Obituaries

Victor W. Detwiler

Victor W. Detwiler, 87, of Railroad Ave., East Smethport, PA passed away Saturday (June 8, 2024) in his home, surrounded by family.

     Born December 19, 1936, in Wooddale, PA, he was a son of Martin and Agnes P. Pletcher Detwiler. On Jun. 21, 1960, in Greensburg, PA, he married Maridell A. Davis, who survives.

     Victor was a graduate of the Youngwood High School, class of 1954, and University of Pittsburgh, Applied Math, 2004.

     He was a veteran, having served from 1955-1976 with the US Air Force. He served 21 years and his last tour was at the Pentagon. He worked with radar, Atlas D Missile, and most recently, with computer maintenance.

     Victor also drove school bus for the Hempfield Area School District from 1977-2002.

     He attended the Smethport Alliance Church & Good Life Chapel at Good Life RV Resort, Mesa, AZ. He was also a member of Smethport Elderberry Senior Group.

     He enjoyed gardening, shuffleboard, bicycling, pinochle in AZ, and helping at the Smethport Senior Center or his church.

Michael J. Dunlavey           

COUDERSPORT, PA—Michael J. “Mike” Dunlavey, 61, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA passed away in his home on Monday, June 10, 2024, after a vigilant battle with cancer.

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.

Donald W. Paup, 97, of Fllckerwood Rd, Kane, PA passed away Saturday (June 8, 2023) at the Lutheran Home at Kane.

Born January 18, 1927, in Kane he was the son of the late Donald Edward and Clara Marie Johnson Paup. On he enlisted in the US. Navy serving during WW II. On February 19, 1964, in Kane, he Married Martha Fogel ; together they shared 60 years of love and laughter.

Donald worked 42 years in various positions with the Chevron Oil Company in Texas. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #566 F & AM, Kane Community Methodist Church, and the American Mt. Jewett American Legion post 574. He was also a member of the volunteer Fire Department in Crane, TX for 25 years and then 17 years with the Kane Volunteer Fire Department. I

Shawnarea Callahan, 53, of Emporium, PA passed away at her residence, Emporium, PA on Tuesday morning (June 4, 2024) following a brief illness.

She was born September 16, 1970 in Ridgway, PA a daughter of the late Daniel and Lillian Smith Zimmer and John Erskine. On October 14, 1995 in First United Methodist Church, Emporium, PA she married Thomas Callahan, who survives.

Shawnarae graduated from Cameron County High School. She was the former executive director of the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. She loved hunting and fishing and was active in many high school sports as well as adult recreational sports. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Margaret “Peg” Victor Howard, surrounded by family and friends, passed away at her home on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 79 years old.

She was born June 15, 1944, in Ridgway to Mario “Spike” T Victor and Margaret Whelan.

Peg was a lifelong resident of Ridgway. Throughout her life, she was a professional secretary, a showjumper, a scuba diver, a softball coach, a proud staff member at Joe Mac’s Pub, and an ATA bus driver. Among these achievements, Peg was a mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved to travel, especially to attend her granddaughters’ softball games. Everyone who was ever in her orbit was imparted some kind of wisdom to, whether you wanted it or not. To say she will be missed by those who love her is an understatement.

She is survived by her partner Patricia Lewis of Ridgway; her sons Dean Howard and his wife Christine of Greensburg, and Daniel Howard and his wife Michelle of Ridgway; her granddaughters Margaret and Lauren Howard of Greensburg, and Elizabeth Howard of Florida; her grandsons Cameron Howard and his
partner Chelsie of Ridgway, Benjamin Howard and William Howard of Florida, and Frank Howard of Ridgway; her great-grandson Sullivan Howard of Ridgway; her sisters Carol Swanson and Marcia Dunton of Ridgway, and her brothers Frank Victor and his wife Melissa, and Michael Victor and his wife Betsy of
Erie. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her great group of friends (Boogie, Kim, Mona, Pam, Gina, Rosa, Servie, Judy, and Amy).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved stepmother Betty Victor, her son Donald Howard, and her daughter-in-law Melissa Birch Howard.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret Howard will be celebrated on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Catholic Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Fr. Justin Pino officiating.

Burial will be at Thayer Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Penn Highlands Community Nurses.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Richard “Gary” Butterfuss, 90, of Ridgway, PA died on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at his residence.

Funeral Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Dorothy K. “Dot” Leslie, 96, of The Fountains at Dubois, and formerly of Ridgway, died on Saturday, June 8, 2024, following a lengthy illness.

She was born on November 23, 1927, in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of the late Claude L. and Mina Hopps Kessler.

