Sandra J. SEELEY, 70, of Potter Brook Road, Westfield, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2023 surrounded by her daughters.
Born August 10, 1952, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Donald and N. Marie Tubbs Madison. On December 14, 1969, in Ulysses, she married Alwin L. Seeley, who survives. She was employed by Electri-Cord in Westfield for over 40 years and by Buchanan’s Pharmacy in Westfield in retirement. Sandie devoted her life to her family.
Surviving besides her husband, Al, are: four daughters, Bethany Chapman, Stephany (Bryan) Hurler, Mindy (Tony) Bump, and Shelly (Cody) Perry; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; five sisters; two brothers; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her step-father who was like a father, Al Plank; and her niece, Katrina “Chunk” Stiles. Friends may call Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA, where Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM. Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Potter Brook. Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Danville at www.rmhdanville.org or American Heart Association at www.heart.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Norma Lois Whipple went to her eternal home on January 15th, 2023, at the age of 90.
Lois, the daughter of Randolph M. Gregg and Ethel E. (Mathias) Gregg, was born October 31st,1932 outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the second youngest of 9 children. Her family moved to the Rexford/Ansonia area of Pennsylvania to what is now known as Whipple Hill when she was in Grade 9. While on a church-sponsored trip, Lois met the love of her life, Lynn Whipple, who she learned was born in her parent’s home.
Lois married Lynn on July 15th, 1952 in the backyard of Whipple hill. Military Service moved the couple to Washington, DC where they had their son, Paxton. They returned to the Pine Creek Valley area and had their daughter Pamela.
After the death of her mother, Lois moved her young family to Whipple Hill to care for her blind father for 12 years. She was an active member of her church community, participating as a Sunday School Teacher, and a Bible School teacher, and serving on multiple groups and committees. Lois also attended the Galeton Senior Center and enjoyed renewing friendships as well as making new ones. She chaired the Angel Food Committee and loved giving food and other items from her home.
Lois had a deep appreciation for the fine arts, especially music, art, and theatrical performances. She was a wood carver and loved to paint and craft. She wrote over a hundred poems and verses. She said that God’s nature was often the inspiration of her own art; she loved reading about the birds and wild animals on her property and sharing information about the animals’ habits and habitats with her visitors.
Lois’s faith and the love of the Lord was closest to her heart. She was a passionate reader and researcher of bible scriptures. Lois was an avid computer user and over the past decade, Facebook became a platform for her to share God’s love; she would share messages of encouragement, verses, and scripture readings to family members and friends daily.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn; her granddaughter, Lorelle; her brothers, Nelson and Glenn; and her sisters, Betty, Ruth, Dorothy, Alice, Gladys, and June. She was the last surviving member of her original family.
Lois is survived by her two children, Pax (Kirsten) Whipple and Pamela (Jim) Vaiana; her grandchildren, Lynette (Richard) Sly, Cody (Amanda) Whipple, Curtis (Whitney) Whipple, Maribeth (Scott) Fura, Joseph (Crystal) Vaiana and Anthony Vaiana; and her great-grandchildren, Sara, Elliot, and Cassie Holcomb, Eliza, Theo, and Sylvie Fura, Madison Whipple, and counting.
Friends may call on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Pine Creek Valley United Methodist Church, Gaines, from 10:00-11:00am with a Funeral Service following at 11:00am. The Rev. Frank Billman will officiate. Because Lois loved her Church and all of her Church family, please send donations in her memory: Pine Creek Valley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2, Galeton, PA 16922.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton.
Elk County Coroner Michelle A. Muccio is releasing the following information in regards to a death that occurred in Elk County on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Elk County Prison. At approximately 7 AM on Sunday, January 15, 2023, a correctional officer with the Elk County Prison was completing a routine round and was informed that a female inmate was not conscious or breathing. Stevie N. Mann, 32, of Wilcox, PA was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Coroner Michelle A. Muccio. The cause and manner of death at this time are pending investigation and information will be released as it becomes available.
On January 11, 2023 Marlin D. Smith, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away at age 76 with his family by his side. Marlin was born on a beautiful May 19, 1946, in Wellsboro, PA to Frederick M. and Marian B. Smith.
