Obituaries by LocationGeorge W. McCormick Sr.
George W. McCormick Sr., 78, of this city, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, at his residence. Arrangements are being handled by the Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St.
Walter L. Widmer
Walter L. Widmer, 84, of this city, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001, at home. He had been employed by the former C.A. Reed Co. and West Vaco Co., both here. Born July 6, 1916, in St. Louis, Mo., he was a son of Walter and Mamie Diehle Widmer. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and was a Navy veteran. Surviving is his wife, the former Helene E. Logue. He was preceded in death by a son, Paul Widmer, in 1971. Arrangements are being handled by Crouse’s, 133 E. Third St.
Louise C. Grove
Louise C. Grove, 81, San Antonio, Texas, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001. She was born in Williamsport, the daughter of Grace and Lester Confer. As an Air Force wife, she traveled with her husband all over the world. She is preceded in death by her husband, Col. (Ret.) Harry J. Grove and a sister, Marion Carl, of Williamsport. Surviving are two daughters, Cathy Irish and Christine Fortinberry, both in Texas; 8 grandchildren. Burial was at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
E. Mae Hester
E. Mae Hester, 76, formerly of Watsontown and widow of D. Curtis Hester, died Tuesday. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, McEwensville. She is survived by 2 sisters, Teenie Wagner and Elsie Weaver, both of Mifflinburg. The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. from Cronrath’s Inc., 308 Main St., Watsontown. Visitation 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday.
Woodrow B. Hutchinson
Woodrow B. “Hutch” Hutchinson, 86, formerly of 317 Locust St., Williamsport, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001 at Rose View Manor. His wife Lulu May Ryerson Hutchinson died in August of 1989. He retired after many years as a carpenter and woodworker. After retirement he worked part-time for 14 years at the former Commonwealth Bank in Williamsport. He was a Christian and Army veteran of World War II. Born June 29, 1914 in Highcoal, W.V., he was the son of Walter and Lula Kearns Hutchinson. Surviving are a son Robert J. of Williamsport, 6 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. There will be a private service at the convenience of the family.
William M. Lyons
William M. Lyons, 85, of 29 Grayson View, Selinsgrove, formerly of Montoursville, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg. His wife the former Frances Starr died March 27, 1992. He retired in 1977 after 30 years from the former GTE-Sylvania, Montoursville. He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Selinsgrove, its God’s Grownups Class, and served on its Board of Directors. He was a former Little League and Intermediate Baseball Coach in Montoursville, a lifetime member of the Willing Hand Hose Fire Co., Montoursville. He and his wife formerly operated Lyons Crafts at the Lewisburg flea market. Born Dec. 3, 1915, in Williamsport, he was the son of Franklin and Bessie McHenry Lyons. He is survived by 2 sons, Roger A. of Selinsgrove, David S. of Glendale, AR, 18 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, William F. and Robert M. and a daughter, M. Janet Peace. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. Monday.
George W. McCormick Sr.
George W. McCormick, Sr., 78, Williamsport, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, peacefully at his home. He and his wife, the former Erma M. Tickner, deceased, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 6, 1998. Mr. McCormick retired in 1988 after 18 years as Lycoming County Chief Tax Assessor. He was a lifelong salesman, beginning at the age of 8 selling popsicles throughout Watsontown and the White Deer Valley. He worked for the A&P at a young age as well. George graduated from Watsontown High School, class of 1940 and served in the US Army from Feb. 1943 until his Honorable Discharge in 1945 as a radar mechanic. Upon returning from the service, he began a 20 year career for Sears Roebuck Co., Inc. in the Paint, Hardware and Small Appliance departments, later as a traveling salesman for appliances. Mr McCormick also sold insurance for Prudential Insurance Company and he and his wife owned and operated the River Avenue Laundromat from 1960 to 1977. He became interested in real estate, selling for Malileu Golder Realty and Insurance in the 60’s. He opened his own real estate agency, the George W. McCormick Real Estate Agency in Williamsport shortly after he became a licensed broker and served in many capacities on the Lycoming County Board of Realtors. With this experience, his next opportunity was to move to the Court House and become Lycoming County’s chief tax assessor, a position which he held for 18 years, completing a county-wide reassessment in the late 70’s. George was also an avid woodworker, designing and crafting various full-size and child-size furniture in his home workshop. He was an avid postcard collector of central Pennsylvania historic vintage. He and his wife were genealogists, tracing and recording both families histories. Mr. McCormick and his wife spent their summers at their summer home along the Susquehanna River where he enjoyed mowing grass, their pontoon boat and entertaining friends and family. He was a lifelong member and Past Commander of the Clyde F. Mowrer American Legion in Watsontown and most recently served as Chaplain. He was a 32nd degree Mason belonging to the John F. Laedlain Lodge #707 here in Williamsport. George was a member of the First Baptist Church, Williamsport serving as deacon for many years. After retirement, George and his wife Erma pursued their love of traveling including their favorite trip through the Panama Canal and annual quests to the Western United States to visit their children. Mr. McCormick is survived by his 5 children: Mary Kathryn (Kay) Young and George W., Jr. (Bill) both of this city; Nancy L. Maruska, Stevensville, Montana; James H. of Great Falls, Montana and Alan A. of Manhattan, Montana. There are 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren of whom Mr. McCormick was extremely proud. Born in Watsontown on Aug. 22, 1922 he was the son of Emma R. and Albert A. McCormick. Mr. McCormick was one of 7 children: Gerotha Young, Lewisburg; Dartha Keefer, deceased; John of South Williamsport; Jane Brouse, Watsontown; Robert, deceased; and Harold of St. Charles, Mo. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. at Maneval Funeral Home, 500 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 Friday evening, Feb. 9, with a Masonic service at 8 p.m. or from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday morning. Burial will be Monday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Watsontown Cemetery with the graveside services provided by the Watsontown American Legion, Post 323.
