Obituaries

Winifred “Wendy” Maue Anderson Wetzel          “former Olean, NY resident”

Winifred Maue Anderson Wetzel, 92, of Fairport, formerly of Olean, NY, passed away with her daughter by her side on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in the Fairport Baptist Home in Monroe County, NY.

Born on Thursday, March 3, 1932 in Buffalo, she was a daughter of Gilbert and Gladys Pilet Maue. She had been married to Robert F. Anderson with whom she had three children, all of whom graduated from Olean High School.  She was later married to Everett Glenn Wetzel who passed away in 2019.

She was a graduate of Orchard Park High School.  Wendy was a Korean War veteran serving in the Women’s Army Corps, having been stationed in Japan.  She had been employed by the former McGraw Edison Company in Olean.

Wendy was previously an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Olean, a Cub Scout leader and also a Girl Scout leader in Olean.

William R. (Bill) Perschke, 68 was received into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on May 24^th, 2024, after a courageous journey following a recent spinal cord injury.

He was born September 13, 1955, in New Castle Pennsylvania to the late Norman L. and Edice J, Harlan Perschke. Bill was raised in Warren and was a 1973 graduate of Warren Area High School. Following high school, he graduated with an associate degree in electrical engineering from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Bill was employed for much of his career as a Quality Control Supervisor for several corporations in N.Y. State and later obtained his CDL and drove semi tractor trailer for American Petroleum and several other local companies. Bill attended the Scandia Covenant Church and was a faithful servant of our Lord. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, 4-wheeling, horseback trail riding, exploring God’s country on his Harley Davidson motorcycles, gardening, canning vegetables, and playing guitar. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association, Pine Grove Rod & Gun Club, and a participant at Corry Rod & Gun Club.

A Celebration of Life for Debra J. Robeson who passed on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 am in Cable Hollow Church, 3157 Cable Hollow Rd, Russell, PA, with the Rev. Allan Jones, officiating.

PHILIPSBURG – James David “J.D.” Miller, 77, of Philipsburg, PA passed from earth on Thursday, May 23, 2024, to his eternal home in Heaven and into the presence of Jesus Christ, his personal Savior; who he knew, loved and served for many years. He had accepted the Lord as a young boy and was an active member of the Smethport G.A.R.B. Baptist Church, Smethport.

James David, better known as “JD”, was born on Jan. 27, 1947, in Kane, a son of the late James F. and Jessie C. (Oviatt) Miller, who instilled a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in him at an early age.

JD graduated from Smethport High School in 1964. While residing in Smethport, he served as Sunday School superintendent, teacher, a bus driver for DVBS and church services and was a member of the choir.

He was employed with Montgomery Ward in Olean, N.Y. and he attended Practical Bible Training School in Binghamton, N.Y.

JD relocated to South Carolina where he resided for 13 years. He was employed at a Christian children’s home and as a security officer at a Christian college. He was also employed with local auto dealerships

where he was at one point a supervisor of a car rental department. While in South Carolina, he served as a choir director with the Antreville Baptist Church. During this time, he also graduated with an Associate

Degree in agriculture from Tri-County Tech, an institution affiliated with Clemson University.

JD relocated back to Pennsylvania and accepted a position driving school bus for the Bradford School District for 16 years. He then drove bus for another 10 years with Cen-Clear Child Services.

Margaret “Maggie” Saunders, born Margaret

Travis on September 17, 1956, in Baltimore MD.,

passed away on December 23, 2023 at the age

of 67 in Virginia Beach, VA.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother,

sister and friend.

ATTN: MEMORIAL SERVICE DATE IS JUNE 15TH, NOT JULY 15TH.

Maynard S. Barber, 82, of Third St., Roulette, PA passed away Friday (May 17, 2024) in his home, surrounded by family.

      Born November 9, 1941, in Port Allegany, he was a son of Alvin S. and Florence Jackson Barber.

      Maynard was a lifetime resident of the area attended Port Allegany High School.

      He had been employed with Pierce Glass (Saint-Gobain Container) retiring in 2002, after 40 years of service.

      Maynard enjoyed going to car shows and camping.

A celebration of life service for Maynard Barber will be held on June 2nd @1:00 @ the Riverside Methodist Church in Roulette. 

