Obituaries

Roberta “Bobbi” A. Stephan, (73) of Olean, NY, passed away on December 19, 2023 following a brief illness.

Bobbi was born March 18, 1950, in Olean, NY and raised in Eldred, PA. She was the daughter of the late Fenton II and Carolyne McGonnell. She was formerly married to Phillip Stephan, Sr. of Allegany.

She is a 1968 graduate of Walsh High School and a 1972 graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Following graduation, she was employed by the Olean YMCA as Women & Girls Director, 1972-1979. Thereafter she was employed by Cattaraugus County BOCES in the Olean School District as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher, retiring in 2008. She was the Olean High School Girls Swim Team coach for many years and later officiated Section 6 High School Swimming & Diving.

Bobbi was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Coudersport, PA

Steven E. Smoker, 48, of Old Portage Road, Emporium, PA died unexpectedly on December 19, 2023.

 He was born September 23, 1975, the son of Robert E. and Veronica L. Haight Smoker.

 A 1993 graduate of Cameron County High School he was an owner/operator of Smoker Logging Inc. in Emporium. Steven was a Christian and loved being with his children. He also loved the great outdoors: fishing, hiking, and logging, was a skilled craftsman making wooden furniture from trees and was also an antique collector. 

Robin A. Steffen, 61, of 1502 Emery Street, Hinsdale, NY passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic.

Robin was born December 11, 1962 in Olean and was the daughter of Frank Lee and Bernadine Ann Emerick Steffen Sr.

Robin was a 1980 graduate of Portville Central School.  She worked at Magnano Pharmacy and Olean Tile before becoming an EMT and working for Trans Am for about 10 years before becoming disabled due to a back injury. 

 Robin enjoyed gardening, canning, traveling, fishing, sewing and cooking. 

Paula R. Galmish, 75, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Penn Highlands DuBois.

She was born on August 11, 1948 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late William and Margaret Prechtel Galmish.

Paula was a member of Queen of the World Church, where she was also a member of the Oblates and Cursillo. She a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1967 and then attended Mercyhurst University in Erie. She spent some time as a Benedictine Sister, and had a very strong faith. She worked as a Peer Counselor for more than 12 years at the Dickinson Center, where she was a dedicated advocate for mental health services. She greatly enjoyed her cats as well as photography, and could often be found taking pictures of scenery. She will be remembered for her kindness and friendship to all she met.

Clifton Leroy Wilcox, 93, of Frostproof, FL passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Lakeland Hospice House. 

He was born September 17, 1930, in Wellsboro, to the late Richard and Gladys Wilcox; he moved to Frostproof from Pennsylvania in 1998. 

Clifton was a truck driver for 45 years before retiring, and he served with the United States Army in Korea.  He was a member of the South Lake Wales Church of God. 

During his younger years, he enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and building model trucks.  Clifton enjoyed getting in his golfcart and watching the traffic on Highway 27.  He enjoyed traveling and camping with his family.

Vesta Marie Lewis, 89, of Brewerton, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 18, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Vesta was born and raised in Bolivar, New York. She was predeceased by her loving husband who died in 1988, Russell Winston Lewis, following 36 years of a blessed and beautiful life together. In addition she was predeceased by a son Russell Winston Lewis, Jr., her parents Elmer and Mary Baldwin Mitchell, a sister, Elma Pangburn and brothers, Lyle, Robert, Claude (“Toad”), and Alan Mitchell.

Donna Rachel Marie Simbeck, 92, of St. Marys, PA died peacefully at her home on December 19, 2023.

She was born August 23, 1931 in Elbon, Pa, the first child of the late Raymond and Margaret Herzing Gahr. On August 7, 1954 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married Richard “Dick” Simbeck who preceded her in death on April 2, 2013.

Donna was a coal miner’s daughter.  Her first school experience was in a one-room schoolhouse in Elbon where she was able to skip first grade.  After her father was killed in a mining accident, her mother moved the family of 5 to St. Marys to live in her grandparents’ home.  Donna attended the St. Marys Parochial school and graduated salutatorian of the Central Catholic High School, class of 1948.

Thomas L. Kline, 77, of Ash Street, St. Marys, PA passed away suddenly at his residence on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

He was born on May 11, 1946 in Ridgway, a son of the late Theodore and Loretta Ruth Kline.

He married Louise O’Hern, who survives. Together they shared more than 57 years of love, laughter, and happiness.

Tom worked as an autobody technician for many years. In his free time, Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as trapping. He also liked going to camp and spending time outdoors. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Audrey D. LOWREY, 83, of Dry Prong, LA, formerly of Gaines, PA, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in her home.  

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

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

Stephen E. Finestone, 89, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at home surrounded by family. 

He was born January 23, 1923, in Ottawa Canada to Isaac and Ivy Elizabeth (Ashton) Finestone.  Stephen served in the US Army, earned his Master of Divinity, and on February 4, 1957, married Celia Bruss with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. 

