Catherine M. Elden, R.N.
March 7, 2002
Mrs. Catherine M. Elden, R.N. of Mt. Rainier, MD, formerly of Mildred, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2002 at the Mariner Health of Kensington, MD.
Catherine was born in Mildred on Oct. 17, 1917, a daughter of the late John Matthew and Josephine Cecelia O’Connor Reagan. She graduated from the Catholic High School in Altoona in 1935 and from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Altoona in 1939.
Catherine worked in the Washington, DC area most of her life and primarily at Providence Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital.
Surviving are her children, Josephine A. Komiske, Silver Spring, MD, Thomas C. Elden, Easton, MD, Michael J. Elden, Ellicott City, MD, Patricia E. Elden, Ocean City, MD, Mary Lee Brown, Silver Spring, MD, Catherine Elden, Pittsburgh, John W. Elden, Fredericksburg, MD, Christopher T. Elden, Gaithersburg, MD; three sisters, Josephine Pfeiffer, Honeoye, NY, Christine McDonald, Hyattsville, MD, Helen Dean, Upper Marlboro, MD; a brother, Carlos Reagan, Rochester, NY; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 11 at St. James Catholic Church, Mt. Rainer, MD. Burial was at 3 p.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Mildred, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, pastor, presiding.
Arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Gerald E. (Red) Brown
March 11, 2002
Mr. Gerald E. (Red) Brown, age 65, of RR1, Box 1040, Laceyville, PA (Skinners Eddy) passed away on Monday evening, March 11, 2002 at the Hospice Unit of the Mid Valley Hospital in Peckville.
Born in Jenningsville on Aug. 21, 1936, he was the son of the late Claude and Edna Brown. His wife, the former Beverly J. Heeman, preceded him in death on Oct. 4, 1991.
Red was a graduate of Laceyville High School, Class of 1954, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC.
For the past 26 years, he was part owner and operator of Table Rock Hotel, Inc. in Laceyville.
He was a member of the Wyalusing American Legion Post #534 and the Marine Corps League.
Surviving are his daughter, Deborah L. Brown Merritt of Laceyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Danny P. and Robin Brown of Richmond, VA; a sister, Grace Ely of Wyalusing; a brother and sister-in-law, Elwood (Ike) and Edith Brown of Lovelton; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend, Bob Place of Jenningsville. Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Brown and Robert Brown.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 15 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. Charles Bishop of the Elk Lake Community Church, officiating. Interment will be in the North Flat Cemetery, Laceyville. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Graveside military services will be accorded by members of the Wyalusing American Legion Post #534 and the Marine Corps Military Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial donations to the Good Will Fire Co., PO Box 207, Laceyville, PA 18623 or to the Wyalusing American Legion Post #534, Wyalusing, PA 18853.
Carlton Brewer
March 12, 2002
Mr. Carlton Brewer, age 72, of Franklin Towers, Portland, ME, formerly of Meshoppen, PA, passed away at the Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME early Tuesday morning, March 12, 2002 after a long struggle against diabetes.
Born on Bunnell Hill, Meshoppen, on July 23, 1929, he was the son of Thelma LaFrance Brewer and the late Edward Farr Brewer, Sr.
Mr. Brewer was a graduate of the Meshoppen High School, Class of 1947. He attended Ithaca College, East Stroudsburg State Teacher’s College and was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force.
Carl’s passion in life was acting and he brought much enjoyment to the many who saw him in his numerous roles throughout his career. His love for acting began at Meshoppen High School, where he was always involved in the school play productions. He pursued acting at Ithaca College. For many years, he played in summer stock companies and appeared with numerous theatrical groups in the Poconos, New York, New Orleans and Portland, ME. While in the Air Force, he performed in the special services theater productions.
He is survived by his mother, Thelma LaFrance Brewer, a resident of the Greenley Personal Care Home in Tunkhannock; two brothers, Edward Brewer, Jr. of Shavertown and Richard Brewer of Tunkhannock, two nieces and three nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Edmund Simmons, officiating. Interment will be in the Overfield Cemetery, Meshoppen. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Candis Cecelia Bonnell
March 11, 2002
Candis Cecelia Bonnell, 15-month-old daughter of Robert L., Jr. and Jennifer M. Kipp Bonnell of RR3, Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2002 at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Candis was born in Sayre on Dec. 12, 2000.
