Lieutenant Colonel Raye Engle

Lieutenant Colonel Raye C. Engle, 94, of New Freedom, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Born October 19, 1931, in New Freedom, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph John and Eleanor Catharine (Sweitzer) Engle. A lifelong source of strength, kindness and inspiration to those who knew her. Raye lived a remarkable life filled with service, adventure, family and love.

She graduated from New Freedom High School, Class of 1950. Following high school, she pursued her calling as a nurse, earning her nursing degree from York Hospital School of Nursing and York Junior College. She began her career caring for patients at York Hospital from 1953 to 1955 and later at George Washington University Hospital from 1955 to 1956.

In 1956, Raye answered another calling when she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Commissioned as a first lieutenant, she built an extraordinary 20-year career in military nursing and ultimately retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1976. When offered the opportunity to become a colonel, Raye chose instead to remain close to the nursing care she loved, saying she wanted to “keep giving nursing care and not be stuck doing paperwork all the time.” That decision was a perfect reflection of Raye, she never sought a title for its own sake. She simply wanted to serve, care for others, and to make a difference.

Her military career took her around the world. She served overseas at Wiesbaden Air Base in Germany: Wakkanai Air Station in Hokkaido, Japan: and Tachikawa Air Base and Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan. Her stateside assignments included Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio, Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, Goose Bay Air Force Base in Labrador, Canada and Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where she spent the final years of her service.

During the Vietnam War, Raye served as a flight nurse with the 56th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. She carried the enormous responsibility of caring for wounded service members and helping bring them safely home to the United States. Her courage, compassion and dedication to her patients were hallmarks of her life and service.

After retiring from the Air Force, Raye devoted herself to caring for her aging parents. She later worked at ManorCare South and remained active in the lives of her family and community. She helped with church bazaars, cared for and entertained generations of great-nieces and nephews, and never seemed to lose her willingness to lend a hand. She was a member of the Society of Air Force Nurses, the York Hospital Alumni Association, and Christ Lutheran Church of Shrewsbury.

Those who knew Raye will remember not only the remarkable things she accomplished, but also the simple joys that made her happiest. She loved classical country and easy-listening music, tending to her garden, fishing, reading and spending time with the children in her family. She had a wonderful sense of adventure and loved traveling and taking cruises. Her travels took her to places many only dream of seeing, including climbing Mount Fuji, visiting the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in Paris, and walking the Normandy Beaches.

Yet for all the places she traveled and all the experiences she had, Raye’s greatest joy was always her family. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved and took special delight in the lives of her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She also shared a special bond with her beloved cat, “Teagan” who brought her great companionship and happiness.

Raye’s life was one of quiet strength and extraordinary service. She cared for patients, served her country, cared for her parents, helped her church and community, and gave countless hours of love and attention to her family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy – not simply in the places she served or the miles she traveled, but in the lives she touched along the way.

She is survived by her brother John H. Engle and sister Wanda J. Lloyd (Wayne); 10 nieces & nephews, many great nieces & nephews, great – great nieces & nephews and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Marlene E. Bales, Janet S. Torbert, Dale R. Engle, George R. Engle and Donald F. Engle.

Raye lived a life of service, courage, adventure and love. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever cherished by the family and friends whose lives she made better simply by being part of them.

The family would like to extend a heart felt “Thank You” to friends, family and Wellspan VNA Home Care. A special Thank You to the "A" team at Memorial White Rose Home Care and Hospice for your excellent care and friendship given to Raye and our family throughout her courageous battle. To Amanda, Chaplain Bob, Dena, Denise, Lori, Jasmin, Joyce, Stephanie, Tanya and Yanna, you are truly angels and we are forever grateful for the care, support, love and kindness you all have shown us during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 3:00pm with services provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard, followed by York County White Rose Nurse Honor Guard and Rev. John C. Dorr officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Steltz Cemetery. Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., New Freedom is assisting the family with services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Christ Lutheran Church, 105 S. Main Street, Shrewsbury, PA 17361, Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church, 5890 Steltz Rd, Glen Rock, PA 17327 or to a charity of your choice.

ieutenant Colonel Raye C. Engle, 94, of New Freedom, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Born October 19, 1931, in New Freedom, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph John and Eleanor Catharine (Sweitzer) Engle. A lifelong source of strength, kindness and inspiration to those who knew her. Raye lived a remarkable life filled with service, adventure, family and love.

