Obituaries by LocationCleo S. Pepperman
Cleo S. Pepperman, 90, formerly of 1574 Northway Road, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at Valley View Nursing Center. Her husband, Carl W. Pepperman, died in 1950. She retired in 1972 as a secretary from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. She was a 1927 graduate of Williamsport Area High School. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Order of Eastern Star Chapter 66, Silver Spring, Md., Lycoming County Historical Society, Williamsport Hospital Auxilliary, YWCA, South Williamsport Senior Citizens, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Born Feb. 6, 1910, in this city, she was a daughter of W. Clyde and Eva L. Huffman Strayer. Surviving are several cousins. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St., with her pastor, the Rev. Kenneth R. Elkin, officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 2:30 p.m. The family will provide the flowers.
Marlin G. Ranck
TURBOTVILLE - Marlin G. Ranck, 78, of 4 E. Crestwood Drive, Danville, an area farmer of seven years, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000. He and his wife, the former Angelina M. Armstrong, observed their 57th wedding anniversary Sept. 13. He retired in 1979 from TRW, Danville, had been employed at AC&F in Milton and had farmed in rural Turbotville. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the South Pacific. He was a member of the American Legion Post 40 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 298, Danville. He was a member of the California Grange 941, Limestone Township, the National Grange and the Danville Elks. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Turbotville. Born Feb. 15, 1922, in Kelly Township, Union County, he was a son of Ray Russell and Helen Mae Baylor Ranck. Surviving, besides his wife, are two sons, David R. of Harrisburg and Christopher M. of Danville; a daughter, Janet M. Musser of Maryin, Ohio; a brother, Paul R. of Lewisburg; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Brothers Eugene F. died in 1996 and Clement died in 1992. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. James Lutheran Church with the Rev. Charla M. Grieves, his pastor, officiating. Internment will be in Highland Cemetery, New Columbia RR 1, where full military honors will be accorded by combined area veteran’s organizations. Friends may call at Brooks’, 207 Broadway St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. California Grange 941 will conduct a memorial service.
Harris Shaffer
Harris “Max” Shaffer, 89, of 1853 Beverly Ave. died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at Williamsport Hospital, following a lengthy illness. He and his wife, the former Rosanna G. Sweet, observed their 65th wedding anniversary June 26. He retired from the former Avco, now Textron-Lycoming, after 42 years and was an independent building contractor. He was a member of Local 787 United Auto Workers. Born April 13, 1911, in Grampian, he was a son of Harry S. and Margaret Zeigler Shaffer. Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons, Charles R. and Donald K., both of this city, and George H. of Sesser, Ill.; two daughters, Faye M. Carlisle of Cogan Station and Katherine J. White of this city; one brother, Jonathan H. of this city; four sisters, Ora Reed, Mary Bordy, Phena M. McQuillen and Zanella L. Hefner, all of this city; 21 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three brothers, Charles W., Gorman S. and Harry C.; and two sisters, Altress A. Haley and Meredith M. Spillane. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave. Internment will be in Beech Valley Cemetery. The family will provide the flowers. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Vera A. Buck
Vera A. Buck, 86, of Manor Care Health Services died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000. Arrangements are being handled by Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St.
W. Elwood Abernatha
W. Elwood “Abby” Abernatha, 88, a city native, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, at Williamsport Home after a lengthy illness. His wife, the former Helen L. Ade, died Jan. 11, 1995. He retired in 1977 as a funeral director from the former Knight Funeral Home. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was past president of the Newberry Lions Club, a life member of Lions International, a member of John F. Laedlein Lodge 707 F&AM and Williamsport Consistory. He was past president of the former Williamsport Funeral Directors Association and a life member of Central Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. He was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and a former member of its board of trustees. Born June 5, 1912, he was a son of James M. and Ruth E. Updegraff Abernatha. Surviving are a sister, Sarabelle Pickelner of this city; three grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jennifer and John Norton; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn M. Norton. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave., with the Rev. John R. Shafer, his former pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m. The family will provide the flowers.
Luther G. Baker
MILLVILLE - Luther G. Baker, 97, formerly of Millville died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at The Riverwoods, Lewisburg. He owned a store in Eyers Grove and Bakers Locker Plant here for 46 years, retiring in 1969. He was a Millville councilman for six years. He was a director of the former First National Bank here for 18 years; past master of the Unityville Grange; past president of the Millville Los Amigos Club; a member of the Orangeville Masonic Lodge 460, Bloomsburg Consistory, the Wyoming Valley Shrine and Bloomsburg Kiwanis Club. He was a member of Millville United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of the former Muncy Normal School and the former Williamsport Commercial College. Born Nov. 5, 1902, in Pine Township, Columbia County, he was a son of Ernest and Sarah Young Baker. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, the former Marian Eves Artman of Lewisburg; a daughter, Barbara Evans of Millville; two stepdaughters, Carol Kahler of Homer, N.Y., and Edith Kessler of Orangeville RR 1; a brother, Gerald Baker of Benton; four grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 16 stepgreat-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, the former Enza Smith, a brother, the Rev. Edgar Baker, and a stepson, James Artman. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Millville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Richard Bender, retired chaplain, officiating. Burial will be in Millville Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Arrangements are being handled by Poust-Bunnell’s, Millville.
Wendy L. Womer Blakley
Wendy L. Womer Blakley, 29, of Denver, Pa., formerly of Loyalsock Township, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at Thornton Hospital, San Diego, Calif. Arrangements are being handled by Spilter’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville.
John H. Breining Sr.
John H. Breining Sr., 77, of Columbia Cross Roads RR 3, formerly of the 600 block of Ames Place, died Saturday, Aug 5, 2000. His wife, the former Irene J. Sherwood, died Oct. 2, 1979. He retired as an insurance agent from Allstate. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Ivy Lodge 397 F&AM. He was a member of Troy American Legion, Lions and the Wheel Inn. Born April 7, 1923, in Quiggleville, he was a son of Howard C. and Louise F. Uytterlinde Breining. Surviving are, a son, John H. Jr. of Stroudsburg; five grandchildren; and a companion, Greta I. Spangler of South Williamsport. He was predeceased by a daughter, Joyce I. Betts, three brothers and two sisters. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave., with the Rev. David Bixler, Emmanuel Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Quiggleville. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A Masonic service will be at 8 p.m.
Theodore L. Lehman
JERSEY SHORE - Theodore L. Lehman, 78, formerly of Jersey Shore died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at Manor Care Health Center. His wife, the former Lucille Larison, died July 29, 1990. He was owner of the former Dixie Grill for more than 20 years and Lehman Brothers Construction. Born May 29, 1922, in Nippenose Valley, he was a son of Milford and Bessie Woomer Lehman. Surviving are a son, Donald H. of Jersey Shore; a daughter, Donna L. Sylvis of Jersey Shore; four brothers, Dick F., Clarence Q. and Byron E., all of Jersey Shore, and Ned C. of Lakeland, Fla.; a sister, Martha M. Heck of Jersey Shore; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Welker’s, 125 N. Main St., with the Rev. Michael A. Guiswite officiating. Burial will be in Jersey Shore Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m.
Anna Jean Parks
A memorial service will be Wednesday for Anna Jean Parks, 76, of 2921 Robbins Road, Montoursville, who died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at the Williamsport Hospital.
Her husband, Herbert W. Parks, died in 1982. She was a homemaker. She attended Williamsport schools. Born April 28, 1924, in this city, she was a daughter of Oris and Julia Feeney McCloskey. Surviving are two sons, Herbert Parks Jr. of Muncy and John Parks II of Montoursville; three daughters, Margaret J. Stepp of Williamsport, Judy Powers of Montgomery and Jean Parke of Montoursville; two brothers, Karl McCloskey of Muncy and Paul McCloskey in Texas; three sisters, Kathryn Harer of Montoursville, Eleanor Waldman of this city and June Morehart in Texas; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Oris and Joe McCloskey. The service will be at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 380 E. Fourth St., with the Rev. Allen H. Goss officiating. Internment will be in Montoursville Cemetery. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St.
Henry M. Yordy
JERSEY SHORE - Henry M. Yordy, 83, of 5589 N. Route 44 died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. His wife, the former Edith M. Frey, died May 27. He retired in 1990 after 15 years at Boston Farms Jelly Factory, Stillwater RR 1, and in 1975 as manager from Par Gas Co., Shickshinny. He was a member of Sunbury Masonic Lodge. He was a member of Miller Crossroads United Methodist Church and attended Waterville United Methodist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Doreen Hock and Gail M., both of Blossburg; a son, Barry of Jersey Shore; a sister, Marvene Shipman of Sunbury RR 4; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn and Lee, and a sister, Grace Hepner. Private services will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Kriner’s, 325 Market St., Blossburg.
Marjie Mae Jamison
Marjie Mae Jamison, 70, a resident of DeFuniak Springs, FL, formerly of Allenwood, PA, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2000 in the North Okaloosa Medical Center at Crestview, FL. Mrs. Jamison had fought a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born August 17, 1929 at Picture Rocks, Lycoming Co., PA a daughter of Arthur and Florence Wertz Witmer. She and her husband, Mark C. Jamison, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on July 3, 2000. She had been in administration with the former Montgomery Mills and had also been a certified nursing assistant. She and her husband had resided in the northwest Florida area since 1989. Marjie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She had a great love for and enjoyed traveling. In addition to her husband, also of DeFuniak Springs, FL, she is survived by her mother Florence Witmer of Muncy, PA; a daughter, Pam Hetrick and friend, Roy Murphy of DeFuniak Springs, FL; 4 brothers, and sisters-in-law, Eugene and Nanc Witmer of Watsontown, PA, Arthur and Jeannie Witmer of Allenwood, PA, Robert and Norma Witmer of Westfield, NY and Larry and Linda Witmer of Watsontown, PA; 2 grandchildren, Ronda Schooley wife of James Moses and Bryan Hetrick and by 1 great-granddaughter, Erica Thomas and 1 step-great grandson, Alphonso Moses. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, August 12, 2000 at 1:00 P.M. from the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service, 108 N. Main Street, Muncy, PA. Interment will be in the Uniontown Cemetery at Allenwood. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Mrs. Jamison’s memory.
Bernard Baily
BLOSSBURG - Bernard Baily of Blossburg died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre. Arrangements are being handled by Freeberg’s, North Williamson Road.
Wendy L. Womer Blakley
The funeral will be Friday for Wendy L. Womer Blakley, 29, of 1254 Harvest Drive, Denver, a city native, who died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at Thornton Hospital, San Diego, Calif. She and her husband, Herman J. Blakley, observed their fifth wedding anniversary May 20. She was a first-grade teacher in Eastern Lancaster County School District. In 1994, she was named Teacher of the Year by Lancaster County Intermediate Unit 13. She was a member of Pennsylvania State Teachers Association. She was a 1988 graduate of Loyalsock Township High School. She was a 1992 graduate of Millersville University. She was a member of the 1987-88 Women’s World Champion Softball team. She was a member of Dove Christian Fellowship, Ephrata. Born Aug. 23, 1970, she was a daughter of Lynn and Kathleen Hackney Womer. Surviving, besides her husband, are her mother and father, both of Loyalsock Township; a daughter Ryleigh L. at home; maternal grandmother, Kathryn Hackney of Secretary, Md.; three brothers, Brian Womer of this city, Scott Womer of Aruroa, Colo., and Garth Womer of Loyalsock Township; and a sister, Kristie Clark of Indiana. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1400 Market St., with the Rev. Dennis Cramer officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and at St. Luke’s from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Dove Christian Fellowship Church, 1755 West Main St., West Gate Plaza, Ephrata.
Donna Elsie Moyse
WELLSBORO - Donna Elsie Moyse, 53, of Wellsboro RR 6 died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at home. She and her husband, Dennis Moyse, observed their 28th wedding anniversary Nov. 26. She was secretary for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, here, for nine years and founded the Thrift Shop Fashion Show. She was an active member of the church. She enjoyed crafts. Surviving, besides her husband, are a daughter, Alvaan Dunton of Allentown; a son, Edward of Newark, Del.; two sisters, Andrea Brown of Mansfield and Jane Folds of Hartwell, Ga.; and a granddaughter, Sunny. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church, with the Rev. John Whitney, officiating. Inurnment will be in the Columbarium at the church.
Paul Lowry Parker
CANTON - Paul Lowry Parker, 82, formerly of Canton, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, in Soldiers and Sailors Hospital, Wellsboro. He and his wife, the former Catherine “Jean” McKay, would have observed their 64th wedding anniversary Aug. 28. He retired in 1993 as owner and operator of a piano and organ repair business founded by his father in 1914. He enjoyed traveling. Surviving, besides his wife, are a daughter, Sharon Parker DeHaas of Cathedral City, La.; a son, Ken, of Palm Springs, Calif; a sister, Ann P. Bryan of Clarksburg, Md.; a brother, Richard of Shanks W. Va.; three grandchildren, Christopher, Patrick and Heather DeHaas; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Victor. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday in Middletown Presbyterian Church, Elwyn, with the Rev. Mike Nevling officiating. Friends may call at Pepper’s, Springbrook Drive, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Bernard Bailey
BLOSSBURG - Bernard Bailey, 68, of 359 Granger St. died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre. He was a retired borough employee. He served with the Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Supreme Sacrifice Post 8730, here. Born May 11, 1932, in this borough, he was a son of Harold and Laura Wilcox Bailey. Surviving, are a companion, Theresa; and several cousins. Funeral services and burial will be in Arbon Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Freeberg’s, 120 N. Williamson Rd.
Vera A. Buck
Vera A. Buck, 86, of 1602 Scott St. died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at Manor Care Health Services. She and her husband, Elwood C. Buck, observed their 57th wedding anniversary June. Retiring in 1980, she was a shoemaker at the former Cobblers for 30 years. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. She was born Jan. 18, 1915. Surviving, besides her husband, are a stepdaughter Pearl Monk of Tucson, Ariz; a sister, Helen; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St., with the Rev. Kenneth R. Elkin, officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call the funeral home from 7 to 8 tonight.
