Obituaries by LocationSharon Boice Serbel
April 20, 2002
Sharon Boice Serbel, 55, of Lehman Township, PA died on Saturday, April 20, 2002 at home.
Born in Binghamton, NY on March 1, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Oliver and Marie (Reed) Boice. She attended Tunkhannock High School and Empire Beauty Academy. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, a member of the Lake Lehman Football Booster Club and a Cheerleader Mom.
Surviving are her husband, Steve; stepmother, Betty Boice; daughters, Crista Oeller of Florida, Heidi Scholz of Dallas; a son, John Scholz of Mehoopany; stepsons, Michael Serbel of Lehighton, Stephen Serbel of Vero Beach, FL; sister, Diane Morrison of Stowell; brother, Stephen Boice of Sugar Run; stepsisters, Amy Lott of Meshoppen, Toni Hutcheson, Georgia, Susan Champion of Alabama; five grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held on Wednesday, April 24 at 9 a.m. from the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc., 568 Bennett St., Luzerne, with a Mass of Christian Burial
at 9:30 a.m. from Holy Family Parish in St. Ann’s Church with Rev. David Cappelloni, officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
John A. Kettelberger, Sr.
April 17, 2002
John A. Kettelberger, Sr., age 72, of Laporte, PA and Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at the Port St. Lucie Medical Center, Port St. Lucie, FL.
John was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 22, 1929, a son of the late August and Ida Marie Trautwein Kettelberger. He graduated from a Philadelphia High School and marriage the former Loretta M. Welsh of Philadelphia on Oct. 21, 1950. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October of 2000 at Sacred Heart Church in Laporte.
John founded and built Nor-Lin Auto Parts in Linthicum, MD in 1969 and owned and operated it until his retirement. He and Loretta moved to Laporte as full-time residents in 1977. In retirement, John built several rental properties and also the Laporte Mini Storage facility on U.S. Route 220 in Laporte, which he currently operated. John and Loretta spent their winters at Port St. Lucie, FL for the past several years.
John was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Laporte. He joined Camp Westdon in Nordmont in 1950 and served as its president for many years. The camp celebrated its 60th anniversary of incorporation in December of 2000. John was also a member of the Moose, Elks and Masons and a social member of Sonestown Post #601 American Legion.
Surviving are his spouse, Loretta, at home; two sons and daughter-in-law, Rev. John A. Kettelberger, Jr., C.M., Niagara University, NY, Michael and Cheryl Kettelberger, Pasadena, MD; three daughters and sons-in-law, Frances and David Schmidt, Ellicott City, MD, Dr. Denise Kettelberger and Clarence Smith, Seattle, WA, Jane and Donald Fowler, Linthicum, MD; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Peggy Kettelberger, Southampton; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The very largely attended Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, April 22 at Sacred Heart Church, Laporte with the Rev. John A. Kettelberger, Jr., C.M., his son, presiding and concelebrants: Rev. Michael B. Harris, Pastor; Rev. Joseph Hubbert, C.M.; Rev. Art Kolinsky, C.M.; Rev. Stephen Grozio, C.M. Rev. charles Strollo, C.M.; Rev. John Timlin, C.M.; Rev. William Shelgon, C.M.; Rev. Michael Carroll, C.M.; Rev. Kevin Creagh, C.M.; Rev. Stephen Cantwell, C.M. and the Rev. Francis Maguire, C.M. Brother Peter Campbell, C.M. and Brother Carmen Ciardullo, C.M. were in attendance. Interment was in the adjoining parish Cemetery .
Pallbearers were: David Schmidt, Donald Fowler, Clarence Smith, Daniel Schmidt, Michael Kettelberger, Jr., Daniel Smigal, William Kittelberger, Jr., John Welsh, Jr.
Friends called at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, on Sunday, April 21 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. There was a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Vincentian Community, Niagara University, NY 14109.
Evelyn F. Higley
April 18, 2002
Evelyn F. Higley, age 72, of Benton, PA, formerly of Forksville, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2002 at the home of her son.
She was born on Jan. 23, 1930 in Sayre, a daughter of David and Edith Treaster Vough. In 1947, she graduated from Estella High School.
Evelyn was a lifetime resident of the Sullivan County area.
