Obituaries by LocationFrances E. Heaton
MILL HALL - Frances Elizabeth Heaton, 90, formerly of this borough, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at Lock Haven Hospital Extended Care Unit, where she had been a resident. Her husband, A. William Heaton, died in 1975. She retired from the Lock Haven Teachers College, now Lock Haven University, where she worked in the food services department for several years. Earlier in life she worked at Brodart Company, Williamsport. She was of the Catholic faith. She enjoyed floral gardening and crocheting. Born July 28, 1910, in Lock Haven, she was a daughter of Nathan and Gertrude Wadsworth Yost. Surviving are a son, Richard B. of Beech Creek RR; a daughter, Ruth G. Tressler of Mill Hall RR; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Frank and Raymond, two daughters, Ella Young and Katherine Merrifield, and two brothers, William and Boyd Yost. A graveside memorial service will be held in the Summit Hill Cemetery at a date to be announced later. Friends may call at Yost-Gedon’s, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Jennie N. Johnson
GALETON – Jennie N. Johnson, 98, of Galeton, died Thursday, Feb. 1 at Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport. Her husband Dr. Victor Johnson predeceased her in 1947. She was employed with Smith of Galeton Gloves and Lush Brothers Furniture, Galeton. She was a graduate of Galeton High School. She attended nursing school. She was a member of Galeton First Presbyterian church and the Friend X Class. Born July 14, 1902 in Leetonia, she was the daughter of Bartley and Nettie Benzel Schram. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Collins-Olney’s, Galeton with Rev. Sharon Gearing and Rev. William Moore officiating. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton. Friends may call the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Mary E. Kramer
LOCK HAVEN - Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Kramer, 91, of Susque-View Home, formerly of Lamar and Rote, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001. Her husband, Joseph W. Kramer, died June 4, 1965. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Walnut St. Church of Christ. Born July 5, 1909, in Tyersville, she was a daughter of Jesse and Susan Rhine Klinefelter. Surviving are a daughter, Ruby Nihart of Howard; a stepson, William H. of Mill Hall RR; a brother, George Klinefelter of Tylersville; a sister, Hattie Klinefelter of Susque View; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Rita Handford. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Wetzler’s, 320 Main St., Mill Hall. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.
Mary E. Hammer
Mary E. Hammer, 91, of Flourtown, Montgomery County, formerly of this city, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at Harston Hall Nursing Home. Born in Kelly Township, she was a daughter of Lee and Ida Snyder Criswell. Surviving are a daughter, Ida L. Hodum of Warrington; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion J. Hammer. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Shelly’s, 1460 Easton Road, Warrington. Friends may call at the funeral home from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Edward F. Westphal
Edward F. “Snub” Westphal, 84, of 834 Funston Ave., died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at Williamsport Hospital where he was a patient. He and his wife, the former Viola Trimble, observed their 56th wedding anniversary in August. He was a self employed garbage hauler for over 35 years. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church and life member of the Newberry Republican League. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Born Dec. 20, 1916, in this city, he was a son of John and Laura Bowling Westphal. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Edward L. of Montoursville; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by a brother, John and two sisters, Marguerite Kirby and Hazel Gundrum. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sanders’, 821 Diamond St., with the Rev. Gary D. Finn, of Community Baptist Church, Montoursville, officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Montgomery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Irene E. Goodspeed
Irene E. Goodspeed, 89, formerly of Mosquito Valley, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, at the Williamsport Hospital Emergency Room. Her husband, Eugene H., died June 6, 1992.She retired in 1977 from the former Russ Smith Ford after many years of service. She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church. She was a former member of the South Williamsport Senior Citizens and she enjoyed playing cards. Born Aug. 3, 1911, in Limestone Township, she was a daughter of George L. and Amanda C. Sweier Engler. Surviving are two daughters, Ann G. McCarroll and Patricia I. Jacobs, both of here; five grandchildren, Raymond and Scott McCarroll, Lori DeNezza, and Brian and Lisa Jacobs; and one great grandson. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert “Bobby” Goodspeed, who died in 1946. Arrangements are being handled by Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Avenue.
