Obituaries by LocationWilliam H.V. Davis
Age 81
Died Oct. 30, 2001
William H.V. Davis, age 81, died on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 at Philadelphia Presbyterian Hospital after a brief illness.
Born and raised in Hillsborough, NJ, Mr. Davis resided at Spring House and New Albany, PA. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy and three children, Marian of New Albany, Diane of Auburn, NY and William of Oxford, ME. He also leaves seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and his sister, Blanche, also of Spring House.
Mr. Davis was a lifelong member of the South Branch Reformed Church and served as Elder and Deacon. He was a lifelong dairy farmer and was very active in agricultural and dairy organizations. He was a leader of Somerset County 4-H Dairy Club for many years, director of New Jersey Artificial Breeders Association, president of New Jersey Artificial Breeders Association, president of New Jersey Milk Producers Association, president of Somerset County Board of Agriculture and breeder of purebred Holstein cattle. Mr. Davis was also a charter member of the Hillsborough Township Fire Company Number One.
Funeral services were held at the Speer-VanArsdale Funeral Home in Somerville, NJ. Interment was in the South Branch Reformed Church Cemetery .
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the memorial fund of the South Branch Reformed Church in Mr. Davis's memory.
Julia Chamberlain Richards
Died: Monday, October 29, 2001
Age: 76
Mrs. Julia Chamberlain Richards, age 76, of RR3, Box 40, Meshoppen, PA (Auburn Center) passed away
at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock early Monday morning, Oct. 29, 2001 after an illness.
Born in Budd Lake, NJ, on July 30, 1925, she was the daughter of the late George and Edna Titus Chamberlain. Mrs. Richards was a graduate of the Roxbury Township High School, Roxbury, NJ, Class of 1943. On Dec. 6, 1943, she became the wife of Ralph P. Richards and she then became a homemaker for her husband and their daughter.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ralph P. Richards; her daughter and son-in-law, Doris and Joseph Szarek of Auburn Center; three sisters, Mrs. Alice Bellomo of East Stroudsburg, Ms. Joyce Chamberlain of Hackettstown, NJ and Mrs. Rudy (Edna) Pasko of Great Meadows, NJ; three brothers, George Chamberlain of Ashfield, Neal Chamberlain of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Richard Chamberlain of Reiglesville; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Grace Tinc in 1988.
Private funeral services will be conducted at the convenience of the family by Rev. Gary Myers of the Meshoppen Biblical Baptist Church officiating. Family and friends called at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, on Wednesday evening, Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. Interment will be in the Bunnell Cemetery in Auburn Center.
Maurice P. Newhart
Died: Sunday, October 28, 2001
Age: 86
Maurice P. Newhart, Sr., 86, of Lawton, PA, died on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001 at his home. Born April 16, 1915 in Laceyville, he was the son of the late Elisha and Emma (Benninger) Newhart. His wife, Vivian P. (Bishop) Newhart died in 1991.
He spent many years in the logging and stone quarrying business.
Additionally, he was a member of the Rush Volunteer Fire Company, the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), #471, Rush and the Turkey Federation.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and William Hadsall of Meshoppen, Dawn and Paul Bennett, Rushville, Patricia A. and Robert Kelley, Laceyville, Margaret I. and Donald Hunsinger of Lawton, Linda L. Bennett of Springville; sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond A. and Alberta Newhart of Lawton, Maurice P. and Nancy Newhart of Lawton, Robert C. Newhart of East Rush, Ernie G. and Susan Newhart of Lawton, James A. and Cheryl Newhart of Lawton and Ronald L. Newhart of Middletown; son-in-law, Dale Gladden of Buchanan, TN; sisters, Viva Kone and Maxine Arasz, both of Waverly, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl and Maureen Newhart of Tunkhannock, Paul and Valerie Newhart of Middletown, Frank and Helen Newhart of Meshoppen, Dennis and Helen Newhart of St. Cloud, FL; 40 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Two daughters, Virginia Gladden and Ruth Marilyn Newhart; brothers, Edwin, Floyd and Russell Newhart, sisters, Mildred Roote and Lucy VanBoven and great-grandson, Tony Stanton, all predeceased him.
