Michael S. Kovalyak, 88, of Ridgway, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on April 12, 1936, in Sykesville, the son of the late John and Mary Ujahus Kovalyak.
On May 12, 1990, he married the late Phyllis Shaffer Huber, who preceded him in death on July 3, 2006.
Mr. Kovalyak was a Ridgway resident since 1956 and was a member of the Faith United Church of Christ. He worked 28 years at Keystone Carbon retiring in 1998. He was a proud member of the Ridgway Moose and Ridgway Eagles.
Louis R. Heinaman, 81, of 746 Interstate Parkway, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Olean General Hospital.
Born January 22, 1944, in Olean NY, he was a son of the late Harry and Gertrude (Dempsky) Heinaman. He was a 1963 graduate of Bradford High School.
On January 22, 1989, in Kane, he married Janet G. (Lehman) Heinaman, who survives.
Betty A. Kurtz, 81, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025 at her home.
Born June 24, 1943 in Wellsboro, PA, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Mary (Kennedy) Driebelbies. Betty was a 1962 graduate of Wellsboro High School. She was married to Carl Kurtz, who survives.
She was a Supervisor at Osram Sylvania in Wellsboro for many years. She was a member of the Pine Creek Valley Church, the Gaines Thimble Club and was the manager of the Galeton Senior Center for several years. Betty enjoyed doing puzzle books, adult coloring books and cooking.
Marilyn K. Forness, 85, of Wellsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in her home with her family by her side. She was born October 7, 1939, in Bradford, PA, the daughter of the late James H. and Katherine T. (Pockalny) Smith. On October 17, 1959, she married Thomas W. Forness, who predeceased her on July 19, 2021.
Marilyn was a 1957 graduate of Portville Central School. She entered the work force and was employed by Clark Brothers (Dresser-Rand) from 1957 to 1964. In 1964, she and her husband moved to Wellsville, to follow Tom’s career in law enforcement. For many years, she was employed by American Greetings & Hallmark; and handled merchandising for Proctor & Gamble and various other companies. Outside of her employment, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and Gamma Pi Sororities. Above all else, she was a mother and housewife, family was her priority all the time; including her beloved dogs, Jeter and Buddy who have passed, and Sassy J, who survives.
Christopher John Hetrick, 46, of Ridgway, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Chris was born on December 31, 1978 in St. Marys, PA.
On October 28, 2015, Chris married the love of his life, Tammy Mosier, who remains to cherish his memory. He was a devoted husband, a beloved son, a caring brother, and a dear friend to many.
Roger B. “Pug” WALTER, 89, of Gaines, PA, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in his home in the loving care of his wife, daughter, and Family Hospice team.
Born July 10, 1935, in Mills, he was the son of Benjamin G. and Thelma A. Sherwood Walter. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1954 – 1956. He was married to Joan Anderson, who survives. Pug was employed by Consolidated/Dominion, retiring in 1992.
He and his wife owned and operated P&J Machining for many years. He was well-known for being able to fix almost anything brought to him for repair. Pug always said he could fix anything but a broken heart. He was a member of Pine Creek Valley Church in Gaines, member and Past Master of Galeton Masonic Lodge #602 (now part of Lewisville Lodge #556 in Ulysses), and Coudersport Consistory.
Phyllis M. Muhitch, 85, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 17, 2025.
She was born on December 15, 1939 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late John and Miriam Kreckel Arnold.
On November 19, 1960, she married the late Joseph D. Muhitch, who preceded her in death on August 9, 2013. Together they shared more than 53 years of love, laughter, and marriage.
Phyllis was a graduate of Central High School and was a member of St. Marys Church. She worked for many years at the St. Marys Public Library, and then retired from Elk County Christian High School after more than 15 years as the Librarian. She was a dedicated and organized librarian who inspired a love for reading and learning in many people over the years. In her free time, she enjoyed trips to the casino. Most of all, she loved and cherished her family and always delighted in spending time with them.
Larry E. Laubach, age 93, of Morris, PA, died on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
He was born on June 7, 1931 in Glenside, PA a son of the late Chester and Stella (Christman) Laubach and was married to the late Joanne (Mill) Laubach. Larry was a Korean War Veteran and a truck driver for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Cedar Run, PA, the Morris Fire Department, Brown Twp. Fire Department, Plumsteadville Fire Department and former member of the Mennonite Bible Fellowship, Morris, PA and the Deep Run West Mennonite Church, Perkasie, PA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, camping, gardening and spending time with his family.
Robert L. “Bob” “Wookie” Fields, 79, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Smethport following a lengthy illness.
Bob was born on March 21, 1945 in St. Marys, son of the late George “Wally” and Jeanne Scott Fields.
He graduated from Ridgway High School, Class of 1964. Bob proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, where he worked in the commissary aboard the USS Coontz.
