Makala N. Fritz, 21, of Delaware Ave. in James City, PA passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (Jan. 26) at her residence.  She was born on April 26, 2001, in St. Marys, the daughter of Travis Fritz and Michelle (Smith) Horton.

Makala was a graduate of the Kane Area High School.  She loved her cats and had adopted several from the McKean County SPCA.

She is survived by her father Travis (Jody Miller) Fritz of Penn Run; her mother, Michelle (James) Horton of Rasselas; her maternal grandparents, John (Karen) Smith of James City; her paternal grandparents, Jerome (Beverly) Fritz of Johnsonburg; two uncles, Patrick Smith of James City and Aaron (Savanna Kohut) Smith of Kane; one aunt, Kelly Fritz of CA; five sisters, Malysa Confer of Ludlow, Hailey Slater of Mt. Jewett, Sydney Slater of Wilcox, Madison McKown of ND and Avra Lynn Jenkins of Penn Run; two nieces, Loralie Anderson and Olivia Myers and nine cousins, Andrew, Isaac, Jacob, Aaron, Isabella and Aden Smith, Alexis Woods and Jace and Judd Johnston.

She was preceded in death by her uncle, Adrian Smith II.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Ave. Bradford, PA 16701.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

R. Waneta Spencer, age 94 of Elkland, PA passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the Corning Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born on May 10, 1928 in Clymer Township, PA. Waneta was married to Duane Spencer for 54 years before his passing in May of 2002.

She graduated from Sabinsville High School and afterwards she attended the Elmira Business and Shorthand College where she received her degree. Following that she was a librarian at the Cowanesque Valley Elementary School for a handful of years and then she transferred to Cowanesque Valley High School where she retired.

Waneta loved caring for all her animals; especially her dog, Charlie and cat, Izzy. She was an avid gardener, spending a lot of her time in her backyard tending to her flowerbeds. She enjoyed socializing with friends and neighbors whenever she got the chance. Waneta was also an avid reader and was a 50 year member and president of LeCercle Moderne Book Club. She was loved dearly by her family and neighbors. 

Waneta is survived by her daughters, Lorraine Borden of Rye, NH and Kelli Marchi (Ron Austin) of Horseheads, NY; grandchildren, Tara (Anthony) Pittarelli of Newark Valley, NY, Lesley (Scott) Wurstner of West Seneca, NY, Shannon Collins, Katelyn Marchi and John Marchi all of Corning, NY; great grandchildren, Wyett and Carter Pittarelli, Kennedy Wurstner, Brooke Collins and Carlee Marchi; great-great grandchild, Cole Farrell; half siblings, James Young, Richard Young, Beverly Brown, Donna Morehess, Colleen Sutton, Maureen Cook and Alberta Knowles.

Waneta was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; son, Shane Spencer; and half siblings, William Young, Robert Young and Shirley Ann Putman.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be sent to either the Horseheads Community Animal Shelter by clicking here, Wellsboro Animal Care Sanctuary by clicking here or any animal shelter of your choosing. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St. Elkland, PA. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com

Cathleen Dianna Patricia Marengo,  AKA: Cathie\Chappy\Chaps\Cat was a special soul that connected and uplifted those around her. She embarked on her spiritual journey at 48 years old on Friday, January 27th, 2023 in her home supported by friends and family and guided by her Grandma Joyce. She fought a fierce, valiant battle against the evil-doer…C-word!

Cathie was born on March 27, 1974. She believed that “Honesty is the best policy…do you really want to know the truth?”  She was sunny, witty, kind, confident, humble. She was open minded and inclusive. She embraced people for who they were and tried to see life with all perspectives. She had a phenomenal sense of humor. Her large heart loved to give.

She had a gift for talking and connecting with people and naturally helped others through their own journeys. This ability to connect with others made her an extraordinary therapist which allowed her to help so many in our community. She received her master degree in social work at Mary-Wood University. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and worked as a clinical therapist at Concern’s Mental Health Outpatient Program in Tioga County. She had many other prideful therapy jobs and opportunities prior.

Her high school alma mater was Cowanesque Valley-Class of 1992. She was a passionate individual who loved her job, therapy, her friends, her family, her cats and her hobbies. She enjoyed spiritual discoveries, movies, music, green, skulls and tie-dye.

