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.
 

Ronald Beegle
Dec. 14, 2002 
Ronald Herbert Beegle, age 66, of Dushore RR2, PA, passed away at his home on Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2002.

He was born on Dec. 18, 1935 in Johnstown, a son of Mark and Betty Berkey Beegle.

Mr. Beegle was a veteran of the United States Air Force, retiring in June of 1974 after 21 years of service.

He served in the National Guard from 1953 to 1954; and in June of 1954, he began active duty in the United States Air Force and served as a Radar Technician and electronic computer system technician. Ron worked on the guidance systems of the minuteman missiles. His final duty station was at the Benton Air Force Radar Station as a computer technician on the radar systems.

On Oct. 7, 1973, he married the former Irene Minnier in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Zion Chapel of Dushore.

Ron then began employment with the Fitzpatrick and Lambert Ford Dealership in Dushore as a mechanic and body mechanic. He finally retired in Dec. 31, 1997 after 23 years.

He was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Zion Chapel of Dushore; the American Legion Post No. 996 of Dushore, the VFW Post No. 384 of New Albany and Evergreen Lodge No. 163 F&AM of Monroeton.

Ron was an avid gun collector and enjoyed model building.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Minnier Beegle, at home; his mother, Betty Beegle; two sons, Ronald Beegle, Jr. of Pine Grove, Mark and Dawn Beegle, at home; two stepsons, William and Brenda Chilson of Tunkhannock, Tina Bizup of Lopez; a brother, Robert Beegle of Johnstown; two sisters, Elaine Peterson of Johnstown, Francis Abinader of Coral Springs, FL and four grandchildren, David, Allyssa, Shane and Dalton.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Athens Animal Hospital or the American Diabetes Foundation in Mr. Beegle’s memory.
 

Edward Zeidler
Nov. 18, 2002 
Edward Zeidler, age 73, of Vero Beach, FL died on Monday, Nov. 18, 2002 at Indian River Memorial Hospital in Vero Beach. He was born on Sept. 23, 1929 in Philadelphia, the son of the late Edward and Alice Zeidler.

When Ed was a teenager he came from the city and worked on Michael Horutz’s farm in Standing Stone Township. Ed had a great love for this part of the country. On Nov. 5, 1955, he married the former Peggy (Minnie Amelia) French. She died at the age of 30 and was the love of his life.

Ed was employed for 42 years by Whitman’s Chocolates in Philadelphia and after retirement, he moved to New Jersey. Twelve years ago he moved to a warmer climate (Vero Beach).

Ed was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion in Pennsylvania.

Surviving are his companion, Helen Kehlman of Vero Beach; three sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Renee Zeidler of Standing Stone, Rick and Laura of Leavenworth, KS and Jeffrey Zeidler of Revere; a daughter, Brenda Kline-Tucker of Burlington, VT; grandsons, Rick and Jeff Zeidler of Leavenworth, KS, Ryan and Christopher Kline of Philadelphia; two granddaughters, Tara of Boston, MA and Jenna Tucker of Burlington, VT; one brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Barbara Zeidler of Bensalem and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Jack Bates of Philadelphia and Rosetta and Fred Carroll of Winder, GA.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy French Zeidler on June 28, 1961; his parents, brother, James and sister, Alice Zeidler; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guy and Alice French of Standing Stone; four brothers-in-law, Bobby French, David French, Francis French and Elwood Rogers and a nephew, Michael Pardoe.

Entombment was at the Hillcrest Memorial Mausoleum, Fort Pierce, FL on Nov. 21, 2002.
 

Norma Weaver
Dec. 3, 2002 
Norma E. Weaver, age 88, of Montrose, PA, died on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002 at Gracious Living Estates Personal Care Home, South Montrose. Born July 19, 1914 in Retta, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Isilda (Clapper) Carter. Her husband, Clifford E. Weaver, died in July of 2001. Her first husband, Clayton White, also predeceased her.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose.

A graduate of Rush High School, she last worked for Maple-Vail Book Manufacturing Group in Binghamton, NY and previously worked for Elk Lake School District in the cafeteria and was a nurse’s aide at Tyler Memorial Hospital, when it was located in Meshoppen.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Burleigh Kelley of Retta; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard C. and Betty Jean White of Retta; stepdaughter and spouse, Linda and Daniel Brackett of San Jose, CA; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; on step-great-grandson; a sister, Ruth Breitweiser of Laceyville RR; sisters-in-law and spouse, Ruth Carter of Meshoppen RR, Jane Carter-Pierson of Montrose RR, Alta and Paul Kubick of Centermoreland; nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husbands, two brothers, Elston and Orell Carter, predeceased her.

Services were held on Friday, Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., a Selected Independent Funeral Home, 74 Church St., Montrose. The family received friends on Friday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to either the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, 71 Church St., Montrose, PA 18801 or a charity of one’s choice.
 

Arthur Schurr
Dec. 2, 2002 
Arthur Edward Schurr, age 60, of Sullivan Terrace, Dushore, PA, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2, 2002 at his home.

He was born in Philadelphia on Nov. 7, 1942, son of the late Charles and Anne Forte Schurr. He was a chef and worked in the Philadelphia area until moving to Sullivan Terrace in 2002.

He had no known survivors.

A memorial service was held in Philadelphia at the Burns Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Local arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
 

Gordon Norton
Dec. 4, 2002 
Gordon A. Norton, age 89, of Forksville RR1, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1912 in Forksville, a son of the late Ira and Agnes Worthington Norton.

Gordon married the former Beatrice Rinker Norton, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Prior to his retirement in 1977, he was employed by the Pennsylvania State Game Commission as a Game Commissioner, giving 25 years of service. Mr. Norton had been engaged in dairy farming and had formerly worked for a couple of telephone companies.

His memberships include: life member of the National Rifle Association and the Hillsgrove Fish and Game Club.

He had been a lifetime resident of Sullivan County.

Surviving are his wife, Beatrice Rinker Norton, at home; three sons, Duane R. Norton of Tunkhannock, Nevin A. Norton of Springville and Dennis G. Norton of Wyoming; a brother, Wayne S. Norton of San Pablo, CA; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gary Norton; a grandson, G. Scott Norton; three brothers, John, Clyde and Archie Norton and a sister, Ruth.

Funeral and committal services were held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. in the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, with the Rev. Ed Simmons, pastor of he Lemon United Methodist Church.

Friends and family called on Saturday at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division, Inc., PO Box 3125, Williamsport, PA 17001-0125 or Guthrie Hospice, RR1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848 in Mr. Norton’s memory.
 

Mildred Johnson
Nov. 25, 2002 
Mildred H. Johnson, age 95, died on Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 at the Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit, Towanda. For the past year, she was a resident at the Wyalusing Personal Care Home.

