Obituaries by LocationWilda L. Costley
NISBET - Wilda L. Costley, 91, of 158 Corbin Rosa Drive, died Wednesday, February 28, 2001, in Rose View Center following a brief illness. Her husband, Ivan B. Costley, died in April 1934. She worked as a cook at various restaurants in Potter County. Born on July 4, 1909 in Harrison Valley, she was a daughter of Charles and Belle Patton Fero. Surviving are one son, Keith A. Costley of Linden, two daughters, Elizabeth J. Corbin and Sandra D. Panning, both of Nisbit, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, Frederick, Charles W. and Richard I. Costley, one sister, Mabel R. Baker and two grandsons. Funeral service Saturday, March 3, 3 p.m. at Knight-Confer Funeral Home, 1914 Memorial Ave., with Rev. G. Oliver Wagner, pastor of Montoursville Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Champlin Cemetery, Tioga Co., at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers.
Ruth Hood
Ruth Hood, 83, of Winter Garden, FL, formerly of city, died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001. Born in Williamsport, she was a graduate of Williamsport School of Nursing. Surviving is a daughter, Dorothy L. Cameron of Winter Garden. Memorial services will be held at the Chapel of Wildwood Cemetery on Monday, 10 a.m., with the Rev. H. Frank Showers officiating. Arrangements by Maneval Funeral Home, 500 W. Fourth St.
Jesse E. Wood
Jesse E. Wood, 85, of Troy, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001. Born Feb. 19, 1916, in Mansfield, he was the son of Herbert & Bertha Tongue Wood. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Pauline Brouder and a daughter, Loyce Jean. Funeral will be Friday, 1 p.m., at Wilston’s, 18 N. Main St., Mansfield, with Rev. Laurie Greenlaw officiating. Friends may call from noon-1 p.m. Friday. Burial in Tioga County Memorial Gardens.
Leslie S. Leonard
Leslie Saxon Leonard, husband of Marguerite (Stickler) Leonard, of Roaring Branch RR1, passed away quietly at his home on February 28, 2001. He was 86. He was the son of Frank & Mary (Saxon) Leonard. He had worked for AVCO and Iron Cast, Inc. Surviving are his wife, sons Allyn, Bryon and Thomas Leonard, daughter June Hottenstein, brother Niles Leonard, sister Mabel Rumsey, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Viewing will be Saturday, March 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 40 N. Center St., Canton. Service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Duane Taylor. Interment will be in Stull Cemetery.
Clyde E. Allen
Clyde E. “Dutch” Allen, 84, 248 White Birch Lane, Montoursville, died Thursday, March 1, 2001, in Sycamore Manor. He and his wife, the former Betty Davenport, observed their 57th wedding anniversary Oct. 9. He was marketing manager for the former White Motor Corp. and worked in sales all of his life. He was a pilot of B29’s with the Army Air Corp during World War II and a member of Faith U. M. Church. Born May 11, 1916, in Sodus Point, NY, a son of Clyde E. Sr. and Clara Kate Carpenter Allen. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons: Clifford at home & Col. Craig of Fairfax, VA; daughters: Patricia Baumann of Decatur, IL & Dede Allen of Anchorage, AK; sister, Martha Garrison of Williamsport and 5 grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, 700 Fairview Drive with his pastor, Rev. Paul C. Murphy officiating. Interment in Montoursville Cemetery. No visitation. Family will provide the flowers and suggest contributions be made to the church. Knight-Confer Funeral Home
Paul R. Ranck, Former
Mayor and Auctioneer
Paul R. Ranck, 85, formerly of Turbotville, died Thursday, March 1, 2001 at River Woods. Lewisburg, where he had resided since 1997. His first wife, the former Tillie Helen Plotts, died May 27, 1985 following 45 years of marriage. His second wife, the former Winifred Catherman, died earlier this year following 14 years of marriage. Born Feb. 27, 1916 in New Columbia RD 1, he was the son of the late Ray and Helen (Baylor) Ranck. Mr. Ranck retired as superintendent in 1978 from American Car & Foundry, Milton, where he was employed for 32 1/2 years. An auctioneer for more than 40 years, he began with Bill Gold in 1946, and later auctioneered with Randall Doc Runyan. He was a life member of the North East Chapter of the Pa. Auctioneer’s Assoc., and the Pa. State Auctioneer Assoc., where he served as president in 1983, and was a member of the National Auctioneer’s Association. In 1985 he was named Auctioneer of the Year. The mayor of Turbotville from 1974 to 1981, he was also a former councilman. He was a member of the Turbotville Volunteer Fire Company since 1947, where he was a past president. He was a past director and vice president of the board of directors of Turbotville National Bank, past president and trustee of the Montgomery House Library, McEwensville, and a member of the Warrior Run School Building Authority and past director of the Warrior Run School Board. He and his wife, Tillie, received the Community Service Appreciation Award from the borough of Turbotville in 1981. He was a member of Milton Elks Lodge 913, Watsontown Lodge 401, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Williamsport Consistory. A member of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Turbotville, for 62 years, he was a past Sunday School Teacher and superintendent. He was a 1933 graduate of Watsontown High School. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Terry R. and Frances Ranck of RR 1 Northumberland; a daughter, Trudy F. Moser of Richmond, VA; 11 grandchildren, Terry A. Ranck, Kathy Trolinger, Krista Dickerson, Paul R. Ranck, Scott Losch, David Moser, Craig, Richard and Joel Updegraff, Melissa Diehl, and Jennifer Kramer; and 20 great grandchildren. The last of his immediate family, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Donald, Clement, Eugene, and Marlin Ranck. The funeral service will be held Monday, March 5, 10 a.m., at St. James Lutheran Church, Turbotville, with the Rev. Charla M. Grieves, his pastor officiating. Burial will follow in Turbotville Cemetery. Friends may call at Brooks Funeral Home, Turbotville on Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m., where Watsontown Masonic Lodge 401 will conduct a memorial service. The family will provide the flowers and suggest contributions in his memory be made to the Memorial Fund of St. James Church, PO Box 6, Turbotville, PA 17772.
Irdell J. Flad
Irdell John Flad, 52, died Monday, February 26, 2001, at his residence in Trout Run. Mr. Flad retired as a heavy equipment operator for the PA Department of Transportation. He was a Vietnam, Marine veteran and a life member of Post # 1 American Legion, Williamsport. Born December 14, 1948 in Williamsport, he was the son of Charles Earl Artley and Evelyn Waltz Flad. He is survived by 2 daughters, Kimberly M. Flad of Florida, Dixie A. Flad of Hillsgrove, a son, Charles Irdell Flad of Trout Run, a sister, Esther Smith of Cogan Station, and 5 grandchildren. There will be a private graveside service, 2 p.m. at the Trout Run Cemetery, with the Rev. Sandi Foster officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements by Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville.
Gladys D. Hoff
Gladys D. Hoff, 79, of 1620 Fredna Ave., died February 28, 2001 at home, following a brief illness. Her husband Fred C. Hoff, of nearly 60 years, died June 14, 1999. Born April 19, 1921 in Renovo, she was a daughter of Joseph and Hazel Perry Seese. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and she was a talented seamstress. Surviving are 2 daughters, Wanda Hoff and Donna Kahle, both of Williamsport, 1 son, John Hoff of Montoursville, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Dale and Daniel Seese, both of DuBoistown, 2 sister-in-laws, Shirley Hartranft of Watsontown and Roberta Kern of Cortland, NY. A sister, Sara Jane Follmer, preceded her in death. Funeral services will be Saturday March 3, at 10 a.m. at Kaufman Funeral Home, 2102 Northway Road with the Reverend Peter C. Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 until time of service. Family will provide the flowers.
Gerald E. Tupper
Gerald E. Tupper, 52, of 2237 Marydale Ave., Williamsport, died Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at his residence, following an extended illness. Mr. Tupper had worked for the former Stone Container in Williamsport. He was a Navy veteran, a member of the LeRoy O. Buck, VFW Post 7863, and the American Legion Post 1, Williamsport. Born June 10, 1948 in Williamsport, he was the son of Hollis E. and Lana J. Kaiser Tupper, Sr. He is survived by his mother of S. Williamsport, his wife, the former Ruby E. Heidler, a son, Jason of Sacramento, Calif., 2 daughters, Patricia A. Brennan and Theresa M. Ulmer, both of Williamsport, 2 brothers, Hollis E. Jr., and Charles C. of Williamsport, 2 sisters, Kathie J. Tupper-Grafius of S. Williamsport and Ann M. Tupper of Williamsport, and 6 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Vernon K. Tupper. The funeral will be Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, with the Rev. Russell D. Small of the Gardenview Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home, Friday from 7-9 p.m.
John L. Hursh
John Lester Hursh, 86, Lock Haven, died March 1, 2001. He & his wife, the former Betty Dunne, celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary July 18. Born Nov. 19, 1914, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late George B. & Ollie VanAtta Hursh. The funeral will be Saturday, 3 p.m., Yost-Gedon’s, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, with Rev. James E. VanZandt. Friends received at funeral home from 1-3 p.m. Sat., Masonic services, 2:45 p.m.
