Obituaries by LocationClair D. Sheasley
LOCK HAVEN - Clair D. Sheasley, 80, of 983 W. Fourth St., died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, at home. He and his wife, the former Cecelia M. Richner, observed their 53rd wedding anniversary Oct. 3. Retiring in 1983, he was employed for 32 years with the former Piper Aircraft. Earlier in life he worked at the former General Armature Plant and helped his father as a painter and wallpaperer. He was a member of St. Lukes United Church of Christ, Flemington. He was an active member, served on the board and was Ticket Chairman of the Lock Haven Golden K. He was active with the More Than Bread Program and was a life member of the VFW. He served as a troop leader and scout master of local troop 32. He was an Army Air Corp veteran of World War II, receiving the Asiatic-Pacific, Theater Philippine Liberation, Good Conduct Medal and WW II Victory Medal. Born Nov. 10, 1920, in Mill Hall, he was a son of James W. and Minnie Wilson Sheasley. Surviving, besides his wife, are two sons, James W. of Howard and Randy D. of Williamsport; a brother, Charles W. of Lock Haven; a sister, Margaret Gebhart of York; and two grandchildren, Michael James and Jessica Lynn Sheasley. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park.
There will be no visitation.
James W. Foust
TURBOTVILLE - James W. “Teener” Foust, 82, of 293 King St., died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001 at home. He and his wife, the former Dorothy Jane Cromis, celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary June 25. He was president of Turbotville National Bank. He served as president of Turbotville Borough Council, Turbotville Municipal Authority and was a member of the Turbotville Board of Adjustments. He was a member of St. James Evangelical Church, Turbotville. He was a 1936 graduate of Danville High School where he was a standout football, basketball and softball player. He was a member of Turbotville Lions Club, Muffly-Huff Post 8206, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Turbotville, Watsontown Lodge 401, Free & Accepted Masons, and Williamsport Consistory. In 1989 he was awarded Citizen of the Year by the VFW. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers Hall of Fame and was honored as a 50-year member of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. He played with the Turbotville Cyclones baseball club of the West Branch League in the late 1930s and 40s. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served with the 36th Infantry Division. He was an avid golfer, bowler and Penn State sports fan. Born Aug. 9, 1918 in Danville, he was the son of Walter O. and Anna Jenkins Goodall Foust. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Christopher J. of Watsontown RR; two daughters, Donna D. of Turbotville and Robin L. of Allentown; a brother, Robert G. of Trevorton; a sister, Elizabeth Ann “Lib” Donegan of Danville; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas W. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. James Lutheran Church, Church Street, Turbotville, with the Rev. Charla M. Grieves, his pastor, officiating. Burial with full military honors will be accorded by combined veterans organizations in Turbotville Cemetery. Friends may call Brooks’, 207 Broadway St., Turbotville, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Watsontown Masonic Lodge and Turbotville Lions Club will hold memorial services at 6 and 6:30 p.m., respectively.
Irvin E. Lunger
Irvin E. Lunger, 88, of Harrodsburg, Ky., formerly of Green St., city, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2001. His first wife, Eleanor Zink Lunger, died in 1955. He is survived by his second wife, Kay Walsh Ritchey Lunger. He was former dean and president of Transylvania University. He served on the university’s board of trustees. Previously, he was a minister at University Church of the Disciples of Christ, Chicago. As a minister, he was recognized as one of the foremost scholars on religion in the country. He was the first dean of Morrison Chapel and taught religion at Lexington College. He was a radio preacher on CBS in Chicago and preached on the CBS coast-to-coast Church of the Air Broadcast. In 1985, Transylvania’s Alumni Executive Board established the Irvin E. Lunger Award. He was former president of the board of directors of the Lexington United Community Fund, first president of Lexington Living Arts and Science Center, and chaired the Lexington Public Library board. He served on the boards of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Blue Grass Council of Boy Scouts, Sayre Schools and the Lexington-Fayette County Foundation. He had been a director of the Fund for Advancement of Education and Research at University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center and had been chairman of the Good Samaritan Hospital Building Fund Campaign’s Corporate Gifts Division. He was a former member of the Governor’s Commission on Higher Education in Kentucky and was chairman of the Kentucky Selection Committee for Rhodes Scholarships. He served as president of the Annual Conference of Church-Related Colleges of the South, was a member of the board of directors of the Board of Higher Education of the Christian Church, and was a member of the Association of American Colleges’ Commission on Religion in Higher Education. He was a graduate of Bethany College, W. Va. and the University of Chicago. Born June 28, 1912, in this city, he was a son of G. Lee and Mabel Lunger. Surviving, besides his wife, are a stepson, Ritchey Lunger; a brother, Dr. Harold Lunger of Lungerville; a sister; and a granddaughter. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Susan Ann Brown and Kathryn Elizabeth Willis. Funeral services were held in Lexington, Ky.
