Obituaries

Josephine “Jo” A. Eshleman, 81

March 10, 2025

Josephine A. Eshleman, 81, of Willow Street, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital. Jo shared 36 years of marriage with her husband John D. Eshleman.

Born West Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ira Clyde and Mary May (Keiffer) Spece. Jo graduated from Ephrata High School where she was a cheerleader and fire twirling majorette.

Jo worked in accounting at Host Farm for 30 years and lastly at Eden Resort part time.

She was an active member of Grace Church at Willow Valley serving as a Deacon and participating in Women’s Ministry and the hospitality and food committee for the senior citizens group. She enjoyed decorating and serving the Women’s Tea.

She was a kid at heart, loved to laugh, have fun, act goofy, be silly, and be humorous. Jo was very generous, she always put others first and helped whenever possible. She was gentle, positive, and complementary and made you feel good with her greetings and hugs goodbye.

Her family benefited from wonderful meals on a beautifully decorated table. She also canned food for their pleasure. She enjoyed the beach, watching thriller movies, reading James Patterson Novels, and was a phenomenal pinochle player. Jo loved her grand dogs.

In addition to John, Jo’s family includes son Scott Cammauf, husband of Viji of California, son Kenneth Eshleman of Cape Charles, VA, son John Eshleman, Jr. husband of the late Lisa of Newark, MD, daughter Sherrie-An Gerhart of Mountville, brother Jay Spece, and sister Joan Yannessa. Jo was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Gladys Sasso, Dorothy Styer, Audrey Eichelberger, and Jean.

A memorial service for Jo will begin at 3 pm, with her family receiving friends from 1:30 to 3 pm on Sunday April 6, 2025, at Grace Church at Willow Valley, 300 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602. The Rev. John F. Smith and The Rev. Adam Swift will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution in Jo’s memory to Little Flock Children’s Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 18995, Oakland, CA 94619 or www.littleflockhomes.org

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Condolences to the Family

March 29, 2025

I worked with Jo at the Eden Resort “Way Back When”. She was a wonderful person. We had a bunch of laughs. Her desk was right beside mine, so we had a lot of interactions. I am so very sorry she passed away. The world will miss her. RIP Jo.
Deb Aukamp

March 23, 2025

Jo was a beautiful soul and being her friend made you a better person. Her joy was infectious. Her love for her husband and son to be admired. The video captured it all. Prayers for her family and May your memories bring you peace and comfort. She was truly one of a kind.
Lisa moser

March 22, 2025

Twenty days have passed since I received the agonizing news of “Joey’s” death. I can’t imagine my world without her– the phone callls, her expressions of caring and love, her affection for her family and mine. Thank you, dear Jo for brightening my world– you’ll be in my heart forever. Sister, Joan😇

March 21, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss of such a sweet woman. I placed a $100 donation to Little Flock in her honor.
Tanya Materazzi

March 17, 2025

To Jo Eshleman fans. Having Jo in our lives was extremely special. You don’t meet an Angel here on earth too often. Her smile was so contagious. We were all so very blessed to have had Jo in our lives. John, even if she isn’t here in person; no one can ever take away your wonderful memories.
Berk and Pat Winters

March 16, 2025

Dear John,
I was shocked and stunned when Dale called and told me about Josephine’s sudden passing. May God grant you peace in the midst of your pain. May 2nd it will be three years since Doris passed into heaven. I deeply feel your grief.
Harold Mohler

March 15, 2025

John – Anita and I are deeply saddened by Jo’s passing. We know she was the light in your life. Please take care of yourself.

Fondly, – Anita and Bill – White Hall, Va.

March 15, 2025

Uncle John, my Aunt Jo was a special person. I do not remember ever seeing her without a smile. When I lost my Mom she was there for me, when she was grieving the loss herself. I am so lucky to have had her as my Aunt. She always spoke with such pride about you and your life together.
Scott, she was so very proud of you. We always talked about you and your achievements. She was so proud of your lifetime commitment to help children. She loved you so much.
I know she is surrounded by people who love her.
Thoughts and prayers, Tina

Visitation: Sunday, April 06, 2025; 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM; Grace Church at Willow Valley; 300 Willow Valley Square; Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services: Sunday, April 06, 2025; 3:00 PM; Grace Church at Willow Valley; 300 Willow Valley Square; Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >