Obituaries by LocationMary Charlotte Hartman
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday for Mary Charlotte Hartman, 87, of Bellmont Ave., who died Tuesday, June 27, 2000, at Williamsport Hospital. Services will be at 8 a.m. at Church of the Annunciation, 702 W. Fourth St., with the Rev. Robert Timchek, her assistant pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Crouse’s, 133 E. Third St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday with a recitation of the rosary at 8. The family will provide the flowers.
Joseph Lee Henson
Joseph Lee Henson, 51, of 812 High St., died in Williamsport Hospital, Monday, June, 26, 2000. He had been a resident of the Manor Care Home for three months. Henson was born in Portsmouth, Va., and lived in Philadelphia for 20 years. He moved to Williamsport in 1999. Arrangements are being handled by Allen & Redmound’s, 331 Elmira St.
Ruth M. Houseknecht
The funeral will be Monday for Ruth M. Houseknecht, 61, of 905 Wolfe Run Road, Trout Run, who died Wednesday, June 28, 2000, at Williamsport Hospital. She and her husband, Alvin A. Houseknecht, observed their 40th wedding anniversary Jan. 2. She was an Avon sales representative. She was a member of Cogan House Christian Church and secretary of its Sunday school. Born June 26, 1939 in this city, she was a daughter of Kenneth and Lucille Myers Case Sr. Surviving, besides her husband, is her mother of Manor Care; three daughters, Debra A., Kellie S. and Vannetta J., all of Trout Run; two sons, Arnold J. of Lock Haven and Brian M. of Trout Run; a brother, Kenneth Case Jr. of Harrisburg; a sister, Helen Baney of Trout Run; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, with the former Rev. Ed Hicks, officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday. The family will provide the flowers.
Doris M. Kohler
Doris M. Kohler, 49, of Middlebury Center, died Wednesday, June 28, 2000, at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre Pa. She and her husband, Donald B. Kohler Sr., celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary April 18. She was a homemaker. She was a graduate of Wellsboro High School. She was a Methodist. Born January 19, 1951, she was a daughter of Andrew and Dorothy Bush Rouse. Surviving, besides her husband, are a son, Andrew of Middlebury Center; a daughter, Cherri Jo of Harrisburg Pa; three step-sons, Stephen Kholer of Columbus, David Kohler and Donald Kohler Jr, both of Middlebury Center; two sisters, Millie Snell of Wilkes-Barre and Martha Sutley of Keeneyville; a brother, Willard Rouse of Shortsville; and six grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Tussey-Mosher’s, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro. Interment will be at Niles Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Louise May Laninger
Louise May Laninger, 66, of Ellenton Mountain Road, Canton, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at Dar-Way Nursing Home, Estella. She was a member of the former Ellenton Methodist Church, and in earlier years attended the Powell Methodist Church. She loved the outdoors and nature, and enjoyed flowers, and arranging them. She enjoyed drawing. Born October 1, 1933, in Monroe Twp, she was the daughter of Henry and Jessie I. Crammer Laninger. Surviving are a sister, Lois Stone of Ellenton; a brother, Gerald of Athens; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death a brother, Gene Laninger. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pepper’s, Springbrook Drive, Canton, with the Rev. Herbert Eby, pastor, Wheelerville Menonite Church, officiating. Interment will be in Ellenton Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Mary J. Tressler Powers
Mary J. Tressler Powers, 80, of Lock Haven, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at the Lock Haven Hospital. Her husband, the former Wibur F. Powers, died November 1977. She worked in the Grid Dept. of Sylvania Electric for over 10 years and also worked at the Cobblers Shoe Factory in Williamsport. She was a member of the Salvation Army Church, and served as the secretary for the church Home League.She made a special trip to England to meet the Queen for the Home League. She enjoyed crocheting. Born May 20, 1920, in Lock Haven, she was the daughter of Ephraim M. and Stella V. Grubb Tressler. Surviving are several nieces and nephews including a nephew, Milton “Buddy” Stover of Lock Haven and a niece, Shirley Winkleman of Flemington. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Helt, Hanna, Kline’s, 232 Hogan Blvd. Mill Hall, with Major Sandra Ammerman, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park, Lock Haven. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
James A. Rook
James A. Rook, 66, of 2410 Dove St., died Wednesday, June 28, 2000, at his home. His wife, the former Mable E. Hall, died Dec. 30, 1990. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk. He was a Marine Corps veteran. He was a graduate of Williamsport High School. Born Aug. 3, 1933, in this city, he was a son of Robert and Irene Kovach Rook. Surviving are a son, Randall J. of Wallingford and a brother, John David of Ozark, Ala. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. today at Fairview Cemetery, Montgomery, with Dr. Richard A. Hughes, professor of religion at Lycoming College, officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Sanders’, 821 Diamond St.
