Skook News Obituaries: April 23rd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Ashland, PA, in Schuylkill County, Brenda graduated from North Schuylkill High School in 1974. She went on to attend Goldey-Beacom College in Delaware and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. She resided in State College with her husband, Charles Steif III.
Brenda was the daughter of James D. Eisenhart and Patricia A. (Budusky) Eisenhart. She had an amazing green thumb—her garden was her pride and joy. She also loved doing puzzles, playing pinochle, watching Jeopardy!, and tackling other challenges. A strong and independent woman, Brenda disliked asking for help.
She was the proud mother of three children: Olivia Locker, Steve McCarthy, and Julia Enright. Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Paul Eisenhart, in 2014; her mother, Patricia Eisenhart, in 2018; and her brother, James Eisenhart, in 2016.
Surviving her are seven siblings: Debbie Dunsmore of Lakeland, FL; Linda James of Frackville, PA; Dianne Wenner of Pine Grove, PA; Fawn Eisenhart of Woodbridge, VA; Patty Yeager of Slabtown, PA; and Holly Demansky of Frackville, PA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on April 25, 2025, from noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Mt. Nittany Overlook Event Center, 559 N. Penn Ave., Centre Hall, PA. A second celebration will be held on May 24, 2025, at South End Field and Stream Whippoorwill Dam in Frackville, PA, starting at 11:00 a.m. Food and refreshments will be served. Come and celebrate the memories of Brenda.
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Dean James Ritchie, 77, of Schuylkill Haven passed away Monday, April 21, at Rosewood, Schuylkill Haven.
Dean was born in Pottsville on March 5, 1948, and was the son of the late Kemper and Arlene Ritchie.
He is survived by his daughter Wendy, the wife of William Sclafani, North Carolina. Son Dean Ritchie of Idaho. Daughter Melissa the wife of John Williams, Idaho. In addition to grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dean is also survived by his sisters Connie, Barbara, Gail, Kim and brother Ricki.
Services are private at the convenience of the family. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, is entrusted with services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Born on April 28, 1940 in Schuylkill Haven, he was a son of the late William and Marion (Shoener) Spotts.
He was a 1958 Schuylkill Haven High School graduate and attended Keystone Junior College before spending 4 years in the Navy, stationed in Bermuda. He later attended Ford Business School and Churchman Business College. In his career he worked as an estimator and purchasing agent for numerous manufacturing companies, including GJ Oliver in Phillipsburg NJ and Pottsville, Bethlehem Corp in Easton, and Penn Iron in Sinking Spring. For 7 years, he owned and operated Gold Star Beverage in Shenandoah, where he made many friends. After retirement, he was employed by Kelly (formerly Freedom) Toyota in Hamburg where he worked with a very compassionate and generous group of people.
He was a proud member of the Orwigsburg Masons Lodge, American Legion, and an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Orwigsburg. He served on church council, as a lay eucharistic minister, and sang in the church choir for over 20 years. He was a former member of the Orwigsburg Lions and coached Little League baseball. Jim will be remembered by all who knew him as patient, kind, and the first to offer a helping hand.
One of the great joys of his life was being present for his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, when he and Sandy were not sailing on one of their many cruises, with their numerous lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Ed Spotts.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Sandy Brennan, two children, Krista Kantner (John), Orwigsburg, and Jim Spotts (Jodi), Schuylkill Haven; a brother, Dan Spotts (Florida); four grandchildren Carolyn Richards (Kevin), Tom Orwig (Morgan), Sydney Yob (Michael), and Cadey Spotts, and seven great-grandchildren Ellie, Erin, Avery, Grayson, Will, Elliott, and Cooper, and another on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his beloved dog, Joey.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Rosewood Nursing Home, Schuylkill Haven, for their compassionate care during Jim’s brief stay there. As per Jim’s wishes, services will be private at the convenience of the family. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, is entrusted with services.
