Skook News Obituaries: September 27th, 2020
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Bob or Legend, as he was known by his family and friends as, was born on March 11, 1931 in Pine Grove, a son of the late Ray and Mabel Schnoke Readinger.
He was a 1949 graduate of Pine Grove High School and a graduate of Williamsport Technical School after returning from serving in the military. He was a member of Hetzel's UCC, Pine Grove.
Bob was an Army veteran having served in Germany during the Korean Conflict.
He worked for 32 years for the former Graffius Burial Vault Co. in Sinking Spring.
Bob was a life member of the Pine Grove Lions Club and was a past District Governor, Pine Grove VFW Post 3432, Rock Fish & Game, a social member of Camp Phil-up, and had been active in Boy Scouts. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and going to the cabin.
Preceding him in death were his wife Naomi E. Biddle Readinger; a sister Betty Whitehouse; a step brother Clifford Schnoke.
Surviving are two sons, David and wife Diane Readinger, Donald Readinger; two daughters, Deberah and husband David Fritz, Darla and husband Scott Hamilton, all of Pine Grove; 14 grandchildren, Ben, Valerie, Cassandra, Jonathan, Timothy, Sarah, Laura, Andrew, Christopher, Nicholas, Michael, Christiane, Kelli and Chloe; 5 great grandchildren, Reiley, Victoria, Levi, Finley and Jade; a step sister, June Burgard of Palmyra
Graveside Services and interment will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 11:45 A.M. at Hetzel's Cemetery, 261 Hetzel's Church Rd., Pine Grove with Pastor John Reis officiating. There will be a viewing on Friday, October 2, 2020 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Hetzel's UCC Memorial Fund, 261 Hetzel's Church Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in his memory.
You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Lee F. Kemfort, 73, of Cass Township, formerly of Pottsville, passed away on Friday at home.
Born on June 7, 1947 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Frederick E. Kemfort, Sr. and the late Marion A. Penberth Kemfort. He attended Pottsville schools. He had been employed by the former Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic; and later worked for JDM, Inc., Hamburg.
He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in four service campaigns during his one year tour in-country.
He was an avid chess player, both in-person and as a participant in correspondence chess. He was a former Little League coach at the West Penn Elementary School in New Ringgold. Lee enjoyed spending most of his time watching the Philadelphia Eagles play football and taking his beloved dog, Dutchess, wherever he went.
Lee is survived by two sons, Robin Dermo (spouse, Marie), Millersville, and Lee Dermo, Pottsville; two granddaughters, Isabella and Giavanna Dermo; a step-daughter, Karen Eckerson, of New York and her 2 daughter's Bella and Aubrey; his twin sister, Linda Szalku, Saint Clair; three brothers, Frederick Kemfort, Jr., Ronald Kemfort and Harold Kemfort, all of Pottsville, nieces and nephews; his caregivers and housemates, Heather Wehr and Thomas Halye.
Arrangements are incomplete.
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Raymond L. Houtz, Jr., 70, of Forestville, Cass Township, passed away on Saturday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill – East.
Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Raymond L. Houtz, Sr. and the late Nelda Hossler Houtz. He attended Blue Mountain schools before taking employment with the former Olenick Brothers Coal Company. At various times during his career, he also worked for Marlin Ernst Trucking, Keystoker and Pioneer Pole Buildings.
He was a member of the Forestville Fire Company.
Ray is survived by his companion of 32 years, Sue Karpulk; seven daughters, Tammy Fredericks (spouse, Jason), Forestville, Lori Houtz, Forestville, Nelda Bowers (spouse, Ron), Jonestown, Cass Township, Rachel Huntzinger (spouse, Brian), Llewellyn, Branch Township, Rhoda Borrell (spouse, John), Forestville, Tina Dewald (spouse, Shannon), Forestville, and Roxana Noecker (spouse, Jason), New Ringgold; seventeen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
The family will accept visitors at the Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Thursday from 7:00 A.M. until the time of service at 10:00 A.M. Visitors and attendees are expected to follow CDC guidelines. Interment will be in Mount Peace Cemetery, Branch Township.
