All Obituaries

Harry W. "Keek" Rice, 85, of Derry Twp.,  went home to be with the Lord Sunday January 19, 2020 at Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born May 14, 1934 in Derry a son of the late Charles and Rebecca Jane Hunter Rice. He was a member of  Bible Baptist Church.  Harry had worked as a water well driller and was very handy, able to fix or build anything. He enjoyed woodworking, his dog Lacy and hunting. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Betty L....

Mark V. "Doodles" Repko, 58, of Latrobe died Saturday January 18, 2020 at his home. He was born February 8, 1961 in Latrobe a son of the late Joseph S. and Sylvia Fay Dick Repko. Mark worked out of the Laborers Union Hall in Latrobe until his illness. He was a passionate mushroom picker, a lover of dogs and a good friend to many. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Thomas Repko. He is survived by his wife Priscilla Donoughe Repko, three sons; Seth and...

Melinda A. Murty, 50, of Pittsburgh (formerly of Derry), died Saturday January 18, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 21, 1969 in Latrobe a daughter of the late William J. and Anna Jane DeGrandis Murty. Melinda was a registered nurse who worked for the UPMC health system. She was a  "great" aunt to all of her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Melinda is survived by her sisters; Michelle "Shelly" Mucci (Lenny) of...

Robin Joy Hanig, 64, of Ligonier, died January 14, 2020, at home surrounded by family. Born April 18, 1955, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow "Woody" and Ruth H. Lauffer. She was also preceded in death by her brother Harry Wilson Lauffer.  She graduated from the Western School Medical Assistant Program and took a number of community college classes.  In addition to being a homemaker, she worked as a nurse aide  and caregiver at multiple...

Bonnie L Kuntz, 76, of Bells Landing, originally of Buffalo, NY, was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2020 at Penn Highlands Dubois, after a lengthy illness.  Bonnie is proceeded in death by her father Robert Greis, mother Elva (Brandt) Greis, and a brother Robert "Bobby" Greis.  Bonnie is survived by her son Jeremiah Kuntz and wife Megan, daughter Rachelle Brackman and husband Geoffrey, three grandchildren...

Richard Edward "Dick" Vesco, 85, passed away January 11, 2020 in his own home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born January 28, 1934 in Superior a son of the late Louis Sr. and Anna Mae Gardenis Vesco. We are comforted that Dick is once again at peace with his loving wife, Carol Tobias Vesco who preceded him in death on January 19, 2017, they were married for 55 years.  Dick is also at rest with his grandmother, Laura Holman. Dick is survived by his loving...

Sonya Lynn (Palmer) Zeunges, 47, of Latrobe, died Saturday, January 11, 2020.  She was born in Latrobe July 18, 1972, a daughter of the late Robert D. and Myrna (Scarbrough) Palmer. Sonya is surviverd by her son Bradley Zeunges of Latrobe, her fiance' Danny Angelo of Latrobe, three brothers Bob Palmer (Beth) of Woodstock Va, Ed Palmer (Kim) of Latrobe and Doug Sam, a step-son Steven Long-Angelo, two grandsons Carter and Brody, an aunt Sarah McGraw, 3 nieces Janelle, Erin and Arianna...

  Born the third and youngest child of Mary Lucy (Augustyn) (1910 - 1996) and John Paul Miller (1908 - 1959), preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn (1933 - 2018), her brother John “Jack” (1935 - 2014 ), and two husbands.   Survived by 6 daughters with Donald David Karolick (1933-1971): Mary Diane “Dede” and Gary Krawzyk of Punxsutawney, Rita and Tom Parise of Lancaster, Carol Czerniec and Erick Winegar of Ashburn VA, Donna and Steven Greenhut of...

Ronald E. McDonald, 53 of Punxsutawney passed away January 6, 2020 at his home with his family by his side.   He was born in June 17, 1966 to Ed Grassel and Gloria Donnelly in Almont Michigan.   He was self-employed as an Independent Operator for Bimbo Bakeries. Ron was a member of Paris Companies Bowling Team…. He enjoyed Bowling, Golf, watching Football with his son, Cooking, Baking and spending time with his grandchildren.   He is survived by a son Dustin E....

Patrick (Pat) R. McGuire, 82, of Punxsutawney passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor in Brookville.    He was born on June 21, 1937 to Irvin and Bessie (Beckwith) McGuire in Clymer, PA.    He married the former Arlene Smith on April 4, 1964 and was very faithful in taking care of her daily for about 20 years while she suffered from Alzheimer's disease.    Pat was a member of the First Church of God in...

