Obituaries

Olean- Helen Marie Caya 

 Helen M. Caya of Olean, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

 Helen was born on March 23, 1938, in McKeesport Hospital in Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Simon A. and Cynthia M. Wheeler Antonioli. She was formerly married to George Raymond “Ray” Caya.

 Helen grew up in the Dubois and St. Mary’s area. She is a 1956 graduate from Oswayo Valley High School where she was the Salutatorian. Helen worked in the office at Clark Brothers then became a Key Punch operator at ACME Electric in Cuba. She worked at Big E Bank as a Customer Service Representative before working in the St. Bonaventure University Business Office as a Student Account Administrator for over 25 years until her retirement in 2004. Helen enjoyed walking, riding her bike, being outdoors, and flowers. She was also a member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.

ELDRED – Shirley J. Stuck, 89, of Looker Mountain Trail, Rixford, PA passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord, surrounded by her loving family, Friday (July 19, 2024).

Born March 31, 1935, in Allegany, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Adelaide Reitz. She had resided in Rixford for over 60 years and was a well-known member of the community.

Mrs. Stuck began her career at Corning Glass in Bradford and then became a stay-at-home mom for many years before returning to work in the Otto-Eldred cafeterias. She was later employed as a cook at Glendorn for the Dorn family in Bradford. She then spent the rest of her career as part owner and operator of Stuck’s Garage and Stuck’s Buses in Rixford before retirement.

Shirley enjoyed crafting, diamond art, cross stitching, crocheting and knitting. She was very proud of her grandchildren and could be seen at every sporting, musical and dancing event proudly cheering on her loved ones. She loved and is survived by her dog, Abby.

Sharon R. ALBNEY, 66, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Port Allegany, died Friday, July 19, 2024 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  Born March 31, 1958, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Frank V. and Dorothy M. Wright Albney.  

Sharon worked on the family farm growing up.  A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she was employed by W.R. Case & Sons Company in Bradford in her younger years.  Sharon was devoted to her family and loved her grandchildren.  She enjoyed yard sales and collecting.  

Vernon M. Nichols

Vernon M. Nichols, 86, formerly of Katherine St., Port Allegany, PA passed away Saturday (July 20, 2024) in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

     Born on March 12, 1938, he was a son of Marcus R. and Margaret E. Baker Nichols.

     He was employed with the former Pittsburgh Corning Co., Port Allegany, before his retirement. 

    Vernon was a lifetime resident of the area and attended the Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Port Allegany.

Joseph E. “Joe” Zawatski, 70, of 130 First Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Sunday evening, July 21, 2024, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a brief illness. He was born in Ridgway, a son to the late Edmund and Anna Soyut Zawatski. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Joe was a 1973 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. After high school Joe served in the US Air Force as an Airman 1st Class Law Enforcement Specialist with the 48th SPS from July of 1973 to July of 1977. 

Joe had retired after 30 years of service as a flooring installer for Constable’s Stores of Johnsonburg in 2017. Joe was a member of Holy Rosary Church, he was an avid reader, especially military history and was a fan of everything Star Trek.

Lynn M. Wetherby:  Beloved Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Friend

Lynn M. Wetherby, 64, of Wellsville, New York, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on April 12, 1960, in Cuba, she was a daughter of James A. and Delores I. Davis Wetherby.

Lynn was a graduate of the Belmont BOCES program.

She was a member of the O’Connor Street ARC home and enjoyed her friends there and liked to help make breakfast and never wanted ice in her soda.  The family is appreciative of the care she received throughout her life.

She is survived by

A Sister                                  Amy (Tracy) Wood             Cuba

Several Cousins

And the loving staff at ARC.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Cuba Cemetery.  Pastor Claudia Little will officiate.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Josephyn Maribella Tanner    “cherished granddaughter, daughter, niece, cousin and friend”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Josephyn Maribella “Josey” Tanner, 16, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 15, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY. 

Born on Friday, March 14, 2008, in Paris, Texas, she was a daughter of Justyn D. and Teena L. Calhoun Tanner.

Josey enjoyed all things outdoors: camping, 4 wheeling on ATV, swimming, roller blading and gardening.  She also loved animals, especially her dog, Lucky.  She also loved to watch movies and anime.  Three of her favorite things were unicorns, rainbows, and kitties.

Her Autism allowed her to see the world in a very unique way that we were all grateful to have shared with her. She was a very special soul and will be greatly missed.

Evelyn M. Moreth,94, formerly of Summer Street, Bradford, PA passed away in her sleep, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at her granddaughter’s residence, where she resided the past four years.

Born April 4, 1930, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Willard F. and Nellie L. (Sweet) Bunce. She attended Bradford schools.

On July 23, 1949, in Baldwinsville, NY, she married Norman F. “Syracuse” Moreth who preceded her in death on March 3, 2009.

Evelyn had been employed at KOA Speer, and she retired from the housekeeping department at Bradford Regional Medical Center. In retirement she worked for Pathstone cleaning at the YMCA.