Services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., 74 Church St., Montrose. The family received friends on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests that if desired, memorial contributions may be made to either the Rush Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 5, Lawton, PA 18828 or the Birchardville Cemetery Association, c/o Don Birchard, RR5, Box 130-B, Montrose, PA 18801.
Morris J. Messersmith
Died: Sunday, October 28, 2001
Age: 81
Morris J. Messersmith, New Era, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001 at the Bradford County Manor.
He was born June 5, 1920 in Wyalusing.
Morris was retired from the U.S. Army. He was a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1568 commander for three years, bartender at the Elks Club in Towanda for 13 years. He was a retired master sergeant, serving in the U.S. Army for 27 years. He served in WWII and Korea twice.
He earned the Korean Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, three Bronze Campaign stars, the European North African medal, Eastern Service medal, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, two Oakleaf clusters, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge Second Award and the Good Conduct Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of New Era; one daughter, Gloria Joy of Alabama; two sons, Daniel and Donald Gilbert of California; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Sullivan of New York.
He was predeceased by three brothers, Albert, Donald and Karl; his father and mother, Albert and Lillian (Abrams) Messersmith.
A private service will be held at the New Era Cemetery, New Era, at the convenience of the family.
Flora Crayton O'Connell
Died: Thursday, October 25, 2001
Age: 93
Flora Crayton O'Connell, 93, widow of Cornelius C. "Con" O'Connell and well-known teacher, formerly of Monroeton RR1, Franklin Twp., PA, passed away on Thursday evening, Oct. 25, 2001 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda after a brief illness.
Born Sept. 27, 1908 in West Franklin, she was a daughter of the late William H. Crayton, Sr. and Clara Compton Crayton.
After graduation from Mansfield State Normal School, Flora became a teacher and taught for over 45 years. Starting in one-room country schools, she became principal of the Powell School, and retired from teaching at the Towanda Middle School as remedial reading teacher. In Oct. of 1937, Flora marriage Cornelius C. O'Connell. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connell then purchased the former Harry Smith farm in West Franklin, which they operated for many years.
Flora was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Towanda, was active in the Grange and served as secretary-treasurer of the Franklin Center Cemetery Association for many years.
She possessed a great love of gardening.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Blanche Reed of Sanford, FL; a sister-in-law, Mrs. William (Irene Elliott) Crayton, Jr. of Montrose; nephews, Joel and Wayne Crayton, both of Montrose, James Crayton of Monroeton, Arthur Crayton, Jr. of Manlius, NY, Lee and Lynn Crayton, both of Monroeton, Lawrence Stone of Canton, Carlyle Stone of Wysox, Leslie Stone of North Carolina; nieces, Janet Stone of Towanda, Barbara Garrison of Millerton, Joann Hauser of Ulysses; numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cornelius O'Connell on June 19, 1985; three brothers, William H. Crayton, Jr., twin brothers Albert and Arthur Crayton and a sister, Adeline Crayton Stone.
Special remembrances to a devoted caretaker, niece Dorothy Stone and thanks to the many formers students who remembered and visited Flora as a resident of the Wyalusing Valley Personal Care Home where she had resided the past five years. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Memorial Hospital for their care in her final illness.
The family received friends on Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Third St., Towanda, with the Rev. Ronald Hughes as celebrant. Interment followed in the Franklin Center Cemetery, Franklin Township.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 106 Third St., Towanda; to the Towanda Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Towanda, PA or to the Towanda Area School System for the benefit of the Reading Program, North Fourth St., Towanda, PA 18848 in Mrs. O'Connell's memory.