He grew up in Wellsboro/Asaph enjoying all that the small town had to offer. He helped his grandfather on the farm, hunted, fishing, played football, and graduated from Wellsboro High school in 1964. He wanted to be a farmer, but wasn’t able to accomplish that due to the early death of his grandfather. He graduated from Lehigh University in 1968, and graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1971 with his Doctorate of Law. We all heard how proud he was of his Alma mater. His move to Alaska in 1971 started an adventure like none other. It was 32 years of new experiences, one around every corner. He now had the opportunity to practice law in the frozen north. After his move to Alaska, he practiced law in Fairbanks for a short time, then was transferred to Barrow (Utquagvik), Alaska. It being one of the northernmost cities and towns in the world, and northernmost in the United State being located 360 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It gave him the true Alaskan experience. Hunting and fishing.
We so enjoyed hearing him share with the family many a story of the cold north. His law career continued in Fairbanks, Alaska’s golden heart city, where he met his love, Beverly Lorz. They married in September of 1982. In 1988 they welcomed their first bundle of joy, Megan, to the family. Their second amazing daughter, Sara, followed in 1990. The Fairbanks community enjoyed seeing Marlin each year with the Kiwanis Christmas tree fundraiser. We’d see the sparkle in his eye as families scored their holiday trees. Marlin was a very active member of the Kiwanis Club of Fairbanks for a number of years. He loved the community and people. He could talk to everyone and anyone. 2003 became time to return to PA. He packed up house and family and moved back to the family farm in Asaph, building their now home where he loved to garden and mow huge expanses of lawn. After moving back to Wellsboro/Asaph Marlin substituted as a teacher and is remembered by young people for that. His passions were his wife, children, grandchildren, reading, gardening, animals and the farm.
Survived by his wife, Beverly Smith of 40 years, two daughters (Megan G. Pope, and Sara K. Smith) four grandchildren (Leland and Darian Thompson, and Lukas Converse and Zoey Pope), and a sister (Dr. Ardys Boostrom).He was preceeded in death by his father and mother (Frederick M. Smith and Marian B. Smith, and a brother (Marvin Smith). Memorial services will be held at the United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, February 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Tx 77030. Malin’s family has entrusted the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901 with his arrangements. To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
John Dickinson, 62, of Westfield, PA, passed away early Monday morning, January 16th at Strong Memorial Hospital with his daughters at his side.
John was born on October 31, 1960, in Wellsboro, PA. He was son of former Franklin and Sharon Dickinson.
John was a loved dad, grandpa, brother and friend to many. He enjoyed collecting bottles, camping with his nephews, fishing with his grandkids, hunting for ginseng, and spending time with his family.
John is survived by his daughters Mindy (Ryan) Stephens and Megan (David) Culkins. Grandchildren Trinity Wimpelberg, Carter Stephens, Logan Stephens and Sophia Culkins. Brother Stephen Dickinson. Sisters Holly (Jeff) Musselman and Cindy Dickinson. He is preceeded in death by his sister Mary Jo Dickinson.
John wished to have a celebration of his life in lieu of a funeral. The family will be holding the celebration this summer.
Ridgway, Pa. – New born lambs smell just like new born puppies, and who doesn’t love a new born puppy? For the next couple of weeks only, Big Maple Family Farm, north of Ridgway, will open their farm to the public for “lamb snuggling”. Grandparents, Parents, and Aunts and Uncles are encouraged to bring a youngster to the farm for a half-hour of lamb snuggling. The youngsters might even be able to watch bottle feeding of the lambs! Adults can snuggle the lambs, too, if they wish.
Kids love lambs and the lambs enjoy the youth. But there is also a health benefit to lamb snuggling – lamb snuggling releases oxytocin into the bloodstream, which reduces stress, lovers blood pressure, and lowers the heart rate. Come have some fun and help yourself or your young person with lamb snuggling. If you do not have access to the internet, please Amanda Balon at 814-335-0804. Amanda will also answer questions at amandabalon46@gmail.com if you are having trouble registering via the URL link above.
Big Maple Family Farm produces food for families, such as frozen meats, vegetables, homemade pickles and canned vegetables, BBQ sauce, relishes, and maple syrup. You can pick up farm food from the Farm Store during lamb snuggling times.
