Janet L. Hasselman, 88, of Ford Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born on May 4, 1936 in Emporium, a daughter of the late Hilmer and Helen Bergstrom.
On May 27, 1961 she married Daniel Hasselman, who survives. Together, they were blessed with more than 62 years of marriage.
Jan was a lifelong resident of the area and member of Queen of the World Church, where she enjoyed volunteering in the cafeteria when her son was in elementary school. She worked at Sylvania for a number of years before staying home to care for her family, always finding fulfillment in being a wife and mother.
Jan could often be found sitting on her front porch, where loved watching the birds and tending to her flowers every year. She also enjoyed listening to the radio and visiting with her family and friends.
Mary Eileen Horton Calhoun (nee Anderson), age 89, died July 17, 2024, in Wetumpka, Alabama, where she resided with her son Dan.
Mary was born August 14, 1934, in St. Marys PA, to Richard and Madeline Kranking Anderson of Johnsonburg. Mary graduated from Hershey High School in 1952, where she was a popular cheerleader and athlete. The following year she married Filmore Horton, and together they raised three children. Mary later married Larry Calhoun, a happy union lasting 33 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard “Dick” Anderson, as well as both of her husbands.
Nancy L. Engstrom, 91, of 212 Constitution Avenue, Bradford,PA passed away, Saturday, July 27, 2024, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the Pavilion @ BRMC.
Born on January 31, 1933, in Bradford, she was one of nine daughters of the late Clarence and Ila (Howe) Cramer. She was with the graduation class of 1951 of Bradford Area High School.
On September 2, 1951, at the Kane Congregational Church, she married George E. Engstrom, who preceded her in death on October 6, 2007.
Nancy worked for 10 years in the Bradford City Treasurer’s Office as Deputy City Treasurer, and also as a bookkeeper for Culligan Water Conditioner.
She was very active as a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Red Hat Society, Ecumenical Home Auxiliary and volunteered at Crook Farm. She loved animals, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, music, and poetry.
Karen Placer, 76, of Smethport, PA, (born Karen Renae Flickinger) passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2024.
She was born on February 28, 1948 in Kane, Pennsylvania to Earl Flickinger (Father) and Louise (Carrow) Flickinger (Mother). Karen graduated from Smethport Area High School in 1966. Karen shared many great years of marriage with Anthony “Tony” Placer who she married on December 12, 1970 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Smethport.
Karen worked for several years at Sylvania Electric in Emporium, Pennsylvania. During her life, Karen also provided cleaning/housekeeping services to numerous families and formed lasting friendships with those people she served. She treated their homes like her own; she wanted each home to be “spotless.”
John Albert Yilek, 89, of Germania, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at UPMC Wellsboro. Born June 25, 1935, in Blossburg, PA, he was a son of the late Albert and Julia (Karhan) Yilek. He was Veteran having served in the United States Army 8th infantry division Baumhalder in West Germany from1958-1960.
On May 2, 1964 in Germania, he married the former Ruth “Toni” Succowich who survives. John was a heavy equipment operator for PENN DOT before retirement. In his earlier work years, he truly enjoyed his passion of logging for Ted Sykora. He continued his logging passion and equipment operating working with his son, John, well into his mid-80s.
He was a member of Saint Germain’s Catholic Church, former Assistant Chief of Germania Fire Company, and former Supervisor of Abbott Township.
Hunting with family members, fishing, gardening, camping, and snowmobiling kept him active in the outdoors, and as many of you know, he cut wood year-round. Potato farming with Jim Gilbert brought back family memories for John. He also made daily trips to make sure all of his “grand dogs” had what they needed.
Elfriede E. Achter, age 87, of Sabinsville, PA passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at the Green Home in Wellsboro. Born May 5, 1937 in Waiblingen, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Wilhelm and Frida (Schaefer) Stilz.
Elfriede worked for Wundies Inc in Wellsboro. She loved gardening and her flower beds, reading, watching baseball and loved her pets, cats and dogs.
Roger Allen Smith, age 73, of Salina, Kansas, formerly of Elkland, PA passed away unexpectedly at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas after an e-bike accident.
Roger was born March 16, 1951 in Wellsboro, PA, a son of Ernest B. and Alice (Rudy) Smith. Roger graduated from Ekland High School in 1970. He served in the Air Force from 1971-1973.
