Anita L. McDowell, 87, of Crosby, passed away Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born December 28, 1937 in Farmers Valley, the daughter of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On January 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, she married James R. McDowell, who died February 22, 2024.
Anita attended Smethport schools and was employed at the former Smethport Diner as a cook for a period of time and then for Backus Company of Smethport, retiring in 2000 after 36 years of employment.
Anita loved family get-togethers where she could cook for the holidays, host summer picnics, and celebrate birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved attending as many sporting events, concerts, and school activities as possible. She became a “Grandma” to all the kids that she touched with her smile, kindness, and support. Anita was known for knitting the most beautiful baby sweaters and toddler zip-ups with pictures on the back. She also donated many mittens and hats. You could always find her in her chair knitting while watching her favorite game shows, rooting for her Pittsburgh Pirates and beloved Buffalo Bills. Anita and Jimmy attended several NASCAR races in Dover, DE and Charlotte, NC. They also traveled to Wheeling, WV to see country music entertainers and embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2009. Anita also traveled with her sisters to San Francisco and New England. She had a full life, loved being with people, and will be missed by many.
Donna K. Matheson, 87, of Ridgway, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Christ the King Manor following a lengthy illness.
She was born on June 10, 1937, in Ridgway, the daughter of late Sherwood T. and Ethel H. Holm Matheson.
Donna was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a proud and faithful member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donna dedicated many years of her career to the printing department at Stackpole, and later became the tax collector for the Ridgway Borough. A lover of simple pleasures, Donna cherished her daily routines of savoring coffee, nurturing her garden, and decorating.
Gayle Joan Tarbox, 77, of Gifford, passed away Saturday (March 15, 2025) at her home.
She was born July 10, 1947 in Bradford, the daughter of Howard and Betty (Erskin) Hartman. On October 14, 1967, in Allegany, NY, she married Jerry Wayne Tarbox, who preceded her in death on September 10, 2014.
Gayle was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1965. She had worked at the Sears Catalog Store in the Bradford Mall for many years. She then worked at Zippo Manufacturing in Bradford for over twenty years before her retirement.
The Honorable Robert Lea Wolfe, of Spartanburg, SC and formerly of Warren, PA., died peacefully Thursday, March 13, 2025, nine days after his 99th birthday.
He was the 12th President Judge of the 37th Judicial District, which encompasses Warren and Forest Counties, serving from 1970 to 1993, when he retired as President Judge. Following his retirement, he served another 13 1/2 years as Senior Judge, retiring from that position in 2006, at the age of 80, as then required by Pennsylvania Law.
Martha Nearing, 84, of El Paso, TX, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in El Paso.
Born January 17, 1941, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Ida (Tyger) Simons. Martha was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.
Martha moved to El Paso, Texas, in 1962, where she would build a life filled with love, adventure, and many cherished memories. She enjoyed her youth as a Girl Scout, loved running away to the Mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico, loved planting flowers, and especially treasured spending time with her family. Martha’s kindness, warmth, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her sparkle and legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Laura M. (Bliss) Wirtz, 85, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, formerly of Eldred, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on March 16,2025 at her residence in WI.
Born on December 30, 1939 in Weston Mills, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lyle R. and Marjorie (Baker) Bliss. Laura was a 1957 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School.
On November 24, 1962, in Eldred, she married her longtime boyfriend, Philip R. “Stub” Wirtz, who survives.
Gerald Joseph Breindel, 88, of 553 Wolfel Avenue, St. Marys, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
He was born January 30, 1937, in St. Marys. Out of thirteen, he was the eighth child of the late John and Loretta Fritz Breindel. Jerry was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1955 and was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jerry began working part-time at B&R Electric on Railroad Street in 1953 while still in junior high school.
Rixford— Andrew J. Schenfield, 47, of Clark St., passed away at home on Saturday (March 8th, 2025).
Born December 30th, 1977 in Bradford he was a son of David M. and Jeanne Gage Schenfield Sr. On August 21st, 2004 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sartwell he married Tammy Hepfer, who survives.
Eileen L. Sandberg, 95, formerly of Ridgway, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor following a lengthy illness.