On November 14, 1957, she married the late Robert E. Leslie, who preceded her in death on April 6, 2019. Together they shared more than 61 years of love and marriage.

Dot resided in Ridgway since 1960 and was a member of the United Methodist Church. She loved to read a good murder mystery, as well as making quilts and spending time quilting with the ladies in the local quilting group. She also liked to play dominoes with her friends in the dominoes group. Dot could often be found working in her flower beds and watching the birds. She had a great sense of adventure and traveled all over, far and wide.

Bart Raymond Saunders, 59, of Orlando, FL and Ellicottville, NY, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2024.

He was born on November 29, 1964, in Ridgewood, NJ, a son to the late Raymond and Mary Jo (Long) Saunders. At the age of five, he moved to Bradford, where he spent his childhood and later graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1982.

Bart pursued higher education at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1986. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity where he made many close life-long friends. He went on to obtain his master’s in public administration from the University of Central Florida in 1989. Bart’s passion for law led him to attend Barry University, where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate cum laude in 2000. During his time at Barry University, he served as an Executive Editor of the Barry Law Review. He became a member of The Florida Bar and was also a member of the Attorneys Title Fund. Bart had a successful career practicing residential and commercial real estate law, handling business disputes and probate cases. He established his own law office, Saunders & Saunders P.A. and made many close friends during his career.

Bart’s love story began when he met his wife, Lisa Saunders (née Mancini), at a luncheon in Orlando. Interestingly, fate brought them together again two months later when they coincidentally dined at the same restaurant. This encounter sparked their relationship, and they were married on November 13, 1993, at the Grand Floridian Resort in Walt Disney World. The location held special significance for both Bart and Lisa, as well as their families. They were married for 30 years and spent many wonderful times together. Together, they had three children: Alexis Grace Saunders, Haley Elizabeth (Kyle) Germain, and Sydney Faith Saunders. Bart adored his daughters and cherished the time spent with “his girls”, as well as his family and friends.

In his leisure time, Bart enjoyed sailing in the Tampa Bay Area in Florida and on Lake Chautauqua in New York. He also had a passion for skiing and took pride in watching his daughters compete in skiing and snowboarding events along the East Coast. Additionally, Bart loved spending time outside and with his dogs, Olaf and Sven. He also had great musical talents and found joy in playing the piano and guitar and enjoyed sharing music with others.

Above all else, Bart’s proudest accomplishment in life was the love he had for his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Bart is survived by his wife, three daughters, one brother Robert (the late Duane) Saunders, one sister, Susan Saunders, and nieces and nephews.

Friends will be invited to attend a Celebration of Life to honor Bart’s memory at a location and date to be announced. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in any way chosen and are all equally welcome.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

David Bruce Walters, 72, of Warren, PA, died on Sunday, June 09, 2024, in his home.

He was born in Butler, PA on June 15, 1951, the son of the late James Hampton and Mary Lou (Glace) Walters. Dave was a 1969 graduate of Butler High School. He then graduated from Gannon University and was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity. Dave enjoyed hunting, especially turkey hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. In his youth he played as a semi pro rugby player. After retirement Dave enjoyed his time being spent at his camp here in Warren.

David is survived by his loving daughter Stephanie Grayson and her husband Tory of Mount Pleasant, SC; grandchildren, Wesley, Warren, and Harper Grayson; brother, Thomas Walters and wife Stacy of Petrolia, PA, and sister, Sandra Sandrick and husband Daniel of Erie, PA.

A Celebration of David’s life and small service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East Street Warren, PA. Family will receive friends for one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 am in the funeral home. Family will have a gathering at David’s home immediately following the funeral home service. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through a charity of one’s choice. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.

Richard Dale Forster, 87, of 10075 Tyler Road, Penfield, PA, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024 at the Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dale will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, June 13, 2024  at 10:00AM, with the Rev. Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, OSB, celebrating and the Rev. Thomas Curry, Pastor, OSB, concelebrating.  The family will gather in the Church at 9:30AM to greet people prior to Mass.  Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 325 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to Bennett’s Valley Ambulance, PO Box 48, Penfield, PA 15849. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com

Linda L. Wilson, 77, of Kersey, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois. 

She was born on October 13, 1946, in Ridgway, the daughter of the late Carl A. and Grace Wright Dietz.

On June 29, 1968, at St. Leos Church, she married John Wilson of Kersey, who survives.

