NEWS

Raymond L. Mosher, 92, of 216 Main St., Richburg, NY died Monday (Oct. 17, 2022) at Jones Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 2, 1930, in Olean. He was the son of Lawrence and Jesse VanDyke Mosher and stepson of Betty Dean Mosher. He married Margaret F. “Peggy” Tower on Aug. 21, 1954, at St. Mary’s Church, Bolivar. Peggy preceded him in death July 4, 2015.

Ray was a graduate of Portville Central School. He attended Cornell University, St. Bonaventure University and University of Tulsa. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa.

He was employed by Halmor’s Services in Tulsa, Okla., for 13 years. In 1971, Ray was employed by Dresser Clark in Olean as systems senior design engineer.

In his weekend job, he attended Buzz Dunn’s school of woodcutting.

Ray was a veteran of the USAF, serving from 1951-1955 and serving in the Korean War. While in the Air Force he met his lifelong friend and best man, Nick Muratore, who influenced and mentored his Catholic faith.

Memberships include St. Mary’s Church, Bolivar; Secular Order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel; Kenyon Andrus Post 772 American Legion, Bolivar; and VFW Post 2721, Cuba.

Dad was an engineer by trade but always dreamed of being a farmer after tending his grandfather’s farm on the Five Mile Road in Allegany. While his heart remained in farming his and his wife’s most treasured crop was their bountiful family.

Being a creature of habit, he would cut 80 cords of wood each year with his best friend Buzz, with each cutting day ending with a 4 o’clock meeting at the country club. On Saturday mornings, he and the unelected mayors of Bolivar (Buzz, Tom Dunn and Neil Dempsey) would gather over coffee to solve the problems of the world. Sunday mornings were for mass with his wife and his beloved family. In the early years with so many children three car trips were needed.

Dad loved Hudson Hornets, working outside, being punctual, hunting and fishing trips, limburger cheese and onion sandwiches and solving college calculus problems for relaxation.

He was a high school quarterback for the Portville Panthers. He never lost his passion for sports, whether watching college games, the Kentucky Derby or watching his children and grandchildren play. Dad developed deep roots and strong branches during his lifetime. From family meetings to cleaning parties, Dad instilled a strong work ethic in his children.

On Saturdays, his grandchildren fondly remember the trips to the dump that inevitably ended with candy. Some of his favorite sayings were “There are going to be some changes around here,” “Plan your work and work your plan” and although not given to colorful language he could be heard saying “I don’t give a rats a…”

Dad is joyously reunited with his high school sweetheart. He was loved by all, touched many lives and will live on in heaven and our hearts forever.

Surviving are 13 children, David Mosher of Bartlett, Tenn., Madonna (David) Pierce of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Gregory (Diana) Mosher of Channahon, Ill., Monica (Erv) Smith of Bolivar, John Mosher of White, Ga., William Mosher of Tulsa, Matthew Mosher of Richburg, Margaret (Bill) Cowles of Russellville, Alaska, Regina (Tim) Caterino of Plano, Texas, Grace (Cole) Dailey of Springhill, Fla., Bernard (Heather) Mosher of Lockport, Kathleen (Christopher) Jester of Skiatook, Okla. and Teresa (Erin) Mosher of Rochester; 28 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Ronald (Barbara) Mosher of Warsaw, David Mosher of Grofton, Md. and Terry (Mary) Mosher of Bremerton, Wash.; and one sister, Ellen (Kim) Cradduck of Bradford.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Mosher on June 19, 2015; daughter-in-law, Patty Wilder Mosher on Aug. 13, 2013; grandson, Gregory Mosher on Jan. 14, 2014; sister and brother-in-law, Minerva (Alvin) Dean; and sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbara (David) Mosher.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (Oct. 21, 2022) at the Schaffner Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 22, 2022) at St. Mary’s Church Bolivar, with Father Robert Agbo officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bolivar.

Memorial may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 17 Maple Ave., Wellsville, NY 14895; or Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Retreat , P.O. Box 100, West Clarksville, NY 14786 or mountainonline.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.

loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

Carol Wilson, 80, of 649 Sanford Hollow Road, Little Genesee, NY passed away Saturday (Oct. 15, 2022) at home, following a lengthy illness.

Carol was born Dec. 15, 1941, in Denver Colo. She was the daughter of Henry and Mollie Weimer Baker.

She married Louie J. Wilson on March 3, 1967, in Denver. Mr. Wilson Survives.

Carol was a graduate of Douglas Co. High School, Class of 1959.

Carol was employed as a waitress at the former Holiday Inn, Olean, and was also employed by Fibercel Co., Portville.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three daughters, Julie (Michael) Faulkner of Portville, Mollie (Brad Jarves) Bess of Horseheads and Coleen W. Laird of Arcade; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Ruthie (Kenny) Wilson of Potsdam; one brother, Leroy (Carol) Baker of Littleton, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.

