Dianne M. Hequembourg Emmons, 80, of Elma, and formerly of Lyndon and Cuba, NY passed away Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023) at Hospice of Buffalo, after a brave fight with ovarian cancer.

Born Sept. 25, 1942, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Lindsey A. and Helen M. Greene Gross. On Nov. 19, 1966, in the Cuba First Baptist Church, she married Donald E. Hequembourg, who predeceased her Jan. 23, 1995. She later married Sidney L. Emmons on Dec. 16, 2006, who survives.

Dianne was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1961.

Eloise M. Kelts, 100, of 1203 Boatman Road, Knoxville. PA passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Eloise was born in Osceola, PA on June 2, 1923 to Nelson and Agnes (Starr) Brass. She was Miss Knoxville at one of the first Laurel Festivals in Wellsboro, PA and was a member in the Order of the Eastern Star for many years.

On December 7, 1942 in Knoxville she married Richard Kelts. They were married for nearly 78 years and lived together on the Boatman Road farm their entire lives.

In the mid-1960’s, Eloise went back to school at Mansfield College, graduated and became an elementary school librarian and 4th grade teacher until she retired 18 years later.

Mary Ellen Bushey, 72, of Bradford, formerly of Salamanca, NY, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 at her home.

She was born on March 5, 1951 in Salamanca, a daughter of the late Donald and Mary McMullen Rupple.

She was a 1969 graduate of the Salamanca Central High School.  She was a graduate of Fredonia University; where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Lawrence A. Skillman, 63, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence, Emporium, PA on Sunday morning (September 3, 2023). He was born January 14, 1960 in Barnesboro, PA a son of the late Laverne and Violet Bartlebaugh Skillman.

Lawrence graduated from Cameron County High School. He worked for Elcam in St. Marys for many years. He loved to spend time outside in the woods especially hunting.

Frederick W. Keck, Jr. 80, of 961 High Street, Bradford, PA passed away, Thursday, August 31, 2023, at The Pavilion @ BRMC, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was a man of few words but endless ways to solve a problem; his calming presence and illimitable wisdom will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Born September 29, 1942, in Coudersport, he was a son of the late Madeline (Dumahoski) Keck and Frederick William Keck Sr.

Fred was a 1961 graduate of Austin High School, and on March 19, 1963, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged on May 10, 1967. Serving his country was one of Fred’s proudest honors, second only to “being there for his girls.”

He married Ruth M. (Smith) Keck, who survives, on April 24, 1965, in Bradford, where the two raised their family. 

Ruth M. Ackley, 96, formally of Pine St. in Kane, PA passed away Saturday, (Sept. 2) at  the Warren Manor.  

Born June 14, 1927 in Port Allegany, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Ella (Beckwith) McNeil.  On March 28, 1947 in Kane, she married Dean Q. Ackley, who preceded her in death on June 17, 2002.

Ruth worked many years and retired from Houston Electronics.  She had enjoyed rides with her late husband, crocheting and spending time with her family.  She attended the First Baptist Church of Kane.