It is with great sadness we announce that Helen F. Lenhart, 88, of Fleetwood passed away peacefully at 3:30 PM on March 30, 2012 in St. Joseph Medical Center.
Born on March 27,1924 in Reading, Helen was a daughter of the late Herbert and Edna (Rentschler) Graff. After growing up in Shartlesville and graduating from Hamburg High School in 1942, Helen married and resided in the Fleetwood area. Being a devoted waitress for most of her adult life which began at Lesher's Hotel. Helen was a fixture for many years at several former local establishments which include the Fleetwood Hotel, Moselem Springs Inn, and the Glockenspiel Restaurant. Still taking care of serving many of her "old customers" at the age of eighty-one, Helen finally put away her apron after fifteen years at the Kutztown Airport Diner. Following her well deserved retirement, Helen loved spending her time playing bingo, making an occasional trip to the casinos, attending church, going out to eat with her friends, and watching the Phillies, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, Lawrence Welk, and Hour of Power.
Helen was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Fleetwood. She was also a member of the Fleetwood Senior Citizens and enjoyed the activities at Berks Encore.
Helen is survived by her four children: Sandra A. (Lenhart), wife of David Kline, Sabinsville, PA; Patricia J. (Lenhart), wife of William Gehringer, Fleetwood; Michael J. Lenhart, husband of Michele A. (Szoke), Fleetwood; and David A. Lenhart, husband of Dianne M. (Burns), Trout Run, PA. Six grandchildren include: Janet (Kline) Fry, Susan Kline, USAF Major Mark Gehringer, Marcy (Gehringer) Klopp, Steven Lenhart, and Gregory Lenhart. Three great-granddaughters include: Courtney and Riley Gehringer, and Emily Klopp. Also surviving is her sister, Lillian Frankhouser of Muhlenberg Township and many nephews and nieces and their families.
Predeceasing Helen were two brothers, Nevin and Wayne Graff, and two sisters, Elsie Keener and Arlene-Anspaeh. She was also predeceased by her loving companion of twenty-five years, Robert Hoch of Walnuttown. Helen and "Jake" enjoyed many fond memories of their time at the A-frame and their motorhome trips to a great portion of the United States including Alaska, and their cruises and other trips to Hawaii, Europe, and many other destinations.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday April 5 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5 West Arch Street, Fleetwood. Rev. Patrick Morris is officiating. Friends and relatives may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in the St. Paul's Union Cemetery, Richmond Township immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ in honor of Helen Lenhart, Mae A. Stump Funeral Home, Inc. in Fleetwood is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.maestumpfuneralhome.com