Skook News Obituaries: March 6th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
--------------------------------------------
Born in Trenton, PA., she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Glowa) Saloma. Irene was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, where she was active years ago in many church activities. She was a member of the Frackville Senior Center. Irene had worked many years as a sewing machine operator in many of the local factories.
She is predeceased by Brothers, John, Steve, Wassil, Nicholas and Theodore "Frank" Saloma; sisters, Mary Pelesky , Anna Kaliher, Eva Sabol and Theresa Dutchak; She was also predeceased by infant sisters Catherine and Julia.
Surviving is one sister, Helen Penkal, Easton, PA; Nieces and Nephews and many Great Nieces and Nephews.
Office of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church with Rev. James Carroll, 621 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City. Viewings will be held on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with Parastas at 7:00 PM at the Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, 48 N. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville, PA. and Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:30 AM at Church.
Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Memorials may be made in her memory to St. Mary's Memorial Fund, 621 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, PA. 17948 Online photos and memories can be shared with her family at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com
--------------------------------------------
John J. Mease, Sr., 96, a resident of Pottsville, passed away peacefully on March 3rd, 2025.John was born in Tremont on August 10, 1928, a son of the late John E. and Elizabeth (Schreffler) Mease.
After high school he enlisted in the United States Army, serving overseas in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to civilian life, he took a job as a meat cutter with the Greater Atlantic and Pacific Company, retiring after a long time career with A&P Markets.
John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Schuylkill Haven. He was also a member of the F&AM Lodge, the Lions Club and a former borough council member in Tremont. He was also a member of the Tremont Fire Company and the Tremont American Legion.
John is survived by his wife of 73 years, Anna (Trezise) Mease, and thier children, Robert Mease (Christine) of Myerstown; Patricia Hoff of Texas; John J. Mease, Jr. (Angela) of Elkridge, MD and Sandra Bergan (Robert) of Minersville. Eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 420 Saylor St, Schuylkill Haven, at 11 AM, with Pastor Christopher Fisher presiding. Visitation with John's family will be from 10-11 AM prior to the service at the church. John will be laid to rest with military honors after the service at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville at 1:30 PM.
The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville is assisting John's family during their time of need.
------------------------------------------
Walter H. Neumeister, “Butch” 75, former Ashland and Lavelle area resident, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025. Born in Ashland, he was the son of Irvin and Martha Schucker Neumeister. Butch was a graduate of the Tri Valley High School, Valley View, and had been employed for the former Millersburg Shoe Company, and the former Mr. Hanger plastics manufacturing company, Ringtown, until his retirement. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Christian Union, Barry Township. Butch served in the Army National Guard at Indiantown Gap Military Base for many years. He was preceded in death by sisters Barbara Buhl, Arlene Klinger, brothers; Bruce, Kenneth, Marlin, and Frank Neumeister.
Survivors
Sister: Gloria wife of Bradley Ludwig, Niceville, Florida
Sister: Carol Gahres, Barry Township
Many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Butch’s life, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1 PM, in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland, PA. Officiating will be Rev. Jeremy Smallwood, pastor of the Lavelle Nazarene Church. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon until service time. Interment will be in the Barry Salem Methodist Church Cemetery. Barry township. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.net to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
------------------------------------------
Bob was born in Shenandoah on March 8, 1937, a son of the late Charles and Helen (Maksimak) Parker. He was a graduate of the former West Mahanoy township High School, and attended business school. He served in the United States Army, and stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.
He retired in 2007 as a manager for Service Electric Cable TV, being one of oldest surviving associates of the company, starting his career as a cable installer in their early years.
A member of the Divine Mercy Parish of Shenandoah, Bob was a member of the former St. Stanislaus Church. He belonged to the Shenandoah 500 Club, the Shenandoah Heights Fire Company and the Goodfellowship Club in Ashland. An avid walker and runner, Bob was the oldest finisher of the Coal Cracker 10K race last year, and had the distinction of participating in the most races since its inception.
Bob was also a private pilot, earning his certification in 1970, owning several different planes over the years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond, "Danny" Parker; Charles "Cookie" Parker and Edward "Kenny" Parker, and by his wife Margaret "Margie" (Alexo) Parker in 2007.
