Shirley C. (Liller) Knipple

Shirley Catherine Knipple, 83, of Gettysburg, died on Saturday, March 28th, 2026 after fighting a gallant battle with dementia. Born on September 27, 1943 in Old Fields, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Clifton Edward Liller and Goldie Kathleen (Merritt) Liller. She was the loving wife of the late Charles “Bud” E. Knipple (Army Veteran, who served during the Korean War). She had three children, the late Barry Bowers, Mark Bowers and wife Susan Bowers, Tammy Bowers and wife Terri Rentzel. She has 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was one of eight children Lola Wastler, Howard “Bill” Liller, Robert Liller Harold Liller, Linda Clapsaddle, Rosa Smith.

She loved all of her many nephews and nieces, she never missed out on saying a friendly hello to the little child, senior or just someone passing by that she felt needed a smile. One of the guiding lights of her life was the Parable of the Good Samaritan- a story she cherished for its message that compassion knows no boundaries. In the parable, a traveler is left wounded on the roadside, ignored by many, until a Samaritan stops, tends to his injuries and ensures he is cared for. For her, this wasn’t just a lesson; it was a calling. She lived those principles with quiet conviction, seeing every person as a neighbor and every need as an opportunity to show mercy. That parable was the catalyst that led her and Charles “Bud” to build a ministry called, God’s Good Samaritan Ministries, which became an extension of her heart- a place where she offered help, dignity, and hope to anyone who crossed her path. Through countless acts of kindness, she embodied the very compassion she admired, reminding all who knew her that love is most powerful when it is lived out in service.

She had a true zest for life and always had a smile and friendly word or joke to share with everyone she crossed paths with. She loved everyone, she loved only the way Shirley could and all of those who have experienced that love will know just what that means. One thing many may not know is that Shirley had a small book of poems she wrote called the Treasured Memories (A Group of Authentic Poems) by Shirley Bowers back in the late 1960s. So as her final opportunity to share a piece of herself with a world she loved so very dearly and one she never gave up on she shares the following poem she wrote called Peace. “Peace is something very special in the world so big and kind. A thing so good and beautiful is always hard to find. Freedom from war, worries and many other fears. That have plagued this great world for so many years. Peace is an exemption from any kind of a fight, the absence of violence and quarreling which often take all of ones might. Peace is power, strength, and ability to love, three of the greatest gifts received from God above.”

At Shirleys request there will be no viewing or services. Burial will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens,1380 Chambersburg Rd, Gettysburg, where she will be laid to rest with her husband. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is honored to serve the family.