Karen L. Atwell “beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother”
LITTLE GENESEE, NY—Karen L. Atwell, 62, a longtime resident of Little Genesee, passed away unexpectedly with her loving husband by her side on Friday, April 12, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
Born on Sunday, September 10, 1961 in Wellsville, she was a daughter of Paul W. and Lucymae Truman Atwell. She was married to Tom Johnson for almost 40 years.
Karen was a graduate of Bolivar High School, a graduate of the former Olean Business Institute in Olean, and was also a graduate of the Continental School of Beauty in Olean.
Karen was kind and loving person. She was briefly employed by Arc in Belmont as a resident aide until an injury at work forced her retirement.
She enjoyed her adopted families and kids. She also enjoyed doing yard work. She loved her many animals throughout the years. Karen’s greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.
Donna M. Carlson, 74, of Brockport, PA passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.
She was born on June 17, 1949, in Olean, NY, a daughter of the late Sidney and Ruth Holtz Bennett.
Donna was a member of the Brockway Church of God. She worked at Metaldyne for many years and always looked forward to dinner and game nights with the girls from work. She enjoyed playing with her dog Izzy and loved nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Steven Milton Freeman, of Coudersport, PA passed away at his home with family members at his side, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, following a lengthy illness.
Steve was born June 22, 1952, in Coudersport, the eldest son of Milton S. Freeman and Betty Palmatier Freeman.
Steve served his nation throughout the United States and Europe in the US Air Force from April 27, 1972 to October 31, 1994, retiring with the rank of Master Sgt. His duty assignments were located in New York (two tours), Alaska, Wyoming, Germany, and Nevada. Steve’s duties included heating, plumbing and Civil Engineering taskings. He received numerous commendations and a prestigious thank you from President Reagan as he was hand-picked for a special project.
Upon retiring from the military, Steve was employed by Wending Creek Farms of Coudersport from 1994 until civilian retirement in 2022.
Steve was known for his incredible humor, wit, lifelong compassion for storytelling and pulling pranks, and helping family and friends. He was a very proud Poppop to his six grandchildren and enjoyed teasing them and making them smile. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening, hunting, camping, taking family trips, and producing maple syrup at Wending Creek Farms.
AUSTIN, PA—-Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Ralph M. Young, 80, of Austin, from 12 noon to 2 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024, followed by a time of sharing at 2 pm, at the Coudersport American Legion, Buffalo Street, Coudersport.
Ralph passed away on December 7, 2023.
Ralph’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
Elaine C. Ekblom, 76, of Warren, PA, died Sunday morning, April 14, 2024.
Friends will be received at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. A complete obituary will be announced through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.
Corie L. Carpenter: Loving Mother, Daughter, Sister, and Friend
Corie L. Carpenter, 39, of 3 Keller Street, Cuba, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Olean General Hospital after a brief illness.
Born on February 19, 1985, in Olean, she was a daughter of Keith and Julie Perry.
Corie was a graduate of Cuba-Rushford Central School Class of 2003. She furthered her studies and became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant.
She had worked as a CNA for Cuba Memorial Hospital, was a direct care aide for Venture Forth, and worked for Intandem in Youth homes. She was currently employed by CCMR3 as a debt collector.
Corie loved spending time with her children and family. She was a kind hearted soul that would help anyone she could anytime. She also enjoyed crafting and shopping.
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Leah Elizabeth Bacchetti (Rowland) beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 100.
Graduating Valedictorian of her 1942 Lander High School class, Leah went on to pursue a nursing degree from Meyer Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. A strong and caring woman, she spent her career helping others, but the highlight for her was working in the surgical suite of the cardiology department.
Leah married to the love of her life, Robert, for 48 years before his passing in 1995. After his passing, she decided she wanted to see the world. She traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Africa, and through Europe.
In her 60’s, Leah read a book called “Be an Outrageous Older Woman”, and boy did she take that seriously. She was outrageous in every wonderful way. A lover of animals and mischief, Leah would go for walks in the park where it was illegal to feed deer and fashioned herself a pair of pants that allowed food to fall out of the bottom as she walked. She enjoyed feeding the deer but was incensed that the authorities told her she wasn’t allowed to. The greatest non-Italian cook of Italian food, Leah’s ravioli was well-known for being world class and often caused family fights as to who got to take home the leftovers.
Above all else, Leah valued the relationships she had with her family. She was a loving mother and doting grandmother. A special “thank you” to son David, daughter-in-law Christine, and her aides Celestine, Winnie, Denise, and Mary for taking such wonderful care of her the last few years of her life.
Leah was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, brothers, Robert and Howard, and sister, Pauline Sarvis.
She is survived by sons Robert (Astrid) and David (Christine), grandchildren Christina (Jobin) and Andrew, great-grandchildren Lillana, Riley, and Juliet, sister Eleanor Johnson, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation hours will be on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
LITTLE GENESEE, NY—Karen L. Atwell, 62, a longtime resident of Little Genesee, NY passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
CUBA, NY—A Celebration of Life for William E. “Bill” Miller, 97, of Cuba, will be held at 2pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 79 Brooklyn Street, Portville, NY. A dinner will follow the service.
Bill’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
Kay A. Baker, 57, of Emporium, PA passed away at her residence, with her family by her side, on Saturday (April 13, 2024) morning following a lengthy illness.
She was born August 4, 1966 in Altoona, PA a daughter of the late Sheldon Lee and Catherine Joann Snyder Baker. She had been a resident of Emporium for many years with her long-time companion Thomas McKimm.
Kay enjoyed life and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed kayaking with friends and spending time fishing and camping with Tom. She was the life of the party.
Kay is survived by a daughter, Cassie (Mark) Buoymaster, Altoona; two sons, Ren LaPenna, Bedford and Joseph LaPenna, Jr., Juniata; 9 grandchildren: Mackenzie, Brycin, Landen, Austin, Arya, Ethan, Sam, Eva and Myra; long time companion, Tom McKimm; four sisters: Barbara, Nancy, Kim, and Donna.
In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine and a brother, Sheldon, Jr.
There will be No Visitation and services will be at the convenience of the family.
John M. Rymell, age 72, of Muncy, PA, died on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
He was born on March 1, 1952 in Ft. Benning, GA a son of the late Jack and Margaret (Bookmiller) Rymell and was married to Doreen (Reamer) Rymell.
John was formerly employed by Bloomsburg, University and was a ham radio operator, youth shooting instructor and enjoyed shooting and reloading.
He is survived by his wife: Doreen Rymell of Muncy, PA, son: Jason (Robyn) Rymell of Shickshinny, PA, brothers: James Rymell of Athens, PA, Joel (Toni) Rymell of Gillett, PA, sister: Jeanne (Sunil) Kulatunge of Waverly, NY and a grandson: Jenson Rymell.
A family graveside service will be held at the Wellsboro Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Jessica L. Potter of 179 Elm Street, Salamanca, NY passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at her home.
Jess Lila was born May 28, 1988 in Olean and was the daughter of Bruno E. Mowery and Wendy J. Woods.
Jess Lila was a 2007 graduate of Olean High School. She worked as a MedTech and Personal Care Aid for many years as she also worked at the Underwood Manor in Hinsdale for about 8 years. Jess Lila later worked as a dealer and supervisor at the Allegany Seneca Casino and a supervisor from 2015 to 2019.
Jess Lila enjoyed laughing, singing, helping others, selflessly and loved fiercely. She was the most caring and sweetest person, a truly kind and beautiful soul, always there to help even when the people she tried to help was the helpless. Jess Lila was always passionate and determined even when it destroyed her own mental health never put herself first it was always the people who didn’t deserve her time and energy. “Our struggles make us stronger to make us better people”. May she be one with herself and finally at peace.
Warren Joe Claude Green, 73, of 8943 Stout Rd., passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 at home after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on April 11, 1951, in Cuba, he was a son of Warren J. and Rosamond E. Lockwood Green.
Warren was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1969. After high school he worked for CF Industries in Olean and had also been a regional manager for Kwik Fill. He then started working on the Railroad for various companies throughout the years, but retired as a Supervisor from Yurkovich Industries in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, riding his motorcycle, and running his excavator. He always cared how he made people feel and will be deeply missed by his family. He found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
James F. Shugars Jr., 80, of 4 Hill Street, Bradford, passed away April 10, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born April 19, 1943, in Kane, he was a son of the late James F. and Agnes (Brazknock) Shugars Sr. He attended Bradford High School.
On October 21, 1961, in St. Bernard Church, he married Marie (Goodnoe) Shugars, who survives.
Jim was employed by Jack Bigley for many years in the oil fields. After Jack retired Jim became a partner in Red Rock Plugging Company until he retired.
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, he made many bird houses and jewelry boxes for family and friends. He was a member of the VFW. His greatest joy was spending time with his puppy Princess.
Alene E. Black, 83, of Port Allegany, passed away Tuesday (April 9, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born May 2, 1940 in Austin, the daughter of Edgar and Julia (Reed) Crandall.On November 24, 1990, in Coudersport, PA, she married Donald L. Black, who died November 26, 2022.
Mrs Black was a 1959 graduate of Austin High School
Mrs. Black was employed at Emporium Specialities in Austin and at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in the maintenance department. She loved doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her family
Lois J. Bennett Rader, 93, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. She was born April 28, 1930, in Emporium and was the daughter of the late Jacob and Grace Daugherty Bailey. On July 7, 1951, in Emporium, she married the late Robert Bennett, Sr., who passed away in 1981. She later married Dr. Terry Rader, who passed away in 1997.
Lois graduated from Emporium High School in the class of 1948. She fully loved every job she had throughout her life, from ticket taker at the local rollerskating rink to the personnel department at Sylvania. From the secretary at the Cameron County Ag office to the secretary for the producers and directors at WPSX, from which she retired in 1997. Lois was an active member of the First Baptist Church. She was a longtime volunteer at the Emporium Senior Center and was involved in many other groups including the local 4-H, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the Alle Cat Square Dancers. Lois took pride in being selected to represent Sylvania in the county’s 1960 centennial parade as well as being the Senior Cameron County Fair Queen in 2017. But above all, her greatest joy came from God and her family.