She was a member of the First Wesleyan Church, and enjoyed bowling in various leagues, playing the lottery and going to bingo.

Charles Douglas “Doug” McMichael, 83, of Wellsboro, PA passed away July 21, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born February 14, 1941, in Blossburg to Charles Brion and Louise Ruth (Wilson) McMichael.  He graduated from Wellsboro High School and on May 18, 1985, married Carolyn Berfield. 

He enjoyed playing games, playing music and singing, and especially enjoyed playing his guitar.  Doug was widely known in the area from managing the local Super Duper or Eckerd Drug Store, and his steadfast involvement in the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, to his faithful local support of the First Baptist Church and involvement in the Wellsboro Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Award.  Doug’s involvement in and support of the Wellsboro community cannot be overstated.

James Andrew Eldridge, 82, of Warren, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Jim was born in Corry, PA to the late John A and Charlotte R (Kring) Eldridge on November 19, 1941.

 Jim was a member of the Pleasant Community Church and the Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study Group. 

He was a lifetime resident of Warren PA and graduated from Warren High School in 1959. He graduated from the Indiana State Teacher’s College and then received his Master of Art and Teaching at Miami University of Ohio. Upon graduation, he was hired by the Warren County School District in January 1964. He taught Geography at Beaty Junior High School in Warren and retired after 34 years. For the next 22 years, however, Jim continued as a substitute for the Warren County School District. 

 He was invited to deliver the graduation speech to the Warren Area High School class of 2012 as well as the class of 2016 after which he retired.

During his teaching career Jim also served as playground supervisor at Warren Memorial Playground. Later Jim became the Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Warren, from which he retired in 2008.

Jim served in various capacities in area churches which included : Youth Director at the First Baptist Church, and the Bethlehem Covenant Church of Warren, Assistant to the Pastor at the North Warren Presbyterian Church and Youth Director at the First Presbyterian Church of Warren.

Sharon R. ALBNEY, 66, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Port Allegany, died Friday, July 19, 2024 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. 

 Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Jackie Lee Thompson, age 69, of Elkland, PA passed away on July 18, 2024 at UPMC Wellsboro. Born November 3, 1954 in Blossburg PA, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Gill) Thompson.

Jackie enjoyed fishing, playing cards and family picnics. He had no children of his own but considered his nieces (6 sisters) his guardian angels.

Mary (Wood) Wetmore, age 94, of Knoxville, PA, passed away on July 15, 2024 at Broad Acres in Wellsboro, PA. Born on August 4, 1929, she was the daughter of Russell and Ruth Edgcomb Wood.

She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947. She helped her father and brothers on their family farm and in farm-related business. In 1953 she married Joseph Ferris Wetmore and they bought a farm of their own near Knoxville, operating a dairy first and later raising beef cattle until he passed away in 1990. 

James L. Ludwig        “beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother

James L. “Jim” Ludwig, 89, a longtime resident of Keating Summit, passed away at home in the comforting presence of his loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born on Wednesday, March 20, 1935, in Emporium, he was a son of James Villella and Bessie Smith Villella Ludwig.  Jim was adopted by Mahlon Ludwig and was raised by Francis Yarter.  On October 7, 1955, in Winchester Virginia, he married Monica M. Buerk, who survives.

David W. Vennard, Sr.:  Loving Father, Grandfather, and Companion

David W. Vennard, Sr., 69, of Cuba, New York and a former Bolivar resident passed away on Friday, January 20, 2024 at Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on January 27, 1955, in Wellsville he was a son of James R. and Vivian Gardner Vennard Jr.

David was a graduate of Bolivar Central School.  He had worked as a carpenter and handyman for many years.  He was last employed as a stocker at TOPS in Olean before retiring.

He enjoyed remodeling his house, attending the pow-wows and races with his son and grandchildren.  He loved spending as much time with his grandchildren as possible and going for rides with family.  He will be remembered as a sweet and loving man.  Watching wrestling, NASCAR, the Buffalo Bills, Old Westerns and listening to county music were just a few things he enjoyed to pass the time.

                             Linda L. Lawrence

Linda L. Lawrence, 80, of Warren, PA, died peacefully at her residence with her husband and girls at her side, Thursday evening, July 18, 2024.  She was born in Brookville, PA., on March 14, 1944.  Linda was the daughter of George and Eleanor Ross Perry.  She was a Warren area resident for 57 years and was formerly of Clarion, PA.  Linda was employed as a School Teacher with the Warren County School District, teaching first grade at the former Allegheny Valley Elementary School from 1992 until her retirement in 2004.  She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church.

Linda enjoyed shopping, reading, spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. 

Karie Lynn Van Deusen 

 Karie L. Van Deusen of 116 South 12th Street, Olean, NY passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. 

Arrangements are incomplete and are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.