Roger was a free spirit who enjoyed hunting, fishing, horses, motorcycles, and dogs.
Lorraine M. Thurston, age 92, of Elkland, PA passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira.
Born August 19, 1931 in Deerfield Twp., PA, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Myrtle (Dailey) Brass.
Lorraine graduated from Elkland High School, Class of 1950 and Mansfield State Teachers College, Class of 1954. Lorraine married Alfred Thurston on November 22, 1958 at the Elkland United Methodist Church and they shared 59 years together until his passing in 2018.
She retired from Northern Tioga School District after many years of teaching. She was a member of the Eastern Star for 74 years, Cowanesque Valley Garden Club and the Elkland Senior Citizens Club. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, making quilts and knitting.
Waylon William SHUTT, 5, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Genesee, died Monday, July 22, 2024 in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
He was born February 16, 2019, in York. Waylon was a student at Northern Potter Children’s School in Ulysses. He enjoyed listening to Prof and watching his siblings play. Waylon had a big personality and sense of humor.
Kay F. Culbertson, 82, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at The Green Home in Wellsboro, PA.
Born December 25, 1941 in Clarion, PA, she was a daughter of the late Oscar and Katherine (Anthony) Conner. Kay was a graduate of Union High School in Rimersburg, PA. She was married to Ronald Culbertson, who preceded her in death.
She was a waitress at the Ox Yoke in Galeton for many years and was a past member of the Women of the Moose in Galeton and the Galeton V.F.W. Auxiliary. Kay enjoyed playing cards and Bingo, crocheting, and knitting.
Carol A. Bullers, 83, of 674 Pontzer Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born December 25, 1940 in St. Marys, daughter of the late James and Helen Henry Weidow. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1960. She was employed at Sylvania and retired from Pro Process on her 80th birthday, where she was affectionately known as “Sunshine”.
On July 2, 1966, in Olean, NY, she married the late, George Bullers, who preceded her in death on January 31, 1994.
Mark T. Cole, 58, of Warren, PA., died Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Warren General Hospital Emergency Room, Warren, PA., after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born October 21, 1965, in Upstate, New York.
Mark was the son of L. Edward and Marilyn Brand Cole. He has resided in Warren, PA., since 1975. He was a 1983 graduate off Warren Area High School. He earned his NRA certification and was a Field Sports Director at Camp Olmsted and a boy scout camp in the Adirondacks. While he was in Scouting, he was an Eagle Scout, with the Boy Scouts of America.
He was currently employed as curator at the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum of Jamestown, N.Y. Mark was devoted to St. Michael Byzantine Church of Sheffield, PA., and enjoyed attending traditional Latin Mass. He served on the choir at the Crawford County Latin Mass. He was assistant to his mother Marilyn, while she was primary cook at St. Joseph School kitchen. While his mother was ill, Mark was devoted caregiver, who quit his job, to take care of her until her death. He is remembered for always being a good man, who was kind, generous and very devoted to his family, especially his nephews and niece. He was an avid reader, gardener and hiker. He was an accomplished author, writing science fiction stories and wrote a column with the Warren Times Observer, called Strange Warren.
Roy E. Williams of N 2nd Street, Olean, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness.
Roy was born on July 30, 1955, in Meadville, PA and was the son of Paul and Gladness Oletha Ward Williams. He was formerly married to Carol A. Rarey Nightnigale.
Roy worked for a number of places including the foundry at Dresser, American Locker in Ellicottville, a handy man for Matt Hefty, and then a custodian for JC Pennys in Olean. Roy enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing videos games, arts and crafts. He will be fondly remembered as a loving father and a caring person.
Melinda M. Saunders, 65, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. She was born August 13, 1958, in Wellsboro, to the late Kenneth “Bucky” Buck and Diana (Wilkinson) Buck of Wellsboro, she married Scott Saunders on October 28, 1995.
Melinda was a graduate of Wellsboro High School, Class of 1976, she received her LPN from W.A.C.C, and her RN from Corning C.C. in May of 1991. She was a life member of the V.F.W. in Sebastian, FL, a member of the Wellsboro Moose #1147, and the Arnot Sportsmen’s Club. She also enjoyed camping on “The Hill”.
JoAnn Weiskopff, 75, of Mansfield, PA passed away on the evening of 23 July 2024 while surrounded by her family.