She graduated from New Freedom High School, Class of 1950. Following high school, she pursued her calling as a nurse, earning her nursing degree from York Hospital School of Nursing and York Junior College. She began her career caring for patients at York Hospital from 1953 to 1955 and later at George Washington University Hospital from 1955 to 1956.

In 1956, Raye answered another calling when she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Commissioned as a first lieutenant, she built an extraordinary 20-year career in military nursing and ultimately retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1976. When offered the opportunity to become a colonel, Raye chose instead to remain close to the nursing care she loved, saying she wanted to “keep giving nursing care and not be stuck doing paperwork all the time.” That decision was a perfect reflection of Raye, she never sought a title for its own sake. She simply wanted to serve, care for others, and to make a difference.

Her military career took her around the world. She served overseas at Wiesbaden Air Base in Germany: Wakkanai Air Station in Hokkaido, Japan: and Tachikawa Air Base and Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan. Her stateside assignments included Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio, Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, Goose Bay Air Force Base in Labrador, Canada and Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where she spent the final years of her service.

During the Vietnam War, Raye served as a flight nurse with the 56th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. She carried the enormous responsibility of caring for wounded service members and helping bring them safely home to the United States. Her courage, compassion and dedication to her patients were hallmarks of her life and service.

After retiring from the Air Force, Raye devoted herself to caring for her aging parents. She later worked at ManorCare South and remained active in the lives of her family and community. She helped with church bazaars, cared for and entertained generations of great-nieces and nephews, and never seemed to lose her willingness to lend a hand. She was a member of the Society of Air Force Nurses, the York Hospital Alumni Association, and Christ Lutheran Church of Shrewsbury.

Those who knew Raye will remember not only the remarkable things she accomplished, but also the simple joys that made her happiest. She loved classical country and easy-listening music, tending to her garden, fishing, reading and spending time with the children in her family. She had a wonderful sense of adventure and loved traveling and taking cruises. Her travels took her to places many only dream of seeing, including climbing Mount Fuji, visiting the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in Paris, and walking the Normandy Beaches.

Yet for all the places she traveled and all the experiences she had, Raye’s greatest joy was always her family. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved and took special delight in the lives of her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She also shared a special bond with her beloved cat, “Teagan” who brought her great companionship and happiness.

Raye’s life was one of quiet strength and extraordinary service. She cared for patients, served her country, cared for her parents, helped her church and community, and gave countless hours of love and attention to her family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy – not simply in the places she served or the miles she traveled, but in the lives she touched along the way.

She is survived by her brother John H. Engle and sister Wanda J. Lloyd (Wayne); 10 nieces & nephews, many great nieces & nephews, great – great nieces & nephews and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Marlene E. Bales, Janet S. Torbert, Dale R. Engle, George R. Engle and Donald F. Engle.

Raye lived a life of service, courage, adventure and love. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever cherished by the family and friends whose lives she made better simply by being part of them.

The family would like to extend a heart felt “Thank You” to friends, family and Wellspan VNA Home Care. A special Thank You to the "A" team at Memorial White Rose Home Care and Hospice for your excellent care and friendship given to Raye and our family throughout her courageous battle. To Amanda, Chaplain Bob, Dena, Denise, Lori, Jasmin, Joyce, Stephanie, Tanya and Yanna, you are truly angels and we are forever grateful for the care, support, love and kindness you all have shown us during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 3:00pm with services provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard, followed by York County White Rose Nurse Honor Guard and Rev. John C. Dorr officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Steltz Cemetery. Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., New Freedom is assisting the family with services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Christ Lutheran Church, 105 S. Main Street, Shrewsbury, PA 17361, Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church, 5890 Steltz Rd, Glen Rock, PA 17327 or to a charity of your choice.