Harvey Edward Werts
Died: Tuesday, October 23, 2001
Age: 82
Harvey Edward Werts, age 82, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Tuesday evening, Oct. 23, 2001 at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.
He was born on June 19, 1919 in West Pittston, a son of the late Edward D. and Hilda Brodbeck Werts.
Mr. Werts was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during World War II.
On September 21, 1944, Harvey and the former Arlene Miller were united in marriage in Binghamton, NY.
Prior to his retirement in 1975, he was employed by State Aggregates. For nineteen years he owned and operated a bowling alley and sports center on Main St. in Towanda.
Mr. Werts spent most of his lifetime in this area.
He was a member of the Wyalusing American Legion Post #534.
Harvey enjoyed time spent playing baseball, hunting, fishing and enjoyed the fishing trips he made to Canada. He and his wife enjoyed time spent traveling in their motor home.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Arlene Miller Werts, at home; his children, Edward A. and Sharon Werts of Terrytown, Janice K. Surrett of New Era, Lois M. Boukelif of Boca Raton, FL; nine grandchildren, Todd Werts, Deborah McClain, Amanda Werts, Jemma and Ray Gregoire, Chantel Surrett, Kristi Jo and Roy Force, Jena Boukelif, Sonia Boukelif, Jason Boukelif; nine great-grandchildren and several cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Arnold Werts.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. in the New Era United Methodist Church with Robert Hockenberry, pastor, officiating.
Interment will follow in the Terrytown Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be accorded by Wyalusing American Legion Post #534.
Friends and family may call on Friday evening, Oct. 26 at McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, from 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association, 919 North Michigan Ave., Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611.
Gerald Francis Johnson
Died: Tuesday, October 23, 2001
Age: 69
Mr. Gerald Francis Johnson, age 69, of Laceyville, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001 following a short illness.
Born in Kingston on Aug. 9, 1932, he was the son of the late Cora Champion Neigh and Albert Floyd Johnson. Gerald and his wife, the former Gail Christian, were marriage June 14, 1953.
Gerald was a graduate of the Laceyville High School, Class of 1950. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1950 until 1953. From 1954 until 1965 he was employed by Agway, in the petroleum division, at their plants in Batavia, NY, Meadville and East Aurora, NY. In 1965, Gerald and his family returned to Laceyville where he purchased the Joe Siegel Plumbing and Heating business. From 1978 until 1983, Gerald was employed at Stroud Supply in Wysox. He then returned to his plumbing and heating business, subcontracting to many contractors in Laceyville, Wyalusing and Meshoppen areas, retiring in 1999.
Taking great interest in the Laceyville community, he served as Laceyville council president, was on the Laceyville Library board and was a member of the Sewer and Water Authority for many years. He was a member of the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church and was a member of the Rought Hall Post #510 American Legion in Black Walnut.
After his retirement two years ago, he enjoyed being with his family and the outdoors. He will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gail Johnson, at home; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Romaine and (O.D.) and Robbyn Johnson of Bethlehem and Scott and Jane Johnson of Chesapeake, VA; twin daughters and sons-in-law, Jeryl Ann and Brian Keefe of Danielsville and Christa Gail and Dennis Phillips of Rome; eight grandchildren, Dane and Lacey Johnson, Lucas and Miranda Johnson, Haylie Phillips and Caitlin, Conlan and Carson Keefe; two sisters-in-law, Kay and Paul Ackland of Waverly, NY and Gwen Burgess and Brian VanAuken of Laceyville; also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cora Champion Neigh; an aunt, Kathryn Champion Kiethline; his father and mother-in-law, George and Anna Christian and a brother-in-law, William A. Burgess, who passed away 24 years ago to the day of his death.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. Ann Blair of the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Lacey St. Cemetery in Laceyville. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Friday morning one hour prior to the service.
The family will furnish their own flowers, but those wishing, may make memorial donations to the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church.
