Saturday, February 17, 2024

Schuylkill County Obituaries for February 17th, 2024

                                                                    

Skook News Obituaries: February 17th, 2024

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Richard Martin, 71, of Ashland passed away Thursday February 8th 2024 at Geisinger Medical Center-Danville, after a long battle with Kidney Disease.

He was loved by so many and will be missed by even more. Preceding in death, his wife of 34 years, Lori Martin which whom he missed dearly. Surviving Richard includes his son, Scott Martin, daughter in law Christina, and grandson Kai of Florida; daughter Amy Gibson, son in law Mike, granddaughters Ashley, Savanna, and Lily of Maryland; daughter Stephanie Sharp, son in law Scott, and grandchildren Emily and Maxwell of Frackville; sisters MaryJane Reed, Judy Caravan; brother Jack Martin; nieces & nephews.

Richard loved to travel and spend time with his friends and family, especially all of his grandchildren.

Richard and his family would like to extend their gratitude for the great care he has been given from the staff at Shenandoah Senior Living, Davita Dialysis in Frackville, and Geisinger Medical Center Danville.

Services will be private and at the convienence of the family.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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On the wings of a snow white dove, Rose M. Johnson, 84, of Pottsville, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, February 15, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill, E. Norwegian St., Pottsville.

Born in Denbo, PA on April 17, 1939, she was a daughter of the late George & Julia (Basco) Sarkett.

She was the widow of Ronald Y. Johnson who preceded her in death May 28, 2011. Together, Rose and Ronald shared 51 years that were full of love and laughter.

Rose’s deep and everlasting love for Ron was particularly evident in the final years of his life, during his battle with ALS. With unmatched compassion and fortitude, Rose devoted every ounce of energy she could give to provide exceptional care for Ron, preserving his dignity and extending his life for more than 13 years. Following Ron’s death and true to her resilient character, Rose never stopped finding new ways to honor her incredible lust for life.

Rose graduated from Centerville High School and California State University, California, PA, where she received dual degrees in three years.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, where she previously served as a Lay Leader.

Rose was also a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, Order of the Eastern Star - Orwigsburg #424, Pottsville Club Auxiliary, Hidden Valley Ladies Golf League, PSEA, and a life member of NEA. Rose enjoyed bright colors, engaging books, and spirited times with friends and family.

Rose was a talented and dedicated speech clinician for more than 30 years in the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29. She mentored and influenced numerous student teachers throughout he distinguished career.

Rose is survived by two daughters: Rhonda M. Johnson, Pottsville, & Renee Rudnick and husband David, Wyndmoor, PA, three grandchildren: twins Julianna & Gabriella and Ethan Rudnick, sister,
Clara Bogner, North Versailles, PA, brother, Ronald Sarkett, Belle Vernon, PA and nieces and nephews, and an abundance of special friends.

Rose leaves behind a legacy of strength, as she was a hardworking, independent, and determined woman with a generous spirit. No stranger to a party, Rose was known for her hospitable nature, dynamic personality, and relentless polished appearance. Her family and friends will remember Rose as a kind and lively companion who lit up every room she entered. Rose’s warm exuberance will be dearly missed in her social circles.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 6 PM on Thursday, February 22nd at First United Methodist Church, Pottsville. A viewing will be held at the church from 4 PM until the time of service.

Interment will be held privately at Indiantown Gap.

At the family's request, memorial donations may be sent to First United Methodist Church 330 W. Market St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

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Hans Chester John Deibler
, age 59, of Valley View, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 16, 2024 at his residence.

He was born on Friday, February 21, 1964, in Danville, a son of the late Chester R Deibler and the late Margaret F. (Johnson) Deibler.

He was a 1982 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.

Hans was an entrepreneur owning many local businesses: Hegins Fuel and Deli, Prima Pizzeria, All-Stars Ice Cream Shop, Ashland Grille, and Mulligan's Bar and Grille, as well as Deibler Brothers Novelty.

Hans loved being a father and was dedicated to helping anywhere he could by coaching Little Cardinals Football, assistant coach for Tremont Baseball and being a Boy Scout leader in Tremont.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley View.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Hannah M. Taylor.

He will be missed terribly and is survived by his wife Amy J (Lucas) Deibler, to whom he was married for 35 years.

He is also survived by four sons, Hans C. Deibler, Jr and his fiancée Camille Hoyle of Valley View, Arthur R. Deibler and his wife Emily of Millersburg, Donald B Deibler and his wife Brittanie of Pine Grove, and John M. Deibler of Houston, TX; two daughters, Emily S. Deibler and her companion Brandon Kimmel of Valley View, and Miranda A. Sandler and her husband Michael of Donaldson; seven grandchildren, Ava Sandler, Anna Deibler, Olivia Sandler, Bailey Deibler, Chet Deibler, Eleanor Deibler, and Austin Sandler; two sisters, Heidi L Smith of Sun City, CA and Holly J Deibler of Ventnor City, NJ; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:00 am, with Rev. David Fehr officiating.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Valley View.

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Dorothy Ellen Drebitko
, 95, of West West Terrace, passed away Thursday, February 15th at Geisinger/St Lukes Hospital after a sudden illness.

Born in Branchdale, PA, Dorothy spent her early childhood years in Philadelphia, PA, followed by a return to her coal roots in School Row, Branchdale, at the age of 8. She was an only child born to Margaret (Sykes) Klinger and Clint Klinger. After Margaret’s divorce, she married Bernard Kraus, who spoiled Dorothy and created their wonderful life on School Row. Dorothy always thought of Bernie as her father and loved him from deep within her heart. Dorothy never had a bad word nor bad thought about anyone in this world.

Dorothy’s fond memories of School Row were especially blessed with her meeting her mischievous young neighbor who grew into the love of her life. Dorothy married Andrew (Red) Drebitko on July 2, 1950, and their lifelong journey throughout the world began. Dorothy always said that Margaret loved Andy at least as much as her, if not maybe even more! Dorothy attended St Mary’s Star of the Sea school in Branchdale and the Reilly Township High School. The friendships that Dorothy created in those early years literally lasted a lifetime with Geraldine Doyle and Dorothy remaining friends for over 80 years!

Dorothy was one of the oldest breast cancer survivors, having been treated in the early 1960’s.

Dorothy was the founder and proprietor of the past Daisy Boutique in Minersville. She was proud to be a founding member of the Ladies Booster Club in Branchdale, and the undefeated Sockettes women’s softball team. She enjoyed bowling and traveling “anywhere at anytime”, even if it was in one of Andy’s small airplanes but it was going somewhere fun!

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave her the most joy in life.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by an infant daughter and her beloved grandson, AJ Drebitko, in 2006.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sharon Kolenick (Leo), West West Terrace and her son Andrew “Drew” Jr. (Michele Leonard), Minersville, PA. Her daughter in-law Michele was like her second daughter and her son-in-law Leo, along with daughter Sharon, welcomed her into their home and cared for her for the past few years. She is also survived by granddaughters Laurie Marks (Harold), West West Terrace, Heather Diulio (Jon), Stockton, CA., and her most prized grandson Jonathan Drebitko (Jess Demcher), McKeensburg, PA. She is also survived by the centers of her universe, her great grandchildren Harry Marks, Elliandra Marks, Nathan Marks, Andrew Marks, Annabelle Diulio, Evelyn Diulio and Jonathan G (J) Drebitko.

All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation from 8:30am to10:30am, Tuesday, February 20 at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Funeral Service officiated by the Rev. Mark Fesniak at 10:00 am. Interment services will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, PA.

In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives are asked to make a donation to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. www.give2.chop.edu/give. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc, Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.

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