On Jan. 25, 1948, Evelyn marriage Donald Ralph Higley in Towanda.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton. Her other memberships included the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce where she was the first woman to serve; the Loyalsock Watershed Association and the Pennsylvania Campground Association.
She enjoyed time spent doing crossword puzzles, watching birds and traveling.
Mr. and Mrs. Higley owned and operated Higley Campground for many years, and she recently owned and operated a restaurant in Benton.
On July 19, 1971, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald.
She left surviving seven children and their spouses: Linda R. and William R. Massengale of Utah, Jack and Karen Higley of Raymond, ME, Dottie Ann and James Pardoe of Forksville, Ronald C. and Linda L. Higley of Honeoye, NY, Philip W. Higley of Dushore, Michael D. Higley of New Albany, Mitchell Dean and Penny Higley of Dushore; two brothers, Harvey Vough of Dushore and Victor Vough of Athens; a stepmother, Francis Reed Vough of Dushore; stepbrother, Robert Reed of Sayre; 21 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanette Rohe of Overton and a granddaughter, Toni Michelle Higley.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 22 at 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton with the Rev. Robert W. Martin, her pastor, officiating.
Interment followed in the Forksville Cemetery, Forksville.
Friends and family called on Sunday evening, April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, and on Monday at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sullivan County Cancer Society or the Sullivan County Library. She loved birds and nature.
Patricia "Trish" Isabel Dionne
March 13, 2002
Patricia "Trish" Isabel Dionne, age 45, wife of James Keister of Colorado, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver, CO. She was formerly of Laceyville.
Born Sept. 14, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Al and Isebel Dionne of Laceyville. Trish was a 1974 graduate of Wyalusing Valley Junior-Senior High School and was employed by USA Wrestling. Trish loved to go camping, fishing and to play the slot machines in Cripple Creek. These were just a few things that she loved to do. She had so many close friends, along with the wrestlers that she worked with, that are going to miss her.
She was a loving spouse and mother, not able to see her grandchildren she loved so much.
Surviving are her husband, James Keister of Colorado; two sons, Daryl L. Miller, Jr. of Colorado, Kris D. Miller, along with friend, Sara of Pittsburgh; her only daughter, Amy L. Miller and fiance, Daniel S. Merritt of Wyalusing. Trish had three grandchildren, Brooke Merritt and Dylan Merritt, son and daughter of Amy and Daniel, and Brittany Merritt, daughter of Daniel; three half-brothers, Richard Kramp and family, Bob Kramp and family and Charles Kramp and family, all of Ohio; several nieces and nephews.
The memorial services were held in Colorado Springs, CO.
Patricia Dionne, a mother, friend and grandmother, will be greatly missed by her loved ones and so many close friends, but will never be forgotten.
Naomi E. J. Davis
April 22, 2002
Mrs. Naomi E. J. Davis, age 68, of RR1, Box 250, Mehoopany, PA (Scottsville Road), passed away at the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock on Monday evening, April 22, 2002.
Born in Philadelphia on Nov. 24, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Robert F. and Helen S. Stevens Elliott. She was the wife of the late Francis A. Jayne, who passed away in1978.
Naomi was a graduate of the Laceyville High School. She was employed for several years at Ames Department Store in Tunkhannock until ill health forced her retirement.
In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed flea markets, Native American Pow-Wows and trips to Atlantic City.
She is survived by her second husband, Frederick J. Davis, to whom she had been marriage for 20 years; two sons, James Jayne of Texas and Wyatt Jayne of Harveys Lake; three daughters, Frances (Kay) Gregory of Lake Winola, Joyce Barber of Tunkhannock and Theresa Milbrodt of Noxen; two stepsons, Frederick Davis, Jr. of Mt. Pocono and Eddie Davis of Laceyville; two stepdaughters, Bettie Adams of Weimer, TX and Joy LeAnn Davis of Mt. Pocono; a brother, Robert J. Elliott of Eustis, FL; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; also several aunts, nieces and nephews. Besides her first husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Alvin R. Jayne, who passed away in 2000; four grandchildren, Becky Barber, 1995, Joey Jayne, 1982, Robert F. Jayne, 1987 and Emmett Milbrodt; a step-grandson, Danny Davis in 1995.
