Roy W. Hetrick

Roy W. Hetrick, 94, of Jefferson Township, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, July 1, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Betty J. (Seidel) Hetrick, who passed away on February 1, 2008. Together they shared 56 years of marriage.

Born on September 7, 1929, in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late C. Clair Hetrick and Ruth (Mattern) Hetrick. Roy was a graduate of Oley High School Class of 1947. He went on to receive certifications from Penn State, in the areas of Dairy Science and Agriculture. In 2011 he was inducted into the Oley Valley Alumni Honor Roll.

Roy was a dairy farmer, the founder and partner of Hetrickdale Farms in Jefferson Township. The labors of his farm helped to feed 5,000 people a day. Roy was a dedicated advocate to the dairy industry.

He started out farming on his own at the young age of 18, and farmed for 76 years. His recent participation was having his caregivers follow the harvester.

He had a willingness and desire to learn and be deeply involved in the dairy industry and agricultural community.

He was Vice President of the Board of Directors at Leigh Valley Co op and Atlantic Dairy Co op for a total of 25 years. At Land O Lakes Cooperative, he served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 4 years. He was Vice President of the Pennsylvania Farmers Association for Berks County and held officer roles for 12 years.

Roy served on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Mid Atlantic Region, National Milk Producers Association, Dairy Council, Mid Atlantic Cooperative Milk Marketing Agency, Pennmarva Dairymen’ s Federation, United Dairy Industry Association, and Pennsylvania Dairy Future Committee.

He was also active in his community. Roy was a founding member of the Planning Commission for Jefferson Township, and had served on the School Board for the Tulpehocken Area School District. He was a member of Saint Thomas Church, Bernville.

Roy was predeceased by his son Kirk R. Hetrick who passed away on April 22, 2023; four sisters and one brother.

Roy is survived by his children, Sandra L. Kaplan wife of Sanford Kaplan, of Brooksville, Florida; Beverly A. Stoudt wife of Craig Stoudt of Jefferson Township; Lorie J. Kumer wife of Joseph Kumer of Lititz; Cheryl D. Zosh wife of Daniel Zosh of Laguna Beach, California; Joel R. Hetrick, husband of Lisa Z. Hetrick of Jefferson Township; Scott W. Hetrick husband of Lisa M. Hetrick of Tulpehocken Township; Holly J. Boltz wife of Alan Boltz of Jefferson Township; Alison J. Strunk wife of Jeffrey Strunk of Jefferson Township; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; brother, Harold C. Hetrick, of Oley; and sisters, Erma Burkhart, of Exeter Township; and Isabella Rhodes, of Fleetwood.

Dad always told us, “Surround yourself with the best.” The past few months he had the best caregivers from his private team, and Assured Assistance. The family says, “ Thank You for the love and care you provided for Dad. You are truly the best! “

Funeral Service will be held at Saint Thomas Church 536 North Main Street, Bernville, PA 19506 Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 11:30am. Reverend Stephen E. Hollinger will officiate. Interment will follow at Host Church Cemetery, Tulpehocken Township. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Tuesday at Saint Thomas Church from 10:30 am to 11:15am. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Saint Thomas Church Memorial Fund at the address above. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.