Obituaries by LocationDecember 23, 1996
Mrs. Harold W. Moyer
Mrs. Grace T. Moyer, 71, of Allentown, was pronounced dead Friday after beng struck by a van at 18th and Custer streets in South Whitehall Township. She was the wife of Harold W. Moyer. They observed their 45th wedding anniversary in February.
Born in Williamsport, she was a daughter of the late William and Agnes (Dougherty) Confer.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter Heidi of Alexandria, Va.; two brothers, John and William, both of Slatington; and three sisters, Catherine Biegly of Slatedale, Ann Hertl of Towson, Md., and Frances Ozalas of Bridgeport, W. Va.
Mrs. Mary Senar
Mrs. Mary Senar, 89, of Bethlehem, died Sunday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. She was the widow of Metro Senar.
She was a silk mill worker at the former Phoenix Mills, Allentown, for many years before retiring.
Born in Teasdale, Luzerne County, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Latca) Sedlak.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Catasauqua.
Surviving are a son Andrew of Bethlehem; three daughters, Jean Sommers of Walnutport, Emma Focht of Whitehall and Dorothy, wife of Leonard Hudak of Bethlehem; a brother Michael of Pottstown; three sisters, Heloen Oleschak of Lyndhurst, N.J., Margaret Mesh of Charlotte, N.C., and Anna Gaydosh of Nanticoke, Luzerne County; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and a step-granddaughter.
She was also preceded in death by two sons, Joseph and John.
William A. Betz
William A. Betz, 77, of New Tripoli, died Sunday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Anne R. (Schaeffer) Betz. They observed their 53rd wedding anniversary last January.
A graduate of Allentown Business School, he worker for the New Tripoli National Bank for 53 years before retiring in 1994 as chairman of the board. He also had been president.
Previously, he was a credit manager for the former Pittsburgh Plate and Glass Company, Allentown, and a chief clerk for the U.S. Medical Department.
Born in Lynn Township, he was a son of the late Charles A. and Estella T. (Werley) Betz.
He was a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, New Tripoli, having served in various capacities and as a Sunday school teacher.
Betz was a past president of the Lehigh County Bankers Association and a member of the executive committee of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association.
He was a founding board member of the Lehigh County Community College, past secretary of the Northwestern School Authority, past chairman of the Lynn Township Planning Commission, past director of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society and a former member of the Allentown-Lehigh County Chamber of Commerce board of governors.
Betz was a former treasurer of the Phoebe-Devitt Homes board of trustees. He and his wife were honored for their contribution to its mission and ministry in 1993. He was an original trustee of the Phoebe Berks Village, Wernersville, Berks County.
The deceased was a past secretary of the Lehigh County Senior Citizens Center and treasurer of the New Tripoli Fire Company for 29 years.
In 1976, he was one of the drivers for the wagon trek of a Liberty Bell replica from Philadelphia to Allentown.
He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the Medical Corps.
Surviving in addition to his widow is a daughter, Sylvia Betz, wife of John M. Gardner of New York, N.Y.
Claude E. Hensinger
Claude E. Hensinger, 78, of 6439 Route 873, Slatington, died Sunday in his home. He was the husband of Ruth L. (Lengel) Hensinger. They observed their 49th wedding anniversary in July.
A 1941 graduate of Lehigh University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, he was chief of the engineering and maintenance departments of the former New Jersey Zinc Company, Palmerton. He worked there for the past 50 years, including full-time until 1982. He also managed the Palmer Water Company, Palmerton, and was a registered professional land surveyor.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Claude B. and Helen M. (Ritter) Hensinger.
He was a member of Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Neffs, where he was a past member of the council and Cemetery board commissioner.
Hensinger was a major in the Army Air Corps during World War II, having served in the China, Burma and India Theater. A pilot squadron commander flying the B-29 aircraft, he received the Asiatic Pacific Medal with five Battle Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Two Oak Leaf Clusters.
The deceased was a director of the Neffs National Bank for the past nine years and was president of the Chestnut Ridge Railway Company, Palmerton, and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
He was a member of the Vernon G. Kern Post 8344, Schnecksville, and American Legion Post 314, Lehighton.
