Sunday, October 24, 2021

Schuylkill County Obituaries for October 24th, 2021

                                     

Skook News Obituaries: October 24th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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The Honorable Judge, Earl Henry Matz, Jr.
, 85, of Waterfall Rd. Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill East in Pottsville.

Born on August 19, 1936 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Earl H. Sr. and Susan E. Kintzel Matz.

Earl was a 1954 graduate of Cressona High School and after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He joined the Army band while serving in Germany during the Korean War. He also served in Japan.

Earl was a Carpenter, Game Warden and ran in the election for sheriff of Schuylkill County.

Earl was a Magisterial District Judge for 25 years, retiring in 2001. It was work he loved to do and loved helping people.

He was a member of the Friedensburg Fish and Game, Friends of Sweet Arrow Lake in Pine Grove, Good Will Hose Co., in Schuylkill Haven, and the Masonic Lodge in Cressona. He loved to go to the casino and listen to Willie's Roadhouse on XM radio.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 38 years, Ruth E. Schneck Matz; a sister, Joan Herb Ganas; and a step grandson Mark R. Shollenberger.

Surviving are a daughter, with whom he resided, Karen Shollenberger; two step sons, Richard Shollenberger and companion Wanda Everett, and Ronald Shollenberger, all of Pine Grove; a niece Sheri Herb and husband Rick Seiger of Stuart, FL; two step grandsons, Cory and wife Melinda Shollenberger, Jamie and wife Lorna Shollenberger, both of Pine Grove; and five step great grandchildren, Cameron, Kira, Jade, Bryce and Shayleen Shollenberger.

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family with Rev. Brian Beissel officiating. Interment will be in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Mark Shollenberger Scholarship Fund 103 School St. Pine Grove, PA 17963, in his memory.

You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Debora A. Brown
, 62, of Hamburg, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Geisinger St. Luke's in Orwigsburg.

Born on February 16, 1959 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of Dennis and Patricia Riegel Brown of Pine Grove.

She attended Hamburg High School and Reading Area Community College.

Debora was a machine operator at TYCO in Lickdale and had been a cook for the Strausstown Gun Club.

She was a member of the Strausstown Fish and Game and was an avid bargain and coupon shopper.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are a son, Jason Brown of Hamburg; two grandchildren, Marshall and Josie Brown; a brother Douglas and wife Debra Brown of Hamburg; a sister, Darlene Holden of Goodland, FL; nieces and nephews; her best friend Donna Fick of Shoemakersville; and her cat Pewdy.

All Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Josephine “Josie” E. Stephen
, 74, of Orwigsburg, passed away Friday, October 22nd, at her residence.

Josie was born in South Tamaqua, on April 1, 1947, a daughter of the late Mildred Carrie (Miller) and Michael Brazenec.

She was the wife of John Francis Stephen. They were married on November 25th, 1971.

She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, in Schuylkill Haven and she was a Blue Mountain High School Graduate, Class of 1965.

Josie worked as a Custodian for the Hamburg Center State Hospital, in Hamburg for over 30 years. She retired in 2004.

In addition to John, her husband for 50 years, Josie is survived by her sister, Priscilla, widow of Leo Faller, of Hamburg.

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Josie was predeceased by brothers Michael and Roy Brazenec.

Private services are entrusted to the Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg. Private Interment Services will be held in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Inc. Schuylkill Haven.

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Anita Ruth Essington
, age 96, of Tamaqua, PA and Pittsboro, NC, died on October 23, 2021 after a brief illness. A wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was the daughter of Howell Dietrich and Catherine Wirtz. Following her mother’s death as an infant, she was raised by her grandparents, Jacob and Sally Dietrich, at 509 Washington Street, where she resided for the next 92 years.

Ruth was a 1942 Honors graduate of Tamaqua High School, and worked for the Prudential Insurance Company prior to getting married and starting a family. She married Raymond R. Essington in 1947 and was married for 65 years until his death in 2012. While raising her family, Ruth an active volunteer in many community associations, including the North Ward Playground, Knee-Hi Football, Tamaqua PTA, and Crime Watch. She was an Eastern Star member for more than 60 years.

A lifelong member of Trinity United Church of Christ, she served on the Consistory as a Deacon, Elder, and Elder Emeritus. She was also a former choir member and Sunday School teacher, and served on numerous church committees.

Ruth was Secretary of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce and TIDE Board for 27 years. She was also the Secretary of the Tamaqua Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. Ruth was named the Tamaqua Citizen of the Year in 1995.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Donald S. Essington and son Joel R. Essington, Sr. She is survived by her son Raymond W. Essington and wife Beth, grandsons R. Andrew Essington and wife Kelly and Joel R. Essington, Jr. and wife Ashley, great-grandsons Jack and Will Essington, as well as friends and neighbors on Washington Street

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Trinity United Church of Christ, Lafayette St. Tamaqua, PA or Tamaqua Meals on Wheels Program.

