Julie Ann Eckenrode

Julie Ann Margaret Gebhart-Eckenrode of Gardners, PA passed away at the age of 53 on November 3, 2019 in her home surrounded by her loving family after a 2 year battle with Ovarian Cancer.  She was born to the late Raymond and Doris Gebhart, Jr. on April 17, 1966.  She was a 1984 graduate of Delone Catholic High School.  Julie was married to Richard Francis Eckenrode, Jr. on October 18, 1986.  Together they have three daughters, Audrey Heikes, Hillary Raver, and Josephine Eckenrode and two son-in-laws, Zachary Heikes and Adam Raver, Sr.  Julie has 7 grandchildren, so far; Adams Raver, Jr, Landon Heikes, Caroline Raver, Evelynn Heikes, Samuel Raver, Emily Raver, and David Heikes.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents Raymond “Jake” Gebhart, Jr., and Doris “Dori” Hockensmith Gebhart, her sister Ellen Greenholt, and her nephew Ryan Gebhart.

She is survived by her sisters; Laurena Gebhart, Maureen Kuhn, Gina Gebhart, and Brigit Soliday, and brothers; Patrick, Bernard, and Andrew Gebhart, and 23 nieces and nephews.

Julie started and ran “Julie’s Kitchen” of Bonneauville, PA from 1984 until 1988.  Julie worked for Dr. Keith Soliday, Oral Surgeon of Gettysburg for 20 years and was a Shaklee Director for 12 years.  She was an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Bonneauville, PA and served as President of the Parish Counsel of Catholic Women and on the board of the DCCW and NCCW.

Julie loved her family immensely.  She had a gift of helping others planting beautiful gardens and making delicious food.  She enjoyed hiking and running in the mountains with her husband Rick, living a natural lifestyle, and connecting with nature through flowers and birds.

The Rosary will be recited at 10:00AM, Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 12 East Hanover Street, Bonneauville, PA,  followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM, Wednesday, November 6, 2019, and a procession to the cemetery for The Rite of Committal.  A luncheon will follow at the Deacon Rich Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, Julie requested donations be made to EWTN, Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Bonneauville, PA, or SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice at 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.  

The Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 66 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA, has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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