Edward J. Holmes
McELHATTAN - Edward J. Holmes, 76, of this borough, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, at Lock Haven Hospital Emergency after being stricken at home. He and his wife, the former Jean Taylor, observed their 54th wedding anniversary May 24. He retired in 1981 after 30 years as a postal RD carrier. Following retirement he worked for Susquehanna Transit as a school bus driver in the McElhattan and Lock Haven area. He was a member of the McElhattan United Methodist Church. He was a Army veteran of WW II. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed cabinet making, woodworking and gardening. Born July 7, 1924, in Castanea, he was a son of Edward J. and Ida Aaron Holmes. Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons, David James of Dillsburg, Michael Edward of McElhattan and Woodrow Taylor of Oak Hill, Va.; two daughters, Jeanette Linda Holmes of Saline, Mich., and Carolyn Elizabeth Balko of Auburn, Mass.; three sisters, Edna Simcox and June Huffman, both of McElhattan and Ida Weigle of Antes Fort; and three grandchildren, Suzanne and Curtis Balko and Monica Holmes. The funeral will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Yost-Gedon’s, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, with the Pastor John Baney, formerly of McElhattan United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Lamar Township. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:30 to 3:30 Wednesday.
Mahlon K. Lowe
Mahlon K. “Spike” Lowe, 71, of 2287 Royal Ave., died Friday, Jan. 19, 2001, at Memorial Hospital Flagler Emergency Room, Bunnell, Fla. His wife of 42 years, the former Doris L. Smith, died Dec. 29, 1991. He was a trackman and equipment operator for the former Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central Railroad and retired from Conrail after a combined 43 years of service. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5859, Jersey Shore. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Born June 4, 1929, in this city, he was a son of Bert and Susanna E. Lewis Lowe. Surviving are two sons, Steven V. “Jake” of this city and Dennis E. “Archie” of Cogan Station; two daughters, Darlene L. Dudek of this city and Joanne K. Lowe-Hinkel of Palm Coast, Fla.; a brother, Kenneth G. of Muncy; a sister, Shirley Ward of Trout Run; three granddaughters; three step granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sanders’, 821 Diamond St., with the Rev. Fred J. Fields, pastor of Calvary-St. Paul’s United Methodist Yoked Ministries of Berwick officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Park, Montgomery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. The family will provide flowers.
Victoria A. Swanson
Victoria Ann Swanson, 52, of 1900 Ravine Road died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, in Williamsport Hospital. She was a homemaker. She was a 1967 graduate of Williamsport High School. Born April 5, 1948, in this city, she was a daughter of Victor L. Sr. and Eleanor M. Kimble Smith. Surviving are her father of this city; two sons, Raymond V. of Muncy and John M. of Felton; a brother, Victor L. Smith Jr. of this city; and a sister, Virginia Morris of Rochester, N.Y. The funeral will be at 1:30 Thursday at Sanders’, 821 Diamond St., with Pastor Ronald D. Savits of Newberry Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
Lois Marie Houseknecht
MUNCY VALLEY - Lois Marie Houseknecht, 54, of 164 Edkin Hill Road died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. She and her husband, Gary R. Houseknecht, observed their 36th wedding anniversary May 23. She was secretary for Jack McClintock Logging and deputy prothonotary and deputy treasurer for Sullivan County. She served in the Sullivan County tax claim office and was a past secretary of Upper Shrewsbury Township. She was a member of Kedron United Methodist Church. Born Oct. 23, 1946, in Strawbridge, Penn Township, she was a daughter of Jason A. “Frit” and Glenna M. Barto Montague. Surviving, besides her husband, are her mother of Muncy Valley; two sons, Terry R. of Laporte and Gary W. of Muncy Valley; two daughters, Mary L. McClintock of Muncy Valley and Bette J. Hacker of Sonestown; three sisters, Alma Jean Snyder of Muncy, Janet L. Lore of Unityville and Betty Ann Sullivan of Hughesville; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Valley United Methodist Church, Route 220 North, Muncy Valley, with the Revs. Barbara Kaetzel-Row and Karen B. Allen officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Penn Township. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by McCarty-Thomas’, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville.
