Helen L (Sundy) Diehl

Helen L. (Sundy) Diehl, age 84 of Elliottsburg, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025.  Born at home on November 29, 1940, to the late Harold L. and Floy E. (Fritz) Sundy of Ickesburg, Helen is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, Robert E. Diehl, Sr.; four children:  Melodie L. Knaub (Jesse) of Newport, Tamara L. Lesko (Ronald) of New Kensington; Bryan L. Alleman (Patricia) of Loysville, and Jeanetta L. Buchanan (Scott) of Kitty Hawk, NC; four step children:  Robert E. Diehl, Jr. (Mandy) of Duncannon, Michael W. Diehl of Shermans Dale, Seth C. Diehl of Huntingdon, and Ryan L. Diehl of Elysburg; 26 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and her brother, Harold W. Sundy (Betty Jane) of Landisburg.  In addition to her parents, Helen is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Audrey J. Alleman, who died at 15 months old; great granddaughter, Dakota L. Kiner; and two siblings:  Betty I. Henry and Shirley L. Laub.  She always put the family first and was generous, giving and loving.

Helen attended Ickesburg High School and later completed college courses in Human Resources and Accounting at Harrisburg Area Community College.  In addition to raising a family and running a household, Helen also passionately worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg, from which she retired in 2012 after 10+ years of service.  She was an active member of Faith United Church, where she taught Sunday School to both children and adults; and played the organ for over 70 years.   Throughout the years, Helen also played the organ at numerous churches – too numerous to list!

Helen loved the Lord and desired to serve Him with the many talents that God gave to her – serving as a church pianist, organist, and choir member.  Musically talented, she taught herself to read music, as well as play the piano and organ.  She also played both the accordion and French horn.  For many years, she served as an EMT and Firefighter with both Shermans Dale and Ickesburg.  She taught Emergency Response, CPR and First Aid for the American Red Cross.  She was a member, Past President (King Lion) of the Ickesburg Lions Club, in addition to Zone and Regional Chairman of Lions International District 14T.  She served many years as the President and Treasurer for the Perry County Sunday School Association.  She was also a member of the Pennsylvania State Sunday School Association.  Helen also proudly supported Christian Endeavor, which is a global interdenominational gospel centered Church movement that develops advocates who intentionally empower youth to commit to Christ and engage their faith.  She was an active member with the Perry County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the American Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team in Perry County, Bethesda Mission Ladies Auxiliary, and former president of Ickesburg Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

The Gathering of Friends and Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held on Monday, June 30 at Faith United Church in Ickesburg, with Rev. Elaine C. Moyer officiating.  Inurnment will be at a later date with her husband, Robert, at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Erly.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Helen’s name to Bethesda Mission, PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA  17105, Ickesburg Fire Company, 10350 Raccoon Valley Road, Ickesburg, PA  17037, or Faith United Church, PO Box 100, Ickesburg, PA  17037

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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