She was born Aug. 23, 1907 in Pittstown and had lived many years in the High Bridge area before moving to Pennsylvania in 1990.

She was the daughter of Albert and Harriet LeQueer Hann.

Many years ago, she was a bookkeeper for the Taylor Wharton Steel Plant in High Bridge. She was a member of the High Bridge United Methodist Church and the Hobart Chapter Order of Eastern Star, both in High Bridge.

She was predeceased by her husband, Floyd D. Johnson, who died in 1966; a son, Jay Johnson of Annandale; a grandson, Robert Jay Hall of High Bridge; a brother, Mitchell Hann and a sister, Catherine Allen.

Surviving are her daughter, Jean C. Hall of Wyalusing; two granddaughters, Donna Jean Gardner of Milford and Janice Hardenber of Bloomsburg and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Naughright-Scarponi Funeral Home, 66 Main St., High Bridge. Interment was at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery, Hampton. Calling hours were on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. with an 8 p.m. service by the Eastern Star.
 

Catherine Jacobson
Dec. 5, 2002 
Catherine Ellsworth Jacobson, age 91, formerly of Tunkhannock, PA, died at her daughter, Dr. Barbara Jacobson’s home in Sacramento, CA on Thursday evening, Dec. 5, 2002 after a long illness.

Born at Craig Hill, Meshoppen, PA on April 11, 1911, she was a daughter of the late Ellis D. and Daisy Camp Ellsworth.

She was a graduate of Meshoppen High School, Class of 1929. In 1932, she became a registered nurse, graduating from the Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. In 1937, she graduated from the Western Reserve University Hospital in Cleveland, OH as a Nurse Anesthetist. She worked at Williamsport Hospital for several years.

She was a member of the American Medical Association Auxiliary and Eliza Barnes Chapter #480 Eastern Star. While in Williamsport, she was a member of the Oheb Sholom Synagogue. Since residing in Tunkhannock, for 18 years, she was a member of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her children: two sons and their wives, Dr. Robert (a twin) and Joyce Jacobson of Dallas, TX, Richard and Jin Mei Jacobson of Charlotte, NC; two daughters, Dr. Barbara Jacobson (a twin) of Sacramento, CA and Patricia J. Parker of Corpus Christi, TX; four grandsons, Jeffrey and Joey Jacobson, both of Dallas, TX, Michael Parker of Maine and Philip Jacobson of Charlotte, NC; five granddaughters, Nicole Betts of Sacramento, CA, Jennifer Parker of New York City, NY, Kristen Jacobson of New Jersey and Jing Jing Jacobson and Ling Ling Jacobson, both of Charlotte, NC; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Robins of Sun City, FL; several nieces and nephews. Also, two special nieces, Mildred G. Johnson of Tunkhannock and Katherine G. Wheeler of Springville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Philip Jacobson in 1984; a sister, Merle E. Gyle in 1936 and two brothers, Clarence Ellsworth in 1976 and Joseph Ellsworth in 1995.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Dan Herron of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen. Family and friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, RR4, Box 4021, Meshoppen, PA 18630 or to the Tunkhannock Ambulance Association, PO Box, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.
 

Leo Griffith
Dec. 4, 2002 
Mr. Leo (Johnny) Griffith, age 88, of RR4, Box 4134, Stanek Rd., Meshoppen, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002 at the Carpenter Care Center in Tunkhannock after an illness.

Born in Lopez, Sullivan County, PA on Dec. 22, 1913, he was the son of the late Harry and Stella Searfoss Griffith. Mr. Griffith was the husband of the late Arlene Smales Griffith, who passed away on Aug. 7, 1991. Johnny and Arlene were married for 57 years before her passing away.

Mr. Griffith was a dairy farmer on Stanek Rd., Meshoppen, for many years, and before, was a dairy farmer in Jenningsville in his earlier years. He enjoyed his farms and being outdoors very much, over the years.

He was a member of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, a member of the Franklin Lodge #263 F&AM of Laceyville, for over 50 years. While in the Masonic Lodge, he was Master of the Lodge in 1970. He was a 50-year member of the Irem Temple Shrine in Wilkes-Barre. Leo served on the Claverack Board of Directors since December of 1950. Leo also served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association from 1969-1970. He was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association for his 50 plus years of service as a cooperative director. He also served on the board of directors of the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Meshoppen and through the transition to Tunkhannock, serving many years until 1975. Leo was well-known throughout the cooperative program and will be missed by his many friends and associates. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling and hunting and fishing on his farms and ponds.

He is survived by his close friend and companion for the past 10 years, Mrs. Elsie Buckingham; a daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Don James of Meshoppen; brother-in-law, Torrence Smith of Muncy and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Stevens of Jenningsville and Maxine Smales of Tunkhannock; also many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Griffith and Richard Stevens and three sisters, Anna Imbriani, Florence Mosier and Marguerite Smith.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002 at 11 a.m. from the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dan Herron of the church, officiating. Interment was in the Jersey Hill Cemetery. Friends and family called at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, on Friday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Masonic Services were held on Friday evening at 8:30 p.m., conducted by members of the Franklin Lodge #263 F&AM.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial donations to the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, the Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company or to the Tyler Memorial Hospital.
 

Patricia Drogan
Dec. 4, 2002 
Miss Patricia Ann Drogan, age 57, of 99 N. Dawes Ave., Kingston, PA, passed away at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002 after a long illness. Patricia was a resident of Kingston since June of 2001; before that, she was a resident of the White Haven State Center in White Haven, PA for many years.

Born in Waverly, NY on April 30, 1945, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Marjorie Stark Drogan.

While at the White Haven Center, Patricia loved to have her hair done, and very much enjoyed make-up and jewelry. She also enjoyed music and dancing and many arts and crafts.

She is survived by her brother, Stark (Jerry) Drogan of Meshoppen; a niece, Michelle Drogan and a nephew, Matthew Drogan, both of Meshoppen; also several cousins.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Dan Herron of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in the Jersey Hill Cemetery. There were no calling hours.
 

Bernard O’Neil
Nov. 30, 2002.
Bernard Francis (Butch) O’Neil, age 50, of Albany Township, PA, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002.

Butch was born Sept. 24, 1952, son of Mary T. McGee O’Neil and the late Raymond Thomas O’Neil, both of Albany Valley. He graduated from the Wyalusing Valley High School, a member of the Class of 1970. He and his younger brother, Mike O’Neil, were very involved with the Rams wrestling team, which had a 14-1 record in Butch’s senior year.

Butch was a lifelong dairy farmer in Albany Township and was also an avid hunter and trapper.

He was a member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Dushore and also served as an usher at Sunday mass.