David G. Bower
David G. Bower Sr., 89, of 1108 Tule St., Montoursville, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, in the Pamela and Norm Koch Private Care Home, Linden, where he was a resident. He and his wife, the former Margaret “Peg” E. Kuhns, observed their 53rd wedding anniversary June 6. He was retired as owner/operator of the former Bower Garage in Montoursville. He was a Montoursville School District Bus Driver for 31 years. He was a member of Farragut United Methodist Church. He was a member of Eureka Lodge 335, F&AM, Montoursville. He was a former member of Loyalsock Valley Mens Club and Montoursville Lions Club. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame in 1970. The David G. Bower baseball field in Montoursville is named in his honor. He helped build the original Nicely baseball field. Born Jan. 1, 1912, in Paxinos, he was a son of John and Grace Bower. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Dr. David G. II of this city; a daughter, Elaine H. Bower of Montoursville; and three grandchildren, Chris, Michael and Terri Heinbach. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the church, 45 864 Highway, Montoursville, with the Rev. Donald E. Yorks officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. The family will provide the flowers.
Mary C. Hess
LOCK HAVEN - Mary C. Hess, 78, of this city, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, at Manor Care Center, Jersey Shore. Her husband, Charles “Chalkie” Hess, died in September, 1986. She attended North Bend United Methodist Church. She attended Renovo public schools. She was an avid arts and crafts worker. Born Jan. 17, 1923, in Renovo, she was a daughter of Jess H. and Ruth Driver Miller. Surviving are a stepson, Charles of Altoona; a sister, Mildred Fourney of Lock Haven; three step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Maxwell’s, 205 Fifth St., Renovo, with the Pastor John Godissart officiating. Burial will be in North Bend Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from noon to 1 p.m.
Caroline M. Riccardo
Caroline M. Riccardo, 85, of 746 W. Third St. died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, in Williamsport Hospital. Her husband, Peter F. Riccardo, died Feb. 10, 1984. She was a homemaker and a longtime cook at the former Old Town Tavern. She was a member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. She enjoyed bingo and ceramics. Born April 27, 1915, in this city, she was a daughter of Antonio and Lucia DeLuca Santalucia. She was raised by her father and stepmother, Teresa Chicatel. Surviving are a son, Peter F. Jr. of this city; a daughter, Jane Letendre of Belcamp, Md.; two brothers, Dominic Santalucia of this city and Anthony Santalucia of State College; five sisters, Helen Ash, Jean Paternostro, Laura Early, Augustine Santalucia, all of this city, and Annabelle Horrigan of Beverly, Ma.; three grandchildren, Peter Salamone, David and Douglas Riccardo; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ann Riccardo and two brothers, Albert and Wilson Santalucia. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Crouse’s, 133 E. Third St., with the Rev. Michael McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Ressurection Cemetery, Montoursville. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Katherine McCallum
TIOGA - Katherine “Katie” McCallum, 88, formerly of this borough, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, in Waters of Three Rivers Nursing Home, Painted Post, N.Y. She was retired from Corning Glass Works. She was a member of Lawrenceville Baptist Church. Born Jan. 9, 1913, in Tioga, she was a daughter of Floyd and Mabel Allen Wood. Surviving are a son, William of Pico Rivera, Calif.; two daughters, Martha Becraft of Elmira, N.Y., and Donna Padgett of Lawrenceville; a brother, Calvin Wood of Painted Post, N.Y.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Raymond and James Wood, and a sister, Harriet Heath. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Wilston’s, 18 N. Main St., Mansfield, with the Rev. Robert Burket and Lt. Col. Norman Wood officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Tioga. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday.