Jerry L. Scott
Jerry L. Scott of Canton RR#1 passed away at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, on Feb. 7, 2001. Born in Troy Jan. 14, 1955 he was the son of Mark P. and Louise (Smiley) Scott. He was a graduate of Troy High School, class of 1973, and was employed by Paper Magic of Troy. Jerry was the assistant scout master for troop #33, was an avid bowler and hunter, and was a member of Canton Lodge #429, L.O.O.M. He was an active member of the Church of Christ of Grover where he served as deacon and youth leader. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Yvonne (Wilcox) Scott, at home, his father Mark P. Scott of Troy, sons Matthew B. and Curtis M. Scott, at home, brother David (Rosetta) Scott of Elkland, sisters Cheryl Miller and Nancy Jennings of Troy. He was preceded in death by his mother Louise and brother-in-law Ronald L. Jennings. Calling hours will be Friday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 40 N. Center Street, Canton. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ, Grover, with the Rev. Will Strunk officiating. Interment will follow in Beech Flats Cemetery.
Dorothy L. Hendershot
Dorothy L. Hendershot, 79, formerly of Cogan Station, died Feb. 8, 2001, at the Williamsport Home, where she resided. Her husband Stephen Hendershot, Sr., died July 27, 1995. She retired from the former Carey McFalls, Montoursville. Born May 9, 1921, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of Raymond and Maude Hill Allvord. Surviving are a son, Stephen D. Hendershot of Williamsport, two daughters, Joyce M. Lucas of Beaver Dam, N.Y., Barbara A. Kitchen of Cogan Station, a brother, Omar Allvord of Groton, Conn., 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson John S. Hendershot, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12-1 p.m. Saturday.
Cody J. Davis
Cody Joseph Davis, 18, South Williamsport, passed from this world on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Cody was born July 28, 1982, in Williamsport, a son of Thomas E. Jr., S. Wmspt., and Julie A. Bennett Davis, Montoursville. He was a graduate of South Williamsport High School class of 2000 and was a freshman at Bloomsburg University. He loved listening to music and raising reptiles. Cody was an athlete in soccer, football and wrestling. He touched the lives of everyone around him. Before passing, Cody pulled his friends and family from this state and other states together to remind them of what is important in life; being there for a friend when he’s needed, celebrating the times in our lives in which we lived life to the fullest, testing our limits, and standing up for what we feel is right. Testimonials to the beauty of Cody’s spirit were shared and victories were performed in his name. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends. His love will be carried in our hearts forever. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepmother, Kathryn J. Davis, S. Wmspt.; a brother, Weston Kane Davis, Burlington, Vt.; maternal grandparents, Donald and Joanne Bennett, Hughesville; paternal grandmother, Lois Jane Davis, S. Wmspt.; paternal grandfather, Thomas E. Davis, Sr., and his wife Evelyn Davis, Salladasburg; a stepsister, Spring Moore and nephew, Max Moore, both of Williamsport; aunts, uncles and cousins Ellen, John and Lex Ort and Larry, Tony, Jennifer, Jonathan, and Joel Bennett. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Noll’s, 1 E. Central Ave., S. Williamsport. The Rev. Mark Mahserjiah-Smith, Pastor of Hepburn Baptist Church, Cogan Station, will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. Monday.
Walter E. Sawchuk
Walter E. Sawchuk, 83, of 16 S. Chestnut St., Mill Hall, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at Lock Haven Hospital. Arrangements are being handled by Welker’s, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore.
