Howard A. “Homer” White, age 72, of Ridgway, PA passed away on January 2, 2024, after a brief illness.

Homer was born July 2, 1951. He attended Saint Leo grade school, Elk County Christian high school, where he participated in track and football. He began at Penn State University for teaching, but he found his passion in the outdoors as a logger.

He continued in the teaching gift with his children, imparting skills in hunting, fishing, and woodworking, and instructing even his children’s friends how to navigate life. His children say he was the best dad. Homer also passed along his knowledge of tree cutting to others.

Shelby C. Henderson, age 74, of Knoxville, PA passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.

Born on October 15, 1949 in Corning, NY, she was a daughter to the late Charles and Mable (Wescott) Nichols.

She loved being outdoors; whether that was camping, fishing, or going yard-saling. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, gardening and canning, sewing and spending time with friends and family.

Shelby and her husband, Thomas Henderson, were members at the Knoxville VFW and after his passing, she continued attending Friday Nights Fish Fry when she had the chance.

Loving Father, Grandfather

Louie J. Wilson, 85, of 649 Sanford Hollow Rd., Genesee, NY passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 30, 2023 at home.

Born on November 29, 1938, in Parishville, he was a son Walter and Amanda Lottie Wilson.  He came from a large family in upstate New York with many siblings.  On March 3, 1967, in Denver, Colorado, he married the former Carol Baker who predeceased him on October 15, 2022. 

Louie was a self-employed building contractor in the area for many years retiring in 1998. 

He was an avid hunter, loved animals, country music, and enjoyed playing the guitar.

RICHBURG, NY—Daniel James Barkley III, 20, a lifelong resident of Richburg, passed away unexpectedly at the home of his grandparents in Friendship on Monday, January 1, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Funeral arrangements, under the care and direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Nancy J. GIBSON, 78, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, January 1, 2024 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  

Born August 23, 1945, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Robert W. and Isabelle “Izzy” Yardlay Gibson.  A 1963 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she attended college and earned certification as an x-ray technician.  

She was employed by Philadelphia General Hospital, George Washington University for 24 years, and Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville for 20 years.  

Shirley F. Dively, Major, US Army Retired, age 98, of Wellsboro, PA died December 28, 2023, at Broadacres Nursing Home.

He was born April 7, 1925, the son of W. Bruce and Bessie Irene (Mock) Dively of Bedford County, PA., and was the great-grandson of three Civil War veterans: Gabriel Burket, Emmanuel Mock and Gabriel Dively, all of Bedford County.

He spent over 20 years serving his country in nine branches of the US Army before retiring in September 1963. Served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre during World War II and saw combat in the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa, and the Philippines. Subsequent service included duty in Europe, Korea, Japan, and The United States. Received the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, The Good Conduct Medal, with three Loops, and eight other service awards and decorations with three battle stars and a bronze arrowhead.

He was married to Elinor Ruth Claycomb for over forty-nine years, Elinor preceded him in death in 1997. He married Pauline (Stevens) Bowen on May 2, 1998 and they have celebrated 25 years of marriage.

Susan D. Thompson, 72, of Emporium, PA passed away at her residence, Emporium, PA on Sunday afternoon (December 31, 2023). She was born October 11, 1951 in Apollo, PA a daughter of the late Robert K. and Ora Jean Brooks Shaner.

Susan retired from GKN where she worked for many years. She was enjoying her retirement and enjoyed her many dogs in addition to the wildlife near her home.

Liv Synnøve Lien, 73, previously a resident of Coudersport, PA, passed away unexpectedly in her home in Mandal, Norway, on December 26th. On December 1st, 1973, in Oslo, Norway, she married the love of her life, Helge Lien. They celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and close friends before her passing. 

Liv had several careers including ballet dancer for the Oslo Ballet Company, demolition derby driver, professional ski instructor, bartender at the Crittenden Hotel, esthetician and teacher. 

Liv enjoyed several years in the ski industry. She and Helge built up the cross-country portion of Oregon Hill in Wellsboro for 1 season and managed Denton Hill for 3 seasons. They then developed the cross-country center for Susquehanna Lodge for 4 seasons. After retirement in Norway, they built up a small alpine ski area on the farm that they managed for 10 years. It closed in 2023.

Richard E. Gray, 56, of Route 321 North of Kane, PA passed away Tuesday (Dec. 26) at a second property he owned on Fraley St. in Kane.

Born May 3, 1967, he was the son of the late Larry Bass and Debra Gray.

Rick was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and a lover of animals. He had worked as a roustabout in the oil fields and he was also a member of the Kane Eagles Club AERIE #307. He was a member of both a electricians’ union and a carpenters union in his lifetime.  He was full of life and humor and will be missed.

Joan T. Stromberg, 86, Port Allegany, PA passed peacefully in her home on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

Joan was born to Reese and Sally Summerson in Port Allegany, PA on August 11, 1937. Joan attended Port Allegany High School. She married the love of her life, Paul L. Stromberg, on February 26, 1954. Together, they built a home, family, and life. They were married for 49 years until he died on September 4, 2003, also at home.

Joan, aka Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Joan, spent most of her days enjoying picturesque views from her kitchen table. She loved visiting with friends and family and having a cup of coffee and a little snack. She was an accomplished artist who was inspired by what she saw and whose brush was moved by her heart. In years long past, she worked at Chapins Store in Port Allegany and later with Jaguar Manufacturing Co. in Smethport.

James L. Hammond, 90, of Kromas Ave., Port Allegany, PA passed away Saturday (Dec. 30, 2023) in UPMC Cole Coudersport.

     Born August 21, 1933, in Troupsburg, NY, he was a son of Ephraim F. and Margariet Burton Hammond.

     James worked for Jack Frost Construction Co, State College, PA, for several years, working in both the office and on construction sites, before his retirement.

Joanne “Jody” Elizabeth Garbic, 77, formerly of Green Valley, AZ and Hickory Road, St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the Casey House in Rockville, MD after a long battle with cancer. 

Jody was born September 8, 1946, in St. Marys, daughter of James and Jane (Fox) Schloder.  She was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1964, continued her education at the Christian College in Missouri, and was later employed by the St. Marys Area School District. 

On June 17, 1968, Jody married Peter G. Garbic.  They lovingly raised two sons, Jason and Peter. Jody made many lifelong friends in St. Marys and enjoyed hosting and attending family parties and gatherings.