Sandra K. “Toni” Smith, 85, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at the Pavilion at BRMC.
She was born on December 16, 1940 in Bradford; a daughter of the late Glenn and Christine Toothman Rouse.
She was a 1959 graduate of the former Allegany Central School, Allegany, NY.
On October 28, 1961 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Port Allegany, she married Donald E. Smith who preceded her in death on May 10, 2012.
Toni was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bradford. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and baking. She was an excellent cook who learned how to cook from her grandmother. She was devoted to her family who were the most important people in her world.
Dana R. BECKHORN, 51, of Friendship, NY, formerly of Belmont, died Sunday, December 21, 2025, in UR Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Born December 1, 1974, in Wellsville, he was the son of Hugh Beckhorn and Iva Baker Ward.
Dana worked as a landscaper and was employed as a machinist by Air Preheater in Wellsville. He enjoyed playing pool and working on cars. He was a Buffalo Bills and L.A. Lakers fan.
Surviving are: four children, Felicia Beckhorn, Danica Beckhorn, Colby Beckhorn, and Aubrey Beckhorn; two grandsons, Greyson and Joshua; four siblings, Stacy (Terrence) Monroe, Marcy Beckhorn, Tony Beckhorn, and Hugh Ward; nieces and nephews; and good friend, Dave Jefferds.
He was predeceased by his parents and a son, Hunter Beckhorn. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Olean- Shirley Ann Nitsche “Loving Mother, Grandmother & Sister”
Shirley A. Nitsche of Rowland Ave passed away on December 22, 2025, at Buffalo General Hospital following an illness.
Shirley was born on August 18, 1949, in Olean and was the daughter of Robert William and Sabina Ann Kwiatkowski Nitsche.
Shirley was a 1967 graduate of Walsh High School. She worked at Lucia’s Restaurant Supper Club for 22 years right out of high school. She owned and operated Bread Sticks on East State Street for 22 years. Shirley movies to Florida where she ran a restaurant called “Smugglers” for 15 years until moving back to Olean in 2012.
Shirley enjoyed shooting pool and playing darts. She loves her pets, especially her dogs; Zeus and Athena.
Joseph A. Floravit, 96, of Spruce Street, St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, following a brief illness.
He was born on November 2, 1929 in Force, PA, a son of the late Thomas Floravit, Sr. and Anita Volpe Floravit.
On June 29, 1957, he married the late Dale S. Kraus, who preceded him in death on August 1, 2019. Together they shared more than 62 years of marriage.
Joe was a lifelong resident of the area and member of St. Marys Church. He retired from Stackpole after more than 30 years of service. With a great love for Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Joe could often be found watching old country western movies. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson.
Nancy Johnston 91, of 708 Second Avenue, entered into God’s mercy and justice on Thursday December 25, 2025, at UPMC-Hamot, Erie, following a brief illness.
She was born December 20, 1934, in Johnsonburg, daughter of the late John “Rufus” and Margaret Pendl Johnston. She graduated from Holy Rosary Elementary and Johnsonburg High School class of 1952. She was first employed by G.C. Murphy Co. Then in her senior year she was hired by the New York & Pennsylvania Co. She was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Senior Choir and the Sodality of Our Lady. In 1967 she attended a Diocesan Cursillo Weekend in Erie which refocused her entire life.
While working with the Religious Ed Program in the late 1960’s, she was enticed to gather a group of students and provide a Folk Choir for a special Youth Liturgy. Due to the extraordinary talents of those students, and favorable response of the pastor and parishioners, the group then played for parish Masses and was invited to introduce Liturgical Folk Music to area parishes and ecumenically as well. Eventually a second group emerged under another director, and she returned to the Traditional Music ministry with the Senior Choir.
Darya “Dusty” Randall Byham, 77, of Charles St., St. Marys (formerly of Kane) passed away Tuesday (December 23, 2025) at her residence with her family at her side.
Born June 10, 1948, in Webster, NY, she was the daughter of the late Robert Baylard and Betty Reinisch O’Boyle. On January 29, 1972, she married James Byham (who preceded her in death) at Tabor Lutheran Church in Kane. They met in that same church and went on to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2022.
Dusty graduated from high school in New Canaan, CT. She went on to graduate from Alderson Broaddus University with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology. She spent most of her life as a social worker in both McKean and Elk Counties helping both children and adults. She also worked at the Kane Manor for several years where she had many fond memories working with the community. Dusty later retired from Pinecrest Manor as the Admissions Coordinator. Dusty was a very caring, selfless person. She loved to make other people happy, especially her children and grandchildren. She was beautiful both inside and out. She and Jim were always together. They were truly made for each other. The two of them very much enjoyed the years they lived and raised their children in Kane.