Surviving are his mother, Mary O’Neil, at home; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph P. and Suzette O’Neil, Laddsburg; sisters and brother-in-law, Patricia O’Neil, Kingston, Kelly and Chris Fry, Dushore; a sister-in-law, Cheryl O’Neil, Wyalusing; four nieces and three nephews. He was predeceased by his dad, Ray on Oct. 25, 1984 and a brother, R. Michael O’Neil on Nov. 10, 1993.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m. and were followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, his pastor, presiding. Interment was in St. Basil’s Cemetery, Dushore.

Friends called at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Michael O’Neil Wrestling Scholarship Fund, c/o Wyalusing Valley High School, RR2, Box 7, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or St. Basil’s Restoration Fund, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614.
 

Dorothy MacInnis
Nov. 28, 2002 
Dorothy Waples Cobb MacInnis, age 84, a longtime resident of Dushore, PA, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, Nov. 28, 2002 at the Highlands Care Center in Laporte.

Dorothy was born in Mildred on May 17, 1918, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna J. Touschner Waples. She graduated from St. Basil’s High School, a member of the Class of 1935.

Dorothy married Lewis Cobb of Dushore, who predeceased her on Nov. 16, 1952. She was a factory worker at the former Weldon Manufacturing Company of Dushore, and later its successor, Dushore Lingerie, from which she retired.

Dorothy was a loving spouse, mother and grandmother. She moved to Sullivan Terrace when she retired and was involved with the care of the indoor plants. She kept them alive and transplanted them from the halls to the community room, keeping them fresh to maintain a pleasant appearance throughout the apartment building.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Meda Cobb, Bethel; one daughter and son-in-law, Ann and George Grant, Lorton, VA; two grandchildren, Richard Winnie, Jr. of Woodbridge, VA and Lisa Winnie of Ft. Myers, FL and seven nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was predeceased by a granddaughter, Renee Winnie of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and a brother, Donald Waples of Lewistown.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment was in St. Basil’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
 

Carlton Herman, Sr.
Nov. 29, 2002 
Carlton A. Herman, Sr., 88, of Lawton, PA, passed away on Friday, Nov. 29, 2002 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA after a long illness. He was born in LeRaysville to the late Stanley H. and Francis B. Zacharias Herman.

Carlton loved baseball.

Survivors include eight sons, Carlton Herman, Jr., Phillipsburg, Ronald Herman, East Bloomfield, NY, Donald Herman, Lawton, Roy Herman, Lawton, Kirby Herman, Elizabethton, TN, Richard Herman, Laceyville, Elwin Herman, Tunkhannock, Randy Herman, Dallas; four daughters, Bonnie Beeman, Barton, NY, Alice Kamarauskas, Montrose, Larri Ann Herman, Montrose, Carla White, Montrose; one stepson, Richard Tressler, Montrose; 50 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Hollis Herman, New Albany; three sisters, Betty DeWitt, Camptown, Shirley Hartman, Newark Valley, NY, Marie Jenner, Wyalusing; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His first wife, Beatrice Herman; second wife, Mildred Herman; two brothers, Paul and Clifford Herman, predeceased him.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 2 at 12 noon at the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home, Montrose, with Pastor Kirby Herman, Elizabethton, TN, officiating. Interment was in the Rushville Cemetery, Rush Township. Friends called on the family from 10 a.m. to 12 noon before the service.
 

Lois Cole
Nov. 24, 2002 
Lois Ann Cole, age 78, of Orwell Township, Rome RR1, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002 at her home.

She was born in Rummerfield, Standing Stone Township, a daughter of the late Charles and Letha VanKuren Lehman.

On June 24, 1942, Lois married Ernest W. Cole, Sr. in Standing Stone. The marriage was to endure through thick and thin for more than 60 years, developing into loving, mutual devotion.

She was a resident of Herrick Township for nearly 40 years before moving to the Rome area.

Lois was a committed member of the Herrickville United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and the Camptown Civic Club.

Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a rural route postal carrier. She was also employed at one time by Platt’s Shoe Store in Wyalusing and Cole’s Store in Camptown. But her real career was as a mother of seven, a talent she selflessly pursued for more than 40 years until her last son graduated from college. At that point, she stepped back and observed her grown children, visited them in their various new locations and anxiously awaited the arrival of grandchildren. For her, the high point of life remained spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She exhibited a lifelong spirit and enjoyed socializing with friends and family, especially her two sisters. She loved music in particular.

She left surviving, her husband, Ernest W. Cole, Sr. seven children and spouses, Bonita and John Lyles, Chicago, IL, Ralph "Sam" and Peggy Cole of Goshen, VA, Nancy Cole and Peter Seidman, Des Moines, IA, Ernest and Lourdes Cole, Granville Summit, James and Susan Cole, Rummerfield, Jeffrey and Tiffany Cole, North Rome and Timothy Cole of Rome; one brother and sister-in-law, George and Dorothy Lehman of Standing Stone; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Janet Knouse of Dover, DE, Betty and Jack Knouse of Sayre; a sister-in-law, Marsha Lehman of Aspen, CO; 10 grandchildren, Theresa, Jeremy, Tammy, Jennifer, Kayla, Curtis, Shianne, Grant, Sara and Edward; three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Damien and Annessa, as well as 55 nieces and nephews. She also leaves four sisters-in-law, Anna Laura O’Connor, Wilma Jennings, Elaine Gardner (and husband, Harold) and Jan Ardsley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ted Lehman; four sisters-in-law, Lyndell Burlington, Joy Moffet, Myrle Reeve and Eloise Welliver and four brothers-in-law, Donald Knouse, Carelton Cole, Milton Cole and Ralph Cole.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 noon at the Herrickville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Helen Learn, her pastor, officiating.

Interment followed in the Wyalusing Cemetery.

Friends and family called on Friday, Nov. 29 at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Herrickville United Methodist Church, c/o Ruth Weingartner, RR1, Box 35, Stevensville, PA 18845.
 

Zilpha Carnwright
Nov. 30, 2002 
On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002, longtime Canton resident, Zilpha M. (Kipp) Carnwright passed away unexpectedly at home. She was 76 years of age.

Born in New Albany on June 28, 1926, she was one of seven children in the family of Lewis and Sarah (Dickerman) Kipp. She was courted by a young Cantonian named E. Philip Carnwright, and in 1947 they were united in marriage. Together they resided in Canton, raising a son and sharing 45 years until Philip’s passing in 1992.

Zilpha was a friendly and cordial woman, who enjoyed the company of others. Her cheerful smile and courteous demeanor were familiar sights at the old Ben Franklin Store in Canton, where she worked for many years.

She had been an active volunteer every Election Day and every time the bloodmobile came to town, and could always be seen working at the Clothing Center. Likewise, whenever any church or organization needed fresh baked goods, Zilpha could be counted on to do her part.

