Patricia M. (Patty) Adams
Jan. 26, 2002
Ms. Patricia M. (Patty) Adams, age 36, of PO Box 135, Laceyville, PA (Jenningsville), passed away on Saturday evening, Jan. 26, 2002 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident, in which she was a passenger. The accident happened in Windham Township, Wyoming County.
Born in Sayre on April 6, 1965, she was the daughter of Thomas K. Douglas and Genevieve L. Dieffenbach.
Patty attended the Elk Lake High School. For the past 10 years, she was a cashier at Bluhm’s Shopping Center in Laceyville.
In her spare time, Patty enjoyed being around her family and many friends. She enjoyed needlepoint and many types of crafts and also enjoyed working on her computer.
She is survived by her husband, William L. Adams of Laceyville; her mother, Genevieve Dieffenbach Grimes of Bailey, NC; father and stepmother, Thomas and Connie Douglas of Stevensville; two sons, William L. Adams, Jr., age 15, Laceyville and Calvin L. Adams, age seven of Jenningsville; a daughter, Nicole M. Goodenow, age 17 of Jenningsville; a granddaughter, Destiny Summer Goodenow of Jenningsville; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Florence Dieffenbach of Towanda; paternal grandparents, Gerald and Pat Vanderpool of Wysox; five sisters, Genny Proof and fiance, Gary Bennett of Rushville, Connie Dietz of Meshoppen, Virginia and husband, Oscar Fassett of Laceyville, Darlene and husband, Tony Grimes of Dudley, NC and Lisa Douglas of Stevensville; a stepsister, Bridgette Brown of Little Meadows; two stepbrothers, Daniel Button of Wyalusing and Christopher Button of Little Meadows; also several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. Ann Blair of the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in the Lacey St. Cemetery in Laceyville. The family received friends on Wednesday from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Lois Kunkle Rounsville
Jan. 22, 2002
Lois Kunkle Rounsville, 74, of 3232 Pricetown Rd., Alsace Township, PA, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002 at her residence.
Born in Towanda, PA, she was the daughter of Gertrude Arey Kunkle of Wyalusing and the late Robert M. Kunkle. She was married to Thomas Rounsville, who predeceased her.
A graduate of Wyalusing High School and Mansfield University, she was a schoolteacher for the Oley Valley Elementary School for 35 years.
She belonged to Salem Shalter’s Lutheran Church, Alsace Twp., and was very active in the church, serving as the organist, in the choir, church council and many other activities.
She belonged to the Retired Teacher’ Association of Boyertown and Oley.
Survivors include her mother, Gertrude Kunkle of Wyalusing; two sons, Thomas F. Rounsville, Sr. of Birdsboro and Timothy L. Rounsville of Reading; a sister, Rita Oliver of Wyalusing; two grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 from Salem Shalter’s Lutheran Church, 2032 Mt. Laurel Rd., Alsace Twp., with the Rev. Lesley J. Hand, pastor, officiating. Calling hours will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church.
Services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church with the Rev. Beverly Davenport officiating.
Interment will be in Wyalusing Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Shelter’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2032 Mt. Laurel Rd., Fleetwood, PA 19522.
Charles LaRue
Jan. 23, 2002
Charles LaRue, 96, of Montrose, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002 at Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock. He was born in Rush Township to the late George and Lillian (Barnes) LaRue. Besides his parents, Charles’s son, Harold (Tom) LaRue predeceased him in 1999.
Mr. LaRue was a manager for the Farm and Game Commission for over 20 years. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a loving grandfather who thought the world of his grandchildren.
His wife of nearly 75 years, Kathleen (Pierson) LaRue, Montrose; three sons and daughters-in-law, Lawrence (Bill) and Anne LaRue, East Rush, Eldon and Catherine LaRue, Springville, Lyndon and Roben LaRue, East Rush; daughter-in-law, Sandra LaRue, Montrose; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews survive.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25 at the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Russell of the East Rush United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in the East Rush Cemetery, Rush Township, PA. Calling hours will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday.
Donations can be made to the East Rush Cemetery Association, Rush, PA.
