By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor, Staff Writer

Things have literally been spiraling downhill, and sometimes out of control for Savannah Graybill, who graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism in 2010 from American University after a stellar field hockey career there.

But it’s not what you think. In fact, things couldn’t be better for the former Cocalico High School star athlete, who for the past year or so has been honing her skills as an up and comer in skeleton racing with hopes of one day making the US Olympic squad.

So how exactly did someone who grew up in Amish Country end up making runs down a slick, icy course in places like Lake Placid, N.Y. and Park City, Utah, competing against some of the best the sport of skeleton (similar to bobsled only you go headfirst and are solo) has to offer?

Well, it all started in February of her senior year in college when her strength and conditioning coach received an email from current Olympic bobsled bronze medalist Elana Meyers, who was looking for athletes who might possibly like to try their hands at bobsledding.

Clarence H. "Sonny" Wertz, 75, of Reamstown, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2011 at his residence.

He was born in Narvon to the late Clarence and Grace (Weller) Wertz. He was the husband of Edie (Regester) Wertz, whom he shared 35 years together this past March 31.

Sonny was self-employed in the recycling business.

He is survived by three sons: Robert C., husband of Morgan (Martin) Wertz, of Stevens; Harry J. Regester Jr., of Ephrata; and James L. Taylor, of Huntington; three daughters: Melissa, wife of John Ferrell, of Ephrata; Amanda Wertz, of Reamstown; and Dotty, wife of Brian Ferrell, of Stevens; three brothers: Paul Wertz, of Stevens; Joe, husband of Barbara Wertz, of Morgantown; and Raymond, husband of Candy Wertz, of Narvon; two sisters: Doris Fryberger, of Ephrata; and Patsy Hooper, of Narvon; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: James Wertz and Charles Wertz; and a sister: Marian Sheaffer.

A funeral service was held July 20 at Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. with the Rev. Stephen E. Hollinger officiating. Interment took place at the Pequea Baptist Cemetery.

Elsie L. Pope, of Akron, has moved into her new mansion in Heaven.

She was the daughter of the late Frank M and Elsie H Harvey of Dunbar, W.Va. She was the wife of her beloved late husband, Paul P Pope Jr. of Murdocksville, N.C.

She leaves behind two dear children: Paul P. Pope III, of Rockingham, N.C.; and Patricia A. Pope, of Akron; nephews: Scott McCagg, of Buffalo, N.Y.; Todd McCagg, of Ellicott City, Md.; and Daniel Ice, of Lanexa,Va.; and sister-in-law: Ruby Ullman, of Murietta, Calif.

We will miss her mischievous humor, prayer support, whimsical phrases ("ducks in a row") and fried chicken, but know that she is enjoying fellowship with her Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, singing alto in the heavenly choir and hopefully tending a large celestial flower bed.

There will be a small private memorial service in Akron, then a private interment in Pinehurst, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation in Elsie’s memory to either Bible Visuals International; or Hospice of Lancaster County.

Spacht Funeral Home in Lititz has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share your fondest memories of Elsie visit lifecelebration.com.

Eugene G. Laudermilch, 63, of Stevens, went to be with his Savior Sunday, July 17, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Bowmansville, he was the son of the late Richard and Helen (Long) Laudermilch. His wife of 36 years, Anita (Feinour) Laudermilch, survives.

Eugene was employed as a truck driver for MGS Trailers in Denver. He enjoyed NASCAR, gardening, deep sea fishing, woodworking, camping and being with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two children: Dan, husband of Tanya (Yoder) Laudermilch, of New Holland; and Melanie Laudermilch, of Bowmansville; four grandchildren: Carli and Bryonna Laudermilch; and Samantha and Emily; a brother: Richard "Butch" Laudermilch, of Bowmansville; and three sisters: Carol Beck, of Manheim; Linda Kromer, of Ephrata; and Patricia Haas, of Reamstown.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Donald and Barry; and two sisters: Bonnie Trego and Barbara Laudermilch.

Funeral services will be held July 20 at 8 p.m. at Ranck’s United Methodist Church, 700 Ranck Road in New Holland, with pastors Kevin Readman and Douglas Sider officiating. A viewing will be held at the church from 7-8. Interment will be private in Memory Gardens.

Grace Anna Latshaw, 80, of Reinholds, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from a lengthy illness under the care of Hospice.

She was born in Jackson Township, Lebanon County, to the late J. Ralph and Stella (Herr) Kreider. She was the wife of George E. Latshaw, to whom she shared 59 years of marriage.

Grace was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Congregational Church in Reamstown. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting and playing bingo. During her working years, she worked as a baker for Quinlan Pretzels of Denver, before retiring in 1996.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her five children: Larry, husband of Joan (Benn) Latshaw, of Wernersville; Debra, wife of Rodger Seiler, of Denver; Edward G., companion of Donna Fick, of Shoeneck; Teresa, wife of Michael Brendle, of Denver; and David Latshaw, of Newark, Del.; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Jonas Kreider, of Myerstown; Irvin Kreider, of Tioga, Colo.; and Lloyd Kreider, of Florida; and a sister: Mildred Bradley, of Myerstown.