She also enjoyed knitting, especially baby garments. Zilpha was a woman of faith and a longtime member of the Ward United Methodist Church. She was truly a family person, taking great pleasure in visits with her granddaughter and great-grandsons.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth (and Marcy) Carnwright of Canton; granddaughter, Jennifer (and Jake) Cole of Burlington; great-grandsons, Levi and Logan; a sister, Lela Hite of New Albany, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her husband, Philip, she was predeceased by brothers, Emerson, Archie, John and Arthur and a sister, Gladys Porter.

Funeral services will be conducted today, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12 noon at the Morse and Kleese Funeral Home, 40 N. Center St., Canton, with the Rev. Dean Walrath, her pastor, officiating. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home.

Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Troy.
 
 

Carl Nylund
November 21, 2002

Carl G. Nylund, 89, of Lower Gwynedd, PA, formerly of Susquehanna County, (Beaver Meadows) died Thursday evening at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton. His wife is the former Dorothy Gaich. They celebrated 59 years of marriage Aug. 31.

Born in Philadelphia, son of the late Eli and Ida Johanson Nylund, he was educated in Philadelphia public schools and was a graduate of Central High School, Philadelphia. He was an Army veteran of World War II, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal with one Bronze Star and the World War II Victory Medal.

Before retirement, he was a cabinetmaker of fine furniture.

Also surviving are a daughter, Marsha N. Stranges; two sons, Robert C. and Jeffrey B.; five grandchildren; and a sister.

The funeral was held Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Camp Hill Road, Whitemarsh. Interment was in George Washington Memorial Park, Plymouth Meeting.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 100 N. 17th St., Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, Inc., 1240 St. Ann’s St.
 

Daniel Kravitz
Nov. 20, 2002 
Daniel Cole Kravitz, age 43, of Dushore, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.

Danny was born in Pittsburgh, where his dad, Daniel Kravitz was a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, on Aug. 19, 1959. He was the son of Daniel and Mary Jane Cole Kravitz. He graduated from the Sullivan County High School, a member of the Class of 1977, where he played baseball and soccer. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed bow hunting, ice fishing and four-wheeling with his sons. His love of nature and his love of family and friends started at an early age.

Danny was employed by E.I. DuPont de Nemours in Towanda for over 20 years. He was also very involved in playing in various softball leagues in the Bradford-Sullivan County areas.

Danny was a member of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church in Lopez and a member of the White Ash Land Association.

Surviving are three sons, Nicholas, Tyler and Darren Kravitz; his girlfriend, Amanda Martin and her children, Cameron, Calla and Cassie; parents, Danny and Mary Jane Kravitz, Dushore; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pamela and Ron Arthur, Muncy Valley, Lisa and Scott Miller, Kingston; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and a nephew, Tanner Arthur.

Burial services were held on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, with Hieromonk Michael Their, his pastor, officiating. Interment was in the St. Vladimir’s Cemetery, Lopez.

Friends called at the funeral home on Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. A Parastas Service was held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Sullivan County Scholarship Fund, PO Box 277, Laporte, PA 18626, Dushore Fire and Ambulance Association, PO Box 1, Dushore, PA 18614 or the Mildred Ambulance Association, PO Box 74, Mildred, PA 18632.
 

Robert Evans
Nov. 23, 2002 
Robert W. Evans, age 65, of LeRaysville, PA, passed away at his home in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002. He was the husband of Alice Evans.

He was born on July 16, 1937 in Orwell Township, a son of the late Margaret Williams Evans and was a lifetime resident of Bradford County.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served during the Korean Conflict.

On May 9, 1973, he married the former Alice Lyman Evans in Wysox.

Mr. Evans was a self-employed contractor.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Alice (Lyman) Evans, at home; a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Pete Lent of Wyalusing; two granddaughters, Nadine and Natalie Lent; brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Louise Evans of Rome, Olin and Phyllis Evans of Rome, Bill and Nancy Dunbar of Rome, Charles and Penny Dunbar of Barton, NY, Ronald Evans and friend, Judy of Sayre, Dennis and Wendy Evans of Towanda, Phoebe McManus and friend, Bob of Montrose, Gene and Alice Evans of Severn, MD; a brother-in-law, Ed Dunbar of Rome; his stepchildren, Lucretia Cronk, Endicott, NY, Anne Shelp, LeRaysville, Roger and Betty Sherman of Springville, Lyle Sherman and friend, Becky of Meshoppen, Fred and Susie Sherman of Springville, Mae "Ellie" and George "Buddy" MacNamee of Montrose; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his mother, Margaret Evans, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sally Dunbar and a special uncle, Roy Williams.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing.

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 1 at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Guthrie Hospice of Towanda, in Mr. Evans’s memory.
 

Donald Bankes
Nov. 21, 2002 
Donald Paul Bankes, Sr., 67, of Sugar Run RR1, PA, died on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002 at the home of his mother in Berwick.

He was born in Berwick on Aug. 25, 1935, the son of Vertie Michael Bankes and the late Paul G. Bankes, Sr.

Donald graduated from Berwick High School in 1954 and served in the Army from 1956 to 1959. He worked at Berwick Forge and Fabricating from 1965 to 1984 and then moved to Wyalusing in 1985. He opened a sporting goods and fishing store named "Sugar Run Stock." He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved gardening and the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Pauly in 1967.

Surviving besides his mother are his wife, the former Helen Harmon, whom he married in 1956; two daughters, Brenda Young of Berwick and Donna Buchalter of Manalapan, NJ; one son, Donald P. Bankes, Jr. of Towanda; two grandsons and a sister, Yvonne E. Smith of Berwick.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. at Heller Funeral Home in Nescopeck. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery in Berwick. Calling hours were from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.

Contributions may be made to the Berwick Home Hospice at 701 E. 16th St., Berwick, PA 18603 or to the American Cancer Society.
 

Clifford Woodruff
Nov. 9, 2002 
Services were held for Clifford H. Woodruff, age 69, devoted husband of Janice (Dixon) Woodruff of Wyalusing. He passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Robert Brown, pastor, officiating.

Special music was provided by Jeanne Woodruff.

Interment followed in Camptown Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Robert Brown, Jr., Terry Hamilton, LeRoy Armitage, Randy Woodruff, Clifford Woodruff, III and LeRoy James Armitage. Honorary pallbearer was Daniel Kithcart.
 

Mary McCarty
Nov. 13, 2002 
Mary Josephine Finan McCarty, 84, lifelong resident of Dushore, PA, died on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 at the Highlands, Laporte, after a lengthy illness.

Mary was born March 16, 1918, at home in New Albany, a daughter of the late Patrick J. and Anna J. Murphy Finan. She was married 44 years to the late Kenneth L. McCarty, who died in 1984. She worked for the Commonwealth Telephone Company for several years, as well as SullCraft Industries in Dushore.

Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed having family gatherings. She was an avid seamstress and baker, being well-known for her homemade bread and sticky buns. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

Mary was a member of St. Basil’s Church and a member of its former Altar and Rosary Society. She was a 4-H leader for many years and volunteered at the Highlands in Laporte and later at the Sullivan County Loan Closet in Dushore. She belonged to the Country Quilters that gathered at Sullivan Terrace. Mary enjoyed helping others in a quiet manner and asked for nothing in return.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald and Louise McCarty of Salt Lake City, UT and John and Kathy McCarty of Dushore; five daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Kenneth Sherman of Scranton, Marie Kathleen (Kate) Meckley of Montoursville, Joan and Douglas Phillips of Troy, Barbara Gorrell of Bloomsburg and Julia and Robert Roy of Laporte; two sisters, Rita Rohe and Geraldine Arey, both of Dushore; a sister-in-law, Mary R. Finan of Dushore; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by brothers Vincent (Pete) Finan and Leonard (Pop) Finan and a grandson, Rob Roy.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Basil’s Roman Catholic Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment was in the adjoining parish cemetery.

In keeping with her wishes, there was no visitation; friends called as a tribute to her life at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The family provided their own flowers and asks that memorials be directed to the Dushore Fire and Ambulance Association, PO Box 1, Dushore, PA 18614 or to the Sullivan County Library, PO Box 309, Dushore, PA 18614.
 

Norman Learn
Nov. 10, 2002 
Norman Roy Learn, age 82, died on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002 at Annaburg Manor in Manassas, VA.

Mr. Learn retired from the U.S. military after serving 22 years. He served during World War II and Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathleen Learn of Manassas, VA; two sons and daughters-in-law, Howard J. and Susan Learn of Gainesville, VA, Hayward G. and Telesa Learn of Fairborn, OH; a brother, William Learn of Wyalusing; three grandchildren, Peter Learn of San Antonio, TX, Chun Ho Learn of Korea, Michael Learn of Ithaca, NY, Christine Schhuetz of Chaddsford, Matthew Learn of Blacksburg, VA; three great-grandchildren, Katie Schuetz of Chaddsford, Stacey and Scott Learn of Korea; very close family friends, Bill and Liz Inmon of Annapolis, MD and their daughter, Julie Michaels of Dallas, TX.

Visitation was held at the Blasius-Baker Funeral Home, 9320 West St., Manassas, VA on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. Services followed at 4 p.m. at Baker Chapel. Interment will be in the Arlington National Cemetery with military honors on Dec. 9, 2002 at 11 a.m. 
 

Ronald Giddish
Nov. 14, 2002 
Ronald E. Giddish, age 62, of 108 Church St., Wyalusing, PA, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002 after suffering a heart attack.

Ron was born in Bristol, CT on April 27, 1940, a son of the late George and Eleanor Aust Giddish. He graduated from high school in Bristol and attended a local tech school. Ron served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Lebanon. He was an extremely gifted and talented toolmaker and model maker for the aerospace industry, working for many years for Hartford Aircraft. He later worked for the Colt Firearms Company of Hartford. He moved to Swoyersville, PA where he was employed by Belrick Corp. He also taught Math, Calculus and Machine Shop at the Luzerne County Community College until he retired to Wyalusing.

Currently, Ron was operating his own business, REG Tooling, Wyalusing.

Ron was a member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Sayre Sportsmen’s Club.

Surviving are his fiancee, Susanne Cerniglia, Wyalusing and a brother, Timothy Giddish of Bristol, CT.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, Wyalusing, with the Rev. Kenneth M. Seegar, pastor, presiding. Interment was in Bristol, CT.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Building Fund, RR4, Box 4003, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or the Wyalusing Ambulance Association, c/o Jane Dietz, PO Box 787, Wyalusing, PA 18853. 

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing.
 

Earl Warburton
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002. 
Funeral services were held for Earl Bruce Warburton, age 78, on Thursday, Nov. 14 in St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton, with the Rev. Robert Martin, pastor, officiating. Mr. Warburton passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002.

Special music was provided by Mary Lambert.

Interment followed in the Warburton Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jesse Reibson, Brian Warburton, Nick Molyneaux, Bruce Warburton, Jim Smith and Shawn Molyneaux.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.
 

Emily Dial
Nov. 18, 2002 
Mrs. Emily Elizabeth Dial, age 87, of Point Pleasant, WV, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2002 at the Skilled Nursing Unit of Towanda Memorial Hospital.

Emily was born Dec. 23, 1914 in Wayne County, WV, daughter of the late Tilden A. and Esther Belle Maynard Hay. She graduated from the Huntington High School and received her bachelor and master’s degrees from Marshall University, Huntington, WV. Emily taught elementary school in Wayne County, WV and Ashville, OH for many years.

She enjoyed quilting and was a member of the Senior Citizens Center in Point Pleasant. Mrs. Dial was a former resident of the Wyalusing Personal Care Home.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Ida-Ann Mayo, Glen Cove, NY and David Kyle and Peggy Mayo, Valley City, OH; eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two husbands, Glenn Hayse Mayo and Albert Cecil Dial and her brothers and sisters.

A funeral service was held on Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, with the Rev. Donn Hauser, pastor of the Independent Baptist Church, Towanda, officiating. Interment was in the Dock’s Creek Cemetery, Kenova, WV.
 

Pearl Devine
Nov. 17, 2002 
Mrs. Pearl Devine, age 76, of Montrose, PA, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002 at Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock.

She was born in Binghamton, NY on Jan. 17, 1926. Her mother was Edna Guisewhite Way and her father was Earl Way. She was the wife of the late Louis Devine, who passed away Jan. 10, 1985.

Mrs. Devine worked for several years at the Meshoppen Dress Factory. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Pearl was a loving mother and grandmother. 

A daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Francis Flynn, four grandchildren, Brett Flynn, Andrea Aukema, Todd and Scott Canfield; four great-grandchildren, Chelsy Canfield, Cole Aukema, Ethan Flynn and Grace Aukema; a sister, Ann Way; two brothers, Earl and Bob Way; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Way and Arlene Bennett; several nieces, nephews and cousins survive Pearl.

Her daughter, Thelma Canfield, a brother, George Way and a sister, Elizabeth Williams, also predeceased her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Rushville Church, Rushville, with the Rev. Bernard Graham of Birchardville, officiating, for all family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Hill St., Jessup, PA 18434.

Arrangements were made by the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home, Montrose.
 

Wayne Campbell
Nov. 16, 2002 
Mr. L. Wayne Campbell, age 87, of RR5, Box 74, Montrose, PA (Lawton), passed away on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002 at the Endless Mountains Health Systems in Montrose.

