Esther M. Milliken Hockenberry, 88, of Brookline Manor, and formerly of Port Royal, passed away 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, at Holy Spirit-Geisinger Hospital in Camp Hill.
Born May 2, 1929, in Port Royal, she was the daughter of the late Samuel E. and Viola M. (Baylor) Bender.
Her first husband, Benjamin H. Milliken, was killed in Korea in 1950. Her second husband, Robert E. Hockenberry Sr., died in 2004.
Surviving are: children, Bonnie M. (Milliken) Snodgrasss and husband, Jack, of Harrisburg, and Benjamin H. Milliken Jr., of Summerdale; six grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; two sister- in-laws, Sis McLaughlin and Judy Nace; a brother- in-law, Don Gussler and wife, Shirley; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was a son, Robert “Randy” E. Hockenberry Jr., and two sisters, Helen Martin and Lena Swartz.
Esther worked at several local restaurants including Red’s Diner, Zimmies, and Stop 35.
She belonged to the Port Royal United Methodist Church, was a lifetime member of the Gold Star Wives of America, and was a member of the Millerstown Moose.
Esther had a strong religious belief, and now is home at last.
Her funeral will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at the Rex Funeral Home in Port Royal, with the Rev. Terry J. Brosius officiating.
Interment will follow at the Old Church Hill Cemetery.
A viewing will be held from noon until the time of her service.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/29/14 - Image Year: 2006
Photo of Esther Hockenberry that appeared in a 2005-06 Photo Directory of Port Royal Methodist Church members. (The photos were taken by Olan Mills Studios.)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 1/22/13 - Image Year: 1950
Esther Bender with her first Husband Benjamin Milliken and their daughter Bonnie Milliken. (Photo submitted by Wayne Taylor)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/20/11 - Image Year: 2011
PORT ROYAL 200 BENEFIT SUPPER: (l-r) Esther Hockenberry, Edwina Bryner, Gerald Bryner, Donald Clark, Brenda Clark in foreground of picture taken Sep 16, 2011 in Community Building.