David R. Ramey
Died: Tuesday, October 23, 2001
Age: 37
Mr. David R. Ramey, age 37, of 323 Grace St., Houma, LA, formerly of Meshoppen, passed away in Houma, LA on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001.
Born in Mt. Holly, NJ on April 29, 1964, he was a son of the late Fairse and Frances Gilbert Ramey. Mr. Ramey was employed on oil rigs in Louisiana, working for the Chevron Oil Co.
Surviving are his wife, Kelly Oda Ramey of Houma, LA; two sons, Robert Ramey, age 14 and David (D.J.) Ramey, age 10, both of Houma, LA; a sister, Elizabeth Ramey, Springville; five brothers, Robert Ramey of Bronx, NY, Rocky Ramey, Laceyville, Ronald Ramey, Johnson City, NY, Donald Ramey, Meshoppen and Scott Ramey of Tunkhannock; a stepsister, Judy Truesdale of Lemon and a stepbrother, Rick Burgess of Tunkhannock; also several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Charles Bishop of the Elk Lake Community Church officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Tyler Hill Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the time of the memorial service.
Charlotte M. Cook
Died: Saturday, October 20, 2001
Age: 71
Charlotte M. Cook, 71, 224 Chrysty Hill Road, Bloomsburg, originally from Wyalusing, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001 at her home after a three-month battle with cancer.
She was born in New Albany, a daughter of the late Carl S. and Ellamae Grimes Underwood. She resided at her present home in Hemlock Township since 1987 and previously lived in Norristown for 36 years.
Charlotte was a 1947 graduate of Danville High School and a 1951 graduate of the former Mansfield State Teachers College. She was a Home Ec teacher for four years at the Owen J. Roberts School near Pottstown and the Phoenixville School District for 32 years, retiring in 1987.
She was a member of the New Testament Assembly of God Church in Millville. She also belonged to the Retired School Employees Association and the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Millville.
Following her retirement, she and her husband, Elmer P. Cook, with whom she celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary on June 17, traveled extensively throughout the United States, including Alaska.
Survivors include her husband, Elmer; two daughters, Mrs. Step-hen (Leanne Marie) Millett of Spring City and Mrs. David (Lu-cinda Mae) Wood of Moab, Utah; four grandchildren; two brothers, Carl J. (Jim) Underwood of Lacey-ville and Adelbert (Del) Underwood of Willis, Texas; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. in the New Testament Assembly of God Church in Millville, with her pastor, Rev. David D. Rosenberger, officiating. Interment was in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge, under the direction of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral Home, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.
Elizabeth J. Geist
Died: Saturday, October 20, 2001
Age: 84
Elizabeth J. Geist, age 84, of Mildred, PA, passed away on Satur-day, Oct. 20, 2001 at The High-lands in Laporte.
Elizabeth was born on Dec. 31, 1916 in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Joseph T. and Elizabeth Henrietta Luff Jeffries. She gradu-ated from the Germantown High School and worked for several years for Bell of Pennsylvania. She mar-ried Harry E. Geist of Bloomsburg and they resided in Philadelphia. Harry predeceased her on Oct. 8, 1968. She was a homemaker and later worked as an office manager for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Philadelphia and then for the Arch-diocese of Philadelphia, retiring to Mildred in 1990.
Elizabeth was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred and a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Philadelphia.
Surviving are four sons and daughters-in-law, Henry E. Geist, Scottsdale, AZ, Richard and Molly Geist, Philadelphia, Charles T. and Catherine Geist, Mildred, Daniel L. and Lisa Geist, Laporte; four daughters and sons-in-law, Julia E. Vogt, Glenside, Sarah A. and Ger-ald Krier, Manayunk, Alice L. and David Kingan, Fort Worth, TX, Katherine and Joseph Biernat, Beth-lehem; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew. She was predeceased by a daughter, Mabel Lungren on Jan. 7, 2001 and a half-sister, Dorothy Guthrie of Georgia.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mildred, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment will be in West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday morning, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