For young people interested in The Adventures of Logan and Donkey, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xfh6HZOjD0, and then subscribe to continue to watch the adventures Logan has with his miniature donkey, called Donkey
Big Maple Family Farm is located at 877 Long Level Road, Ridgway, PA 15853. The farm is located 7 miles north of the Borough of Ridgway. Questions can be addressed to ambalon46@gmail.com.
DESCRIPTION: …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 11 AM EST TUESDAY… * WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of a light glaze. * WHERE…Yates, Steuben and Schuyler counties. * WHEN…From 5 AM to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Temperatures will fall well below freezing tonight, allowing precipitation to begin as a wintry mix including freezing rain. Precipitation will change to rain as warmer air moves in, but glazing may continue a little longer as ground temperatures will lag behind air temperatures.
COUDERSPORT–Second Floor Apartment, completely furnished. Washer, dryer, stove & refrigerator. One bedroom. No pets. No smoking. $650. per month plus utilities. $650. security. 814-274-8765 or cell .
Margaret Elizabeth “Peg” Griffin, 71, of 620 Penn Street, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Saturday afternoon, January 14, 2023 at Penn Highlands-DuBois. She was born June 20, 1951 in St. Marys a daughter to the late Charles F. and Mary Withington Griffin.
A Lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Peg was a 1970 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. She was a 1974 graduate of Edinboro University with a BS Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education.
She was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Johnsonburg where she was a Eucharistic Minister and was the Director of Religious Education for 28 years. Peg dedicated her life bringing children closer to God through teaching them the Sacraments. She had worked with the Girl Scouts of America, had been the Elk County director of the GED program and had been the co-chairperson of the Holy Rosary Festival for many years.
Peg had worked tirelessly at Holy Rosary School in Johnsonburg as a fourth grade teacher for many years as well as teaching Sunday School for many years. After the closing of Holy Rosary School, she worked at Elk Haven Nursing Home in the dietary dept. until her retirement in 2017.
Peg is survived by two sisters; Mary Ellen Muroski and her husband Tom and Patricia Gilmore and her husband Tom all of Johnsonburg. In addition, she was a loving aunt to nine nieces and nephews; Amy Imbrogno (Edward) of Raleigh, NC, Mary Lee Barwin (John) of Dauphin, PA, Donna Miller (Danny) of Johnsonburg, Thomas Muroski (Dara) of Coatsville, PA, Rosemary Aiello (Frank) of St. Marys, Kathleen Rice (Duey) of Masury, OH, David Gilmore (Erin), Charles Gilmore (Chris) and Thomas Gilmore (Rachel) all of Ridgway. Nineteen great-nieces and nephews and their parents will miss Peg deeply.
In addition to her parents Peg is predeceased by a dear friend of the family Jane Judice.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret E. “Peg” Griffin will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Friday January 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Fr. David Wilson as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, PA. If desired, memorial contributions should be made in her name to the Holy Rosary Religious Education Program, 606 Penn St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845
Ryan A. Worthington, 39, of Shinglehouse, passed away in his home on Friday, January 13, 2023, after a long battle with addiction.
Born on Saturday, June 18, 1983 in Nurnberg, Germany, he was a son of William D. “Will” and Tracy L. Howard Worthington.
Ryan was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. In school he enjoyed playing baseball.
When he was 11 years old, Ryan began delivering the Olean Times Herald in Shinglehouse. For several years in New Jersey, Ryan was employed by Denville Line Painting Company.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping. He was an extremely talented mechanic, enjoying working on cars, his favorite one being his Mustang. His greatest love was his family.
Surviving in addition to his parents are three sons, Landen R. Worthington, Brennan J. Worthington, and Blaine M. Worthington; a sister, Tonya S. (Israel) Alonzo of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two brothers, Craig (Amy) Worthington of Trafford and Derek R. Worthington of Shinglehouse; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ryan was predeceased by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Private funeral services will be held at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse with Pastor Rick Price of the Church of Christ, Bradford, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Ryan’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil. L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Ryan, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Harry R. “Skip” Cook, everyone’s gentle giant and the perfect sheep dog taught his final lesson of love on January 13, 2023. Surrounded by all his girls, he was serenaded into the arms of our Lord. He is right back where he most loved to be, side by side with his wife, Barbara J Cook who passed away February 9, 2022. They are both greatly missed by their five daughters; but the girls have peace knowing they are reunited.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 25, 1942 to Leone and Morris Cook. He and his brother worked tirelessly to keep his older sister and parents guessing; what ruckus would they cause next. He graduated from Muskegon High School and became an X-ray Technologist. Through those skills, he went on to become an exceptional sales man for medical technology companies. He was known for his character and quality of service to all his customers.
