NEWS

Sylvia Jean EDWARDS, 87, of Belfast, NY, died Wednesday, October 1, 2025 in Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wellsville, after a long illness. 

Born January 6, 1938, in Bolivar, she was the daughter of Herman and Virginia Dickerson Edwards. 

A graduate of Richburg Central School, she was employed by Fisher-Price in Holland and retired from Jones Memorial Hospital in Environmental Services. Sylvia loved spending time with her family, going to Texas to see her family, and searching for and collecting home interior figurines. Her favorite time of year was Christmas. She loved to decorate and give her the family the best Christmas. 

Ryan Matthew Schott, 56, of Germania, PA, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, at the Gatehouse Hospice in Williamsport, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Wellsboro, PA, Ryan was the son of the late James W. and Donna J. Schott. He was a devoted husband to Stephanie (Stone) Schott and a proud father to Mikayla and Makenna Schott. He is also survived by his brothers Jim (Diane), Rick (Charlene), and Jon (Brenda) Schott, as well as many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him.

Smethport – Warren B. Mackey, 48, of Bradford, passed away Sunday (October 5, 2025) at his home in Bradford.

He was born February 20, 1977 in Bradford, the son of Lester Sturtevant and Loretta (Ransom) Button.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Gail M. (Fitzwater) Truax, 85, of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully October 6, 2025 at Hearthstone of Wildwood, Oxford, Florida. Born December 7, 1939 in Westfield, PA, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Leola (Wood) Fitzwater. She was the loving wife of Dr. Bennie S. Truax who preceded her in death on September 6, 2025 and with whom she
celebrated 65 years of marriage this past year.

Dr. Bennie S. Truax, 88, of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully September 6, 2025 at Geneva Hospital in Geneva, New York. Born November 19, 1936 in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Grace (Statham) Truax. He was the loving husband of Gail (Fitzwater) with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage this past year.

Bennie lived his life surrounded by music and sharing his love for it with everyone he met. He started playing the piano at home with the encouragement of his mother and later was able to play any instrument he picked up. He went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Mansfield State College, Master of Science in Music Education from Ithaca College and Doctor of Education in Music Education from The Pennsylvania State University.

Pamela S. CRANTS, 36, of Bellefonte, PA, formerly of Port Allegany, passed away at Mount Nittany Medical Center on Sunday, October 5, 2025.  Born July 6, 1989, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Mike and Heather Postlewait of Port Allegany and Lisa and Jim Rotello of Franklinton NC.  

On August 26, 2017, in Odin, she married the love of her life and rock, Jason D. Crants, who survives.  They celebrated eight beautiful years of marriage.  A 2007 graduate of Port Allegany High School, she earned a degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education from Edinboro University in 2014.  She was employed as an Audiologist by Erie Audiology.  She later worked as a paraeducator for Corl Street Elementary School in State College, before leaving to be a stay-at-home mom for her two children.  

Ronald L. SOULE, Sr., 81, of Mills, PA, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  Born March 17, 1944, in Corning, NY, he was the son of Basil L. and Minnie Aretta Michel Soule.  

He served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1962 – 1965.  He was employed as a supervisor by Pure Carbon in Coudersport.  Ron and his wife owned and operated Sharon’s Family Restaurant in Westfield and he retired from a machine shop in Covington.  Ron and Sharon played and sang in country bands for over 30 years.  

Surviving besides his loving wife of 48 years, Sharon, are: eight children, Robin (Marty) Davis of Tioga, Ronald “Chip” (Christy) Soule of Genesee, Carrie (Michael) Sewell of Sabinsville, Robert (Yvonne) Briggs of Port Allegany, Bradley Soule of Genesee, Frederick (Amy) Briggs of Kansas, Anthony “Tony”  (Nicole) Soule of Mills, and Amy (Benji) Putman of Knoxville; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Gary Soule of Galeton; nieces and nephews.  

He was predeceased by his parents.  

A gathering to celebrate Ron’s life will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Harrison Township Community Building beginning at 3:00 PM.  Military Rites will be accorded by member of the Potter County Honor Guard.  

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Paul W. Webster, 85, of Wellsboro, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at The Green Home, Wellsboro.  He was born December 21, 1939, in Wellsboro, the son of the late Merle B. and Neva (Pope) Webster.   

Paul graduated from Wellsboro High School, Class of 1958. He worked as a warehouse forklift operator for Mergenthaler Corp. for 23 years and Osram for 19 years.  He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed gardening, landscaping, photography and being outdoors.  He enjoyed gifting his wood projects and wood turnings to family, friends and many others in the community.

Lois E. EDWARDS, 73, of Allentown, NY, died Friday, October 3, 2025 in her home surrounded by her family. 

Born July 10, 1952, in the Town of Ward, she was the daughter of William and Betty Stives Edwards. On May 26, 1976, in West Clarksville, she married Richard Edwards, who predeceased her on January 2, 2025. Lois was a 1972 graduate of Cuba Central School. She served as a Cub Scout leader in Cuba and a baseball coach for Cuba Farm League. Lois was a life member of Allentown Volunteer Fire Department and a member of Restoration Church of Christ in Scio. 

Argie J. JANDREW, 40, of Scio, NY, died Thursday, October 2, 2025 in her home. 

Born November 13, 1984, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Dale and Karen Guinnip Jandrew. 

Argie was a 2002 graduate of Bolivar-Richburg High School and a graduate of Houghton College. During high school and college, she was employed by Kmart. After college, she was a substitute teacher in Scio, Belfast, and Wellsville schools, and an administrative assistant for Sagewood Counseling in Port Allegany, PA. 

Surviving are: her mother, Karen, of Scio; a brother, Lucas Jandrew of Bolivar; a sister, Jessie (Tim) Tucker of Warren, MI; two nephews, Matthias and Joshua; aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her father, Dale. 

A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Friday, October 10, 2025 in Fairlawn Cemetery, Scio. 

Memorials may be made to the SPCA serving Allegany County, Belmont, NY. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Kenneth A. Ford

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Kenneth A. Ford, 83, of Shinglehouse, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

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

Harold R. “Dickie” Rawson, age 83, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, October 4, 2025.  He was born on September 2, 1942 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Arnold and Laura (Eberenz) Rawson and was the husband of the late Vivian (Blackwell) Rawson. 

Dick served in the US Army, was a self-employed mechanic for many years and enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors.  If Dickie can’t fix it, nobody can. 

He is survived by three sons: Rick (Jeanette Patt) Rawson of England, William (Brooke Beacom) Rawson of Wellsboro, PA, Richard Rawson of Wellsboro, PA, daughter: Ruth Rawson of Wellsboro, PA, and six grandchildren: Adam Rawson, Darius Rawson, Sidney Rawson, Jordan Rawson, Hannah Gile, Caleb Gile, brothers: David (Connie) Rawson, Jerry (Sharon) Rawson, James (Sharon) Rawson, sisters: Lois Richter, Nancy Taynton, Jane (Dave) Miller, sister-in-law: Jan Watts. 

He was predeceased by two brothers: George and Allan and a sister: Sally.  A private family memorial service will be held by the family. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.