Arrangements and service are in charge of the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Tamaqua, PA

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Geraldine Gertrude Lindenmuth Ney "Geri"
, 77 of Pine Grove passed away peacefully on October 22nd, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Geri was born in July 1944 and was adopted as an infant by Ira and Edna Lindenmuth. She graduated from Blue Mountain High School and married the man of her dreams Raymond Ney and wed in October of 1962 (59 years), going on to have 6 children, Melinda, Sharon, Paul, Brian, Marcia and Jason.

She was an active member of the Joliett United Methodist Church and a firm believer of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Geri enjoyed being with her family and friend and loved to do all kinds of crafts. She also loved to sew, cook, read and bake. She was a beauty queen, a 2nd place winner in a Betty Crocker cooking contest and an author of four children’s books. Her favorite flower is daisies.

Geri was predeceased by mother Edna, father Ira, stepmother Bernice, son Brian and grandson Joseph “Joey”.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond, 5 of her children Melinda Pate of Bettendorf, IA; Sharon Ingram and spouse Eugene of Lebanon; Marcia Jacoby and spouse Charles of Lebanon; Paul Ney and spouse Melissa of Pine Grove and Jason Ney of Minersville. 10 grandchildren Jesse Cantamaglia, Courtney Davis, Gerilynn Pate, Nathan Hess, Trevor and Kaitlyn Jacoby, Nicholas Wolff, Emily Little, Brett, Timothy, Chad and Alyssa Gehres. Along with 7 great grandchildren Ace, Abraham, Asher, Naomi, Ella, Lyla Rayne and Eyara.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Dimon Funeral Home located at 644 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City. Viewing will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with the funeral starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery, Tremont. The family wishes in lieu of flowers donations be sent to the Joliett United Methodist Church c/o Shirley Yerges, 23 Joliett Street, Tremont, PA 17981.

Geri requested a celebration of life be held in her honor. We request all of Geri’s loved ones join us in celebrating her beautiful life at the Tremont Fire Company, 21 Middle Creek Road, Tremont immediately after the graveside service.

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Raymond E. Moyer
, 84, of Pine Grove, passed away peacefully Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Lincoln, June 7, 1937 a son of the late Tennyson and Stella Hand Moyer. Ray was a 1955 graduate of the former Tremont High School. He was a proud United States Air Force Veteran.

He was a retired print operator at the Mechanicsburg Naval Depot.

He was a former member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, Tremont and the Tower City Loyal Order of Moose. He was a member of the Northward Social Club, Schuylkill Haven.

Ray was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He loved being surrounded by his family and always enjoyed a good cup of coffee.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary A. Schaeffer Moyer, 2017; sister, Ruth Ossman, brothers, John, Robert and Joseph Moyer.

Surviving are his five daughters; Margaret Diane Reed (James), Auburn, June Campos, (Ronald) Hanover, his namesake, Claudia Rae Moyer, Saint Clair, Jodi Wertz, Pine Grove and Tania Miller (Kerry), Muir, siblings; Donald Moyer, Utah, Helen Shadle, Mollystown, Joan Harman, Valley View, Sue Fulkrod, Fisherville, Jean Klinger, Lavelle, Patsy Whiteside, South Carolina and Beverly Weller, Orwigsburg. Six grandchildren; Bruce, Cory, Brandi, Joshua, Bryce and Christie Joy. Six great grandchildren, Brook, Bryanna, Naomi, Charlotte, Thomas and Wesson. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, October 29th at 11:30 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 at the chapel. Private burial with Military Honors will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tremont Health and Rehab Activity Fund, 44 Donaldson Road, Tremont, PA 17981 or the Fresh Start Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 96, Friedensburg, PA 17933.

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James M. Bush
, 79, formerly of Hegins, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the home of his daughter, Shelly Warner, Cedartown, Georgia.

Jim was born in Tower City, July 17, 1942, a son of the late Albert Bush and Dora Lauver Bush Hatter.

He was a retired self-employed painter. Jim was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Pottsville.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen Madenford Bush and his second wife, Pearl Zettlemoyer Bush.

He is survived by his three daughters, Teresa Snyder, Williamstown; Shelly Warner, Cedartown, Georgia and Krystie Wolfgang, Tower City; two sisters, Jean Shoffler, Tower City and Mae Bradley, Muir; 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. Burial will be St. John's Cemetery, Freidensburg. Viewing will be from 10-11 at the chapel.

To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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