Leona Hackenberg

MIFFLINBURG – Leona F. Hackenberg, formerly of Meadow Lane, Mifflinburg, died on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Heritage Springs Memory Care in Lewisburg, where she had been a resident since August of 2015.

She was born February 2, 1923 in Lewis Township, Union County, the second child of Earl W. Shirk and Helen M. (Kester) Shirk Houghton.

Leona was a graduate of the Mifflinburg High School.  Her hobbies included collecting buttons, walking, baking and crocheting.  During her crocheting years, she made afghans for family and friends.  She also crocheted dishcloths and slippers and always had a stash on hand to give as gifts.  When asked why she liked to make these items, her response was, “It gives me something to do.”

Leona married Willard E. Hackenberg on July 17, 1945 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swengel, and, together, they owned and operated Hackenberg’s General Store in Swengel during the 1950’s.  Later she worked at Laurelton Center, Royal Imprints, Sterling Brothers Throwing Mills and Huntington Throwing Mills.

After Willard’s death in 1981 and her retirement, she followed her passion to walk.  Leona also volunteered in various activities at Christ’s United Lutheran Church, helping with women’s group functions, in the kitchen and at the church food stand at the Union County West End Fair, and she regularly attended Bible study.  Leona was more of a listener than a talker and always enjoyed being with family and friends.

Leona is survived by one son, Gary E. Hackenberg of Mifflinburg and his wife, Janet Moyer Hackenberg, one grandson, Adam R. Hackenberg of Doylestown, PA and his wife Marijane L. Harris, and two great-grandchildren, Theodore E. Hackenberg and Mary Katherine Hackenberg; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, E. Walter Shirk, and Robert E. Shirk; and one sister, Belva (Bep) K. Shirk Steese.

Family and friends are welcome to a time of visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, at Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 13765 Old Turnpike Rd., Millmont, where the funeral will be conducted at 11, with Rev. John Yost, officiating.

Interment will be in the Hartleton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Leona’s memory may be made to Hospice of Evangelical, 235 Hospital Drive, Lewisburg, PA  17837.

Funeral arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Rd., Mifflinburg.