He worked as a pastor, insurance salesman, teacher and social worker.  Stephen worshipped at local churches, and was an avid amateur astronomer and ham radio operator.

Ruth A. Wheale Bees, 93, a resident of Watson Memorial Home, Warren, PA, died at her residence, Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023. 

She was born in New Castle, PA., on June 26, 1930.  Ruth was the daughter of Albert and Susanna Eskew Wheale.  She resided in Althom, PA., for 40 years and Warren, PA., for the past 13 years. 

Ruth was a 1948 graduate of New Castle High School, New Castle, PA.  She along with her husband, owned and operated, a heating & air conditioning company, where she served as bookkeeper.  She was employed as a nurse aide and practical nurse at Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., and retired in 1995, from Blair Corporation, in the returns department.

Helen E. Dean, age 88, of Westfield, PA passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport.

Born January 14, 1935 in Osceola, she was the daughter of the late Norman L. and Elizabeth (Hartman) Hoyt.

Helen enjoyed playing bingo and baking.

Jane L. Williams, 69, of Duke Center, PA passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born on October 27, 1954 in Port Allegany, a daughter of the late James “Butch” and Edna McClenahan Williams.

She was a 1974 graduate of the Otto-Eldred High School, Duke Center.

She was an active and devoted member of the Rixford Evangelical Church where she was well known for her “peanut butter pies” that she donated for church functions.  Jane loved spending time with her dogs, working on puzzles, listening to country music and she made sure to check on her neighbors daily.

Mary Ellen (Doane Snyder Dean) Boudreau, 87, of Pinellas Park, Florida, passed away on December 17, 2023, in Vancouver, Washington.

She was born November 17, 1936, in Wellsboro to James Everett and Mary Estelle (Lyon) Doane. While finishing her studies at Wellsboro High School, she worked at the Penn Wells as a waitress and hostess. She married Floyd Snyder in 1954, who also worked at the Penn Wells. Subsequently she worked at the Tioga County Courthouse. They had one son, Kent.

Willard J. “Buster” Kennedy, 88, of Ohio Ave. in James City, PA passed away Sunday night (Dec. 17) in the Lutheran Home at Kane, where he had recently resided.  

Born March 22, 1935 in Tidioute, he is the son of the late Willard and Dorothy “Dot” (Bowley) Kennedy.  On June 18, 1983 in Kane, he married Shirley Winner, who preceded him in death.

Buster drove truck, dozer and skidder and worked as an operator for John Kocjancic.  He also had worked at the Wilcox Tannery and retired from the Johnsonburg Paper Mill after many years of service.  

Ruth M. Branigan, 84, previously of Kane, PA passed away on Dec. 16, 2023 in Reading. Born April 25, 1939 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Robert and Selma Mohney.

Ruth was a professional truck driver and a member of the Teamsters Union.

Roger Lee Peterson, 65, of Chase St. in Kane, PA passed away Wednesday (Dec. 13) at his residence. Born Oct. 21, 1958 in Kane, he is the son of the late Paul and Mary Ellen (Luck) Peterson.

Roger had worked as an Installation Technician for Nortel.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and he enjoyed playing golf, camping, hiking and fishing.

Port Allegany – Arthur L. Windsor, 93, of Turtlepoint, PA passed away Monday (December 18, 2023) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

He was born November 6, 1930 in Eldred, the son of Raymond and Mae (McNeil) Windsor. On February 7, 2007, in Coudersport, PA, he married Eliene M. Windsor, who died February 15, 2022.

Art was a graduate of Port Allegany High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Windsor was a chemical operator for the Chevron Company.

He was a member of the American Legion Frank Burt Post 258 and the Port Allegany Moose Lodge #460.

Howard E. McLean, age 84 of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, December 16 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on November 2, 1939 in Troupsburg, NY to the late Edgar and Mary (Davis) McLean. He graduated from Elkland High School in 1958. On August 14, 1966 Howard married Sonja Lou Moore, spending 57 loving years building a life together.

After 34 years as a class A pipefitter for Corning Glass Works, he retired and opened his own plumbing and contracting business. It was at this time he became an intricate part in the construction of Finelli’s village, which is so well known in the area. He was known as being a jack of all trades and a master of many.

Howard was a former assistant fire chief of the Elkland Volunteer Fire Department and a past member of the Cowanesque Valley Rod And Gun Club. He also was a member of the Army Reserves from 1957 – 1964. 

Our mother, Lois Cox Churchill, died on December 15, 2023 after a long and full life.

She was born on September 4, 1937 to the late George and Mildred (Schlock) Cox. Lois graduated from Elkland High School, Mansfield State Teachers’ College and Alfred University.

She taught math at Elkland High School for over 30 years. She was an advocate for teachers and a mentor and adviser to students.