Margaret Hewitt HACKETT, 75, of Belmont, NY, died Monday, November 13, 2023, in her home.  

Friends are invited to celebrate Margaret’s life on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the KonXions United Methodist Church, formerly the Scio United Methodist Church, 4005 Main Street, Scio, NY.  Light refreshments will be served following the service.  Condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Dixie L. Van Horn, 88, of Ridgway, PA, died on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her residence after a lengthy illness.

She was born on January 31, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Ut, the daughter of the late Forester and Helen Burke Miller.

On September 11, 1974, she married Marlin Van Horn, who survives.

Throughout her life, Dixie was a talented seamstress and a skilled cook, known for her delicious meals and warm hospitality. Her passion for these pursuits brought joy and comfort to many.  Her compassionate spirit and unwavering faith as a Jehovah’s Witness enriched the lives of all who knew her. Above all, Dixie cherished spending quality time with her husband, children, and dear friends.

Felcia L. Nelson, age 77, of 203 Montmorenci Road, Ridgway, PA died on Thursday, May 22, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois after a lengthy illness.

She was born on March 8, 1949, in Ridgway, the daughter of the late Eve and Dorik Metelski. 

She married Richard A. Nelson, who preceded her in death, at St. Leos Catholic Church in Ridgway on May 24, 1969.

Felcia was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1965, and a graduate of Ora Jean Beauty Academy in Erie. She worked as a beautician at Bella Donna Salon for 55 years. She was a member of St. Leos Catholic Church where she diligently served numerous ministries. Felcia had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and recited the rosary Sunday evenings at church, leading many others to share that devotion. She led the Prayer Chain, served on the Pastoral Council, and was a member of the Cursillo Movement. Felcia received great blessings from attending morning Mass with her friends. Receiving the Eucharist was “the source and summit” of her daily life.
 
She is survived by her sister Doreen “Doe” Cherry (Skip) and their daughter Vanessa E. Cherry (the love of Felcia’s life) and Vanessa’s furbaby Armani James, a sister Barbara Metelski, and a brother Dorik (Skipper) Metelski all of Ridgway. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Felcia L. Nelson will be celebrated at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Justin Pino, pastor of St. Leos Catholic Church, as celebrant,  Father Brian Vossler, pastor of St. George Catholic Church in Erie, and Father Mark Groeger, pastor of Prince of Peace Church in Northem Cambria, as con celebrants. 

Burial will be at St. Leos Cemetery.

Friends will be received at the St. Leo Church gathering space from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Memorial, if desired, can be made to the Ridgway Ambulance.

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

Andrea Swartz Ribble, 45, of Kearney St. in Kane, PA passed away at her home on Wednesday (May 22) following a lengthy illness.  Born Oct. 15, 1978 in Amherst, OH, she is the daughter of Carl Swartz and Cindy (Denver) Allen.  On Aug. 11, 2018 in Kane, she married John Ribble, who survives.

Andrea worked for many years at Tops grocery store and people that didn’t even know her by name would definitely know who she is.  She was always in the front of the store helping the cashiers and customers.

Germaine M. Meyer, 86, of Jackson Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

She was born on April 21, 1938 in Kersey, PA, a daughter of the late John and Sabina Hasselman Wolfel.

On September 10, 1955, she married the late Ellsworth “Bud” Meyer, who preceded her in death on January 27, 2017.  Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage.

Germaine was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Queen of the World Church. Very proud to be a nurse, Germaine earned her LPN license later in life and worked at Guy and Mary Felt Manor, where she worked as a charge nurse and enjoyed caring for the residents there over the years. Always enjoying the outdoors, she loved watching the birds and tending to her garden. She was also a talented quilter, often gifting her beautiful works of art to her grandchildren. She also enjoyed canning and farming, with a special love for her cows.

William R. “Bill” Perschke

William R. “Bill” Perschke, 68, of Scandia, PA, died on Friday, May 24, 2024, in LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Erie, PA.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Caro A. Simonds, 86, of Bradford, PA passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 in the arms of Jesus; meeting her family in Heaven, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

She was born on January 19, 1938 in Bradford, the last of the thirteen children of Grant and Ella Huntoon Work.

She attended Bradford Area Schools and was a graduate of the BOCES School of Nursing, Olean, NY.

