Elaine Claire Claybaugh, 85, of East Berlin, PA entered the presence of her Lord on February 20, 2024, while in hospice care provided by the Visiting Nurses Association of Greater Philadelphia.
She was the wife of the late Harold Lee Claybaugh. Born October 16, 1938, in Windsor, PA, she was the daughter of the late Austin H. Schmuck and the late Fairy V. (Bubb) Schmuck. Elaine was a homemaker and an excellent cook, seamstress, and floral arranger. She used her talents throughout her life through volunteer opportunities as well as earlier employment at the Naval Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Elaine’s gift was hospitality. She opened her home to host family, neighbors, friends, missionaries, and her church community. She loved preparing meals for family gatherings and special occasions. She kept her pantry well stocked from her gardening and canning. Elaine was an active member of St. Paul’s Red Run Church in East Berlin. She loved singing hymns and used to sing in a quartet with her three sisters.
Elaine’s love for the Lord was evident in her faithful service to her church and her work with the area youth. She served alongside her husband as youth leaders for several years at Harmony Grove Community Church. She also faithfully ministered to area children at Camp Joy El and the Bible Adventure Program (formerly Released
Time) of which she was an instrumental part of bringing to the area school district many years ago.
Elaine is survived by her three children; Scott H.(Vickie) Claybaugh of Lynchburg, VA, Nathan C. (Debra) Claybaugh of York, PA, and Michelle E. (Andrew) Ehrman of Tyler, TX,; eleven grandchildren, Evelyn (Matthew) Price, Eleanor (Kade) Allen, Eric (Lindsay) Claybaugh, Ethan Claybaugh, Eli Claybaugh, Emma Claybaugh, Everette Claybaugh, Aaron (Kristen) Claybaugh, Abigail Ehrman, Levi (Anniina) Ehrman and Mary Ehrman; two great grandchildren, Kai Allen and Zachariah Claybaugh; two siblings Mary (Barry) Jacobs, and James (Marsha) Schmuck and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and her loyal dog, Benny.
In addition to her husband and parents, Elaine was preceded in death by six of her siblings, Larry (Barbara, Louise) Schmuck, Phyllis (James) Byers, Patricia (Maynard) Yost, Keith (Caroline) Schmuck, Glen (Helen) Schmuck and Harry Schmuck.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. Paul’s Red Run Church on Davidsburg Road in East Berlin, PA with the Reverends Zach Galemore and Zach Stec.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Red Run Church 6623 Davidsburg Road; East Berlin, PA 17316, or Joy El Ministries 3741 Joy-El Drive; Greencastle, PA 17225 (joyelcamps.org)
Please accept my most heartfelt Condolences at the passing of your dear Elaine.
I am so glad I had the chance to see her again during my visit in October 2023 back in Pennsylvania along with other cousins of the Schmuck’s family.
May her beautiful memories help all of you during this difficult time of grief.
Danielle Schmuck
Mesa, AZ.
Nathan and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Elaine was a very special person. Giving, and talented in so many ways. May God comfort her children and extended family in the days ahead.
You will be missed so greatly! You’ve touched my heart in many ways. I will continue to cherish all of your hospitality, motherly friendship and generosity. Most of all the love you provided to my children and I. May you rest in great peace with our heavenly Father ❤️