Margaret Emma "Peggy" Goble Madigan
Jan. 20, 2002
Margaret Emma "Peggy" Goble Madigan, 69, of Luthers Mills, PA, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002 at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.
She was born May 20, 1932 in Suffern, NY, to William Trinks and Josephine Anderson and was the adopted daughter of Guy and Emma Goble of Elmira, NY.
Peggy was a 1949 graduate of Southside High School, Elmira. On Sept. 28, 1952, she married Roger Allen Madigan of Luthers Mills.
Her interests included politics and people.
Peggy was a member of the Luthers Mills United Methodist Church and Bible study group.
She was a board member of Northern Tier Counseling and also a member of the Wednesday Club of Towanda.
Peggy had worked as a medical secretary, company secretary and as a special reading aide in her local school district. She held a volunteer literacy-tutor certificate, and was active in the Friends of the Library, as well as other organizations. Peggy worked as a director of her local chapter of the American Cancer Society and held other leadership positions within that organization.
Peggy had a long and distinguished career of service to the Republican party at the local state, and national levels. In 1988, she was installed as president of the Pennsylvania Council of the Republican Women, after her election at the State Council’s 66th annual convention in Harrisburg. Prior to assuming leadership of that organization, Peggy had served as director of the council, having been elected to that position in 1977. She had served as PCRW first vice-president, recording secretary, editor of the state PCRW newsletter and state chairman of several regional conferences. As PCRW president, Mrs. Madigan served as council’s official representative, traveling throughout Pennsylvania to promote PCRW and leading the 150 affiliated local councils. Under her guidance, the PCRW resumed its formal affiliation with the National Federation of Republican Women, fulfilling one of her chief goals for the organization.
In 1998, Peggy was chosen Woman of the Year by PCRW. Mrs. Madigan served as a member of the by-laws committee for the National Federation of Republican Women. She had previously served as vice-chairman of the program committee; chief sergeant-at-arms and vice-chairman of the protocol committee. As past president of the PCRW, Mrs. Madigan served on its board of directors as a president emeritus and as co-chairman of the National Federation’s Membership and Activities Committee.
On the state and local levels, Mrs. Madigan has held a post as a Bradford County committeewoman for 22 years. She had been a member of the Republican State Committee, representing Bradford County for eight years. Mrs. Madigan was a past president and director emeritus of the Bradford County Council of Republican Women.
She had actively campaigned on behalf of her husband, State Senator Roger Madigan, R-Luthers Mills, who served four terms as a state representative before winning election to the Senate in 1985.
In addition, Mrs. Madigan was active in national politics. She served as a Northeast regional coordinator for the Women for Reagan campaign and the George Bush campaign.
She had worked on numerous campaigns on the county, state and national level for over 20 years.
Peggy was a state volunteer coordinator and ran a campaign office for Pennsylvania’s attorney general.
In 1988, she represented the 10th Congressional District at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans and served on the Rules Committee from Pennsylvania.
She also served as co-chairman of the Bradford County for Don Sherwood congressional campaign.
She enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid gardener who loved flowers. Peggy was also a race car fan.
Survivors include her husband of 49 years, state Sen. Roger A. Madigan of Luthers Mills; children, Vicki Lynne of Carlisle, Annette Madigan Carr of Annapolis, MD, Nicholas J. Madigan of Towanda and Steven Gary Madigan of Emmaus; one grandchild, a little angel, Matthew Roger, son of Steven and Carrie May Madigan.
Friends called at the First Presbyterian Church of Troy, 121 W. Main St., Troy from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23.
The funeral services will be held (today), Thursday, Jan. 24 at the church, with the Rev. Thomas Blackall and the Rev. William Lusk, officiating.
Interment will be in Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills.
Memorial contributions in Peggy’s name may be directed to the Luthers Mills United Methodist Church, RR3, Towanda, PA 18848, the Lehigh Valley Hospital, 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18104 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 110 W. Main St., Troy, PA 16947.
Mrs.Reva. P. Culver
Jan. 22, 2002
Mrs.Reva. P. Culver, age 84, formerly of RR3, Laceyville, PA (Edinger Hill), passed away at the Skilled Nursing Unit of Memorial Hospital in Towanda on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2002. Mrs. Culver was a former resident of the Wyalusing Personal Care Home in Wyalusing for five years.
