By Lynn R. Mitchell
Sarah Stutzman Hershberger passed away Thursday at the age of 95, the widow of Dan Hershberger of Stuarts Draft in Augusta County, Virginia. The Hershbergers, who were Amish-Mennonites, were the original founders of the Cheese Shop that today is located on Tinkling Spring Road (Rt. 340) five minutes south of I-64 and just north of Stuarts Draft.
In the 1960s, the Hershbergers started the Cheese Shop in their farmhouse on Churchmans Mill Road. The business is a staple for those looking for fresh cheese and meats as well as bulk items such as spices and baked goods, and today is owned by the Eavers family. The website tells more:
It All Started on the Back Porch
The Cheese Shop started on the back porch of the Hershberger family in the early 1960s. Mr. Hershberger’s desire to share the quality cheeses produced in Ohio with the residents of Stuarts Draft inspired him to begin selling them on his back porch. In the early 1980s the Beiler family purchased The Cheese Shop and expanded the bulk foods selection, moving the store into the basement of their home.
The present store was built in the early 1990s and allowed The Cheese Shop to offer sliced cheeses and deli meats.
For almost half a century, THE CHEESE SHOP has been a local family-owned Amish-style bulk foods store dedicated to bringing you the freshest, highest quality foods at reasonable prices. Our selection of deli meats and cheeses from Amish Country in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and more is available in bulk package, or blocked and sliced to your liking. Enjoy our selection of hundreds of shelled nuts, dried fruits, bargain spices, and other essential baking items. We offer peanut butter, apple butter, and a wide variety of preserves including no-sugar-added items. Our selection of over 100 cheeses and spices are priced at a fraction of those found in the grocery store…you have to see it to believe it. Finally, stock up on our dozens of candies in either regular or no-sugar-added variety and on our array of snack mixes great for travel or your pantry.
Mrs. Hershberger married her husband in 1939 and had 14 children. Six preceded her in death. Known as a cheerful woman, she had 66 grandchildren, 240 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held Sunday, May 3, at Pilgrim Fellowship. Family and friends may sign the guestbook at reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
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