On November 7, 1964 he married the woman that made his heart flutter, Barbara J Puisis, at Sacred Heart Church in Muskegon Michigan. They were married for over 57 years. She was waiting at the mailbox for him.
In 1973, with babies in arm they moved to Warren, Pennsylvania. While a career path led him there, side by side with his “Chicky” they fulfilled their dreams and worked to build a community for their family and others. Together they restored 4 homes on Poplar Street to their original splendor, were actively engaged in activities at St. Joseph’s Church and modeled kindness and servitude to all he met Barb was the list maker, yet he was the provider. She was the dreamer; he was the builder. All of his girls know how to swing a hammer, stack wood and get the hard work done. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners will never be the same. He was the dressing maker, the turkey baster and the man in charge for those grand meals. Every year the list making and preparations started earlier. He could not wait for his helpers to show up. In his retirement, they worked their final project. Together they designed, created and ran the Tree House in Cooksburg, PA. It was at the Tree House that the family would gather to make piles of memories. Through the years his career shifted and grew but one thing remained the same. He was a dad to so many; he never met a stranger and all who met him, left a better person having known him. He lived and loved every day as if that was the day that he would be remembered for.
He will be profoundly missed by his five daughters and their husbands; his sons. Jennifer and Todd Boston of Warren, Emily and Jim Cunningham of Clarion, Abigail and Buddy Flerl of Wexford, Rachel and Mike Malak of Cranberry, and Gabrielle and Jeff Laswell of Franklin Park.
He was a loving Papa, the best Papa, to his 17 grandchildren; Jacob (Nichole) and Mitchell Boston; Donny, Blaise, Mercedes, Violet, and Raven Cunningham; Daphne, John, and Luke Flerl; Addy, Nate, and Owen Malak; Audrey, Dominic, Viola, and Gabe Laswell. He was blessed with 3 great grandchildren; Cam, Max and MaLeah.
He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Dr. William and Sandy Burdick of Kalamazoo Michigan. Sandy adored her little brother beyond measure.
He was predeceased by his wife and parents, his brother Michael Cook and his granddaughter Violet Cunningham.
In the last months of Skip’s life, he built a community at New Haven, Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople. Through the stories he regaled of the games of Bananagrams, working the puzzles, and sharing time with friends; it was evident his heart was filled with joy. His daughters are so grateful for the grace filled friendships he made during his time there. He loved you all. The staff, that became family, surrounded him with care and gentle hands that enabled him to live life fully. We are all so blessed through your gentle, caring hearts and hands.
Frends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East Street Warren, PA on Friday January 20, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 21, 2023 at 11:00 am in St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren Pa, with the Rev. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. Burial will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, Pa. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Joseph G. Boyd “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”
Joseph G. Boyd, 82, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, after suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s.
Born November 9, 1940 in Coudersport, he was the eldest son of Joseph H. and June (Hackett) Boyd. On June 1, 1968 he married Kathryn (Dynda) and they renewed their vows on February 14, 2010.
Joe was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 as a Navy Seaman aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1964, he went to work as an inspector for PennDOT in the Clearfield District for nine years, then transferred to the PennDOT office in Coudersport as the County Coordinator until his retirement in 1998.
Joe was a member of the Sweden Valley Faith United Methodist Church, and the American Legion Potter Post 192 where he held the office of Chaplain for many years in the Potter County Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Susquehanna Trail Club and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He became one of the first volunteers for Pennsylvania’s Adopt A Highway program in 1990, keeping his two-mile stretch of Route 6 clean in his lifelong home of Sweden Valley.
Joe was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his harvest with everyone, and spent five winters in Florida growing a small garden there. He loved to read, putter around outside, and spend time teaching his grandchildren to hunt, fish, and build almost anything. He would drop what he was doing, day or night, to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for his family, friends, and even strangers. He did everything out of the goodness of his heart and never expected anything in return.