Born in Herrickville on June 13, 1917, she was a twin daughter of the late John and Lena White Pickering. She was the wife of the late John C. Culver, who passed away on Nov. 8, 1996. Mrs. Culver was married to Mr. Culver on May 16, 1942 and they were married for 54 years.
She was a graduate of the Camptown High School, Class of 1935, after which she attended business school in Binghamton, NY. She was a housewife and homemaker for her husband and daughters. Together, the Culvers owned and operated Revluc Farms on Edinger Hill, during their 54 years of marriage.
Mrs. Culver was a member of the Braintrim Baptist Church, in Laceyville. She was a member of the Ladies Sunday School, Ladies Fellowship Group and also a Bible School teacher for many years. She was a 50-year member of the Meshoppen Chapter #70 Order of the Eastern Star, past member of the Spring Hill Grange, Edinger Hill Ladies Aide and Edinger Hill Good Neighbor Club. She was a 4-H club leader for many years, as well as being involved in other Bradford County Extension programs. She was honored as the Outstanding Extension Woman of the Year in 1986. Reva was also a member of the Bradford County Holstein Club. She, along with her family, showed dairy cattle for many years at various county, district and state shows. Mrs. Culver was a loyal fan of the Wyalusing Valley High School sports and musical programs. She was honored for 50 years of continuous voting in Bradford County and was a life member of the Pedicraft Club through the Guthrie Clinic.
She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Vera Allis of Wyalusing, Doris and Bill Sharer of Laceyville, Janice and Tom Stephens of Allentown and Joan and David Starner of Orange, VA; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Grace Pickering of Wyalusing; six grandchildren, Deborah Allis, Diane (Greg) Wood, Steve (Heather) Sharer, Brian Sharer, Benjamin Stephens and Joshua Starner; three great-grandchildren, Kyle Sharer, Richard Sharer and Samantha Wood; also several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Bret Sharer in 1988; a son-in-law, Robert Allis in 1988 and her twin sister, Retha Meteer in 2000.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. from the Braintrim Baptist Church in Laceyville, with Rev. Vic Millard and Rev. Richard Camp, officiating. Interment will be in the Lacey Street Cemetery, Laceyville. Family and friends may call at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, on Friday, Jan. 25 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Meshoppen Chapter #70 Eastern Star will be conducting services on Friday evening at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial donations to the American Heart Association, 730 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA; the American Diabetes Association, 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre or to the charity of one’s choice.
Abbey Anne Pratt
Abbey Anne Pratt of Montrose, PA, infant daughter of Lindsey Holbrook and Lucas Allen Pratt, passed away.
Surviving are maternal grandparents, Duane Charles and Janet Lee Holbrook of Montrose; paternal grandparents, Arthur Pratt, Sr. and his friend, Lillian Long of Hop Bottom; maternal great-grandmother, Roberta Pytlik of Las Vegas, NV; aunts, Jaimie, Lorianne, Lizabeth Holbrook and Penny Pratt; uncle, Dan Pratt; great uncles, aunts and cousins. She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Sally Ann Pratt.
The family will receive friends at the home of Duane and Janet Holbrook on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., 74 Church St., Montrose.
Mary Frances June
Jan. 15, 2002
Mary Frances June, age 87, of Mehoopany RR1, PA, passed away at Carpenter Care Center in Tunkhannock on Tuesday evening, Jan. 15, 2002. She had been a guest there for four years. She was married to Wilson June, who preceded her in death on April 1, 1980.
Born in Lovelton on Oct. 31, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Elizabeth Hope Collins.
She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Stowell.
Surviving are four daughters, Marilyn Chamberlin, Lakeland, FL, Shirley Honeywell, Denver, CO, Elizabeth June, White Haven and Linda Traver, Beaumont; three sons, Elwood, Glen Burnie, MD, Gary, Tunkhannock and Timothy of Towanda; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Anthony’s Church on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. with Father Kenneth Seegar presiding.
