Skook News Obituaries: July 24, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Schuylkill Haven on October 23, 1931, he was a son of the late Sameul & Sadie (Wagner) Schaeffer.
He is the widower of the late Catherine M. (Thompson) Schaeffer.
Claude served in the U.S. Navy, and had been formerly employed by Lehigh Valley Dairy.
He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post #38, & the Rainbow Hose Co. No. 1, Schuylkill Haven.
Claude is also survived by daughters: Donna Searle-Rittle, wife of Edward Rittle, Sr., Lebanon, & Robin, wife of Scot Gurski, Pine Grove, & sons: Mark Searle, Tremont, & Glen, & David Searle, both of Pine Grove. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jay, Heather, Ryan, & Kimberly Searle, Justine Wagner, Nichole Wolfe, & Catherine Gurski, & several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Claude is also preceded in death by son, Richard Searle, granddaughter, Alicia Marie Gurski, brothers: Glen, Bob, Dick, Dale, Bruce, & Jerry Schaeffer, and sisters: Mary Ratigan, Doreen Schuler, Elaine Bose, Delphine Kriner, Joyce Herring, Pat Barnes, Audrey Gleim, & Shirley Williams.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held Wednesday at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, at 11 AM with Pastor Shawn VanDyke officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
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Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Margaret (Lutz) Sherkness. She attended Mahanoy City High School and had last been employed by City Shirt in Frackville. She was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. She enjoyed crafting, painting, sewing, ceramics and collecting trinkets. Preceding her in death were her husband Michael in 1989 as well as several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include two sons Michael and his wife Judy of St. Augustine FL and John and his wife Lisa of Butler Twp., a brother Albie Sherkness of Ashland Maine as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to be held at 10 AM Friday from St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Mahanoy Township.
The Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher will officiate. Contributions in Pat's name to St. Teresa of Calcutta Church would be appreciated by the family.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth M. "Betty" Gustitus, lifelong resident born in St. Clair. Her parents always called it a beautiful valley. The youngest child of Michael and Anna (Kovac) Lejko. Immigrants of Austria Check.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday July 24th at 12:30PM at the St. Clare of Assisi Church in St. Clair. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Monday from 11AM till time of Mass.
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Born on November 11, 1924, she was the last of her immediate family. On November 11, 1948, Betty married her best friend William (Bill) Gustitus at the Immaculate Church by Father Michael Sirach in St. Clair, who they both admired. They had a wonderful life together. Bill passed on October 21, 1999. They were the owner of Whitey's Grille for 38 years retiring in 1986. They had the privilege sharing Whitey's with so many loving dear friends which will live on forever. Precious memories of Whitey's happen once in a lifetime.
Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill and three sons at birth, her brothers: Joseph, George, and John Lejko, sister Anna Stock and four siblings at a young age.
Surviving is her son William E. Gustitus Jr. and his wife Joni; grandchildren: William Jr., Michael J. and Rachel C.; three great granddaughters: Kacey Staller, Brianna Gustitus, and Olivia Welgo; two great great grandchildren: Foster James and Nolan; numerous loving nephews, nieces, and caregivers who were with her in time of need' and twelve Godchildren.
A member of St. Clair Historical Society, a 62-year member of the Six County Ladies Fireman Association till 2015, a member of the former St. Boniface Church, and now a member of the St. Clare of Assisi Church in St. Clair.
Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in St. Clair. The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ronald E. Coulson, 75, of Pottsville, passed away Friday, July 21st, at Schuylkill Center, after a 7-year battle with cancer.
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Ron was born in Pottsville, Pa. on November 8, 1947, a son of the late Rose (Zimmerman) and Lawrence Coulson. He was a member of the Baptist Faith and the Life Centre Four Square Gospel Church, Pottsville.
Ron is survived by a sister, Ida Mackey, brother, Dave, husband of Joan Coulson, and brother, James, husband of Ann Coulson. Nieces and nephews. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December of 1964. He was self- employed for many years. All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 26th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, PA. Interment at Schuylkill Memorial Park Schuylkill Haven, PA.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, June 25, 1949, he was a son of the late William and Mary Bumbak Keysock. He was a graduate of the former Frackville High School, class of 1967.
David was a devout member of the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Frackville; he was a member of the Church Council, the Choir Club and was a member of the Federated Orthodox Club of America. He helped in the maintenance of the church and was always seen participating in the church functions.
He worked in housekeeping at the former Rest Haven Nursing Home for 20 years and served as the union steward. He also worked as a custodian at the former Pennsylvania National Bank, Frackville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister; Marianne K. Blachinski.
David is survived by three brothers; William S. and his wife Alexandra Keysock, Bethlehem; Gregory J. Keysock and Daniel P. Keysock: both of Frackville; a niece and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; aunts and cousins.
Religious Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Frackville, with Rev. Vjekoslav Jovicic and Rev. Tim Hasenecz as celebrants. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation Thursday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Holy Ascension Parish Cemetery, Frackville.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in David’s name to Holy Ascension Memorial Fund, 209 S. Lehigh Ave., Frackville, PA 17931
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