On October 18, 1955 in the former Lutheran Church on Jerome Ave., Bradford, she married Lester L. Simonds, who survives.

She was employed as an LPN at the Bradford Regional Medical Center for twenty-seven years until her retirement in 2005.  She was fondly known as the singing nurse by her patients and coworkers.  She was also the hospital’s first Employee of the Month.

Mary Lou (Sporner) Schutz, 90, of 850 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a brief illness Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

She was born November 2, 1933, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Isadore J. and Esther Kraus Sporner.  She attended St. Marys Parochial School and graduated from Central Catholic High School, Class of 1951.

On May 27, 1989, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mary Lou married the late Alfred J. Schutz.  Shortly thereafter, she retired, after 38 years from National Fuel Gas Company. 

Mary Lou enjoyed a very active life and was involved in many activities and organizations.  She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Her faith drew her to volunteer with various church committees such as Care and Concern, Bereavement Dinners, Candle Committee, and the Altar Society.  She also served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Smethport–Charlotte L. Clutter, 79, of Smethport, PA passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at her residence.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Dixie L. Van Horn, 88, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her residence after a lengthy illness.

She was born on January 31, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Ut, the daughter of the late Forester and Helen Burke Miller.

On January 11, 1974, she married Marlin Van Horn, who survives.

Throughout her life, Dixie found joy in the simple pleasures of cooking and sewing, honing her skills in the kitchen and creating beautiful handmade crafts. Her passion for these pursuits brought joy and comfort to many.  Her compassionate spirit and unwavering faith as a Jehovah’s Witness enriched the lives of all who knew her. Above all, Dixie cherished spending quality time with her children and dear friends.

In addition to her husband of 50 years, she is survived by 4 children: Dennis M. Kohler of West Palm Beach, Fl, Marlon Van Horn of Ridgway, Michelle Van Horn of St. Marys, and Tonya Lesansky of Charlotte, NC, 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a sister Kimberly Long and her husband Larry of Alabama.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Miller.

Funeral Services for Dixie L. Van Horn will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

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

Wellsville, NY – Anna R. Cook, 90, formerly of Genesee, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born December 12, 1933, in West Union, NY the daughter of the late Harold and Helen (Spencer) French. She first married Frederick Kiel on August 30, 1952, in Genesee, he predeceased her on September 18, 1980. On December 8, 1990, she married Gordon Cook in Genesee, and he predeceased her March 27, 2020.

Anna found her career with the United States Postal Service and was employed for 25 years. Outside of work she was a member of the Genesee United Methodist Church (for over 70 years), where she sang with the choir, in addition to singing for weddings and funerals. She was a Genesee Town Historian, and a member of the Potter County Historical Society.

Donald James Totten, Jr., 72, of 4088 Cortland Drive, Davenport Florida, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Born on November 15, 1951, in Cuba New York, he was the oldest son of Donald James Totten Sr., and Jeanne (Beyer) Totten. He was married to his wife of 22 years, Karen (Burgett) Totten, who survives.

Donald graduated from Cuba High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics and Computer Science from SUNY Brockport, and later, a Master of Science (MS) in Computational Science, also from SUNY Brockport. He had a long career as a Software Engineer and Data Analyst.

Richard N. “Diamond Dick” Schwabenbauer, 98, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Race Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

He was born on January 16, 1926 in St. Marys, a son of the late Walter and Gertrude Wickett Schwabenbauer.

On April 15, 1950, he married the late Mary Carminati Schwabenbauer, who preceded him in death on January 8, 1992. Together they shared more than 41 years of love and laughter.

Dick was a lifelong resident of the area and member of St. Marys Church, where he also served as an usher for many years. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and was a lifelong member of the American Legion. Dick was the proud owner of Diamond Dick’s Bar and Grill for many years, where he served many a beer and made many friends over the years. In his younger days, Dick won the mustache contest for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of St. Marys. He enjoyed gardening, and often could be found competing with friends to grow the largest leeks, sunflowers, and potatoes to name a few. He also loved going to polka parties with his wife, and was a longtime member of the Sunrays Polka Club.

