Obituaries

James Robert Locke, 81, of Bradford, formerly of Hazel Hurst, passed away January 5, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Clinton James (Jim) Baker, 78, of Carlisle, formerly of Port Allegany passed away Monday (January 6, 2025) at UPMC-Carlisle, Carlisle PA with his wife by his side.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany

Juanita Vining ELDER, 64, of Whitesville, NY, passed peacefully on December 27, 2024, with her devoted husband, Mark, by her side.  

Born June 22, 1960, in New Orleans, LA, she was the daughter of Raymond and Eula Mitchell Vining and the youngest of their five children.  She spent most of her early years making cherished, life-long memories with her cousins, siblings, and some very dear friends that she considered family.  On May 15, 1982, in Bayou L’Orurse, LA, she married Mark E. Elder, who survives.  They moved to Whitesville, NY, where they raised their two daughters.  

She was well known for her contagious laughter, immeasurable love, and incredible singing voice.  For many years, she shared in leading the worship service at Ellisburg Church, where she also led the youth group.  When not singing in church, she delivered singing telegrams as the Cowabunga Cavewoman to friends, complete with original poems she had written.  Juanita loved her children with her whole heart and was a second mom to any child that entered her home.  Her most cherished role by far was that of Grammy to her adoring granddaughters, with whom she loved to exploring nature.  She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and love, and will be dearly missed.  

Surviving besides her husband, Mark, are: daughters, Julia Elder (Kevin Stephens) and Leah Kalpin (Justin Penna); granddaughters, Natalie Kalpin and Lyla Kalpin; three siblings, Deloris Gilchrist, Evy Vining (Amy), and Herbert Vining (Vickie); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; her mother-in-law, Dortha Caylor; and brother-in-law, Scott Elder.  

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Vining Jr.; son-in-law, Nicholas Kalpin; and dear cousin, Dodie Duke.  

Friends may call at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 2005 Ellisburg Road, Genesee, PA on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Roy Ward and Rev. Barbara Mosher will co-officiate.  

Juanita will be laid to rest with her parents in Morgan City, LA.  Memorials may be made to Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Road, Genesee, PA 16923 or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Eleanor R. Johnson, 90, of Russell, PA, died on Sunday January 5, 2025, in UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie, PA.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Cynthia M. “Cindy” Braum, 64, of Glen Hazel Road, Wilcox, passed away at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 following a lengthy illness.

She was born on January 14, 1960 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Ford Loudermilk.

In August, 1985, she married Robert “Bob” Braum, who survives. Together they shared nearly 40 years of marriage.

Cindy was a lifelong resident of the area and enjoyed sewing and spending time with her family.

Caliban “Cal” Eren Geitner, born and entered into God’s loving care on December 20, 2024, a son of Samantha R. Knopsnyder and Vincent J. Geitner of Reynoldsville.

Caliban was welcomed into the world at 6:50 AM on December 20, 2024, weighing 1 pound, 9 ounces and was 12.25 inches long. Born at Magee Women’s hospital in Pittsburgh at 24 weeks gestational age, he was born early due to pregnancy complications after his mother was involved in a serious car accident which caused her water to break and go into hospital for a month. Cal was a very wiggly and squirmy baby, often kicking the heart monitors off Sam’s belly or squirming away from the doppler for ultrasounds. He loved any type of food, his favorite was when his dad, Vinnie, would make homemade meals for him and his mom to enjoy. He also loved when his mom would sing to him in her tummy. Both things made him kick harder than usual, showing his excitement.

After 14 hours in the NICU, Caliban gained his wings and passed in his mother’s arms with his dad by his side. As long as we live, we will never forget our time with you even though it was too short. Mommy and Daddy love you and will wish you were by our side every single day. Until we meet again, our beloved son, our angel, our sweet Cal.

In Loving Memory of Dylan James Reed

March 28, 1978 – January 3, 2025

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Dylan James Reed, of Edinboro, PA (formerly State College, PA) who left this world far too soon entering his final eternal resting place on January 3, 2024, at the age of 46.

Dylan was born March 28, 1978, in Coudersport, PA, the son of Roger Reed and the late Constance Kandare (Seger).

Dylan was a graduate from Coudersport High School, class of 1996. After graduating Dylan became a dedicated professional in management and sales, where he built strong relationships and earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike with his charisma and ability to connect with people effortlessly.

Dylan’s life extended far beyond his work. His life was filled with the things he loved most. Dylan was passionate about all things wine, liquor and beer. He was a fierce supporter of Penn State Football and the New York Mets. He also had a lifelong love of NASCAR, especially the #9 car (Chase Elliot) whom he admired. Dylan found great joy and peace in the outdoors, spending unforgettable time hunting and camping at the Glen.

At the center of Dylan’s heart was his family and beloved dog, Baxter. Dylan adored his sister with whom he shared an unbreakable bond filled with love and admiration. His faithful dog, Baxter, was his loyal companion, bringing him constant joy and comfort. Dylan’s playful spirit and deep affection for Baxter were clear to all who knew him.

