Obituaries

Stephen Clifford Kratts: United States Navy

Stephen Clifford Kratts, 74, of the Wellsville Manor Hills, and a former Cuba resident passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Born on December 12, 1950, in Cuba, he was the son of Clifford Lewis Kratts and Rosanne Wilson Rogers.

Steve grew up in Cuba, New York and graduated from Cuba Central School in 1970.  While in high school he joined the United States Navy inactive reserve and went active duty on July 13, 1970 and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1986.

After recruit training, he was assigned to the USS Epperson serving in Pearl Harbor for two Pacific Cruises with an eleven-month service in the waters of Vietnam, in which he helped supply Naval Gunfire Support and Currier Escort Services. He also served in Keflavic Iceland and the Persian Gulf during the Iran Hostage Crisis.

Linda L. Chillelli, 75, formerly of Theresia Street, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Robert L. Fields, 79, formerly of Kersey, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Lakeview Senior Living in Smethport.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Larry A. Huber, 85, of Ridgway, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

He was born on October 23, 1939, in Ridgway, the son of the late Alvin and Ruth Cousins Huber.

On February 20, 1965, he married Joyce Luchs, who survives.

Larry was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a graduate of Ridgway High School. After graduation he joined the U.S Navy. After his military service, he made significant contributions to Ridgway through his work with the Ridgway Boro, Ridgway Township Water Authority. For over 35 years, Larry also owned and operated Huber Monuments, where he took great pride in creating lasting tributes for families within the community. 

David E. Garner, 77, of 154 Terrace Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Hershey Medical Center with his family by his side.

He was born February 11, 1948 in St. Marys, son of the late Lawrence and Evelyn Daniels Garner.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, and a former employee of Sylvania, where he was a mechanic and took great pride in his work.

Sally A. Hanchett, 90, of Belmont, NY, died Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville.  Born February 21, 1934, in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late Reginald and Frances (McGill) Barker.  On September 4, 1953, in Angelica, she married Edward G. Hanchett, who predeceased her June 27, 2014.   

Sally was a 1952 graduate of Angelica High School.  She was employed as an Abstractor for Allegany Abstract in Belmont, and with her husband, she owned and operated Hanchett’s Sundae Drive in Belmont. She was the Amity Town Clerk and Tax Collector for many years, served as president of the Belmont Central School Board, was a former EMT and member of the Amity Rescue Squad, and she was a member of the Belmont United Methodist Church.  

Shaun E. Beldin, 50, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA on Friday morning (February 14, 2025) with his loving wife and family by his side. 

He was born May 28, 1974 in Ridgway, PA a son of Edward “Butch” Beldin, Emporium and Cheryl Thiel Grimm, Emporium. On August 1, 1998 in Emporium he married Amber Buerk, who survives.

Richard W. Russell, Sr.

Richard W. “Dick” Russell, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly in his home with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

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.

James Richard “Dick” Miller Jr., 80, of Bradford, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025.

Dick was born in Clearfield, on July 12, 1944, the son of James Richard and Lucille Miller, and was a graduate of Clearfield High School.  He earned a degree in Special Education at Bloomsburg University, where he met his beloved wife, Nancy. He later received his master’s degree from Penn State University.

After their marriage in 1966, Dick and Nancy moved to Bradford to begin their careers in the Bradford Area School District.  Dick was the high school assistant principal for 23 years and helped found the wrestling program.  He cared deeply about investing in students; even when they were sent to his office for discipline, his main objective was to set them on a better path.  As a coach, he sought opportunities for everyone to be involved, according to their abilities.  Years after his retirement, many residents of Bradford fondly remember Mr. Miller from their time at school.

James H. Russell, 82, of Longview Drive, Ridgway, passed away surrounded by love on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.

Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.

Betty L. Kahle, 92, of Bradford, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her daughter’s home, while in the company of her family.

Born on April 7, 1932, in Leeper, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Ruth (Boyd) Shotts. She was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School.

On April 9, 1955, in the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, she married James L. Kahle, who preceded her in death on December 27, 2014. 