Mary Lou (Sporner) Schutz, 90, of 850 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a brief illness Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

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

FAIRPORT, NY—Winifred Maue Anderson Wetzel, 92, of Fairport, formerly of Olean, NY, passed away with her daughter by her side on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in the Fairport Baptist Home in Monroe County, 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.

Rexford “Rex” Waddington III, 76, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Monday morning (May 20, 2024) where he resided following a series of strokes.

He was born February 6, 1948 in Port Allegany, PA, the son of the late Rexford Waddington, Jr and Mary Ann (Seyler) Waddington. He was his mother’s whole world. She lived with and devoted her entire life to him. He was nicknamed “Sonny” and she was his “Hazel” because she took such good care of him.

Dixie L. Vanhorn, 88, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her residence.

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

Felicia L. Nelson, 77, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois.

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

Kristen Marie Johnson, 42, of 23 Limestone Street, Bradford, PA passed away
Thursday, May 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, at Buffalo
General Hospital.

Born February 6, 1982, in Bradford, she was a daughter of Jeffrey Earl
Johnson, and Stephanie Ellen (Morris) Johnson, both of Bradford.

She attended Bradford Area schools.

Alan Russell Poorman, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at home. Alan was born March 25, 1943 in St. Mary’s, PA and grew up in Emporium, PA. He graduated from Penn State University and served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969.

Alan spent his civilian career working for the Department of Defense as a computer programmer. Upon retirement, Alan expanded his woodworking hobby to a business, Cutterboards, Etc., creating functional wood items and artistic wall pieces.

Alan and Noreen enjoyed travelling, attending craft shows and visiting friends and family.

Paul Eugene Monjar, 106, died peacefully on May 22, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born on September 6, 1917, in Clintonville, he was a son to the late Harry Austin and Lois (Alverna) Monjar.

The Monjar family moved to Gifford, when Paul was a young child. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1936.

On December 6, 1941 in Bradford he married Hazel E. (Freeman) Monjar, who preceded him in death in 1952. On September 29, 1962, in Bradford, he married Betty J. (Gimera) Monjar who died May 11, 2000.

Paul retired from Dresser Manufacturing Division in 1979 where he was a foreman in the Welding Department. He had worked there for 37 years. After retiring, along with his wife, Betty, they opened The Attic Shop where they specialized in antiques and framing.

Mr. Monjar was well known throughout the area as a fine baseball and softball player and played for many years both on Smethport and Bradford area teams. He also was an avid golfer and a founding member of Pine Acres Golf Course.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford. He served as a Deacon, and Elder, and usher as well as a member of the Property Committee along with taking care of the Memorial Garden. He served at the Friendship Table for several years as well as the Elf Program.

Patrick A. Bayer, 67, of Oil City, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2024 following a short illness at UPMC Northwest in Seneca, PA.

He was born August 10, 1956, son of the late Andrew X. and Edith Meyer Bayer.  He was a lifelong resident of St. Marys until lately and was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1975.  He worked at SGL for many years and also drove a truck for Eagle Express.  In recent years he loved working and helping out at a local shelter, being of help to them in various ways which made him most fulfilled in life.  He also would fill in at the local Taco Bell when they needed someone.  His biggest enjoyment was the days spent with his son who meant so much to him.

Anne E. McCleary, 68, of Coudersport, PA passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. 

Anne was born on September 15, 1955, in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of the late Leo and Marjorie (Spencer) Constantine.  She married Byron R. McCleary on October 18, 2003 and celebrated 18 years of marriage until his passing on January 2, 2022.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 23,2024 at 11:00 am at the Christ Episcopal Church, 601 N. Main St., Coudersport.

The family suggest memorial contributions in Anne’s name be made to the Coudersport Public Library, 502 Park Avenue, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to the North Country Voices, c/o Donald Caskey, Treasurer, 75 Snowman Rd., Coudersport, PA 16915.

Anne’s arrangements are in the care of the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com

John Hollingshead, 76, of Spruce Ave. in Kane, PA passed away Friday (May 17) at UPMC-Kane.  Born Sept. 26, 1947 in Kane, he is the son of the late John and H. Jane (Hahn) Hollingshead.

John did many things throughout his life.  He had worked for IBM after he got out of school, then he sailed the Great Lakes.  He had also worked for Stackpole and the Allegheny Particle Board Plant and most recently he had been employed by Constable Furniture.