Mary Pearle Kilheffer

Mary Pearle “Polly” Kilheffer, 97, of Lancaster, entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Brethren Village, Lititz. She was the widow of A. Victor Kilheffer who predeceased her by twenty years. Born in Somerset, PA, she was the daughter of the late Richard E. and Pearl (Friedline) Pugh. She graduated from Somerset High School in 1944. Polly was a linotype operator for 23 years. She worked for several newspapers, Somerset Daily American, Meyersdale Republican, Lititz Record Express, and for Fulton Press and Forry & Hacker printing firms. After retirement, in 1981, she was a substitute operator for Ephrata Review. On July 31, 1990, an article, “Lady of the Linotype,” was printed in the New Era about Polly’s career. She was married 38 years to deceased Robert F. Tipton. Tipton was the VP of Science Press, Ephrata. He organized and curated SP’s Russel C. Hughes Printing Museum in which Polly demonstrated the linotype for seminars and tours. For six years, Polly was a part-time receptionist at Donecker’s Artworks in Ephrata. While SP’s printing museum was housed there, Polly demonstrated the antique linotype for tours and visitors. A traveler, Polly visited England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Bahamas, Bermuda, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hawaii, and most states in the US. Polly had a special project, her Mailbox Ministry. Weekly amusing letters were sent to folks who needed to know someone cared. In each letter, Polly included original short stories, and stories about pets, travels, children, and fun times. Polly had an interest in miniatures. Her 1930’s era dollhouse is known for its details: dirty dishes in the sink, spilled milk on the floor, false teeth in the bathroom glass, real photos, and handmade rugs. The dollhouse was on display year-round and had three sets of trees for seasonal changes. Her sewing led to a personal project of creating Quiet Books for little children. As of 1998, she made 93 of those books. She was active in Grace United Church of Christ, New Holland Pike where she served on the Church Council, Worship & Music Community, Women’s Guild, and sang in the choir. Polly is survived by her son, R. Bradley Tipton (Marleen) of Palmyra; daughter, Elizabeth Baucom (Richard) of VA; grandchildren, Edwin Tipton, Michelle Thompson, Michael Knauer, Merideth Miller, Erica Tipton, Evan Tipton, Jennifer Kirchner, Beth Kirchner Bunce; great-grandchildren, Karli Knauer, Kelly Mersnick, Ella Bunce, Ethan Tipton, Cadence Tipton; great-great grandchildren, Jasmine Lingo, Elliot Mersnick; and very close friends, Maxine and Paul Knauer, and Jill Tipton. In addition to her parents and two husbands, Polly was preceded in death by her son, William R. Tipton; brother, Richard R. Pugh, and his wife Phyllis; and granddaughter, Pamela Tipton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Polly’s Memorial Service at Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on July 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM with Chaplain Dana E. Statler officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of service. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Polly’s name to Brethren Village.