She was the daughter of Ellen M. Bowe Marengo of Wellsboro and the late John T. Marengo of Middlebury Center.

She is survived by her mother, Ellen Marengo; her sister, Maria (Clinton) Painter; her brother, John (Roxane) Marengo; nieces and nephews: Stephanie (David) Painter, Hayley (Mike) Painter, Bryant (Shayna) Painter, McGwire (Autumn) Painter, Shyanna (Charles) Plank, McKendra (Nakota) Williams, John Marengo Jr., Jaiden Marengo; great nieces and nephews: Meadow Joyce Geiger, Savannah Geiger, CJ Painter, Brixton Painter, Rhett Plank, Jagger Plank and Callum Williams. Her family also includes “The BFF Crew” AKA (Chaps’ Hoes). 

Her celebration of life will be at the Carleton Funeral Home, 11470 Route 6, Wellsboro, Pa on Wednesday, February 1st from 11:00am-1:00pm. Per Cathie’s Request please dress casually in TIE-DYE or bright colors. Come Celebrate! 

Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com

Alfred W. “Bill” Marshall, 83, of105 Willow Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, at Pinecrest Manor, after a lengthy illness.

He was born November 25, 1939, in New Cumberland, WV, son of the late Leonard and Dora Coad Marshall.  Bill was a graduate of Glassport High School, Class of 1957.  After graduating, he entered the United States Army and later went to the State Police Academy.  It was that position that brought Bill to Elk County.  He went on to own Marshall’s Accounting Services and was part-owner of St. Marys Steel Supply.

On September 14, 1963, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bill married Veronica “Roni” Samick, who survives.  They were blessed to share over 59 years of marriage.

Along with his wife, Bill is survived by his son, Douglas Marshall (Mary) of Rehoboth Beach, DE; two grandchildren, AJ and Alia Marshall; his sister, Patricia Stoner (Gaynor) of Powell, OH; sisters-in-law: Beda Marshall of Georgia, Mary Ann Samick of St. Marys, and Theresa “Tessie” Murphy (Bill) of Drexel Hill, PA; a brother-in-law, Francis “Sam” Samick (Sue) of Rochester, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two children: his son, James William Marshall and his daughter, Gail Lynn Marshall; his granddaughter, Ashley Marshall; and his brother, Leo Marshall.

Bill was a dedicated member to his community while serving on several boards that included the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital, and the Community Nurses.  Bill enjoyed traveling with Roni and their friends, playing golf, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He found his most joy following his grandkids’ sports teams as they grew up.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

A brief visitation will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 9:30 AM until the time of service.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Pinecrest Manor, 763 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857; or to a charity of one’s choosing.

The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com. 

Sigrid Fitzpatrick,78, of Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at her residence. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Marion I. Dallenbach, 75, of 65 Rodgar Lane, Bradford,  PA passed away Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Kenneth B. Vosler III, 71, of Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Rosewell Park, Buffalo, NY.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Robert D. “Bob” WILLETTS, 68, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, January 27, 2023 at his home. 

Born June 7, 1954, in Cuba, he was the son of Donald and Marcella Wickwire Willetts.  On September 14, 1996, in Stannards, he married the former Mary Lou Riley, who survives. 

A 1972 graduate of Angelica High School, he earned degrees from Alfred State College and Erie Community College and became a licensed Optician in 1976.  He owned and operated Optical Options in Wellsville for 30 years.  He assisted at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, in Wellsville for the last five years. 

Bob was an avid snowmobiler, Bills fan, and golfer.  He was a member of the Wellsville Sons of the American Legion, Wellsville Moose Lodge, Angelica Snow Drifters, Potter County Snowmobile Club and active in numerous snowmobile clubs helping with the Whitesville and Alma Pond Races.  

He was known as “Uncle Dad” by all the nieces and nephews. 

Surviving besides his wife, Mary Lou, are:  two sisters, Marcie Willetts of Scio and Cindy Willetts Leasure of Florida;  three brothers, Donald Willetts of Wellsville, Richard Willetts of Virginia Beach, VA, and James (Dale) Vossler of Wellsville;  a brother-in-law, Ed (Darlene Knox) Riley of Wellsville;  two sisters-in-law, Janice Riley and Nancy Wilson, both of Wellsville;  special friends, Danny and Linda Brownell and Tom and Kay Lauzze;  nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Russell Willetts and Ronald Willetts;  father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Arlene Riley;  a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John A. and Dawn Riley;  and a special friend, Krystal Brownell. 