Linda was a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School and a member of St. Boniface Church. She retired from Northwest Bank after 13 years of service. Linda was an accomplished seamstress, always taking great pride in her work. She enjoyed listening to music and going dancing, and she never turned down the chance to spend time with family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Linda is survived by 3 sons; Jason P. Wilson and his wife Erin of Weedville, Cain B. Wilson and his wife Carol of St. Marys, and Nathan M. Wilson and his wife Ginny of St. Marys, and by 3 grandchildren; Makalie Wilson, Dempcey Wilson, and Alaina Wilson. She is also survived by a brother; Gary Dietz and his wife Joyce of St. Marys, and by a sister Paula Calabrese and her husband Tom of Erie, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter; Lily, and by a brother; Carl Dietz.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Linda L. Wilson will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the St. Boniface Church, 355 Main St, Kersey, PA 15846, with Fr. Justin Pino officiating,

Burial will be in the Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends will be received at the St. Boniface Church from 10:30 AM until the time of the mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fox Township Fire Department.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Port Allegany – Catherine J. Sherwood, 77, of Eldred, PA passed away unexpectedly, on Saturday (June 8, 2024) at her home.

She was born April 22, 1947 in Waverly, NY, the daughter of Elmer and Edith (Bailey) Beach. On May 29, 1993, in Newell Creek, she married Delaney D. Sherwood, who survives.

Mrs. Sherwood was a homemaker tending to the needs of her family.

She enjoyed crocheting and cooking.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by:

Eleanor SEBASTIAN, 91, of Genesee, PA, died Saturday, June 8, 2024 in UPMC Coudersport.  Born May 19, 1933, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of Harold and Hazel M. Ritter Johnson.  

On December 26, 1951, in Genesee, she married John H. Sebastian, Jr., who predeceased her on July 6, 2000.  

She was a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist and a member of the Wellsville Seventh-day Adventist Church.  

Eleanor’s beautiful flower gardens were a labor of love and enjoyed by passers-by for decades.  She loved the birds and hummingbirds that congregated in her gardens.  

Funeral services for Charles F. Bigelow, who died June 5, 2024, will be held on Friday, June 14^th, 2024, at 11:00 am in Calvary Baptist Church, 445 Conewango Ave. Family will receive friends for one hour prior in the church from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Theodore M. “Ted” Barrett, 85, of 68 East Warren Road, Custer City, PA passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Sena Kean Manor.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, at the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, followed by funeral services at 11:00 with Rev. Jay Tennies, pastor officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Dorothy “Dot” Leslie, 96, of Ridgway, PA died on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at The Fountains of Dubois.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Margaret V. Howard, 79, of Ridgway, PA died on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at her residence.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Linda L. Wilson, 77, of Kersey, PA died on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Penny Lee McFall, age 69 of Elkland, PA passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024 at UPMC Williamsport.

Born in Elkland on July 4, 1954, she was a daughter to the late Frederick E. and Anna B. (Rudy) Stocum.

Penny enjoyed cooking family holiday dinners, gossiping and spending time on the lake boating and fishing. She was also into crafting, particularly making homemade quilts and embroidering on plastic canvases.

It was said Penny was “spunky” and a very active mother and grandmother. She loved and focused on her family, always spent time with her grandchildren and even raised a few of them.

Port Allegany – Catherine J. Sherwood, 77, of Eldred, PA passed away unexpectedly, Saturday (June 8, 2024) at her home.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Betty J. Morean, 95, of Elk Haven, St. Marys, PA passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, PA on Friday afternoon (June 7, 2024) following a lengthy illness.

She was born April 4, 1929 in Kersey, PA a daughter of the late James and Ethel Edwards Huston. On May 15, 1948 in Austin, PA she married the late James E. Morean.

Betty graduated from Austin High School where she was the valedictorian of her class. She retired from the former Bucktail Bank, where she was a teller for many years. Betty enjoyed music, painting, and quilting and was featured in two national quilting magazines. She was an avid bowler and golfer and won accolades in both.

Barbara A. Palmer, 89, of Wellsboro, PA passed away peacefully Saturday, June 8,2024, surrounded by family at home where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law Sherry and Robert Anderegg. 

She was born November 4, 1934, in Chatham Township, to Glenn and Margaret (Daugherty) Fuller.  She graduated from the Little Marsh School, one of four students in the class of 1952.  On September 14, 1958, she married her Little Marsh classmate, Kenneth C. Palmer, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage.

Barbara graduated from Nursing School in Williamsport, and worked as a Registered Nurse in Erie, PA.  She moved back to Little Marsh to marry Kenneth, and then worked with him on the family farm.  Later she worked at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital and then served as the Director of Nursing at Broad Acres Nursing Home, from where she eventually retired.  Barbara served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Directors of Nursing Administration for many years. 

