Helen G (Keefer) Fackler

Helen G Fackler
1936 – 2015

Helen G (Keefer) Fackler, 78, went to be with her heavenly Father on Saturday January 3, 2015 in her home after living with cancer for nearly 4 years. Born May 19, 1936 in Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Lester and Lois (McCullough) Keefer. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband Robert Kenneth Fackler to whom she was married for 46 years and John B Hansell Sr. She is survived by 5 siblings, Inez Tomlinson, Jim Keefer and wife Sylvia, Rosemary Boltz, Sam Keefer, and Lester Keefer Jr and wife Nancy. She was the caring mother of six children, Tracey Fackler and wife Lindy of Palmyra, John Hansell and wife Amy of Emmaus, Brenda Higgins wife of George of Harrisburg, Bonnie Bracale wife of Frank of Palmyra, Ronald Fackler of Pennsylvania, and Robert Fackler Jr (deceased). Additionally, she was the proud grandma to 11 grandchildren; Dena (deceased), Dawn, Mark, Marsha, Randy, Chris, Matthew, Kerri, Shannon, Joshua and Ava. And 7 great grandchildren; Jason, Keaira, Isabel, Ethan, Isabella, Angelina and Gabriel. More than anything, she loved her children, grandchildren and great grand children and cherished her time with them.

Helen was the ultimate “people person” and her life was centered on others and service. Even her employment history revolved around being with and interacting with people. She was a cashier in grocery stores, did product demonstrations, food samples and was also an Amway sales person. Later in life she became known as the “Gospel bead bracelet” lady. Everyone she knows has one and the explanation of salvation represented in the colored beads. She was a charter member and faithful volunteer to her church, The Evangelical Free Church of Hershey, since 1973. She and her late husband Ken, were instrumental in starting a clothing bank, food bank, and a bus ministry. For 14 years they worked as missionaries with Bible Christian Union. In their retirement, she and Ken were part of Sending out Seniors (SOS) ministry, giving physical and emotional help to countless ministries over 20 years and more than 40 work trips to Harvey Cedars Bible Conference. In more recent years, they worked hundreds of hours for GAIN, Global Aid Network in Mount Joy and received an award from Volunteers of America for more than 500 volunteer hours per year. During the course of her retirement and as a widow, she made nearly 20 trips to Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia and also a trip to Guatemala to share the love of Jesus. She especially loved the children of the world and freely gave hugs to any that needed one. She had a life well lived, not for herself, but for others and for God’s glory and remained passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with whomever she came in contact with until her death.

A private family internment service will be held Friday at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey, 330 Hilltop Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 11:00 until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Helen requested that bright colors be worn to this celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to: GAIN (1506 Quarry Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552) to provide food for starving people around the world. Just $0.25 provides a meal and pays for shipping. Or Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, Teen Ministry (12 Cedars Avenue, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008)

Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rothermelfuneralhome.com www.pennlive.com/obits

Published in Patriot-News on Jan. 6, 2015