Eleanor “Ellie” L. Wiker, 82

July 14, 2024

Eleanor “Ellie” L. Wiker, 82, passed away in the morning of July 14th, 2024, at Lancaster General Hospital. Ellie was born on May 2, 1942, in Philadelphia to the late Richard and Martha Ludwig and was their only child.

Ellie was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Wiker, whom she loved very much. Ellie was also preceded in death by her daughter, Wendy Ernandes, and her husband, Michael Ernandes. Ellie is survived by her son, Brian Wiker, and his wife, Annie. Ellie is also survived by her two granddaughters, Zoe and Zara Wiker, whom brought her much joy.

Ellie was part of the third graduating class of Lititz High School, the class of 1959. Up to her death, Ellie remained in contact with her class group and enjoyed attending their reunions. Ellie had several waitressing positions and served as the Elizabeth Township tax collector for a few years, but her main focus was supporting her husband and children.

Her whole life, Ellie loved to be outside. She loved sitting on her porch and greeting her granddaughters. She loved to garden, even if her plants became overgrown with weeds. She was always certain to get her “sun”, even if it was hot and muggy.

Ellie was fascinated by her family history and could often be found on Ancestry.com, tracing the history of her family members. She even made family trees for a couple of her great nieces and nephews. If you walked into her house, you could always hear her tv blaring because of how high Ellie would have it turned up. Ellie was always cooking something up, some of her favorite recipes were cabbage soup and beef stew. Even in her old age, Ellie prioritized her fashion and could often be seen sporting a tennis skirt. Ellie thrived at the beach and her love for the sand and waves will live on in the hearts of her family.

To be loved is to be known and boy did Ellie love her granddaughters. One of her favorite things to do was watch her girls participate in gymnastics meets and she was looking forward to watching the Olympics. Ellie always gifted her granddaughters’ thoughtful gifts, demonstrating her understanding of their interests. She especially loved gifting books; reading was an activity she enjoyed alongside her granddaughters. Another pastime she shared with her granddaughters was football and she actively followed her favorite player, Saquon Barkley. Ellie was a passionate grandmother and always made an effort to engage with her girls.

For the better part of the last two decades, Ellie’s health has been in decline. She took COPD on like a fighter and defied all odds. The last two years saw a steeper decline in Ellie’s health, yet she did not go without a fight, her determined spirit was admirable.

Family invites guests to a viewing on Wednesday July 17, 2024, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA from 6 to 8pm. A funeral service will be held the following day at 10am, with a viewing beginning one hour prior. Ellie will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband following service at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery .