Skook News Obituaries: September 2, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Betty was born on October 28, 1929 in Shenandoah, the daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Day) Dower.
Betty attended Shenandoah area schools and graduated from the former JW Cooper High School. She attended Bloomsburg State College and graduated from McCann School of Business with a degree in accounting. She worked as an accountant for JCPenney Corporation and was co-owner of P&B Appliance Repair of Shenandoah with her late husband, Pete.
On January 12, 1952, she married Peter P. “Pete” Lawson who preceded her in death on December 19, 2017.
Betty was a member of the former First Baptist Church, Shenandoah where she served as a trustee, organist, Sunday School teacher, and one of its last surviving members. She was also a member of the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, the Shenandoah Valley Band Parent Association, Schuylkill County Foster Parents Association, and the Pumping Station organization.
Betty loved to read the newspaper and do puzzles. She and Pete were avid campers with their family and friends. They also loved to travel, especially taking cruises to various islands and exotic ports. But most of all, Betty loved going to all of her children’s and grandchildren’s events. Her family was her pride and joy.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents and husband were her brothers, Joseph Dower, Harold Dower and Daniel Dower; and a sister, Doris (Dower) Machamer. Betty was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving are two sons, Peter Paul Lawson, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Frackville, and Joseph B. Lawson and his wife Susan of Ringtown; daughter, Paula Jo (Lawson) Hornberger and her husband Lance of Ringtown; six grandchildren, Laura Young and her husband Charles of Frackville, Rachael Yeager and her husband Joshua of Marion Heights, Joseph “Ben” Lawson of Shenandoah, Austin Hornberger his wife Victoria of Ringtown, Mitchell Hornberger of Ringtown and Joyanne Hornberger of Ringtown; six great-grandchildren, Asher and Paisley Lawson, Harper and Liam Yeager, and Lilly and Carson Young; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services and interment at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville will be private at the convenience of the family.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
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Kathryn M. Boris, 75, of Shenandoah, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Tamaqua on December 19, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Lucy (Sweeney) Oakes.
Kathryn worked as a teacher’s aide for Shenandoah Valley High School for many years and worked for several different stores in the area. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandson.
Besides her parents, Kathryn was preceded by a son, Glen, and several brothers and sisters.
Surviving is her husband, Leonard J. Boris Jr., 2 sons- Leonard Boris with his wife Renee of Ringtown and Joseph Boris with his wife Shari of Shenandoah. A daughter – Theresa Mulhall with her husband Bob of Shenandoah, 4 grandchildren – Justin Mulhall, Alyssa Boris, Jonathan Boris, Vanessa Boris, and 1 great grandson, Grayson Petri. 2 brothers – Kenneth Oakes of New Jersey and Michael Oakes of Tamaqua, 1 sister – Marie Quick of Quakake, and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, September 6th from 8:30 to 10am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Scripture services will be conducted at 10am in the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
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Richard “Rick” Roller, 66, passed away in the early morning of August 31, 2023, following a brief illness.
Born in Connersville, IN on January 10, 1957, he was the son of the late William Roller and Loretta Caudill Cullison.
Rick was employed by the Sheraton Corporation in Texas, Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C. for 14 years as Chief Engineer. He then was employed by SCI Mahanoy in Maintenance and retired after 25 years as the Maintenance Manager.
Rick enjoyed traveling with family, especially to Key West and Clearwater Beach, FL. He was an avid Duke Blue Devil Basketball fan, Phillies fan, and loved Penn State and Army football.
He will also be remembered as “coach” as he coached youth football and SV basketball for many years.
Besides his parents, he was preceded by his brother, Jerry Roller.
Surviving family include his wife of 37 years, Paula Franks Roller and his son Paul J. Roller with his wife Kathryn, along with his grandson, Jett Roller. His sister, Brenda Renee Todd Finnell, nieces – Jasmine and Alexa Todd, and his beloved rescue dog, “Pip”.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Rick’s memory may be made to the Hillside SPCA. 51 SPCA Rd., Pottsville, Pa 17901
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Survivors
Daughter: Linda wife of Steve Kreiser, Boiling Springs, PA
Son: Paul Noon and his wife Mary, Duncott
Son: Mark Noon and his wife Helen, Conyngham
Son: David Noon and his wife Karen, Ashland
Son: Tom Pat Noon and his wife Gina, Gordon
Brother: Thomas Keller and his wife Deb, Bethlehem
Thirteen Grandchildren, Eleven Great Grandchildren
Nieces, Nephews, one cousin, and many Friends
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 11 AM, in St. Charles Borromeo Parish Church, 11th and Walnut Streets, Ashland. Celebrant will be Rev. Gregory Karpyn. A viewing will be held in the church, 10 AM until Mass. Interment will be private. Rosemarie’s family requests memorials be made to the Ashland Historical Society, 316 – 318 Centre St., Ashland, PA., 17921.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
