Natalie L. (Donnelly) Schwankl, 46 of Ephrata, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Lancaster General Hospital after a long courageous battle with breast cancer. Natalie was surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lancaster on December 29, 1965 she was the daughter of the late Robert J. "Hook" and Doris J. (Martin) Donnelly. She was the wife of Christopher J. Schwankl. Natalie and Christopher were together for more than 20 years and married for 18 wonderful loving years.

Natalie was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, East Petersburg, PA. She touched many lives with unconditional love, strength and patience.

Natalie was a 1985 graduate of Hempfield High School. In her younger years she was involved in gymnastics and softball. She went onto work at several Lancaster companies. Her most recent position was the administrative assistant in the leasing department at the Fulton Bank.

Natalie enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and riding her Harley or driving one of her latest Corvettes. She loved to travel, especially to Key West. She adored animals, most of all her dog Bindi. She would never even hurt a spider. She was a gentle, kind and fun loving young lady who was always the life of the party and loved to dance while smiling through her pain.

Natalie loved cooking and made many wonderful meals for all her family and friends. She was a great organizer and helped plan many benefits for cancer research. She loved to collect roosters and had a passion for decorating. She touched everyone's life that she came in contact with and was an inspiration to many. She was beautiful inside and out and she will be lovingly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by a brother, Raymond A. McMinn, companion of Shelli Fishel of Mt. Joy; two sisters, Kathryn (McMinn) Behmer, companion of Bill Boas of Lancaster, Dawn M., wife of Paul Miller of Columbia; a mother-in-law, Christine S. Schwankl of Millersville and a sister-in-law, Lisa L., wife of Randy W. Stermer of Hellam, PA. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews as well as her beloved dog, Bindi.

A Celebration of Natalie's Life will be at 11AM on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with Rev. Christopher M. Rankin and Rev. Harry Royer co-officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. A viewing will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 9-11AM. Flowers will be received or memorial contributions may be made to the Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100