Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, on March 31, 1947, she was a daughter of the late Allan and Virginia (Kiernan) Miller.
She was married to her high school sweetheart, William E. Miller, for 53 years. Barb loved his family like her own.
She was a 1965 graduate of Pottsville Area High School where she studied business and also played the bagpipes with the Highland Lassies.
Barb was employed as an administrative assistant for more than 50 years, only taking time off to raise her two children. She served Pottsville Area School District; St. John's UCC, Schuylkill Haven, (her favorite job); Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co., Pottsville; and Schuylkill County Children & Youth, from where she retired in July. Barb loved her work and the many friends she made while on the job.
Barb, better known as "Nana," will be remembered as a light-hearted and generous mother and grandmother who relished in loving and serving her family. She enjoyed gift-giving and Christmas, vacationing in Ocean City, N.J., talking on the phone, lounging by the pool and coloring.
Barb faithfully attended Bethany Christian Fellowship Church, Cressona, where she served in various leadership roles. Barb valued the time she spent with her many friends, sharing a laugh, discussing life and offering encouragement.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Helen Marie Miller. She loved Helen beyond words and is reunited with her now.
In addition to her husband, Barb is survived by her son, Mark Allan Miller, husband of Marie-Elaina (Lippert), of Lancaster and a daughter, Michelle Helen, wife of William Canfield, of Summit Station. She leaves behind her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Claire Elaina Miller, Kelly Miller Canfield and Sean Patrick Canfield; a sister, Patricia Marie, wife of James Troutman, of Hamburg; sister-in-law, Joan Cartwright, Auburn; brother-in-law, James Miller, Orwigsburg; many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, at Bethany Christian Fellowship Church, Front and Railroad Streets, Cressona. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 6 p.m. Immediately following the service, a Thanksgiving meal will be served. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Bethany Christian Fellowship Church, Front & Railroad Streets, Cressona, PA 17929.
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Phyllis J. Fehr, 93, died September 6th at Schuylkill Center.
Born May 6, 1928 in Tamaqua, she was the daughter of the late Author and Olive (Bischoff) Paul.
She will be missed by her dear friend JP (John Powers).
Private funeral services and interment have been entrusted to Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville. Kindly send donations in memory of Phyllis to Dustin’s Adventureland PO Box 132 Pottsville PA 17901. Please visit schlitzerallenpugh.com to share a memory of Phyllis.
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Funeral arrangements will be announced Wednesday.
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Christina “Chris” Ost, 87 of Orwigsburg, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Geisinger/ St Lukes Medical Center.
Chris was born August 22, 1934 in Pottsville, PA, a daughter of the late Stuart and Dorothy (Bicht) Wagner.
She was raised in St Clair and graduated from St Clair High School in 1952 and graduated from Cazenovia College in 1954.
She married the late Daniel C. Ost on February 4, 1956 and moved to Port Carbon for seven years before settling in Orwigsburg.
Chris was a member of The Lighthouse Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband and many family pets.
Chris is survived by four children, Dr. Lisa Fritz (Robert), Jeffrey Ost (Barbara), Gretchen Bilhardt (John), and Katy Heckman(Bill). She is survived by 10 grandchildren, Aaron Fritz, Alyssa Fritz (Lasey), Eric Fritz, Emily Hykes (John), Christian Ost (Sing), Olivia Krouse (Mike), Tyler Bilhardt (Krissy), Connor Bilhardt, Mitchell Heckman and Hannah Heckman. Great grandsons Rogan Fritz and Jackson Krouse and a third due in February. She is also survived by her sister Susan St. Clair and sister-in-law Nancy Mahall and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be private as per Chris’ wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chris’ memory to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home, Inc. , Orwigsburg is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born on June 18, 1939 in Hazleton, she was a daughter of the late Carmen and Nellie Matulevich Nicholas. She attended Hazleton schools before transferring to Mount Alvernia High School, where she prepared for religious life with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, with whom she taught English in numerous schools. After leaving the Order, she attained her practical nursing license; and worked at Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation until retiring.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Metrovka, in 2000; her sister, Monica Hersey, in 2015.
She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Lee Wessner; two granddaughters, Adriana Rhoads and Carmen Rickert; two siblings, Rosie Zanolini and Richard Nicholas.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Friday, September 10, from 6:00 P.M. Memorial services will be at 7:00 P.M.
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John was born in Pottsville, on December 7, 1939, a son of the late Stella Anna (Bartnisky) and John James Land. He was a member of former St. Barbara Church of Minersville. He was formerly employed as a Business Manager for J & J construction, John was a loving son, brother and uncle. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who lived each day to the fullest. Always smiling, he enjoyed greeting people and engaging in a polite conversation. He could often be found sitting outside soaking up the rays of the sun. John loved playing Black Jack, the slots, and poker at the casinos. He was also a huge pinochle fan, who was always willing to join in a game. As a sports fan, John cheered on the Penn State Nittany Lions, and enjoyed attending his great nieces and great nephews sporting events. John was a fan of auto racing both at the local and national level. He enjoyed watching the Walacavage #48 at Big Diamond Raceway, as well as, his favorite Nascar drivers on TV. John and his sister traveled extensively with R and J tours. He especially enjoyed traveling to New York City to see his favorite Broadway show, the Phantom of the Opera. If John could be anywhere, it would be on a beach, either in Key West, FL or Wildwood, NJ. His greatest love in life was being surrounded by family and friends. John's generous, engaging spirit and zest for life will be deeply missed.
John is survived by a sister, Josephine Walacavage, Nieces; Joanne, wife of Fran Murphy, Cathy, wife of John Andrachick, MaryBeth, wife of Jay Kievman and Lori, wife of Larry Hess. He is also survived by a Great niece and Great nephews. All are respectfully invited to attend a visitation Sunday, September 12th with calling hours from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Funeral Home Inc., Minersville.
A Religious Service will be held at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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