Alice Jean Rickenbach, 95, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026 at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg PA, where she resided since March, 2021.
Alice was born on September 14, 1930, in Mahanoy City, to Lillian M. (Thomas) Baer and Harold R. Baer. She grew up alongside her younger brother, Harold R. Baer, Jr.
Alice married the love of her life, Edwin W. Rickenbach on June 5, 1948 and proudly supported him throughout his 21-year career in the United States Air Force. As a devoted military wife, she made homes for her family in many locations during his service, including Myrtle Beach, SC; Goose Bay, Labrador; Washington State; Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania; and Holyoke, Massachusetts. The family finished their final military move to Harrisburg, PA and permanently settled in Enola, PA.
Alice dedicated her life to caring for her home and family as a homemaker. She was a woman of deep faith and a lifelong church attendee. Over the years she was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Enola PA and Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lewisburg PA. Alice also attended services at the chapel in Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village.
Music was a central part of Alice’s life. A gifted soprano, she sang in church choirs for many years and was often a soloist, sharing her love of music in worship and fellowship. Alice also sang with several bands in her younger years, as well as the El Shaddi Singers.
Alice took great pride in keeping a welcoming and well-cared-for home. She loved flowers, tea, cats, dogs, and she treasured time spent with friends. Known for her warmth and kindness, Alice was a wonderful friend to many who will miss her dearly.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin W. Rickenbach; her sons, Edwin H. Rickenbach and Allen D. Rickenbach; her brother, Harold Baer; and her great-grandson, Luther D. Byers.
Alice is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gary L. and Jamie Rickenbach; her daughters-in-law, Patricia Rickenbach and Joan Rickenbach; five granddaughters, Jennifer Gorberg, Lisa Arrasmith (Jim), Lori Rector (Donyule), Bryna Foresman (James), and Kailyn White (Daniel); 11 great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren.
Alice will be remembered for her faith, her music, her devotion to family and friends, and the quiet kindness she shared with those around her.
The funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, at Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 100 South 3rd Street, Lewisburg PA, 17837. The viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., with the Reverend Katy Moran officiating. Burial will be held privately at Fort Indiantown Gap.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rickenbach family.
3 comments on “Alice Jean Rickenbach”
I’ll never forget the proud friend, mother, and caring woman I’ve known since 7 years old. It was always a fortress to go to and have warmth and love in Ed and Alice’s home. The moments we used to sing in the choir together were priceless and always a great honor. I will always remember that ever continuing smile and caring gesture and also the humor she enjoyed. My prayers now go to my friend and family of Gary Rickenbach and also Patricia Rickenbach . Your Mother is now with the rest of your family and looking down at you from heaven and watching over you. Remember life is like a tape recorder as we receive and store everything in life that has been a event. Alice had many eventful times in life with her family and friends. She will always be loved and missed!
I loved Alice so much she was a great friend we were sopranos together in the Zion Lutheran Church, she helped me with Family Promise of Central Pa, and we loved to go to high school musicals together. She was so proud of her family and she would always tell me about them. My deepest sympathies go to the family.
Sorry for your loss enjoyed spending time with her at camp and at her home god bless Mary Ann and Henry