Obituaries by LocationMr. Lewis M. Sterling, age 85, of RR1, Box 207, Sterling Hill Rd., Wyalusing, PA (Browntown) passed away on Thursday evening, Nov. 15, 2001 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Born in Wyalusing on Dec. 19, 1915, he was the son of the late Martin and Ethel Rutan Sterling. Mr. Sterling married the former Dorothy Lindstrom in 1935 at the family home in Merryall.
Mr. Sterling attended the Camptown High School, after which he made his living as a dairy farmer on his farm on Sterling Hill Rd. in Browntown. He was also employed by Sylvania in Towanda for 21 years, retiring in 1982 after which he continued to operate his farm until his death.
He was a member of the Camptown Community Church, a 50 year member of the Wyalusing Grange #1965, a member of the Wysox Odd Fellows Lodge. While he was farming, he was a member of the Wyalusing Dairymen’s League and later the Wyalusing Dairylea. He was also a Wyalusing Township Supervisor for 18 years and a past Bradford County Deputy Game Warden. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting on his farm and also enjoyed watching and caring for his many animals.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Lindstrom Sterling, at home; a daughter and son-in-law, Alita and Rod Millard of Wyalusing; a son and daughter-in-law, Mason and Andrea Sterling of Laceyville; a son, Dr. Scott Sterling, D.O. of Wyalusing; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Jennie Lindstrom Comstock of South Montrose and a brother-in-law and niece, Wayne Campbell and Denise Campbell, both of Lawton; eight grandchildren, Valerie Millard of Wyalusing, Mrs. Michael (Beth) Shaw of Sayre, Christa Millard of Wyalusing, Stephanie Millard of Honesdale, Mrs. Randy (Rhaegan) Hugo of Wyalusing, Shey Sterling of Laceyville and Brandon and Zachary Sterling of Parkesburg; five great-grandchildren, Adrielle and Colin Blemle of Wyalusing, John and Michael Shaw of Sayre and Jhaeden Hugo of Wyalusing. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Sterling Allis and her husband, Vernon Allis; a sister, Lucille Sterling Campbell; a grandson, Mitchell Jay Millard and a stepfather-in-law, Mr. Paul Coleman.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. from the Camptown Community Church with Rev. Helen Learn and Rev. Joyce Warner of the Camptown Community Church and a close family friend, Rev. James Valentine of the Newark Valley United Methodist Church officiating. Interment
was in the Camptown Cemetery .
Family and friends called at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the Camptown Community Church, c/o Mrs. Beverly Skillings, RR3, Wyalusing, PA 18853.
Robert O. Parr of Hill Top Drive, Tunkhannock, PA, passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2001 at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock. He was born on Feb. 24, 1928 in Mount Bethel, NJ, a son of the late William P. and Cletus Hill Parr.
He attended Newton High School in Newton, NJ. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Sire Power for 30 years and Select Sires in Tunkhannock for 10 years, retiring as general manager in 1990. He was a member of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church and served as co-chairman for the Dairy Committee of the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair. For 40 years, he served as a square dance caller at many dances and for the Melody Four and Bulls Eye Bands.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Adelaide M. Westbrook Parr; sons, Robert E. of Tunkhannock, Richard E. of Mehoopany; daughters, Darlene Hoff of Easton, Donna Pecellak of Meshoppen, Debra Benson of Mehoopany; a brother, Lesley Parr of Monroe, NC; sisters, Elizabeth McPeek of Rock Hill, SC, Ula Vealey, Newton, NJ and Jocelyn Decker of Matthew, NC; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, with the Rev. Roger Richards, pastor of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church. Interment
will be in Sunnyside Cemetery , Tunkhannock. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Wyoming County Dairy Club, c/o Charlotte Severcool, 273 SR 1001, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.
Mr. Francis A. Lockburner, age 79, of 111 John St., Pittston, PA, passed away at his home on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001. Born Oct. 30, 1922 in Sparta, NJ, he was the son of Belma Ross Lockburner, Sparta, NJ and the late Frank Lockburner.
