Helen D. Bleacher

She left this world as she lived in it, with faith, grace, courage and love.

Helen was born Dec. 28, 1946, in Chester County, the beloved daughter of the late Jesse L. Himelright and Anna J. Burke (Clark) Himelright, of Chester County.

Helenás memory lives on with her daughter, Debbie Lynn (Himelright) Rickabaugh, of Lewistown, and fiance, Brian Walters, and her grandchildren, Tiffany Ann (Himelright) Elliott (whom she raised as one of her own), Justin Hess (Jake), Tasha M. Galan, Tyler S. Baines, John H. Ritter III, all of Lewistown, and Mountain M. Ritter, of Milroy.

She was reunited with her two other grandchildren in heaven, John R. Curtis Jr. and Patience Destiny Ritter. She was also reunited with her husband, Norman Leroy Bleacher Jr., who she married on Dec. 29, 1985; and her son, Jay Southern, and her siblings, Peggy, Nellie, Linda, Jesse, Richard, Jackie and Leonard.

She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, one of whom she helped raise, which is Hope N. Himelright and 12 surviving.

She was also a great-grandmother of six surviving children. Each one left with a piece of her heart and memories that they shared with her.

Also surviving are her sisters, Karen (Gertrude) Pike, Jane DeHaven, Margaret Himelright and two brothers, Robert (Bob) Himelright, (Chick) Miller Himelright and a special friend who brought joy, love and kindness into her life, Bob Johnson.

Helen lived in faith every day as a disciple of Jesus Christ and the Anabaptist faith. She found her calling in caring for others, working in nursing at the Deverux Foundation, helping troubled youth find hope. She blessed her community through her work in local restaurants and in home health nursing.

Helenás life was simple. Helen adored visits from her grandchildren, extended family and friends alike. She also enjoyed playing bingo, visiting Delaware Park Casino as wall as just quiet evenings on the porch or patio.

A Letter from Heaven

“To my children, grandchildren and their children,

I have gone home to Heaven where I was welcomed by my Mommy, Daddy, your Pappy, and my baby boy, Jay. I know your hearts are heavy, but please remember everything will be okay. Love your children with your whole heart, every single day. They will always need your love and support. Though God holds me in His arms, I will always and forever be in your hearts. When life feels too hard, whisper my name. I’ll be right there beside you. I haven’t left you. I’ve simply been called to serve as your guardian angel.

With all my love, always and forever,

Your Mom and Nanny”

Services will be held at 2 p.m. May 3, 2026, at the Hope Center, 23 N. Juniata St., Lewistown.