She was born on 13 January 1949 in Butte Montana to Robert and Catherine (Patt) Miller. JoAnn Graduated from Mansfield University with a Bachelors and Masters in Elementary Education. She also taught 6th and 4th grade at Galeton Elementary School.
Her true passion was in her morgan horses where she had won several awards and honors, over her lifetime, for both riding and driving. She also loved to garden, read, and hold get togethers for friends and family, especially for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. JoAnn was well traveled both within the US and Internationally having visited the mid-west as well as parts of Europe.
She was a faithful member of Holy Child Church where she sang in the choir. She was also previously an active member of over 40 years at the Wellsboro Riding Club.
Dr. Warren H. Riegel, “Doc”, 90, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Born on February 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Henry and Louise (Kapella) Riegel.
On February 18, 1961, he was married to Mary Louise Fairweather, who survives.
He graduated in 1959 from the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree. After serving in the Navy, he opened his practice in Ridgway where he worked until he retired in 2019.
Warren’s life was one of service. He jumped into active participation in the community and the First Presbyterian Church, sitting on boards and participating in the Lions, Boy Scouts, Layman’s Breakfast, Ridgway Ambulance, Barbershop, Ridgway Fire Department, and Elk County Concert Choir; among others.
In the 1970s, by faith in Christ, he began a life mission to serve the poor in other countries. He collected used eyeglasses for dispensing on missions in Latin and South America with Medical Ministry International and Eye Care International. This expanded to determining the eyeglasses prescriptions and entering them into a computer (up to 4000 pairs per project) from the Lions’ Clubs in western PA and NY. His humanitarian service involved his family as well as volunteers that live locally and in Ohio, sorting and cleaning glasses, and supporting his trips in prayer.
He went on a total of 76 missions to many countries including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Liberia, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. Through all the years, his enthusiasm for serving God on the next mission was never exhausted.
He was a faithful and loving husband and father who was always there for his kids. He enjoyed being with them, especially camping, canoeing, and sailing, and attending their sporting events. When visiting relatives, he found ways to serve and contribute – while having fun!
Glenn A. Wonderling, 63, of Main Street, Kersey, PA passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois.
He was born on January 22, 1961, in Ridgway, a son of the late Carlton G. and Regina Shaffer Wonderling.
Glenn married the late Debbie Ott, who preceded him in death on January 19, 2015.
Glenn graduated from Johnsonburg High School, class of 1980, and was employed by Allegheny Coatings. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting or sitting around a campfire. He also liked to work on cars in his spare time.
Evelynn Gail Voorhis, the infant daughter of Amanda Kelley and Anthony Voorhis, both of Wellsville, New York, was born June 19 2024, at Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo, and passed in the arms of her loving parents on July 19 2024, at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee, after being born at just 34 weeks old. Before receiving her angel wings, she fought a hard battle at only nine pounds and eight ounces.
Evelynn was able to experience cuddles, holding hands, hugs, kisses and just pure love from her family. Her favorite thing was cuddling with her stuffed Mr. Bumblebee and Ducky. Evelynn Gail will always be her parent’s Sweet Pea and they look forward to holding her again someday.
She is deeply loved and missed by her Mommy and Daddy; her grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many others.
Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Burial will be in White Cemetery, Rushford, New York.
The family encourages those wishing to make a donation in Evelynn’s memory, to please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.
Robert E. BORNE, 83, of Wellsville, NY, died Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville.
Born April 15, 1941, in Bronx, he was the son of Henry J. and Dorothea Andrews Borne. On July 27, 1985, in Andover, he married the former Brenda J. Graves, who survives.
He served honorably with the U.S. Army as a mechanic. Bob was employed by Dresser Rand in Wellsville as an assembler for 40 years and served as a negotiator for the union for many years.
He was a member of Wellsville Moose #601, where he served as past governor, member and honor guard member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, member of Frank B. Church VFW Post #2530, and a life member and past captain of the Dyke St. Engine Co. #2, serving actively for 42 years.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing at Black Lake, watching birds and deer, helping with the fire company’s chicken barbeques, and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Edward W. Bennett, 76, of 2962 W. Fall Road, Olean, NY passed away Monday (July 22, 2024) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 18, 1948 in Olean, he was a son of Mark and Rita Holtz Bennett. He was the loving husband of Dorothy M. Korb for the past 45 years.