He graduated from Newton High School, Newton, NJ in 1941 and attended Penn State University. He was a former Democratic Freeholder of Sussex County, NJ for nine years. Francis was self-employed in various ventures including, farming, the cattle feed business, auto parts and farm machinery business. He was proprietor of Discount Groceries in Sussex, NJ, Laceyville, West Pittston, Tunkhannock, Hallstead and Archbald, PA. He was also part owner of Table Rock Hotel, Inc. in Skinners Eddy.
A member of the Masons and Tall Cedars, he was a charter member of Hare Ridge Sportsmen’s Club and Doolittle Hill Sportsmen’s Association. He also was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in1960, a past member of the Wyoming County Welfare Board, the Democratic party and was an active member of the Laceyville Rotary Club.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his four children, Lorraine Hill of Newton, NJ, Linda Ayers of Meshoppen, Sherre Boyanowski of Laceyville; a son, Dwayne, of Ham Lake, MN; eleven grandchildren; brothers, Vivian (Tucker) Lockburner, Effort, Frank Lockburner, Newton, NJ, Thomas Lockburner, Florham Park, NJ; sisters, Florence Lauer, Blairstown, NJ, Elizabeth (Betty) Slack, Mesa, AZ, Joyce Steffy, Hamburg, NJ, Agnes Haley, Lakeland, FL, Jean Northrup, Ashland, VA, Marjoree Mistretta, Lakeland, FL, Elaine Blanchard, Cedar Knolls, NJ, Molly Harrje, Vernon, NJ and Diane Smith, Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by his estranged wife, the former Claire Serice.
The viewing was held on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at Kizis-Lokuta Funeral Home, 134 Church St., Pittston, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.
Local memorial services are being planned with date and time to be announced.
Jeanne H. Culver, wife of Robert O. Culver of 9636 Versailles Plank Road, Angola, NY went to be with her precious Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001.
Jeanne was born in 1937, one of four daughters of Eugene and Ruth Walters of Lackawanna, NY. Jeanne was married at Kennedy Free Methodist Church in 1962 to Robert O. Culver of Lackawanna and formerly of Silvara. They made their first home at Ridgewood Village, Lackawanna, NY and later moved to Angola where Jeanne spent several years as a Tupperware consultant. Jeanne was a devoted wife and mother and cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.
Jeanne will best be remembered for her devotion to the youth in her church and community. She currently retired her position of over 40 years of service as CYC (Kid’s Club) Director at the Angola Wesleyan Church. She was a loving and consistent Christian her entire life. Her passing is greatly lamented by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband and three children, Lynn Smith of Derby, NY, Colleen Culver of Eden, NY and Robert E. Culver of Derby, NY; her mother, Ruth Smith, Gowanda Nursing Home; her mother-in-law, Dorothy L. Culver of Silvara; grandchildren, Daniel Culver of Eden, NY, Caitlon and Paige Smith of Derby, NY; step-grandchildren, Bill and Mike Smith; three sisters, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Eugene Walters of Lackawanna, NY; her father-in-law, Orwyn K. Culver of Silvara; her stepfather, Fletcher Smith; a sister-in-law, Mary Culver of Vernon and a brother-in-law, Eddie Kerr.
Viewings were held at the Heimburg-Addison Funeral Home in Angola, with a largely attended funeral on Friday, Nov. 16 at the Angola Wesleyan Church.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution in memory of Jeanne, may send it to the American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Suite 102, Amherst, NY 14226.
Charles A. Buckingham of Floral City, FL passed away at home on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2001, following an illness.
Born in Jenningsville on Sept. 2, 1925, he was a son of the late Ambrose and Anna Dotter Buckingham. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a retired welder and a lifetime member of Floral City VFW.