Joe was also an artist in his own right. Over the years, he created many beautiful works of art using charcoal, pastels and oil paints on canvas, saw blades, rocks and even shelf mushrooms he’d find on trees. He gave away the majority of his creations for others to enjoy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; son, Glenn (Christine) Boyd of Coudersport; daughter, Tonya (Todd) Hall of Painted Post, NY; grandsons, Brandon (Shannon) Burrell of Roulette, Gabriel Draper of Painted Post, Tyler and Chase Boyd, both of Coudersport; brother, Greg (Anne) Boyd; sisters. Kathy (Greg) Furman and Virginia (Charles) Hoock; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dan, Bob, and Thom.
At Joe’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials may be made to the Potter County Military Honor Guard, ℅ American Legion Post 192, 2 Buffalo St, Coudersport PA 16915; Sweden Valley Faith United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 1450 E Second St, Coudersport; or to the charity of donor’s choice.
Joe entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Joe, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
To my Dearest Love,
It was a heartbreaking end to this cruel disease, but I know your suffering is now over. You are well again, happy, and free from pain, thanks to the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So go out and enjoy taking wonderful care of God’s garden now. At the end of the day, take the time to create a beautiful work of art for the Lord with the amazing gifts he gave you.
A piece of my heart will be missing until we are reunited again in heaven. Always loving you, Kathy (Baby Doll)
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man who broke into a Smethport residence and forcibly removed his former girlfriend has been sentenced to state prison.
Caleb CRENSHAW, formerly of Bradford, was charged by Smethport Borough Police Chief Patrick Warnick following a report of a kidnapping on December 10, 2021. That morning, police were dispatched to a residence on Holmes Street where a suspect was reported to have entered the residence, taken the woman against her will, and fled into a nearby wooded area.
Chief Warnick was able to take the defendant into custody and transported him to the police station for processing. At the station, CRENSHAW fled from the station and was apprehended again by police.
CRENSHAW was sentenced by the Judge during a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on January 12th to 62 months to 124 months plus 3 years of consecutive probation and additional terms for Burglary, Kidnapping and Escape.
DA Shaffer urges victims of domestic violence to seek help immediately by calling 911 and the YWCA, who can provide services.
Front Row: L-R Doug Bauer, Margie Schlimm, Rachel Rhed, Tracey Meeker, Ellen Stolarski, Sheila Bauer, Mary Mattivi, and Chrissy Kuhar Back Row: L-R Greg Snelick, Mandy Assalone, Harley Ramsey, Rachel Gabler, and Joe Schlimm
Elk County-The St. Mary Area School District supports the St. Marys United Way campaign through their generous employee payroll program. Pictured is Doug Bauer, St. Marys United Way Payroll Chairman and some of the school district’s teachers and staff. The St. Marys Area School District has 39 employees who personally contribute to the United Way through the St. Marys Area School District’s payroll program. The St. Marys Area School District is the largest payroll program for the St. Marys Area United Way. Doug recognized each contributing employee with a blanket as a token of appreciation for their donation. These blankets were purchased through a grant United Way received to help rejuvenate the payroll program following COVID.
St. Marys Area School Districts payroll program supported the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. The United Way’s 2022 campaign goal was $170,000. Funding raised in 2022 was available for eligible organizations to seek grant funding in 2023.
As a result of the 2021 campaign, the St. Marys Area United Way provided grant awards to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Boys Scouts-Bucktail Council, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation, Dickinson Center, Fox Township Sportsmen Youth Program, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Guardian Angel Center, Life & Independence for Today, St. Marys Area School District, St. Marys Interparish Rooted Youth Ministry, St. Marys Library and the Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame located on the Diamond downtown St. Marys. The 2022 campaign closed on December 31,202 and the 2023 grant awards along with the 2023 campaign goal will be announced following the St. Marys United Way annual board meeting on January 26, 2023
The St. Marys Area United Way has served the citizens of the City of St. Marys and surrounding counties since 1925. The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. If you would like to become one of these individual or corporate donors, please call 781.6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Sandra J. SEELEY, 70, Westfield, PA, died Saturday, January 14, 2023. Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
William (Bill) Bartges, 88, of Laurel Lane, Kersey, PA passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Saturday January 7, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 22, 1934 in Mt. Jackson, PA, son of the late Harry and Mae (Huffman) Bartges. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 1955 and travelled the globe solving customer issues and building relationships as the Technical Service Manager for the Carbon/Graphite Group (formerly Airco Speer).
