Esther Elaine (Bittinger) Keeney

Esther Elaine Keeney, 84, of Dillsburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, at UPMC Carlisle Regional Hospital. 

   She was born on Tuesday, April 14th, 1942, in Annville, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Thelma (Zarker) Bittinger. 

   Esther devoted many years of her career to the food service industry before retiring. She found great joy in gardening and especially loved cooking and baking for her friends, family, and neighbors, sharing her kindness through every meal and treat she prepared. 

   She is survived by her loving daughter, Jewel A. Zucatti and her husband, John, of South Chesterfield, Virginia; her granddaughter, Courtney Fuller of Wellsville; her cherished great-grandchildren, Maddox and Scottie; and her siblings, Ruth Jacoby and Mary Adams both of Carlisle, Martha Starner of Gardners, Jim Bittinger and Paul Bittinger both of Dillsburg, and Deb Fager of McAlisterville.

   In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, Doris Bender, Daniel Bittinger, and David Bittinger. 

   The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Esther's wonderful neighbors and support system for the kindness, friendship, love, and compassion they showed her throughout the years, and especially during this difficult time. Your prayers, thoughtful acts of kindness, and generosity have meant more than words can express. We are deeply grateful for the love and comfort you shared with Esther and our family.

   A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 18th, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Cocklin Funeral Home, Inc., 30 N. Chestnut Street, Dillsburg. A visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.