For those who wish to honor Jim, please say “Yes, I can help with that!” next time you find yourself amongst people in need. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 215 N. Warren Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Lynn was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 13, 1955, a daughter of the late Eleanor (MUTH) and Ralph Conner.
Lynn graduated in 1972 from Abraham Lincoln High School, Philadelphia, McCann’s School of Business for Paralegal Studies
Lynn retired from the Schuylkill County Courthouse as a Judicial Secretary.
Lynn loved spending time with her grandchildren and taking them to Camp Innabah every summer to attend “Grammy and Me Camp.” She also enjoyed traveling, socializing with friends, doing puzzles, playing word games, and was an avid bingo player. She was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church, the Frackville Rotary, and Women Who Care. She loved her cats, Auto and the late Fluffy.
She was the wife of the late Thomas J Nickels, Esq.
Lynn is survived by three daughters, Rachal Ortiz, Fiancé' of Kevin Blessing, of Deer Lake; Angela, wife of Fred Brish, of Cressona; Andrea, wife of Guillermo Vega, of Orlando Florida; 2 sons, Kyle Rondeau husband of Alycia, of Barnesville; Ralph Rondeau, of Mahanoy City, and by 8 Grandchildren: Emily Brish, Kaden Brish, Grace Ortiz, Marina Ortiz, Lliam Ortiz, Cecilia Blessing, Sofia Vega, & Diego Vega.
She is preceded in death by brothers Ralph and Wayne, and a granddaughter Aria Vega.
A Funeral Service at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, PA, at 12pm , Saturday April 26th, with Rev. Dr. ShinAe Kim, officiating.
Friends and family may call Saturday from 10am to 12pm at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations made to Camp Innabah through Salem United Methodist Church, Orwigsburg, PA.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view the tribute video and send sympathy cards.
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Cherlyn Reiner, 74, of Joliett, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025 at her home.
Born in Ashland, on Friday, November 17, 1950, a daughter of the late Harold and Betty Heinley Lucas.
She was a longtime member of the Joliett Fire Company.
She always looked forward to her trips to the casino, playing bingo, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Above everything else, her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were her pride and joy. Her family was everything to her.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar H. Reiner, 1997; infant twins; a brother, Ken Lucas; two sisters, Rita Padilla and Rhonda Ibrahem.
Surviving are her daughter, Cheryl A. Kramer and her husband Ronald, Joliett; a granddaughter, Amanda Kramer, Joliett; a brother, Harold Lucas, Hegins; a sister, Mag Lucas, Jonestown; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Following Cherlyn's wishes she will be laid to rest privately alongside her husband and twins in the Methodist Cemetery, Muir.
Memorial donations in he memory can be made to the Joliett Fire Company, 401 Main Street, Joliett, PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc, Tower City, is honored to serve Cherlyn's family.
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Born Pottsville, he was a son of Eleanor (Kuperavage) Carr and the late John Anthony Carr..
Pat was a 1998 graduate of Minersville Area High School. He later on went
on to work helping those with disabilities at REDCO and as a long tenured employee of Empire Beauty School in Admissions.
He was an active member in his community belonging to the Schuylkill County Democratic Party, the Knights of Lithuania and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Pat truly enjoyed election time, canvassing and supporting his favorite candidates as well as attending political events. He was a great resource during voting because he stayed up to date on political policies and beliefs. He enjoyed researching local history as well as exploring his family’s ancestry and heritage.
His kindness knew no bounds. He always wanted to help others and make others feel valued. He continued this journey even after his passing as he was an organ donor..
In addition to his mother he is survived by his sister Anna Zuratt (John); brothers Brian Carr (Melissa), Shawn Carr and Matt Carr (Katie); nephews Blasé Carr, Aiden Carr, Frankie Carr, Jace Zuratt, John-John Zuratt, Dante Carr and niece Karlie Carr. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that will miss him very much.
Privates Services will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions in Patrick’s name to the Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, Pa. 17901. Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville.