Born June 8, 1915 in Homets Ferry, Wyalusing Township, Wayne was the son of the late Charles O. and Isabella Kinne Campbell.

Wayne was a 1932 graduate of the Camptown High School. He worked on the family dairy farm in Homets Ferry with his brother, Henry until 1965.

On June 16, 1962, Wayne married the former Lucille Sterling. In May 1965, Wayne and Lucille began operating Campbell’s Store in Lawton. Even after his retirement, Wayne continued to work in the store daily until shortly before his death.

Wayne enjoyed visiting with his friends and had a humorous story for every occasion.

Survivors include a daughter, Denise Campbell of Lawton; brothers, Henry L. Campbell of the Bradford County Manor, Burlington and Charles M. Campbell of Columbus, GA; nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved pets, Lucky and Maggie. Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille in 1996 and his brother, Fred in 1994.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Rush United Methodist Church with Pastors Larry and Nancy Russell of the church and Rev. Richard Vieldhouse of the Orwell Bible Church, officiating. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Radio Station WPEL, PO Box 248, Montrose, PA 18801 or to the Rush Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 5, Lawton, PA 18828.

Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville.
 

Vincent Albers
Nov. 15, 2002 
Colonel Vincent A. Albers, Jr., USMC (Retired), age 73, of Dushore, PA passed away on Friday evening, Nov. 15, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. He was born in Cincinnati, OH on Nov. 9, 1929, a son of the late Vincent A. Albers, Sr. and the former Marie Ungeheuer Albers.

Colonel Vincent A. Albers, Jr., USMC (Retired) served 21 years of active duty. Primarily an infantryman, he did learn computer science as a secondary field. In this area, he was ultimately involved in the design, implementation and management of the Marine Corps’ Joint Uniform Military Pay System/Manpower Management System (JUMPS/MMS). An innovator, he applied computer science to a variety of Marine Corps management and tactical systems. He was responsible for the successful integration of several systems and was the head of Manpower Management Information Systems Branch (HQMC) until retiring to form his own consulting firm.

As an enlisted man, he rose to the grade of sergeant. As an officer, he commanded units of platoon, company and battalion strength. His personal decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Navy-Marine Corps Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry.

He was a graduate of Rice University and held a master’s degree from American University in Computer Science. His master’s degree included the specialized fields of Computer Science and Operations Research. In this latter area, he postulated Circumventing the Northwest Corner Solution, which was later confirmed at MIT. For five years, he was an adjunct professor at American University in the field of Computer Science and for an additional five years at Pepperdine University in the field of Human Resources Management. He was an honors graduate of the Basic School, the Amphibious Warfare School and the Naval War College.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Colonel Albers became president of Hidden Springs Farm, Inc., located in Dushore. He provided consulting services to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Office of Personnel Management, the National Urban League, the Social Security Administration, the Defense Personnel Support Center, the U.S. Customs Service, the National Park Service, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, American University, Pepperdine University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the National Center for State Courts. He was a lecturer and consultant to the Judicial Colleges of the states of New Jersey, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Ohio. He testified as an expert witness in cases involving computer law and was a court-appointed special consultant in the Transit Casualty Company insurance receivership. He was also a consultant to specific courts including juvenile, municipal, circuit, superior, civil and common pleas. He was actively involved in the design of systems in the states of Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Col. Albers was cofounder and chief executive officer of the Child Alert Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt charitable organization, which provides a state of the art software community notification system for law enforcement to help prevent child abductions.

Col. Albers was a member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church, Dushore, and also served as past commander and judge advocate of Loyalsock Post #996 American Legion, Dushore, and the 40/8 Honor Society. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Tucker Albers; a son, Vincent A. Alberts, III of Dushore; a daughter, Janet Marie Albers of Miami, FL; a brother, W. Paul Albers of Houston, TX; sisters-in-law and spouses, Patricia and Maj. Thomas F. Manley, USMC (Ret.) of Alexandria, VA and Janet and Maj. James Bloom, USA (Ret.) of Lake of the Woods, VA and numerous nieces and nephews in Virginia, Ohio and Arizona.

Funeral services were held from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, his pastor, presiding. Interment was in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Military honors and pallbearers were accorded by members of Loyalsock Post #996, American Legion, Dushore.

Military pallbearers were Jim Reynolds, Dave Getz, Bernie Litzelman, Mike Gregori, Sr., John McCarthy, Abraham Goodyear.

Colorguard: Joe Saring, Jay Stein, Francis Barry, Charles Marvasso; Dave Fox, Sergeant-at-Arms.

Friends called Monday evening at the funeral home. Members of Loyalsock Post #996 passed in review at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Scholarship Fund, c/o Loyalsock Post 996 American Legion, PO Box 171, Dushore, PA 18614.
 

Clifford Woodruff, Sr.
Nov. 9, 2002 
On Nov. 9, 2002, Clifford Woodruff, Sr., age 69, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away at Towanda Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born on Nov. 19, 1932, Clifford was a lifelong resident of Bradford County. A hard worker from a very young age, he was a jack of all trades and worked a wide variety of positions at numerous locations throughout his life. He was formerly employed by Taylor Packing, Welles Mill, Inc. and the Latini farm. In 1992, Clifford retired from Sylvania after more than 28 years of employment. On the side, Clifford was known for "donating" his skill and knowledge of firearms. Through his years of hunting, Clifford reloaded bullets for countless friends and family members. Having earned a reputation as an excellent marksman, Clifford soon became an in demand individual for siting in hunting rifles.

Later in his life, Clifford’s hobbies included playing dominoes, walking and gabbing with people. With his wife, Janice at his side, Clifford masterminded countless family barbecues. Above all, Clifford enjoyed pampering their beloved cat, Ringo and spending time with his family. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he was extremely proud. Clifford and Janice never missed the opportunity to attend birthday parties or school functions. They often drove great distances to spend time with their great-grandchildren and Clifford looked forward to their travels be it to New York, Maryland or Michigan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice (Dixon) Woodruff of Wyalusing; his children, Clifford, Jr. and Shirley Woodruff of Laceyville, Judy and Roger Hamilton of Wyalusing, Bonnie Marie Woodruff of Marquette, MI; a sister and brother-in-law, Dan and Evelyn Kithcart of Silvara; sisters-in-law, Lillian Dixon and Nancy Sarnosky of Meshoppen; a sister-in-law and her spouse, Myrna and Reuben Kinney of Herrickville; his grandchildren, Clifford, III and Cindy Woodruff of Frederick, MD, Randy Woodruff of Tunkhannock, Daniel Woodruff of Tunkhannock, Vicki Armitage Millard of Wyalusing, Leroy (Jim), Jr. and Christie Armitage of Binghamton, NY and Melanie Phillips of Marquette, MI; the great-grandchildren, who were the lights of his life, Paige and McKenzi Millard, Colin, Heather and Logan Woodruff, Miranda Woodruff, Elana Armitage and last, but certainly not least, Miss Trinity Marie Shinkle, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Marshall Woodruff, a brother, Howard Woodruff; half-brothers, Allie, Harvey, Toby, Francis and Karl Heeman; a half-sister, Jenny (Heeman) Wheaton; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Howard and Isabelle Dixon and sister-in-law, Beva Preston.