He is survived by his daughter, Denise Parker of Ringtown and a son, Richard Parker and his wife Mary of Mt. Carmel. A sister, Helen Parker, wife of Fran Kosack of Allentown also survives as does nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at 10 AM at the Divine Mercy Church, 232 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah, with Msgr. Ronald Bocian, officiating. Visitation with Bob's family will be held from 8:30am until the time of the mass at the church.
Bob will be laid to rest with military honors immediately following mass at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Shenandoah.
The Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is assisting Bob's family during their time of need.
------------------------------------------
Ken was born in Lykens, May 17, 1951, a son of the late Dewey and Edna Wolfe Nelson.
He had a very strong work ethic, working as a young boy in George Tallman's fields and collecting trash for Lloyd Gibson's garbage business. He went on to work at Masorwear Factory and later spent 13 years at Fruehauf Trailer Corporation. Ken retired with the Kimmel's Coal Company, where he worked for 26 years as a welder and mechanic.
To say that Ken was a car enthusiast would be a huge understatement. He had a passion for old cars, especially his '29 Chevy. He enjoyed going to car shows and loved working in his garage. Ken could be often found watching cowboy westerns and would know what the show was by the number of gunshots in the opening. Above all else his family meant the world to him. There was nothing he would rather do than to spend the day with his wife and son.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Adams Nelson, with whom he would have celebrated 55 years of marriage with on May 16th; a son, Kenneth Jr.; a sister, Sandy Snyder; numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Ken's Life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home with Pastor Joel McGarvey officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11. Immediately following the service, a luncheon, or as Ken would say a big party, will be held in the social hall of the Twin Valley Alliance Church.
Memorial donations can be made to the Twin Valley Alliance Church, 9781 US-209, Williamstown, PA 17098.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Ken's family.
------------------------------------------
Judith Ann Weihl, 61, of Walnut Street , Ashland, passed away March 3, 2025, at the Cedar Crest Hospital, Allentown. Born in Gordon, April 10, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Annise Wheller Klinger. She attended North Schuylkill High School, and was employed as a custodial worker at the North Schuylkill High School until her retirement. Judy was of the Lutheran faith, and a lover of dogs and cats.
Survivors:
Husband of 37 years: Timothy Weihl
Daughter: Jenielle Weihl, Ashland
Daughter: Sherrie Heiser, Shamokin
Son: Timothy Weihl, Ashland
A funeral service will be held at a later time.
------------------------------------------
She was born on August 12, 1959, in Pottsville, and was the daughter of the late Anne Marie McSurdy and Thomas “Fritz” Kessler. A graduate of Minersville Area High School, Class of 1977, Dianne went on to work in the textile industry and at Minersville Elementary Center. However, it was her deep passion for helping others that led her to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant. Dianne attended Franklin Academy, and for nearly two decades, she made a lasting impact at Dr. Soli Travia’s practice in Minersville. Dianne’s most important role in life was that of a devoted mother who showed nothing but kindness and compassion. She was an unwavering source of love and pillar of support to her two children and was affectionately known as “Nana Punkin” to her beloved granddaughter.
In addition to her parents, Dianne was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah “Mac” Cherrybon.
She is survived by her daughter, Erica Cola, and her companion, Tim Steidle, of Pottsville; her son, Jordan L. Cola, and fiancé Lydia Macaluso, of East Stroudsburg; her granddaughter, Abrielle “Abby” Cola, of Boca Raton, FL. She is also survived by her aunt and uncle, Ellen "Lella" and Todd March, of Pottsville; nieces Lora Greco, of Lake Elsinore, CA, and Leeza Bartol, of Orwigsburg; great-niece Mia Parry; cousins David and Darren March; and many other loving family members.
A celebration of Dianne’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 12th, at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Minersville Public Library in Dianne’s memory.
Arrangements are entrusted to Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville.
------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Ann Lebo Houtz was born March 31, 1938, in her family home at 115 East Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA, and passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, with her family by her side. Elizabeth was the second daughter of Henry A. Lebo and his wife Evelyn Boeckler Lebo. Of the first immediate family to which Elizabeth belonged, her parents and her sister, Freda Marie Lebo Avery, predeceased her.
A lifelong resident of Tower City and member of her beloved church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Elizabeth was known in her community as “Betty Ann.” This was not just a nickname bestowed upon her by friends and family. Her father wanted to “officially” name her Betty Ann, but the Reverend said she could not be christened by that name. She was christened Elizabeth Ann, but forever called Betty or Betty Ann.
