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Betty Jo Silsby, 80, of Butler passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 at her home.  She was born in Bradford, PA on January 4, 1943, to the late Everett Silsby and Thelma Silsby Southward.  She graduated from Northern Potter High School in 1960.  She enlisted in the Navy in April 1961.

During her 23 years in the Navy, she became a pioneer as the first female data processing chief master in the history of the Navy.  She has earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (five awards) and the National Defense Service Medal.

She is survived by two sisters; Susan Schoonover of Butler, and Marie (Jeffrey) Williams of New Tazewell, TN; two brothers; Curtis (Brenda) Silsby of Sparta, WI and Stuart (Amanda) Silsby of Coudersport, PA; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Out of respect for Betty’s wishes, there will be no visitation.   A military service will be held at a future date by the family’s discretion. 

Patricia Moran O’Dea, 93, of Warren, PA., died Wednesday morning, April 12, 2023, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a brief illness. 

Pat was born March 16, 1930, in Titusville, PA.  She was the daughter of William T. and Cecelia Riesenman Moran.  She has resided in Warren, since 1953.  Pat’s education began at St. Titus Elementary School followed by graduation in 1948 from Titusville High School, where she was class Valedictorian.  With scholarship aid, she attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA., where she earned a bachelors’  degree in sociology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In 1952. She then attended the School of Social Work at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA. During high school years, Pat worked summers as playground supervisor in Titusville, PA.  Full time employment started at Hamot Hospital Pre-Natal Clinic, followed by four years at Warren State Hospital Social Service Department. 

After the birth of her daughters, Pat became a full time mom along with becoming active with many community agencies and activities.  After her husband’s untimely death, she worked part time at the Watson Memorial Home as activities director of the home.  When the Social Service Department at Warren General Hospital was initiated by Nelson Johnson, Pat assisted him and later became a full time Warren General Hospital employee as Social Service Director and Director of Volunteers, a position which she held until her retirement in 1995, ending 26 years of hospital employment.

Mary M. Pasi, 96, of Pinecrest Manor and formally of 114 Poplar Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home

Cynthia E. SPINKS, 61, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Scio, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in her home. 

Born January 27, 1962, in Jamestown, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Esther V. Stevens Spinks.  A 1980 graduate of Scio Central School, she earned a degree from Olean Business Institute.  She was employed by Allegany County ARC as an aide.  Cynthia was a member of the Friends and Neighbors group of the Scio Memorial Library.  She loved crafting, antiquing, camping, and animals, especially moose.  She had many special dogs, including her current one, Reece. 

Cynthia was known as “Ninny” to her grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  Surviving are:  her husband and best friend, Richard “Todd” Landcastle;  her mother, Esther Spinks of Wellsville;  five children, Nathan Faulkner of Rochester, Adam (Bethany) Faulkner of Scio, Brandon Faulkner of Rochester, Joel (Erin) Landcastle of Farmington, and Haley Landcastle of Lancaster;  eight grandsons, Ayden, Xander, Greyson, Briggs, Gavin, Jaxson, Grayson, and Luka;  four siblings, Ross (Clara) Spinks of NM, Tina (Dave) Calhoun of Wellsville, Sheri (Avie) Singleton of AR, and K.J. (Cathy) Spinks of Fillmore;  an aunt, Gabby Yeager of Ashville;  former husband, Mark L. Faulkner of Rochester;  several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her father; her grandparents; aunts and an uncle. 

Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 3:00 PM.  Pastor Stephen B. Richard will officiate.  Burial will be in Stannard’s Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/donate/.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Gage ZURAWA, 32, of Ulysses, PA.

Gage was a beloved son, brother and father. He unexpectedly went to be with our Lord on April 5, 2023. Born March 18, 1991, in Brandywine Hospital, Coatesville, he was son of Cynthia J. Zurawa and Robert William Vest, Jr. A graduate of the police academy program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he was employed as a police officer by Emporium Boro and as a correctional officer by the Potter County Jail. Gage loved working on cars, riding motorcyles and being outdoors. He also loved playing guitar and listening to music, especially Pink Floyd. He loved his son more than anything.

Surviving are: his mother and step-father, Cynthia (Timothy) Hallman of LaGrange, ME; his son, Roman Cyrus Niklaus Zurawa; mother of his son, Carlin Dee Barr-Carter; seven siblings, Faith (Darian James Olmstead) Martin of Coudersport, Hope (C.J.) Rukgaber, Robert Saxon Martin, Keyaira Hallman, Emera Hallman, Eirlyn Hallman, and Ailyn Hallman; maternal grandmother, Jeanne E. Bergstig; an aunt, Julia G. Zurawa; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father; and an uncle, Richard W. Kirk.

A gathering to celebrate Gage’s life will be held on a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Jeffrey James Walaski, 67, of Rimer, PA, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

He was born on November 15, 1955, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Walaski.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley Zebracki; his wife, Pam; stepchildren, Jason and Chloe Ferrante, and Jenni Brown; children, Shelley Davis and Ryan Walaski; sisters, Joni and Lori Walaski; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per the family’s wishes there will be no visitation or service.

Donations may be made in Jeff’s name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

There will be no public services.

SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES, LTD., 7450 Saltsburg Road (at Universal Road), Penn Hills, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Raymond E. Freeburg, 78, formerly of Ridge Road, Kersey, PA passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home on Saturday, April 8, 2023, following a brief illness. 

He was born on April 19, 1944 in Ridgway, a son of the late Leroy “Cappy” and Frances Sterbank Freeburg. 

Raymond received his undergraduate degree and his masters degree from Penn State University, majoring in counseling. He worked for the Clearfield-Jefferson Mental Health Program, and provided services for individuals that suffered from developmental or mental health issues for over 32 years. In his free time, Raymond was an avid reader of eclectic materials and was an avid book collector.

He is survived by one daughter; Kara Haberberger and her husband Jason of St. Marys, by one son; Adam Freeburg and his wife Brooke of Fairbanks, AK, by his 3 grandchildren; Logan, Rhys, and Connor, and by his longtime companion; Jean Miller of St. Marys. He is also survived by one sister; Judith Lilja of Ridgway.

Funeral Services for Raymond E. Freeburg are being held privately and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a favorite charity.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Kersey, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Rodney H. “Rod” Jones, 67, of Kersey, PA passed away at his home with his wife by his side on Monday, April 10, 2023, following a lengthy battle with heart failure.

He was born on August 27, 1955 in Ridgway, PA, a son of the late William “Spike” and Marian Myers Jones. 
On August 13, 1977, in Johnsonburg, PA, he married Eunice Hetrick Jones, who survives of Kersey. Together they shared more than 45 years of love, laughter, and happiness.

Rod was a faithful and devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kersey and then in Brookville. He worked at Motion Control for more than 29 years, then retired from GKN after a number of years of service. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Eunice, he is survived by three children; Chelsey (Ryan) Delaney of Endicott, NY, Nathan (Heather Serafini) Jones of Brockport, and Emily Casabian of Bishop, CA and by five grandchildren; Owen, Natalie, Hailey, Daniel, and Aaren. He is also survived by three siblings; Douglas (Mary Beth) Jones of Coudersport, Thomas Jones of Ridgway, and Greg (Darlene) Jones of Ridgway.

In addition to his parents, Rodney was preceded in death by his son; Jesse Jones in 2008, and two siblings; Michael Jones and Jeannie Marche.

A Memorial Service for Rodney H. Jones is being scheduled and will be announced at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 610 PA Rte. 28, Brookville, PA 15825.

Krise Funeral Home, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Ruth Ann Carson, 61, a resident of Delmar Township, Wellsboro, PA, passed in hospice care at the Green Home on April 11, 2023. 

Beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, Ruth will be missed by her husband William Schieffelin (Bill), sons Brent (Megan) Watkins, Jordan (Justin) Watkins, Devin (Jon) Watkins, special sister Laurie (Jeff) Beyer and granddaughters Molly and Emma Watkins.

Born in Troy, Ruth was the daughter of Richard and the late Esther Cease.  Upon graduation she served as director of the cancer center at Arnot Ogden Hospital and for many years as a paralegal for Christina Fleury and retired from Laurel Health as a revenue recycling specialist. 

She was happiest operating her long arm quilt machine and hosting monthly sewing sessions.  Always ready to listen, Ruth had an exceptional gift of recognizing the needs of others, providing encouragement and support. 

Friends are invited to her celebration of life at the United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, PA on Tuesday, April 18 at 11am with pastor John Bondhus and pastor Andy Martin officiating.  Interment will be private at the Wellsboro Cemetery. 

Arrangements by the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home.

Mary Martha Abplanalp Costanzo, 65, of Ridgway, PA passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the DuBois Nursing Home after a 7 ½ year battle with cancer. 

Mary was born on August 15, 1957 in Cleveland, OH.   She was the daughter of the late Lester “Tappy” and Margaret “Peggy” Riley Abplanalp of Johnsonburg, PA.

Mary is survived by her two children, Gregg M. Costanzo and Lorinda M. Costanzo along with one grandson, Manuel “Manny” Costanzo.  Additionally, she is survived by her brother John (Lori) Abplanalp and her sister Leslie Walters along with the following nieces and nephews, Logan (Katie) Abplanalp, Evan (Liz) Abplanalp, Riley Walters, and great nieces Kylie Grace and Annalivia Quinn Abplanalp. 

She was a 1975 graduate of the Johnsonburg Area School District.  Mary was formerly employed by the Johnsonburg Police Department as a meter maid and the Pennsylvania State Police as a communications operator.  For many years, she owned and operated a family day care in her home and then worked as a Daycare Coordinator for Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter Counties.  In that position she taught parenting classes and workshops for Penn State University.

Mary was an active volunteer while her children were in school, serving as a volunteer Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, a religious education teacher, and served 2 terms on the ECC School Board and the Campus Ministry Board.  She enjoyed reading, music and working in her yard while spending time with her family and the very many friends who were godsend blessings especially during the last several years as she battled her health issues. 

There will be no public visitation.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 AM, with Father Justin Pino.  There will be a gathering of family and friends, for one hour prior to the start of the mass, in the gathering space of the church.   Mary will be interred alongside her parents at Wardvale Cemetery in Johnsonburg.  

For anyone desiring to make a memorial contribution, Mary suggested the Elk County Humane Society at 1029 E. Eschbach Road St. Mary’s PA 15857 or to the Hillman Cancer Center Development, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B 5150 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or call 412-623-4700.  

The family will be accepting online condolences at the Ubel Funeral Home website(www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com).

Sandra L.  Degler, 68, of Old West Creek Rd., Emporium, PA, formerly of Pine Grove, PA passed away Tuesday morning (April 11, 2023) following a lengthy illness.

She was born September 29, 1954 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania a daughter of the late Kenneth and Shirley Yoder Young.  On August 25, 1971 in Pine Grove PA she married James Degler who survives.

Sandy was a retired bank teller for PNC Bank where she had worked for many years. She had a kind heart, and would often show her generosity to strangers by helping pay for groceries or other items in our local stores.

In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by one son, Christopher M Degler (Hillary) of Clayton, NC; six grand children: Hunter, Aspen, Braxtyn, Matthew, Scott, and Drew; two sisters, Roxanne “Roxi” Kelly and Lori Goodson (Barry) both of Pine Grove, PA

She was preceded in death by her parents.

There will be no visitation. Services will be held privately with the family.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.