Patrick James SAWYER, 52, of Wellsville, NY, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.
Born October 30, 1973, in Wellsville, he was the son of James L. and Sandra E. Wright Sawyer.
A 1992 graduate of Wellsville High School, he earned a degree in Computer Information Technology from JCC Cattaraugus Campus in 1994. Patrick was a former Assistant Store Manager at Giant Food Market in Cuba from 1996-2000 and then worked as a Project Manager and Corporate Training Consultant from 2000-2003 at Adelphia Communications and then became an Instructor for Adelphia University until 2006.
Raymond L. Eidson, 94, of Bradford, formerly of Pleasantville, passed away Sunday December 21, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on September 27, 1931, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Nova (Chapman) Eidson. He was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School.
On August 26, 1950, he then entered the United States Army, he served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on June 17, 1952.
On April 14, 1951, he married Donna (Woodley) Eidson who preceded him in death on January 9, 2009. On June 19, 2010, he married Audrey (Knight) Shaffer, who died December 27, 2022.
Mary Esther Holmberg, 53, of Coudersport, passed away Friday, December 23, 2025, at her home after an extended illness.
She was born in Coudersport on October 12, 1972, the daughter of the late Jacob Frombach and Naomi (Minor) Frombach of Coudersport. She married Jason C. Holmberg on December 18, 1999, and just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.
Kathy A. Lebon, of Warren, Pa, died in the early morning of Wednesday Dec. 17, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. She passed away at home, with her loved ones. She was born December 30th, 1956, in Washington, Pa. She graduated from McGuffey high school in 1974 and continued her education at Penn Commercial. After completing her education, she was employed by 84 Lumber in Eighty Four, PA as a supervisor in their financial department. She then moved to Revere, Massachusetts and worked with her family. In 1989 she relocated to Warren, PA and worked in the financial department for Forrest Warren Human Services until June of 2025. She was also the YWCA Board President from 1995 to 1997 and on the Board of Directors at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center in 1999.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, hiking and anything else outdoors. She always put others before herself and loved to brighten up someone’s day. For many people she was the light that guided them through the dark times and was always there when it mattered the most.
Alwin “Dutch” Ingalls passed away December 19th at UPMC Cole surrounded by his loved ones following a brief battle with Cancer. Dutch will be remembered for his gentle nature, devotion to his family, and love of music.
He was born in Coudersport on September 14, 1957, the son of the late Alwin D. Ingalls and Patricia M. (Barber) Ingalls of Coudersport. Dutch is a graduate of Northern Potter High School. He most recently worked for Ram Forest Products and previously worked at Ulysses Lumber and several other local lumber yards as a Lumber Inspector. He also owned and operated the former God’s Country Music store on Main St., Coudersport. Dutch was a former member of the Gospel Tabernacle where he played in the praise band for over 35 years. While attending the Gospel Tabernacle he traveled to Romania to help in the church and orphanage project. He loved playing and teaching guitar, and music played an important part of his life. He was also a car enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman and president of PEWA.
One of his greatest joys was his family, he was a doting grandfather who took immense pride in watching his family grow.
Gail E. McChesney, 86, of Russell, PA, died on Saturday December 20, 2025, at Warren General Hospital, after an extended illness.
He was born in Torpedo, PA, on December 17, 1939, the son of the late Raymond and Bernice Martin McChesney. Gail graduated from Youngsville High School, Class of 1959. After graduating, Gail served in the United States National Guard for 8 years. He worked as a machine operator with MRC Bearings and later SKF Aero Engines, retiring in 2002 after 30 years of service. Gail then drove school bus for Decker Transportation, for the Warren County School District, which he really enjoyed.
Gail enjoyed watching Pittsburgh Steelers football, Nascar Racing, and playing and watching golf. He also was a motorhead and enjoyed tinkering, hot rods, fast cars, dirt track racing, and was a diehard Chevy man. His main passion was his family and friends, he cherished time spent with all of them, sharing stories and laughs, and enjoyed holiday gatherings.
Susan Annette Yaegle Huckabone, 84, of Warren, PA., died on Saturday December 20, 2025, in the Rouse Home after an extended illness.
She was born July 13, 1941, in Warren, PA. Sue was the daughter of Robert J. and Lois E. Chambers Yaegle. She was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1959 graduate of Warren High School. She graduated and earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from Edinboro University Class of 1963. She was employed with the Warren County School District for 30 years, teaching at all Elementary Schools except Tidioute School and was a substitute teacher for 10 years, retiring in 2002. She began her teaching career from Irvinedale Elementary and finished at Pleasant Elementary School. She loved teaching and all of her students. Sue was recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges.