Friends may call Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY, where Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Jon Schink will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to the SPCA serving Allegany County, P.O. Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Wellsville Montessori School, c/o Danielle Walsh-Barroso, 125 School Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Cheryl C. Synder, 74, of Warren, PA, fought a five-month cancer battle valiantly and passed from this earth and into the arms of Jesus on January 28, 2023, at Warren General Hospital.

Born on October 8, 1948, she was adopted by Charles and Lillian (Schell) Camp of Pittsfield, PA. She grew up in Pittsfield on her parents’ dairy farm. She graduated from Youngsville High School in 1966.

Cheryl worked at the New Process Company and at the State Hospital after high school. She served customers at several different restaurants in Warren before retiring from Legends Restaurant. Cheryl also worked as a CNA in several different nursing homes, caring for elderly patients who were dear to her heart.

A daily testament of God’s redeeming grace, Cheryl was a member of the Warren Wesleyan Church, serving on the Missions Board and Women’s Ministry Committee. She enjoyed spending time with her family, being in church, reading, lunching with friends, and dog/cat sitting for family and friends.

Cheryl is survived by her three children, William Burrows of Warren, Lisa (Patrick) Jordan of Warren, and Lynn (William) Shultz of Sheffield; five grandchildren, Scott and Mitchell Jordan, Jordan and Johnathan (Kylee) Burrows, and Lillian Shultz; her siblings, Frances Lester, James Camp, and Harold (Nancy) Camp; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Graham whom she married in 1986, brothers Charles and Howard Camp, and sister-in-law Jean Camp.

Cheryl loved well and let her light shine for Jesus everywhere she went and no matter how she felt. She leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, and kindness.

Friends will be received at the Warren Wesleyan Church, 602 4^th Ave., Warren, PA, on Thursday February 2, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will follow there at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Kyle Pollen, officiating assisted by Pastors Carles and Jo Moore. Burial will be in Garland Presbyterian Cemetery, Garland, PA.

Memorial contributions for Cheryl may be sent to Warren Wesleyan Church, 602 4th Ave. or to Warren Public Library, 205 Market St. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.

Wendy S. KINNEY, 74, of Scio, NY, died Friday, January 27, 2023 in Jones Memorial Hospital after a long fight with cancer. 

Born December 7, 1948, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Jack and Shirley Taber Burr.  On August 2, 1969, in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville, she married Jack W. Kinney, who survives. 

A graduate of Scio Central School and Continental School of Beauty in Olean, she was employed by LaGra Salon in Wellsville and the U.S. Postal Service in Scio.  She retired after serving as Scio Town Clerk. 

Wendy was a member of First United Methodist Church in Scio, member and past president of Scio Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and was a past Cub Scout Master for Pack 746.  She was an avid Bills Fan, “Go Bills!” 

Surviving besides her husband of 53 ½ years, Jack, are:  three children, Keven (Lisa) Kinney of Lady Lake, FL, Jeffrey (Dominique) Kinney of Bolivar, and Michele (Andrew) Astry of Noblesville, IN;  seven grandchildren;  a great-grandson;  two sisters, Cheryl (Richard) Holden of Hamburg and Pam Carapella of Westfield;  a brother, Jack Burr of Palm Springs, CA;  several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Gail Rounsville. 

Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.  Burial will be in Burrville Cemetery, Caneadea on May 27, 2023. 

Memorials may be made to Burrville Cemetery, c/o Allegany First F.C.U., P.O. Box 300, Filmore, NY 14735 or Scio Volunteer Fire Department, 3459 CR 10, Scio, NY 14880.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Connie Marie Shepard (Foust) died at her home in New Bloomfield, PA, on January 27, 2023.

She was diagnosed with late stage cancer in August 2022, and fought to celebrate 7 out of her 8 living grand-childrens’ birthdays, her 72nd birthday, her 53rd wedding anniversary with her husband Brian, Thanksgiving with her entire family including with her first great grand-child, her last Christmas and New Year’s. Her strength and love touched her family and caregivers as she fought to give loved ones beautiful final memories.

