December 2022

Victoria L. “Vicki” Setzer, 56, of Coudersport, PA passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Nancy M. Bauer, 59, of Warren, PA, died peacefully with her brother at her side, Saturday morning, December 17, 2022, at her residence.  She was born May 9, 1963, in Warren, PA.  Nancy was the daughter of Francis “Frank” and Nancy DeStefano Bauer, Jr.

She was a 1981 graduate of Warren Area High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Economic and Business, from the Villa Maria College. 

She was employed as a financial planner with Macy’s, Saks Fifths Avenue, Finley Jewelers and Diamond Exchange, and was a corporate executive with OshKosh B’gosh Clothing and Carter’s Children’s Clothing, retiring from there due to illness. 

Nancy was Catholic by faith.  Her brother, Frank shared this thought, a sister is not just a sister, her true-life lessons were placed right in front of me through her illness.  Frank appreciated and treasured the honor of being her caregiver and best friend.

She is survived by her brother, Frank X. Bauer, III of Warren, PA., and several cousins.

A private funeral service will be conducted at the convenience of the family.  Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Ascension in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA. 

Memorial contributions may be sent through American Diabetes Association, via diabetes.org or anything with Diabetes Research, via diabetesresearch.org  E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com 

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Phares “Bob” Denlinger, 81, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at his home in Galeton after a lengthy illness.

Born September 5, 1941, in Paradise, PA, Bob was the son of Mildred (Rapp) Kerner. He graduated from Galeton Area High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Army the same year. On June 25, 1966, in North Fork, PA, he married the former Bonnie Hurler, who survives.

Bob worked for many different employers through the years. He worked at Eberle Tanning and Westan for 15 years and then served as commander and manager of the Galeton VFW until retiring in 2013.

Bob was a member of the Goodyear Hose Company and served as president for many years. He was also a member of the Gale Hose Ambulance Association and served as a driver. He was a very active member of the Galeton community and one of his greatest joys was helping to organize the VFW Christmas parties for the VA Hospital in Bath, NY.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife and care giver, Bonnie Denlinger are his children, Vicki Denlinger, Galeton and Brian (Kristin) Denlinger, Corning, NY; two grandchildren, Ethan and Elizabeth Denlinger; their mother, Amaryah Denlinger, Athens, PA; four siblings, Joanne Eby, Manheim, PA, Ronald (Carol) Denlinger, Drew (Jennifer) Kerner, Shelley, ID, and Kris (Steve) Cochran, Galeton; many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews; and special care givers, Joslyn Campbell and Lorri Griffen.

Bob was predeceased by his mother and step father, Millie and Andy Kerner; his mother and father-in-law, Loretta and Lawrence Hurler; two sisters, Sandra Newswanger and Brenda Boyd; a brother-in-law, Ken Eby; and a sister-in-law, Judy Hurler.

Friends may call on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton, PA and on Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 10:00-11:00am with a Funeral Service following at 11:00am with the Rev. Timothy Miller officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Hospital in Bath, NY, or to a Veterans organization of the donor’s choice.

Dianna Lynn Weeks, age 62, of Bradford, PA passed away on December 17, 2022 at the Pavilion at Bradford.

Born July 10, 1960 in Staunton, VA, she was the daughter of the late Marlin and Florence M. (Kohler) Stone, Sr.

She graduated from CVHS Class of 1978.

Dianna loved owls, crafts, reading, playing cards and the hidden objects game but especially loved being with her grandkids.

She is survived by her children, Rodney (Amber Shufesky) Griffin of Sabinsville, Deanna (Gerald) Abbey of Elkland and Andrew (Autom Finland) Dickinson of Kane; stepson, Ryan (Kristen Johnson) Dickinson and their two children, Ryan Jr. and Cameron; grandchildren, Shakira, Skyler, Vincent, Ember, Ashley, Alana, Kayla, Brandi, Isabella and Taylor; great grandchildren, Ryder, Kyson, Araya, Baby Boy Griffin and Ethan; siblings, Carl (Jody) Stone of Eldred, Douglas Stone of Eldred, Cynthia (Woodrow) Wilson of Bradford, Bruce (Tracey) Stone of Rixford and Marlin “Ray” Jr. (Beverly) Stone of VA and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dianna is also survived by her late husband, Benjamin Weeks family; step children, Robin (Dondi) Jayne and Rob (Dana) Weeks and step grandchildren, Aiden, Avery, Cassie, Jamar, Dominic and Kayla.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a step daughter, Lindsay Dickinson.