On September 6, 1958 in Export, PA, Bill married C. LaVerne (Hostetler) Bartges who survives. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage; three children: Harry (Elaine) of Memphis, TN, Charles (Marcia) of Bradenton, FL, and Brenda (Brett) Giles of Atlanta, GA; and eight grandchildren: Kevin (Jessica), Hannah (Andrea), Tessa (Dakota), Andrea (Will), Katie, Emma, Megan, and Claire. He was preceded in death by his sister Marie (Bartges) King.
An avid, lifelong Penn State fan with football season tickets for almost 50 years, Bill rarely missed a home game and travelled to many away and bowl games. Although he would “never leave until the game was over” (regardless of the weather), he loved tailgating just as much. Family, friends, and random strangers delighted in his abundant hospitality, storytelling, sing-alongs, and frequent cheers of “WE ARE….”. He was a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, St. Marys Quarterback Club, and Shiloh Presbyterian Church.
Proud to be an American yet humble about his service in the United States Army, he valued education, providing for his family, and quietly practicing his faith. He enjoyed camping, fly-fishing, horseracing, and golfing with “The Retreads” (even before they earned the name). He made strangers into friends, and friends into family wherever he went.
Family was Bill’s top priority and he never missed a chance to gather with them, usually driving long distances to do so. Snowbirding was not just about the weather, but about living with, and being a part of the fabric of his expanding family’s lives. His fun loving personality lit up every room he was in, and made even the best of times better. The twinkle in his blue eyes as a crooked smile crossed his face usually meant something exciting was about to happen and will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held at the Shiloh Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Scott Wiest, officiating. Private burial will be in the Centre County Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.
Memorials, if desired, can be made to the Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 217 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692; or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Mary Jane Chiodo,90, of Warren PA., died Thursday evening, January 12, 2023, with her family at her side in the Rouse Home.
She was born on April 26, 1932, in Bradford, PA. Mary Jane was the only daughter of Frank A. Chiodo and Verna (Betty) Harford. She was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School. Mary Jane then attended the Bradford Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1953 with a degree in Nursing. She was employed by the Warren General Hospital as a Registered Nurse in the OR, ER and Maternity Departments after moving to Warren in 1954. Mary Jane met and married Frank R. Chiodo, her husband of almost 61 years in 1955. They resided in Warren and raised 3 sons Louis, Frank Jr., and Gregory. In 1976 she returned to work as an R.N. at the Warren State Hospital and was employed there for 17 years until she retired in 1992.
By far, her greatest joy was her family, including her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They brought joy to her life, meaning to her actions and purpose to her days. She loved to cook and bake, making our family meals, weekend gatherings, and especially our holidays together so cherished and memorable. Mary Jane loved to travel with her husband after their retirement. Florence, Italy was her absolute favorite. Her entire life revolved around caring and doing for others. She was the epitome of selflessness, caring for her husband’s elderly parents, Luigi and Katherine, her children, her husband through an extended illness and her eldest son through his battle with cancer. She rarely ever thought of herself first. Even much of this obituary was penned by Mary Jane herself years before her death to spare her sons the anxiety and stress of writing it after her passing. Mary Jane was a long-time member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.
She is survived by her sons, Frank R. Chiodo Jr. of Warren, and Greg L. Chiodo and his wife Jacqueline LaWarre of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren Anthony Chiodo and his wife Liz, Brittany Chiodo, Courtney Chiodo, Angela Jerman, and Christina Martin and her husband Mike; five great grandchildren Fiona Chiodo, Zachary and Autumn Jerman, and Colton and Madison Martin; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, and her husband she was preceded in death by her son Lou Chiodo and two great grandsons Sylas Chiodo and Asher Chiodo.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren PA on Monday, January 16, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph R.C. Church 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren, PA with the Rev. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. Interment will be held in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through St. Joseph Church Educational Center Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren PA 16365 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.