Beavertown - Hilma Markel "Pickle" Rigel, 97, of Beavertown, entered into rest on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Hilma is Beavertown's oldest resident, living in Beavertown for 74 years. Prior to that, she lived in Middleburg.

She was born on Dec. 6, 1928, in Middleburg, a daughter of the late John and Anna (Heintzelman) Markel.

Pickle graduated from Middleburg High School in 1947. She looked forward to class reunions and catching up with classmates.

She worked at the Middleburg Silk Mill before getting married and raising her family. In her later years, Pickle worked at Juniata Garment.

She was a 4-H leader, teaching many how to sew. Pickle was also very active in PTA.

Pickle was a faithful member of Beaver Lutheran Church.

Pickle led an adventurous life. She loved to travel; her first adventure was driving across the country with her best friend Jean at the age of 21. She was proud to say that she visited all 50 states.

She also became a world traveler. She cruised around the tip of South America, visited Australia, and many European countries. Her favorite trips were to Kenya and Egypt.

As an active member, Pickle enjoyed her friends of Silver Sneakers at the MACC and Silver Splash at the Burnham YMCA.

One of her proudest accomplishments was missing only one election voting from the time she was 21 years old.

Pickle is survived by a daughter, Linda R. Cole; two sons, Tom (Kelly) Rigel and Dan (Kelly) Rigel; stepdaughter, Sally (Barry) Martin; grandchildren Nathan (Lisa Wong) Rigel, Kristen (Rick) Williams, Heather (Steve Garcia) Martin; great-grandchildren Madison and Macy Williams and Kieran and Caleb Wong-Rigel, and several nieces.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Daniel Rigel; a son, Bill Rigel; daughter-in-law Kim Rigel; and siblings Herman Markel, Harold Markel, and Harriet Wetzel.

"Mom, you gave us everything, and now we will carry your wisdom and love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you shared with us. In our hearts, you will always stay loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us."

The family wishes to express a thank you to her caregivers, many friends who often visited and offered her love and support, and a very special thank you to the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital doctors, palliative care, case management, hospice, and especially the third-floor nurses and aides. Your compassion and kindness did not go unnoticed.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Beavertown, with Pastor Ann Zimmerman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Beaver Lutheran Church18207 US-522, Beavertown, Pa., 17813 or the MAC-YMCA, 67 Elm Street, Beaver Springs, Pa., 17812.

Arrangements are under the care of Hummel Funeral Home, 574 Hill Street, Middleburg.