Family will receive friends at Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St., Elkland on Thursday, December 29th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 3:00 PM with Pastor Dorothy Densmore officiating. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.

Edgar Herbert Smith, 93, of Sabinsville, PA passed away Thursday December 15, 2022 at UPMC Cole in Coudersport. 

He was born November 18, 1929 to Herbert Edgar, and Harriet (Steinbach) Smith in Calvert, PA.  He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, and served in the US Navy.  On September 8, 1956, he married Joanne Niklaus with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. 

Edgar worked for New Holland and Butler Manufacturing – Jamesway Division where he designed farm equipment and earned several patents.  Later he earned his Securities License and worked as a Certified Financial Planner.  He was an avid Penn State and Green Bay Packers football fan, and he enjoyed flying as a private pilot.

Edgar is survived by his son:  Jeffrey S. Smith of Wisconsin, daughter:  Tanya L. Smith of Sabinsville, and a sister:  Joanne Strouble of Williamsport. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife:  Joanne Smith, a brother:  Dale L. Smith, and a sister:  Nancy Doorman. 

His life will be celebrated in a memorial service at a later date and he will be interred in Bath National Cemetery. 

To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.

Miranda N. “Blondie” Gardner, 38, of Ridgway, PA died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at her residence.

She was born on April 22, 1984, in Jellico, TN, a daughter of Lynda Lineberger.

On September 11, 2015, she married Jody Gardner, who survives.

Miranda was a die-hard L.A Rams fan. She enjoyed going for walks and looking at the stars. Miranda had a special bond with her children and often took them fishing.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by 3 sons: Damen Smith, Thor Gardner, and Jody Gardner Jr., an aunt, Karen Morgan, an uncle, Wayne Linebarger, and a niece, Casey Morgan.

Funeral Services will be announced at a later date.

Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences can be made at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Tana Vaganos Root Deery was born in Wellsboro to Leon A. and Katharine C. (Vaganos) Root on November 30, 1950. She was the mother of two sons, Kaleb and Anthony and adopted daughter, SanBee Blair Coolidge (Nathan). Both of her sons pre-deceased her.  She leaves behind her husband Phillip Deery, two sisters, Katherine Mignano (Joe), Lisa Dodge (Gary) and brother Lee Root (Diana). Many nieces and nephews all of whom knew of her devotion to them. Her beloved dog Wolf and two cats.  With her marriage to Phillip, she gained an extended family: daughters, Chemaine (Greg Wheeler), Julie (Tom Fields), grandchildren: Dane Bailey (Tayla), Kelsey Bailey, Jessica Osterbind, great grandchildren: Zoey Osterbind and Bruin Bailey.

She attended Williamsport Community College and was a roving reporter for two newspapers, through this she developed a love of photography. After the birth of her sons she opened “Tana’s Daycare” for several years, and to the present time, many of the children returned as adults to continue the relationship she enjoyed with them as toddlers. Around 1984, “Three Sisters”, a Greek-American take-out was opened in her house in partnership with two generations of three sisters, 1st generation:Katharine, Rita and Ellen and 2nd generation: Lisa, Tana and Kathy. This business re-opened under the auspices of brother Lee for a short run on Main St. several years ago.  Tana began an exercise class tailored to heart disease patients in a clinic in Blossburg, this led to a class in Wellsboro which continued for 35 years known as “Tana’s Jumpstart”, this was one of the loves of her life, again because of the beautiful relationships forged.  Tana was an incredible artist, Reiki healer and selfless in her approach to others.

