Donna Rachel Marie Simbeck, 92, of St. Marys, PA died peacefully at her home on December 19, 2023.

She was born August 23, 1931 in Elbon, Pa, the first child of the late Raymond and Margaret Herzing Gahr. On August 7, 1954 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married Richard “Dick” Simbeck who preceded her in death on April 2, 2013.

Donna was a coal miner’s daughter.  Her first school experience was in a one-room schoolhouse in Elbon where she was able to skip first grade.  After her father was killed in a mining accident, her mother moved the family of 5 to St. Marys to live in her grandparents’ home.  Donna attended the St. Marys Parochial school and graduated salutatorian of the Central Catholic High School, class of 1948.

Thomas L. Kline, 77, of Ash Street, St. Marys, PA passed away suddenly at his residence on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

He was born on May 11, 1946 in Ridgway, a son of the late Theodore and Loretta Ruth Kline.

He married Louise O’Hern, who survives. Together they shared more than 57 years of love, laughter, and happiness.

Tom worked as an autobody technician for many years. In his free time, Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as trapping. He also liked going to camp and spending time outdoors. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Audrey D. LOWREY, 83, of Dry Prong, LA, formerly of Gaines, PA, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in her home.  

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

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

Stephen E. Finestone, 89, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at home surrounded by family. 

He was born January 23, 1923, in Ottawa Canada to Isaac and Ivy Elizabeth (Ashton) Finestone.  Stephen served in the US Army, earned his Master of Divinity, and on February 4, 1957, married Celia Bruss with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. 

He worked as a pastor, insurance salesman, teacher and social worker.  Stephen worshipped at local churches, and was an avid amateur astronomer and ham radio operator.

Ruth A. Wheale Bees, 93, a resident of Watson Memorial Home, Warren, PA, died at her residence, Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023. 

She was born in New Castle, PA., on June 26, 1930.  Ruth was the daughter of Albert and Susanna Eskew Wheale.  She resided in Althom, PA., for 40 years and Warren, PA., for the past 13 years. 

Ruth was a 1948 graduate of New Castle High School, New Castle, PA.  She along with her husband, owned and operated, a heating & air conditioning company, where she served as bookkeeper.  She was employed as a nurse aide and practical nurse at Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., and retired in 1995, from Blair Corporation, in the returns department.

Helen E. Dean, age 88, of Westfield, PA passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport.

Born January 14, 1935 in Osceola, she was the daughter of the late Norman L. and Elizabeth (Hartman) Hoyt.

Helen enjoyed playing bingo and baking.

Jane L. Williams, 69, of Duke Center, PA passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born on October 27, 1954 in Port Allegany, a daughter of the late James “Butch” and Edna McClenahan Williams.

She was a 1974 graduate of the Otto-Eldred High School, Duke Center.

She was an active and devoted member of the Rixford Evangelical Church where she was well known for her “peanut butter pies” that she donated for church functions.  Jane loved spending time with her dogs, working on puzzles, listening to country music and she made sure to check on her neighbors daily.

Mary Ellen (Doane Snyder Dean) Boudreau, 87, of Pinellas Park, Florida, passed away on December 17, 2023, in Vancouver, Washington.

She was born November 17, 1936, in Wellsboro to James Everett and Mary Estelle (Lyon) Doane. While finishing her studies at Wellsboro High School, she worked at the Penn Wells as a waitress and hostess. She married Floyd Snyder in 1954, who also worked at the Penn Wells. Subsequently she worked at the Tioga County Courthouse. They had one son, Kent.

Willard J. “Buster” Kennedy, 88, of Ohio Ave. in James City, PA passed away Sunday night (Dec. 17) in the Lutheran Home at Kane, where he had recently resided.  

Born March 22, 1935 in Tidioute, he is the son of the late Willard and Dorothy “Dot” (Bowley) Kennedy.  On June 18, 1983 in Kane, he married Shirley Winner, who preceded him in death.

Buster drove truck, dozer and skidder and worked as an operator for John Kocjancic.  He also had worked at the Wilcox Tannery and retired from the Johnsonburg Paper Mill after many years of service.  

Ruth M. Branigan, 84, previously of Kane, PA passed away on Dec. 16, 2023 in Reading. Born April 25, 1939 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Robert and Selma Mohney.

Ruth was a professional truck driver and a member of the Teamsters Union.

Roger Lee Peterson, 65, of Chase St. in Kane, PA passed away Wednesday (Dec. 13) at his residence. Born Oct. 21, 1958 in Kane, he is the son of the late Paul and Mary Ellen (Luck) Peterson.

Roger had worked as an Installation Technician for Nortel.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and he enjoyed playing golf, camping, hiking and fishing.