Helen Lois Baker, 97, of Wellsboro, PA, formerly of Knoxville, PA, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at her daughters home, surrounded by her family.
Born January 11, 1927 in Osceola, PA, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Margaret (Wells) Beard. Helen was a graduate of Elkland High School and on August 21, 1946 in Osceola, she married Hugh Baker, who predeceased her in death in 2010.
Helen was a homemaker and helped her husband run the family farm and also worked at MetalKraft Industries in Knoxville for a few years. She was a 50 year member of the Knoxville Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Knoxville Yoked Church and a former member of the Knoxville Grange. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and playing Bingo. Helen was a quiet, but stable force in her family, whom she loved dearly. She will be sorely missed by all those who knew her and loved her.
Thomas S. “Uncle Tom” Ayers, age 79, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He was born on May 6, 1944 in Wellsboro, PA, a son of the late Kenneth E. and Doris A. (Shumway) Ayers.
Tom was a member of the West Jackson Baptist Church, Millerton, PA, a machinist for Corning Glassworks for over 20 years and enjoyed bowling for many years.
Leslie J. Lewis, 79, of Sheffield, PA, died on Tuesday April 9, 2024, in Warren General Hospital.
He was born in Kane, PA, on December 13, 1944, he was the son of the late Harry W. and Lois Mainwaring Lewis. Les was a 1962 graduate of Sheffield Area High School. He served two years in the US Army with the First Armored Division. Les was a graduate of Williamsport Area community College, earning an associate degree. He was also a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Sheffield, PA.
Les was employed with Crossett Incorporated, and worked for 39 years, retiring as the maintenance director.
Debora L. McCandless, 70, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 209 Dagus Mines Road, Kersey, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Elk Haven.
She was born December 7, 1953, in Ridgway, to the late Harold and Mary McCabe Stahli. She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Johnsonburg schools. Debora was a homemaker raising her family, and later worked as a home health aide for over 20 years with various companies including CRI and Voices for Independence. She enjoyed helping and caring for other people.
On October 16, 1971, in Wilcox, Debora married the late James W. McCandless, who preceded her in death on September 6, 2007.
Paul D. HUNT, 80, of Spring Hill, FL, died Monday, April 8, 2024 in Advent Health Connerton, Land O’ Lakes, FL.
Born May 18, 1943, in Westfield, PA, he was the son of George Wilbur and Mary Jean Davies Hunt. A 1961 graduate of Northern Potter Joint High School, Ulysses, PA, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mansfield State Teachers College, Mansfield, PA. He took advantage of a National Science Foundation grant to earn his master’s degree in teaching mathematics from Rutgers University. Paul taught math in the Elmira (NY) City schools for 20 years, primarily at Elmira Free Academy where he wrote the district’s first computer programming curriculum in the 1970’s. During his seven year sojourn in South Texas with his family, Paul taught math at Alamo Heights High School near San Antonio. When he returned to the Northeast, Paul took advantage of the educational resources in south central Pennsylvania and earned a second master’s degree, this time in information technology, from Shippensburg University before retiring from Wachovia Bank.
A lifelong singer and musician, Paul was a member of the Hernando Harmonizers barbershop choir, the Timber Jammers classic country jam band, the Timber Tones, and a frequent cast member of Timber Pines Players musical productions. He enjoyed 14 years of retirement in Spring Hill playing golf and bocce with friends and extended family, including four years with his companion Marilynne Kelly.
Port Allegany–Charles “Sonny” Nathanial Olmstead, 84, of Port Allegany, PA passed away on April 8, 2024, at Olean General Hospital, from a short illness.
Born August 15, 1939, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Llewellyn and Mary McCarthy Olmstead. On February 12, 1967, he married the former Lois Ann Hultz Gotshall, who predeceased him on May 15, 2020.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and served honorably for two years and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for a short period of time.
He was employed at Dresser Rand of Olean, NY as a crane operator for 35 years, retiring in 2001.
Sonny enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outside, usually around animals. He was a member of the Olean, NY Rabbit Club and superintendent of the rabbit barn for McKean County Fair Association. He was a kind and gentle soul who liked to spend time with his family.
Terri Ann Jarrett, 70, of Smethport, PA passed away Tuesday (April 9, 2024) at her residence in Smethport, with her family by her side.
She was born October 14, 1953 in Bradford, the daughter of Eugene and Elena (Milroy) Nick. In 1972, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, she married William G. “Bill” Jarrett, who survives.
Terri was a 1971 graduate of Smethport Area High School and attended St. Francis Nursing School at the former St. Francis Hospital in Olean, NY. She received her LPN at that time.
Mrs. Jarrett was ultimately a library aide for many years at the Smethport Elementary School. She retired in 2013.
She volunteered for many years at the Smethport Food Bank. She enjoyed following all of her grandchildren in their sporting and extracurricular events.
In addition to her husband, Bill, she is survived by:
