Obituaries
Helen L. (Knepper) Longenecker, 98
March 16, 2020
Helen L. (Knepper) Longenecker, 98, of Pleasant View Retirement Community, Manheim,formerly of Old Delp Road, Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2020. Born in Duffield, Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late William P. and Elizabeth (Lizzie)(Gipe) Knepper. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Jason U. Longenecker in 2003. They were
married on November 8, 1942.
She graduated from Chambersburg High School in 1940.
Helen and Jason owned and operated Mattis Candies at 701 N. Queen St. Lancaster, PA for many years until they closed it in 1991. In addition to their candy business, they operated farmland around Lancaster County.
Helen was a member of Hempfield Brethren in Christ Church. She loved making word searches and spending time with her friends at Pleasant View.
Surviving are six children; two sons, Daniel L., husband of Beverly A., of Wilmington, NC, Jesse L., husband of Suzanne C., of Rossville, IN, four daughters Priscilla E. Hodecker, wife of Terry L., of Lititz, Susan L. Smythe, wife of Wayne D., Muncy, Martha A. Selby, wife of Douglas F., West Alexandria, OH, Deborah J. Hair, wife of C. Edward, of Willow Street, a daughter-in-law, Carol Bonner, of Jonestown, 22 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandsons and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son David S. Longenecker, two grandsons, Joshua Selby and Ryan Zaiger, three sisters, Nora Myers, Vera Hawbaker, Marian Heffley, and two brothers, Jaye and William Knepper.
Helen was loved and adored by her entire family and many others.
Due to concerns regarding the recent COVID-19 outbreak, a family-only viewing and funeral service will be held at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA. Interment will be in Longenecker Cemetery, Lititz. A future memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant View Retirement Community Benevolent Fund, 544 N Penryn Rd., Manheim, PA 17545.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 21, 2020
To the Longenecker family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Your Mother was a kind and gentle woman. I am glad I was part of the farming experience and especially her wonderful lunches. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Duke
March 24, 2020
Sue and Marty and all,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. What a wonderful family .. a testament to your mom’s well lived life.
Don Baile
March 23, 2020
My sincere condolences to you. I came to know and love your dear mother when I photocopied her word searches at the Pleasant View reception desk. She has passed on a joyful legacy of faithfulness to the Lord that behooves each one of us to earnestly heed. PTL…she is actually now more alive & joyous than we are!!! ~ Cathy Hess
March 21, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go with your family. I knew Helen from Hempfield BIC (now Hope Born In Christ) church, and she was loved by all of us who were blessed to know her
Blessings, Carole
March 19, 2020
I am the granddaughter of Angie and Luther Rote, Helen’s next door neighbors on Delp Road. I have many fond memories of Helen and fun times playing kickball in the back yard with Priscilla, Jesse and the other kids. And I sure loved that hard candy! May the memories of Helen’s long and fruitful life be comforting to your family. 72 great grandchildren! Wow! God bless you all. LuAnn Strine Phillips
March 19, 2020
Sorry to here of Helen’s passing. She was always good to us growing up near the candy store. I worked there many years by there side. What a great person she was. R.I.P. Helen.
Tim gilbert
March 18, 2020
Our family has many fun and fond memories of Helen’s family – everything from making and eating your toy candy to playing ping pong and wokring in the fields. During harvest time, we loved getting pumpkins out of the field. We also enjoyed getting buckets of peas when they were harvested. We appreciate your friendship.
Wilda Drake and family
March 18, 2020
Mrs. Longenecker was a very friendly and kind woman. I remember Mr. & Mrs Longenecker from their Mattis candy store. She was always nice and generous to the neighborhood families. We will always have fond memories of them.
Lisa Chambers
March 18, 2020
Suzie and Family;
May I send my deep condolences to you all. I think of you every day and pray you will get through this time. It is hard to loose a parent but knowing they had a long and happy life with a beautiful family hopefully will make it a bit easier. Most Sincerely, Vicky
March 18, 2020
What a blessing that you got to have her for so long ,she was an amazing ,loving, faithful Wife,Mother, Grandmother,Sibling and friend to all who had the pleasure to meet her. My prayers are with your family during your difficult time.
Marla Hughes
March 18, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you process the passing of your mother. You are left with a wonderful legacy from a mother who gave her ‘all’ in loving and caring for her family.
Herb and Arlene Hess
March 18, 2020
This is such a difficult time. As with mom Longenecker, we have to thank God for taking her home to be with him and finally resting in peace. Our family sends you r family our love and prayers.🙏❤️
John and Linda Longenecker
March 18, 2020
Sending the family live and prayer . So thankful for good memories! Blessings to all!
Tom and Betty Eller
March 18, 2020
Such a wonderful Mother to me.
Terry H.
March 17, 2020
Thinking of you all as you grieve the loss of your mother even though you know her joy in being with her Savior!
Renie