On the morning of Friday, January 9, 2026, Ilene Mae (Richebacher) Hinkle, was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 89. Formerly a resident of Weatherly, PA, she resided at the St. Luke's Miners Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Coaldale, PA at the time of her death.

Born on October 14, 1936 in Hazleton, PA to the late Andrew Richebacher & Verna Weikel Richebacher, Ilene graduated from Hazleton Area High School in 1954 and married Paul Henry Hinkle on February 15, 1958 in Weatherly, PA. Together, Paul and Ilene created a homestead on their farm land in Weatherly and became parents to four children: daughter Linda, wife of Daryl Binder (Weatherly, PA); son David Hinkle, husband to Kimberly (Weatherly, PA); daughter Jane, wife of Jeffrey Garvin (Palmerton, PA); and daughter Sandra “Sam”, wife of James Laws (Abingdon, MD). Prior to becoming a mother, Ilene received her registered nursing degree in 1957 through the State Hospital in Hazleton.

Ilene lived a life rooted in faith and devoted to Christ. Her love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life; she found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life. Ilene shared her faith through kindness, compassion, and an unyielding trust in God’s plan.

Prior to a nearly 10-year battle with dementia, Ilene loved to spend time with her family, hosting regular meals on Sunday afternoons and holidays. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, actively supporting her children and grandchildren in all of their activities and endeavors. She was known as a faithful friend, so much so that many lovingly referred to her as “Nana” along with her grandchildren. Ilene was a longtime member of Salem Bible Fellowship Church (Lehighton, PA) and supporter of many other local and non-local ministries. Ilene enjoyed a simple and quiet life and could often be found reading, taking regular long walks, and tending to her garden.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Andrew Richebacher at the age of 11, an infant brother, many brothers- and sisters-in-law, and her beloved husband Paul in 1994. She is survived by her four children and their spouses as well as: 17 grandchildren & 13 of their spouses, and 31 great-grandchildren. They will carry on her legacy of faith and love, and they find solace in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the assurance of Heaven for those who have placed their faith in Christ. She is also survived by her brother Elwood Richebacher (Florida) and many nieces & nephews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home and Cremation Services (211 First St, Weatherly, PA 18255).

A celebration of Ilene’s life will be held at Bethany Evangelical Church (223 E Broad St, Tamaqua, PA 18252) on Saturday, January 17, 2026 with visitation beginning at 10:30 A.M., followed by a service led by Pastors Kevin Roberts and Skye Rogers beginning at 11:30 am where we will gather to honor her memory and rejoice in the promise of everlasting life. Private interment will be at the Union Cemetery (Weatherly, PA). In lieu of flowers, donations in Ilene’s memory may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship (261 S 3rd St, #5, Lehighton, PA 18235).

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Online condolences or a fond memory of Ilene can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com