Obituaries by LocationFuneral Services
Held Saturday for
Robert Hochberg
Robert L. Hochberg, 68, of Lock Rd., Berkshire, NY, went to be with his Saviour at his home on Tuesday, May 15, 2001. Born on May 25, 1932 in Dushore, PA, he was a son of the late James and Agnes (Poye) Hochberg. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Hochberg and Jean Potter.
Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 43 years, Margaret (Brennan) and his daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth K. and James Black of Lake Ariel, Scott Snyder of Horseheads, NY, Jeanette (Jeanie) Hochberg, and his son, Robert Hochberg of Berkshire; his cherished grandchildren, Theresa, Kay, Karen, Maggie, Jonathan and Lily Black and Kayla Snyder; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Francis Hochberg of Dushore, John Hochberg of Dushore, Jerry and Dot Hochberg of Annville, Joseph and Kim Hochberg of New Albany; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret Scanlin of New Albany, Becky Bryan of Columbia Cross Roads, Loretta and Walt Ferguson of Linden and Irene and Joe McMahon of New Albany; a brother-in-law, Bob Potter; several nieces, nephews and cousins, among them his special cousin, Dr. William Hayden.
Bob was a graduate of St. Basil's High School in Dushore, Baptist Bible Seminary, Johnson City and received his Masters in Education from Cortland State Teachers College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict and a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley where he taught Sunday School and was active with the AWANA program. He was an elementary school teacher in the Newark Valley Central School System, retiring in 1992 following 29 years of service. In addition, he was the caretaker and secretary for the Evergreen Cemetery Association, Berkshire, for many years and operated his own small engine repair shop.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the First Baptist Church, Newark Valley, with his pastor, Roger Rosenau and brother-in-law, Dr. James King, officiating. Interment
followed in Evergreen Cemetery , Berkshire.
Friends who wish may kindly consider memorials directed to the Berkshire Emergency Squad, Berkshire, NY 13736 or Baptist Bible College Scholarship Fund, PO Box 800, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 in loving memory of Robert L. Hochberg.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cooley family of the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley, NY 13811.
Funeral Services Held for
Lola 'Grammy' Bouse, 79
Lola F. (Grammy) Bouse, age 79, of New Albany, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, Oct. 17, 2001 at the Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
She was born on May 16, 1922, in Preston, NY, a daughter of the late Claude and Mildred Darling Franklin.
Having moved from New York, she had been a resident of the New Albany area since 1946.
She was a member of the New Albany Cooperative Parish.
She was treasurer of the American Baptist Women for many years and was a member of the New Albany Fire Company. Lola was honored as First Mrs. New Albany in 1974. She also was a member of the Towanda Women's Bowling League.
Lola owned and operated Bouse's Hardware in New Albany and also owned and operated Deer Valley Laundromat and Service Station. Later, she was employed by Dushore Lingerie and then went to Browning Oil Company, retiring in 1989.
A devoted mother and grandmother, she sought much pleasure in attending school activities and sporting events of her children and grandchildren.
Her home was always open and the center point of much love and activity. She was well known for her famous chocolate chip cookies and always having the cookie jar full.
She was a very respected and well known citizen of New Albany.
Lola's church and her faith were very important to her and she was the source of strength for her entire family.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Earl and Cindy Bailey Bouse of Dahlonega, GA, Ike and Debbie Bouse of Port Byron, NY; four daughters, Judi and Bill Looney of New Castle, Jan Bouse and Garn Stoddard of New Albany, Reta and Dave Manley of New Albany, Lois Woods and Ron Hugo of Sugar Run; one sister, Frances Franklin of Norwich, NY; one brother, Roy Franklin of Oxford, NY; her 18 grandchildren, Lisa McNamara, Adam Bouse, Brian Keefe, Kevin Keefe, Ann Bryan, Janice Baumer, Julie Betz, Justin Bouse, Jenna Weyant, Tricia Porten, Taylor Bouse, Stacy Owen, Marcy O'Conner, Todd O'Conner, Wade Manley, Natalie Manley, Christopher Woods, Jeremy Woods; 27 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and was a special Grammy to her extended family.
She was predeceased by her parents; one sister, Lucy Law; a grandson, Bret Keefe and great-granddaughter, Shaylee Owen.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. in the New Albany Baptist Church, New Albany, with the Rev. Ronald Troup, her pastor, officiating.
Interment followed in the Lime Hill Cemetery , Wyalusing.
Friends and family called on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, from 1 to 3 and from 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Albany Baptist Church, New Albany, PA or to the Preston United Methodist Church, c/o Pam Franklin, RR2, Box 223, Oxford, NY 13830.
Former Resident, Charlotte Cook, Passes Away
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. Stephen (Leanne Marie) Millett of Spring City and Mrs. David (Lucinda Mae) Wood of Moab, Utah; four grandchildren; two brothers, Carl J. (Jim) Underwood of Laceyville 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 Geist
Passes Away at
The Highlands
Elizabeth J. Geist, age 84, of Mildred, PA, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001 at The Highlands in Laporte.
Elizabeth was born on Dec. 31, 1916 in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Joseph T. and Elizabeth Henrietta Luff Jeffries. She graduated from the Germantown High School and worked for several years for Bell of Pennsylvania. She married 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 Archdiocese 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 Gerald Krier, Manayunk, Alice L. and David Kingan, Fort Worth, TX, Katherine and Joseph Biernat, Bethlehem; 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.
