Obituaries

Verna W. WILLIAMS, 89, of Harrison Valley, PA, formerly of Hudson, FL and Lenox, MA, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2023 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  

Born November 6, 1934, in Great Barrington, MA, she was the daughter of E. Frank and Ethel Stevens West.  On July 9, 1955, in Sheffield, MA, she married Theodore Ryder Williams, Jr., who survives.  

A graduate of Sheffield High School, she earned a degree in nursing from Hartford (CT) Hospital School of Nursing.  After graduating from nursing school, she was employed by Sharon Hospital, Sharon, CT, as a registered nurse in the ICU for 22 years and then by Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield, MA in the ER department for a short time.  

Verna loved the Lord and serving Him, spending time with family, gardening, sewing, and traveling.  

In their retirement, Ted and Verna became adventurous.  They ditched the kids and set off sailing the ocean blue for two years.  When they returned to land, their love for the Lord led them to join Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service (RVICS) for nine years, volunteering their time and talents for Christ.  

Mary Virginia Devling, 101, of Galeton, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Galeton. The Rev. Sherry Elliott will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton.

James J. “Jim” Schutz, Sr., 75, of Grant Road, Ridgway, PA died on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Jefferson Manor Nursing Home.

He was born on March 1, 1948, in St. Marys, a son of the late James G. and Marie Donachy Schutz.

Jim was a lifelong member of the area and graduate of St. Marys High School class of 1967. He served in the U.S Marines during the Vietnam War. Jim enjoyed his time gardening, hunting, and fishing.

Thomas T. Siegel, 66, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, December 9, 2023 following a lengthy illness.

He was born on May 9, 1957 in St. Marys, a son of the late Albert and Vera Dippold Siegel.

Tom was a lifelong resident of the area and had worked at Exotic Metals for many years and then at Cameron Diversified for nearly 15 years as a Class A Diesetter.

Tom had a passion for the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and raising deer. He never turned down the chance to take his motorcycle for a ride, especially his trike. Tom will be remembered as a “Cool Papa” to his four granddaughters, whom he loved spending time with. He also looked forward to turning wrenches and sharing his mechanical inclinations with his son.

Alan M Dillenbeck, 69, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 10, 2023 at the Lakeview Skilled Nursing Home, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Alan was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and Papa, who cared deeply for all of his family.  He was so kind and always willing to help those in need.  He was born Oct. 29, 1954 in Kane and was the son of the late Ralph and Ruth (Larson) Dillenbeck.

On June 30, 2001, in the Nebo Chapel in Mt. Jewett, he married Kristin (Edinger) Elliott, who survives.  Alan was a 1972 graduate from Smethport High School and a 1974 graduate from Faith School of Theology in Maine.  He worked at Kane Hardwood for 34 years, retiring in 2020.  He had also worked at Ethan Allen , Pennzoil and he had pastored at two churches.  He loved to share his love for Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

Debra L. Sherk, 70, of 23 Chamberlain Hollow, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born May 20, 1953, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late William B. and Eva Lucille (Selner) Burkett. She attended Limestone Union Free School.

On April 11, 1970, at the East End Presbyterian Church, she married Gordon A. Sherk who survives.

Debbie formerly worked at Floyd C. Fretz in the cafeteria.

Robert J. Pesce, Sr., 85, formerly of 237 Madison Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Friday, December 8, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

He was born March 13, 1938, in St. Marys, son of the late Louis and Angeline Pirazzi Pesce.

On May 2, 1959 in Queen of the World Church, he married Janet L. Leithner, who survives.  They were blessed to share 64 years of marriage together.

Bob was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1957.  He was employed at Keystone, where he retired. 

The family of Dennis J. Bechtel wants to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to all those who have reached out with cards, food offerings and kind words during our time of grief. 

A special thanks to The Daily Bread (Spot and Ginny) for providing the luncheon after the funeral services.  May GOD Bless and Keep you all in HIS loving arms.

Sincerely,

The Bechtel Family

Ellen Patricia Hays

Ellen Hays passed away peacefully at the age of 89 years on the morning of Sunday, Dec 10th, 2023 in Gerry, NY. 

Ellen was born in Manhattan, NY to Guy V. Wilber and Mary Butler-Shaw on Nov. 14th, 1934.   On June 26, 1954 she married her loving husband of 49 years, Donald J. Hays who predeceased her November 23, 2003. 

Ellen went to Allegany School and lived in several places including Shinglehouse, Allegany, Olean, and Bradford. She was employed throughout her lifetime as a waitress with her mother in Bradford, worked at Corning Glass, a company called Spears, and then Line Material/McGraw Edison/Cooper Power and retired from Cooper after 35 years in 1996.