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Shirley was born on May 14, 1949 in Ashland, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Alvin and Faye Tyson of Aristes, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Aristes and graduated from North Schuylkill High School. She then went to nurses training at the Ashland State Hospital, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse.
Throughout her life, Shirley was a source of love, strength, and guidance to her family and friends. She married Ronald Ochs on December 31, 1970 and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories. Together, they raised two children: John and Melissa who will forever be grateful for her love and support.
Shirley had a passion for traveling, playing the piano, reading, shopping, RV camping and listening to music. She loved flamingos, horses, peacocks and going to the Bloomsburg Fair.
Shirley is survived by her husband Ronald Ochs of Ashland, Pennsylvania. Her children John (Dolly) Ochs of San Antonio, Texas, Melissa Ochs of Henderson, Nevada. Her grandchildren; Alec Neitz of Warrensburg, Missouri and Anthony Ochs of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by cousins Leroy Lucas of Danville, Pennsylvania and Kathy (John) Feeney of Plantation, Florida.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Bethany EC Church located at 15 N. 13th Street Ashland Pennsylvania, 17921. A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday morning May 20, 2025 from 9:00-10:00 AM in church. Interment will follow at Christ Church Cemetery in Fountain Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are to be made to the Memorial Fund at Bethany EC Church 15 N. 13th Street, Ashland Pennsylvania, 17921.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Eugene Hunt, age 83, of Pottsville, PA passed away Monday, April 21st, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, East, Pottsville.
Born in Ashland, PA on October 2, 1941, he was the son of the late Gerald A. and Violet (Hancock) Hunt.
Eugene worked as a mechanic at Pope Motors in Pottsville until retiring.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Denise Hunt, brothers: Edward, Gerald, and Joseph Hunt and sisters: Loretta Luckenbill and Cecelia Hunt.
Eugene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Joy (Hubler) Hunt, Pottsville; two daughters: Lori McClure and Karen Serrano and her husband Alex, both of Pottsville; two sons: Eugene R. Hunt and his wife Carol, Pottsville and Jeremy Hunt and his wife Taylor, Tamaqua; eleven grandchildren: Ryan, Lauren, Korey, Devin, Sabrina, Sydney, Brandon, Gavin, AJ, Bobby, and Dilyn; four great grandchildren: Aaliyah, Luca, Lio, and Wyatt; three sisters: Rita Shultz, New Jersey, Dolores Weaver, Tower City, and Carol Ketner and her husband John Mill Creek; and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 11AM on Saturday, April 26th, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday morning from 9-11AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be private.
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Kenneth L. Dagostino, 86, of Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East, Pottsville.
Born on August 6, 1938, in Pine Grove, he was the son of the late Irvin and Alma Nagle D'Agostino.
Ken was a 1956 graduate of Pine Grove High School and a United States Air Force veteran.
His career profession was a carpenter. He was a member of the Oak Grove Sportsmen's Club and North End Fire Company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports, especially the Philadelphia Phillies.
Preceding him in death was a sister, Josephine Artz.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Judy Berger Dagostino; two daughters, Traci and husband Michael Williamson of Springfield, OR, and Toni Malach of Harrisburg; three grandchildren, Ethen Williamson, Maddison Malach, and Mason Malach; a son-in-law Mark Malach of Harrisburg; and a close family friend, Bert Clark.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:30 P.M. at the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church, 74 Bethel Road, Pine Grove, with Pastor David Brady officiating. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 2:00 P.M. until 2:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Dementia Society of America, P. O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or www.dementiasociety.org/donate.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born Thursday, May 31, 1990 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Gary is survived by his; mother, Judith Ann (Yemm) Smith and her companion Ronald Stellfox; sister, Tina Valentine; maternal grandfather, George Yemm; aunt, Rhonda Yemm; uncles, George and Jon Yemm; many cousins, and his extended family and friends from his work as a Chef at the Tamaqua Train Station Restaurant.
A graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, Gary previously worked as a Chef at the former Madeline's restaurant in Orwigsburg. In Gary's spare time he enjoyed playing video games.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
