Mary Jane Eaken Obituary

Mary J. Eaken (Reigel), 90, of Bernville, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, in her home.

She was predeceased by her late husband, Roderick F Eaken; they were married for forty-three wonderful years. Mary and Rod did everything together; wherever Rod went, Mary was right by his side. If you saw Mary, you also saw Rod.

Mary was born at home on their family farm in Lebanon County; she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Bertha Reigel.

As a young child, Mary attended a one-room schoolhouse with students of all ages. When her family moved to Jonestown, Mary graduated from Jonestown High School. As a young girl, Mary worked on the farm with her family. She was always known to tell people how she could deliver a calf and milk a cow. While she attended high school, Mary worked as a short-order cook. After graduating from high school, Mary was a medical secretary at the Hamburg State Hospital. After giving birth to her first child, she assisted her first husband in his business.

Mary’s hobby was her farm. She loved the animals and enjoyed working and having fun outside. She loved her John Deere 3020 Diesel Tractor; it was the final item sold from the farm. After selling the farm, she was so emotionally attached to the tractor that she kept her tractor in one of her garages, where she lived. Helping people out of the mud or snow drifts with her tractor would be the highlight of her day.

Mary enjoyed skiing, which she started around the age of fifty, golfing with Rod, fishing, and trap shooting, which she excelled in. She loved to travel with Rod. They traveled all over the country, trap shooting and skiing. Mary was very well known for winning “High Lady” awards for her trap shooting skills.

Surviving are two children, her daughter Denise Brandt of Bernville and stepson Blair Eaken, who resides in Florida. Two granddaughters, Aubrey Eaken and Hannah Eaken, also survive her. There are two deceased children, her son, Rickie Brandt, and stepson Tommy Eaken.

Mary has one surviving sister, Janet Yiengst of Jonestown, PA, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by two brothers, Lloyd Reigel and Richard Reigel, along with her sister Mabel Reigel.

She was a member of St Thomas Church and the Bernville Grange for many years.

Her daughter would like to thank all of her caregivers who helped to take care of her mother, keeping her out of a nursing home. Mary was very adamant that she would never go into a nursing home. She loved and respected her caregivers who worked for Home Instead/Honor.

A funeral service will be held on September 30, 2025, at St. Thomas Church, 536 N. Main St., Bernville. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, with the service beginning at 11:30 AM.

Interment will follow the service at St Thomas Cemetery in Bernville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Bernville Community Fire Co., 6701 Bernville Rd, Bernville, PA, or St Thomas Church, 536 N Main St, Bernville, PA 19506.

For online condolences, please visit www.milkinstrymbiskifuneralhome.com

Kirkhoff Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.