Betty loved to hunt and fish along with her husband, spending many hours on Chautauqua Lake. Eventually they built a cottage on the lake at Goose Creek and spent quality family time with their children and grandchildren. 

James M. Dutka Sr., 78, of Ridgway, passed away at his residence on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

He was born on June 21, 1946, in Punxsutawney, to the late George and Geraldine Van Verosa Dutka.

After graduating from Punxsutawney High School, Jim honorably served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Alaska. He was employed by Motion Control for many years. Jim was an avid collector and antiquer, often taking trips to the Hazen Flea Market. He especially enjoyed collecting M & M dispensers and Zippo lighters.

James J. (Jim) Hall, 89, a long time resident of Ridgway, PA, was carried into his eternal rest Thursday evening in Dubois, after a long struggle with dementia and its debilitating effects. 

Jim was born in Barnes, PA on March 5, 1935, the son of Charles J. and Alice (MacMartin) Hall.  He grew up on a dairy farm just north of Austin, PA  and was raised by his Mom and step-father, Lloyd Tyler; learning the value of hard work and responsibility. Jim graduated, with honors, from Austin High School in 1953, and enlisted in the Air Force within the next year. He selected the Medical Corps as his field of training and met the love of his life, Jeanette Eckert, at Lackland AFB, in Plattsburgh, NY.  They were married in Auburn, PA on December 8, 1956.  

After his discharge from the Air Force, Jim continued his education at Goshen College in Elkhart, IN, then completing his degree in Medical Technology at South Bend Medical Foundation, South Bend, IN in 1962. Throughout his entire career in health care, Jim was employed as Chief Technologist and Laboratory Manager in Middleton, WI, Council Bluffs, IA, and finally at Elk County General Hospital in Ridgway, where he retired in 1997 after 35 years of service. Jim and Jeanette were blessed with four children, Randy (Kim) Hall of Brockway, PA; Susan (Lloyd) Morrison of Lombard, IL; Rodney (Judi) Hall of Winston Salem, NC; and Russell (Nancy) Hall of Glen Burnie, MD.  

David E. Garner, 77, of 154 Terrace Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Hershey Medical Center following a brief illness. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Madison Emily Lister from Mt Jewett, 23, chose to return to her Heavenly Father on Feb 12, 2025.

Madison was born on January 8, 2002 to Shane and Heather Lister in Bradford, PA

She was a very much wanted addition to our family. She came into this world with a sweet, nurturing nature, and loved her family and any type of animal and nature.

She was very reserved until she let you in her circle and then she would show you her playful side.  She was so intelligent, always wanting to learn, and she always had her nose in a book.  When she wasn’t reading she was out walking her dogs, Piper and Daisy. She loved riding bikes, walking , and taking rides with her Mom and when her nieces and nephews would come over she was always teaching them and playing with them.  She was the fun Aunt that always had something fun prepared for them.  She will be greatly missed by all her family.

She leaves behind her parents, Shane and Heather Lister, her siblings Jake (Daphne) Lister, and Sierra (Kyle) Showers, her nieces and nephews Johnny, Danny, Kaelyn and Brynleigh. Her maternal grandparents Tom (Susan) Oliphant, Janice (Clarence) Proper. She also had many Uncles, Aunts and cousins that loved her deeply. 

She was predeceased by her Paternal grandparents Harold and Carolyn Lister

In the memory of Maddie we as a family have decided to have a private Family Celebration at a later time. There will be no visitation or funeral services. If you would like to make a donation in her memory please do so to a local animal shelter or rescue.

We ask in her memory that you hug your family and keep them a little closer and remember to be aware of the signs of depression. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a click away

To anyone out there reading this:

Remember you may not always see it but your presence in this world has left ripples far beyond what you know. Someone still smiles at a memory you created together, still feels comforted by the kindness you once showed, and still finds courage in the words you spoke.  Someone stands a little taller because you believed in them. Someone hums a song that reminds them of you, sees beauty in the world because you pointed it out, and carries your wisdom in their heart. You matter more than you realize.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport. (www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com).

Norma J. HAND, 65, of Mills, PA, died Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, UPMC Wellsboro.  

