Enjoyed singing, gardening, and family
Joan M. Kelchner, 85 went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 6, 2025, surrounded by her family, at Glenbrook Retirement Village.
Born December 26, 1939 in Berwick Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Susan (Gower) and Preston Hampton. She attended Berwick Schools, where her passion for reading was fostered. Joan worked at the Cigar Factory and later Country Maid in Berwick. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while raising her children.
Throughout her life, she devoted her time and talent to her church, Berwick Assembly of God. Joan sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, children’s ministry, and she also sang in the musical group “Alleluia Singers”.
Joan loved spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She was fun, loved adventure, always had a song in her heart and a life lesson to give. She also enjoyed her gardens, reading, camping, hosting for the holidays, shopping and music.
She will be greatly missed by her surviving husband, Robert E. Kelchner of 68 years; four daughters: Susan Tipler and husband Ron, Roberta Bankus and husband Kerry, Ruth Ann Hess and husband Jim, all of Berwick, and Joyce Rex and husband Matt, of Catawissa;
grandchildren: Gerald Tipler and wife Dori, Lisa Marchetta and husband Michael, Jimmy Hess, Sarah Stout, Emma Levan and husband, Wayne; and great grandchildren: Lyla Marchetta, Carson, Addie, and Brysen Levan. Also surviving are her brother, Preston Hampton and wife Connie of Millville; sisters, Velma Diamond of Texas, and Gail Harter and
husband Jack of Berwick; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Roberta “Birdie” Laubach and husband Larry, Berwick; nephew, Michael McCann and nieces: Dawn Laubach/Fulkerson, April Hampton/Vencak and Cathy Hampton/McHenry.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Heller Funeral Home, LLC, Nescopeck is assisting her family.
2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Online messages of comfort for her family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com