Hensinger served two terms on the Northern Lehigh School Board and represented the school district while serving on the Lehigh County Vocational-Technical Authority.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, David M. of Albuquerque, N.M.; a sister, Martha S., wife of Paul K. Lauchnor of Neffs; and a grandson.
He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan M. Thomas.
Mrs. Robert N. Grove
Mrs. Edith M. Grove, 84, of 4663 Steven Lane, Walnutport, died Sunday in the Liberty Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Allentown. She was the wife of Dr. Robert N. Grove. They observed their 57th wedding anniversary in July.
A graduate of Millersville University, she was an elementary teacher in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Chattanooga, Tenn., and Ridgewater, N.J., before retiring. Previously, she taught junior high school in Lebanon.
Born in Ephrata, Lancaster County, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Cora (Wechter) Reinhold.
She was a member of Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Allentown.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Cornelius L. of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Cordell of Allentown; and four grandsons.
Mrs. Marie A. Oliphant
Mrs. Marie A. Oliphant, 93, of 170 Penn St., Tamaqua, died Sunday in the Geriatric Center of Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale.She was the widow of Howard N. Oliphant, who died in May, 1966.
Prior to retiring, she was employed as a seamstress in the garment industry.
Born in Owl Creek, Tamaqua, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary Robertshaw.
She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Tamaqua.
Surviving are three daughters, Anna Marie Edmonds, with whom she resided, Clara Jane, wife of Lawrence Sembach of Newton Falls, Ohio, and Mary Louise Helfrich of Andreas; a sister, Martha Rex of Lehighton; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Freida Zakarowsky.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Sabol addition
Raymond Sabol, 65, of 325 Hazle St., Tamaqua, who died on Wednesday, is also survived by great-nephews and great-nieces in Georgia and Tennessee.
Mrs. Mary C. Fenstermaker
Mrs. Mary C. Fenstermaker, 100, of 757 Carbon St., Walnutport, died Friday in the Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center. She was the widow of Harvey O. Fenstermaker.
Born in Cherryville, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth V. (VanBlargen) Gangaware.
She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Danielsville.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Lillian B. Gardner of Walnutport; a grandchild, a great-grandchild and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Margaret J. Kelemen
Mrs. Margaret J. Kelemen, 92, formerly of Kunkletown, died Friday in the Brookmont Acres Nursing Center, Effort. She was the widow of Michael F. Klemen.
Born in Hungary, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Ethel (Nester) Gyongtosy.
She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Gilbert, where she belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society.
A past sacristan at Holy Family Catholic Church, Jonas, she had also been active in the Monroe-Pike Deanery.
Surviving are two sisters, Ethel Scarpa of North Arlington, N.J., and Elizabeth Miller in Florida.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated this morning in the church in Gilbert, followed by the interment
in the Buena Vista Cemetery , Brodheadsville. The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, was in charge of the arrangements.
Charles J. Yost
Charles J. Yost, 82, of Whitehall Township, died Friday in the home of his daughter, Sandra L. Krause of Catasauqua.
The deceased was the husband of Jessie M. (Miller) Yost. They observed their 56th wedding anniversary in April.
He was a crane operator for the former Aldrich Pump Company, now the Ingersoll-Rand Co., formerly of Allentown, for 37 years before retiring in 1977.
Born in West Coplay, he was a son of the late John and Theresa (Maull) Yost.
He was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitehall, and also belonged to the West Catasauqua Fire Company for many years.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter, Rose Gilbert of Walnutport; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Charles Jr.
Mrs. Olive Souerwine
Mrs. Olive Souerwine, 97, of Allentown, died Saturday in ManorCare Health Services, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Raymond Souerwine.
Born in Danielsville, she was a daughter of the late George and Agnes (Sipe) Coffin.
She was a member of St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran (Blue) Church, Allentown, and was a former chaplain of the auxiliary to American Legion Post 29, Allentown.