At Carol’s request there will be no public services. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.

Richard “Pete” W.  Keslar, 81, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

He was born On August 11, 1941, in Connellsville, Pa, the son of the late Stewart and Mary Umbele Keslar.

On May 2, 1964, in Poplar Run, he married Ruby Millie Harvey, who survives.

Pete was been a member of the community for many years and an avid member of the Church of Christ. Pete retired from the Alltel phone company after more than 40 years of service. For many years he also worked at Quart Services, Bennett Garage, and Muccio Bus Transportation. He took great pride in fixing antiques and working on his beautiful 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Pete was hard working and was always there to help with projects. He had a huge heart and special love for his family.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by 3 children; Michael Keslar and his wife Maria of Oswego, IL, Michelle Kelly and her husband Paul of Bradford, and Terrance “T.J’ Keslar and his wife Danielle of Ridgway, 6 grandchildren; Mckenna, Chloe, Michael, Kohle, Taryn, and Mariana, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 8 brothers; Joseph, Harold, Robert, James, Thomas, Eugene, William, and Ken Keslar, and 2 sisters; Catherine and Mary Keslar.

A Funeral Service for Richard W. Keslar will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Rev. Ron Burkett officiating.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM at Krise Funeral Home.

Military Honors will be conducted by Ridgway – Johnsonburg Burial Detail.

Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgway Animal Haven, 20 Rocky Top Rd, Ridgway, PA 15853, or The Ridgway VFW.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Smethport – Ronald E. Rittberg, 88, of Cyclone, PA passed away Wednesday (October 19, 2022) at Olean General Hospital, Olean.

He was born November 6, 1933 in East Smethport, the son of Claude Rittberg and Rita Evens Rittberg Hedlund.

Ron was a Seaman in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1951 to 1955.

Mr. Rittberg was an electrician for Pure Tech of Bradford before his retirement.

Ron was a member of the IBEW and liked working and playing with his tractors and enjoyed spending time with his great granddaughters.

He is survived by:

Two sons:  Robert (Michele) Rittberg of Roulette and Scott Beaumont of Smethport

Two daughters:  Tina (Don Leilous) Rittberg of Shinglehouse and Heidi (Joseph) Thomas of Humboldt, IL

One daughter-in-law:  Debbie Rittberg of Smethport

Grandchildren:  Zachary (Taylor) Rittberg and Luke (Sarah) Rittberg, Torey and Brianna Trainor, Tony (Jacinda) Haskins

Great grandchildren:  Delanie, Zain and Zeke Rittberg, Waylon James, Sydney and Madison Haskins

One sister:  Beverly “Honey” (Howard) Fielding of Kersey, PA

And several nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a son, Randy E. Rittberg on April 25, 2020, and one sister, Claudia Stickles.

In keeping with Ron’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. 

Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research or Disabled Veterans.

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

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

At 11:56 AM on Thursday, Shinglehouse ambulance has been called to North Union Street for a 75 year old male with difficulty breathing.

At 12:14 PM, Portville ambulance was requested.

12:23 PM–Coudersport ambulance dispatched.

Ruth Newcomer GEHMAN, 96, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Harrison Valley, died Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in her home.  

Born March 24, 1926, in Mount Joy, she was the daughter of Walter S. and Esther Ruth Hersh Newcomer.  Ruth grew up on a farm, attended Eastern Mennonite College, and then taught school for four years.  On June 19, 1954, in Chestnut Hill Mennonite Church, Mount Joy, she married Ivan M. Gehman, who predeceased her on October 17, 2004.  

For their wedding trip, they spent eight weeks teaching Bible school in little country churches in northern Florida and southern Alabama.  The following two years were spent in migrant ministry in Immokalee, Florida in winter and Ulysses, PA in summer.  In 1956, they moved to Springville, AL and were youth leaders at Straight Mountain Mennonite Church.  They had a small produce and cotton farm and made many wonderful friends during those seven years.  Ruthann and David joined their family there.  

In 1963, they were asked to come to Harrison Valley to head up the work at Northern Tier Children’s Home.  Eunice joined their family there.  Both Ruth and Ivan had a heart for children. During their 28 years in Harrison Valley, they loved and cared for 900 children.  

Ruth lived with David’s family in Ulysses the past 17 years.  She was a member of West Union Mennonite Church.  Her life was devoted to church, family, and children. She was an encourager and loved to pray for people.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.  

Surviving are:  a son David (Debra) Gehman of Ulysses;  two daughters, Ruthann (Edward) Mace of Genesee and Eunice (Dennis) Hamby of TN;  seven grandchildren;  nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Benjamin Newcomer and Jay Newcomer;  and a sister, Ethel N Miller.  

Friends may call at West Union Mennonite Church, 1347 County Route 84, Rexville, NY 14877 on Monday, October 24, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Robert Walters will officiate.  Burial will be in West Union Cemetery.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Terrence L. “Terry” Hallock, 63, of Bradford, PA passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at his home.

He was born on June 8, 1959 in Bradford a son of Marjorie Hardy McGavisk of Bradford and the late Lawrence Hallock, Jr.

Terry was formerly employed as a cook at several local restaurants.

In addition to his mother, he is also survived by two brothers, Craig Hallock of Bradford and Neal Hallock of Phoenix, AZ; one niece; four nephews; his faithful cat, Marshmallow and Leichelle Smith of Bradford who Terry thought of as an adopted daughter and was considered to be another member of the Hallock family.

In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Laurie McDivitt.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.  

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.

Elizabeth A. Christian, 85, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 630 Chestnut Avenue, DuBois, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Pinecrest Manor, after a lengthy illness.  

She was born December 15, 1936, in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Herman and Julia Selle Pontzer.  She grew up in Kersey and was a graduate of Kersey High School, Class of 1954.   Elizabeth was educated at the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Erie and worked as a registered nurse in clinical setting for many years before serving as a Pennsylvania Public Health Nurse based in Ridgway, DuBois, and Clearfield.  She worked as a liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the Legionalla (Legionnaire’s Disease) outbreak in 1976, leading a cohort of public health officials from Western PA in state-wide testing and mitigation efforts.  Elizabeth was one of the first public health officials in Western PA to join the fight against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).  Elizabeth was most proud of her outreach work in our outlying rural communities. 

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter:  Kathryn “Kathy” Suto (John) of Los Angeles, CA; her son:  Christopher Casey (Michelle) of DuBois; a step-daughter: Kim Fidler (Ralph) of Schuylkill Haven; two grandchildren: Peter and Sarah Casey; two step-grandsons:  Zachary and Chad Fidler; three sisters:  Margaret Pontzer of Hagerstown, MD; Kathryn Tanouye (Edwin) of Rockville, MD; and Mary (Greg, dec.) McClure of Bonita Springs, FL; a brother:  Joseph Pontzer (Carol) of Athens, GA; two sisters-in-law: Kathleen (Robert) Pontzer of Milford, MA and Victoria (Herman, dec.) Ehrhardt of Lancaster, PA; and by many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and her husband, Wayne Christian, Elizabeth was preceded in death by two brothers, Herman Pontzer, Jr. and Robert (Kathleen) Pontzer.  

Elizabeth was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in DuBois.  She loved to travel, attend Penn State football games, and to spend time in her kitchen, creating delights and sharing her amazing culinary gifts. 

Elizabeth’s children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the team at Pinecrest Manor Reflections Wing for their kindness and familial care of their mother.  Angels, all; those selfless caregivers will forever be in their hearts.

There will be no visitation.  Burial will be in the St. Boniface Cemetery in Kersey.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.co.  Their work supports finding a cure for, and supporting families struggling with, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

 SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.—-Sharon L. Baker, 78, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, in UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, after a long illness.

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.

Design Your Own Gansey Class

Have you ever wanted to knit a classic Fisherman’s sweater, but were intimidated by the amount of cable involved? The answer is to design and knit your own Gansey sweater!

Kathleen England, of Glenfiddich Wool, will teach you how to design and create your own Gansey sweater in this class. If you can knit and purl, you can make a Gansey! Kathleen England is a sheep farmer, business owner, and world-class knitter. She has demonstrated her knitting (and spinning) skills at numerous schools, universities, and community events. She has taught knitting classes for all different levels of knitters and has competed at the PA Farm Show and numerous knitting competitions. Kathleen’s knitting designs have been featured several times in the Love of Knitting magazine, including two bridal gowns!

The first class is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26^th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Potter County Education Council’s Coudersport office. The class will also meet once in November and once in December. To ensure a quality finished product, your yarn must be purchased from the instructor at the first class. Two different, reasonably priced yarns will be available for purchase.

You will need to bring with you two sets of circular knitting needles, Size 8 and Size 10. The cost of this three-part class is $30 (plus the cost of yarn). Time is short and space is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.

BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is again offering area veterans the opportunity to work with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they get the services and support they need.

Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet.

Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule for November is as follows:

• Coudersport office: Thursday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment.
• Bradford office: Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment.
• Kane office: Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment.

Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate.

At 10:23 AM on Thursday, St. Marys Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 203 West Creek Road for an automatic fire alarm.

Alarm company reports FALSE ALARM.

