Monday, December 28, 2020

Skook News Obituaries: December 28th, 2020

 

Skook News Obituaries: December 28th, 2020


Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Sara E. "Nana" Brown, 86 of Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, December 26, at St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.

Born on May 9, 1934, in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late John and Carrie Ludwig Moyer.

She was a 1952 graduate of Pine Grove High School.

Sara enjoyed spending time with family, and especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a Mom and Nana to all who entered her home. The most spoiled children of all were her cats.

Preceding her in death were her Husband, James H."Pop" Brown, a daughter, Elaine Heberling, granddaughter, Holly Madenford and a grandson, Jeremy Brown.

Surviving are two Daughters, Karen E. wife of John Thames, Amy wife of Scott Dawson; four Sons, Phillip, Sr. & wife Annette Brown, Kevin & wife Virginia Brown, James, Jr. & wife Sherri Brown, Walter & wife Aneta Brown; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter and many cousins.

Services will be held at H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., at the convenience of the family with Pastor Norman Dixon officiating. Friends will be received for a viewing on Thursday, December 31, from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. Interment will be in the Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove.

The family would prefer, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr.Pine Grove, PA 17963, in her memory.

You may send condolences to the family online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.

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Evelyn Marie Gilfert
, 101, formerly of Tamaqua, PA and currently of Bethlehem, PA, died on Sunday, December 27, 2020 in Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late Charles “Hub” Gilfert, who died in 2006 after sharing 62 years of marriage together. 

In 1943, they were married at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri during World War II. Evelyn and Charles traveled back to Tamaqua to reside and raise their family. Born on September 30, 1919 in Anacostia, S.E., Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Shirley Downs. In 1937, Evelyn graduated from Immaculate Conception Girls Academy, Washington, D.C. where she was awarded a Bronze Medal for her merits in French. While a senior student, Evelyn had the honor of meeting Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House along with her fellow classmates. She worked for Southern Oxygen, Washington, D.C. A devout Catholic, Evelyn had been a life member of the former St. Jerome Catholic Church, Tamaqua where she served as a lector, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and a member of the Catholic Women’s Educational Association of St. Jerome Catholic School. 

Additionally, she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Church Women United and Ecumenical Group, and the New England Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Evelyn enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and doing puzzles. Her most loved vocation was as a caring mother and homemaker who dedicated her life to her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with them. 

Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her son, Robert Gilfert and his wife Loretta of New Ringgold, PA; her daughter, Patricia Iwantsch and her husband Julius with whom she formerly resided in Bethlehem; 3 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her daughter, Joanne M. Gilfert in 2005 and four brothers, Calvert, Leonard, and 2 infant brothers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at St. John the XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua. 

Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery will follow the mass. Memorials in Evelyn’s name may be made to a charity of choice. Attendees are reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and are kindly asked to wear a mask and observe physical distancing. 

Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Amelia R. (Kadis) Fredericks, age 91, of Port Carbon, PA passed away Friday, December 25th, 2020 at Manor Care Health Services in Pottsville.

Born in Port Carbon, PA on July 27, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna (Bernoski) Kadis.

Amelia worked as a seamstress at Pine Shirt and Pajama Company in Pottsville. She was a member of former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon, the Garment Workers Union, the former Greenwood Hill Fire Company, the Mechanicsville Game and Fish, and the Buck Fever Rod and Gun Club.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George A. Fredericks Sr., two sons: Edward and William Fredericks a brother William Kadis Jr, and four sisters: Anna Stefonic, Helen Kadis, Mary Kadis and her twin sister Margaret Kadis.

Amelia is survived by her son George A. Fredericks Jr, Port Carbon and nieces and nephews.

A Religious Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon, PA. at 11AM on Saturday, January 2nd, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.

Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday morning from 10-11AM at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be held private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help with funeral costs to the Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home 208 Pike Street Port Carbon, PA 17965. Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com

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Marian E. Mucher, 89, formerly of Hometown, PA died on Sunday, December 27, 2020 in Allentown, PA. She was the wife of the late Jason A. Mucher to whom she was married 63 years at the time of his death on May 15, 2018. 

Born in White Haven, PA on December 19, 1931, Marian was the daughter of the late Clyde Marvin and Elma (nee Kindred) Zeisloft. A 1939 graduate of Hazleton High School, she also attended nursing school. Marian was a member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Tamaqua, PA. 