Helen Grundrum Sprout
Helen Grundrum Sprout, 85, of 375 Water St., Picture Rocks, died Tuesday, June 27, 2000, at Williamsport Home where she had been since March. Her husband, Carl M. Sprout Sr., died March 8, 1983. She was a school teacher of language arts at Hughesville High School for many years, helping to organize student and adult trips to europe and coaching dramatic productions. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a 1937 graduate of Susquehanna University. She was a member of Picture Rocks Baptist CHurch. Born May 18, 1915 in Beaver Springs, she was a daughter of Charles and Pauline Haines Grundrum. Surviving are a daughter, Lucinda Sprout Stratton of Wichita, Kan.; a son, Carl M. Jr. of White Cloud, Mich.; a sister, Kathryn Schaff of Somerset; a brother, Eugene Gundrum of Pittsburgh; and two granddaughters. A graveside memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Picture Rocks Cemetery, with the Rev. Pat Hernandez, her pastor, officiating. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by McCarty-Thomas’, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville.
Alfred B. Blaker Sr.
Alfred B. Blaker Sr., 71, of 154 Fairlawn Ave., State College, a South Williamsport native, died Sunday, July 30, 2000, in Centre Community Hospital, State College. He and his wife, the former Relda M. Robinson, observed thier 48th wedding anniversary Sept. 29. He retired from Atotect, State College. He was an Army veteran of Korea. He attended Good Shepard Evangelical Lutheran Church, State College. Born Sept 22, 1928, in South Williamsport, he was a son of Charles E. and Rose Ertel Blaker. Surviving, besides his wife, are two sons, Alfred B. Jr. of State College and Michael A. of Hanover; three sisters, Alice McClintock of South Williamsport, Helen Kane and Clara, both of Lancaster; and two grandchildren, Heather and David. Private family services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, with his pastor, the Rev. A. David Sailer officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
G. William Burd
G. William Burd, 71, of 1617 Elwood Road died Sunday, July 30, 2000, at home after a lengthy illness. He and his wife, the former Dorothy E. Kaufman, observed their 24th wedding anniversary May 7. He retired as owner and operator of Burd Abstracting in 1985. He was a graduate of Williamsport High School and Lycoming College in 1953. He was a member of Lodge 106 F&AM and the Williamsport Shrine. He served in the Marines. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Born Oct. 17, 1928, in this city, he was a son of George W. and Sarah Duke Burd. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, William J. of this city; three daughters, Debra L. Damaska of Kymberly A. Dunlap and Susie M. all of this city; a sister, Alyce M. Cerin of San Leandro, Calif.; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the church, 142 Market St., with his pastor, the Rev. Kenneth R. Elkin, officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from noon to 1 p.m. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville.