A complete obituary will be published. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

Brenda Kaziska Rettger, 84, of Lakeview Senior Living Center, Smethport, PA passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, at UPMC Cole, in Coudersport.

Born on September 10, 1939, in Erie, she was a daughter of the late William Barthel and Marion (Hudson) Deck. She was a 1957 graduate from Villa Maria High School.

On March 10, 1960, in Erie, she married Raymond V. Rettger, who preceded her in death on June 21, 1988. She later married Floyd Kaziska, who preceded her in death on December 3, 2015.

Brenda was a long-time employee of Costa’s Supermarket in the meat and delicatessen department, she most enjoyed catering events and the challenge they presented. She was an avid reader, excellent cook and she loved to sew, serving as a seamstress for area people she prided herself on the Victorian gowns she created for local historical/cultural events. She was a resident, vocal advocate for other residents, and role model at Lakeview Senior Care.

She enjoyed taking frequent walks around Hamlin Lake with her dog Walter, year-round if possible, and didn’t mind the geese. Brenda was a member of the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, and the Smethport Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Donald J. Ives, 79, of Emporium, PA passed away peacefully at his residence, with his family by his side, early Friday morning (July 19, 2024) following a brief bout of pancreatic cancer. He was born September 18, 1944 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Donald and Sylvia Tartaglia Ives. On August 13, 1966 in Ft. Gordon, GA he married the late Mary Klees.

Don and his loving late wife Mary were married over 53 years. He happily spent his last years with his loving companion, Denon Scott. He graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1962. He then graduated from Williamsport Technical College with a degree in electronics. After college he served with the US Army, Medical Corpsman in the 3rd US Army division during the Vietnam War. Don retired from 3M/Lanier where he worked for many years. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association, American Legion, VFW, Bucktail Rod & Gun Club, May Hollow Sportsman Club and St. Mark Catholic Church.

Shirley D. Feidler, 93, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 602 South Michael Street, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born June 5, 1931, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Anthony and Ruth Schauer Detsch.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School.

On February 27, 1960 in Queen of the World Church, she married the late Norman F. Feidler, who preceded her in death on July 19, 2018.

Colette Linea Carlson, 38, of Coudersport, PA, passed away surrounded by family and loved ones following a long battle with cancer on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Colette was born September 11, 1985, in Olean, NY, the daughter of Rob and Alisa Hayes Haskins, who survive. She was a 2004 graduate of Coudersport High School and earned a degree in Graphic Design at Pittsburgh Technical Institute.

She was employed as Assistant Manager at McDonald’s. After leaving McDonald’s, Colette traveled with Dustin pipelining across the country and seeing beautiful historical sights and beaches in Northern and Southern California, spending their time off hiking the Bay Area. She worked at Best By Foods upon coming off the road with Dustin where she loved the people she worked with until her cancer diagnosis in September of 2022.

Colette had a passion for art and loved bringing things to life and seeing them on display. Her canine companion and daughter, Rodie, was Colette’s world and would tag along wherever they went on an adventure. Together they would spend endless time on walks and hikes, forever loving each other.

Gary E. Miller, Sr., 77, of 1222 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Bradford Manor.

Born on August 4, 1946, in Kane, he was a son of the late Frank J. Miller and Phyllis J. (Stoddard) Miller. He was a 1964 graduate of Smethport High School.

On July 15, 1964, he enlisted into the United States Navy and remained in service for three and a half years, serving as an E4, before being honorably discharged on August 3, 1967. 

On November 29, 1969, in Bradford, Gary married Linda (Cramer) Miller, who passed away on August 16, 2016.

Priscilla H. “Sibby” Lenze, 84, of Johnsonburg and the wife of Mark Lenze of Shadows of the Past, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Shirley D. Feidler, 93, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 602 South Michael Street, St. Marys, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Kenneth J. Schwentner, 93, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 288 Brandy Camp Circle, Ridgway, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Elk Haven.

He was born April 11, 1931, in St. Marys, son of the late Joseph and Irene Herbstritt Schwentner.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1950.  He worked in retail most of his life and retired from Burke’s Home Center in 1993.

On May 16, 1953, in Holy Cross Church in Brandy Camp, Ken married the late Helen F. Kline, who preceded him in death on May 13, 2009. 

Clare Walker, age 91, of Knoxville, PA passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at The Gatehouse in Williamsport. Born August 15, 1932 in Knoxville, she was the daughter of the late Reed and Ada (Cooper) Merrick.

She was the bookkeeper for Walkers Hardware, owned by her and her husband, Ardell. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing; making many blankets for weddings and showers. She loved to dance and talk with anyone who would chat; most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Larue Leavitt

AUSTIN, PA—Larue Leavitt, of Austin, PA passed away in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

All services are being held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 South Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Larue entrusted her final care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

Josephyn M. Tanner

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Josephyn M. Tanner, 16, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

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.

At 5:44 PM on Wednesday, Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to Ross Glen Road for chest pain.