Surviving are a daughter, Juene E. Mendsen Stanche of Allentown; and a half-sister, Grace Jones of Slatington.
Dennis L. Mulhollem
Dennis L. Mulhollem, 44, of 343-345 Hamilton St., Allentown, died Thursday in his home.
He was a painter.
Born in Chester, Delaware County, he was a son of Mrs. Marilyn J. (Miller) Mulhollem of Allentown and the late John K. Mulhollem.
He was a Navy veteran.
Surviving in addition to his mother are a brother, John J., and a sister Beverly, wife of Stanley Pramik, both of Danielsville.
Mrs. Martha E. Rodenbach
Mrs. Martha E. Rodenbach, 92, of the Phoebe Home, 1925 Turner St., Allentown, formerly of Chapmans, Upper Macungie Township, died Friday in the home. She was the widow of William G. Rodenbach.
Born in Weisenberg Township, she was a daughter of the late Franklin and Kathryn (Billman) Frey.
She was a member of Western Salisbury United Church of Christ, Allentown.
Surviving are two sons, George M. of Fogelsville and Carl W. of Allentown; two daughters, Joyce L., wife of Luther Hahn of Allentown, and Sandra, wife of Kermit Schaller of Loveland, Colo.; a sister, Mrs. Beatrice Sandt of Allentown; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard R.
Italo H. Bonacci
Italo H. Bonacci, formerly of 57 E. Maple St., Tresckow, died Sunday in Weatherwood, Weatherly. He was the husband of the late Marguerite (DeBellas) Bonacci.
He was the owner and operator of Bonacci's Milk Bar and Grocery Store.
He was a lifelong resident of Tresckow and a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Tresckow.
Surviving are a son Italo of McAdoo; two daughters, Lori, wife of Richard Thomas of Bloomsburg, and Natalie, wife of Arthur Davidson of Tresckow; and a brother Nicholas of Detroit, Mich.
Mrs. John Vidzicki
Mrs. Martha Vidzicki, 63, of Tamaqua R.1, died Sunday in the Orwigsburg Manor, Orwigsburg. She was the wife of John Vidzicki.
Prior to retiring, she had been employed by the Thomas Pharmacy, Orwigsburg, and Ehrlich's, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Leo and Clara (Hornung) Becker.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Philadelphia.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Francis of Tamaqua R.1 and Daniel 'Bruce,' at home; four sisters, Theresa Oswald of Port Carbon and Clara Becker, Mary Reading and Catherine Thompson, all of Pottsville; and a brother Leo of Pottsville.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Alberta Boyle.
The Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home, Water Street, New Philadelphia, is in charge of the arrangements.
Frederick J. Girard
Frederick J. Girard, 78, of Locust Valley, Ryan Township, died Monday morning in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale.
He was a self-employed stone mason.
Born in Milltown, N.J., he was a son of the late Elziar and Pamela Girard.
He was a member of St. Richard Catholic Church, Barnesville.
Surviving are a son, Robert F. of Milltown, N.J.; a sister, Virginia Lix in New Jersey; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The Jane Clifford Ritz Funeral Home, 19 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mildred B. Baldwin
Mildred B. Baldwin, 81, formerly of Allentown and 101 S. First St., Lehighton, died early this morning on the Gnaden Huetten Nursing and Convalescent Center, Lehighton.
Born in Asbury Park N.J., she was a daughter of the late Nelson and Estella (Miller) Keiper.
She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Lehighton.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Conduff, of Deerfield, Fla., a step-brother, George LaRose, of Lehighton; two grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Cortland Bryfogel, who died in 1967, and her second husband, James Baldwin, who died in 1974.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Mildred L. Shifferstine
Mrs. Mildred L. Shifferstine, 92, a resident of the Lutheran Ridge Nursing Home, Pottsville, and formerly of Tamaqua, died Saturday in Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Pottsville. She was the widow of Leroy Shifferstine.
Born in Tamaqua, she was a daughter of the late William and Agnes (Henry) Scheid.
She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tamaqua, and Pilgram Chapter 137.
The last immediate member of her family, she is survived by nieces and nephews.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