Interment was in Vaughn Cemetery, Mehoopany.
Friends and family called at the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock on Friday, Jan. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Church, RR2, Laceyville, PA 18623.
Donald B. Brown
Jan. 17, 2002
Donald B. Brown, 80, of French Asylum, Towanda RR2, PA, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002 at Towanda Memorial Hospital.
Born Aug. 27, 1921 in Scottsville, PA, he was a son of the late William and Netta Trowbridge Brown. Donald was a graduate of Laceyville High School, Class of 1940. He was employed by the Kintner Milling Company in Mehoopany for 30 years and was a lifelong farmer, both in Scottsville and French Asylum.
On July 8, 1942 Donald married the former Beverly Janet Jagger in Retta.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and horseback riding. In earlier years, he played baseball, coached little league and was a member of various bowling leagues.
He was a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Association.
Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Charles Huffman of Wyalusing; a son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Lisa Brown of French Asylum; grandchildren, Judy and Matthew Cruver, Jill and Ted Hoffmann, Donnie and Keith Brown; great-grandchildren, Mark and Luke Cruver, Kerrigan and Caitlyn Hoffmann; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Beverly Janet Jagger Brown on March 20, 1996; an infant daughter, Shirley Brown and his sister, Midge Pierson in December of 2001.
The funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda, with Pastor A. Michele Somerville of the French Asylum United Methodist Church officiating.
Interment followed in the French Asylum Cemetery, Asylum Township.
The family received friends on Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the Wysox Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, Box 302, Wysox, PA 18854 in Donald B. Brown’s memory.
Richard Lyle Jennings
Jan. 16, 2002
Richard Lyle Jennings, age 61, of Herrickville, PA, who was our father, went to be with his Father and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002 at the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock after a courageous battle with cancer.
Richard was born in Towanda on April 19, 1940 at the Mills Hospital, a son of Wilma Cole Jennings and the late Lyle Jennings. He graduated from the Wyalusing High School, a member of the Class of 1958. He began driving truck and eventually purchased his own truck, which he operated as an independent for several years. He later began driving for Taylor Packing Co. of Wyalusing, from which he retired in 1999 after more than 25 years of service.
Richard spent his entire life in the Herrickville community, serving the Lord, family and friends. His favorite times were spent working with his children and grandchildren and the many children he took into his heart and home. His many years as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, church leader and youth group leader were times that made a huge influence on everyone around him. Lives were changed because of his Christian walk through Herrickville. His two sisters and their families were never far from his heart and thoughts. Family get-togethers were rich in love and laughter. There was always room for at least one more little one. His nieces and nephews were high on his list of priorities whether near or far. When blessed with his grandchildren, life took on new and wonderful joy. Still teaching his love of Jesus, his children and grandchildren learned many lessons of love, understanding, patience, kindness and faith toward his fellow man and for each other. He resided on his family farm for his entire life where he pursued his passion—the love of nature and farming.
He was a member of the Herrickville Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are his spouse of 32 years, Edna Hanley Jennings, Herrickville; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Lynn Jennings, Herrickville, David and Brandy Jennings, East Smithfield; daughters and son-in-law, Joanne and Jason Stanton, Herrickville, Karen Jennings of Dover, DE, Kimberly Jennings of Herrickville; his mother, Wilma Cole Jennings, Herrickville; a special son and daughter-in-law, Avery and Dena Colegrove of Laceyville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jacqueline and Albert Wilson, Herrickville, and Donna and Guy Cook of Longmont, CO; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, Herrickville, with the Rev. Elwyn E. Patrick, his pastor, officiating. Interment was in East Herrick Cemetery.
Friends called at the Herrickville Wesleyan Church on Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and also from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing.
Memorials may be directed to the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, RR3, Box 99, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or to the North Rome Christian School, Ulster, PA 18850.
Willard Dane Wright
Jan. 15, 2002
On the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002, Granville Township native Willard Dane Wright passed away quietly at the Bradford County Manor after a lifelong battle with a debilitating illness. He was 45 years of age.
