Esther Kathryn McCalips

Esther Kathryn McCalips, 100, of Lewistown, passed peacefully into her eternal home, Saturday, October 12, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family while listening to her favorite hymns at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.

Born April 30, 1924, in Bratton Township, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Ardella  Miller.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd, Glen, Merle, Robert, and her twin brother, Lester ; sisters, Mary Alice and Sara Ruth Miller. She was the last of her immediate family.

She attended the Longfellow school until the 8th grade.

She attended Pine Glen Church of the Brethren where her brother Merle was superintendent for 60 years. After marriage to her husband, the late John H. McCalips, she transferred to the Ellen Chapel Church where she became the oldest member. April 2024 Esther returned to her home church one last time to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Children are John McCalips Jr. wife Norma, Joyce Wilson husband Mark, Marjorie Searer late husband Dave, Luther McCalips wife JoEllen, Nancy Peachey, Robert McCalips companion Holly Haubrick. From here the family continued to grow.

Grandchildren, Martin McCalips wife Anne. Tyler McCalips,  and the late Joseph and David McCalips, Michelle Wilson fiancé Ryan Carter, Chad Wilson, Angela Wolfley husband  Scott, Ashley McCalips companion Wayne Brown, Jackie Mowery companion Shane, Jessica Morgan husband Jason, Adam Peachey wife Heather, Devon McCalips.

Great-grandchildren, Martin McCalips Jr., Nicole Foor husband Rob, Bryanna Pellman husband Seth,  Kale Alston, Braydon Peck, Alex, Cari, Ryan Brown, Kendall and Keely Mowery, Keagan Marks, Parker and Paige Morgan, and Ridge and Brooks Peachey. She was preceded in death by step-great-granddaughter Lauren Petrillo.

Great-great-grandchildren, Adley Auman, Jimmy and Billy McCann, Haylen and Kaycee Pellman and in a month sister Nakota will be joining them. Many nieces and nephews were very special to her and life-long friend Marion Cherry.

In her early years, she worked as a nanny for Dr. McNabb and wife Pauline along with several other families. After her husband’s passing, January 31, 1995, she volunteered till the age of 90 at Valley View Haven.

Esther loved her family, church family, planting flowers, canning, gardening, and listening to her favorite hymns. She will be remembered as a kind Christian woman who always thought of others. We will always remember her homemade bread, pies, and potato soup.

January 2022, Esther had fallen and broke her arm then moved into her daughter Joyce’s home who cared for her till her passing. A special thank you to her grandson Chad for taking such good care of his gram also.

A viewing will be held from 10 am to 11 am, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Ellen Chapel Church, 11798 Ferguson Valley Rd, Lewistown, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Mark Hill officiating.

Interment will take place at Juniata Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Esther’s memory may be made to Ellen Chapel Church, 11798 Ferguson Valley Road, Lewistown or Pine Glen Church of the Brethren, 61 Pine Glen Road, Lewistown.

Arrangements are under the care of Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com

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