Betty Ann’s life is a testament to what mattered to her most. We are all given a life with free will to decide what is important to us. We decide how we want to spend our younger days, our mid-days, our older days. We build life’s fortress, bit by bit, representing our values and what we love, often without a second thought. Betty Ann was no exception. She treasured and loved her dad who passed in 1962. She took care of her own mother when life began taking its toll on her. Betty Ann and her sister were a huge part of each other’s lives for the entire time they were on this Earth together. Her early days instilled in her a lifelong commitment to family.
Betty Ann also had treasured friends from all facets of her life. From high school friends to college roommates to fellow teachers at Williams Valley Elementary to her church fellowship to her newest friends who joined her for meals at The Middletown Home in her final days. Everyone mattered.
The person that mattered most -- the person that changed her life forever -- was her husband Lee Houtz. Lee and Betty Ann were married April 27, 1963. Lee pre-deceased Betty Ann on August 31. 2023. Together, they socialized with friends, commenced on trips across the country and to Europe, and gave their children a love of the beach, of traveling, and learning new and interesting things. Today, with all of Life said and done, they are together again for eternity.
Betty Ann is remembered by those closest to her as a dedicated Wife, Mom, and Mom-Mom. In those years of being a wife and mother, she awakened early every day to have coffee and breakfast with Lee. Every endeavor Lee entered into, Betty Ann was by his side. Every endeavor Betty Ann entered into, Lee was by her side. It should come as no surprise that the two endeavors meaning the most to Betty Ann were her children, Tammy and Bryon. And when the grandchildren entered the picture... well, they meant everything to her. Her role as a Mom-Mom was probably the one that brought the most joy not only to her, but to all of her family.
Betty Ann also had her share of personal accomplishments. She was a 1956 graduate of Tower City High School. She attended West Chester State Teachers College as a freshman in the Fall of 1956. In the Fall of 1957, Muhlenberg College became co-educational, allowing women to enroll for the very first time. She transferred to Muhlenberg and never looked back. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. She began teaching 3rd grade at Williams Valley Elementary in on September 1, 1962, culminating in a 35-year career when she retired in 1998. One of the joys of her life was teaching. And not just teaching, but teaching the youth of our community at Williams Valley.
Betty Ann loved Phillies baseball and had wonderful stories of when she and her dad traveled to Connie Mack Stadium for Phillies games. Win or lose, she always watched her Phillies. When they lost, she called them her “Sillies.” Betty Ann was gifted at knitting, and made lovely sweaters for her kids and her grandkids. She loved doing Soduko puzzles, and watching the Game Show Network. Mostly, though, she just loved taking care of her family.
Betty Ann leaves behind to carry on her memory a daughter, Tammy Houtz Russell; a son Bryon Houtz and daughter-in-law Kelley Harant Houtz, who certainly has been much more than an “in-law” over the years; and a step-son Gary Houtz and his wife Teena Rhody Houtz, who supported Betty Ann with many visits and prayers; the grandchildren she and Lee adored, Matthew Houtz and his wife, Alyssa, Jordan Houtz Nauss, and her husband Jack, Katelyn Russell Savage and her husband Patrick, Nathan Russell, Brady Houtz, and Amber Keim and her husband Robbie. Beloved great-grandchildren include Eleena Houtz, Max Nauss, Nora Nauss, Dominic Nauss, Rory Savage, Taylor Burger, Jayden Cole, Gavin Keim and Deklan Keim. Betty Ann loved her niece and “hairdresser” Cindy Houtz Welch and Cindy’s husband, John, both of whom were always there when needed. Betty Ann’s 2nd cousin, Christine Reiner, was also a faithful family member and church friend to both Betty Ann and Lee.
Betty Ann’s family is honored to have The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. take care of her as we memorialize her and lay her to eternal rest. Small town community is the best community there is. Betty Ann treasured her place in it.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 1 pm from St Paul's Lutheran Church, Tower City. Visitation will be from 12 -1. Immediately following the services, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held in the church social hall. Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Betty Ann's lifelong place of worship, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Tower City, PA.