Dylan was known for his infectious smile and vibrant personality that could brighten even the darkest of days. His magnetic personality and kind spirit made him a friend to all and a source of happiness wherever he went. Dylan’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his kindness, love and joy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Eleanor R. Johnson

Eleanor Rowland Johnson was born in Lander on October 1, 1934, to the late Paul Clark Rowland and Bertha Wenzel Rowland. After graduating from Sugar Grove-Farmington High School in 1952, she worked in the Correspondence Department at the New Process Company for several years. She and her husband, Darrell Johnson, purchased what became known as Dar-El Farm in 1962 where they operated a Holstein dairy farm.

She was an active member of the Akeley Christian Fellowship Church for over 60 years and held many offices. She was a member and past president of the Akeley United Methodist Women. She also attended the Warren County Christian Women’s Club.

She served as secretary-treasurer of the Warren County Farmer’s Association and served on the board of directors of the Warren County Cooperative Extension. She was a past president of the Hill and Dale Garden Club.

A descendant of William Wadsworth who came from England in 1632. She was active in the Kanoagoa Chapter Daughters of the American Colonists and served many years as Regent.

George D. Spencer, 86, of Bradford, formerly of Kane, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Bradford Manor.

Born in Jeannette, on October 25, 1938, he was a son of the late George and Sarah (Stokum) Spencer. He attended schools in Jeannette.

George was a veteran of the United States Army. 

George worked as a transmission mechanic in Pittsburgh and Johnsonburg. He also worked as a janitor for Houston Electronics.

He was a member of Overcomers Church of Faith.

Paul W. Price, (66), of Hammond, New York passed away to glory on December 17, 2024.

Paul was born to Wayne and Elma (Molyneaux) Price on November 1, 1958, in Endicott, NY. Paul was formerly married to Tammy Ostrander Kaufman; where they shared and raised 3 children in Roulette, Pennsylvania. Paul was a self-employed contractor for over 30 years mainly working in Roulette and the surrounding areas. In 2019, he moved to Black Lake in Hammond, NY where he spent his days gardening, boating, and hosting others at his beautiful lakeview Airbnb. 

Paul had many titles throughout his life, from contractor to caterer, but his favorite role was being a dad and grampy. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always there to support, teach, love, and cook for them. While Paul left us far too soon, the impact he had on his family and community will be felt for years to come. His mission was to serve others in any way possible.

Paul’s loving spirit is carried on by his three children Joshua Price, Benjamin Price, and Morgan (Fredo) Narcius; grandchildren, Kody, Liliana, Owen, and Jase; and siblings, Judy (David) Gittens, Mary (Randy) Morgan, Leah (Gary) Mix, Pamela Price, Linda Benninger, Philip (Marsha) Price. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Margaret. 

To know Paul was to love Paul. 

To celebrate Paul’s memory, a service will be held at Union Center United Methodist Church, 128 Maple Drive, Endicott, NY 13760, on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, at 2:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Testament Church, 7 Laboda Lane, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

June Aurelia King Buckler of Cary, North Carolina, formerly of Coudersport, PA, died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89 on Saturday, January 4, 2025 after a three-year battle with congestive heart failure.

June was born on June 21, 1935, in Sante Fe, New Mexico to George and Marjorie King. She was the oldest of three children. Right after June graduated high school, the King family moved to Miami, Florida. June attended nursing school in Florida and earned a nursing diploma. Her diploma required a practicum, which June completed in a mental health hospital while living with her aunt in Baltimore, Maryland. While living in Baltimore, June met her husband, the late John H. Buckler at church one Sunday morning. John was just home from serving in Korea in the U.S. Marines. His parents and June’s aunt attended the same church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, in Baltimore. Upon completion of her practicum, June moved back to Miami to complete her nursing degree. She and John maintained a long distance relationship by daily writing letters to one another and became engaged during that time.

On May 12, 1957, June married John Henry Buckler, Jr. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Baltimore, and they lived in Baltimore for the first nine years of their marriage. John completed an apprenticeship for stone masonry and was a bricklayer and stone mason for various construction companies in the Baltimore area. While in Baltimore, they had three children: John Daniel Buckler (Tammy), June Diane Buckler Breznik, and James David Buckler (Annette). 

Darlene A. (Morelli) Nappe, 73, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025 at her home in St. Marys with her husband Mike by her side.  Darlene was born on March 23, 1951, the daughter of the late Gino and Angie (Trombetta) Morelli.  She was a 1969 graduate of St. Marys Area High School.  After graduation, Darlene worked at Pure Carbon.  On July 3, 1971, she married Michael Nappe in St. Marys, who survives.  She and Mike moved to Norfolk, Va. until Mike was discharged from the Navy.  After returning to St. Marys, Darlene worked at Fisher’s Big Wheel, was an aide at the St. Marys Middle School, and coached junior high cheerleading.   