Surviving are his wife, Beverly (Crispell) Buckingham; four sons, Larry, Lyle, David and Kirby; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert of Port Allegany and Donald of Ridge, NY; four sisters, Mrs. Nellie Haight, Waverly, NY, Mrs. Ella Wells, Whitewater, WI, Mrs. Amy Jayne, Meshoppen and Mrs. Marion Line, Lovelton.
He was preceded in death by brothers, George, Albert and Clarence and sisters, Helen Buckingham, Edith Hulbirt, Grace Eveland, Marjorie Goble and Lucy Wells.
Services were held on Nov. 14 at the Charles E. Davis Funeral Home of Inverness, FL.
Josephine (JoJo) McKernan Barry, age 78, Mildred, PA, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
Josephine was born Aug. 15, 1923 in Albany Township, Bradford County, a daughter of the late James M. and Mary Ann Ryan McKernan.
Josephine retired from the former Endicott-Johnson Shoe Manufacturing Plant in Mildred after many years of service.
She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Mildred. She also enjoyed growing flowers and was an avid Dale Earnhardt NASCAR fan. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick and Joann Barry, Towanda, William (Breezy) Barry and Ella Marks, Dushore; a stepson and spouse, John and Sally White, Mildred; twin brother and sisterinlaw, John D. and Betty McKernan, New Albany; two grandsons, Aaron and Brian; five granddaughters, Lisa, Kathy, Gary, Donna and Sarah; six great-grandchildren, Natasia, Breannan, Neven, Taylor, Delania and Kendrick; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, James McKernan and sisters, Betty Cain, Mary Ann McKernan, Helen (Nellie) Pompeii and Julia Grady. Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 19 at 9:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, and was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Basil’s Church in Dushore with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment
was in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery , Cummiskey.
Friends called on Sunday, Nov. 18 at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Mrs. Florence M. Abrey, age 85, of Penfield, NY, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2001 at the Rochester General Hospital Medical Center following an automobile accident. Florence was born in Rochester, NY on May 22, 1916, a daughter of the late August and Florence Dildine Krauter. She married George Abrey of Rochester. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
Florence was a homemaker and active gardener. She was very interested in her community and her church. She served as an active member of the Ridge-Culver Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for more than 40 years. She and George lived in East Irondequoit, a suburb of Rochester. They retired to Penfield in 1968. Much of her time in recent years was devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the care of her husband. Florence was a communicant of St. Cecilia’s in Irondequoit and Holy Spirit in Penfield.
Surviving are her husband, George, at home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Joan Abrey, Wyalusing, Thomas and Deborah Abrey, Webster, NY; a daughter, Carol Abrey, Alder Creek, CA; a brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Sheila Krauter, Irondequoit, NY; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Nov. 14 at Holy Spirit Church in Penfield with the Rev. P. Frederick Helfrich presiding. Interment
was in the Irondequoit Cemetery . Memorials may be directed to Camp Good Days and Special Times, Pittsford-Mendon Road, Mendon, NY 14506. The camp on Keuka Lake provides camping opportunities and support groups for children and adults with terminal cancer, AIDS and sickle cell anemia.
Irene Booker
Of Laceyville Laid to Rest
Mrs. Irene R. Booker, age 79, of PO Box 332, Franklin St., Laceyville, Pa., formerly of Lewiston, Maine, passed away on Thursday morning, January 15, 1998 at the Carpenter Care Center in Tunkhannock.
Born in Lynn, Mass. on June 23, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Minnie Gagnon Cleasby. Mrs. Booker was a housewife for her late husband, Clarence Booker, who passed away in 1988, and their family.
Mrs. Booker was a member of the Braintrim Baptist Church in Laceyville and was also a member of the Ladies Sunday School Class.