She is survived by daughters, Jerilyn Mucher of Coplay, PA and Jacqueline Kauffman and her husband, Jeff of Roanoke, VA; son, John Mucher of Coplay; granddaughter, Jessica Gehman and her husband David of Troutville, VA; grandson, Jeremy Kauffman of Roanoke, VA; and brother, Charles Zeisloft, who is the last living member of her immediate family, and his wife Beverly of New Jersey. 

Graveside services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 30 in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown with The Rev. Kevin Roberts officiating. 

Attendees are reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and are kindly asked to wear a mask and observe physical distancing. 

Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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John Lester Blickley
, fondly known as “Sonny”, age 73, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020 at the home of his son, Alan, in Breinigsville, PA. He was born on July 28, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sonny was an avid hunter including both archery and rifle. He was also a talented sketch artist, freehand tattoo artist and gun engraver. He had a witty sense of humor and frequently quoted his favorite movie lines using silly accents. He enjoyed watching sports on TV with his wife Lucy and he was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Phillies. His CB handle name was “Mad Dog Moon” and many of his children warmly continued to call him by that name throughout his lifetime.

He is survived by his devoted wife Lucy (Mauro) Blickley of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. They would have celebrated 18 years of marriage on December 31, 2020.

John is predeceased by his parents Helen (Zanini) Blickley and John S. Blickley. He is also preceded in death by his former wife Mary Shoener, mother of his five children, Tamie Sturgis (wife of Steve), Robin Blickley (fiance of Bob Woll), John Blickley Jr. (husband of Brenda), Alan Blickley (husband of Jill), and Christopher Blickley (husband of Melissa). In addition he is survived by two stepsons, Dave Sheriff (husband of Jaime) and Mike Sheriff. He is also survived by one brother, Larry Blickley (husband of Betty) and three sisters, Dolores Maik, Bonita Wolfgang (wife of Keith), and Mechelle Becker (wife of Scott). He is predeceased by two brothers, Dave Blickley and Brian Blickley.

In addition, Sonny is survived by fourteen grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Private Services only.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sonny can be made to his widow, Lucy Blickley, to cover expenses , ℅ Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, 25 East Main Street Schuylkill Haven PA 17972.

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Genevieve Spital
, 80, a lifelong Shenandoah resident, currently living in Mahanoy City, passed away in the presence of her son and daughter on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020.

Born in Pattersonville, she was the daughter of the late Anna (Mahmod) and Roggie Roskie.

She was a honors graduate of the former Shenandoah Catholic high school in 1958, and went on to work in Harrisburg at the State Capitol with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. There she met the love of her life, Frank Spital, Sr. She married him and had three children. Frank was killed in 1975 by a drunk driver.

She was raised in the catholic faith, and was a member of the former Annunciation Church in Shenandoah. She was a lover of all animals, and an avid fan of Elvis Presley. She enjoyed watching New York Yankees baseball and New York Jets football. Genevieve was also a well known babysitter in the Shenandoah area, having watched many local children grow up over the years.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Frank Jr., and two grandsons, Nicholas and Thomas.

She is survived by her son, Charles Spital, and his wife Mary of Bethel; her daughter, Kimberly Ann Houtz, Girardville and by 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind lifelong friends, Marilyn and Johnny Quirk, a godson, Michael Quirk, as well as cousins.

Anyone that knew her, loved her. She was a kind and thoughtful woman, loved by many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at the Annunciation Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights on Monday, January 4th, 2021 at 11 AM.

All Covid-19 protocols, including wearing a mask and social distancing will be adhered to.

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Melanie A. Hess
, 58, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Friday, December 25th, at St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem.

Born in Pottsville on December 5, 1962, she was a daughter of Dolores M. (Kerschner) Morgan, of Schuylkill Haven, and the late Kenneth J. Lord.

She was the wife of Duane E. Hess.

Melanie was a member of First United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven.

She had worked for the IRS in data entry. She was a clerical secretary for Holy Family, a pediatric medical assistant in Allentown, and she loved providing companion care to Loretta Callaghan.

In addition to her father, Melanie is also preceded in death by her step-father, Marlin E. Morgan, Jr., brother, Kenneth James Lord, and sister-in-law, Cyndi Hess.