She was born September 30, 1950, in Alba, PA. Her parents were Richard and Doris Foust. She graduated from Troy High School in Bradford County, PA, where she played tenor saxophone in marching and concert bands. One of her fondest memories was of playing in Atlantic City, NJ, with her high school dance band. She attended business school in Williamsport, PA, where she met her beloved husband Brian. She married Brian F. Shepard on November 15, 1969, in Alba, PA. He survives and misses her with all his heart.

They enjoyed vacationing together particularly the times they spent at the ocean and beach. Her commitment to loving her children and caring for her husband always gave Brian comfort and joy. He appreciated and did not take for granted her wonderful cooking, homemaking, and devotion to him, their children, and grandchildren. They lived their first 40 years together in Millport, PA, in Potter County before moving to Carlisle, PA, then New Bloomfield, PA, for the last 15 years. Connie professed faith in Jesus Christ as a child. Though she faced many challenges to her faith throughout her life she continued to reaffirm her faith in Christ as her savior until she died.

Connie was first and foremost Mom to her three sons, Michael (Sarah) of Scottsdale, AZ, Brian L (Kathy) of New Bloomfield, PA, and Bradley (Denise) of New Bloomfield, PA. She lived to care for and love her sons and then eventually their grandchildren. They were her pride, joy, and love of her life next to her husband Brian. She never missed one of their wrestling, cross-country, baseball, or track competitions. She hand made their Halloween costumes, baked them their favorite treats, comforted them when they were hurt, celebrated their successes, and sacrificed selflessly to support them through college and into successful executive careers.

She was a full time homemaker during her sons’ younger years and worked outside the home later in retail, candle making, home services, and found joy and success at Adelphia Communications in service and sales work. She was an amazing cook, baker, and crafter. She celebrated and made every birthday and holiday special for her sons and then her grandchildren. The love she gave to each member of her family is the amazing legacy she leaves. Rummy, marbles, Payday and Yahtzee games, hand made gifts, warm hugs in good and bad times, spaghetti and movie night at her house, baking and cooking their favorite foods with each grandchild, seeing the Rose Bowl and each grandchild’s sporting events, were her joy and the treasured legacy she leaves her deeply beloved grandchildren. She loved each of them so hard. Words cannot describe the depth of her deep and abiding love for each of these special grandchildren. They warmed her heart and brightened every day for her.

In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her grandchildren Emma (Collin) Vakos, Kirkland Shepard, Henry Shepard, Logan Shepard, Charles Shepard, Linsay Shepard, Aden..Shepard, and Evan Shepard. She lost her baby grandson George Shepard and always celebrated his birthday and Christmas. She lived after her cancer diagnosis to see her recently born great grandchild William Reese Vakos and found so much joy Facetiming him and his mother Emma in her final months. She is also survived by her brothers Robert Foust and Randy Foust of Canton, PA, brother-in-law Larry Hall of Troy, PA, and nephews Nathan Hall, Jason Foust, and niece Nicole Carey.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved siblings Richard (Rick) Foust and sister Joann Hall.

Family visitation and memorial services will be held at Boyer Family Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA 17068, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 3 pm for family visitation and remembrance and memorial service at 4 pm.

The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the Shepard Family.

Brenda K. Nellis                 “beloved mother, grandmother, and sister”

Brenda K. Nellis, 60, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, January 26, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Born on Tuesday, March 6, 1962 in Warren, Ohio, she was a daughter of Kenneth and Augusta “Aggie” Howard King.

Brenda was a graduate of Jamestown Community College in Olean, N.Y., receiving her Associates Degree in Human Resources.  She was employed as a CNA at both the Bradford Manor and the Bradford Ecumenical Home.  For a short period of time Brenda was employed at Walmart in Bradford until retiring due to ill health.

She enjoyed crocheting.  Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are five children, Harry W. Williams II of Eldred, Samantha L. Galchick of Salem, Ohio, and Justin H. (Britany) Williams, James B. Nellis, and Quentin K. Nellis, all of Eldred; six grandchildren; three siblings, Earl (Karen) King of Jamestown, Pa. and Carl (Kathy) King and Ruth (Pete) Melson, both of the State of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents.

Family and friends are invited to call from 11am to 12 noon on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse.  A service will follow at 12 noon where family and friends will have the opportunity to share stories and memories of Brenda in a casual setting.

Her ashes will be lovingly buried under a Cherry Blossom tree on her property.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, 497 PA-244, Oswayo, PA 16915.

Brenda’s family has entrusted her 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 Brenda, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.