Elizabeth M. Wile, 97, of Lebanon, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at Stone Ridge Poplar Run in Myerstown. Elizabeth was born on March 16, 1927, the daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Heisey) Arnold. She spent her early years on their family farm in Mt. Zion. She met Jim while working at the concession stand at Coleman's Park. Jim was recuperating from injuries received in WWII. They married on Feb 7, 1946. James A. Wile and Elizabeth were married for 45 years until his passing in 1991. They had four children Susanne, James, Deborah, and John. Susanne passed away in 2017.

As a mother of four, Elizabeth decided to enroll in college to pursue a degree in education. It took a lot of time and hard work, but she earned a degree from Millersville State College. In fact, she graduated alongside her daughter, Susanne, who was also receiving a degree in education. Elizabeth continued her education earning a master's degree in education and then a doctorate in early childhood education. She had a long career in education. Her experiences included: elementary classroom teacher, adult education instructor, a Reading Specialist, a Reading Supervisor, a building principal and a college instructor.

After the death of her husband, she was lucky enough to find Lionel (Jerry) Guindon. They married in 1992. They enjoyed working on their flower beds, planting a small orchard, traveling, and raising their two beloved dachshunds! Sadly, Jerry passed away in 2014.

Elizabeth Wile was a woman who did not believe in the word "can't." She accomplished everything she set her mind to from baking donuts and making opera fudge to sewing a prom dress for a neighbor and a wedding dress for her daughter. She volunteered with Vietnamese refugees at Indiantown Gap; published two books on early childhood for parents; and opened her own store selling teaching supplies. She mentored many and was respected by all who knew her. No, she did not believe in "can't" so sadly a stroke in 2019 was the only thing that ever could slow her down.

Her family was an important part of her life. She was proud of her children and dearly loved their spouses: Dale (Deborah), Susanne (James Jr.), and Kim (John). She was very close to her siblings: Lucille, Rita, Henry, and Allen and their families. Family gatherings were always memorable events. Elizabeth has six fantastic grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Thinking about them gave her extra motivation to survive her stroke. Her family is also very thankful for all the visits, cards, phone calls, and thoughts to Elizabeth while she struggled to regain her strength while at Stoneridge Poplar Run.

Elizabeth was strong, independent, loving, generous and stubborn. She loved Jesus and prayed hard. God bless you, Elizabeth. Oh, how we will miss you!

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at St. Mary's Church, 2 N 8th St, Lebanon, PA 17046. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to Mass from 10:15-11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth's name may be made to a charity dear to your heart. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com