Amongst many things that she loved to do were playing cards, spending time with her friends at Cranberry Court, spending time with family, and life with her dog Bandit.

Surviving are her remaining children, Cheryl Underwood, of Chico, CA, Michael (Remilee) Hays of Russell, PA, and Donald R. (Brenda) Hays, of Oswayo, PA.  She had 9 grandchildren:  Tonie Columbia of Frankfort, KY, Pete Cunningham of Frankfort, KY, Dustin Underwood of Phoenix, AZ, Mike Underwood, of Chico, CA, Shawna Rothery of Tully, NY, Matt Hays of Meadville, PA, Mikela Davis of Gold, PA, Alex Hays of Oswayo, PA, and Nicholas Flamini of Oswayo, PA, and 20 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Along with her loving husband, Donald, Ellen was predeceased by; her parents; her daughter Patricia J. Cunningham; her sister, Joan (Ayers) Firkel. 

Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at which time a funeral service will be held.  Deacon Matt Wenke will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. A memorial gathering in Ellen’s honor will be held at later date and time to be announced. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to any SPCA in her memory.

Jesse William Chaffee, age 91, of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.  

Born January 26, 1932 in Mills, PA, he was the son of the late Clarence and Bessie (Sabin) Chaffee.  

Jesse was a proud worker for the WAG Railroad.  He enjoyed puzzles, reading, tinkering and building things.  He was a simple man who loved his family, his grandkids and his animals.  

  “loving husband, father and grandfather”

David “Dave” Amidon, 81, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, December 8, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.

Born on Tuesday, June 2, 1942 in Wellsville, NY, he was a son of Lewis H. and Luella E. “Midge” Studer Amidon.  On August 4, 1962 in Shinglehouse, he married Rachelann “Cookie” Bryant, who survives.

Dave was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse.  He was employed as a traveling supervisor for the former Market Basket grocery chain.  He then was employed for over 34 years as a scheduler for the former Dresser Rand in Olean, NY.  He later worked for Wending Creek Farms in Coudersport for almost 18 years.

Darrell E. (Sonny) Henry, age 83, died on December 7, 2023 at Valley View Nursing Home.

Born April 15, 1940 in Blossburg, PA and raised in Charleston Township, he was the son of the late Wayne Henry and Anna (Wagner) Henry.  Darrell was the very beloved husband and soulmate of Susan (Wetmore) Henry for 42 years.

Darrell graduated from Wellsboro High School in 1958.  Then he went into heavy construction with his dad, eventually becoming a diesel mechanic, then Master mechanic and sometimes equipment superintendent.  He worked construction all over the United States and for many years, Susan went with him.  He always was passionate about his work and loved his bulldozers and tractors.

Port Allegany – Thomas Francis Edgreen, 75, of Eldred, PA passed away Sunday (December 10, 2023) at his home in Eldred.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home, Inc, Port Allegany.

Lydia G. Rich, 100, Warren, PA passed away on Thursday morning, December 7, 2023, surrounded by her family. 

She was born in Rome, Italy on April 26, 1923.  She completed her education at the University of Rome.  On March 1, 1945, she married her husband, Frank Rich.  She arrived in the United States in March of 1946.  She retired from IPSCO, a drilling company owned by UGI Corporation, where she was employed for many years as an accountant.

Patricia Lee (Beers) Brill, 74, of Wellsboro, PA passed away on December 9, 2023, at Valley View Nursing Center in Montoursville.

She was born in Jorhat, Assam in India to Richard and Ann Elizabeth (Baker) Beers on January 30, 1949. She married Donald Lee Brill on January 16, 1970, having shared more than 53 years together.

Patricia was an Elementary Crisis Counselor for The Phoenixville School District in Phoenixville, PA. She was a member of The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Program and The First Baptist Church of Wellsboro for many years, where she took on many roles within the church. Aside from founding The Sleighton School Chaplaincy Program, she was also a very active volunteer within her community having sung in numerous chorus and choirs over the years and enjoyed teaching Christian education.

Cheryl Anne “Baha” Zero, 72, of Russell, PA, formerly of Goodyear, AZ, passed away on Saturday, December 09, 2023, surrounded by her family in her home.

She was born in Lander, Wyoming, on October 3, 1951, the daughter of the late Robert Wilson and Joyce Parks. Cheryl was a graduate of Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, AZ. She worked as a merchandiser, dental technician and loan officer, however her true passion in life was crafting. Cheryl spent her later years devoted to creating unique greeting cards that she not only shared with family and friends, but also donated to bring joy to those in need. Cheryl was a loving mother and grandmother who shared very special bonds with her children and grandchildren.