She is survived by a son and his wife, Lennie and Judy Budd of North Carolina; four daughters and sons-in-law, Connie Drinkwater of Maine, Joyce and Rev. William Plough of Laceyville, with whom she lived, Elaine and Bob Dante of Maryland and Beth and Russell Hollier of New York; a brother, Lawrence Cleasby of New Hampshire and two sisters, Eleanor Sprague of New Hampshire and Shirley Wormstead of Massachusetts; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 19, 1998 at 11 a.m. from the Braintrim Baptist Church in Laceyville with Rev. Richard Iseminger, retired Baptist minister, officiating.
Interment was in the Lacey Street Cemetery in Laceyville.
Family and friends called at the Braintrim Baptist Church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the Braintrim Baptist Church Library, c/o Mrs. Jeanette Comstock, PO Box 281, Laceyville, Pa. 18623.
Services were under the direction of the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville.
John Spence
Mildred Man Dies at Sayre
John J. (Jack) Spence, age 67, of Mildred, Pa., passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 1998 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Jack was born in Mildred on October 6, 1930, son of the late Archie (Cy) and Agnes Harney Spence. He graduated from the Cherry Township High School, a member of the Class of 1949.
During high school, Jack worked for the former Harrington and Company Creamery and later the former Philadelphia Dairy until entering the Air Force. Jack served with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean Conflict. After returning home he continued for Philadelphia Dairy as a truck driver. After the death of his first wife, Arlene Meehan in 1953, Jack moved to Nebraska. He returned to Mildred in 1972 and married the former Irene Riscavage of Edwardsville on June 18, 1977.
He retired from Kelley Services at the Procter & Gamble plant in Mehoopany after 16 years of service.
Jack was a member of McDermott Post #452 American Legion, Mildred.
Surviving are his spouse, Irene, at home; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and JoAnn Spence, Norfolk, NE and Larry and Sandy Spence, Norfolk, NE; a daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Terry Avery, Ladoga, IN; a brother, James Spence, Mildred; six grandchildren, Derek and Dan Spence, Norfolk, NE, Trevor and Colby Spence, Norfolk, NE, Tara and Jess Avery, Ladoga, IN; four step-grandchildren, Renee and Amy Graverholt, Norfolk, NE and Ryan and Scott Graverholt of Norfolk, NE; several nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Foley on April 16, 1995 and Mildred Guglielmi on November 6, 1995.
Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Ronald Chilson
Passes Away In Massachusetts
Ronald G. Chilson, age 61 of Lowell, MA passed away on Sunday, January 18, 1998 at the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plains, Boston, MA.
Ronald was born in Sayre, PA on September 18, 1936, the son of the late Gerald W. and Olive Mae Schlock Chilson. He attended the Turnpike High School and entered the U.S. Navy in 1954 where he served in the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in 1958 and moved to Massachusetts to seek employment.
Ronald worked in the security industry and was employed for the past several years by Burns International Security of Boston, MA.
Surviving are his spouse, the former Kathryne Ryan Chilson, at home; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Chilson, Lowell, MA, Randy and Patty Chilson, Dracut, MA, Gary and Editha Chilson, Virginia Beach, VA, Bruce Chilson, Tewksbury, MA; a daughter and son-in-law, Cheri and David Tyrie, Haverhill, MA; a brother, Kenneth Chilson, Canton, MA; five stepchildren and spouses, Linda and Edward Gass, Lowell, MA, Stephen and Lisa Grimard, Dracut, MA, Pamela Grimard, Roger and Elaine Grimard and Cheryl Grimard, all of Lowell, MA; six grandchildren; 17 step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one niece and two nephews. He is also survived by his former wife, Jean B. Chilson of Tewksbury, MA. He was predeceased by a daughter, Susan J. Chilson in 1956.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, 1998 at 11 a.m. at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore with the Rev. Eddie A. Nilsen, pastor of Trinity Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Mildred, officiating. Interment
will be in the Fairview Cemetery .
Friends may call on Thursday, January 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.
Full military honors will be accorded by members of the McDermott Post #452 American Legion, Mildred. Members are asked to assemble and will pass in review on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