Lois was dedicated to her family and was well loved. She was preceded in death by her husband, A. Richard Churchill; her daughter, Terri Churchill Monks; her son-in- law Timothy Monks and her brother Richard Cox.

Anita Louise Graham, age 86 of Tioga, PA passed on December 9, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.

Born on February 21, 1937 on Beech Hill in the town of Willing, NY.  She was the daughter to the late Richard and Mildred (Latten) Cornelius. Anita was a 1954 Wellsville High School graduate. Henry Graham married Anita on December 3, 1955, in Shongo, NY and they spent 68 loving years building their family and home together.

She retired from the Tioga Citizens and Northern Bank in 1994. She was a past member of the Tioga County Republican Women, Tioga Trinity United Presbyterian Church, and Farmington Hill Grange and she also served as Judge of Election for Farmington Township.

Rhoda Ruth Silverberg, 93, formerly of 22 Walker Avenue, Bradford & Centennial, CO, passed away peacefully, Monday, December 18, 2023, in her residence at the Morningstar Jordan, surrounded by her four children.

Born January 30, 1930, in Corona Queens, she was a daughter of Meyer and Sophie (Miller) Gruskin.

She graduated with honors from Bradford Area High School Class of 1947 and remained active in the alumni association for more than sixty years. 

On August 13, 1949, in Buffalo NY, she married Morris “Moe” Silverberg who preceded her in death on September 4,1991.

Rhoda and her loving husband, Moe were well-known in town as the owners of Silverberg Meats grocery store on Summer Street. After the store closed, Rhoda served as National Advertising Manager of the Bradford Era. She later worked as a secretary to the law office of Joseph Graff. 

Port Allegany – Ruth C. Grimes, 84, of Turtlepoint, PA passed away Monday (December 18, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

She was born October 7, 1939 in Port Allegany, a daughter of George and Ella Holmes Carlson . On December 27, 1961, in Port Allegany she married Gerry Grimes who died on May 5, 2000.

Ruth went to Turtlepoint Schools and then to Mansfield Teacher’s College where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in education.  Mrs. Grimes was an elementary school teacher first for the Shinglehouse School District for two years, then Port Allegany School District, retiring in 1999 after 32 years.

Ruth was a member of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Port Allegany, former member of the Order of the Eastern Star Myrtle Chapter, then the Keystone Chapter #2 of Duke Center. 

Port Allegany – Arthur L. Windsor, 93, of Turtlepoint, PA passed away Monday (December 18, 2023) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Allen C. Scranton, 105, of Wellsboro, PA went to his heavenly home on Monday, December 18, 2023. He was born in Ansonia, PA, on February 6, 1918, to Homer L. and Nina (Balfour) Scranton.

Allen served in the U.S Army during World War II. He was a supervisor for Corning Glass Works, a member of both the Christ Church in Wellsboro and Charter Member of Tioga County Child Evangelism. Aside from keeping bees, he also enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing, and gardening, especially gladiolus and strawberries.

Jane Marie Williams, 90, of Hyde Ave., Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at McKinley Health Center.

She was born on January 21, 1933, in Rasselas, a daughter of the late Stephen and Agatha Szymanski Preshak.

On August 16, 1952, at Holy Cross Church, she married the late Alvin E. Williams, who preceded in death on July 15, 2006.

Jane was a graduate of Wilcox High School and a member of St. Leo’s Church. She spent many years singing in the choir, being part of the preschool religious program, and envelope money counter volunteer. Jane enjoyed knitting, sewing, and bird-watching. She was an avid walker and jeopardy enthusiast. Jane worked as a secretary for Erie Insurance and spent time volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Samuel L. Kinkead, 91, of German Settlement Road, Ridgway, PA died on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born on July 27, 1932, in Ridgway, a son of the late William and Ada Brocklehurst Kinkead.

On July 29, 1955, he married the former Kathryn “Kay” Harbridge, who preceded him in death on January 12, 2023.

Sam was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church where he was an usher for over 60 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was employed at National Fuel Gas Company for 47 years but became his happiest after retirement. During retirement he was a faithful caregiver for the Ridgway Cemeteries and a member of the Ridgway Cemetery Association.

Port Allegany – Ruth C. Grimes, 84, of Turtlepoint, PA passed away Monday (December 18, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 5-7 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 105 Main St., Port Allegany.  Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 21 at 11am from the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany. Burial will be in the Grimes Cemetery, Port Allegany.

A full obituary and arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

Sandra L. Fuller, 84, formerly of Chapel Ridge, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born January 13, 1939, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Ivy (Dickey) Fuller. She was a 1957 graduate of Bradford High School.

Sandy was employed as an accountant for Fairway Ford for over 43 years.

She was a member of the Desk and Derrick Club, and she served as secretary and treasurer for the 1957 Bradford High School Class Alumni Association.

Thomas J. Chohrach, Sr., 83, of 254 Constitution Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away, Sunday, December 17, 2023, in Salamanca, NY. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com