She is survived, in addition to her parents, two brothers, Robert Bonnell, III and Doyle Bonnell; two sisters, Vanessa Bonnell and Jessica Bonnell; paternal grandfather, Robert Bonnell, Sr. of Louisiana and paternal grandmother, Jean Takach of Trout Run; paternal great-great-grandmother, Margaret Bastion of Ralston; maternal grandmother, Candis Kipp and companion, Robert Benedict of Canton; maternal great-grandmother, Carol Kipp of Canton; stepgrandfather, John Updegraff of Indiana and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by Gordon Mapes on June 3, 1999; Arthur Kipp, Nov. 3, 1998; Doyle Kipp, Sept. 19, 1998; Dorothy Kipp, March 31, 1984.
Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, with the Rev. Beverly Davenport, pastor of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Bradford County Memorial Park.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Kenneth S. Williams
March 1, 2002
Kenneth S. Williams, age 81, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2002 at Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit in Towanda.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1920 in Camden, NJ, a son of the late John Thomas and Florence Bennett Williams.
Mr. Williams was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during World War II.
He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree from Bucknell University.
On July 1, 1946 he married the former Marietta J. Slivinske of Wilkes-Barre. They have enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage of 55 years.
In 1954, Mr. Williams moved to Wyalusing to assume the position of principal for Wyalusing High School. He was involved in the jointure of the Camptown, Laceyville, New Albany and Wyalusing schools forming the Wyalusing Valley High School and retired as principal of Wyalusing Valley High School in 1980.
He was a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church and has held various church offices and was a member of the church choir.
His other memberships include The Pennsylvania Association of Secondary High School Principals, of which he was a past president; Wyalusing American Legion Post #534, Towanda VFW, Wyalusing Choraliers, Masonic Lodge No. 618 F&AM and is a past master, having served in 1963.
He worked and was involved with the local chapter of the American Red Cross and was a member and had been a driver for the Wyalusing Ambulance Association.
Mr. Williams was an avid supporter of local sporting and musical events. He enjoyed time spent fishing, gardening, reading and cooking.
Surviving are his wife, Marietta (Met) J. Williams, at home; four children and their spouses, Kerry Dibble of Wyalusing, Craig and Scotti Williams of Berwyn, Laurie and Craig Manney of Stevensville, Steve and Barb Williams of Canton; his sisters, Olwen Overman of Shavertown, Blanche Williams of Wilkes-Barre; a sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Edward T. Kosek of Frederick, MD; 10 grandchildren, Heather and Ben Dibble, Kassie, Jessica and Abby Williams, Josh, Tim and Becca Manney, Katie and Kenny Williams and by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Ronald Williams and by a son-in-law, David Dibble.
A memorial service was held at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 5 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Beverly Davenport officiating.
Friends and family called on Monday, March 4 at McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
A Masonic Service was held on Monday evening at 6:45 p.m. at the funeral home.
Military honors will be accorded at the Wyalusing Cemetery following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions can be made to Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit, One Hospital Drive, Towanda, PA 18848, the Wyalusing Masonic Lodge No. 618 F&AM, c/o John R. McHenry, Lodge Secretary, PO Box 765, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or to the Wyalusing United Methodist Church in Mr. Williams’s memory.
Ethel Gladys Fisk Mapes
March 3, 2002
Ethel Gladys Fisk Mapes, 92, of RR2, Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2002 at the Highlands Nursing Home, Laporte.
Born on Dec. 4, 1908 in Wilmot Township, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Mary Freudenberger Fisk.
On July 3, 1926, Ethel married Bruce Mapes. He preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 1986.
She was a devoted wife and mother and spent most of her life caring for her children and grandchildren. For a time, she worked for the Wyalusing School District as a custodian, retiring in 1972. Ethel enjoyed doing errands and helping others. She helped care for many of her community friends by staying nights with them and helping in whatever way she could to make their lives easier.
Mrs. Mapes was a member of the Moxie Community Church.
Ethel is survived by her children, Joyce Armitage, Laurence and Sherelle Mapes, Freda and James Canfield, Merna Calwell and Alberta Parks; grandchildren, Edward L. and Darlene Mapes, Kenneth H. and Barbara Mapes, Charles and Pamela Mapes, Fern and David Davis, Shelly and Charles Ross, Jodi and John Mapes-Swain, LaVerne and Marie Saxer, Lorene and Jerry Ackley, Kathy Shoemaker, Bret and Conny Shoemaker, Brenda and Thomas Miller, Tami and Andrew Laco, Timothy and Kim Mapes, Hope and David Jordan, Renee and Ronald Mapes-Babcock, Laurence, II and Tarena Mapes, Steve and Melissa Canfield, Victor and Tammy Canfield and Brian and Michelle Canfield; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren and two sisters, Pearl Dyer and Evelyn Fisk.