Born April 11, 1959, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of Howard Norman and Shirley Waddell Dean.  On April 3, 1993, in Essex, MD, she married Loren John “Joe” Hand, who survives.  A graduate of Overlea High School in Baltimore, she was employed as a toll collector in Baltimore for eight years and by Overbrook Eggnog Corp. in Baltimore for over 20 years.  

Bonita E. “Bonnie” PORCZYNSKI, 83, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, formerly of Genesee, PA, died Friday, February 7, 2025 in Lehigh Valley Hospice, Allentown, PA.  

Born November 12, 1941, Trenton, NJ, she was the daughter of Alexander and Anne Bodnar Elias.  On June 29, 1963, in Yardley, PA, she married Theodore L. Porczynski, who predeceased her on September 7, 2012.  A graduate of Arizona State University, she was employed as an elementary school teacher in Trenton, NJ.  Bonnie was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Genesee.  

Surviving are: two sons, Tad (Traci) Porczynski and Timothy (Erika Bressi) Porczynski; seven grandchildren, Victoria, Lukas, Sarah, Seth, Sofia, Ella, and Makayla; a great-grandson, John; two sisters, Patti Forman and Nancy Rowe; nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two siblings, Alexander Robert Elias and Carol Dragon.  

Friends may call at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Genesee, PA on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM.  

The Rev. Jeffrey Donovan will be the Celebrant.  

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kinney, PA.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

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

Karen L. Ayers-Snyder, 65, of Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born on November 2, 1959 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Louis Piscitelli and Norma Blair Snyder.

On October 28, 2006 in Bradford, she married Andrew “Buddha” Ayers who preceded her in death on March 21, 2020.

Karen loved spending time with her family and her “fur babies”; she also enjoyed going out to listen and dance to her sister Loey’s band.

She was employed by Servco Services for twenty-two years until she had to retire due to her health issues.

Brian D. Wolff, 57, of Summerville, passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois following a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Mary Ann “Toddy” Weinzierl, 93, of Averyville Road, St. Marys, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
She was born on September 18, 1931 in St. Marys, the oldest daughter of the late George and Agnes Seelye Krug.

On September 3, 1955, at St. Marys Church, she married the late Leo “Tubby” Weinzierl, who preceded her in death on January 26, 1989. Together they shared more than 30 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

Toddy was a graduate of the St. Marys Area High School and was a member of the Queen of the World Church. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like a hot cup of McDonalds coffee and a hamburger. She loved visits with her son Mike’s springer spaniel, Ruby. Toddy loved to feed and watch the birds and the occasional deer that would visit her feeders. She loved being outside, especially riding around on her tractor picking up sticks and pinecones or mowing the grass. She would always be sure to finish by lunchtime so she could watch her favorite soap opera, “Days of Our Lives.” Toddy never known to turn down some good ice cream, especially strawberry. She enjoyed listening to Garth Brooks after attending a concert to see him at the Clearfield County Fair. She loved nothing more than family gatherings for birthdays and holidays so she could spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her favorite celebration was when Santa would come to visit. She loved supporting her grandchildren’s sporting events, attending SMA Cheer Competitions to see coach Jen and attend DCC basketball games to see coach Jason and Father Ben Daghir.

Gary Edward Lanning, 67, of Wellsville, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in his home. He was born March 25, 1957, in Massena, NY.

Gary was formerly employed by Highland Healthcare Center. He was a former member of the Christian Fellowship Church. He was an avid New York Giants and Yankees fan.

Karen M. Miller, 70, of Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (February 13, 2025) at her home in Port Allegany.

She was born December 2, 1954 in Wellsboro, PA, the daughter of Vern Bowen and Pauline (Stevens) Dively. On September 25, 1998, in Wellsboro, PA, she married Warren  F. Miller, who died May 21, 2022.

Karen grew up working the family dairy farm, Kilkaro Farm, from childhood to graduation from High School. Karen was a graduate of Wellsboro High School and attended Corning Community College where she received her nursing degree.

Karen first worked at the Wellsboro Diner. She then worked at Carlton Nursing Home in Wellsboro.  She ultimately worked as a nurse at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, until her retirement.

