Obituaries

Consiglia A. “Consi” Wheeler, 96, of Kersey, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born on October 31, 1928, in Rasselas, the daughter of the late Dominic and Eva DeStefano DiNardo.

On April 11, 1953, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Russell B. Wheeler, who preceded her in death on January 27, 2009. Consi spent many years working at Stackpole, Anthony’s Restaurant, and Imbrogno Italian Market. Known for her love of baking and cooking, she especially looked forward to making homemade pasta and pies for holiday gatherings, a culinary tradition that brought joy to her family and friends. Consi cherished her upbringing on the family farm, often reminiscing about the fond memories of her childhood. She was also known for her compassionate spirit, volunteering with the Guardian Angels for many years.

Lila Pepperman-Hewitt               “beloved aunt”

Lila Pepperman-Hewitt, 99, of Coudersport, formerly of Coneville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Saturday, August 8, 1925 in Coneville, she was a daughter of Thomas J. and Frankie Sprague Pepperman.  She was married to Jack D. Hewitt, who passed away on February 10, 2017.

Lila was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School.  She was employed for many years as a secretary for the Department of Agriculture.  After her retirement, Lila worked with her brother, Si Pepperman, in his auction business.

Linda J. ANDREWS, 77, of Mechanicsburg, PA, formerly of Cowanesque, died Monday, February 17, 2025 in her home.  Born May 11, 1947, in Westfield Township, she was the daughter of Lewis Calvin and Fern E. Webster Andrews.  

A 1965 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in French and Elementary Education from Houghton University and a master’s degree in education from Mansfield University.  She was a teacher at Westfield Elementary School for 37 years.  Linda attended the First Baptist Church in Westfield.  Her sister, Bonnie L. Andrews, survived until her death on Thursday, February 20, 2025.  

Linda is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and former students.  

She was predeceased by her brother, Billie L. Andrews, on May 25, 2022.  Private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Holiday, Middlebury Township.  

Memorials may be made to Houghton University, One Willard Ave., P.O. Box 128, Houghton, NY 14744 or online at www.houghton.edu/giving.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Stephen Baldoni Eldred

Stephen Baldoni, 74, of Edson St. passed away on Wednesday (February19th, 2024) at the St. Vincent Medical Center in Erie following a brief illness. Born July 21st, 1950 to the late Gino and Jane (Renehan) Baldoni.  Steve graduated from Archbishop Walsh High School Class of 1968. 

After High School Steve enlisted in the US Navy where served during the Vietnam War.   When Steve Returned to the area he worked at PetroWax in Farmers Valley as a security guard for many years.  His main passion in life was his work at the Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance service, where he was a lifetime member and held many different positions, Including being an EMT for many years, he was also active with McKean County EMS services.

Jack Lewis Lent             

COLESBURG, PA–Jack Lewis Lent, 79, of Colesburg, PA, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with his loving family at his side, after a brief illness.

He was born on April 22, 1945, in Coudersport, PA son of Lewis L. and Ruth “Marie” Barker Lent.  On June 12, 1968, at Park United Methodist Church, Jack married the love of his life, Nancy K. Snyder who survives.

He was a graduate of Coudersport High School, class of 1963. He went on to study and play football at Glenville College, in West Virginia. Soon after, he was drafted and served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1967 attaining the rank of SP4. After active military he served in the National Guard for several years.

As soon as he was able to milk a cow, he worked on his parent’s dairy farm and continued to do so until his parents retired from farming. He spent his entire career at Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, which later became El Paso Energy. After a hunting accident in 2003, he retired after 35 years of service.

Ronald W. Johnson, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Saturday (February 22, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.

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

Are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary

Lila Pepperman-Hewitt

COUDERSPORT, PA—Lila Pepperman-Hewitt, 99, of Coudersport, formerly of Coneville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Funeral arrangements, under the direction 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.

Jack Lewis Lent             

Jack Lewis Lent, 79, of Colesburg, PA, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with his loving family at his side, after a brief illness.

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.

Jessica Lynn Smith, 31 of Rt. 6 in Smethport, tragically lost her life on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Jessica was born February 14, 1993, in Bradford.  She is the daughter of Jennifer Moore and Robert Hamilton Jr. of Cyclone.

On May 25, 2013, at Mystic Water Resort in Limestone, NY, she married Travis M. Smith who survives. 