She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth W. Mapes; daughter-in-law, Ruth Mapes; grandsons, Lonnie Saxer and Gordon Mapes; brothers, Adrian Fisk, Cortez Fisk, Bradley Fisk and Clayton Fisk.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 7 at 1 p.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with her grandsons, LaVerne Saxer and Steven Canfield, officiating.
Family and friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
Interment will be in the Terrytown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions may be made to the Moxie Community Church, c/o Lamar Kipp, RR2, Box 35, Wyalusing, PA 18853.
Richard D. "Dick" Cotton
March 1, 2002
Richard D. "Dick" Cotton, 60, of RR4, Montrose, PA passed away quietly at home on Friday, March 1, 2002. He was born in Harrisonburg, VA on Oct. 18, 1941. He was adopted seven days later by Kenneth Bernadette Cotton and Mildred Ford Smith Cotton and lived and grew up in Lynbrook, Long Island.
He attended Lawrence High School, graduating in 1961, the International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW) apprenticeship training program from 1961-1964 and the Local 25 IBEW foreman school from 1964-1965. He worked for JV Electric in Hicksville, NY. Dick also worked for several electrical contractors on Long Island. In Dec. of 1977, Procter & Gamble in Mehoopany employed him.
He was a member of Hewlett Bay Fire Department, Hewlett, NY, from 1961 to 1965 and rose to the office of captain of Rescue Company #1. From 1965-1970, he was a part of North Massapequa Fire Department Engine Company #2. From 1978 to 1984, he was in the Meshoppen Fire Department and rose to the office of assistant chief. He was also second assistant chief of the NEPA Federation of Firefighters. He was paralyzed in an auto accident in 1984, thus ending his volunteer fire fighting.
His first wife, Judith Ann Hemmer, whom he married in Aug. 1965, survives him. Together, they had four children, Richard Donald Cotton, Jr., Kenneth Brian Cotton, Jennifer Lee Cotton, Michael John Cotton; grandchildren, Desiree Cotton, Jessa Harvey, Abby Newhart, Natalie Newhart, Tory Newhart, Kenny and Kati Cotton.
He was remarried on April 1, 1997 to Darlene Squiers Lee. They were married 59 months to the day. Also surviving are a stepson, Justyn (Zeke) Lee and his lifelong friend, since age two, Peter DeValle from Lynbrook, NY.
He was preceded in death by an older infant brother, Robert, and father in 1985 and mother in 2000.
Services were held at 4 p.m., Monday, March 3 at the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., 74 Church St., Montrose. The family received friends on Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.
The family provided their own flowers and suggests that memorial contributions be made to the fundraising efforts for the new weight room for the Montrose area football team, Montrose Junior-Senior High School, RR3, Box 28, Montrose, PA 18801.
Lester Price, III
Dec. 18, 2002
Lester W. Price, III of Wyalusing, PA passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002 at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, surrounded by his family. Lester was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 22, 1958, son of Lester W., II and Sarah Gibbons Price. He moved to Wyalusing as a teenager and graduated from the Wyalusing Valley High School, a member of the Class of 1975. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and joined the 82nd Airborne. After the service, Lester worked for the U.S. Forestry in Oregon and later did construction work in Texas and Pittsburgh.
Lester was an outdoorsman; he especially loved hiking and camping, as well as hunting. He was a very avid Mets baseball fan. He was a beloved father, son and brother.
Lester was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Wyalusing.
Surviving are a son, Lester W. Price, IV, Pittsburgh; his parents, Lester and Sarah Price, Wyalusing; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna Marie Dancear, Pittsburgh, Debbie and Donald Surrett, Newport News, VA, Kathy and Todd Secules, Towanda, Diane and Curt Showalter, Wyalusing; 12 nephews and one niece. He was predeceased by infant twin brothers, James and Joseph.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 23 at 9 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing and was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, with the Rev. Kenneth M. Seegar, his pastor, presiding. Interment was in the Wyalusing Cemetery.