Ginger L. Parsons
BLOOMSBURG – Ginger L. Parsons, 52, of 201 W. First St., and formerly of Williamsport, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at Geisinger Medical Center where she was taken after being stricken at home Wednesday. She was employed with Wundies, Glamorize, Bertha Boys and Plankenhorn Braid Works. She enjoyed sewing and knitting. Born Nov. 4, 1948 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Henry E. and Martha J. Leonard Johnson. Surviving, in addition to her mother of Cogan Station, are three daughters, Dawn Michelle Leonard of Montoursville, Debra L. James of St. Augustine, Fla., and Denise L. VanBuskirk of Shickshinny; a sister, Tonette A. Ertel of Steelton; a stepbrother, Michael A. Johnson, and a stepsister, Sandra L. Adams, both of Williamsport; her foster parents, Howard and Dortha Johnston of Wellsboro; and nine grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson, Junius Burno. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave., Williamsport. Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday.
Sgt. Barry O. Strassner
Chief Master Sgt. Barry O. Strassner, retired Air Force, 57, Panama City, Fla., died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001, at the U.A.B. Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. He was born May 30, 1943, Pottsgrove, son of Freeman and Anna Strassner. He was a 1961 graduate of Warrior Run High School. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and all kinds of outdoor activities and NASCAR racing. He is survived by his wife, the former Doris Wright; a son, Brian Strassner, Panama City; a daughter, Christy Tolbert, Sandy Creek; three grandchildren, Corey and Cassy Tolbert of Sandy Creek and Austin Strassner of Panama City; his mother, Anna Strassner of Turbotville; four brothers, Dale Strassner of Hughesville, Larry Strassner of Turbotville, Terry Strassner of Turbotville and Randy Strassner of Raymond, N.H.; two sisters, Charlotte Huff of Watsontown and Florence Strassner of Dewart and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Freeman Strassner and a sister, Bonnie Strassner. Funeral services were held Jan. 27 at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Chaplin Buddy Walker officiating. Burial followed with full military honors at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Helen G. Brown
Helen G. Brown, 95, formerly of 253 N. Main St., Jersey Shore, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, in the Manor Care Health Center, Jersey Shore. Born July 26, 1905 in Jersey Shore, she was a daughter of Charles P. and Bessie Baltzer King. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence A. Brown on Oct. 15, 1971. For many years she was a member of the Saint John Lutheran Church, Jersey Shore. Surviving are a son, Ernest A. Brown, White Pine; a daughter, Nancy B. Aldridge, Jersey Shore; 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Frederick B. Welker’s, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore, with Rev. Kerry Aucker and Rev. Donald G. Nice officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in the Jersey Shore Cemetery. The family will provide flowers.
Bona Lou Buchanan
Bona Lou Alice Buchanan, 60, of Canton, passed away quietly in Manor Care Nursing Home, Williamsport after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Huntington, Nov. 8, 1940, she was a daughter of Clyde and Mabel Wall Buchanan. She graduated from Canton High School in 1958. She served 14 years as office manager for Retel Cable and was a homemaker. She was an active member of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Towanda Watershed Association, Rekindle the Spirit, and W.O.T.M. Lodge 981. She was also a member of the Ward United Methodist Church. She is survived by her mother, Mabel Vroman, Canton; daughter, Laura Clark, at home; 4 brothers Clyde, State Line, Dwayne, Canton, Bob E., Liberty, and Doyle Buchanan, Canton; 2 sisters, Carola Storrs, Leesburg, Fla. and Darla Wright, Ridgway; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her father Clyde Buchanan, stepfather Kenneth Vroman and sister Patty Sue Buchanan preceded her in death. In accordance with Bona Lou’s expressed wishes there will be no calling hours. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Morse and Kleese’s, 40 N. Center St., Canton.