Jane McFarland

Jane D. McFarland, 98, of Warren, PA., died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., after an extended illness.  She was born May 1, 1926 in Poughkeepsie, New York.  Jane was the daughter of William P. and Mary Moran Darrow.

She has resided in the Warren area since 1995, moving here from Milan, TN.  Jane was a 1944 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School and earned her registered nursing degree from

Hospital School of Nursing, Washington, D.C.  She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church and the church choir.  She enjoyed bowling with the Senior League at Riverside Bowling Lanes.

Smethport – Allen L. Jackson, 77, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (February 8, 2025) at his home in Smethport.

He was born October 26, 1947 in Port Allegany, the son of Franklin B. and Maryetta (Keech) Jackson. On January 1, 2000, in Eldred, PA, he married Jodee L. Comes, who survives.

Mr. Jackson was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School Class of 1965 and attended technical trade school in Florida for early computers.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971.

Allen worked as head of maintenance at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport, until his retirement.

Obituary for William Gaylor Hayes: June 5, 1938 – February 7, 2025

After a full and adventurous life on earth, William Gaylor Hayes “Wild Bill” entered into the great adventure of eternity on February 7, 2025. He was 86. Bill was born on June 5, 1938 in St. Marys, Pennsylvania to Clarence Rakestraw Hayes and Josephine Gaylor Hayes. From an early age, Bill was an avid outdoorsman and athlete. A lifelong Boy Scout, he rose to the Order of the Silver Beaver and was an expert at lighting fires, building lean-tos in the rain, and knowing which plants were edible. He lettered in four sports at St. Marys High School: baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling–and was captain of the first wrestling team at the school. Bill was class president his senior year, and at graduation received the Babe Ruth Award given to the most outstanding male student in athletics. He wrestled through college and into his army career, achieving entry into the Bucknell University Hall of Fame as well as the honor of coaching the U.S. Armed Forces Wrestling Team as a First Lieutenant.

Betty J. Craig, 86, of W. Washington St., Bradford, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born September 15, 1938, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Parker Wesley and Pearl Isabelle (Finney) Reed.

Betty was a 1956 graduate of Bradford Area High School. She graduated from BOCES in 2003, with a computer degree.

She was a member of VFW, Italian Club, and the Eagles.

Thomas R. Carpenter, Sr., 77, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (February 11, 2025) at his residence in Smethport.

He was born January 1, 1948 in Bradford, the son of Herbert and Dorothea (Kibble) Carpenter. On February 22, 1975, in Eldred, PA, he married Janice C. Thompson, who died November 27, 2017.

Mr. Carpenter was a truck driver, last employed by Superior Oil & Gas Services of Bradford, PA.

He enjoyed the outdoors.

Terry L. FLEWELLYN, 66, of Whites Corners, PA, died Tuesday, February 11, 2025 in his home.  

Born July 21, 1958, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of Guy E. and Pearl Moore Flewellyn.  On August 12, 2000, in Ulysses, he married Michelle L. Mack, who survives. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1978 – 1981.  He was employed by PennDOT for 26 years.  

Frank Delbert HILLS

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our father, Frank Delbert Hills. Frank passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg, PA. On March 31, 1934, Frank was born on March 31, 1934 in Port Allegany, PA, the eldest son of Everett G. and Doris A. Johnson Hills.

He was a 1956 graduate of Pennsylvania State University and upon graduation, Frank was commissioned into the US Air Force as a second lieutenant, assigned to San Antonio, TX for flight school. It was there, on a blind date, that he met LaVonne Oetjen and they married on November 22, 1956.

For twenty-one years Frank proudly served in the USAF as a helicopter pilot. His assignments stretched from Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada to Vandenburg AFB in California, to Bolling AFB in Washington, DC, to Vietnam. While Frank was assigned to Vietnam, he flew 200 combat missions including a successful helicopter rescue behind enemy lines whilst under fire. For this he received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. His last assignment was USAF liaison officer to the PA Civil Air Patrol. Frank retired from the Air Force in May 1977 with the Command Pilot rating and nearly 7000 hours of flying time.