Obituaries by LocationRebecca J. Loomis
Rebecca J. Loomis, 79, of 381 E. Central Ave., South Williamsport, died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, at home. She retired from the South Williamsport School District after 30 years as a teacher She was a graduate of South Williamsport High School, received her bachelor’s degree at the former Mansfield State Teachers College and her master’s degree from Penn State. Born Aug. 10, 1920, in this city, she was a daughter of Max and Ellen Weigle Loomis. Surviving is a brother, Ralph. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St., with the Rev. Ken Loss officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Troy. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers.
Richard Losinger Sr.
WELLSBORO - Richard Losinger Sr., 89, of Middlebury Center RR 2 died Thursday, June 8, 2000, at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. He retired from Cummings Lumber Co., Troy. He was a member of Ansonia Full Gospel Church. Born April 10, 1911, in Marsh Creek, he was a son of John and Martha Wood Losinger. Surviving are a son, Glenn Wayne of Lexington, N.C.; four daughters, Betty Mountain of St. Mary’s, Ga., and Roxanna Owen, Adella Jean Turner and Mary Millaway, all of Thomasville, N.C.; a brother, Floyd of Wellsboro; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sandra and LeRoy Kennedy, with whom he lived; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Rochard Jr. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Wellsboro Cemetery with the Rev. Laverne E. Holliday officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Tussey-Mosher’s, 139 Main St.
Karen Marie Menapace, Accident Victim
Karen Marie Menapace, 33, of 422 Fourth St., Montoursville, died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Montoursville. She was a counselor at White Deer Run Rehabilitation Center, Allenwood. She was born Feb. 28, 1967. Surviving are her mother, Mary Ann Miles of Harrisburg; a son, Brandon L. Miles of Harrisburg; two daughters, Erica L. Bonsall of Harrisburg and Nichole E. Fegley of Sunbury; and two sisters, Jean A. Miles and Mary J. Kreisher, both of Harrisburg. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bethany Lutheran Church, Montoursville, and at 7 p.m. Thursday at Geigle’s, 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg.
Beverly A. Persun
Beverly A. Persun, 61, of 2575 Lycoming Creek Road died Thursday, June 8, 2000, in the Williamsport Hospital. Born April 6, 1939, in Barbours, she was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Folkrod. Surviving are her father of Williamsport; a son, Randall Smith of this city; two daughters, Deanna Dadis in North Carolina and April Young; two brothers, Harry and Charles Folkrod, both of this city; one sister, Barbara; and three grandchildren. Funeral and burial will be at the convenience of the family in the Barbours Cemetery. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave.
Claire B. Ryan
Claire B. Ryan, 78, of 122 Irwin St., Lock Haven, died Friday, June 9, 2000, at home. She and her husband, Thomas A. Ryan, observed their 54th wedding anniversary Aug. 25. She retired in 1999 after 17 years as a secretary for the Bi-County Office of the Aging. She was bookkeeper for her husband’s business. She was an Army-Air Force veteran of World War II, serving with the 26th Army-Air Force Base Unit at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She was a member of St. Agnes Church, Lock Haven. Born July 5, 1921, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was a daughter of John and Mary Ann Gierszyk Barcikowski. Surviving, besides her husband, are three daughters, Cynthia J. of East Hartford, Conn., Susan M. of Montoursville and Melissa J. of Blanchard; five sons, Michael M. of Mechanicsburg, Thomas M. and Paul J., both of Jersey Shore, Jerome M. of Swissdale and Patrick of Hampton; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church, 3 E. Walnut St., Lock Haven, with the Rev. Neil R. Dadey officiating. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends may call at Moriarty-Dutcavich’s, 112 E. Church St., Lock Haven, from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. A vigil will be at 8.
Joyce L. Seyler
Joyce L. Seyler, 69, of 789 W. Edwin St., formerly of DuBoistown, died Thursday, June 8, 2000, at home. She was a machine operator at Pennsylvania Wire Rope for 20 years. She was a member of American Association of Retired Persons. Born March 31, 1931, in this city, she was a daughter of Ralph and Sarah Griggs Snauffer. Surviving are a son, Stephen of South Williamsport, and a brother, Thomas Snauffer of this city. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Royce. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will provide the flowers.