She enjoyed going to the casino with her son and friends, lunches with friends, one stroke painting, roller skating, bowling, and an avid book reader. She played accordion and organ for personal pleasure. Family, teaching and her home were highlights in her life. Her special goal in life was to be as good of a mother as her mother was to her growing up.
Clare M. “Babe” Horchen, 96, a resident of Silvercreek Terrace and formerly of Maple Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Friday, December 19, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Ramona M. ALLEN, 86, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Alfred Station, died Friday, December 19, 2025 in her home. Born October 14, 1939, in Haverhill, NH, she was the daughter of Otis and Pearl Spink Moses.
On July 16, 1960, in Alfred Station, she married Russell L. Allen, who survives. A graduate of Batavia High School, she attended Alfred State College. Ramona was employed as librarian’s aide by Alfred-Almond Central School District. She was a member of Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church.
Surviving besides her husband, Russell, are: three children, Laurie (Ron) Johnson of Wellsville, Shawn Allen of Andover, and Trina (Dwane Wildrick) Allen of Philipsburg, PA; seven grandchildren, James (Devin) Johnson, Kim (John) Foster, Jessamine (Brandon) Gallagher, Ivy (Zachary) Hoyer, Max (Kendall Feldmann) Johnson, Colby (Sara) Allen, and Hunter Allen; 13 great-grandchildren, Mackenzie (Jim Masterson) Johnson, Kortney Johnson, John Foster, Storm Foster, Brantley Gallagher, Oliver Gallagher, Adaline Gallagher, Odin McGraw, McKalynn Hoyer, Ana Hoyer, Ember Hoyer, Cameron Allen, and Andie Allen; and a great-great-granddaughter, Temperance Reedy.
She was predeceased by two brothers, John Moses and Teddy Moses. Services will be private. Memorials may be made to SPCA serving Allegany County or the Comfort House of Allegany County.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Betsy A. “Betty Lou” McLANE, 73, of Bolivar, NY, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in her home. Born October 11, 1952, in York, PA, she was the daughter of Edwin and Mary Louise Albright Rowe.
She worked as a waitress and in food service most of her life. Betsy was employed by The Old Library and The Castle in Olean, Dave’s Diner in Ceres, Jim Day’s Sub Shop in Bolivar, Giant in Wellsville, and as a caregiver by ARC of Allegany-Steuben in Wellsville.
Leona M. Fritz, of St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home at the remarkable age of 103, having lived a long and full life.
She was born on May 27, 1922 in Emporium, PA, a daughter of the late George and Josephine Zwack Wortman.
On January 12, 1944, she married the late Richard B. “Dick” Fritz, who preceded her in death in 2005.
Kathy A. Lebon, of Warren, PA, died early Wednesday December 17, 2025, in her home, with her loving family by her side. A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc..
Rodney A. Johnson, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Bradford, PA on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Rodney was born on March 11, 1963 and grew up in Little Valley. He lived in Salamanca most of his adult life, and worked at Luminite for 41 years.
Rodney was a kind soul and always quick to help anyone in need. He was very mechanically inclined and liked to ‘tinker.’ When he wasn’t working on a project, he enjoyed reading, riding motorcycle, spending time outdoors and classic rock. Most of his Saturdays were spent visiting his daughter and playing with his grandson. Those closest to him, knew Rodney loved to cook and eat; especially spicy food. He even won a chili cook-off! Family traditions and celebrations were important to him. If you had the pleasure of speaking to him on a personal level you knew he loved a good laugh. He will surely be missed by his family and friends.
Richard G. SHARP, Jr., 76, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, December 15, 2025 in Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
Born September 26, 1949, in Wellsboro, he was the son of Richard G. and Roxie L. Houghtaling Sharp. On January 18, 1970, in Gold, he married Sharon Rose Langan, who predeceased him on July 16, 2022.
Kathleen R. “Kathy” Derrick, 77, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
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.
Sharon L. Larkham, 65 of Bradford, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital, Erie.
She was born on October 21, 1960 in Bradford; a daughter of the late Guy and Geraldine Hess Larkham.
She was a 1978 graduate of the Bradford Area High School and a 1995 graduate of Lamson Junior College, Phoenix, AZ; where she earned her Associate’s degree in accounting.
She was employed by Rickabaugh Inc., Phoenix as a bookkeeper for several years until she moved back to Bradford.