Jane McKinley Haver
Jane McKinley Haver, 92, of Green Ridge Village, Newville, formerly of Lock Haven, died Sunday, July 30, 2000. She was the widow of J. Rex Haver. She worked in the office of Dr. Edward Hoberman and taught in Jefferson County. She attended Clarion Norman School She was a longtime member of Great Island Presbyterian Church, Lock Haven. Born in Union County, she was a daughter of Wade H. and Edith Oaks McKinley. Surviving are a daughter, Edith Haver Beck of Carlisle; a granddaughter, Jennifer Vogel; and a great-grandson. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Yost-Gedon’s, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Lock Haven. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Jerry Lee Merrill
McELHATTAN - Jerry Lee Merrill, 53, of Youngdale Road died Sunday, July 30, 2000, in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he had been admitted Saturday after a short illness. He and his wife, the former Betty Calhoun, observed their 31st wedding anniversary, Feb. 22. He retired in 1996 as a truck operator for PennDOT after 28 years and had previously been a landscaper in the Lock Haven and McElhattan area. After high school he entered the Job Corps. He was a member of Martin May Post 284, American Legion, Avis. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. Born June 21, 1947, in Lock Haven, he was a son of Alton and Edith L. Burkholder Merrill. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Leroy M. of McElhattan; a daughter, Kelly J. Ludwig of McElhattan; two brothers, Robert G. and Daune A. and Robert G., both of Lock Haven; two sisters, Roma Zener of Tylersville and Harriet Smith of Julian, Tenn; and three grandchildren, Dean Ludwig, Trevor and Whitney. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Fern Carson and Edith Zinck. A memorial service will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at McElhattan United Methodist Church, McElhattan Drive, with the Rev. John C. Baney, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the church from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Arrangements are being handled by Yost-Gedon’s, 121 West main St., Lock Haven.
Richard E. Muffly
MILTON- Richard E. “Dick” Muffly, 63, of Housels Run Road, Milton RR 1, died Monday, July 31, 2000, at home after a long illness. He and his wife, the former Patricia A. Nunn observed their 43rd wedding anniversary Nov. 26. He retired in in 1987 from Continental Can, Milton, as a machinist, after 31 years he also owned and operated Muffly’s Rhododendrons and Azalea Nursery since 1966. He was a 1955 graduate of Milton High School and attended Williamsport Technical Institute. He was a member of the Rhododendron Society of America. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its council. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and was a Penn State football fan. Born Oct. 18, 1936, in Spring Garden, near Allenwood, he was a son of Clair W. and Thelma P. Fisher Muffly. Surviving, besides his wife, are three daughters, Karen L. Walize of Watsontown, Karla J. Bingaman of Selinsgrove RR 2 and Greta J. Derr of Snow Hill, Md.; a brother, Donald C. of Setucket, Long Island, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday inthe church, 100 Mahoning St., with the Rev. LeRoy E.P. Reitz, his pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, New Columbia. Friends may call from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cronrath’s, 308 Main St., Watsontown and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Frank A. Bair
Frank A. Bair, 91, formerly of Heshbon Road, died Monday July 31, 2000, at the Williamsport Home. Arrangements are being handled by Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St.
Reed Plankenhorn
LEWISBURG - Reed Plankenhorn, 70, formerly of 340 JMP Road, died Sunday, July 30, 2000, in Kramm Nursing Home, Watsontown, where he had lived for three years. He had worked for the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, as a kitchen manager and previously for Noll Funeral Home, South Williamsport, and as a floral designer for Collins and Rhodes Florist, in this city. He attended Williamsport schools and was a graduate of South Williamsport High School and attended a floral design school in Chicago. He attended Covenant-Central Presbyterian Church, in this city. Born Oct. 21, 1929, in this city, he was a son of Karl and Marian E. Stultzman Plankenhorn. Surviving are two sisters, Nancy Scoville of Belen, N.M. and Jane Stryker of St. petersburg, Fla. The funeral will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Cronrath’s, South Second and Louis Streets.
Charles A. Reed II
Charles A. Reed II, 67, of Springfield, Va., formerly of this city and a longtime local businessman, died Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at Linn House, Alexandria, Va., after a brief illness. His wife, the former Gloria Sackman, survives. He was owner of local businesses including, C.A. Reed, Reed Han Litho and Bull and Barrel. He was a graduate of Williamsport Area High School. He was a member of First Church of Christ, Boston, Mass. Born Nov. 22, 1932, in this city, he was a son of Brittain B. and Gertrude S. Reed. Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons, Charles A. III of Grand Rapids, Mich., Douglas A. of Harrisburg, Brittain B. II of Battle Creek, Mich. and Craig E. of Tuscon, Ariz.; two daughters, Suzan W. Mischer of Beverly Hills, Calif. and Katrina Kelly of Philadelphia; two stepsons, Robert Bastain III of Vienna, Va. and Karlton Patton of San Mateo, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Celeste Patton of Springfield; a sister, Ann Moorehart of this city; 10 grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. Private family services were Saturday at his home.