Friends called on Sunday, Dec. 22 at the funeral home from 2 to 8 p.m.
Joseph Mihalek
Dec. 19, 2002
Joseph E. Mihalek, Sr., 83, of Wyalusing RR3, Orwell Township, PA, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002 at the DarWay Nursing Home in Forksville RR2, PA.
Born Oct. 16, 1919 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Peter and Ann Mihalek.
Joseph was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre. He was employed by the Imperial Chemical Company in Philadelphia for 45 years until his retirement. Joseph was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Towanda.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph E. and Linda Mihalek of Wyalusing RR3; grandchildren, Christina Gail Mihalek Marroquin and her husband, Joe Marroquin of Alpharetta, GA, Joseph F. Mihalek, III of Wyalusing RR3; two sisters, Pauline Swirsdine of Philadelphia, Ann Barclay of Springfield; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Stella T. Dilkus Mihalek on Dec. 1, 1992.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Third St., Towanda, with the Rev. Ronald Hughes, pastor, as celebrant.
Interment was in the SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, North Towanda, with Towanda American Legion Post No. 42 providing full military honors.
The family received friends on Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.
The family suggests that memorials be directed to the HOPS Ambulance Association, to whom Joseph was very grateful for their care and kindness, in care of James W. Seipler, Secretary-Treasurer, RR1, Box 280, Rome, PA 18837.
Margaret Luce
Dec. 20, 2002
Miss Margaret S. Luce, age 97, of Ann’s Grove Personal Care Home, RR3, Tunkhannock, PA, passed away on Friday morning, Dec. 20, 2002 after a long illness. She was a former resident of Black Walnut, where she resided for over 30 years.
Born in Lynn on July 12, 1905, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Nellie Bunnell Luce.
Miss Luce was an elementary teacher all of her life, mostly teaching in the Great Neck area of Long Island, NY. She was a graduate of the Meshoppen High School and later graduated with a master’s degree from Bloomsburg State University.
She was a member of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church and also the New York State Retired Teacher’s Association.
Surviving are a nephew, James Luce; a great niece, Miss Jaime Luce, both of Laceyville. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Theodore Luce and George Luce and a sister, Doris Morton.
In respecting Miss Luce’s wishes, there were no calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service was held at the Overfield Cemetery, Meshoppen, with the Rev. Dan Herron of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, officiating on Monday, Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the Meshoppen United Methodist Church or to Ann’s Grove Personal Care Home, RR3, Box 364-A, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.
Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen.
Joanna Burridge
Dec. 18, 2002
Mrs. Joanna L. Burridge, age 74, of RR2, Box 92, Meshoppen, PA (Byrd Hill Road), passed away at her home on Wednesday evening, Dec. 18, 2002 after a long illness.
Born in Plains on July 4, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Adam and Eva Sanders. Mrs. Burridge was the wife of the late David T. (Bearcat) Burridge, Jr., who passed away on Feb. 5, 2002.
Mrs. Burridge was employed for over 30 years as a seamstress and floor supervisor at the Meshoppen Coat Factory and later was employed at the M&M Manufacturing in Meshoppen until her retirement in 1989.
In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and sewing, also cooking and gardening in her flower garden. She also enjoyed many camping and fishing trips with her husband and family.
Surviving are two sons and daughter-in-law, Joseph Burridge of Factoryville and Duane and Renda Burridge of Mechanicsville, MD; three daughters and sons-in-law, Diana and James Punch, Sugar Run, Darlene and Bill Reynaud, Meshoppen and Dale Bowman of Spring Hill; two brothers, Joseph Sanders of Wapwallopen and Adam Sanders of Sparrows Point, MD; two sisters, Evelyn Lloyd of Albrightsville and Irene Vojacek of Bethany, OK; 22 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Dan Herron of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church and Rev. Dave Hinkley, retired from the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in the Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen. Family and friends called at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Hill St., Jessup, PA 18434.
Jeslyn Aeppli
Dec. 16, 2002
Jeslyn Rose Aeppli, infant daughter of Amy and Roland Aeppli, Jr. of Herrickville, PA, passed away at the Memorial Hospital in Towanda on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002.
