Retta H. Ebersole, 88, of Elizabethtown, PA, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, surrounded by those who loved and cared for her the most.
Retta was born in Mill Grove, PA on September 14, 1937, and was the daughter of the late Eugene and Bessie (Blass) Helwig. She was the loving wife of Lawrence Ebersole for 68 years.
She brought warmth, kindness, and light into the lives of everyone she met. She had a gift for making people feel cared for — always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a smile that could brighten any day.
Throughout her life, Retta built a home filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Retta was a graduate of Donegal High School. After a career working at Tropical Treat, The Crippled Children’s Hospital, and Kmart where she retired from in 1993. She spent many years volunteering alongside her husband at Masonic Village Healthcare Center. She especially loved spending time with family, crafting, and reading.
Retta was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Doris Hower (Joseph), Martha Hahn (George), and Ray Helwig (Joan); and grandson Thomas Ebersole.
In addition to her husband, Larry, she is survived by her two children, Steven Ebersole (Carol), and Wanda Winters (Ron); grandchildren, Kimberly Leaman (Jon), Nichole Bamberger (Jimmy); and great grandchildren, Derrick Ebersole, Hope Leaman, JJ Leaman, and Brinley Bamberger, as well as many other dear family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
A memorial service will be held on 10AM on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, of Masonic Village, 1 Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 9AM until the time of service. Interment will be private.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Paramount Senior Living’s Memory Care Unit for their kindness, compassion, and exceptional care. Their support and comfort meant so much during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Village Pastoral Care.
Though Retta may no longer walk beside us, her love and light will continue to shine through the lives her touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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