Born April 28, 1956 in Sayre, he was the son of Ernest and Mary Schmouder Wright. Willard was a graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1976 and had been employed by SERVE, Inc. of Monroeton, during which time he resided in Towanda. When health conditions would no longer permit him to work, Willard moved to the Smith Personal Care Home in Wyalusing.
He enjoyed reading and visiting with friends and family, always quick to give a cheerful smile and a big hug. Willard had a great love for the Lord and church involvement was always a high priority. While living in Wyalusing, he became a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, being as active as his physical limitations would allow. In his own special way, Willard would reach out to those around him, touching their hearts and brightening their days.
Besides his parents, Ernest and Mary of Granville Summit RR1, Willard is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Diann Wright of Towanda and Donald and Diane Wright of Canton RR2; niece, Megan Wright and nephew, Donald Wright, Jr.; numerous cousins and a special friend, Margie Porter.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Morse and Kleese Funeral Home, 40 N. Center St., Canton.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Windfall United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dale Russell and the Rev. Beverly Davenport officiating.
There will be calling hours at the church from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment in Beech Flats Cemetery following the service.
Contributions in Willard’s mem-ory may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, Kirby Health Center Annex, 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or to the Windfall United Methodist Church or the Wyalusing United Methodist Church.
Gerald (Jerry) Woodruff, Sr.
Jan. 16, 2002
Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Woodruff, Sr., age 69, of RR1, Box 4-A, Wyalusing, (Taylorville), PA, passed away at his home in Taylorville, early Wednesday morning, Jan. 16, 2002.
Born in Sayre on March 7, 1932, he was the son of the late Burt and Elizabeth Frisbie Woodruff.
Jerry was employed for many years as a log truck driver for Sam VanDeMark in Laceyville. He was later self-employed for a number of years in the excavating and contracting business in Bradford and Wyoming Counties. Jerry and his wife, Veda, also owned and operated J&V Discount Store in East Towanda for over 17 years.
He was a member of the Hare Ridge Sportsmen’s Club in Lawton and the Wednesday night bowling league at the South Montrose Bowling Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and being surrounded by his family. Over the past many years, he enjoyed many hunting trips to Colorado and many fishing trips in Canada.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, the former Veda B. Kunkle Woodruff of Taylorville; a daughter and son-in-law, Nettie and David Heller of Laceyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Gerald, Jr. (Jake) and Sue Woodruff, Wyalusing; stepchildren, Betsy and Mike Dunfee of Wyalusing, Larry Barto and fiancee, Cindy Rubert of Towanda and Mindy and Greg Riffle of Annapolis, MD; a brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Pam Woodruff of Laceyville; a sister, Marie VanDeMark of Laceyville; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Kunkle of Wyalusing; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Vera Salsman, Bernita Snyder, Gertie Salsman, Irene Brown and Kathryn White.
Funeral services will be held at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, on Friday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Vic Millard, of the Braintrim Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Camptown Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the Guthrie Hospice, RR1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848.
Josephine Striney
Jan. 11, 2002
Mrs. Josephine Striney, age 86, of Overton Road Apartments, Dushore, PA, passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre.
Josephine was born July 15, 1915 in Bernice, the daughter of the late Jacob and Marian Swatski Klosowski. She attended local schools and married Peter F. Striney of Bernice. He predeceased her on Nov. 9, 1960.
She worked for the former Weldon Mfg. Co. of Lopez and later the former Endicott-Johnson Shoe Mfg. Co. of Mildred, from which she retired.
Mrs. Striney was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Francis and Jean Striney of Erie; three daughters and a son-in-law, Rose Gulick of Scottsdale, AZ, Pauline Striney of West Pittston, Teresa and Frank Jennings of Jenningsville; longtime companion, William Marchisen of Dushore; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Mrs. Anna Moyer of Mildred on Oct. 10, 1996.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 14 at 10:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home and were followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred with the Rev. Hugh H. McGroarty presiding. Interment was in the adjoining parish cemetery.
