford, Pennsylvania for thirty years. She pursued her business interest in 1976 and purchased Carolyn’s Children Shop, and in a short timeframe of owning the business she saw an opportunity to transform her business into The Village Fashion Outlet.  She was drawn to business ownership as a young girl working in her Aunt’s grocery store. She loved the interaction with customers and being an independent business owner.  Lola found great satisfaction in helping her customers find the “just the right outfit to help them feel good about themselves” and referred to many of her long term customers as “her friends”.  She said “it’s a thrill that never gets old” to help people.  Lola was recognized as Pennsylvania FBLA Businessperson of the Year in 1990-1991.

Lola was not only a long term business owner, but an active part of her community.  She participated as a President of the Business and Professional Women (BPW) 1987-1989.  During her time in the BPW she advocated to empower women in their business pursuits.  She was also was member of the United Methodist Church of Alum Bank, Pennsylvania.  Lola had active membership in Gideon International Women’s Auxiliary, Toast Mistress, National Society of The Colony Dames of America and United Methodist Women Officer.

Lola fought her battle with breast cancer and won in the early 1990’s.  She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February of 2015.  During her battle with pancreatic cancer Lola never gave up, never complained and maintained a brave and cheerful outlook of an optimistic future— through countless radiation and chemotherapy treatments, blood transfusions and pain.  Even though Lola was going through a very difficult disease progression she always maintained a positive perceptive and continued to focus on how she could help others. 

Lola has four (favorite) daughters, Robin Felton Baum, wife of Dr. Jeffrey A. Baum, Pittsburgh, PA, Kelly Felton Mumma, wife of Richard R. Mumma, Dallas, TX, Julie Knisely, wife of Steven P. Knisely Claysburg, PA, and Paula Felton-Werner, wife of Dustin K. Werner, Houston, TX. She had six beautiful grandchildren; R. Evan Baum, Olivia Baum, Grant Mumma, Anthony Knisely, J. Maria Knisely, and Maggie Knisely. 

Family members include; bother Dr. James E. Barefoot (deceased) and wife Nancy Barefoot, sister Dorothy Windham (deceased) and husband Gerald Windham (deceased), sister Mary Jane Rizzo (deceased) and husband Joseph Rizzo, brother J. Robert Barefoot and wife Connie Barefoot, brother Daniel Barefoot and wife Liz Barefoot, sister Martha Kay Dull and husband James Dull, and brother Arthur J. Barefoot and wife Brenda Barefoot.  And many nephews and nieces.

Lola’s family wants to express sincere appreciation for all the prayers, support and kindness shown by the United Methodist Church “Family” of Alum Bank, the great care by the Home Nursing Agency Hospice Nurses and Aides, and numerous loving friends. 

Joyous celebration of Lola’s life will be held at United Methodist Church in Alum Bank, Pennsylvania on February 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Knobel officiating. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in Lola Felton’s name to the Alum Bank United Methodist Church.  

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