Isabelle R. Craven
Isabelle R. Craven, 84, of 1105 Main St., Watsontown, formerly of Broadway St., Turbotville, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where she had been a patient. Her husband of 41 years, Paul E. Craven, died Aug. 24, 1976. She owned and operated a store and dinette with her husband from their home in Turbotville during the 1950’s and a print shop thru the 1960’s. She had also been employed by the former Montgomery Mills during WWII. She was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Turbotville. She was a former member of Turbotville Volunteer Fire Co. and a dispatcher. An avid sports fan, she favored baseball and enjoyed writing poetry during her retirement years. Born Dec. 8, 1916, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Verna Hartsock Bosch. Surviving are 4 sons and daughters-in-law: Paul E., Jr. and Patty Craven of Biloxi, Miss., Birdie L. and Becky Craven of Nothumberland, Albert W. and Lyn Craven of Leesburg, Va., and John D. and Diane Craven of Turbotville; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Lloyd “Bud” Bosch and Mahlon “Sonny” Bosch; and 3 sisters, Betty Fleeger, Donna Munsell and Beverly Shaffer. The funeral will be held Monday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paradise St., Turbotville, with the Rev. A. Bruce Amme, her pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Turbotville Cemetery. Friends may call at Brooks’, 207 Broadway St., Turbotville, Sunday, 7-9 p.m. and at the church Monday, 10-11 a.m. The family will provide the flowers. The family suggests contributions in her memory be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, 39 Paradise St., Turbotville, PA 17772.
Glen H. Gakle
Glen H. Gakle, 97, Huron Ave., Renovo, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at Bucktail Medical Center. He was born March 31, 1903, in Keating, where he lived for over 50 years, a son of the late George B. and Minnie Delaney Gakle. He married the former Lois Fae Cooley May 3, 1941 in Elimsport. She preceded him in death Aug. 11, 1996. He was a track laborer for Pennsylvania Railroad retiring in 1968. He was a member of the American Legion, Renovo and former member of F.O.E. He was an avid hunter, fisherman & gardner who enjoyed outdoor activities and feeding the deer. Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, F. Raymond & Marcia Gakle, Jersey Shore and G. Larry Gakle, Renovo; two daughters and a son-in-law, Reba & James Rhodes, Gainesville, VA and Isabelle Reustle, Williamsport; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, 11 a.m. at Maxwell’s, 205 Fifth St., Renovo, with the Rev. David Bixler officiating. Burial will follow in the Keating Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bucktail Medical Center Building Fund, South Renovo, PA 17764.
Brandon W. Phillips
Brandon Wayne Phillips, 15, 106 Laurel Run Road, Picture Rocks, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at home. Born March 23, 1985, Williamsport, he was the son of Timothy W. and Roberta L. Hicks Phillips. He was a sophomore at Hughesville High School where he attended the L.C.C.C. program. He attended Picture Rocks Baptist Church. He enjoyed 4-wheeling, skateboarding, hunting and working with his hands. Surviving, besides his parents, are a brother, Jeremy L. Hicks and sister, Amanda J. Phillips, both at home; paternal grandparents George & Lorraine Phillips, Muncy Valley; maternal grandmother Doris Hicks, Picture Rocks; paternal great grandmother, Florine Phillips, Skilled Nursing, Muncy; and several aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Arnold E. Hicks. Funeral services will be Monday, 2 p.m., McCarty-Thomas’, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, with the Rev. Pat Hernandez officiating. Burial will be in Picture Rocks Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Sunday. The family suggests contributions in lieu of flowers be made to the school playground building or library funds at George A. Ferrell Elementary School, 34 Court St., Picture Rocks, PA 17762.
A. Lea Westphal
A. Lea Westphal, 69, of 117 Maple St., Jersey Shore, formerly of Rt. 14 N., Ralston, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001, at her home. Born May 10, 1931, in Summerville, she was the daughter of George L. and Violet M. Gaines Moriarity. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bruce L. Bullock Nov. 2, 1977 and her second husband, James C. Westphal Nov. 8, 1998. For many years she was the owner of the Beauty Bar Inc. in Williamsport and was currently the manager of the Red Run Rod and Gun Club of Ralston. She was a member of the Ivanhoe Chapter #28 Order of Eastern Star and was a graduate of Clearfield High School. She was a past Royal Matron and a past Royal Patron in the Tiadaghton Court Order of Amaranth of Jersey Shore. Surviving are 1 daughter, Yvonne Bullock Fryberger of Cold Spring, Ky.; 2 brothers, George L. Moriarity Jr. of Salladasburg and Robert B. Moriarity of Waterville. Funeral services will be Monday Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. in the Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Sunday evening in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Jersey Shore Cemetery. Rev. George Doran will officiate.