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Mary Jane Turton, mother, grandmother, sister, of East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Hazleton Campus at 88 years of age. Mary Jane had recently resided as a guest of Heritage Hill Senior Living Ctr., Weatherly.
Born Saturday, July 2, 1932 in Northampton, the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Piatak) Mazur. She was also predeceased by; her beloved husband of 67 years, Claude A. Turotn, Jr. on May 2, 2019; sisters, Tessie Kuchinus, Elizabeth Silfies; brothers, Andrew, John, Joe, Edward, and Emil Mazur.
Surviving are; daughter, Janel Tirpak wife of Thomas of Summit Hill; sons, Craig A. Turton of Allentown, Brian A. Turton and his wife Patti of Tamaqua; sister, Joan Farkas of Allentown; grand children, Crystal Turton, Matt Tirpak and his wife Tamara, Danielle Milesky, Jonathan Tewksbury and his wife Nicole, Justin Tewksbury and his wife Janelle; 8 great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and friends survive Mary Jane.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, Mary Jane and Claude in retirement traveled the country in their R.V. for nine months each year. She was a bowler belonging to several bowling leagues. Mary Jane, was A Cub Scout Den Mother for many years, delivered Meals on Wheels in Tamaqua, and volunteered for many local organizations in her lifetime. Mary Jane Jane, enjoyed crocheting, and loved doing ceramics and crafts.
Private funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
Memorials in her name to:
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
109 North Greenwood St.
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Born Saturday, July 2, 1932 in Northampton, the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Piatak) Mazur. She was also predeceased by; her beloved husband of 67 years, Claude A. Turotn, Jr. on May 2, 2019; sisters, Tessie Kuchinus, Elizabeth Silfies; brothers, Andrew, John, Joe, Edward, and Emil Mazur.
Surviving are; daughter, Janel Tirpak wife of Thomas of Summit Hill; sons, Craig A. Turton of Allentown, Brian A. Turton and his wife Patti of Tamaqua; sister, Joan Farkas of Allentown; grand children, Crystal Turton, Matt Tirpak and his wife Tamara, Danielle Milesky, Jonathan Tewksbury and his wife Nicole, Justin Tewksbury and his wife Janelle; 8 great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and friends survive Mary Jane.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, Mary Jane and Claude in retirement traveled the country in their R.V. for nine months each year. She was a bowler belonging to several bowling leagues. Mary Jane, was A Cub Scout Den Mother for many years, delivered Meals on Wheels in Tamaqua, and volunteered for many local organizations in her lifetime. Mary Jane Jane, enjoyed crocheting, and loved doing ceramics and crafts.
Private funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
Memorials in her name to:
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
109 North Greenwood St.
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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He had a passion for automobile restoration and racing pro late model cars. Hal was a devoted member of the Ashland City Church of Christ. He will be remembered as an intelligent , courteous and polite gentleman to all who knew him.
Hal is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Hal was a wonderful, loving husband to Donna Kubilus Musler, his wife of 33 years. He is also survived by a sister, Cynthia Schoffstal and her husband, Darrell. He looked up favorably to Wayne Haas , who was like a father to him, along with his wife, Kathleen. Jeff Boesch,who was like a brother to Hal, and his wife Loretta and their son Jeffrey. Later in life Hal met Ben Pugh, who was like a son to him, along with his wife stpahine & their children Carter & Mason. A brother-in-law Edward Kubilus and wife Martyann. Nieces and nephews; Laura Gibson and husband Cory & their daughter Elizabeth. Amanda Santos and husband Will and children Amelia & Katherine. Lauren Schiebelhut and husband Jeremy and daughter Hailey. Brad Bettinger, Ryan Bettinger and his wife, Jayne.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Friday Oct.2, at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. all all respectfully invited to attend a visitation at the funeral home from 9:00 am to the time of service. Interment shall be in the veterans section of Schuylkill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family request’s donations in Hal’s memory be made to Elevation House www.elevationhouse.org or 3 Central Plaza #320 Rome, Georgia.
Due to COVID-19, all recommended social distancing, mask requirements, and public safety guidelines will be followed. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.
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