Kepple

Shirley Anne Kepple, 90, of Chicora, passed with joy and peace into everlasting life on Sunday evening, Jan. 5, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.

Shirley was born on July 22, 1934, and was the daughter of local beloved educators W.L. “Bill” and Edna (Roth) Schidemantle. She graduated from Chicora High School in 1952. Shirley was a beloved matriarch of a large and loving family, and she was a beloved lifelong resident of Chicora who was always known for a smile. Many remember her many years in various roles of service at Chicora Elementary School.

She encouraged her family to enjoy life, to always find a reason to laugh, loved to sing songs and play games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved to spend time with her family.

Shirley was also known for her firm belief that “there was always room for one more,” and she delighted in having a house full of family and friends. She also took great pride and joy in supporting the many games and performances that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in and was an avid Karns City Gremlin and Duke fan.

Shirley was also known for her quick wit and humor. She took great pride in always adding personal touches and making those around her feel special and loved. Until her last moments, she continually expressed what a wonderful and beautiful life she had led in her 90 years and how lucky she was to have such a wonderful family.

Shirley is survived by her five children, who also all live in Chicora, Debbie Bossinger and her fiancé, Brian Laughlin, Edward and Lisa Kepple, Bill and Charlene Kepple, Amy and Jeff Bly and Joe and Melinda Kepple; her grandchildren, Hannah Bossinger, Kellie Johnston, Katie Callihan and her husband, Tyler, Ashley Ciafre and her husband, Derec, Laura Blazejewski and her husband, Brian, Wesley Kepple, Tara Hackwelder and her husband, Jason, Holly Wilson and her husband, Jake, Emily Rekich and her husband, Ryan, Becca Bly, Allyson Kepple, Zach Kepple and his wife, Alexis, Tyler Kepple and his wife, Makayli, and Noah Kepple; and her great-grandchildren, Cole, Jaxen, Mya, Jade, Trey, Mila, Finley, Mateo, Celtan, Josie, Aubrie and Mason.

She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Bard and her husband, Paul; her brother, Pete Schidemantle and his wife, Michelle; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 65 years, David Kepple; as well as her parents; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Hackwelder.

KEPPLE — Friends of Shirley Anne Kepple, who died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF CHICORA, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.

There will be additional visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Good Shepherd Room at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Road, Chicora, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Boomhower, church pastor, officiating.

Interment will be at Hillview Cemetery in the village of Kepples Corners.

The family humbly requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition in memory of Elizabeth Hackwelder to help other children with life-threatening illness and their families find light in the darkness, comfort and peace, at www.ppcc-pa.org/donate.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.