Below is an excerpt from Blaine Ramsey:

…genuinely sweet, caring woman that never said a mean word to a soul, would be the first to compliment anyone, trying your damnedest to brighten another’s day.  When you came to the hospital after Corinne was born, your hand shot up to your mouth and you had actual tears of joy in your eyes as you looked at me with the warmest smile and said “my goodness Blaine, she’s absolutely perfect.” I believed you truly thought that.  It took me a while to understand your particular brand of affection, but when I did, I knew it was not fake or contrived. Your greatest gift of all was your ability to make Uncle Phil happy again, and truth be told, in time, you made us all happy again. I hope you left this earth knowing that you were loved, you were appreciated, and you will be so missed.  Some days you just need an Aunt Tana to tell you absolutely everything that is good and worthy about you as a person.  That was your specialty.  You were good and kind, and loving, and your loss will leave a hole in this family.  Rest in heaven with our Lord and Savior, he’s gained yet another Deery Angel.  Love Always, Blaine

If you are so moved, donations in her memory may be sent to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary or the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Tana’s life from 12noon to 2pm Friday January 6, 2023 at Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, with a memorial service to follow in the funeral home at 2pm officiated by the Rev. Edward Erb. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.tusseymoshercom.

Celia Joan Piper, 95, wife of the late Duane J. Piper and a resident of Oyster, VA, passed away Friday, December 16, 2022, at Nassawadox Rehabilitation and Nursing in Nassawadox, VA. A native of Rixford, PA, she was the daughter of the late Donald Charles Matson and the late Ernestine Zoe Hurd Matson. She was a retired Registered Nurse and member of West Branch Evangelical United Brethren Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Candy Shannon of Huntingtown, MD, and Duanna Lawson and her husband, Les, of Oyster; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons, James Matson Piper and Mitchell Charles Piper; a grandson, Dusty J. Lawson; and a son-in-law, Walter Shannon.

A private graveside service will be conducted at McKean Memorial Park in Lewis Run, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SPCA Eastern Shore Inc., P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles, Virginia.

“beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt”

Maxine F. Parrish, 70, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA passed away unexpectedly in her home after suffering an apparent heart attack, on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

Born on Wednesday, February20, 1952, in Olean, N.Y., she was a daughter of Jack and Dolly Haxton Jones. She was married to David E. Parrish, who passed away on December 31, 2003.

Maxine was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  She was employed by Potter County ATA as a bus driver and also was employed by Cole Manor in Coudersport.  She also helped to run the family produce stand, Jones’ Produce in Coudersport.

Maxine was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Coudersport. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Potter Post 192 in Coudersport.  Maxine and her son, Shawn, were very active members of the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, serving as volunteers.  She enjoyed crocheting. Her greatest love was her family.

Surviving are two sons, William J. (Victoria Gustafson) Parrish of Port Allegany and Shawn D. Parrish of Coudersport; three grandchildren, Haley M Parrish, Morgan E. Parrish, and Brie L. Gustafson; a sister, Marcia (Joseph) Lagrua of Coudersport; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Maxine was predeceased by a brother, James A. Jones, who passed away on November 22, 2021.

In keeping with Maxine’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  Private services will be held by the family.  Burial will be held in the family cemetery in Coudersport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Maxine’s name to the Ladies Auxiliary of Potter Post 192, 2 Buffalo Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Maxine’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Maxine, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L.  Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

“beloved nephew”

Snowden Leroy Goff, 59, a lifelong resident of Emporium, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with his loving family by his side in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. 

Born on Thursday, June 20, 1963 in Bradford, he was a son of Roy V. and Alice Preko Goff.  He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Snowden and Stella Goff.

He was a graduate of Cameron County High School in Emporium.

Leroy, along with his uncle, Denver “Denny” Goff, was employed for many years by Myers Amusement Company, traveling throughout the country until retiring five years ago.  After retiring from the amusement company, Leroy was employed as a maintenance man for St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Emporium.

Leroy was an avid bicyclist, often riding his bike between 15 to 20 miles a day. 

Left to cherish his memory are a paternal aunt, Ellen Travis of Emporium; a paternal uncle, Charles (Hattie) Goff of St. Marys; a maternal aunt, Nancy Andres of Florida; a brother, Richard Goff of Pittsburgh; a sister, Kathy Brogan of Ohio; and many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Leroy was predeceased by his two uncles, Denver “Denny” Goff and Paul Travis, Sr.; and a brother and a sister.

 A memorial service will be held in the Emporium Alliance Church, 1284 Sizerville Road, Emporium, on a date and time to be announced.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Leroy’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Leroy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.