Friends called on Sunday, Jan. 13 at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Robert Leon Snyder
Jan. 13, 2002
Robert Leon Snyder, 82, of York, died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, at Misericordia Convalescent Home. He was the husband of Doris R. (Keeler) Snyder, formerly of Wyalusing. The couple would have observed their 56th wedding anniversary on Jan. 14.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 32 E. Market St., York. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There will be no viewing. The Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Snyder was born April 29, 1919, in Waynesboro. He was the son of the late Maurice S. and Nellie K. (Spangler) Snyder.
He was a music teacher in the York City School District for 32 years and a band and orchestra director for York Middle Schools. He and his wife entertained many times in the Wyalusing area, most recently, the annual Rainbow Club Christmas parties.
He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and Otterbein U.B. Oratorical Society; member, arranger and composer for Spring Garden and York Symphony orchestras as a trombonist for 54 years; one of the founders of York Junior and York Youth Symphonies; choir director and composer at Memorial United Church of Christ, Trinity United Church of Christ and Yorkshire United Methodist Church; recipient of York Choir’s Arian Award in 1978; founder and band leader of the Festive 8 and the Gesundheits; a 1941 graduate of Westchester University; a graduate of Michigan University and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Snyder also is survived by a son, Judge Gregory M. Snyder of York; a daughter, Melinda L. Snyder of York; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother, Sylvest-er S. Snyder of Waynesboro; a sister, Margarette S. Manchey of Waynesboro; and nieces and nephews.
Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Dr. Terri L. Young of Trinity United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 66 Big Mount Road, Thomasville, PA 17364, or to Misericordia Convalescent Home, 998 S. Russell St., York, PA 17402.
Nancy (Russin) Raffin
Jan. 12, 2002
Mrs. Nancy (Russin) Raffin, age 84, a guest at the Wyalusing Personal Care Home and formerly of Madera, PA, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002 at the personal care home.
Born on May 16, 1917 in Madera, she was the daughter of the late Metro and Anna (Kaniuk) Russin.
Her spouse, John Raffin, preceded her in death on March 10, 1997.
She retired from the JBC Sewing Factory in Madera after 35 years as a seamstress.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, Madera and enjoyed gardening and cooking.
Surviving her are two children, Raymond J. Raffin and wife, Mary Ann of Wyalusing and Mrs. Clarence (Florence) Kessling, Chambersburg; four grandchildren, Kim Hawkins, Germantown, MD, Michele Raffin, Boalsburg, John Raffin, Philadelphia and Karl Raffin, Towanda; two brothers and three sisters, John Russin, Martins Ferry, OH, George Russin, Buffalo, NY, Sue Lindberg, Newington, CT, Anna Lenkevich, Farmington, MI, Helen Koren, Clearfield; numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Mike, Frank, Charles and Alex and one sister, Mary Yorke.
Friends and family were received at the Kruise Funeral Home in Madera on Monday, Jan. 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A parastas was sung at 8:30 with Fr. Gregory Lewis.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, Madera, with Fr. Gregory Lewis officiating.
Interment was in the church cemetery.
Marie B. Radencic
Jan. 13, 2002
Marie B. Radencic, age 56, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002 at the home of her daughter, Tracy Brunner in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Marie was born in Dushore, PA, on March 11, 1945, a daughter of the late George A., Sr. and Mary Frank Radencic. She graduated from St. Basil’s High School in Dushore, a member of the Class of 1963.
Marie lived in the South for several years before moving to Pittsburgh in 1976. She worked for JC Penney’s and was currently an account executive with Giant Eagle Supermarkets in Pittsburgh.
She was a loving mother and enjoyed a great zest for life. She always returned home to Dushore each summer for her family’s annual pig roast.
Surviving are a son, Russell Brunner, Williamsport; a daughter, Tracy Brunner, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a brother and sister-in-law, Peter P. and Patricia Radencic, Harrisburg; grandson, William Brunner Sak; several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Rose Radencic on Aug. 13, 1960, and brothers, Robert A. Radencic on March 8, 1983 and George A. Radencic, Jr. on June 20, 1996.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, pastor, presiding. Interment will be in St. Basil’s Cemetery, Dushore.
Memorials may be directed to St. Basil’s Restoration Fund, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Willard B. (Bill) Coombs
Jan. 9, 2002
Willard B. (Bill) Coombs, age 76, of Meshoppen, PA, passed away on Wednesday morning, Jan. 9, 2002 at his home.