She was preceded in death by a son: Richard "Dick" Latshaw; and a brother: Lester Kreider.

Kenneth "Bud" G. Koller, 78, of Adamstown, formerly of Reading, passed away Friday, July 15, 2011 at his daughter’s residence after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Reading, a son of the late George and Wilhmima (Sweitzer) Koller. He was the husband of Dolores "Dolly" (Patillo) Koller.

Bud worked for 18 years at Firestone Tire in Pottstown, and later for Kalas Wire in Denver, until his retirement in 1996.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son: Randy Koller, husband of Toni (Schweitzer) Koller, of Fleetwood; a daughter: Robin, wife of Ray Campbell III, of Ephrata; two grandchildren; and two sisters: Shirley Pauley and Dolores Fahnauer, both of Reading.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

To offer condolences to the family, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

Glen D. Heister, 71, of Lititz, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the Lebanon Veteran Affairs Medical Center.

He was born in Spring Township to the late Walter Hiester and Alice "Peg" (Coldren) Beck.

Glen attended Ephrata High School and worked as a delivery truck driver for Signature Cabinetry. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a very giving and generous person. He enjoyed entertaining and cooking for his family and friends.

He is survived by three brothers: Charles, of Landisville; Donald; and Carl, both of Ephrata; two sisters: Doris Martin, of Berwick; and Lucy Becker, of Reamstown. He will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, especially Traci Dohner, with whom he resided.

He was preceded in death by brothers: Harry, Paul, Harold and Gerald.

Funeral services were held July 16 at Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home with Pastor Rodger Hornberger officiating.

Memorial contributions in Glen’s memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements were made by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be sent to the family at roseborostradling.com.

Evelyn H. Hauck, 95, formerly of Stevens, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Denver Nursing Home following a brief illness.

She was born in West Cocalico Township to the late Monroe and Mazie (Bender) Gerhart. She was the wife of the late Luther H. Hauck, who passed away in 2006.

Evelyn would have celebrated her 96th birthday this coming Saturday. A homemaker, she had also been employed by the former Akron Shoe Factory and retired from the former Keystone Nitewear Company.

Evelyn was a lifelong member of Mellinger’s Lutheran Church in Stevens. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, cooking, baking and was an avid Phillies fan, especially enjoying the Philly Phanatic.

She is survived by three children: Joyce E., wife of Donald H. Boyer, of Denver; James H., husband of Catherine (Strunk) Hauck, of Reinholds; and Nancy L., wife of Sam G. Heiser, of Reinholds; a daughter-in-law: Joanne (Shultz) Hauck, of Myerstown; 10 grandchildren; one stepgrandson; 15 great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandsons; one great-great-granddaughter.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a son: Gerald L. Hauck; a brother: John Gerhart; and two sisters: Marguerite Enck and Mae Yost.

Helen M. Haines, 93, a lifetime resident of Ephrata, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Stone Ridge Retirement Home in Myerstown after a lengthy illness.

She was the daughter of the late Lizzie Ensinger. She was the wife of Alvin D. Haines.

Helen worked at the former W.W. Moyer Company in Ephrata for 32 years as the executive secretary for Mr. Jacob Krieder. She was a 1935 graduate of Ephrata High School and a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Ephrata.

In addition to her husband she is survived by a son: Lee D. Haines, husband of Mary Jane (Weber) Haines, of Ephrata; a grandson: Bruce Haines, husband of Tami (Garman) Haines, of Florida; a granddaughter: Kimberly, wife of Robert Cochran, of Marienville; and five great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received at Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, 100 W. Main St. in Ephrata, from 1-2 p.m. July 20. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jeffrey Martin officiating. Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, 131 Terrace Ave., Ephrata, PA 17522.

To offer condolences to the family, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.

Colleen "Bootsie" Leslie Coldren, 65, of Denver, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Ephrata Manor.

She was born in Reading to the late R. Lester and Edna (George) Althouse. She was the wife of Donald Coldren, to whom she shared 33 years of marriage.

Leslie worked as a bookkeeper for Dr. Paul H. Ripple for 27 years. She was a 1964 graduate of Cocalico High School and a graduate of McCann’s Business School.

Leslie was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Denver. A Denver Girl Scout leader for 10 years, she was also a member of the Innisbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.

A visitation will be held July 22 from 9:30-10 a.m. at Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St. in Denver, followed by a memorial service at 10 with Pastor David Brumbach officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Fairview Cemetery Annex.

Memorial contributions in Bootsie’s memory may be made to St. John’s U.C.C., Attn: Church Choir, 659 S. Fourth St., Denver, PA 17517.

Arrangements were made by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be sent to the family at roseborostradling.com.