Linda L. Chillelli, 75, of St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor following a brief illness.
She was born on January 10, 1950 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Wilfred and Callista Hanes Sorg.
She was married to the late Samuel Chillelli, who preceded her in death on June 24, 2021.
Linda was a graduate of St. Marys High School and was a member of the Elk Baptist Church. She retired from Elk Haven Nursing Home after more than 25 years as a nurse’s aide, and enjoyed the many friendships she made over the years with the residents. In her free time, she enjoyed puzzles, word searches, and playing Bingo. She always enjoyed a good card game, and loved nothing more than spending time with her family.
James H. Russell, 82, of Longview Drive, Ridgway, passed away surrounded by love on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on September 20, 1942, in Ridgway, to the late Mary Cianca.
On February 4, 1967, in St. Leos Church, Jim married Linda Weisenfluh of Ridgway, who survives. Together they shared more than 58 years of love and marriage.
Jim was a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 1960. He then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He was actively involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis while serving on the U.S.S. Independence. Jim was a member of the Ridgway Fire Department for many years, serving as a fireman and later as a fire policeman. He always looked forward to working the annual carnival as well. Jim retired from Sylvania, where he worked as a supervisor for over 30 years.
John V. Reed II, age 71, formerly of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
He was born on March 29, 1953 in Homer City, PA a son of the late John V. Reed and Natalie (Schierer) Reed and was married to Sherry M. (Jones) Reed. John was an Operating Engineer for over 50 years and enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles and traveling. He most loved spending time with his family and friends.
David Henry Schumacher, 83, of Barefoot Bay, FL, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Philadelphia on February 26, 1941, David was raised in Plumsteadville, Bucks County, PA. He served in the Army and was a longtime member of the local community, where he made a lasting impact through his various roles and passions.
David married the love of his life, Sally Woll, on May 20, 1967, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, followed by a beautiful outdoor reception. Together, they shared a wonderful life filled with family, service, and community.
While living in Bucks County David was the proud owner and operator of Schumacher’s Garage and a Pepperidge Farm route, in addition to being the go-to handyman for many. David was an active member of the community, serving as the President of the Lions Club in Point Pleasant and coaching his daughters’ softball and basketball teams. Many summer picnics and pool parties were held at the house. His love for sports continued throughout his life, playing softball on Jumpin’ Joe’s team as a pitcher and first baseman.
In 1985, David and Sally moved to Potter County, where they bought the former Warriner’s Tavern and ran Schumacher’s Inn. He also worked at Stolz in Emporium and Kightlingers in Coudersport as an auto technician. David was deeply involved in local sports, coaching Schumacher’s Women’s Softball Team and his son in the Austin Baseball Association even years after his son aged out of the program. He also shot darts for the Schumahers dart team (thankfully the team has some ringers) and continued to play softball for the men’s league for the team he sponsored, Schumachers. David was a pioneer in snowmobiling, holding several positions on the Southern Potter County Snowmobile Association board and helping to build many of the area’s bridges and creating new trails (many of them accidentally). His volunteer work with the “Adopt a Highway” program showed his commitment to the community. David was also a VFW Auxiliary lifetime member of Post 7810 in Austin, PA and a member of the 342 Eulalia Masonic Lodge.
George J. “Butch” Matto, 87, of 309 Langmaid Lane, Bradford, Passed Away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born December 14, 1937, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Mary S. (Steward) Matto Dreier and George M. Matto. He was a 1956 graduate of Bradford High School.
Richard W. Russell, Sr. “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”
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.
Born on Tuesday, August 25, 1936 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of William H. and Dorothy White Russell. On August 18, 1956 in the Coudersport Free Methodist Church, he married Violet Wykoff, who survives.
Dick attended school in Inez and also attended Coudersport High School. He was employed as a mechanic for PennDOT for over 30 years. He had also in his younger years been employed as a milkman at Mason’s Creamery in Coudersport and also had been employed at the Damascus Tannery in Coudersport. He served on the Homer Cemetery Association board.
Dick was a member of AFSCME Council 13 where he had served as president. He was also a member of Arcana Lodge #580 F. & A.M. in Austin and was a member of the Coudersport Consistory. In his younger years, Dick enjoyed hunting. He loved mowing his lawn and taking bus trips with his wife. He enjoyed playing baseball and teaching his grandchildren the art of playing baseball.
Brian D. Wolff, 57, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Penn Highlands DuBois following a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife; Mary, his mother; Darlene Wolff, a sister; Jamie Gillen, and his step-brother; Blake Tromanhauser, as well as by several aunts and uncles, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother; Jerry Wolff, his aunt: Pat Wolff, and by his grandparents.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Diabetes Research Foundation or Cancer Research Foundation of your choice.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
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.
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. “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.
