Obituary for Mrs. Eleanor P. Sechler
Eleanor P. (Knabb) Sechler, 84, of Bernville, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, May 13, 2023 in her residence. She was the widow of Irwin M. Sechler who died on February 27, 2000.
Born in Reading, PA, Eleanor was a daughter of the late Alfred P. and Beulah S. (Prutzman) Knabb. She was a 1957 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, where she served as the class Treasurer, and was an outstanding student. Eleanor's first job was at the former Wayne's Dry Goods, Kutztown. She later worked as the Secretary for her family poultry business for many years, working along side her husband and sons. She most recently assisted on a local family farm in the Strausstown area.
Eleanor was a member of Zion Blue Mountain UCC, Bernville, and was a former member of New Bethel Church, Kempton, a place that was near and dear to her. She was also a member and former Secretary of the Berks County Poultry Federation, member of the Strausstown Ladies Auxiliary and Order of Eastern Star, Chapter No. 449, Womelsdorf. Eleanor could often be found riding around on her golf cart, working in her flower beds, or spending time with her loyal dog, Roxie.
Some of her highlights in life were her travels. She would often reminisce about her trip to Switzerland and Germany with her sister, Rhea. She also enjoyed several trips to the Bahamas and Las Vegas with her husband. She has a love for Willie Nelson and was a dedicated member of his fan club. Above all, she loved her family, who was everything to her, and will certainly be missed by many.
Eleanor is survived by her five children, Scott I., husband of Monica L. (Bonneti), Sechler, Strausstown, Sharon K. (Sechler) Witman, Bernville, Richard A. Sechler, partner of Dianna L. Styer, Barto, Sandra J. (Sechler), wife of John H. Gilmer, Wyomissing, and Brenda L. (Sechler), wife of Steven R. Hoffman, Shippensburg; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband and parents, Eleanor was predeceased by her siblings, Nevin Knabb, Helen Manbeck, Fern Ziegler, Grace Haring, David Knabb, Rhea M. Siegfried, Anne P. Seidel, John R. Knabb, Sr., Alfred P. Knabb, and June P. Bruno.
A funeral service to celebrate and honor Eleanor's life will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in New Bethel Church, 135 New Bethel Church Rd, Kempton, PA, with The Reverend Robert Ziehmer officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.
Viewings will be held on Sunday evening, May 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA and again on Monday morning from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. in the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Eleanor's memory to ProMedica Hospice, 2201 Ridgewood Road, Suite 180, Wyomissing, PA 19610-1190 OR New Bethel Church, 135 New Bethel Church Rd, Kempton, PA, 19529 (Donate online at www.nbchurchkempton.org).
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.