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Tawnya "Tawni" Buchanan, 72, of McVeytown, went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by family on Nov. 19, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born Oct. 25, 1953 in McVeytown, she was eldest daughter to the late C. Leon and "Beatsie" (Ceresa) Grassmyer. She had a close bond with her younger brother, Jan Grassmyer, who preceded her in death. That bond continued with Jan's surviving wife, Diane Grassmyer of Lewistown.
Tawni also is survived by her "sisters at heart," Mid Yoder and Connie Hartzler.
She was a graduate of the 1971 class at Penn Highlands Rothrock Campus, she was also a member of the McVeytown Marching Band.
After losing her shoe on the ferris wheel at the Rothrock Fair, Tawni met her husband, James G. Buchanan. Their "Cinderella" love was the foundation of Tawni's life where she exemplified the true meaning of a devoted wife, mother to their daughter Amy, and friend.
Tawni was employed by K.B. Aerotech and worked with Dr. Hutton at Greater Vision Eye Associates. She then found her calling working at the Friendship Bookstore where she was able to shine her light through her own ministry by assisting others with theirs.
She attended Locust Grove Mennonite Church for 20 years, then recently returning to her home church at McVeytown Presbyterian where she spent many Sundays as a child. Here she became a deaconess and was active in the Presbyterian Woman's Association.
In addition to her husband Jim, Tawni's memory will be cherished by her daughter Amy Pitts of Lewistown; two grandchildren, Brittany Romig of Port Royal and Chase Pitts Sr. and his wife Duska of Lewistown; along with their father Don Pitts of Shermansdale. Tawni's love shines through her seven great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Camryn, Rowdy, Alijana, Tatiana, Maleaha and Chase Jr.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at the McVeytown Presbyterian Church, 5 North Queen St., McVeytown, with Rev. Jeffrey Fisher officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Mattawana.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at the McVeytown Presbyterian Church, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the McVeytown Presbyterian Women's Association; P.O. Box 323 McVeytown PA 17051.
Harshbarger Funeral Home, McVeytown, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.harshbargerfuneralhome.com.