Mildred M. Lauchle
Mildred Myers Lauchle, 87, of Muncy, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, at the Muncy Valley Hospital, SNU. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Ralph Lauchle, who died Nov. 6, 1998. Mildred and Ralph enjoyed many activities together, including their membership at the Evangelical Friends Church, their involvement with Sunday School activities, quilting, gardening and an award they received for walking 500 miles in one year at the Lycoming Mall. She was a member of the Hughesville Flower Club. Born June 16, 1913, in Strawbridge, she was the daughter of Judson & Ocie Phillips Myers. She is survived by 2 children, Patricia L. Armstrong of Hughesville and Larry E. Lauchle of Wayne; 4 sisters, Delores Poust of Hughesville, Celia Hall of Williamsport, Iva Fought of Montgomery and Melissa Hartranft of Massachusetts; 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by three sisters, Josephine Russell, Dorothy Jordan and Leona Speary. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Evangelical Friends Church, with the Rev. Dan Cale officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The family will provide the flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to: Evangelical Friends Church, 137 S. Third St., Hughesville, PA 17737 or American Diabetes Assoc., 1660 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
Marjorie A. Busteed
Marjorie A. Busteed, Moscow, passed away Thursday morning, March 1, 2001, in the Roseview Center, Williamsport, PA, where she had been a guest. She was the widow of Thomas Busteed who died in 1986. She was born in Scranton, PA, the daughter of the late Vincent and Anna Yeager Doherty. She was a graduate of Moscow High School and Marywood College with a Music and Education Degree. She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. She is survived by 3 sons, Rev. Robert, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Williamsport, PA, Loren, Moscow and Donald of Pocono Summit; and 2 grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Monday from the Snowdon Funeral Home, 401 Church Street, Moscow, with Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Moscow, Celebrated by her son the Rev. Robert Busteed, Pastor Immaculate Conception Church, Williamsport. Interment will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call Sunday, 2-5 p.m. and Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Immaculate Conception School, 5973 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, PA 17702 & St. Catherine’s of Siena Church, Church Street, Moscow, PA 18444.
Spencer A. Pfleegor
Spencer A. Pfleegor, 74, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, in Manor Care South. Born in Sunbury, Dec. 4, 1926, he was a son of Norman Pfleegor & Annie Garrity Rose. Spencer was a Naval veteran of World War II and worked at the US Naval Academy. Surviving are 5 sons & 2 sisters. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Sanders’, 821 Diamond St.
Charles H. Fortner
Charles H. “Pete” Fortner III, 70, died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001, at his home in South Carolina. Born in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Charles H. and Ruth Hayes Fortner Jr. He was a member of the first Little League baseball team and played professional baseball with the Boston Braves organization. After serving in the US Air Force, he graduated from Southeastern State College, OK. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. Surviving are his wife, Anne Hyde Fortner at home, 3 children, Nancy Fortner Sutton of San Francisco, CA, Thomas H. Fortner of Greenville, N.C., and Scott W. Fortner of Alachua, FL, a brother, George F. Fortner of Dover, De., 3 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Services were held in South Carolina.
John C. Reich
John C. Reich, 28, of 1856 Marshall Avenue, Williamsport, PA, died Thursday, March 1, 2001. Mr. Reich was employed by Thermacore, Inc., Williamsport for the past three years as an Industrial Engineer. Mr. Reich was a graduate of Penn State University, with a Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering degree. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing. He was born January 6, 1973, in Williamsport, a son of Stephen H. and Nancy R. Guisewhite Reich. He is survived by his parents, Williamsport; two sisters, Sharon L. Reich, Bethlehem, PA, and Shelby L. Reich, Arlington, VA; maternal grandmother, June A. Guisewhite, Muncy and maternal great grandfather, Curtis Guisewhite, Muncy. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, at Noll’s, 1 E. Central Ave., South Williamsport. The Rev. Michael R. Gardy, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Muncy, will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. The family will provide the flowers. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Margaret K. Burke
Margaret Katherine “Pat” Burke, 89, Forksville, died March 2, 2001. Her husband of 58 years, John P. Burke, died in 1996. Born April 10, 1911, Fairchance, daughter of Michael & Susan Dvorjak Patchan. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, 11 a.m., St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris. Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, MD, Monday, 2 p.m. The family will provide the flowers. P. Dean Homer Funeral Home