Jeslyn is survived by her parents, Amy and Roland Aeppli, Jr., her maternal grandmother, Valinda Pointek and friend, Siegfried Zehe of Friendsville; paternal grandparents, Roland, Sr. and Janet Aeppli of Herrickville; great-grandparents, Russell and Jeannetta Wells, Oscar and Pearl Aeppli and Iris Navarro; an uncle, Kevin Aeppli; two aunts, Kelly Brown and her husband, Robert and Melinda Coates and her husband, Jack; an uncle, Ryan and his wife, Lori Donovan; an aunt, Becky and husband, David Shores; three cousins, Tristen and Terry Shores and Nathaniel Donovan and several aunts and uncles.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Services are under the direction of the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing.
Leonard Secules
Dec. 12, 2002
Leonard "Bud" Secules, age 85, longtime resident of Troy, PA, passed away on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 12, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Born on Nov. 26, 1917 in Muncy Valley, Bud was the son of the late Harry and Bessie Fulmer Secules. He graduated from Sonestown High School with the Class of 1934.
In the late 1930s, Bud moved to Troy and on Aug. 30, 1941, he married Madeline Rosa Williams at the East Troy Baptist Church. Together, they purchased the former Scott farm in Troy Township and renamed it Rose-Bud Acres.
Bud was a farmer, truck driver and "jack of all trades." He was employed by, and in 1980, retired from Pen-Troy Machine Company. He later worked for Tennessee Gas Company until retiring in 1992. Bud also was an auxiliary policeman and worked with area civil defense programs.
Mr. Secules was a man of faith and an active member of the Troy Baptist Church. He served as a former church deacon, trustee and Sunday School superintendent. Involved in his community all his life, Bud was a Troy Grange member for over 70 years, serving as a past grange master, an officer of the Bradford-Sullivan Pomona Grange and a director of the Grange’s Sheep and Wool Growers. Mr. Secules enjoyed supporting area youth and was a Cub Scout leader, a den father and a 4-H leader for 27 years, proudly receiving the 4-H’s Cooperator of the Year Award in 1986. Bud was a past president of Troy High School’s PTA organization and was a member of the Troy Rod and Gun Club.
Mr. Secules is survived by his wife of 61 years, Madeline; a son and daughter-in-law, William "Bud" and Mary Secules of Towanda; three daughters and sons-in-law, Rosaline and John Turnbull, Sr. of Hawthorne, CA, Shirley and Ronald Morse of Canton, Rhea Secules of Exeter; seven grandsons, Tim Secules of Elmira, NY, Todd and Ty Secules, both of Towanda, John Turnbull, Jr. of Arcadia, CA, Robert Turnbull of El Segundo, CA, Jeffery Morse of West Milton, Michael Morse of Trout Run; 14 great-grandchildren, Brent, Michael, Jeremy, Sarah, Nicholas, Nathan, Tyler and Kaitlyn Secules, Brayden and Kelsey Turnbull, Kayla, Mariah, Nolan and Connor Morse; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bud was predeceased by a brother, Ernest; two sisters, Martha and Freda and a daughter-in-law, Shirley.
In keeping with Mr. Secules’s wishes, there were no calling hours. A memorial service and celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16 at the First Baptist Church, Troy, with his pastor, Rev. Garry Zuber, officiating. A private interment will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery in Troy.
The family provided their own flowers and suggests that those who wish, may make memorials in Bud’s loving memory to the First Baptist Church in Troy, 162 Canton St., Troy, PA 16947.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Pepper Funeral Home, Springbrook Drive, Canton.
Dorothy Schoch
Dec. 17, 2002
Mrs. Dorothy Mae Phipps Schoch, age 79, of 202 Water St., Dushore, PA, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Dot was born on July 23, 1923 in Bellingham, WA, a daughter of the late Thomas Ethelburt and Rose Sheldon Phipps. Her family moved to Denver, CO where she was raised and attended high school. She met James B. Schoch, Jr. of Philadelphia, who was stationed in Philadelphia with the U.S. Marine Corps. They married on May 7, 1945 in Willow Grove. After WWII, they moved to Sullivan County to a rundown farm in Cherry Township to seek their fortune as potato farmers. Jim became the first audio-visual coordinator for the Sullivan County High School and predeceased her on Sept. 9, 1978.
Sometime in 1947, Dot took a "temporary" job at Miller’s Hardware in Dushore. Temporary, the word, does not fit because she’d been there ever since as a clerk and bookkeeper. Few, if any, women know the difference between a surface ell and a lag screw, but Dot did.
