Clare M. Heebner, 85, met her Heavenly Father face to face when she passed away quietly in her home located at 9158 Huber Road, St. Thomas, PA on September 18, 2025.
Her family and friends lovingly cared for and surrounded her during the weeks preceding her death to fulfilling her final wishes.
Clare was the daughter of the late Charles E. Mann and Jane A. Mann formerly of Norristown, PA. She was a graduate of Norristown High School. Following her high school graduation, she continued her education and received a “General Business” degree from Peirce School of Business Administration, Philadelphia, PA.
Soon after completing her schooling, Clare began her career as an accountant for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in PA. Despite her young age, her knowledge and organizational skills earned her the respect of her co-workers. As a result, she was selected to be one of the first women to be deputized and asked to serve in other capacities.
Clare married her high school sweetheart, E. Wayne Heebner, July 7, 1962, after he completed his bachelor’s degree in “Animal Husbandry” from Penn State University. Their 63-year marriage journey began when they moved to State College, PA. 1974, brought a move to the Mercersburg area. While there she was employed at Fry Stone & Coal for 2 years before settling down permanently in St. Thomas where they ran a successful dairy farm for 31 years until switching over to the beef farm which continues to operate to this day.
Clare was a faithful member of Freedom Lighthouse Ministries, Fort Loudon, PA where she and her husband served as elders and leaders in the church for many years. Previously, they attended Ebenezer United Brethren, Greencastle, PA where she served on many committees including Women’s Missionary Association. She was also a member of the Franklin County Farm Women’s Society Group 6.
One of Clare’s greatest joys was volunteering at Royal Family KIDS’ Camp #204, Greencastle, PA from 2008 – 2016 while serving as “Grandma Clare,” the camp grandma. During the week, her duties included among other things, listening to their stories, handing out heart notes and giving side-hugs to children who had experienced family trauma.
Knitting and reading were two of Clare’s favorite past times. On a visit to her kitchen visitors might find her doing both hobbies at the same time. Handmade dish clothes and blankets were lovingly fashioned and given as gifts to family members and friends. The Franklin County Book Mobile was a frequent place for her to visit when it rolled into Lemasters or Marks, PA.
Clare’s legacy will continue for generations through her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. It all began with the birth of their three children. Son, Christopher Wayne Heebner and wife, Kelli, are loving parents to Seth Heebner (Peggy) and Joshua Heebner (Shay). Son, Jonathan Wayne Heebner and his wife, Kathy, have guided both biological & foster children: Adam Heebner (Erica), Benjamin Heebner, Clayton Heebner (Natalie), Kaitlynn (Heebner) Hogue (Tommy), Emmanuela Fredline Cadet Bruner (Caleb), Tucker Heebner (Meghan), Jae-Lin Heebner (engaged to Leah), Miranda Hackey, and daughter, Rebecca Anne (Heebner) Wingert and husband, Mike, who have been blessed with Emily Wingert (engaged to Trent), Ryan Wingert (Friend Lauren) and Megan Wingert Trego-Heiny (Sam).
Clare welcomed many by great grandchildren as well: Gabriella (22), Aqueelah (17), Sophia(15), Cecelia (12), Madelyn (8), Owen (7), Alaina (7), Emmalyn (7), Corbin (6), Chloe (4), Archer (4), Elias (3), Libby (3),Emmitt (2), Axel (1), Collin (1), and Eden (6 months).
In addition to her loving husband and their clan, Clare is survived by one brother, Arnold (Butch) Mann, of Collegeville, PA and sister-in-law, E. Jane Tredinnick of Quincy, PA along with many nieces & nephews and loving friends.
Services for Clare will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Feedom Lighthouse Ministries, 96 Path Valley Road, Fort Loudon, PA, 17224. Guests will be received two hours before the service from 9-11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and family consider making donations to:
Royal Family KIDS, #204, c/o First Assembly of God, 525 Leiterburg Street, Greencastle, PA 17225
Billy Graham Evangelical Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201-0001
Arrangements are entrusted to Fries Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clare, please visit the floral store.
