When my brother passed away, my mother was firm in her request that I write his obituary and was then adamant that I read at his viewing what I had written. For ten years, I haven't understood why that was so important to her, but I know now. As the person who inspired my love for reading and taught me a great depth in the value of words, she always appreciated my style of writing. But more, I realize now that when we lose someone we love, finding strength during our grief to share our understanding of who they were and how very meaningful their life was is one of the greatest ways we can honor them. And so, no one is more deserving than my Mom.
Eleanor H. (DeLong) Tinklepaugh Keller, 77, of Womelsdorf, formerly of Perry Twp., passed away from natural causes Sunday, January 9, 2022 in her home. She was the wife of Larry P. Keller. They were married November 22, 1993 and celebrated 28 loving years of marriage, and a lifetime of friendship. She always believed that life happens as it is meant to, and it is both comforting and joyful to know they spent the best years of their lives together, as each other's greatest support and companion. In recent years they were inseparable, spending only occasional short periods of time apart. Their two-month road trip around the United States in 2011 was a highlight of life for both of them. And some of their greatest joy has been in creating a life with their "baby", Amia, who has been their canine companion for 14 years.

Born in Upper Tulpehocken Twp., she was the daughter of the late George J. and Annie A. (Hoffman) DeLong. She was proud to speak of her childhood on their family farm and shared many endearing memories of all she shared with her parents and 14 siblings. Those experiences taught her more than can be mentioned here, but those years certainly taught her hard work, how to make ends meet, and the importance of valuing and caring for all she had. That part of her life also created the foundation for the nurturing, caring person she was and remained throughout her life.

Having attended school through ninth grade, and then dedicating her time to the farm, she earned her GED later in her adult life. Knowing this was likely a daunting and intimidating endeavor, her family is so proud she completed this with determination and enthusiasm. In her younger years, she was a waitress and told funny tales of her encounters with a variety of customers. Over the years, she provided domestic assistance and caregiving to several elderly women in need, and developed incredible relationships with them, which led to her love of helping others. Eleanor also worked as a shipping clerk at Ocello, Inc., Womelsdorf, for 18 years, before achieving her certification to work as a CNA for 10 years at Berks Heim, until her retirement in 2008.

Surviving in addition to her husband are: a daughter Hope L. (Tinklepaugh), wife of Patrick O'Pake, Womelsdorf; two stepsons: Brian P. Keller, husband of Dawn, Perry Twp., and Darren P. Keller, husband of Tammy, Kennewick, Washington; 11 grandchildren: Amanda (Guistwite), wife of Matthew Phillips; Taylor, Shelby (wife of Tori), Kestly, and Karly Tinklepaugh; Justin (husband of Erica) and Kaitlyn Keller; Jessi and Luke Keller; Amanda (O'Pake) Hernandez and Danielle O'Pake; and 14 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

She is also survived by a brother: Larry W. DeLong, husband of Geri; four sisters: Marie E. (DeLong) Gettel; Fern M. (DeLong) Ruth, wife of Paul; Alberta R. (DeLong) Steffy, wife of John; and Linda L. (DeLong) Holland; her beloved canine companion, Amia; and her daughter-in-law Jill, Houston, TX. She was predeceased by a son Scott A. Tinklepaugh, and her brothers and sisters: Mark, Marvin, Kenneth, Russell, Bruce, Adam, Norman, Anna, and Jean.

She will be remembered as a former Girl Scout Leader, an officer in her church, a supporter of multiple charities, and a volunteer costume crew member of the Conrad Weiser Musical (for which she was especially loved for her interest in learning the students' names and her ability to create beautiful and artistic hats). Known for her faith, her enjoyment of the outdoors and green thumb which cultivated countless plants and gardens, her joy of reading, her appreciation for music, and her most recent hobby of completing over one hundred jigsaw puzzles in the last five years, her greatest passion was her family.

We will miss her phone calls to check in with her relatives and friends (including Brenda, who she had known since second grade); her hundreds of annual handmade cards for every birthday, anniversary, and Christmas; her ever-present smile, and her optimism. Her kindness, strength, thoughtfulness, humor, determination, and love for helping others set a standard for which we can all strive. Hers was a life well-lived and significant in impact. Though those who love her will intensely mourn our loss, we are grateful for her influence on each of us and the time we shared.

Should you wish to honor Eleanor, we encourage you to make a donation to the charity of your choice. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com