I remember Hope as gentle and considerate, always pleasant, never harsh or hurried. She always made me feel comfortable as a child, never once intimidated. We liked her because she was so nice! Unfortunately distance deprived me of the blessing of a close relationship with Hope as I grew up. Yet my childhood memories of her will always be cherished. Hope has been singing blissfully before the throne of heaven for almost two weeks now. Aunt Hope, thanks for your living example of grace. The memories of you are sweet, and will always be very dear to my heart.

Published: Monday, February 16, 2009 6:25 AM EST, Gettysburg Times

E. Hope McCleaf Heltebridle, 95, of Taneytown, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, from natural causes at Lorien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Taneytown.

Born Mar.15, 1913, in Chambersburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Laura C. Stremmel McCleaf. She was the wife of the late J. Alfred Heltebridle, who died Nov. 6, 1985.

She was a member of Messiah United Methodist Church.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, reading and Bible studies.

Surviving are son and spouse, Larry and Barbara Heltebridle of Taneytown; two grandchildren, Jason and Beth; a great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the last of her immediate family having been predeceased by a sister, Erma Luckenbaugh and brothers, Elwood, Marlin, Kenneth, and Hayward McCleaf.