On January 17, 1987, she married Alan Zero in Tucson, AZ, and they enjoyed 36 years of blissful marriage.

Sandra L Taylor Holt, 72, of Knoxville, TN passed away at home on November 26, 2023 following a lengthy illness. 

She was born December 19, 1950 in Port Allegany, PA to the late Harold W. Taylor and Cinderella L. Taylor and grew up in Betula, PA.

She is survived by her children, Tina M. Knight (Mitchell Bentley) of Mascot, TN, Paul Knight of Mascot, TN and Richard Knight of Clifton, TN, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and her dear friend Paul Knight of Mascot, TN

James J. “Jim” Schutz, 75, of Ridgway, PA died on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Jefferson Manor Nursing Home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Cheryl A. “Baha” Zero, 72, of Russell, PA, passed on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in her home after an extended illness.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Thomas T. Siegel, 66, of St. Marys, PA passed away at his home on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

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

Elsie M. Klaiber, 96, of St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Manor on Saturday, December 9, 2023 following a lengthy illness. 

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

David A. Marquis, 89, of Warren, PA, died Sunday December 10, 2023, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Robert J. Pesce, Sr., 85, formerly of 237 Madison Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Friday, December 8, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home. 

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

Douglas L. Nelson, 67, of Osceola, PA, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

Born May 6, 1956 in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son of the late Lester and Helen (Himes) Nelson.

Doug was a 1975 Graduate of Elkland High School.  He was a Veteran having served in the United States Air Force. On January 12, 1980 in Knoxville, PA, he married the former Lisa Baker, who survives. 

Doug worked at Carbaugh Tool in Horseheads for 25 years and then was a machinist at Corning, INC for 17 years before retiring.

Doug was a past member of the Osceola Fire Department, a past attendant for the Osceola Ambulance and a former Osceola Township Supervisor.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed fishing, woodworking and carpentry.

Barbara A. “Bobbi” (Perry) Kinder, age 81, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, December 8, 2023. 

She was born on July 28, 1942 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Joseph and Loretta (Bodenheimer) Perry and was married to Joe Kinder, Jr. 

Bobbi worked as a paralegal at Florida Abstract Title Company and loved to travel, go to the casinos and spend time with her family and friends. 

Dorothy “Dot” Sluga, 94, formerly of 12 Anderson St. Mount Jewett, PA, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 in the Lutheran Home at Kane.

Born December 31, 1928 in Kane, she was the daughter of Victor R. and Besse (Watterson) Lantz. On June 5, 1948, in Mount Jewett, she married William “Bill” Sluga, who passed away June 4, 2019.

Mrs. Sluga attended Mount Jewett School and worked for many years at Stackpole Corp. in Kane. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mt. Jewett.

David “Dave” Amidon, 81, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, December 8, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.

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.

Gary Edward FANTON, 80, of Cabot, PA, formerly of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Butler, PA.  

Born October 17, 1943, in Wellsville, he was the son of Lyle V. and Lucille M. Flynn Fanton.  A graduate of Wellsville Central School and Alfred State College graduate, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1965—1968.  He was stationed at Ahn Khe, Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division from July 1966—July 1967.  

On June 4, 1966, in Hallsport, NY, he married the former Gloria J. Smith, who survives.  

Gary was employed by National Fuel in Wellsville as a serviceman and regulator technician for 38 years, retiring in 2003.  He was a member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville and past assessor for the Towns of Willing, Independence, Alma, and Wellsville.  

Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered for his sense of humor and sense of responsibility to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  

Kennth James Vogt, Sr., 70, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 with his wife and brother, Dale, by his side at Jefferson Manor following complications with Alzheimer’s.

Ken was born on October 21, 1953 in St. Marys, the fourth son of late Robert “Fish” and Joyce Wehler Vogt.

On June 18, 1977 Ken married his sweetheart and wife of more than 46 years, Geraldine Donachy Vogt.

He was a 1973 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. Ken was an avid Steeler fan and enjoyed spending time in nature. He was a multi-talented athlete of baseball, softball, karate, bowling, and golf. He loved the outdoors, animals, sports, and his family. He enjoyed umpiring and working with kids.

John L. “Jack” Green, 86, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a brief illness.

Jack was born on May 12, 1937, in Philipsburg, PA to the late Charles Leroy “Roy” Green and Bertha Seabolt Green. He graduated from BCI High School in 1955 and received his degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He returned to BCI as a teacher, where he met his future wife, Rosemarie.