The family accepted visitors beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing.

The funeral services were held at 2 p.m., immediately following the viewing hour, with the Rev. Robert Brown, pastor, officiating.

Interment was in the Camptown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, individuals who wish to do so, should make charitable contributions to the Bradford County Humane Society, Ulster, PA 18850 in memory of Clifford’s love for animals and in honor of their fanciful feline, Ringo.
 

Earl Warburton
Nov. 10, 2002 
Earl Bruce Warburton, age 78, a lifelong resident of Forks Township, Sullivan County, PA, passed away early Sunday morning, Nov. 10, 2002 after a brief illness.

He was born Jan. 19, 1924 at the family homestead, the son of the late Oscar and Lillian Driscoll Warburton.

Earl graduated from the Elkland Vocational High School in 1942. On Feb. 23, 1946, he married the former Shirley Day. They celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Earl was a dairy farmer and worked several years in the logging industry. He was a former Forks Township Supervisor and member of the East Forks Cemetery Association. Earl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed visits with his family in Montana and traveling around the United States with his wife and family, Jule and Marvin Driscoll. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, woodworking and riding his four-wheeler around the farm and through his woods. He was an avid baseball and NY Yankees fan.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Warburton, at home; a son and daughter-in-law, James B. and Barbara Warburton of New Albany RR2; a daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Darrel Reibson of Jersey Shore; six grandchildren, Bruce (Sandi) Warburton, Laraine (Keith) Bowen, Jennifer (Jim) Smith, Jesse (Jen) Reibson, Amy (Nick) Molyneux and Brian (Eileen) Warburton.

A brother, Lee Warburton of New Albany predeceased him.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Overton, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., with the Rev. Robert W. Martin, officiating.

Interment will be in the Warburton Hill Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Dushore Ambulance Association, in lieu of flowers in Mr. Warburton’s memory.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.
 

George Murray
Nov. 12, 2002 
George B. Murray, age 78, well-known resident of Towanda RR5, Wysox Township, PA, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

Born July 5, 1924 in Johnson City, NY, he was a son of the late George Francis Murray and Catherine Peterson Murray. George attended schools in Binghamton and was a graduate of Binghamton High School. He later served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. George was employed by IBM in Endicott and Owego, NY for 30 years until his retirement. Active in community and civic affairs, George was instrumental in the organization of the Wysox and Rome Police Departments, served as constable in Wysox Township and also served as a part-time police officer in Wyalusing, Monroeton and Towanda for many years. George served as Bradford County Detective for 11 years until his retirement from law enforcement.

He formerly owned and operated the Sol Spitulnik Fire Equipment business in Towanda for 10 years. George formerly served as an active school board member of the Towanda Area School District and the Northeast Bradford School District.

He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Towanda, Towanda American Legion Post No. 42, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania State and County Detectives Association and was a former member of the Vigilante Engine Company of Rome. George enjoyed traveling, woodworking, raising quail and mowing his lawn.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Warner Murray, at home; his children, George R. Murray, Towanda, Peter X. and Stacey Murray, Towanda, Teresa A. Murray of Homets Ferry; a stepdaughter, Gail Williams and her husband, Irvin Williams of York; grandchildren, Jonathon, A.J., Stephanie, Jacob, Jorden and Miranda; a brother and sister-in-law, Chester and Marie Murray of Binghamton, NY; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Third St., Towanda, with the Rev. Ronald Hughes, pastor, as celebrant. Interment will be later in the Glenwood Cemetery, Troy.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the George B. Murray Scholarship Fund, which will be established with both the Towanda Area School District, North Fourth St., Towanda, PA 18848 and the Northeast Bradford School District, in care of Debbie Kithcart, Citizens & Northern Bank, Route 6, PO Box 8, Wysox, PA 18854 or to the American Cancer Society, Bradford Unit, 1948, East Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701-3945 in his memory.
 

Thelma Manning
Nov. 12, 2002 
Mrs. Thelma Swisher Manning, age 74, of RR1, Box 1421, Laceyville, PA (West Auburn), passed away at her home on Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, 2002.

Born in Endicott, NY on March 3, 1928, she was the wife of the late Harry Manning, who passed away on April 13, 1995. They were married for 47 years.

Mrs. Manning was a graduate of Laceyville High School, Class of 1946, after which she became a homemaker for her and her husband.

When she was able, she attended the Auburn Baptist Church in West Auburn. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting and watching and feeding the wild birds around her home.

Surviving are an aunt, Mrs. Millie Taylor, Waverly, NY and several cousins. She was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Marie Swisher.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with the Rev. Tim Barnett of the Auburn Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Lacey St. Cemetery, Laceyville. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7 to 9.
 

Lindy Heeman, Jr.
Nov. 9, 2002 
Lindy L. Heeman, Jr., 24, of Spring Lake, RR2, Wyalusing, PA, passed away early Saturday morning, Nov. 9, 2002 as a result of an automobile accident.

Born on June 16, 1978, he was a son of Lindy, Sr. and Donna Hartshaw Heeman.

From the time Lindy was a young boy, he was raised by his foster parents, Keith and Dolly Estes of Wyalusing.

On April 25, 2001, he married the former Shanna Robinson.

He was employed by the Nucor Company of New York as a welder.

He was a loving father and friend. Lindy served as a scouting leader for the local Cub Scout and Tiger Scouts organizations of Wyalusing.

His extra time was spent working on cars for his family and friends and enjoyed playing horseshoes and chess.

Lindy is survived by his wife, Shanna Robinson Heeman, at home; his children, Tori, Lance, Lyndi Shali Heeman, at home; Tia Dillman of New Albany; his parents, Lindy Heeman, Sr. and Donna Higley; his foster parents, "Mom and Dad," Keith and Dollly Estes, Wyalusing; great-grandmother, Elva Barto, Camptown; his brothers and sisters, Emma and Raymond Bates, Jr., Derek Iddings, Amanda Higley, Kevin and Sandy Heeman, Mariah Heeman, Tom and Sarah Arndt and Theresa and Michael Marazzo and families; special cousins, Sonya Heeman, Joe Parisik, Brandy, Shawn-Te and Kristen Heeman; two nieces, Miranda and Mika Bates; two nephews, Tristan John Bates and Brandon Higley.

