Eloise "Ellie" Lemmon-Heckel

Eloise "Ellie" Lemmon-Heckel, 75, of Gardners, passed away January 6, 2026, at her home.

Born May 22, 1950 in Hillsdale, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Walter M. and Sarah B. (Smith) Schmittle. She is a graduate of Purchase Line High School in Commodore, Pennsylvania. She then attended Franklin County Career and Technology and graduated from the Licensed Practical Nurse program. Ellie was employed as a nurse for various local agencies caring for the elderly throughout the years.

She is survived by: her husband, John W. Heckel III; children; Bruce E. Lemmon Jr. and Matthew S. Lemmon (Rebecca); 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Ellie is preceded in death by her siblings; Paul Schmittle, Gerald Schmittle, Charles Schmittle, Sherrill Schmittle, Joseph Schmittle, Ruth Hawksford, Mary Schmittle, Royetta Lux, and Edwinna Miller.

She was an avid animal lover; she would make any animal a pet if she could. Native animals seeking refuge are free to make it home as long as desired.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11am at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, 2020 W. Trindle Rd. Carlisle, PA 17013. There will be a visitation from 10:30am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in her honor to Messiah Lifeways Senior Living Community.