Rhoda E. Kilheffer

Rhoda E. Kilheffer, 85, of East Hempfield Township, died a few days following a stroke, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Hospice and Community Care, Lancaster. Born in Manheim Township, she was the daughter of the late H. Clay and Ruth Yocum Esbenshade. A homemaker, she was the loving wife of Willis A. Kilheffer and they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in July of this year. Rhoda was a faithful and active member of the East Petersburg Mennonite Church and was involved with the sewing circle and Sunday school class. For many years she helped her husband on the family farm located in East Hempfield Township. Rhoda volunteered for the East Petersburg Fire Company Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and entertaining her friends. For 25 years she operated an in-home catering business called “Rhoda’s Place”. Rhoda had a life-long passion for her family and enjoyed taking part in activities with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to her husband, are two sons: James L. husband of Martha Peifer Kilheffer, Gerald L. husband of Sylvia M. Hess Kilheffer all of Manheim, two daughters: Dolly wife of Curtis Martin of Palmyra, Donna L. wife of Mervin Hershey of New Holland, fourteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, four brothers: Harold husband of Ruby Esbenshade, Glenn husband of Rachael Esbenshade all of Lititz, Carl husband of Bonnie Esbenshade of Neffsville, and Kenneth husband of Betty Esbenshade of Raleigh, N.C.

The family would like to thank Hospice and Community Care, Lancaster, for the care and kindness shown by the staff towards Rhoda and the family during her illness and home going.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at the East Petersburg Mennonite Church 6279 Main Street, East Petersburg, on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. There will be a viewing at the church on Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with additional viewing time on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.