Jessie V. Berkebile

Jessie Virginia Berkebile, 82, of Koppel passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

Born September 28, 1942 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret McCloskey Swogger. She was married to Robert Russell Berkebile when he passed away on January 17, 2023.

Jessie graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1960. After graduation she enlisted in the United States Air Force where she worked in the Medical Career Field until her discharge in 1966 after six years of honorable service.

She returned home to Ellwood City and worked at the Knitting Mill for several years. Jessie was going to Jameson Nursing School in the late 1970's when she was hired by Ellwood City Borough Council on August 22, 1979 making history as the "first full-time policewoman"!! She graduated 3rd in her class of 12 officers from eleven departments. Jessie resigned on December 6, 1980 after 14 months of service. She accepted a new job at the US Post Office. She started working December 8, 1980 as a clerk. After three years she was promoted to Postmaster in Koppel PA, where she worked until her retirement on October 1, 2002 with over 22 years of service.

After retirement, she and Robert were "snowbirds" for over 20 years in Seminole FL. She loved anything Amish, especially going to Sugarcreek OH and reading her Amish Books.

Survivors include two sons, Kevin (Fiancee Michelle Archuleta) Swogger of Ellwood City and Randy Hollenbeck of Koppel; four grandchildren, Megan and Ashley Swogger and Benjamin and Abby Hollenbeck, and her sister Mollie Prestopine.

In addition to her parents and husband Robert, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Shank and Sally Crespo.

Friends will be received on Wednesday March 26, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm and on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 2 until the Funeral Service at 4 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Pastor Dave Keppen will officiate.

Interment will be at Oak Park Cemetery in the Berkebile Mausoleum.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com