In memory of Mrs. Davis, a Native American Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 26 at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with a chief of the Native American Council, officiating. Interment will be in North Flat Cemetery, Laceyville. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Thursday, April 25 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the FWM Ambulance Association of Mehoopany, PA 18629.
Charles A. Brace
April 17, 2002
Charles A. Brace, 83, Montrose, PA, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at Endless Mountains Health System. Born Feb. 6, 1919, he was the son of the late William and Ella Brace. His wife, Nettie Alberta (Cook) Brace predeceased him.
He worked for IBM and Allied Cleaning Corp. for 30 years.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Elva and Bob Stanton of West Virginia, Beverly Ellinger of Pennsburg, Nancy of Maryland, Shirley and Donald Morairty, Conklin, NY, Christine and Anthony Mariongelli, Binghamton, NY, Tressa and Richard Hitchcock, Birchardville, Clara and Randy Crawford, Dallas; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Joan Brace, Houston, TX, Calvin and Melissa Brace, Dimock, Corwin and Jackie Brace, Springville, Allen and Donna Brace, Nicholson, Larry and Dena Brace, Laurel Lake, Rodney and Stephanie Brace, Rush; 32 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, William Brace, Dallas; a sister, Caroline Gardner, Florida; nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Monday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., 74 Church St., Montrose.
The family received friends on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Jody Eugene "Jodster" Sullivan
April 12, 2002
Jody Eugene "Jodster" Sullivan, age 25, of Monroeton RR2, Monroe Twp., PA, died on Friday morning, April 12, 2002 as the result of a motor vehicle accident in North Towanda Township.
Born Sept. 21, 1976 in Towanda, he was a son of Karen Heath Sullivan, Robert Sullivan and Donald Johnson, Sr.
In earlier years, Jodey participated in Towanda Little League, Pee Wee Football and the Towanda Rifle Club.
Jodey was a graduate of Towanda High School, Class of 1996.
He was formerly employed by E. I. DuPont in North Towanda and was presently employed by Osram Sylvania in Towanda.
Jodey enjoyed spending time with his friends, hunting, fishing, the outdoors and big trucks. He will be deeply missed by his family and many good friends.
Surviving are his parents, Karen and Robert Sullivan of North Towanda and Donald Johnson, Sr. and his friend, Lori Tuttle of French Asylum; four brothers, Jason Sullivan of Ulster, Jonathon Johnson of Williamsport, Donald Johnson, Jr. of Athens, Daniel Johnson of French Asylum; his fiancee and the love of his life, Jodi Taylor of Towanda RR2; his grandmother, Mary Louise Sullivan of Towanda RR1; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The funeral service was held on Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda, with the Rev. Allen Hulslander, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Towanda, officiating.
Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, New Albany.
The family received friends on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Miller "Rosey" Rosendale
April 11, 2002
Miller "Rosey" Rosendale, age 79, of his beloved Montrose, PA, died on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at his residence. Born March 25, 1923 in Montrose, he was the son of the late Allan H. and Mary Mollie (Miller) Rosendale. His wife, Shirley (Dodge) Rosendale died in 1992.
A 1942 graduate of Montrose High School, he served his country in WWII with the U.S. Navy and Marines in the Philippines. He was very proud to be a citizen of Montrose and also the times spent at the family cottage at Elk Lake and the Elk Lake Regatta during his younger years.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Montrose.
Rosey had a great love for the outdoors and woods. A timber cursor and heavy equipment operator, he worked for local companies including Irving Loomis & Sons, Montrose; the Pennsylvania Game Commission; the present Cornerstone Forest Products in Kingsley and other logging companies.
Additionally, he was a member of VFW, Ayres-Stone Post #5642, Montrose, Warren Lodge #240 F&AM, Montrose and Camp Comfort hunting camp, Middletown Township, Susquehanna County.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela D. and Richard Griffis of Tunkhannock, Suzanne R. and David Breese, Montrose; grandchildren, Dana Iannielli, Elizabeth Griffis, Amy Breese; sister, Marilyn Richards of San Antonio, TX; sisters-in-law, Mildred Dodge, Wyalusing, Virginia Smith, Tequesta, FL; nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife and parents, a brother, Allan Rosendale, Jr., predeceased him.
