Deaths of local interest: Oct. 28, 2015

Robert Kipp Halpin, 61, of New Holland, died unexpectedly at his home Oct. 21. He was a teacher in the Conestoga Valley School District from 1978-2010, teaching at both Smoketown and Brownstown Elementary Schools. Kipp was a member and road captain of the American Legion Riders, a lifetime member of Sons of the American Legion Post 662, New Holland, an avid hunter and PSU fan.

Vera (Mummau) Keller, 78, of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully Oct. 25 at Masonic Village. Vera worked at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, for more than 25 years. She attended Lebanon Valley Bible Church. Her sister, Fern Brenneman, wife of Dave, lives in Denver.

George Homer Long, 84, of Lititz, formerly of Duncansville, died Oct. 19 at the Lebanon VA Hospital. Homer was a member of Grace Fellowship Church, Ephrata. A skilled mechanic, Homer was employed by Harold C. Brumbaugh Body Works, Lafferty Trucking Co, and Utility Keystone Trailer Sales. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

John E. Mohler, 93, of Lancaster, entered into rest Oct. 23 at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy. John retired in 1977 from the former Hamilton Watch Co., Lancaster, after nearly 35 years of service. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, and baseball. John had worked many years as committee man for elections in the Eighth Ward/Seventh Precinct, and was an active member in the local chapter of Toastmasters International. His daughter, Abbie L., married to Tony D. Ice, resides in Akron.

Miriam M. Newswanger, 26; and Derek Lynn Newswanger, 3, of Newmanstown, passed away from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Blair County on Oct. 17. They are survived by Miriam’s paternal grandparents: Paul and Anna Mary Hurst of Ephrata.

Robert A. Riehl, 80, of New Holland, died unexpectedly Oct. 19 at his residence. He served in the 1-W service in Philadelphia. He was a taxi driver for Amish businessmen for Reuben Smucker and Sons Family Businesses. He volunteered his time at Camp Conquest in Reinholds. The following surviving relatives live in Ephrata: daughter, Beth, wife of Darin Taylor; son, Brent, husband of Karen Riehl; and brother, Kenneth Riehl.

Avah Zion Sensenig, 3, of Quarryville, went to be with Jesus Oct. 23. She was the beloved daughter of Matthew L. and Marlene J. Smucker Sensenig. Avah brought a ray of sunshine to all that knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family. Her paternal great-grandparents, Melvin and Miriam Nolt, live in Ephrata.