She is survived by two sons, Brian Larkham of Tucson, AZ and Joshua Larkham of Tempe, AZ; one sister, Lisa (Eric) Schellhammer of Bradford; one brother, Steven (Sue) Larkham of Big Shanty; four granddaughters, Layla Saldana, Malaya Saldana, Malani Saldana and Valeniece Gonzales all of Arizona and several nieces and nephews.
At her request there will be no funeral services.
Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Eugene “Gene” House, 97, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium, passed away peacefully at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA, on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025.
He was born on July 9, 1928, in Emporium, PA, a son of the late Percival Lawrence and Elizabeth Cooper House. On October 24, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, he married the late Marie Griswold, who preceded him in death.
Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army as a medic, completing five years of military service. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and dedicated over 40 years of service to Sylvania/GTE. During his career, Gene was known for his ingenuity, inventing and patenting the “Patty Pro” and creating multiple toys. While working at Caldwell Machining, he completed the journeyman tool and die maker apprenticeship and training course, fulfilling the apprenticeship agreement in accordance with the standards of the PA Apprenticeship and Training Council, the Federal Committee on Apprenticeship, and Caldwell Machining.
Richard C. JOHNSON, 84, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. Born April 10, 1941, in Kane, PA, he was the son of Russell and Lillian Gabriel Johnson. On January 15, 1966, in Kane, PA, he married Linda L. Buhl, who predeceased him on January 26, 2018.
A graduate of Wilcox High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy for 3 years then the U.S. Army for 20 years in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ft. Benning, Georgia (where Dan joined the family), Ft. Rucker, Alabama, Ft. Greely, Alaska (where Amy joined the family) and finally Ft. Campbell Kentucky, living in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee. During his military service, Rich was stationed in Korea and Thailand and completed two tours in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Army, the family moved back to Kane briefly, and then to Wellsville, NY in 1980. The family road trip was the annual vacation for many years. In later years, Rich and Linda would enjoy traveling together on road trips out west, to Myrtle Beach, and taking cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they took the entire family on a Caribbean cruise. Rich was a member of Grace United Church in Wellsville and Wellsville Rod & Gun Club.
Marlene M. Reph, 86, of Coudersport, PA, passed away December 2, 2025, at Sweden Valley Manor. She was born on March 30, 1939, in Aquashicola, PA. Marlene worked at Chestnut Ridge Turkey Farm, and for Scotties Fashions, retiring in 2002. She loved playing cards with her friends, putting together puzzles and spending time with her family.
Marlene is survived by three sons: Alphred Reph III of Palmerton, PA; Ricky Rodgers of Palmerton, PA; Brian Reph of Saylorsburg, PA; a daughter: Linda Faulstick of Coudersport; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
In accordance with her wishes her arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas Fickinger Funeral Home 210 N. East Street Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
COUDERSPORT, PA—Bonnie A. Wood, 82, of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Born on September 8, 1943 in Erie, she was a daughter of James and Marion Brydon. On September 4, 1965 in Erie she married Russell Eugene Wood, who passed away on January 23, 2014.
She graduated from McDowell High School in Erie and from Edinboro University with a degree in library sciences. She worked as an elementary school librarian in multiple Pennsylvania public school systems, sharing with children her love of books.
She also was a Dorling Kindersley (DK) Books representative, traveling with her husband Gene to multiple book fairs, setting up amazing displays for children’s books.
Bonnie created Hemlock Springs Cultural Arts Center in Keating Summit, PA. There she held an annual Hobbit and Fairy Festival that celebrated teaching children about fairies and garden magic.
She became a certified Master Gardener and used the land of Hemlock Springs to propagate many different flowers and perennial plants. Throughout the years she sold thousands of plants and spread beautiful flowers around Potter County. If you see a big, beautiful day lily, chances are it came from her garden. She volunteered all over Potter County spreading her garden knowledge and creating interesting gardens everywhere. She was particularly proud of the garden she created for the residents of Sweden Valley Manor, “Yesterday’s Garden”, for which she received a Commendation of Service from the US Congress.
Anne M. Riddle, 71, of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
She was born on August 14, 1954 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Jerome and Dorothy Kronenwetter Heary.
On June 26, 1993, she married the late Christopher Riddle, who preceded her in death in 2002.
Anne was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and worked for a number of years at Penn Highlands Elk, where she operated the switchboard with grace and kindness. She then earned a master’s degree in counseling and went on to serve as a mental health counselor for many years. With a deep and abiding faith, Anne was a devoted member of Queen of the World Church, where she was also active as a volunteer. Whether it was singing in the choir or greeting parishioners before Mass every Sunday, Anne was a steadfast presence in the church. She also found great comfort in daily prayer, especially through the Holy Rosary. In her free time, she enjoyed spoiling her family with her baked goods, which were always plentiful and delicious.