Services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 at the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, 71 Church St., Montrose.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a beautification project for the borough of Montrose, c/o PennStar Bank, 10 Public Ave., Montrose, PA 18801.
Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., 74 Church St., Montrose has been entrusted with arrangements.
Nellie M. Owen
April 16, 2002
Mrs. Nellie M. Owen, age 91, of the Meadowview Senior Living Center, Montrose, PA, formerly of Spring Hill, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 16, 2002 at the Meadowview Senior Living Center where she has been a resident for the last seven years.
Born in Laceyville, on Nov. 7, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Israel and Lulu Brown Dickinson. She was the wife of the late A. Floyd Owen, who passed away in 1964. Mr. and Mrs. Owen were marriage for 32 years.
Mrs. Owen was a graduate of the Laceyville High School. After getting married, she was a housewife and homemaker for her husband and family.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly and Gary Sechrist of Montrose, Linda and Richard Voda of Silvara; five sons and daughters-in-law, Francis and Marie Owen of Laceyville, LaVerne Owen of Rome, James Owen of Mehoopany, Harry Owen of Tunkhannock and Daryle (Woody) and Carol Owen of Silvara; a sister, Mrs. Jennette Clark of Towanda; a brother, Howard Dickinson of Towanda; 26 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by four sons, three daughters and three grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. William Nelson, retired Methodist minister, officiating. Interment will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Betty Louise Milarta
April 10, 2002
Mrs. Betty Louise Milarta, age 64, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre.
Betty was born in Owego, NY, on March 6, 1938, a daughter of the late Lester and Nancy Wheeler Walters. She graduated from the Wyalusing High School, a member of the Class of 1956. She marriage Michael R. Milarta of Wyalusing on Oct. 26, 1969.
Betty worked as a bookkeeper for the former Vandervort Mills in Laceyville and the Wyalusing National Bank and Kintner Equipment Company of Wyalusing. She also helped many families as a babysitter for over 15 years until her health deteriorated. She really loved babysitting and considered all she cared for as if they were her own children.
A loving spouse, mother and grandmother, she truly loved attending the Camptown Community Church. After her health failed, she enjoyed reading and watching movies and was an avid New York Yankees baseball fan.
Surviving are her spouse, Michael, at home; three daughters and son-in-law, Wanda and Joseph Matuszak, Fleetwood, Donna Shook, Reading, Lindsey Milarta, Chicago, IL; special family friends, Kim, Raul, Maegan, Aaron and Adam Azpiazu, Wyalusing; granddaughter, Kayla Jo Matuszak; brothers and sister-in-law, Daniel and Lynette Walters, Stevensville, David Walters, Mehoopany; sisters, Beverly Walters, Laporte, Helen Jackson, Great Falls, MT; several nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Angela Dawn Milarta in Aug. of 1973; a brother, Robert Walters and sister, Jean Stone.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 13 at 12 noon at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, with the Rev. Helen Learn, her pastor, officiating. Interment was in the Wyalusing Cemetery .
Friends called on Saturday morning at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, 228 S. Russell Ave., Williamsport, PA 17701 or to the American Diabetes Association, NE Regional Office, 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Elizabeth Kunkle
April 12, 2002
Elizabeth Kunkle, 97, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2002 at the Skilled Nursing Unit in Towanda.
She was born on April 7, 1905 in Hollenback, Bradford County, a daughter of the late Charles and Eva Barnhart.
In 1978, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, the late Herbert Kunkle.
She was a lifetime resident of the Wyalusing area and was a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her children and spouses: Marion and Albert Stewart of Mertstown, Doris and Calvin Shaffer of Wyalusing, Veda Woodruff of Wyalusing and Vera and George Dean of Mesquite, TX; a sister, Viva Neese of San Diego, CA; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, David, Lucretia, Florence, John and Cecil.
Funeral services were held on Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Beverly Davenport, pastor, officiating.
Interment followed in the Wyalusing Cemetery .
Friends and family called at the funeral home on Monday at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wyalusing Ambulance Association or to the Wyalusing Fire Department in Mrs. Kunkle’s memory.