Well-Known Laceyville Man,
Gerald Johnson, Dies After Illness
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 married 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; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Romaine (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.
Wesley Wakely
Of Laceyville
Passes Away
Wesley R. Wakely, 92, of Laceyville, PA, formerly of East Smithfield and Sayre, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001 at the Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock.
Born Jan. 9, 1909 in East Smithfield, he was the son of the late Jay E. and Anna Campbell Wakely.
Wesley attended East Smithfield Schools. He owned and operated his own farm in East Smithfield and later was employed by the Burns Security at Ingersoll-Rand in Athens.
On Oct. 25, 1933, he married the former Mary Ayers.
Wesley was a member of the East Smithfield United Methodist Church. He enjoyed working in his garden.
Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Wakely, at home; five children, Norma Robbins of Laceyville, Doris and Lynn Chamberlain of Bentley Creek, Vera and Ron Dunbar of Breesport, NY, Dale and Sharon Wakely of Sayre, Alice and Gary Carlton of Sanford, FL; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two nieces, Wilma Nichols, East Smithfield, Juanita Raymond of Millerton. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mable Wakely and Flossie Lawton and a son-in-law, Bob Robbins.
The family received friends on Friday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.
A graveside service was held on Friday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills, with the Rev. Rick Wulf, officiating.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the East Smithfield United Methodist Church, Church St., East Smithfield, PA 18817 or to the Tyler Memorial Hospital, 880 Route 6 West, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 in Mr. Wakely's memory.
Funeral Services
Set Saturday for
Harvey Werts
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.
Shirley Taylor
November 18, 2001
Miss Shirley A. Taylor of Wyalusing, PA passed away on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001 after a lengthy illness. She was 79.
Shirley was born in Wyalusing on Oct. 18, 1922, the daughter of the late Bascom and Katherine Tompkins Taylor. She graduated from Wyalusing High School, a member of the Class of 1941.
Shirley was a lifelong member of the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church. She was also an active member of the former Wyalusing Chapter #523, Order of Eastern Star and currently the Meshoppen Chapter #70 OES, from which she recently received a 50-year honor and pin to commemorate her years of service. Shirley was also a 50-year member of the Wyalusing Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having served as Constitution Chairman, Flag Chairman and Chaplain. In her early years, she served as a volunteer Girl Scout leader. She was known throughout the community for her generous spirit and her love of people.
Survivors include her first cousins, Roy Jones of Wyalusing, Lucy Case of Canandaigua, NY, Charlotte Scott of Elmira, NY, Jean Mancus of Alameda, CA, Marion Holzman of Vernon, CT and Robert Taylor of Towanda, as well as by numerous other cousins. She leaves behind many dear and long-time friends.
Funeral services will be held at the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23 with the Rev. Barry Ballard, her pastor, officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Members of the Meshoppen Chapter #70 Order of the Eastern Star will conduct a funeral service at 9:45 a.m. on Friday morning at the church. Interment
will be in the Lakeview Cemetery , Ithaca, NY at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church, PO Box 25, Wyalusing, PA 18853.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing.
Maurie Taylor
November 12, 2001
Maurice D. Taylor, age 95, of Montrose, PA died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001 at his residence. Born April 13, 1906 in Dixon, he was the son of the late George and Ora (Thomas) Taylor. In June of 1985, he was married to Charlotte (Stilson) who survives. His first wife, Margaret (Beach) predeceased him.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose.
While he graduated from Montrose High School in 1924, his career in music education began before that at the age of 14. He and his brother offered music lessons and rented musical instruments. He also organized the first Montrose Community Band. After high school, the business continued to expand. He was asked to teach music at Montrose High School in 1927. By 1928, the combined band from the high school and the community won first prize in the Pennsylvania State Finals for small school bands. He also organized massed band concerts which included bands from surrounding communities. One of the larger gatherings included over 600 participants. In 1938, he was asked to print material he was using in organizing bands. This led to the establishment of Montrose Music House and Taylor’s Publishing Company. The first series of books was called "Easy Steps to the Band." He put together over 158 music books.
In 1945, he sold the business to Mills Music, Inc. in New York City to devote more time to teaching. In 1955, he retired the first time from Montrose High School, but stayed active in music by writing and traveling to college campuses as a guest speaker. In 1967, he returned to Montrose High School to teach music and retired again in 1972. He was called the dean of Pennsylvania school band directors by his fellow members of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association in which he was a lifetime member. In 1980, he was granted an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Susquehanna University and 1993, received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Masters Association.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Janet M. Taylor of Westchester, IL; a daughter-in-law, Edith W. Taylor, Charlotte, NC; a son-in-law, William Green of York; six grandchildren, Marcia Rhyne, Suzanne Kinne, William Green, Jr., Deborah Geer, Pamela Barbuto, Susan Duran; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Louis and Leon Taylor; two sons, Dr. Donald J. Taylor and Gordon D. Taylor and a daughter, Margaret Green.
Services were held on Monday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Montrose. The family provided all the flowers and suggests that if desired, memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, 71 Church St., Montrose, PA 18801.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., 74 Church St., Montrose.
Lewis Sterling
November 15, 2001
Mr. 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.
