Arlene Idele Heintzelman, age 100, of Gettysburg, PA, passed away Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025, at her son’s home in Gettysburg. Born January 11, 1925, in Latimore Township, Adams County, she was the daughter of the late Dewey and Reba (Smith) Epley. Arlene was the wife of the late Charles Andrew Heintzelman, who passed away in 2010 and was also predeceased by brother Geary Epley and niece Patty Ann Dubbs.
For most of her 100 years, Arlene lived near Granite Station just east of Gettysburg. She frequently spoke of living along US Route 30 when it was updated to a three-lane highway in 1938. That same year, she was in attendance at the dedication of the Eternal Peace Light Memorial and proudly recalled seeing President Franklin Roosevelt as he addressed the crowds at the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Her education began at the Round Top School near Moose Park and continued at Gettysburg High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1944. Arlene played the upright bass in her brother Geary’s country music band called The Cheerful Valley Gang that performed throughout the area. Her places of employment included the Ice and Storage (near Gettysburg College), Musselman’s Fruit Company in Biglerville, and she served as an Avon Representative in Gettysburg. Arlene was a lifelong member of the Heidlersburg United Brethren Church, where she frequently taught Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed spending time with her family as well as sewing and doing crafts.
Arlene is survived by her daughter, Linda Clark, and her husband, David, of Gettysburg, her son, Jeffrey Heintzelman, of Gettysburg, her granddaughter, Ashley Heintzelman, and her husband, Philip Clifton, also of Gettysburg, as well as step-grandchildren, Rachel Clark, Tamara Clark, and Richard Kulina. Her greatest joy was her great-grandson, Ryder Clifton.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, PA, with Rev. Craig Lowen officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the service. The family will receive friends and relatives from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held at Heidlersburg United Brethren Church, 2736 Heidlersburg Rd, Gettysburg, following the burial. Memorial gifts may be made to Heidlersburg United Brethren Church, with online condolences made at monahanfuneralhome.com.