Her community service includes active participation in just about everything, including Dushore Borough’s 1959 centennial pageant; borough secretary; Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts; the Dushore Music Club; county chorus and the auxiliary of the Laporte United Methodist Home (now Highlands). She always donated blood to the American Red Cross bloodmobile when it came to Sullivan County and she had recently received recognition as a 50 year voter, never missing an election during that time.
Religion was a major part of her life. Her grandfather was a minister and her uncle was an Episcopalian priest. For many years, she drove to Canton every Sunday to teach Sunday School. For the past 15 years or so, she could be found every Sunday at St. Basil’s, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School.
Dot was a Republican through and through. She was re-elected Sullivan County Jury Commissioner every four years since 1977 and has been the Dushore Borough Committeewoman since 1988. She had also held the office of vice-chairman of the Sullivan County Republican Committee for several terms. She was involved in the campaigns of Kenneth B. Lee, Carmel Sirianni, Ken Lee, Sandra Major and Tina Pickett, and she also worked on Don Sherwood’s Sullivan County campaign. Over the years, Dot obtained thousands of signatures on petitions for local, county, state and congressional offices.
Her grandchildren were very special to her, having been married 20 years before being blessed with Christopher and Mary.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Krista Schoch, Camillus, NY; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and James Bish of Longmont, CO; three grandchildren, Jenna Schoch, Cody Bish and Kayla Bish; longtime friend, Ruth (Auntie/Sis) Campbell, Dushore.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Basil’s Church in Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment will be in Thrasher (Old Zion) Cemetery, Dushore.
Friends may call at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore on Friday, Dec. 20 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The Catholic Women’s Guild will recite the Rosary at 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Dushore Music Club, c/o Peggy Anderson, PO Box 223, Dushore, PA 18614 or to Guthrie Hospice, RR1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848.
Ruth Jones
Dec. 17, 2002
Ruth S. Jones, age 61, of RR3, Box 90-A, Meshoppen, PA (Auburn Center), passed away at the Mid Valley Hospice in Dickson City on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17, 2002 after an illness.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on July 18, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John and Irene Baker Jones.
Ms. Jones was a homemaker all of her life for her family. She attended the Elk Lake Community Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed solving word search puzzles and enjoyed being with her grandchildren.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, with whom she lived, Gerald and Colleen Parkhurst of Auburn Center; four daughters and sons-in-law, Carole and Richard Burgess of Meshoppen, Sharon and George Davis of Meshoppen, Hope Smith of Laceyville, Ruth and Michael Hongach of Meshoppen; two brothers, Richard Jones of Hagerstown, MD and Kenneth Baker of Pennsylvania; three sisters, Audrey Torlish of Bridgewater, NJ, her twin sister, Rita Barney of Manville, NJ and Joan Buda of Manville, NJ; eight grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Petrosky, who passed away in 1999.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Charles Bishop of the Elk Lake Community Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Jersey Hill Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening, Dec. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the Preferred Choice Hospice, Inpatient Unit, 799 Northern Blvd., PO Box 210, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.
Donald Hillis
Dec. 16, 2002
Donald Erwin Hillis, age 80, of Wyalusing RR1, PA, passed away at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, following surgery for a broken hip.
Donald was born on Aug. 24, 1922 at his family home in Rummerfield to Erwin and Emily Robinson Hillis. He attended Camptown School and graduated in the Class of 1941.
He served in the United States Army in the Western Pacific as a Sergeant with the 1717th Signal Service Company as a high speed radio operator from Oct. 1942 until Jan. 1946.
He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal of the Asiatic Pacific Campaign with two Bronze Stars.
After his discharge, he returned to his home in Rummerfield where he owned and operated a dairy farm and drove milk truck for a number of years, until 1989 when he retired from milking, but still maintained his farm until his passing. His farm and family were his life.
He married the former Betty Otis in 1953. They raised two daughters and ran the farm side by side. They also parented and grandparented countless other young people through the years.
Don was a lifetime member of the Dairymen’s League and served as secretary for a time. He served as a Herrick Township Supervisor for many years and was a Lay Leader in the Camptown Church of which he still was a member.
Don leaves behind his wife, Betty of 49 years; daughters and sons-in-law, Faith and David Jaynes of Rummerfield, Ava and Ricky Tunnicliff of Rummerfield and his grandson and "special little buddy," Cody Allan Tunnicliff.