Barbara and Kenneth raised their family and lived on the family farm outside of Little Marsh.  Barbara enjoyed traveling, camping, and going for rides in the country with her husband and family, and had fun eating out, shopping, reading and crocheting baby afghans.  Barbara was a member of the Westfield United Methodist Church and after moving to Wellsboro, attended the Middleridge Methodist Church.

Pamela J. Lance, 64, of Emporium, PA formerly of Colorado, passed away at her residence, Emporium, PA on Friday afternoon (June 7, 2024) following a lengthy illness. She was born March 3, 1960 in Lakewood, Colorado a daughter of the late Jack and Jean (Johnson) Lance.

Pam graduated from Lakewood High School, in Colorado, in 1978. She and her husband Fred owned and operated Fred McBride contracting company in Colorado for many years.

Maxine Taucher, 97, previously of Highland Road in Kane, PA passed away Friday (June 7) at UPMC-Kane.  She was born on April 3, 1927 in Kane, the daughter of the late Maximilian and Theresa (Ostrouska) Taucher.

Maxine graduated from Kane High School in 1945.  She worked her entire career as a Field Clerk for National Fuel Gas Co.  She was an active member of St. Callistus Catholic Church, where she had helped to provide funeral luncheons to hundreds of families throughout the years.

Alice M. Gannon, 92, of Mt. Jewett, PA died on May 28, 2024, at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center following a determined and courageous journey.

Born on February 4, 1932, in Kane, PA, she was the daughter of Allan S. and Margaret (Tracy) Monroe.

Alice was a 1949 graduate of Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY and a University of Rochester School of Nursing graduate in 1953. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Clarion State College in 1977 and earned her Master of Science in Education Degree from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY in 1992.

Alice began her career after graduation as a Registered Nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. In 1954 she accepted a position at Bellevue Hospital in New York City where she served as Head Nurse and was the Supervisor of the Ambulance Service and Disaster Unit. Alice worked as a nurse at Richmond Memorial Hospital in Staten Island, NY. until 1960, then she devoted the next 17 years to the love and care of her growing family. In 1977 she continued her career as a supervisor for the McKean County VNA until 1979. Alice returned to Buffalo, NY in 1983 and worked at Independent Health as a Utilization Review Specialist until her retirement in 1994.

David James “Jimmy” Geci, 80, of Austin, PA, formerly of Emporium and St. Marys, passed away on the morning of June 4, 2024, at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, PA, following a brief illness. David lived a full and vibrant life, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories.

David had a deep passion for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and found great joy in working outside, especially when it came to pulling dandelions. His connection with nature was profound, and he took pride in maintaining and nurturing the environment around him.

David attended St. Mary’s Schools and then served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He married the late Sharon Gennocro Geci in Emporium, sharing many loving years together.

David was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering support were felt by all who knew him. His presence will forever be missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Alberta G. Dunbar:  Mother, Grandmother

Alberta G. Dunbar, 97, formerly of Bolivar, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024 after a brief illness.

Born on November 8, 1926, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, she was a daughter of John E. and Gladys Livingston Somers.  On February 14, 1943, in West Barnet, Vermont, she married Kenneth Dunbar who predeceased her on August 23, 2004. 

She had been employed by Evergreen Dairy of Bolivar from 1965-1980 and also owned and operated Kenny’s Friendly Gas Station with her husband, Kenneth and sons until 1979.  In addition, she wallpapered, caned chairs, and made Christmas wreaths and garland.

Alberta was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church, Allegany County Senior Citizens, the exercise class, the Little Genesee Quilting Club, and Heritage Aflame Ladies prayer group.

She will be remembered for her beautiful handmade quilts, delicious fudge, and divinity.

She is survived by

Smethport–Family will hold a picnic-style celebration of life for Blaine A. Puller on Sunday, June 16th from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Crosby Ball Field (Norwich Twp. Fire Hall in case of rain). 

Hot dogs will be provided.  Friends are encouraged to bring their own beverage and a dish to share.  A brief written story of Blaine and/or picture to share with the family would be appreciated.

Blaine passed away May 28, 2024.

Arrangements were under the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Candy Lee Buzzelli, 53, of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday (June 4, 2024) at Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford.

She was born January 24, 1971 in Coudersport, the daughter of Tim Elliott and the late Linda (Davis) Miller.  

Candy was a graduate of Smethport Area High School and had last worked as a Nurse Aide when she resided in Virginia.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Cheryl A. Daugherty, 76, a resident of McKinley Health Center in Brookville, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024. 

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