Darlene was an avid reader, loved to sew and craft, and loved to hike and bike with Mike.  Darlene was also an awesome cook.   Learning from her mom, Angie, Darlene was generous and caring, and was always there to help friends and family in need, especially if it involved cooking, decorating, sewing, or crafts.

Kama Margaret Smith Cleveland, age 87, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, surrounded by her four daughters in Melbourne, Florida.

Born on December 2, 1937, Kama dedicated much of her life to education of others and nurturing her family. She was a respected Home Economics teacher at Smethport Area Jr Sr High School until her retirement in 2002.

Kama is survived by her daughters Beth Cleveland, Carol Cleveland, Amy (John) Hellman, and Sara (Derek) Nolek; her sister Leah Diane Kerchinski; and grandchildren Chris, Lee and Megan Colley, Devin and Nicole Hellman, and Genevieve and Ian Nolek.

Ami J. Shavalier, 69, of Smethport, passed away Monday (January 6, 2025).

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Timothy R. Helsley, 63 of Smethport, Pa., unexpectedly took the Stairway To Heaven on Monday December 30th, 2024, to be with his father.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. On February 18, 1961, he was the son of Barbara Helsley-Munson, and the late William C. Helsley Jr.  Tim was a 1979 graduate of the Oil City Senior High School in Oil City, Pa., and went on to earn his welding certification from the Lincoln Welding School in Cleveland, Ohio.  He held various positions utilizing his welding skills, but ultimately found himself enjoying what would be a lengthy career in management with Culligan Water Conditioning, spanning well over 20 years.  His career took him from Oil City to Ocala, FL., then back to Oil City, and eventually to Elmira, NY., earning a number of awards during his career.

After some life changes, he made the move back to the place he always loved, Smethport, In 2014.  He acquired his CDL after moving to Smethport, and drove truck in the oil & gas, and powdered metal industries before retiring in 2023.  He loved his family, and was very proud of his nieces and nephew’s life accomplishments.  He had a passion for camping, hunting & fishing, fishing being the biggest.  He fished many lakes, rivers and streams in the Northeast, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of California and Alaska.  He was a member of the Crosby Legion, and a former member of Trout Unlimited, The Ruffed Grouse Society and the Clermont Rod & Gun Club.  He enjoyed taking Ace to play in the “crick” on Red Mill Brook, and enjoy a nice fire & a beer while Ace & Belle would play.

John L. Luchs, 91, of Ridgway, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born on December 3,1933, in Portland Mills, a son of the late Lola Luchs.

On February 19, 1952, he married the late June Marie Gardner, who preceded in death on July 21, 2020.

John was known as “Papa” by everyone – you did not have to be related by blood to be one of his children or grandchildren. He lived a life that embraced the beauty of nature and the serenity of the woods. He dedicated many years of his life to his work as a logger, where he found joy and fulfillment among the trees and the tranquility of the outdoors. Family was the cornerstone of John’s life; he loved nothing more than going on family vacations, growing his beloved tomato garden, playing cards, and spending quiet moments feeding the birds.

Catherine Coleen Lyons (Cathy), 81, of Emporium, PA, passed away on January 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments.

Catherine was born on September 30, 1943, in Cameron County, PA, to James and Ann Barr Williams. A proud graduate of Cameron County High School in 1961, Cathy’s life was marked by her love of people, nature, and animals, as well as her tireless dedication to her family and community.

Her career journey was as diverse as her interests. She began in the field of nursing, then transitioned to work as a veterinary technician in Oklahoma, before finding her calling with the U.S. Postal Service. Cathy worked her way up from a postal carrier to serving as Postmaster in Elko, Nevada, and later in Bradford, PA, where she eventually retired.

Cathy’s passion for animals extended beyond her career. In Nevada, she volunteered with 4-H programs, teaching children about horses, and earned a raptor rehabilitation license. Partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, she rescued and rehabilitated injured birds of prey and other wildlife, ensuring their return to the wild.

Hugh “Slugger” Rockwell, 73, of Brick Yard Rd. in Kane, passed away Thursday (Jan. 2) at Sena Kean Manor.  Born May 6, 1951 in Warren, he is the son of the late Hugh and Lois Rockwell. On March 18, 1977 in Kane, he married Cindy Chittester, who survives.

Hugh had worked at Kane Screens and more recently at Kellington Protective Services.

Helen M. Olshefski, 84, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, peacefully left this world on December 22, 2024, embraced in love and surrounded by her family. Born on October 9, 1940, in Bradford, Helen was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Helen’s kindness knew no bounds, she was a living example of empathy, wisdom, and unconditional love. Through her, many experienced a depth of love that few will ever know. In times of uncertainty, she had an extraordinary gift for simplifying life’s complexities. Her advice always brought comfort, and the way she spoke made the path to resolution feel clear and filled with hope. Helen’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her warmth and gentle nature touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness.