Elizabeth “Betty” Ellen (Eshleman) Knippenberg 87 of Lancaster, passed on Saturday, October 8, 2022, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at the home of her eldest daughter and caretaker for the past 10 years. Born July 3, 1935 in Landisville, PA to the late Marvin and Isabel Eshleman (Shelley) of Lancaster; Betty was the eldest daughter of four. She attended East Lampeter Schools. Upon her graduation in 1953, she married Harlan Eugene Knippenberg of Lancaster. Together, they had 3 children, Deborah Elaine (Rose), Douglas Harlan, and Beth Anne (Lloyd). Betty was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She dedicated her life to raising her three children and supporting her husband as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. Additionally, she supported her husband’s many endeavors taking on payroll and bookkeeping for the family business, “The Donut Tree” for 20+ years. Betty was raised in, and continued to participate in the Christian faith and touched many lives as a congregation member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Lancaster and later at Clearfield United Methodist Church. Betty enjoyed sharing a good meal with loved ones, spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling the East Coast camping in a motorhome later in life, going for walks, sewing, her small dog companions, the music of Elvis and was a long-time member of the Red Hat Society. Aside from raising her own children, Betty was a loving and active participant in the lives of all her grandchildren and enjoyed babysitting for family friends throughout her life. Everyone whose lives she touched will miss her beautiful smile, caring nature and contagious laughter.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Harlan E Knippenberg, beloved son Douglas H Knippenberg, sisters Ann L Steffy and Christine E Beaner and granddaughter Olivia M Lloyd. Betty is survived by her two daughters, Deborah E Knippenberg-Rose and partner Robert K Forsyth, Beth Anne Lloyd (Knippenberg) and stepson Shane Hake and wife Jane, sister Roberta S Weaver, granddaughter Danielle L Zug (Rose) and husband John Thomas Zug, II; granddaughter Ashlea E Sigmon (Knippenberg) and husband Jeremy S Sigmon; granddaughters Emma J and Isabelle A Lloyd; 8 great grandchildren, Gavin, Devin, Harlan, Graeme, Elijah, Avelynn, Kaidence and Estella and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 PM at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E Orange Street, Lancaster; with a visitation at 4:00 PM. Interment will be at the convenience of the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster PA 17601 or to the charity of donor’s choice.
Jeffrey A Valentine says
I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I have many fond memories of our times on Frederick Street growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Terri Rose says
R.I.P. ❤
Stephen Sherman says
A beautiful tribute to a special person and honoring a long life lived well. Sending heartfelt condolences from the Sherman family. May the memory of Betty Knippenberg be for a blessing.
Tina Heagy says
To the family of Betty I remember how good she was with children. The list with all she did for family and friend’s and her crafter in her.My daughters had her in grandma story hour and she helped in the nursery. Betty was a kind and had awarm heart She will be missed by us.
Karen Dinkel says
To Beth and family i am very sorry for the loss of your mother. My prayers for peace are with you.
David J. Allen says
I am sorry to see this news about Betty’s passing. She was a very nice lady I knew well at First Baptist, Lancaster. Prayers for you Debbie as I remember you fondly also and for Doug and Beth.
She was a great Sunday school teacher and friend of our family. My condolences to all of you.
Sincerely,
David J. Allen
David J Allen says
To : Debbie , Doug and Beth:
My condolences to you upon seeing this news of Betty’s passing. I have fond memories of Betty from Sunday School and her being always friendly and kind. I also remember you well Debbie . Prayers for your family and all friends who will miss such a fine lady.
Sincerely
David J Allen
David J. Allen says
To the family of Betty Knippenberg , Debbie, Doug and Beth:
Betty was always very nice and kind and a good family friend. I remember her fondly and she will be missed . Great Sunday school teacher and vbs staff she was. Prayers for you all to have God’s peace and comfort.
David
Kelly Coulter says
My most sincere, heartfelt, and loving condolences on Miss Betty’s passing. I got to know her and Deb very well through my visits with her every week the past 2+ years as her Hospice nurse and I smile w/ fond memories of those visits. Betty was a beautiful woman w/ a quick smile and laughter. She loved her family and ice cream, and travelling w/ Deb and Bobbie in what I called “Betty’s Party Mobile.” The loving support and care she received from Deb and Bobbie 24/7 every day was remarkable and made her life full and rich to the very end. RIP my friend. It was an honor and privilege to be allowed to be a part of your life. I miss you already. With love, Kelly