Ilse W. Smith
Ilse W. Smith, 81, formerly of Rose Valley died Thursday, June 8, 2000, at Manor Care Health Services North. Her husband, Col. Hiram Nelson Smith, died Nov. 19, 1996. She worked in America Haus in Germany. She was born June 12, 1918, in Germany. Surviving are a stepson, Richard K. of Elmira, N.Y.; a stepdaughter, Barbara J. Johnson of Corrales, N.M.; a sister, Zisela Abend of Coburg, Germany; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Friends may call at Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave., from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Mirian M. Snyder
RENOVO - Mirian M. Snyder, 82, of Renovo died Thursday, June 8, 2000, at Lock Haven Hospital. Her husband, Charles Snyder, died Nov. 25, 1978. She had worked at Bethlehem Steel and was a waitress. Born March 22, 1918 in Otsego, Mich., she was a daughter of William Bashore and Martha Beck Bashore Smith. Surviving are two daughters, Marie Gorgoglione of Renovo and Linda Taylor of Deckerville, Mich.; a son, John of Renovo; four sisters, Verna L. Krebs and Mae L. Tanner, both of Cocoa, Fla., Florence Aletti of Northumberland and Fern Eister of Kramer; a brother, Park L. Smith of Albin, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Maxwell’s, 205 Fifth St., with the Rev. Steven Brauner officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Leola Jennie Stafford
Leola Jennie Stafford died Saturday, June 3, 2000, in Manor Care South, where she lived for several years. Her first husband, Ellsworth Kaiser, died in 1977. Her second husband, Newton Stafford, died in 1968. She was born May 21, 1909, in Groveland, Mass. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, Albany, N.Y. Surviving are a son, John E. Kaiser in New Hampshire; five daughters, Betty Mendum in New Hampshire, Esther Hoffman in California, Edith Harkinson of Lock Haven, Hannah Moriarity of Jersey Shore and Ruth Hart in Texas; a brother, Lawrence in Massachusetts; a sister, Edith Spencer in Massachusetts; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Helt-Hanna-Kline’s, 109 W. Church St., Lock Haven.
Rev. Donald L. Cochran
The Rev. Donald L. Cochran, 73, of 39 Ridge Top Road, Cogan Station, died there Friday, June 9, 2000. He and his wife, the former June L. Savidge, observed their 51st anniversary in December. He retired in 1981 after 12 years as a minister at First Baptist Church, Warrensville. After, he was a supply pastor for several area churches. He attended Taylor University, Upland, Ind. He was a 1950 graduate of Tocca Falls Bible School. Born March 21, 1927, in Williamsport, he was a son of Ernest S. and H. Mae Schultz Cochran. Surviving, beside his wife, are a son, D. Keith of Montoursville; two daughters, Shelia J. Morgan of Merrillville, Ind., and Constance J. Yeagle of Montoursville; a brother, James R. of Dillsboro, N.C.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Ronald H., and two sisters, Frances A. Mosteller and Thelma J. Young. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Greenview Alliance Church, 1955 Warrensville Road, with his pastor, the Rev. Mark Applebee, officiating. Burial will be in the Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave.
George C. Ellis
CANTON - George C. Ellis, 90, formerly of Wellsboro, died Friday, June 9, 2000, at the Bradford County Manor in West Burlington Township. Born March 8, 1910, in Litchfield, he was a son of James and Lillian Ellis. He is survived by two sisters and several nieces and nephews. A private funeral will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Pepper’s on Springbrook Drive.
Rev. Ruth Geiger
LEWISBURG – The Rev. Ruth McDannell Geiger, 95, of State College, formerly of Lewisburg, died Thursday, June 8, 2000, in Centre Community Hospital. Her husband, the Rev. Francis J. Geiger, died May 30, 1996. She retired as a minister in 1970 from the Roseville Yoked Parish. In 1958, she became the first woman to be ordained as an elder in the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. She taught school for more than 40 years, including a post in Bradford County. She graduated from Shippensburg University, Scaritt College, Nashville, and received a bachelor’s degree from Messiah College. She was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the United Methodist Women’s Association and White Deer Grange, the West Milton Garden Club, the Susquehanna Valley American Association of University Women and the Association of School Retirees. She was a test grower of roses for Jackson and Perkins Co. Born March 26, 1905, in New Oxford, she was a daughter of George A. and Cora Alice Wentz McDannell. Surviving are a stepdaughter, Margaret E. Turner of Milesburg; three stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. Private services will be at the convenience of the family at Conrath’s, South Second and St. Louis streets, Lewisburg. Burial will be in Perry Heights Cemetery, Marysville. A public memorial service will be at 2 p.m. July 8 at West Milton United Methodist Church.