Other survivors are a brother, Ralph Hillis and wife, Ann of Hudson, FL; sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris and Gene Sharer of Spring Hill, Joan and Frank Rockefeller of Friendsville and Mary Agnes and Chet Ostrowsky of Rummerfield and many nieces and nephews.
Don also enjoyed two "special" children, Leonice Jones and Keshan Gardner of Rummerfield.
He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Kenneth and an infant brother, Wayne.
Don was always ready to lend a helping hand and knew the right meaning of being a true neighbor. He enjoyed cutting wood, hunting and visiting with the hay customers.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and "PaPa Don" to so many. He will be greatly and sadly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday (today), Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Helen Learn, his pastor, officiating.
Interment will follow in Camptown Cemetery.
Friends and family called on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at McHenry Funeral Home, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the HOPS Ambulance Association, the Wysox Ambulance Association or to the Wyalusing Ambulance Association in Mr. Hillis’s memory.
Stanley Frystak
Dec. 11, 2002
Stanley A. Frystak, age 75, of Wyalusing RR2, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
He was born on Feb. 6, 1927 in Montrose, a son of the late John and Julia Brudz Frystak.
Mr. Frystak was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict.
On April 24, 1954, he married the former Frances Watkins in Montrose.
Prior to his retirement in 1975, he was employed by Commonwealth Telephone Company. Stanley and his wife, Frances also had owned and operated the Edgefield Court, a motel in Wyalusing and in 1986, they sold the motel and retired to their farm in Terrytown.
He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church of Wyalusing. He had lifetime memberships to the American Legion Post #534 of Wyalusing, the VFW and the Wyalusing Valley Fire Department. At one time, he served the Wyalusing community as Constable. He was also a past president of the Wyalusing Rainbow Club.
He enjoyed time spent with his family, farming and hunting when he was able.
Stanley remained active and possessed a great fondness for the people of the Wyalusing Valley area and loved coming to town to see what was happening. He spent many years volunteering his time wherever needed, especially for our local Senior Citizens’ programs and leaves behind a host of friends.
Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Frances Frystak, at home; two children, Winifred Mosier and friend, Thomas Brown of Terrytown, Thomas and Susan (Wiles) Frystak of Macedonia; brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward Frystak, John Frystak, Chester and Janet Frystak, Walter and Alyce Frystak, all of Montrose; grandchildren, Jason and Janet Otis of Terrytown, Malinda Otis of Meshoppen, Betsy Ball of Terrytown, Valerie Mosier of Meshoppen, Russell and Leslie Peterson of Camptown and Keegan and Vicky Canfield of Dushore and by his 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Charlotte Frystak; a sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Bob Decker and a son-in-law, John Mosier.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Kenneth Seegar as celebrant.
The casket was escorted in procession to Wyalusing Cemetery by fire trucks from the Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Full military honors were accorded by American Legion Post #534 of Wyalusing.
Pallbearers were Kevin Potter, Wayne Felter, Jack Milne, Rick Shaffer, Tom Miller and Paul Cresho.
Friends and family called on Friday evening, Dec. 13 at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wyalusing Fire Company, PO Box 86, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or to the Wyalusing Public Library, 202 Church St., PO Box 98, Wyalusing, PA 18853 in Mr. Frystak’s memory.
Evelyn Fisk
Dec. 11, 2002
Evelyn L. Fisk, 85, of Wyalusing RR3, Herrick Township, PA, passed away early Wednesday morning, Dec. 11, 2002 at her home, following declining health.
Born Aug. 28, 1917 in Wyalusing, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Leatha Decker Kissell.
Evelyn was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, whose life surrounded her family. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, traveling, square dancing, reading and working crossword puzzles.
Evelyn attended the Herrickville United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Melvin "Mel" and Monica "Linda" Fisk of Lockwood, NY; her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra "Sandy" and Wayne "Jim" Lantz of Litchfield; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernard and Arlene Kissell of Cayuta, NY, Robert and Pat Kissell of Waverly; several nieces, nephews and cousins; her very special friend, Paul Strong, Sr. of Wyalusing RR3; her extended family, Paul, Jr. and Marge Strong of Wyalusing RR3, Sally and Fred Ross of Wyalusing RR3, Pat Edwards of Selbyville, DE, John and Beverly Strong of Wyalusing; Joyce and Nelson Frisbie of Athens and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Fisk in 1984; a son, Ronald "Ron" Fisk in 1986; a grandson, Craig Fisk in 1966; two sisters, Eleanor Burke and Marguerite Crown and a brother, Victor Kissell.