Ed was a 1967 graduate of Portville Central School and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served from 1967 to 1969, primarily in Germany during the Vietnam War.
Upon discharge, he began working in a career as a maintenance mechanic, first for the Olean Tile Plant, and later for Henkel-Loctite in Olean from which he retired.
Ed was an avid car enthusiast and owned several vintage cars. He most enjoyed riding motorcycles and he and Dot rode with the Gold Wing Road Riders of America, Olean Chapter X until its dissolution. They then helped form the Twin Tier Tourers Motorcycle Club and enjoyed several more years of riding.
OLEAN – John W. Barber Jr., 62, of Olean, NY passed away Monday (July 22, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by family, after fighting a long illness.
Born Dec. 8, 1961, in Olean, he was the son of John W. and Roberta C. Deibler Barber Sr. He enjoyed an 18-year union with his loving companion, Brigette Ross, who survives.
John was a graduate of Hinsdale Central School. He worked as an independent roofing contractor for many years, a job in which he was both skilled at and enjoyed.
Everyone knew him as an avid Buffalo Bills fan since childhood, but most knew him to be an outdoorsman, especially fishing which was his first passion. He also loved animals, and generally held a love of life itself.
Merle E. Dibble 94, of Derrick Rd., Bradford, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday (July 23, 2024) in the Olean General Hospital.
Born November 17, 1929, in Betula, PA, he was a son of Alice A. Dibble. On April 26, 1958, in Scio, NY, he married Mary Brodie, who died Nov. 28, 2005.
Merle was a hard worker, starting off at age 13 when he quit school and worked full time logging and cutting chemical wood with teams of horses, which he loved. At 18, he worked up Fishing Creek for room and board, at a dairy farm. Starting in 1952 he worked 18 years in Coudersport for the Damascus Tannery. Merle finished out his employment with Ball-Incon Container Co. of Port Allegany, retiring in 1996, after 26 years of nearly perfect service, only missing 2 days.
Merle was a lifetime resident of the area. He enjoyed working in his garden and cutting firewood, planting trees, and spending time with family and friends. Merle loved playing his harmonicas and singing and after retirement he joined a quartet. Later in life, Merle revisited his passion for oil painting. Merle loved helping out family and friends in need, and would often neglect his own needs.
Richard A. Wineberg, 74, of Pierce Brook Road, Smethport, PA went to be with his Lord, after a courageous battle with cancer, Tuesday (July 23, 2024) at UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born April 22, 1950, in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Kenneth E. and Grace Nick Wineberg. On July 28, 1979, in Bradford, he married Shirley M. Tanner Myers, who survives. They were married 44 years.
He was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Bradford High School, class of 1968. Richard was employed with Belser & Hale of Bradford for several years, and also Dresser Co. of Olean, before his retirement.
He attended Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford. He was a member and past master of McKean Lodge 388 F&AM, Smethport, and the Coudersport Consistory.
Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and sitting on the front porch swing of the home he built. He enjoyed spending time with his family and beloved pets, and sharing devotions with his wife daily.
Kathleen (Kathy) Healy Ligday, 85, of Zelienople, PA, passed away on 16 July 2024.
A native of Bradford, PA, she was the only child of Marion (Wharton) and Gordon Healy. Gregarious and fun loving, Kathy spent her youth amongst many cousins and friends. She often attended dances donning mother-made poodle skirts, enjoyed outdoor fun like skiing, and cheered on the Bradford Bees baseball team with her adoring father.
Upon graduating from St. Bernard High School in 1957, she received a degree in Dietetics at Mount Mercy (now Carlow University) and embarked on her lifelong career as a dietician.
Settling in the Pittsburgh area, Kathy’s friend suggested a double date to a football game. Through Divine Providence, she met the man who she would eventually share 55 years of marriage. She married Francis (Fritz) Ligday, Jr. in 1969, and set to work building their family in a modest home in Harmony, PA. It’s under this roof that their two sons – Francis and Stephen – experienced and witnessed their mother’s unconditional devotion and selflessness. Firm but fair, Kathy instilled virtues of commitment, sacrifice, and work ethic through a life of humility. However, she was immensely proud of her boys – encouraging and embracing their passions and always cheering from the sidelines. She never missed the opportunity to draft a ‘blub’ for the local paper highlighting their accomplishments.