Hi! This dog showed up on our back porch on 155 South this morning. He was very cold with a broken chain on his leash. He knows how to sit and he is so sweet I am sure his owners miss him! Give us a call if you know where he belongs !!! Cyndee and Rick Smith 814-642-2250 thank you!

On October 20, at 6:58 am Ulysses Fire And Ambulance were dispatched to Rt. 49 approximately 1 Mile East of North Hollow Rd. for a one vehicle crash with possible injuries

On October 19, at 10:50 pm Bradford City Fire Dept. was dispatched to 102 Congress St. for a natural gas leak inside

On October 19, at 6:24 pm Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to E. Maple St. at the Cole Manor for syncope

Paul L. Yonker

Paul L. Yonker, 98, of W. Mill Street, Daguscahonda, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022 at DuBois Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.

He was born on August 29, 1924 in Daguscahonda, a son of the late James and Elizabeth Wright Yonker.

He was married to the late Jeannette Neubert Yonker, who preceded him in death in 2014.

Paul was a lifelong resident of the area and member of St. Marys Church.  He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and was a two-time recipient of the Purple Heart award.  He retired from Stackpole Carbon Company after many years of service.  He was a member of the VFW in Ridgway and the St. Marys Sportsmens Club.  An hunter and fisherman, Paul loved the outdoors and enjoyed any chance to be in the woods.

He is survived by his step-son; Joseph Neubert and his wife Sue of Ridgway, by two grandchildren; Stephanie Merkel and Brittanei Reed, and by three great-grandchildren; Bobby, Shelby, and Danny.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; Edward and Harold Yonker, and by six sisters; Ruth Gorton, Alice Staff, Margaret Scott, Hazel Rollick, Mabel Williamson, and Pearl Pearson.  He was the last member of his immediate family.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Paul L. Yonker will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the St. Marys Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, as celebrant.

Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Burial will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery in Ridgway.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the St. Marys Church from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Rides 4 Vets.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum

Our Spooky Lantern Tours event is happening this Saturday, 10/22, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Come in costume to trick-or-treat your way through the site while listening to several spooky stories. Decorate your own pumpkin and make a pine cone bird feeder in the museum program room. Hope you can join us!

Join us for a walk through the site by lantern light. Listen to ghost stories and trick-or-treat along the way. Paint pumpkins, make pinecone birdfeeders and have some refreshments in the museum program room.

Admission: $3 adult/$1 Youth, Free for Museum Members

Also assisting on scene were District Coordinators 1 & 3, AL-51, and the crew from Hyland with their excavators and equipment. We thank everyone that responded and assisted us today.

Angelica Fire and Rescue

10/19/22

At 09:05 this morning we were dispatched along with MTS Ambulance to the Hyland Landfill on Herdman Road in the Town of Angelica for a reported rubbish fire. Upon our arrival it was determined the pile of material burning(estimated to be over 500 cubic yards) was tire cords a by-product of tire recycling.

Tankers and manpower from Belmont, Belfast, Friendship, Scio, and Short Tract were requested as well as an engine from Belmont to draft from a pond on-site and an engine from Cuba to stand by in Angelica. Crews fought the fire for over 2 hrs putting upwards of 60,000 gallons of water on it.

Linda K. WESCHE

Linda K. WESCHE, 77, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, October 16, 2022 in her home. 

Born August 18, 1945, in Olean, she was the daughter of Harry Pilon and Josephine Prozeller.  A 1964 graduate of West High School in Rochester, she was employed by Jones Memorial Hospital as a billing clerk and by Wellsville Manor as a CNA.  Linda was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Altar and Rosary Society, and served on the ACASA board. 

Surviving are:  four daughters, Loretta Meyer of Hammondsport, Yvonne (Pete) Erway of Hammondsport, Tina Day of Wellsville, and Tara (Kevin) Fortner of Littleton, NH;  ten grandchildren;  seven great-grandchildren;  seven siblings, Kimberly (Gregory) Lindner of Rochester, Wilma (Jonathan) Lawrence of Brooktondale, David (Christine) Hall of Horseheads, Gina (Thomas) Clay of Ohio, Gay Ellen (John) Pernau of West Virginia, Leon Pilon of Eldred, PA, Kent Pilon of Ohio;  a sister-in-law Marilyn Hall of Casa Grande, AZ;  nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Martin Hall;  twin sister, Sandra Pilon;  her stepmother, Margaret Trask Pilon;  and her stepfather, Ralph Hall.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Monday, October 24, 2022 in Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue, Wellsville.  Rev. James Hartwell will be the Celebrant. 

A luncheon will follow at the Moose Lodge, 242 Maple Avenue, Wellsville.  Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895.  Arrangements are entrusted to OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.