Bill was born in Reading on April 19, 1925, son of the late Willard B. and Gertrude Space Coombs. He graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, he entered Albright College in Reading from which he graduated in 1949 with a B. S. degree in Economics. He married the former Estelle I. Sprout of Reading on May 31, 1947.
Bill worked for LTV Steel Corporation, formerly Youngstown Steel & Tube from which he retired in 1984 after 32 years of service. After retiring, Bill moved to their long time recreational home in Meshoppen.
Bill loved the outdoors and was a great hunter and fisherman. He was very active with the Dushore Lions Club. He was a member of Scottish Rite One through the 18th Valley of Towanda, 19th through the 32nd Valley of Reading, Evergreen Lodge #163 F&AM, Monroeton, Union Royal Arch Chapter #161, Towanda.
Bill was a very active member of Zion Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Dushore, and a member of the church council.
Surviving are his loving spouse, Estelle, at home; two sons and daughter-in-law, Fred B. and Kathy Coombs, Easton and John E. Coombs, Horsham; two daughters and son-in-law, Christine A. Johnston, Oley and Jane Louise and Darwin Evangelista of Laureldale; a sister and brother-in-law, Janet C. and Richard T. Reeser, Temple; a step-sister, Shirley Lucas, Downington; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his nephew, the greatly loved Rev. Richard A. Reeser on Jan. 31, 1998.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. at Zion Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Dushore, with his pastor, Rev. Eddie A. Nilsen, officiating. Interment was in Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen.
Friends called on Friday, Jan. 11 at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Masonic funeral services were held at 7 p.m. by members of the Evergreen Lodge #163 F&AM.
Memorials may be directed to Zion Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 426, Dushore, PA 18614.
Ann Marie Muller Wecker
Jan. 4, 2002
Ann Marie Muller Wecker, 62, of RR1, Monroeton, formerly of Olive St., Towanda, PA, passed away on Friday morning, Jan. 4, 2002 at Memorial Hospital, Towanda.
Born June 4, 1939 in New York City, NY, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Grace Muller.
Ann was a graduate of SRU High School and in early years was employed by the Commonwealth Telephone Company in Towanda.
On May 13, 1961 she married Fred J. Wecker in Towanda.
Ann was a member of SS Peter and Paul Church, Towanda, and its Altar and Rosary Society.
Her life encompassed her home, family and church. She was cared for by her loving and devoted husband, Fred for over 30 years until his passing. Her children, Jamie and Patty continued to care for her until her passing. Through all of her illness and hardships she remained happy and strongly devoted to her faith.
Ann enjoyed football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Surviving are her children and their spouses, Patricia A. and Eric A. Thomason of Towanda RR1, James F. and Shannon M. Wecker of Monroeton RR1; three grandsons, Christian M. Thomason, Lars N. Thomason and Quinn G. Wecker; three brothers, Donald Muller of Santa Maria, CA, Robert Muller of Louisiana, Thomas Muller of Farmington, NY; two sisters, Joan Austin of Harvey’s Lake and Patsy Smith of Towanda; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred J. Wecker on Dec. 26, 1997; a son, Freddie C. Wecker, March 31, 1978; a grandson, Matthew Nicholas Thomason, Jan. 30, 1997; a brother, Stephen Muller in 1996.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. at the SS Peter and Paul Church, Towanda, with the Rev. Ronald Hughes as celebrant.
Interment was in the SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, North Towanda Township.
The family received friends Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda. A recitation of the rosary was held.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the SS Peter and Paul Church, 106 Third St., Towanda in Mrs. Wecker’s memory.
William H. Stalford
Jan. 8, 2002
William H. Stalford, age 52, of Wyalusing RR4, PA, died on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1949 in Meshoppen, the son of the late Harmon and Charlotte Lines Stalford.
Bill was engaged in farming for Nelson Wells of Wyalusing.
He was a member of the Wyalusing Grange.
Bill enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, farming and was a great handyman. He will be remembered as being a loving husband and father.