The family received friends on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.
The funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with her pastor, Rev. Helen Learn of the Herrickville United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in the Wyalusing Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the charity or organization of one’s choice in Evelyn L. Fisk’s memory.
Marie Cole
Dec. 12, 2002
Mrs. Marie R. Cole, age 90, of Dushore, PA, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002 at The Highlands in Laporte.
Marie was born Aug. 20, 1912 in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Louis and Margaret Carroll Capelli. She graduated from the South Philadelphia High School, a member of the Class of 1930. She married Thomas A. Cole in Philadelphia in 1938. He predeceased her in 1972.
Marie worked as a secretary for Sears Roebuck, BF Goodrich Tire Co. and Livingston & Co., a cabinet manufacturer. She retired to Sullivan County in 1984.
Marie was a member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Dushore.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas A. and Deborah Cole, Dushore; brothers and sister-in-law, Louis Capelli, and Thomas and Mary Ann Capelli, all of Levittown; sisters and brother-in-law, Dorothy and George Huntzinger, Shawnee on the Delaware, Margaret Nuttal, Philadelphia; five grandchildren, William Cole, Philadelphia, Theresa Cole Weaver, Kansas City, MO, Thomas Cole, Lambertville, NJ, Matthew Cole, Silva, NC, Michael Cole, Dushore; three great-grandchildren, John, Hayden, Derrick Weaver, all of Kansas City, MO; several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held on Monday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Darby, with the Rev. Eugene R. Carr, her former pastor, presiding.
Memorials may be directed to the Goodwill Industries, Montoursville, PA 17754.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Rebecca Burgess
Dec. 14, 2002
G. Rebecca (Becky) Burgess, 70, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002 at her home, with her loving family by her side.
She was born on Nov. 12, 1932 in Ashboro, NC, a daughter of the late Glen and Grace Quick Burkhart.
Becky was raised in North Carolina and started working at the age of 14, where she later married and had two daughters. She worked in a hosiery mill in North Carolina and later learned how to operate the key punch machine. Thereafter, she was employed by Hollingshead of Camden, NJ.
She relocated to Pennsylvania and worked for the Bendix Corporation of South Montrose. In 1964, she moved to the Lime Hill area with her two daughters. She met her present husband, Donald Burgess and was married in the Wyalusing United Methodist Church on June 15, 1968.
Becky and Don started her second family with a set of twins. She stayed home to raise her family and two years later, started working at Farm & Home Gas Service as a secretary, and was bookkeeper for Farm & Home Furniture and the Farm & Home Plaza on Route 6. She was co-owner of Farm and Home Gas Company and the Wyalusing Farm and Home Supply Company. She retired on Dec. 31, 2000.
She was a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women and the Wyalusing Lioness Club.
Becky will certainly be remembered as being one of the kindest people, and possessed a host of friends and family here and in North Carolina that loved her.
Becky loved young children and it was of great enjoyment to her to be Santa Claus. Many grew up and had never forgotten the joy she brought them. God bless you, Becky Burgess.
Becky’s greatest love in life was raising her two families and she loved time spent with them, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed time spent traveling, also.
Surviving are her husband, Donald Burgess, at home; her mother-in-law, Marjorie Burgess, Wyalusing; her children, Pat and Phil Kelly of Mustang, OK, Cathie Elliott and Donny Baker, Quicks Bend; her twins and their spouses, Ted and Ana Burgess of Lime Hill, Amy and Doug Eberlin of Lime Hill; a stepdaughter and husband, Lori and Steve Wade of Crestone, CO; a stepson and wife, Jamie and Tammy Burgess of Wyalusing; a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Bob Freeman of Eagle Spring, NC; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sheldon and Kay Johnson, Alice and William Hillis and David and Suky Burgess; 16 grandchildren, Michele, Debbie, Jasmine, Eleanor, Joe, Oliver, Julian, Steven, Christopher, Nicholas, Colby, Shelby, Sydni, Travis, Courtney, Madison and by three great-grandchildren, Kristine, Miranda and Chloe; very special friends, Jim and Beverly Colson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Russell Pierce, her pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. Barry Ballard, pastor of the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church.
Interment was in the Wyalusing Cemetery.
Friends and family called on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Bradford-Sullivan County Unit, Williamsport or to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 in Mrs. Burgess’s memory.