Betty M. Dilts, 85 of Punxsutawney peacefully slipped into the arms of her Savior, Wednesday, January 1, 2020.   She was born June 1, 1934 to Byron and Margaret (Brooks) Ishman. Betty was a 1952 graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Larry Dilts, on June 14, 1952, and raised their family in R.D 1, Rossiter. Most important to Betty was her faith, husband, family and friends.  Betty and Larry were avid square-dancers, and polka...

Dorothy Roberts Fleming, 91, of Derry peacefully passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, at her home. She was born Nov. 2, 1928, in Ligonier, the daughter of the late Myrtle Irene Griffith Roberts and Clyde Lemon Roberts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert William "Flip" Fleming who died on Jan. 12, 1996; a daughter, Bobbie Jo (Tim) Krinock, who died Dec. 21, 2010; two sisters, Louise Opdyke and Joanne Manges, and two brothers, Stanley...

Pearl Joann Butterworth, 79 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, December 30, 2019, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital with her family at her side. She was born October 1, 1940, in Punxsutawney to the late Robert and Pearl (Sloniger) Miller. She worked many years at Pramco / Sportswear before retirement. Pearl was very much a people person who could put a smile on anyone's face. She loved playing bingo and attending the activities at Mulberry Square. She is survived by two daughters;...

Laura Lee (Hollenbaugh) Nelson, age 58, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019, peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was born October 10, 1961 in Punxsutawney, to the late Albert and Mary (Haire) Hollenbaugh.  She was a loving, compassionate and giving person who always had a helping hand and a listening ear for anyone in need. Laura had a smile that would brighten your spirits and a goodness that would uplift your soul. She was a loving wife and mother and an adoring...

Stephen M. Gray, 51, of Latrobe passed away Sunday December 29, 2019 at UPMC-Shadyside Hospital. He was born June 3, 1968 in Latrobe, a son of the late John J. "Red" Gray Sr. and Dolores M. Henkel Gray. Stevie was a 1986 graduate of Derry Area High School. He was always the "life of the party" and would put a smile on your face. He was an avid sports fan and sports enthusiast. He played basketball in high school and after high school played softball. Stevie had...

Tammy L. Grindle Brewer, 48, of Latrobe, died Friday December 27, 2019 in UPMC-Presbyterian after a sudden illness. She was born October 9, 1971 in Somerset a daughter of Gloria Burick Grindle of Latrobe and the late Richard Neil Grindle. Tammy was a very loving and creative person who had worked as a hair stylist. In addition to her mother she is survived by her siblings; Richard "Rick" Grindle of Latrobe, Christopher "Chris" Grindle (Angela) of Derry, Tracy Grindle...

Merle W. Wazelle, 75, of Brookville, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019.   He was born on July 26, 1944 to Armond and Carrie Mae (Pearce) Wazelle in Punxsutawney.   Merle was a retired coal miner from Doverspike Coal Company. Merle was skilled at many things and liked helping family and friends with numerous projects. He enjoyed spending time on his farm, hunting, the outdoors, picnics, and especially cooking for his friends and family. Time with them was seen as more...

Stephen W. Fairman, 95 of Punxsutawney, passed away on Thursday December 26, 2019 at Jefferson Manor. Stephen was born on November 3, 1924 to Michael and Mary (Soltis) Fairman in Walston. He married Anna Jane Thomas on October 5, 1954. She preceded him in death on November 23, 2017.  He was a member of Saint Peter and Paul’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Punxsutawney. Stephen retired from the A&P Supermarket as the manager of the dairy department. He enjoyed his vegetable...

James “Jimmy” Christopher Helman, 59 of Punxsutawney passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019. He was born in 1960 to Thomas and Josephine (Long) Helman in Punxsutawney. Jimmy was employed for Matson lumber for most of his working career, being active in all aspects of the lumber business. He was proud of being the founder of Helman’s Boxing Club, where he coached young area boxers, producing several state runner up, and Golden Glove Champions in boxing including one...

Mary Jane Holeva, 82 of Rossiter passed away Saturday December 21, 2019 at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital.     She was born June 26, 1937 to George and Mary (Pluchinsky) Mesanko in Adrian.   Mary Jane was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Rossiter. She enjoyed her dogs Fifi and Coco, crocheting, crossword and word search puzzles, painting her fingernails, feeding birds, deer and watching wildlife. She was proud of raising her seven boys and most of all she loved...

