Jennie M. McElrath

Jennie McElrath, 84, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026. Born in Lebanon, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Elizabeth Bishop. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Dale Darwin McElrath, and her siblings: Russell, Joseph, Paul, Benjamin, Albert, Helen, Alberta, and Betty.

Jennie graduated from Cornwall-Lebanon HS and spent 35 years as the owner and operator of Jennie’s Diner. She had a vibrant and outgoing personality and truly enjoyed connecting with people. She loved talking with her customers and building relationships over the years. She was generous with her time and support, hosting auctions and charity events through her business and proudly supporting organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Muscular Dystrophy Association, local EMS services, and the PA State Police.

She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including watching golf, Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, her favorite soap operas, spending time with her poodle Snuggles, and watching the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. She also took pride in her appearance and always made sure her hair was done. She will be remembered for her strong-willed and sometimes stubborn personality, her generous heart, and her deep love for her family. Jennie will be deeply missed and remembered for the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the lasting impact she made on her family and those who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Ronald Bennett, Tina Bowser, Sue McElrath, Debbie (Jan) Hartman, and Clayton McElrath II. She also leaves behind her brother Douglas, 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A casual drop-in celebration of Jennie’s life will be held on August 1, 2026, from 1 to 4 PM at 341 Sprecher Road, Willow Street, PA. Family and friends are invited to gather for food, fellowship, and remembrance in honor of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care Mt. Joy's Development Office, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601 or by visiting hospiceandcommunitycare.org/in-honor-in-memory-gifts/.