She was born on March 26, 1929, in Saint Marys, a daughter of the late B.J. and Genevieve Geitner Wilhelm.
On October 13, 1951, in Sacred Heart Church, Eileen married Kermit Sandberg of Ridgway, who survives. Together they shared more than 73 years of love and marriage.
Zedakiah James Robert Pratz, 20, (Micinksi) my son, of Warren, PA., died Saturday evening, March 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born July 9, 2004, in Warren, PA. He is the beloved son of James Robert and Chastity Prine Pratz.
He was a lifelong Warren area resident. He is lovingly remembered as a man who loved working out, being outdoors, music, and animals. Enjoyed ancient mysteries and philosophies, cooking, food, martial arts, loved a good laugh and was an explorer of mind and spirit. He had a smile that would light up the night. He was an old soul filled with love and compassion.
Annie Mary Higgins Seely passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025 at age 82, at her home in Ridgway Township where she had been a hospice patient.
Born on November 28, 1942 just outside of Dublin, Ireland, Annie was the first of two children born to John Higgins (CO Mayo) and Florence Evelyn Warren (London, England). Raised in Dublin, Ireland; Coventry, England and Harrison, New Jersey arriving in the USA at age 16. Becoming a proud citizen of the U.S. upon completion of her undergraduate degree to become a high school science teacher.
Educated in Dublin, Ireland; Coventry, England; and Harrison, New Jersey. A graduate of Montclair State Teachers College- Science BS in 1963, and a Masters Degree from Fairleigh University a bit later.
Annie has so many things to be thankful for in her long lifetime that she’s been on this Earth. First and foremost is that she was fortunate enough to be raised in a home with loving parents and her sister Maureen Barletta (Patrick) of Brick, New Jersey. We all have seen some great times in life while we weren’t wealthy or rich in material things – but rather loved and educated. Annie was truly blessed having her younger sister Maureen who passed away a month ago.
Thank you lord for her beautiful and loving children; Michael (Luann) Dargis, and Catherine Campo and her son Zachary, of New Jersey. Knowing you provided joy and love to her. Her husband Bill brought three children; Anthony (Dorothy) Seely of Wylie, Texas; Lori Ann (James) Haulihan and their children Luke and Max of West Chester, PA; and Frederick W. (Erin) Seely and their children Shane and Wesley of West Chester, PA. All five children became achievers where they provide for their families.
Special thanks go to her cohorts at Elizabeth High School and Newark High School where she taught college bound physics and chemistry until retiring in 2002. Annie also wishes to express her thanks and memories to all of her friends who she enjoyed throughout her existence on Earth.
Annie leaves an indelible impression on those who called her mom, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, friend, lover, sojourner, teacher, mentor, or just Annie. Annie’s brilliant, radiant smile and compassionate heart captivated everyone who she had crossed paths with throughout life.
Bill and Annie retired to Ridgway, PA in 2005 where they opened the Faircroft Bed and Breakfast, joined the Rotary, the Library and other activities with Annie attending the Luteheran Church where she met so many kind members of a multitude of families.
And finally to her dear friend, her sounding board, her love, the person who made everything so easy with his daily support and encouragement, her beloved husband William A. Seely, who shall be her love forever.
Annie leaves this earth with no regrets because she had everything anyone needed- the love of both family and friends. Annie thanks the Lord that he gave her so many years as the average for women is 67.1 years. Annie hopes to see everyone in heaven, hopefully later, rather than sooner.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorials be directed to your favorite charity to aid those who follow.
Funeral services for Annie M. Seely are being held privately with the family.
Burial will take place in Oakmont Cemetery.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Cheryl Miltenberger, 73, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at UPMC Wellsboro.
Born December 28, 1951 in Columbia, PA, she was a daughter of the late Luther and Dorothy (Drescher) Hess.
She was married to Russell Miltenberger, who preceded her in death in 1977. Cheryl was a laborer in the iron works industry before retiring. She loved music and was a very active and loving grandmother.