 Ronald Frances "Flip" Fleming, 82, of Derry, died Wednesday, December 18,2019 in Melbourne,FL. He was born January 12, 1937, in Derry, a son of the late Robert J. and Elizabeth (Couchenour) Fleming. Mr. Fleming was a US Navy veteran and retired from Latrobe Steel after 35 years of service. He belonged to a golf league with many close friends in Melbourne, Florida and loved watching all sports, especially the Steelers.(his favorite team). He was a fun loving guy who enjoyed...

Michael L. Starry, 41, of Latrobe, died suddenly Friday December 13, 2019 at his home. He was born April 6, 1978 in Latrobe, a son of Louis E. and Carol Felbaum Starry of Latrobe. Mike was a USNavy Veteran and worked at Techin Mark in Latrobe. He was an avid bowler, hockey and baseball fan. He was a friend to all and loved to travel. In addition to his parents he is survived by his son Jason Williams and his daughter Heather Starry both of Niantic, Connecticut. A brother Matthew L. Starry...

James (Beno) Lattanzio, 52, of Latrobe, passed away peacefully December 12, 2019 at his home. He was born December 9, 1967 a son of Patrick Lattanzio and Darlene (Fisher) Lattanzio. James is survived by his mother Darlene; his daughter Brianna Lattanzio; aunts and uncles; Anthony (Carmen) Lattanzio , James Romansky, Debbie (Jim) Shawley, Dee (Todd) Riffle, Diane Dempsey and Eric Demalta; two nephews John and Danny Lattanzio of Latrobe; several cousins and special friends Harold Baker, Jimmy...

Tracy Lyn (Harner) Baranski, 43, of Hempfield Township, died December 10, 2019. She was born October 4, 1976 in Jeannette. She is survived by her mother Rosann Clawson, her daughter Emily Pomaibo, a grandson Dylan Davenport; one brother John Harner, four sisters Robin Harner, Marcie Nibarger, Jodie Pickett and Linda (Caldwell) Balik. Tracy Lyn enjoyed decorating and loved her animals and her job. All services are private for family.

Ronald T. "RT" Bolen, 83, of Derry died Wednesday, November 27, 2019 to join his wife Jane. He was born December 30, 1935 in Livermore, a son of the late Harry Thompson and Ruby Bell Shields Bolen. Ron was the youngest boy of nine children. He was raised in a farming family in the Livermore River Valley of Clarksburg. He participated in FFA and was a running back at Elder Ridge High School. Following high school, Ron worked various jobs until he entered the Police Academy in 1965...

Dennis (Denny) E. Johnston, 66, of Latrobe, died Tuesday November 26, 2019 unexpectedly at home. He was born March 7, 1953 in Latrobe a son of the late Donald (Spike) and Irene Hartzel Johnston. Denny was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He loved riding motorcycles and has said some of the best times he ever had was going for long rides on his Harley with his daughter Leila and her husband Harold. He was a die hard Steelers fan and also loved going on family vacations to the...

Morton “Shea” Landy, 90, of Mahaffey passed away Monday, November 25, 2019 at Ridgeview Elder Care in Curwensville.   He was born May 4, 1929 to (George B. Landy) and (Estella (Fryer) Landy) in Washington, DC He is survived by a nephew, Shea Ralph and two nieces, Sheila and Susan Ralph of Florida, and numerous cousins throughout the country. Shea was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, LouAnn (Landy) Ralph of Florida. Shea enlisted in the Marines in 1946...

Cynthia L. “Cindy” Hinderliter, 60, of Valier passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019. She was surrounded by her loving sister, niece and brother. She was born in 1959 to John and Janet Marie (Burdette) Wands in Pittsburgh.  Cindy was a member of First Life Church. She was a long time employee of the Sheetz Corporation. She enjoyed spending time with her daughter and grandchildren as well as her favorite little neighbor Carrie. Cindy also enjoyed spending time with her...

Laura J. Bridge, 94, of Derry, died Friday November 22, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born March 22, 1925 in Latrobe a daughter of the late William Albert and Irma Dunlap Harris. Laura was a member of St. Martin Roman Catholic Church of New Derry. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Daniel J. Bridge, a daughter Barbara Ann, two grandaughter's Julie and Dana, two great grandson's Christopher and Caleb, great great grandson Jakub, two...

Ida Rose Sylvester Herda With great sadness we announce the passing of Ida Rose Sylvester Herda 97, of Derry on November 19th, 2019. She was born June 02, 1922 in Derry, Pa and was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo R. Sylvester, Christine (Bruno) and Elvira R. Sylvester (Galosi); her husband Stephen Herda, her siblings, Elizabeth, Anthony, Carl, Albert, Dolores, Mary, and Bernard (Buzz) as well as Guido (John), Lodovico (Lodo), Pasquale (Patsy), Louie Sylvester and their spouses and...

