Helen L. Ports

Helen L. (Hamme) Ports, 96, of Hanover, entered into God's eternal care on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Columbia Cottage.

She was born October 1, 1929, the daughter of the late Milton R. and Lillie M. (Smith) Hamme. She was the wife of Dean L. Ports until his death on April 25, 1997.

In 1966, she was the first female hired in the plant at SKF in Hanover, where she later was transferred to customer service, and she retired after over 30 years of loyal service.

In Helen's free time, she loved bus trips, including going to Lancaster and New York City to see plays, and enjoyed playing tennis and other activities with her coworkers. Humor was a big part of Helen's personality. She loved to laugh, perform, and her laughing was unforgettable. Helen was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, York Street. As a member of the church for decades, she was involved in the Pal Lunch program and various other church activities.

Surviving are three children, David L. Ports and wife Jean Meng of Hanover, Dianne L. Croft and companion Craig Ryon of Spring Grove, and James M. Ports of Aspers, as well as four grandchildren, Rebecca Foltz and husband Matt, Andrea Cullison, Benjamin Croft and his wife Jennifer, and Keenan Ports and wife Danielle.

Helen was preceded in death by her grandson, Keith Ports (namesake to her first born son that died at childbirth), grandson, Douglas Croft, her son in law, Alan Croft, and six brothers, Roy, Lloyd, Russell, Harry, Nevin and Leander "Ted", four sisters, Grace Besser, Ruth Shaeffer, Anna Mae Cline, and Mary Jane Trimmer Garrett, and loving companion of 18 years, Ed Hetrick, who died September 30, 2015.

A funeral service to celebrate and remember Helen's life will be 11 AM, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Wetzel Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 549 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331, with Reverend Jason Northridge officiating. A viewing and time to share memories with the family will be 6 to 8 PM, Monday, December 8, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Marburg Memorial Gardens.

For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions in Helen's honor be made to the Alzheimer's Association, which can be found online at www.ALZ.org.

Please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.