Betty A. Grasser, 81, of 57 Buchanan Street, Wilcox, passed away Thursday evening, March 13, 2025, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a lengthy illness. She was born October 20, 1943, in Ridgway, a daughter to the late Lyle and Margaret Huber Payne. On April 27, 1963, in Queen of the World Church, St. Marys, she married Joseph N. Grasser. He preceded her in death on January 6, 2001.
A lifelong resident of Wilcox, Betty was a 1961 graduate of Wilcox High School. She had been active at St. Anne’s Church, the Wilcox Senior Center, and the Wilcox Holiday Lighting Committee. She was a volunteer for the Wilcox Fire Dep’t. as their premier ticket seller for all their fundraising events. Betty loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family, and she enjoyed her cats through the years. She was also the stern watchdog at the corner bus stop, keeping all the children safe and in line. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for her apple pies, and she loved everything Halloween, from making extravagant costumes to judging the costumes for the Halloween Parade.
Michele R. Viola, 65, of Sinnemahoning, PA passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, at their residence on Thursday night (March 13, 2025) following a lengthy illness. She was born March 1, 1960 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Allen and Alice Long Shaw. She married Darrell Viola, who survives.
Michele graduated from Central Dauphin High School. She worked at Capital Blue Cross for many years before retiring and moving back to Cameron County. She was a member of the Sinnamahoning Sportsman Club. She loved watching wildlife and enjoyed flowers. She found great joy in nature.
Russell S. Beck, 54, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC-Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA on Tuesday morning (March 11, 2025). He was born December 15, 1970 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late James and Lucinda “Cindy” McDowell Beck.
Russ graduated from Cameron County High School. He worked mostly in powdered metal industry but worked in several other industries as well. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
James A. Perry, age 77, formerly of Wellsboro, PA and Anchorage, AK, died on Monday, March 10, 2025.
He was born on October 4, 1947, in Jersey Shore, PA., a son of the late Theodore and Florence (Simpson) Perry and was the husband of the late Osun Perry. James was a proud Vietnam veteran, having served 2 tours. He retired from the US Army after 22 years of service and made his home in Alaska. His favorite pastime was fishing for Salmon and / or Trout or deep-sea fishing for Halibut. When he was not fishing, you could find him smoking and canning his catch. He was an avid cook and enjoyed sharing and spending time with family and friends.
A memorial service for Carolyn Kay Dille, who passed away on November 23, 2024, will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, at 11AM.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Arrangements are under the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Sandra “Sandy” Young, 63, of 169 Washington Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly in Johnstown, PA.
She was born August 14, 1961, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Raymond “Junie” and Arlene Carr Prechtel, Jr. She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1979.
On August 9, 2012, in Decker’s Chapel, she married Tex (John) L. Young, who survives. They were blessed to share thirty-three years together before their twelve years of marriage with each other.
Mary Jane Mallison D’Amore passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Affectionately known as “Mal” to her friends and family, Mary Jane was born on December 13, 1935, to Linus and Frances McHenry Mallison. She married Joseph D’Amore on July 4, 1959. Together, they enjoyed over 65 years of marriage. Mary Jane attended the St. Marys Area Public Schools and graduated in 1954. As the class treasurer, Mary Jane faithfully planned and organized all her class reunions every five years for 70 years.
Mary Jane was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. Over the years, Mary Jane worked at G.C. Murphy’s, Stackpole Carbon Company, Johnson’s Grocery Store, and as a teacher’s aide. Because she never missed voting in an election, Mary Jane received a proclamation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mary Jane was also an avid reader, an active swimmer, and a passionate cook and baker.
Jerry E. Ward: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather
Jerry E. Ward, 78, of 4067 Times Square, Friendship, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at home.
Born on July 26, 1946, in Wellsville, he was a son of Orrin and Genevieve Linza Ward. On December 23, 1972, in Friendship he married the former Barbara A. Cummins who survives.
Jerry attended Friendship Central School. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted in the United States Army Serving during the Vietnam War from 1965-67. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After his military service he worked for several jobs before going to work at the Town of Friendship as heavy equipment operator. After retirement he worked as a seasonal employee as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Cuba.