Evelyn V. Hockman
LOCK HAVEN - Evelyn V. Hockman, 78, of 17 Linnett Lane died there Friday, June 9, 2000. She and her husband, Robert Hockman, observed their 59th wedding anniversary May 8. She was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for 25 years, and the Covenant United Methodist Church. She was employed at the former Sylvania Electric Plant in Mill Hall from 1943 to 1952. Born Sept. 5, 1921, in Blanchard, she was a daughter of Clyde and Helen Pletcher Bowes. Surviving, besides her husband, are a sister, Jane Smith of Veradale, Wash., and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Moriarty-Dutcavich’s, 112 E. Church St., with the Rev. James E. VanZandt of Covenant United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Dunnstown Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.
Lena Esther Snell
FORKSVILLE – Lena Esther Snell, 83, of Forksville died Friday, June 9, 2000, at The Highlands, Laporte. Her husband, George L. Snell, died Feb. 19, 1986. She had been employed at a jewelry store in Woodbridge, Va. She was a member of Forksville United Methodist Church, where she was an organist. She formerly was a member of Millview Wesleyan Church. She was a former member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 71, Canton. Born in Bentley Creek, she was a daughter of the Rev. Leon J. and Nora T. Hagerman Jelliff. Surviving are a daughter, Gloria Higley of Forksville; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at P. Dean Homer’s, 206 Water St., Dushore, with the Rev. Matthew D. Pickering, pastor of Millview Wesleyan Church, officiating. Interment will be in Forksville Cemetery.
Jared M. Stroup, Accident Victim
NORTH BEND - Jared M. “Squirrel” Stroup, 22, of North Bend died Friday, June 9, 2000, of injuries suffered in a car accident in Lock Haven. He was a supervisor at Autoline Industries, McElhattan, and was previously employed by Phototype Unlimited. He was a 1996 graduate of Bucktail High School and Keystone Area Vocational Technical School. He was a member of the Bucktail Marching Band and participated in wrestling, basketball and flag football. He was a member of the Chapman Township Fire Department and the F.A.S.T. Ambulance Service. He was a social member of American Legion Post 442. He attended Hyner United Methodist Church. Born May 30, 1978, in this city, he was a son of Gary L. and Constance L. Kouf Stroup. Surviving, besides his parents, are his fiance, Jessica M. Cummings of Renovo; a daughter, Sage Marie Stroup of Renovo; a sister, Summer Stroup of Shamokin; maternal grandparents, Herman and Margaret Kouf of North Bend; and paternal grandfather, Harry Stroup of Clearfield. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Maxwell’s, 205 Fifth St., Renovo, with the Rev. Steven Brauner officiating. Interment will be in North Bend Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday.
Harold Durandetto
MILL HALL- Harold Durandetto, 81, of Mill Hall RR 2 died Friday, June 9, 2000, at home. He and his wife, the former Anna Raab, observed their 60th wedding anniversary Feb. 24. He was a retired inspector for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He previously was an assembler for the former Piper Aircraft Co. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church, North Bend, He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a graduate of Renovo High School. He was a member of the Renovo F&AM Lodge. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, woodworker and gardener. Born, Oct. 17, 1918, at Drurys Run, he was a son of Boyd and Evelyn Mitch Durandetto. Surviving, beside his wife, are, two daughters, Carol Ann McLarney of Pickerington, Ohio, and Bonnie Whitesel of Mill Hall; two brothers, Gerald of Port Charlotte, Fla., Bernard of Drurys Run; four graqndchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Frances and Jean, and a brother, Clarence. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Maxwell’s, 205 Fifth St., Renovo, with his pastor, the Rev. Mahlon Nevel officiating. Interment will be in the North Bend Cemetery, North Bend. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic service at 4 p.m. today and a military service at graveside.
Eugene P. Hart Sr.
Eugene P. Hart Sr., 75, of 1616 Blair St. died Saturday, June 10, 2000, at home. He retired in 1984 after 33 years with AT&T. He was member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. A World War II Army veteran, he served in the 283 Field Artillery Battalion. He graduated from Hanover Township High School and attended Wilkes College. He and his wife, the former Margaret M. Hefferman, would have observed their 51st wedding anniversary in August. He was a member of the Williamsport Republican Club, the Donegal Society, and the Turbot Hills Country Club. He was a past president and active member of the Life Club or the Telephone Pioneers of America. An avid sports fan, he loved golf and also gardening. Born March 20, 1925, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of Matthew and Agnes Early Hart. Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons, Eugene P. Jr., of Pittston, John P. in Ohio, and Thomas J. Hart of South Williamsport; a daughter, Michele A. Frey in Michigan; a sister, Nancy Hart of Nanticoke; and 13 grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the church, 1220 Northway Road, with his pastor, the Rev. Andrew Kurovesy, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. Joseph Streit officiating. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, at Crouse’s, 133 E. Third St. Family recitation of the Rosary will take place at 6:30 p.m. The family will provide the flowers.