Lindy was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Jeff Barto, his grandfather, John Heeman, Sr. and grandmothers, Emma Heeman, Edie Heeman and Betty Bates.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Elwyn Patrick, pastor of the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, officiating. Interment was in the Lime Hill Cemetery.

Family and friends called on Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the local chapter of the United Way in Lindy’s memory.
 

Dorothy Farr
Nov. 10, 2002 
Mrs. Dorothy B. Farr, age 86, of RR2, Box 250, Meshoppen, PA (Bunnell Hill), passed away at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002.

Born in Throop on Nov. 11, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Beatrice Simpson Bickos. Mrs. Farr was the wife of the late Harold P. Farr, who passed away on Sept. 21, 1987.

She was a graduate of Throop High School and also from the Scranton State Hospital Nursing School, where she received her registered nursing degree. Her nursing career started as a traveling nurse throughout Pennsylvania. She was also a nurse at Tyler Memorial Hospital when it was established by Dr. Kraft. During her nursing career, she worked all over the United States, when she and her husband, who was a major in the United States Air Force, was transferred. Mrs. Farr retired from nursing in 1967.

She was a member of the Russell Hill United Methodist Church for many years.

Surviving are two sons, Stanley W. Farr of Sahuarita, AZ and Kenneth R. Farr of Meshoppen; three granddaughters, Debra Piccotti, Cindy Vandal and Jennifer Kuhn, all of Massachusetts; a great-grandson, Jack Vandal, also of Massachusetts. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Thomas A. Farr in 1968 and a sister, Ethel McDuffie.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Edwin Simmons, officiating. Interment was in Sunnyside Cemetery in Tunkhannock. Family and friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 12 noon until the time of the service.
 

R. Wayne Button
Nov. 9, 2002 
R. Wayne Button, 80, a well-known resident of Main St., Ulster, passed away on Saturday morning, Nov. 9, 2002 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

Born Aug. 2, 1922 in Springville, he was a son of the late Glenn and Emma "Jean" Lance Button.

Wayne, as he was known by his many friends, was a graduate of Springville High School, Class of 1941. He later served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, in the Pacific Theatre and during the Korean Conflict.

On Nov. 6, 1949, he married the former Elizabeth Ellis in Camptown. Wayne and Elizabeth celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

Wayne operated his own air conditioning, refrigeration and electrical business in the Bradford County area for many years until his retirement.

He was a member of the Ulster Village Presbyterian Church; Union lodge 108 F&AM, Towanda; Towanda American Legion Post #42 and the Modern Square Dance Clubs in Elmira and Athens.

Wayne loved square dancing, antique cars and traveling with his wife, Elizabeth in their motor home.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth "Bette" Button, at home; two sons, Kevin F. Button of Ulster and Brian W. Button, Sr. of Sayre; a daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie L. and Richard Hunsinger of Sayre; three grandchildren, Andrea L. Button, Brian W. "Bub" Button, II and Dannie Elizabeth Button, all of Sayre; two sisters, Bette Carr of Wyalusing and Cynthia Button White of Springville; a brother, Darwin Button of Harpursville, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert K. Button and by a sister, Lillian "Billie" Warner Stalford.

The family received friends on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bowen-Farr Funeral Home, Gordon Farr St., Ulster, PA.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Ulster Village Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dale Bird, pastor, officiating.

Interment was in the Tyler Hill Cemetery, Springville, Susquehanna County.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the Ulster Village Presbyterian Church, in care of Esther Rinebold, RR2, Box 312, Ulster, PA 18850, in Mr. Button’s memory.
 

Robert Fike
Nov. 3, 2002 
Robert W. Fike, age 72, of Meshoppen, PA, died on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002 at his residence. Born Feb. 20, 1930 in Springville, he was a son of the late Charles and Helen Fuller Fike. On Feb. 1, 1969, he was married to Alice (Welch) Fike, who survives.

He was self-employed as an excavator and previously worked at Coralisle Swimming Pools, Vestal, NY. He enjoyed woodworking at home and loved making things for his family and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Larry Snowden, Elmore, AL, Robin and David Tinna, Meshoppen, Trina Jayne, Red Lion, Renee and Kenny Sherman, Springville, Carol and Robert Wandall, Meshoppen; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Debbie Fike, Forest Lake, Larry and Susan Fike, Dimock, John Blaisure, Philadelphia, Joseph Blaisure, Hallstead, Edwin and Mary Blaisure, Meshoppen; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marion and William Williams, Holly Hill, FL, Dawn and Edward Pennington, Kodiak, AK; daughter-in-law and spouse, Rosemary and Rick Chase, New Albany; many grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Lenny Fike in 1975 and a brother, Garth Fike in 1989.

Services will be 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., a Selected Independent Funeral Home, 74 Church St., Montrose. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Hill St., Jessup, PA 18434 or to the American Heart Association, 630 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.
 

Dr. Robert Smith
Nov. 1, 2002 
Dr. James Robert Smith, age 54, of Poway, CA, formerly of Towanda, PA, passed away on Friday evening, Nov. 1, 2002 at the Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA.

Jim was born in Sayre on Dec. 29, 1947, a son of the late Vernon F. and Rita Murphy Smith. He graduated from St. Agnes High School, where he was a member of the basketball team and the Class of 1966. He attended the University of Scranton, Mansfield University and graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. During his college years, Jim drove taxi for Red Barrett in Towanda.

Jim set up practice in Mesa, AZ and later moved to Clayton, NY in 1987, where he operated his practice until moving to Poway two years ago.

Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clayton and a former member of the Clayton Lions Club.

Surviving are stepdaughters and spouses, Bethany and Christian Miller, Middletown, RI, Amanda and Michael Bickford, Chandler, AZ; an aunt, Helen Murphy, Montoursville; three grandchildren, Jason, Cameron and Ethan Bickford; two cousins, Mike Murphy, Montoursville, Carol Murphy D’Mar Shimun, San Francisco, CA.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 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 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.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.
 

Jonas Mast
Nov. 5, 2002 
Jonas S. Mast, 79, of Warren Center, PA, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002 at the home.

Jonas was born on Aug. 5, 1923 in Holmes County, OH, a son of the late Samuel S. and Anna Swartzentruber Mast.

He married Elma Mae Miller on March 5, 1942 in Dover, DE.

A carpenter for most of his life, he and his wife, Elma raised 12 children—eight sons and four daughters, Anna, Enos, Henry, LeRoy, Gertrude, Sadie, Jonathan, Andy, David, Samuel, Elma and Melvin; 112 grandchildren and 173 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends called at the home in Warren Center on Wednesday evening and may call on Thursday evening from 8 until 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.

 

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