Jessica was a 2011 graduate of Smethport Area Jr/Sr High School.  She later achieved her CNA certificate from the Lutheran Home at Kane, LPN from Penn Tech College and an RN Associate of Science Degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.  She was currently attending Capella University to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

Jessica started her medical career at Helpmates in Smethport as a home healthcare aid advancing her career to the Lutheran Home at Kane, Sena Kean Manor, Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center and Bradford Manor.  At the time of her passing to heaven, she worked full-time at UPMC Kane in the acute care unit and emergency room as an RN and per diem at the Lutheran Home at Kane.

She enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, walking, music and spending time with her family.  All her activities included her husband, Travis, and their five children.

Leah M. Sain, 81, formerly of Terrace Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025 following a brief illness.

She was born on April 29, 1943 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Robert and Leah Spuller Dowie.

Her first husband, Robert Campana, preceded her in death on August 27, 1969. On July 5, 1973, she married the late Donald Sain, who preceded her in death on November 12, 2023.

Stuart Alan Abbott, 76, of Wellsville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in his home. He was born October 11, 1948, in Wellsville, the son of the late Leon G. and Lena G. (Baldwin) Abbott. 

“Al” was raised in Wellsville, graduating from Wellsville High School in 1966. He continued his education at Mansfield University. He enlisted with the United States Air Force and served in the Military Police, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Wellsville and entered the workforce, sometimes working up to three jobs at once, in establishments such as the Respiratory Therapy Department at Jones Memorial Hospital, Bonnie’s Frames & Things, Hart’s Jewelry, JC Penny Company, Kerton’s Greenhouse, Better Days, (under several owners), Medical Transport Services, and Genesee Valley Home Medical. He excelled in his customer service skills, but most of all was a master landscaper, working for many families in the area, and took great pride in maintaining “Bradley Gardens”. Outside of his work, he was active in the community with groups such as, The Wellsville Players (both acting and directing), the Genesee Valley Chorus, sang with and played the bells for Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, and was a member of The American Legion Post 702, Grace United Church, and the former Christian Temple. 

Theodore Roosevelt Troupe III              “beloved brother and uncle”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Theodore Roosevelt “Ted” Troupe III, 69, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Bradford Manor, Bradford, after a long illness.

Born on Wednesday, January 4, 1956, in West Grove, PA, he was a son of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and Clara Helen Boyle Troupe.  On April 30, 1985 in San Bernardino, California, he married Yolanda R. Gamboa, who passed away on September 2, 2024.

Ted was a graduate of Avon Grove High School in Avon Grove, PA.  He served two tours in the US Air Force and one tour in the US Army.  After his military career, Ted was employed as a security officer until he retired due to ill health.

Jack L. McMinn, 92, formally of Ridgway, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Pinecrest Manor following a brief illness.

 He was born on June 26, 1932, in Ridgway, the son of the late Harry and Kathryn Himes McMinn.

Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, a commitment that reflected his deep sense of duty and honor. After his military service, he embarked on a remarkable career as a truck driver, working in the transportation industry until the impressive age of 87. He was a devout member of the Brady Camp Methodist Church and the Ridgway VFW.

Walburga M. Bickmire, 100, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

She was born on November 22, 1924 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late John and Margaret Schaffer Gausman.

On April 25, 1953, she married the late Robert L. Bickmire, who preceded her in death on June 21, 1984. Together they were blessed with more than 31 years of marriage.

Wally was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1942, and was a member of the St. Marys Church. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday, and was proud to watch her extended family grow throughout the years. During her time at the nursing home, she delighted in the cards she received from the ladies of St. Marys Church and was always excited when she got cards from the local elementary school kids.

Nancy Hughes, 75, of Wellsboro, passed away on Monday February 17, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She was born on June 13, 1949, in Blossburg to Richard and Pauline M. (Whitney) Ingerick. On September 19, 1985, she married Howard W. Hughes, Jr.

She was an avid reader, having enjoyed many reads by James Patterson and Dean Koontz, she was also a member of the Stephen King Book Club. Among reading she also enjoyed cross stitching, crafting, refurnishing furniture, gardening in her flower beds (especially her rose bushes), and spending time with her family. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother and sister.

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.

Donna Frederick

Donna L. Frederick, 68, of Russell, PA., died Thursday morning, February 20, 2025, at AHN St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA.

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

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.

Linda J. ANDREWS, 77, formerly of Cowanesque, PA, died Monday, February 17, 2025 in Mechanicsburg.  

A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

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.