Obituaries by LocationInda Schofield
Inda Schofield, 73, of 57 Wentworth Cove Road, Laconia, N.H., a city native, died at the Webster at Rye on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2000. Her husband, Edward F. Schofield, died in 1994. She graduated from LaSalle Junior College. She was a 1949 graduate of Boston University with a BS in Journalism. She was a medical librarian at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover and Frisbee Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.H. She was a 27-year resident of Laconia, moving there from this city and wrote a newspaper column, “Skiing with Inda” while living here. Born April 7, 1927 in Haverhill, Mass., she was a daughter of Carroll L. and Inda F. Durkee Dunn. Surviving are, two sons, Dr. J. Craig Stevens, Clark Fork, Idaho, and H. Brooks Stevens, New Castle, N.H.; two daughters, I. Krista Loring, Gilford, N.H., and Andrea C. Kelly of Willington, Conn.; and eleven grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, in Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, N.H., with the Rev. Sara Allen officiating. Burial will be in Bayside Cemetery, Laconia. Friends may call at from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Wilkinson-Beane’s, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia. Following the service family and friends will gather at 57 Wentworth Cove Road, Laconia.
Madeline I. Smith
COGAN STATION - Madeline I. Smith, 83, of 3615 Pine St.died Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2000, in Williamsport Hospital. Her husband, Robert K. Smith, died Oct. 8, 1986. She retired from Syntex as an inspector after 28 years. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Born June 17, 1917, in this city, she was a daughter of August and Frances Sortman Luxenberger. Services will be private at Noll’s, 1 E. Central Ave. South Williamsport. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. The family will provide the flowers.
Mary Elizabeth Sponsler
Mary Elizabeth Sponsler, 86, of Redlands, Calif., a city native, died Monday, Oct. 30, 2000, at Plymout Villiage. Her husband, John B. Sponsler, died March 21, 1982. She was a homemaker. Born Dec. 31, 1913, in this city, she was a daughter of Ralph and Florence Cummins Messersmith. Surviving are a son, John of San Bernadino, Calif.; three daughters, Mary Haut of Redding, Calif., Susan Baird of Lexington, Ky. and Shari Bailey of Raligh, N.C.; a brother, John Messersmith of River Edge, N.J.; three sisters, Eleanor Bush of this city, Charlotte Grow of Marlton, N.J. and Florence DeRose of Sun City, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Messersmith. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Crouse’s, 133 E. Third St., with the Rev. Daren K. Williams, rector, Christ Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m.
E. Jane Walker;
Accident Victim
MUNCY - E. Jane Walker, 75, of 96 Park Place died Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2000, in the Williamsport Hospital emergency room, where she was taken after an accident. Her husband, Grover E. Walker, died Jan. 9, 1982. She was employed at the George Meck Senior Center, and retired from Marathon Carey-McFall Co., Montgomery, and previously worked for the former GTE Sylvania, Montoursville. She was a member of Pin-Pals Tuesday night ladies early bowling league. She was a member of Lycoming Valley Baptist Church, Montoursville. Born June 14, 1925, in Corry, Erie County, she was a daughter of Emma Jane Hester. Surviving is a son, Kim M. of Muncy. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Betzer’s, 108 N. Main St., with the Rev. Derrick Neill, her pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m.
Dorotha Ann Kelts Hall
MANSFIELD - Dorotha Ann Kelts Hall, 87, of South Main Street died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000, in Broad Acres Nursing Home, Wellsboro. She was the widow of Benjamin Hall. She retired after 10 years in the Mansfield University custodial and maintenance department. She was a member of the Ramblers Club. She was a member of First United Methodist Church here, a former Sunday school teacher and a member of Alpha Delta class. Born May 6, 1913, Covington, she was a daughter of George E. and Lila Horton Kelts. Surviving are a daughter, Lorraine Ann Farr of Lawrenceville; a son, Gerald Benjamin of Elmira, N.Y,; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Scureman’s, 130 S. Main St. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Charles H. Adams
Charles H. Adams, 87, of this city, died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000, in Williamsport Hospital. He and his wife, the former Geraldine E. Mitstifer, observed their 61st wedding anniversary Aug. 3. He was a winder at Bethlehem Steel for 34 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and gardening. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. Born March 9, 1913, in Johnstown, he was a son of Sheldon and Eva Benshoff Adams. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Dennis H. of Trout Run; a daughter, Linda Wilson of Cogan Station; two brothers, Lou of Mansfield and Lawrence of Morris Run; a sister, Mary Keisinger of Morris Run; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Clyde N. Utz
Clyde N. Utz, 92, of Randolph, N.J., a former city resident, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000, in St. Clare’s Hospital, Dover, N.J., after a brief illness. His wife, Catherine Utz, died in 1964. He retired in 1978 after 41 years as supervisor of Dover High School, Dover. He was a member of the advisory board of the Salvation Army Corps, Morris-Sussex Area Council of the Boy Scouts, Dover Little Theater, Dover Memorial Association, Randolph Township Board of Education, American Red Cross and director and vice president of the West Morris YMCA. He was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in this city. Born Nov. 9, 1907, in Philadelphia, he was a son of Warren and Sally Utz. Surviving are a sister, Betty U. Benford of Pleasant Gap and four nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward R. and John W., and a sister, Verna M. The funeral will be at 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Tuttle’s, 272 Route 10, Randolph. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. The family will provide the flowers.
Virginia B. Miller
LEWISBURG – Virginia B. Miller, 80, of 211 S. 17th St., formerly of Bedford, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000, in Evangelical Community Hospital, where she had been a patients for 10 days. She and her husband, Frederick J. Miller, observed their 52nd wedding anniversary Sept. 4. She retired from Allenwood Equipment, Allenwood, in 1994. She had been a bookkeeper for Scott and Stringfellow of Richmond, Va.; the Cumberland Motor Express of Cumberland, Md., and Knisley and Sons of Bedford. She was a 1937 graduate of Woodstock High School, a graduate of Massanutten Military Academy, Woodstock, Va., and Smith-Deal Massey Business College of Richmond, Va. She was a member of Zion Christian Church, Mauertown, Va. Born Aug. 14, 1920, in Woodstock, Va., she was a daughter of William Frank and Viola Borden Beydler. Surviving, besides her husband, are a son, Wayne F. of Clearville and a daughter, Marlene Rike of Bryan, Texas; four grandchildren, Laura and Mark Miller and Thomas and Jim Rike; and one great-grandson, Zachary Rike. She was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Dellinger’s, 159 N. Main St., Woodstock, Va., with the Rev. Robert R. Robertson, pastor of the First United Church of Christ, Everett, officiating. Burial will be in Sunset View Memorial Gardens, Woodstock, Va. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Cronrath’s, S. Second and St. Louis streets, Lewisburg, and from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Dellinger’s.
William R. Hosler
LEWISBURG - Word has been received of the death of William R. Hosler, 35, of this borough, who died Monday, Sept. 25, 2000, while walking near his home. He and his wife, the former Heidi Schwarz, were married for 13 years. He served as an extension agent for economic and community development with Penn State Extension for 14 years. He earned his bachelor’s of science and master’s of agriculture degrees from Penn State University. He was on the board of the Omicron Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Born Nov. 12, 1964, in Lewistown, he was a son of Thomas and Margaret Ann Partchey Hosler. Surviving, besides his wife, are two daughters, Sheryl and Karyn, both at home. Services were held Sept. 27. Arrangements were handled by Shaw’s, 801 Market St.
Colby A. Brott;
Victim of Accident
Colby A. Brott, 50, of Canton RR 1, Leroy Township, formerly of Tioga, died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000, as a result of injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. He and his wife, the former Donna L. Gordner, observed their 18th wedding anniversary Oct. 16. He was a self-employed flag-car driver and previously was employed as a laborer for Heavy and Highway Local Union 158 for 23 years. He was a member of the Canton American Legion, and A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania District 4, Canyon Country Chapter, Wellsboro. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed motorcycle riding. Born Dec. 3, 1949, in Blossburg, he was a son of Ernest and Nettie Marcy Brott. Surviving, besides his wife, are two daughters, Hellen K. Pentecost of Riegelsville and NaCole L. of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; a sister, Dawn Bell of Wellsboro; two brothers, Donald of Tioga and Larry of Clarion; and a grandson, Alexander Pentecost. He was preceded in death by a brother, John. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pepper’s, Springbrook Drive, Canton, with the Rev. David B. Morris, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Charles J. Eckman
CANTON - Charles J. Eckman, 47, of Kailua, Hawaii, a former Canton resident, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000, in St. Francis Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. He traveled in the construction business, working his way to project superintendent of Bodell Constructors in Hawaii. He was a 1970 graduate of Canton High School. He enjoyed nature. Born Dec. 31, 1952, in Troy, he was a son of Charles A. Eckman and Marjorie Hickok. Surviving are his wife, Christine; his mother of Canton; a son, Ryne in Minnesota; a brother, Allen “Punk” Williams of Canton; four sisters, Sharon Herbert of Hughestown, Charlene Vanaman of Tampa, Fla., Connie Cutler of Lyons, N.Y. and Bena Clark of Canton. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pepper’s, Springbrook Drive, with the Rev. Nancy Goff, officiating.