Roland E. Burkhardt
BLOOMSBURG - Roland E. “Burky” Burkhardt, 57, of 249 White Hall Road, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, at home. He and his wife, the former Patricia Paholsky, observed their 22nd wedding anniversary June 17. He was an independent truck driver. Earlier in life, he drove for Branch Motor Express for 13 years. He was a member, stockholder and past secretary of the North-Montour Sportsman’s Association, where he organized the Youth Field Day. He was a former member of the Turbotville Volunteer Fire Co. He was an avid Nascar fan. Born Dec. 17, 1943, in Hazleton, he was a son of Robert W. and Cecelia A. Young Burkhardt. Surviving, besides his wife, are his first wife, Frances Hager of Washingtonville; a son, Ronald J. of Marion Center; a daughter, Roberta Schwenk of Indian Head, Md.; and three grandchildren, Bailey and Piper Schwenk and Jared Burkhardt. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert W. Jr. and Jake; and five sisters, Doris Karringan, Eleanor Smith, Gloria Hosier, Betty Lou Edgar, and Shirley Frey. A memorial service will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Brooks’, 207 Broadway St., Turbotville.
Leroy D. Button
WELLSBORO - Leroy D. Button, 86, formerly of this borough, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, in Witt-Yoder Personal Care Home, where she was a resident. He was the husband of Margaret Ainsworth Ramsay Button. His first wife, Lucretia Starkweather Button, died in 1967. He was a retired machine maintenance operator, Pump Station at the Summit, Brownlee, and meter reader and reservoir caretaker for Wellsboro Borough. Previously, he worked in the CC Camps, was a cook/laborer for the N.Y. Central Railroad, and was a caretaker of Harrison Lookout. Born Dec. 27, 1914, in Waterville, he was a son of George Melvin Delos and Anna Belle Winnie Button. Surviving, besides his wife,. a resident of Witt-Yoder Personal Care Home, are three sons, Francis Button of Keating Summitt, Ernest Campbell of Morang, Ariz., and Howard Campbell of Wellsboro; three daughters, Donna Harris of Millerton, Lucille Parker of Wellsboro and Ruth Zuchowski of Antrim; three brothers, Carl “Jack” of Jersey Shore, Bravo of Marshlands and George of Emporium; two sisters, Roseltha Miller of Jersey Mills and Christina Winne of Watrous; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert, in 1977. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Tussey-Mosher’s, 139 Main St., with the Rev. Fred Hickok officiating. Burial will be in Shumway Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Jeanne H. Allan
Jeanne Hanna-Allan, 69, of Sidney, N.Y., a Montoursville native, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2001. Her husband, Norman Allan, died in 1969. Born June 18, 1931, in Montoursville, she was a daughter of Lee and Mary Hanna. Surviving are a son, Ross of Miami, Fla.; two daughters, Tenley Alaimo of Johnson City, N.Y., and Lisa Allan-Ziemann of Bainbridge, N.Y.; two brothers, William and David, both of Montoursville; a sister, Roberta Koons of this city; and five grandchildren. A private service will be at the convenience of the family.
Shirley L. Bruno
Shirley L. Bruno, 70, of 2235 Newberry St. died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, in Williamsport Hospital. Her husband, Thomas J. Bruno, died Jan. 29, 1998. She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. She was active in PTA and PTO. She was a 1948 graduate of Williamsport High School. Born Dec. 13, 1930, in this city, she was a daughter of Milton H. and Ella E. Lee Schultz. Surviving are two sons, Thomas J. II and David William, both of this city; two sisters, Mattie Hoff of Montoursville and Barbara Koser of this city; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sanders’, 821 Diamond St., with the Rev. Wendi C. Gordon, her pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