In addition to her mother, and husband, Melanie is also survived by six daughters: Alyssa Elaine Rauenzahn and her companion Mark Kufrovich and his son Jordan, Kyleigh Leeann Fritzinger, wife of Ryan, Kalene Rose Hess, Jordanna Rae Lapp, wife of Brandon, Madison Maree Hess, and Avaree J'Lynne Maeve Hess.

She is also survived by a granddaughter, Piper James Ryhs Fritzinger, a sister, Teri, wife of Brian Callaghan, and two brothers: Kevin W., husband of Paula Lord, and Jeffrey Lord.

She is also survived by her brother in law, Gary Hess and his wife, Sandy, and nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed spending time with her support dog, Izzy, and prior puppies Minnie, and Callie. Melanie enjoyed reading, and bible study with her church family. She enjoyed traveling around the map with her sister and brother-in-law; and sharing fond memories of her running days and cross country with family.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

At the family's request, memorial donations in Melanie's memory may be forwarded to Hillside SPCA P.O. Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.

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Thomas Lee Rayburn
, loving husband, father, uncle, and son, age 64, of Adamsdale, passed away Friday, December 25th, at home.

Born in Whitehouse Station, NJ on April 29, 1956, he was a son of GayNell (Rayburn) Eades, of Mississippi, and the late Albert Rayburn.

He was the loving husband of Tracy Lyn (Koch) Rayburn, to whom he was married for 36 years.

Tom was a 1974 graduate of Hunterdon Central High School; and honorably served in the U.S. Army.

Tom and his wife Tracy co-own and co-operate Crossroads Restaurant, Adamsdale. He was excellent grill master and baker. Years prior, he worked as a talented auto mechanic for 30 years.

Tom was a mentor to many, and a great role model. He was an Eagle Scout, and served as assistant Boy Scout leader in New Jersey. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an animal lover, and loved drinking coffee.

In addition to his mother, and wife, he is also survived by a son, Thomas Lee Rayburn, Jr., husband of Samantha of Schuylkilll Haven; a sister, Linda, wife of Gene Riddle, of New York; and two brothers, Scott Rayburn, of Mississippi; and Henry Ansback, of New Jersey.

A private Graveside Service with Military Honors will be conducted at the family's convenience at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.

At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be forwarded to Tracy Rayburn at 2 E. Adamsdale Rd., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, to defray the cost of funeral and medical expenses.

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Joan V. Carl
, 93, formerly of Minersville, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Born Aug. 12, 1927, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Lillian (Yarnell) Staller.

She was a member of the former Hillside Chapel, Llewellyn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy I. Carl, in 1973; four sons, David, Thomas, Arthur and Robert Carl.

Surviving are four daughters, Linda Carl and her companion, Frank Fox, of Pottsville, Lucille Myro and her husband, John, of Saint Clair, Susan Waddell, of Saint Clair, and Cynthia Walchak and her companion, Frank Hoffecker, of Pottsville; two sons, James Carl and his companion, Ruth Jones, of Saint Clair, and Richard Carl and his wife, Christine, of Saint Clair; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Weishample Church of God Cemetery, Deep Creek and Weishample roads, Ashland, PA 17921. President Alan Murray will officiate.

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Robert I. Bensinger
, 85 years of age, formerly of Wadesville Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Hometown Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr. in Tamaqua.

Born Tuesday, April 23, 1935 in Wadesville, son of the late Irving, and Elizabeth (Childs) Bensinger. He was also predeceased by; son, Robert M. Bensinger; brothers, Earl, and Edward Bensinger.

Surviving are daughters; Deborah A. Bensinger of Schuylkill Haven, Diane M. Miller wife of James of Delano, Lori J. Scintilla wife of Nick of Drums; grand children, Frank, Kevin, Steven and his wife Renee, Kerilyn, Janelle, James, Jr., Jolene, Zackary and his wife Missy, Maegan, Sean, Justyn, Justin, Travis, Robert, Jr., Joshua, Jacob; 21 great grandchildren.

A graduate of St. Clair High School, Robert worked as a milkman for Rothermel Dairies of Minersville. He belonged to the Northward Social Club in Schuylkill Haven, Life member of the former Rainbow Hose Company of Wadesville, social member of the Minersville American Legion. Robert enjoyed playing pinochle, trips to Las Vegas, and the companionship of his dog Shadow. He was an avid fan of P.S.U. football, and New York Mets baseball team.

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 Odd Fellows Cemetery St. Clair, Pennsylvania.

Th family plans to hold a Celebration of their fathers Life in the Spring of 2021

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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