George B. Fry
George B. Fry, 86, Hughesville, died Sunday Feb. 4, 2001, in the Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit. He and his wife the former Sylvia L. Shaner, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 26. George retired in 1976 after working 34 years for the former J&L Steel Co. He was a life member of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Dept. serving 50 years, a charter member of the Pine Tree Hunting Club and a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Muncy Creek Sportsmen and the Moose Lodge. He served as coach in the early years of the Hughesville little league. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Born May 18, 1914, in Wolf Township, he was a son of Edgar and Elna Bower Fry. Surviving in addition to his wife, are 4 children, Arthur of Montoursville, Larry of Pylesville, Md., Joan Hall and Sandra Wetzel, both of Greencastle; a brother, Robert of Montgomery; 3 sisters, Frances Fiester of Muncy, Thelma Wilson of Montoursville and Betty Fiester, a resident of Valley View; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Leon and James, and 5 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at McCarty- Thomas’ 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, with the Rev. George Doran officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Elisabeth Lamade Van Vlack
Elisabeth Lamade Van Vlack, 84, of Auburn, N.Y., a native of Williamsport and a long time former resident, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, in Cogan Station. The former Elisabeth Lamade graduated from Williamsport High School and Hood College in Fredrick, Md., where she was the assistant editor of the college newspaper and active in other journalistic and literary activities. Mrs. Van Vlack’s interest in journalism was life long and also a family tradition. She was the daughter of Charles and Bess Winder Lamade, and the granddaughter of Dietrich Lamade, the founder of the Grit Newspaper and Publishing Company. She had an abiding interest in the English language and its literary tradition. In 1939, she received her Master’s degree from Columbia University in New York in English Literature and taught for a brief period following the completion of her formal education. In 1940 she married Clyde Stroehmann Van Vlack and they resided in South Williamsport until 1945, where she was active in local social and civic activities. In 1945 she and her husband moved to upstate New York where the family built and operated a commercial baking company for 30 years, Mrs. Van Vlack served as a corporate officer. Her survivors include her 4 sons and their spouses -Peter and Mary Alice Van Vlack of Auburn, N.Y.; Steven and Susan Van Vlack of Victor, N.Y.; Charles and Peg Van Vlack of Oak Hill, Va.; and Christopher and Fran Van Vlack of Summerfield, N.C. She is further survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, John Bud Lamade. Funeral services for Elisabeth Lamade Van Vlack will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001, at the Maneval Funeral Home, 500 W. Fourth St., with the Rev. Theodore L. Cockley, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, officiating. Internment will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 7-9 p.m.
Catherine Wolyniec
Catherine Wolyniec, formerly of Elwood Road., died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001. She was a retired owner and operator of Purity Bakery in the city for over 40 years. She was a member of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church, Lopez. Born in Lopez, she was a daughter of Paul and Mary Koretka Ball. Surviving are a son, Darwin S. Wolyniec, South Williamsport; 2 daughters, Carol M. Herrie, Pittsburgh, and Joyce K Prichard, Frederick, Md.; a brother, Michael Ball; 6 grandchildren, Michele Herrie, Amy, Jason, and Lisa Wolyniec, Sarah and Caleb Prichard; and a great-granddaughter, Amanda. She was preceded in death by a brother John Ball and a sister Helen Decker. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Crouse’s, 133 E. Third St. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with a memorial service at 7 p.m. Burial will be in St. Vladmir’s Orthodox Church Cemetery.
George B. Fry
George B. Fry, 86, Hughesville, died Sunday Feb. 4, 2001, in the Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit. He and his wife the former Sylvia L. Shaner, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 26. George retired in 1976 after working 34 years for the former J&L Steel Co. He was a life member of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Dept. serving 50 years, a charter member of the Pine Tree Hunting Club and a member of Trinity Evangelical Luthern Church, the Muncy Creek Sportsmen and the Moose Lodge. He served as coach in the early years of the Hughesville little league. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Born May 18, 1914 in Wolf Township, he was a son of Edgar and Elna Bower Fry. Surviving in addition to his wife, are 4 children, Arthur of Montoursville, Larry of Pylesville, Md., Joan Hall and Sandra Wetzel, both of Greencastle; a brother, Robert of Montgomery; 3 sisters, Frances Fiester of Muncy, Thelma Wilson of Montoursville and Betty Fieste, a resident of Valley View; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Leon and James, and 5 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at McCarty- Thomas’ 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, with the Rev. George Doran officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Nancy C. Baumann
Funeral services were held for Nancy C. Baumann on Tuesday January 30, 2001, who died at her home January 26, 2001, in St. Augustine, Florida.
Formerly from Allenwood, PA, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Florence Fritz Armstrong. Mrs. Baumann graduated from Montgomery-Clinton High School and then from Bucknell University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. She was previously employed in New Jersey at Picatinny Arsenal as a product engineer, and she was later a computer project engineer for AT&T in New Jersey. Following her retirement, she and her husband, Robert P. Baumann, resided in St. Augustine, FL.
She is survived by her husband, a son, Robert E. Baumann of Budd Lake, NJ, a daughter, Virginia A. Baumann of Jacksonville, FL, a grandson, Mason Baumann, and a sister, Virginia Hull of Muncy, PA.
A memorial service for her many friends in Pennsylvania is planned for a later date.
