Helen D. (Pete) Bleacher, 79, of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, was welcomed in the arms of her Lord on March 27, 2026, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. She left this world as she lived in it with courage, grace, faith, and love.

Helen was born on December 28, 1946, in Chester County, PA, the beloved daughter of the late Jesse L. Himelright and Anna J. (Clark) Himelright of Chester County.

She was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her husband, Norman Leroy Bleacher Jr., whom she married on December 29, 1985. She now joins her baby boy Jay, her grandson John Curtis, her granddaughter Patience Destiny, and her precious sisters and brothers Peggy, Nellie, Linda, Jesse, Richard, Jackie, and Leonard.

Helen’s memory lives on with her daughter Debbie Lynn (Himelright) Rickabaugh of Lewistown, PA; granddaughter Tiffany Ann (Himelright) Elliott and great-granddaughter Hope Nicole (Himelright) Rice of Millerstown, PA, both of whom she lovingly raised as her own. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Justin “Jake” Hess, Tasha M. Galan, Tyler S. Baines, John H. Ritter, all of Lewistown, PA. and Mountain M. Ritter, of Milroy, PA. Also leaving eleven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Each one left with a piece of her heart and memories.

Also surviving are her sisters Jane DeHaven, Margaret Himelright, Anna “Tinker” Davies, and Gertrude Pike; brothers Miller Himelright and Robert Himelright; and two special friends, Larry Bunker and Bob Johnson, who brought kindness and love into her life.

Helen lived in faith every day as a disciple of Jesus Christ and the Anabaptist faith. She found her calling in caring for others, working in nursing at the Devereux Foundation, helping troubled youth find hope. She blessed her community through her work in local restaurants and in home health nursing.

Helen’s life was simple. Helen adored visits from her grandchildren, extended family and friends alike. She also enjoyed playing bingo, visiting Delaware Park Casino as well as just quiet evenings on the porch or patio.

Helen’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Granddaughter Tasha Galan, Nieces Lynn Wilgis, Leann Garver, Rollen Fisher Jr. and sister Anna “Tink” Davies for their gentle care during her final days. Also, a special thank you to Geisinger of Lewistown for their kindness and compassion, and to Dr. Amy Swindell and the loving team at UPMC Home Hospice of Huntingdon for the grace, dignity, and peace they helped bring to Helen’s final days.

Per Helen's wishes there will be no services. 

A Letter from Heaven

“To my child, grandchildren and their children,

I have gone home to Heaven, where I was welcomed by my Mommy, Daddy, your Pappy, and my baby boy Jay. I know your hearts are heavy, but please remember everything will be okay. Love your children with your whole heart, every single day. They will always need your love and support. Though God holds me in His arms, I will always and forever be in your hearts. When life feels too hard, whisper my name. I’ll be right there beside you. I haven’t left you. I’ve simply been called to serve as your guardian angel.”

With all my love, always and forever,

Your Mom & Nanny