He left surviving his wife, Ann Wells Stalford, at home; a daughter Hope Stalford of Wyalusing; a son, William Stalford of Wyalusing; a sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and George J. Ross of Sugar Run; two nephews, Ryan and Nicholas Ross; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roland Stalford.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. John H. Dabback and the Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Starzer officiating.
Friends and family may call on Monday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Esther Jane Lyon
Jan. 7, 2002
Mrs. Esther Jane Lyon, age 92, of Eagles Mere, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 7, 2002 at home with her spouse at her side.
Esther was born in Canton. She became a registered nurse and practiced in the Philadelphia area hospitals. She married Elwyn S. (Whitey) Lyon in Philadelphia on July 11, 1934. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary last July. Esther and Whitey retired to Eagles Mere in 1970.
Esther was a member of the Eagles Mere Community Church, the Eagles Mere Women’s Club and the Eagles Mere Conservancy.
Surviving are her loving spouse, Whitey, at home; a son and daughter-in-law, Raymond M. and Florence M. Lyon, Eagles Mere; five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held later in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Eagles Mere Community Church, c/o Elaine Mudrick, PO Box 305, Eagles Mere, PA 17731-0305 or to the Eagles Mere Ambulance Association, PO Box 374, Eagles Mere, PA 17731-0374.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614.
Ruth R. "Mama" Gay
Jan. 6, 2002.
Ruth R. "Mama" Gay, age 86, of 78 Franklin Ave., Tunkhannock, PA, passed away at Tyler Memorial Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002.
She was born in Verona, Ontario, Canada on June, 4, 1915, the daughter of the late Rev. George Ralph and Maude Stark.
Ruth married George Gay on July 4, 1939 in Perth, Ontario.
She taught school for 20 years in Tunkhannock and previously in Canada. She also worked at the family business, Gay’s True Value Hardware in Tunkhannock.
A member of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, she was a member of the choir for over 50 years and was also the choir director; belonged to the Tunkhannock Women’s Club; Chapter 74 of the Order of the Eastern Star; a volunteer at the Tyler Memorial Hospital for many years; member of the Bridge Club of Wyoming County; the Ladies Bible Study Group of Tunkhannock and loved to bake and do gardening.
Survivors include her husband, George; three sons and daughters-in-law, George and Dorothy Gay, Waldorf, MD, Doug and Wilma Gay and Dave and Ann Gay, all of Tunkhannock; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Cora, Mabel and Jesse and a brother, Wilfred.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 10 (today) at 1 p.m. in the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church with Rev. Roger Richards, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock.
Friends and family called on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tyler Health Foundation, 880 SR6, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.
Ms. Sharon M. Franklin
Jan. 5, 2002
Sharon M. Owen Franklin, 44, PO Box 208, Main St., Laceyville, PA, died suddenly on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 5, 2002 at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock.
She was born in Meshoppen on April 19, 1957, the daughter of Francis H. and Jennie M. Wandall Owen of Laceyville. She attended Wyalusing Valley High School.
She lived and worked most of her life in and around the Laceyville area.
In her spare time, she enjoyed being surrounded by her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She also enjoyed reading, needlepoint, crocheting and going on the Sharaton bus trips with her mom, family and friends.
Surviving, besides her parents, are a son and daughter-in-law, Stanley and Shantel Franklin of Laceyville; two daughters, Shelly Franklin (Tim Holzlein) of Laceyville and Stacey Franklin (Tom Hummel) of Tunkhannock; two brothers, Carl Owen and Dennis Owen, both of Laceyville; two sisters, Carol (Lewis) Estell of Montrose and Sandra Thompson of Laceyville; a sister-in-law, Sandra Owen of Tunkhannock; two granddaughters; three grandsons; two nephews; seven nieces; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She also was the beloved granddaughter of Mrs. Nellie Owen of Montrose and the late Floyd Owen and the late Melvin Wandall and Martha Post Wandall Jackson.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Owen on March 5, 1996.
Funeral services were held on Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with the Rev. Ruth Breitweiser, retired Methodist minister, officiating. Interment was in the Lacey Street Cemetery, Laceyville.
Family and friends called at the funeral home from noon until the time of the services.