Harold H. Wertheimer of Derry, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 in Greensburg. He was born August 6, 1947 in Indiana, PA to Charles Sol Wertheimer and Caroline Ruth Foust Wertheimer. He spent his childhood in Indiana, having been orphaned at age 16, he moved to Derry to live with his sister Louise and her family. He graduated from Derry Area High School in 1967. He was predeceased by his parents and brother "Lefty" Wertheimer. He is survived by: two daughters; Amy Wertheimer...

Robert L. Herrin, 78, of New Stanton, passed away unexpectedly November 16, 2019 at Excela Westmoreland Hospital. He was born November 23, 1940 in Marvel, Arkansas a son of the late Ike and Ellie Warton Herrin. He was a self-employed paving contractor. Robert is survived by his wife Loretta Rose Cooper Herrin, a son Robert L. Herrin Jr. of Houston, Texas, a daughter Tammie Bryer of New Stanton, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and...

Donna Lee Clark, 75, of Ligonier, died Saturday November 16, 2019 in Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown. She was born January 11, 1944 in Ligonier, a daughter of the late Donald L. and Mary Urban Nicely. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Ligonier. Donna enjoyed going to Bedford to see the Buffalo and traveling in general. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Harry A. Clark on January 18, 2019. She is survived by her son Harry Clark...

Michael J. Cymek, 77, of Derry Twp., passed on Saturday November 16, 2019 . He was born April 28, 1942 in Baltimore a son of the late Theodore F. and Helen Bielecki Cymek. Mike was a member of St. Martin Roman Catholic Church of New Derry. He was a US Navy Veteran and was a Baltimore County police officer and had retired from Tasty Kake. He is survived by his loving wife Judith V. Crabbe Cymek, a daughter Kimberly Kochera (Kevin) and their son Kevin of Murrysville, a brother Theodore Cymek...

E. Ray Kist, 73, of Derry, died Friday November 15, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born April 8, 1946 in Latrobe a son of the late Eugene Ray and Nell Marie Geist Kist. Ray graduated from Derry Area High School and California State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. When at California University he lettered three years in swimming. Over the years he was a Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and Pool Manager at the Derry Community Swimming...

Sara P. Ambrose, 85, of Ligonier, died suddenly Friday November 15, 2019 at her home. She was born June 15, 1934 in Fairfield Twp. a daughter of the late Charles B. and A. Rachel Wisner Palmer. Sara was a member of the Hope Evangelical Methodist Church in Youngstown. She was a good cook who enjoyed working on the farm, needle point, crocheting and sewing.Her family was the most important thing to her. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters Cora Jane Palmer and...

Lloyd M. Allman, 84, of Derry Twp., died Thursday November 14, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born September 27, 1935 in Latrobe a son of the late Virgil M. and Brydia E. Williams Allman. Lloyd was a US Army Veteran, and was a self-employed farmer and welder. He was a good husband and father who "loved his coffee." In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Emogene Stubbs and a brother Bobby Allman. Lloyd is survived by his loving wife Almeda...

Robert Francis Lightner, 58, of Mahaffey passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at his home.   He was born October 8, 1961 in Punxsutawney to Francis Oliver Lightner and Shirley Jean (Brink) Lightner.   Bob attended the CMA Church in Mahaffey and also Mount Carmel Church.   He was a truck driver for many years and then worked at the Walmart Distribution Center in Woodland until his retirement in 2005.   Bob was a car enthusiast, he especially enjoyed Fords. He was...

William Edward McDowell, 91, of Ligonier, died Friday November 8, 2019. He was born January 3, 1928 in Fairfield Twp. a son of the late William Joshua and Ella Mae Montgomery McDowell. Bill was a proud US Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Waterford Christian Church, Fort Ligonier VFW Post #734 and the Ligonier American Legion Post #267. He had retired from Vulcan Mold and was the cofounder/owner of Ligonier Tree Service. For many years he ran the Waterford...

Marjorie (Sunderlin) Fuller, 71 of Stafford, Virginia passed away on November 6th, 2019 after losing her battle with lung disease.   She was born in 1948 to James Clair and Dorothy Helen (Price) Sunderlin at home in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania.   Marjorie enjoyed being “Cackle” to her two grandchildren, spending time with family, and being a Sales Associate at Walmart.  In her free time, she loved the challenge of a difficult puzzle.   .  She is...