James Pershing Walizer
LOCK HAVEN - James Pershing Walizer, 81, of Dunnstown died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000, in Jersey Shore Hospital. He was the widower of the former Ruth Louise Brown. He retired in 1981 as a foreman at Piper Aircraft for 31 years. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a 1936 graduate of Lock Haven High School. He was a member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Lock Haven. Born in Upper Lockport, he was a son of Claude Brown and Pearl Edith Brilhart Walizer. Surviving are three daughters, Carol L. Shoenfelt of Bradenton, Fla., Sue Heltman Wheeler and Ellen Campbell, both of Dunnstown; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, George K. and Jesse W. and a granddaughter. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Helt Hanna Kline’s, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall, with the Rev. Marie E. Lewis, officiating. Burial will be in highland Cemetery, Lock Haven. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Jean L. Reed
RENOVO - Jean L. Reed, 65, of 537 Farwell Ave. died Tuesday, Oct. 31, in Williamsport Hospital. She and her husband, James Reed, observed their 45th wedding anniversary April 29. Born June 30, 1935, in Portage Township, Cameron County, she was a daughter of Robert and Alda Brocious Smith. Surviving, besides her husband, are her mother of Truman; a daughter, Cindy Lee Crouse of Webster, N.Y.; two sons, James A. of Ovid, N.Y. and John J. of Seneca Falls, N.Y.; two sisters, Joan Leavitt of Truman and Nancy Summerson of Linden; a brother, James R. Smith of Carteret, N.J. and 10 grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Barnett’s, 207 E. Fourth St., Emporium, with the Rev. Alvin Hezlep, St. Thomas, officiating. Burial will be in Moore Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.
Mildred Irene Motter;
Active in Church Affairs
LEWISBURG - Mildred Irene Motter, 88, of 5 South Aspen Place died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000, in Evangelical Community Hospital. She was the widow of her first husband, Alfred J. Nunemacher, and her second husband, the Rev. Alton M. Motter. She was financial clerk at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for 13 years and a teacher for its fifth grade Sunday school. She was a member of the PTA, a Boy Scout den mother and was on the board of Hemlock Girl Scout Council. She was founding president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Rescue Workers. In 1984, she revived and chaired the Greater Williamsport Church World Service CROP Walk for local and world hunger. She was a delegate of the church-wide assembly of Lutheran Church in America in 1980. She was a participant in the national Council of Churches’ Church Exchange Seminar of the former Soviet Union. As a former chairwoman of the church’s social ministry committee, she played a role in the resettlement of two refugee families from Vietnam. She was active in the Yokefellow Ministry at the Allenwood Federal Prison Camp. Surviving are a son, Dr. Jeffrey L. Nunemacher of Worthington, Ohio; two sisters, Ruth Moore of Lewisburg and Mabel Geiger of Three Rivers, Mich.; and a brother, Charles Hoffman of Watsontown. She was preceded in death by a brother, Myles E. Hoffman, and a sister, Edna G. Hoffman. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Christ’s Lutheran Church, 100 S. Third St., with the Revs. Scott E. Zimmerer, John Schier-Hanson, her pastors and Bishop A. Donald Main, officiating. There will be a gathering of friends at the church social hall after the service. A graveside committal service will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Wildwood Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Cronrath’s, South Second and Lewis streets.
Edgar R. Apker Jr.
Edgar R. Apker Jr., 64, of 1023 Grove Street died Friday, Nov. 3, 2000, at home after a brief illness. He and his wife, the former Jeanne M. Morgan, observed their 36th wedding anniversary Sept. 5. He retired as a machinist at Hermance Machine Co., and also worked at the former GTE Sylvania, Montoursville. He served in the Army. Born January 16, 1936, in this city, he was a son of Edgar R. and Maudie Bowman Apker Sr. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, John F. Vought Jr. of this city; two daughters, Gina L. Keefer of Hollidaysburg and Christy D. Marshall, of this city; a sister, Ada Benedict of Phoenix, Ariz.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Edgar R. III, and a brother, Dale. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Spitler’s, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville, with the Rev. David D. McClanahan, officiating. Interment will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Rodney J. Rauch
JERSEY SHORE - Rodney J. Rauch, 45, of Broad St. died Friday, Nov. 3, 2000, at home. He worked in the Williamsport Hospital emergency room for 10 years. He was a graduate of South Williamsport High School and attended Bob Jones University, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the former Williamsport Area Community College. He was a member of Lighthouse Wesleyan Church. Born June 8, 1955, in Williamsport, he was a son of Dale E. and Isabelle M. Confair Rauch. Surviving are his mother; two brothers, Ervin L. of Jersey Shore and Douglas W. of Hughesville; and a sister, Sherry R. of Jersey Shore. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the church, with the Rev. Gary Dewitt, his pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Jersey Shore Cemetery. Friends may call at Welker’s, 125 N. Main St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