A lifelong resident of Tower City and member of her beloved church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Elizabeth was known in her community as “Betty Ann.” This was not just a nickname bestowed upon her by friends and family. Her father wanted to “officially” name her Betty Ann, but the Reverend said she could not be christened by that name. She was christened Elizabeth Ann, but forever called Betty or Betty Ann.
Betty Ann’s life is a testament to what mattered to her most. We are all given a life with free will to decide what is important to us. We decide how we want to spend our younger days, our mid-days, our older days. We build life’s fortress, bit by bit, representing our values and what we love, often without a second thought. Betty Ann was no exception. She treasured and loved her dad who passed in 1962. She took care of her own mother when life began taking its toll on her. Betty Ann and her sister were a huge part of each other’s lives for the entire time they were on this Earth together. Her early days instilled in her a lifelong commitment to family.
Betty Ann also had treasured friends from all facets of her life. From high school friends to college roommates to fellow teachers at Williams Valley Elementary to her church fellowship to her newest friends who joined her for meals at The Middletown Home in her final days. Everyone mattered.
The person that mattered most -- the person that changed her life forever -- was her husband Lee Houtz. Lee and Betty Ann were married April 27, 1963. Lee pre-deceased Betty Ann on August 31. 2023. Together, they socialized with friends, commenced on trips across the country and to Europe, and gave their children a love of the beach, of traveling, and learning new and interesting things. Today, with all of Life said and done, they are together again for eternity.
Betty Ann is remembered by those closest to her as a dedicated Wife, Mom, and Mom-Mom. In those years of being a wife and mother, she awakened early every day to have coffee and breakfast with Lee. Every endeavor Lee entered into, Betty Ann was by his side. Every endeavor Betty Ann entered into, Lee was by her side. It should come as no surprise that the two endeavors meaning the most to Betty Ann were her children, Tammy and Bryon. And when the grandchildren entered the picture... well, they meant everything to her. Her role as a Mom-Mom was probably the one that brought the most joy not only to her, but to all of her family.
Betty Ann also had her share of personal accomplishments. She was a 1956 graduate of Tower City High School. She attended West Chester State Teachers College as a freshman in the Fall of 1956. In the Fall of 1957, Muhlenberg College became co-educational, allowing women to enroll for the very first time. She transferred to Muhlenberg and never looked back. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. She began teaching 3rd grade at Williams Valley Elementary in on September 1, 1962, culminating in a 35-year career when she retired in 1998. One of the joys of her life was teaching. And not just teaching, but teaching the youth of our community at Williams Valley.
Betty Ann loved Phillies baseball and had wonderful stories of when she and her dad traveled to Connie Mack Stadium for Phillies games. Win or lose, she always watched her Phillies. When they lost, she called them her “Sillies.” Betty Ann was gifted at knitting, and made lovely sweaters for her kids and her grandkids. She loved doing Soduko puzzles, and watching the Game Show Network. Mostly, though, she just loved taking care of her family.
Betty Ann leaves behind to carry on her memory a daughter, Tammy Houtz Russell; a son Bryon Houtz and daughter-in-law Kelley Harant Houtz, who certainly has been much more than an “in-law” over the years; and a step-son Gary Houtz and his wife Teena Rhody Houtz, who supported Betty Ann with many visits and prayers; the grandchildren she and Lee adored, Matthew Houtz and his wife, Alyssa, Jordan Houtz Nauss, and her husband Jack, Katelyn Russell Savage and her husband Patrick, Nathan Russell, Brady Houtz, and Amber Keim and her husband Robbie. Beloved great-grandchildren include Eleena Houtz, Max Nauss, Nora Nauss, Dominic Nauss, Rory Savage, Taylor Burger, Jayden Cole, Gavin Keim and Deklan Keim. Betty Ann loved her niece and “hairdresser” Cindy Houtz Welch and Cindy’s husband, John, both of whom were always there when needed. Betty Ann’s 2nd cousin, Christine Reiner, was also a faithful family member and church friend to both Betty Ann and Lee.
Betty Ann’s family is honored to have The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. take care of her as we memorialize her and lay her to eternal rest. Small town community is the best community there is. Betty Ann treasured her place in it.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 1 pm from St Paul's Lutheran Church, Tower City. Visitation will be from 12 -1. Immediately following the services, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held in the church social hall. Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Betty Ann's lifelong place of worship, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Tower City, PA.
------------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