Berna B. Ryen, 94 of Rochester Mills, passed away on Monday November 4, 2019.   She was born in 1925 to Linus and Binnie (Hicks) Simpson in Marchand.   Berna enjoyed playing bingo and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play ball. She was retired from Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a custodian.   She is survived by a daughter Mary Jane Adamson, Rochester Mills; three grandchildren, Todd Adamson and wife Avy, Rochester Mills; Tim Adamson and wife...

Cory D. Gump, 31, of Saltsburg formerly of Derry, died Monday November 4, 2019 at his home. He was born October 2, 1988 in Latrobe a son of John E. Gump (Donna) of Saltsburg and the late Wendy Herrod Gump. In addition to his father Cory is survived by his wife Mary Clawson Gump of Derry, his son Dominick Gump (and his mother Amanda Spears), a sister Kylee Gump of Connellsville and a brother John E. Gump Jr. of Saltsburg. Several aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial gathering will be held...

Tiffany Marie Beeman, 32, of Derry, passed away Monday November 4, 2019. She was born November 10, 1986 in Latrobe a daughter of Dennis R. and Anne Couchenour Beeman of Derry. Tiffany was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Derry. She graduated from Derry Area High School in 2005. She was a beloved daughter, grandaughter, sister, mother and friend. Tiffany was a loving and compassionate person who loved to be silly. She had the most beautiful smile that could light up your soul. She...

Ronald E. Downey, 67, of Derry, died Saturday October 26, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born October 11, 1952 in Latrobe a son of the late Lewis W. and Evelyn Morgan Downey. Ron retired from Champion Lakes Golf Course and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step mother Anna Downey, a sister Virginia Kelly, two brothers Jack and Thomas Downey, a brother in law Daniel Stratton. Ron is survived by his sister Patricia Stratton of...

MaryAnn Smith, 88 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019, at Penn Highlands Dubois. MaryAnn was born September 3, 1931, in Punxsutawney to the late Edward C. Sloniger and Lenore (McGregor) Sloniger. March 25, 1951, she married the love of her life, Joseph Franklin Smith who preceded her in death. She was also preceded by four brothers, Edward C. Sloniger, Jr., William I. Sloniger, Robert D. Sloniger and Thomas Sloniger. She is survived by two sons, Joseph F. Smith Jr. and...

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Charlene M. Waltman, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 68. Charlene was born in Greensburg on February 2, 1951, to the late John Eble and Sara M. (Blose) Eble. She was Married to Ralph Waltman who survives. She is also survived by one brother, John Eble, three daughters, Charlene, Renee and Sabrina along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. At Charlene's request, there will be no viewing. Arrangements are under the direction of...

Margaret C. Bloom, 88 of Grampian, passed away Friday, October 11, 2019, at Ridgeview Elder Care in Curwensville. Margaret was born November 12, 1930, in Detroit Michigan to the late Earl and Helen (Moore) Campbell. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Church in Grampian where she was on the finance committee and was a 1948 graduate of St. Francis School in Clearfield. She retired from Helmbold & Stewart of Clearfield. She also belonged to the IAAP Secretary Association. Margaret is...

James Michael “Mick“ Depp,73, of 119 Cypress St. Punxsutawney, Pa. passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at his home. He was born in Punxsutawney, on Nov.1, 1946 to the late James M. Depp and wife Betty Lou Scava Depp. Mick was a graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School where he was actively involved in sports and received many awards for his achievements in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation in 1964 he received a football scholarship to the University of...

William Max Shields, 83 of Rochester Mills, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019, at Penn Highlands DuBois. William was born August 16, 1936, in Punxsutawney, to the late Henry and Maxine Edith (Gourley) Shields. November 5, 1960, he was married by Rev. Pearce to Margaret G. (Smith) Shields at the Marchand Church Parsonage. She survives and resides in Rochester Mills. He was a member of the Covode United Methodist Church. He attended his first 6 years of school in the one room schoolhouse...

Margaret A. "Peg" Chilcote, 82 of Mahaffey, Passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019, at Penn Highlands DuBois. She was born August 20, 1937, in Philipsburg, to the late Stephen and Mary (Luther) Blasko. Peg was a member of The Oasis Ministry in Dubois. She and her late husband Harry C. Chilcote, Sr., traveled many places for missionary work which they did for many years together. She also taught Sunday School at the Calvary Chapel Church and was Head Cook at the Mt. Calvary Camp...