Skook News Obituaries: July 15th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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She was born in Pottsville on September 24, 1955 of the late Herbert (Scotty) Rhoades and Shirley Heffner. She was raised by her step-mother, the late D. Joy (Bosché) Rhoades.
Janet attended Pottsville Area School. She worked several jobs before going to work for the former Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic for 25 years until her health forced her into retirement. She was a former EMT for Pottsville Lion Ambulance and an Ordained Christian Minister since August 30, 2017.
Janet was a great prankster, was always willing to give a helping hand, had a big heart, and her love for animals was great. She was also a warrior who fought through her health issues with a smile and a joke. Her greatest joys were playing with the grandkids and great grandkids, making trouble, snuggling with her pets, traveling, collecting coins, learning about odd history, and cooking.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, her Nana, Isabel Bosché, and a daughter, Martha J. Schaeffer.
She is survived by her spouse of 34 years, Sandra L. Wilson, who was her partner in all things and also her caretaker until the end. Also by her daughters, Melissa A. Jones, Kingston; Kimberly M. Sonnon (Late Robert), New Minersville; Jolene C. Witmer (Scott), Pine Grove. Two nephews, Billy and Ed. Seven grandchildren, Dr. Ivori Zvorsky (fiancé Adam), Colorado; Dustin Jones, Harrisburg; Alanis Davis, West Virginia; Warrant Officer Broderick M. Witmer (Li), Kentucky; Jeremy Schaeffer, Cressona; Cassandra Jones, West Virginia; and Zachary Witmer, Pine Grove. Six great grandchildren, Emmalynn and Scarlett Jones, Washington; Zalanti, Zaria, Zevan Davis, West Virginia; Brantley DeFrank, Tower City.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 18th, at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Jane Sunday officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at 4:00 PM until the time of the service.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Schuylkill Hope Center for Victims of Domestic Violence. Please make the check payable to "Schuylkill Hope Center" and mail it to Schuylkill Hope Center, P.O. Box 96, Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Mary L. Brown, 81, of Friedensburg, passed away Sunday, July 14th, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.
Born in Pine Grove on January 21, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Ruth I. (Hughes) and John C. Hikes.
Mary was the widow of Richard L. Brown, who passed away in April of 2023.
She was a member of St. John's Reformed Church, Friedensburg.
Mary is survived by two daughters: Marie, wife of Ned Laubenstine, of Friedensburg,Jennifer, wife of William Hudson, of Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren: Jeffrey and Caleb Hudson, Tara Laubenstine, and Amy Laubenstine, fiancée of Wilie Streisel. She is also survived by sister in law, Nadine Brown; and nieces and nephews: Steve, Marty, Mark, Mike, David, Lori, Darren, and Ronald who she helped raise.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mary is preceded in death by son, Jeffrey Brown; brothers: John, George, Glenn, Donald, Robert, and Dennis; and niece, Liz Clark.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 19th at St. John's Reformed Church, Friedensburg with Rev. Matt Kenitzer and Rev. Jonathan Hikes officiating. A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of services.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. John's Reformed Church, 17 Chestnut Street Friedensburg, PA 17933.
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Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Leo and Irene Pritiskutch Depsky. She attended Minersville schools and had worked for the former WaldenBooks and Boscov’s.
She enjoyed sewing and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathy Yakamavage.
Michelle is survived by her husband of 37 years, Theodore “Ted” Patacconi; four children, John Kulesza, Nicholas Kulesza, Tiffany Honish and Theodore Patacconi; six grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, John, Steve and Leo Depsky; nieces and nephews.
Committal will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, on Thursday, July 18, at 9:30 A.M. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the cemetery by 9:15 A.M. Dutcavich Funeral Home has charge.
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Jeanne Zavatski, 82, of Tremont formerly Mount Carmel passed away Sunday morning July 14, 2024 at Tremont Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Survivors
Husband, Herman, married 39 years
Step Daughter: Janine Beury and her companion, Corey Hepler, Kulpmont
Brother: Rodger Birster, Ashland
Brother: Patrick Birster and his wife Loretta, Ashland
Brother: Kenneth “Moose” Birster, Locust Dale
Many friends, Nieces, two great nieces, and nephews
Anne was a loving and warm person, she will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be private. The family requests memorials be made to Hillside S.P.C.A., Hillside Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
