Skook News Obituaries: July 22nd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville on December 28, 1934, he was a son of the late Irvin Robert & Isabel (Klinger) Wagner.
He was the widower of Nancy A. Wagner.
Bob was a member of Salem-Hetzel's United Church of Christ, Pine Grove. He also attended Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins, with his daughter, Bonnie.
He was a member of the PA Farmers Association.
In addition to working as a farmer most of his life, Bob had been employed by Acme for 30 years as a meat cutter until retiring in 1990.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bob is also preceded by his grandson, Nicholas Stutzman, and his canine companion, Honey.
Bob is survived by three daughters: Debra Drumheller, wife of David, & Bonnie Stutzman, wife of Randy, all of Hegins, and Bobbi Maier, wife of Terry, of Pine Grove, 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Sue Reigel, wife of Jay, of Pine Grove.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 10:30 AM at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona. A Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service.
Bob & Nancy’s cremated remains will be privately scattered at their family’s farm in rural Schuylkill Haven.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to Compassus Hospice, 500 Hawk Ridge Drive, Suite 4, Hamburg, PA 19526.
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Born in Pottsville on January 30, 1969, he was a son of Thomas J. “Digger” Bartashus, Sr., & Judith Bernitsky Bartashus, of New Philadelphia.
In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his children: Emily Bartashus, Colorado, Bella Bartashus, & Thomas J. Bartashus, III, and his former wife, Jamie (Eckert) Bartashus, all of New Philadelphia.
A US Navy Veteran of the Gulf War, Jed served five years on the USS Sterett (CG-31) and received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
He was employed as a bricklayer foreman by LMB Industrial Services, Pottsville, since 2008.
He was the Chief Engineer of the Good Intent Fire Company, New Philadelphia.
A Viewing will be held Friday from 6-9 PM at the Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home, New Philadelphia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be co-celebrated by Monsignor William F. Glosser and Monsignor Myron Grabowski at 11 AM on Saturday at Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia, with a calling hour from 10 AM until the time of Mass. Interment with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Jed’s name to Good Intent Fire Company, 15 Macomb St., New Philadelphia, PA 17959.
Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home, New Philadelphia, has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Worthington, OH, on February 13, 1933, she was the daughter of Eva (Smith) and Costas Demos.
Anne was the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Richard A. Ruof, who passed away in 2010.
In 1955, Anne received her Bachelor’s degree in Community Recreation from Rockford College in Illinois and applied it to the benefit of young people in the church and the community for many years. She rowed for Rockford and liked to recount how in 1953, the women’s four, with an agreed head start in an exhibition race, shocked the University of Wisconsin men’s eight by rowing as one and winning the day. She also was a member of Rockford’s field hockey team. She was a proud graduate of Worthington High School.
Anne acted as a full partner in her husband’s ministry and was employed as a full time and substitute teacher for most of her life. She was a member of Salem Hetzel’s United Church of Christ, Pine Grove, and served alongside her husband at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Friedensburg, and other churches in Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Anne is survived by three children: Alan Ruof (Elaine Butkiewicz) of Alexandria, VA; Anne Tracy Barros-Ruof (Paul Barros-Ruof) of Bethlehem; Ric Ruof (Linda Popels) of Atoka, TN; grandchildren Haven, Wyndham, Myles (Karolína), Vivian (Alberto Salazar), Max, and Phoebe Barros, and Kayla Ruof; and great-granddaughter Madeline Salazar.
Anne is also survived by siblings Stephen Demos (the late Vinnie Demos), Connie Pyle (Robert Pyle) and Barbara Eller (Tony Eller); her sister Dorothy Daye (the late Mick Daye) passed away earlier this year. Her sisters- and brothers-in-law were also dear to her: Barb Ruof (Robert Ruof, who passed away earlier this year), Marilyn Nell (the late Thomas Nell), Russell Ruof, and Janice Palmer (Ken Palmer).
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at noon on Sunday, August 3, at the Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona, with Rev. Paul Cronin officiating. A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM until the start of the service. A private interment will follow at St. John’s Union Cemetery, Friedensburg. If they wish, attendees may wear blue, Anne’s very favorite color.
A live stream of the funeral will be available the day of the service.
Contributions in Anne’s memory to these charities would be welcome: The National Indian Child Welfare Association, www.nicwa.org or Children’s Hunger Fund, www.childrenshungerfund.org.
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John Charles Sanders, 80, of Deer Lake, passed away on July 21, 2025 at home. John was born in Pottsville. He was the son of John and Betty Sanders.
He was a graduate of St. Clair High School. John took a job as a Baltimore City policeman and worked there for 7 years. He met his wife Sharon (Everd) while working in Baltimore. They got married on October 7, 1967, and had three sons, Jeff, John and Anthony. They later moved to Pennsylvania and John took a job with the Department of Revenue, where he worked for over 30 years. Being a football coach was his passion. He was a defensive coach at Blue Mountain High School for over 30 years. He coached Schuylkill Haven Football for a year and he also coached Midget and Tricounty football.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by three sons: Jeff (Don), John and Anthony (Laurie); a brother Michael Sanders (Maureen); grandchildren: Alyssa Baumann, Kiersten Rummel, Mallory Sanders, Trae Sanders and great grandchildren Adalyn Baumann, Christian Baumann, Cameron Baumann, Graham Baumann and Dax Rummel as well as nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at 6:00 PM on Friday, July 25th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, PA with Stephen Letcavage officiating.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at 6:00 PM on Friday, July 25th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, PA with Stephen Letcavage officiating.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM.
Interment will be private.
Philip Thomas, 73, of Pottsville passed away Thursday July 17, 2025 at his home.
Bon in Pottsville, November 13, 1941 he was a son of the late Philip and Marion (Edmonds) Thomas.
He had worked as a Matra Dei in Restaurants while living in Virginia, and was also a member of the Free & Accepted Masons.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Brother David L Thomas; a sister Ann R. Connors.
He is survived by Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to Servants to All 4 S. Centre St. Pottsville, PA 17901
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care is entrusted with arrangements.
Irene Buleza, age 100, of Pottsville, PA passed away Monday, July 21, 2025.
Interment will be private.
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Bon in Pottsville, November 13, 1941 he was a son of the late Philip and Marion (Edmonds) Thomas.
He had worked as a Matra Dei in Restaurants while living in Virginia, and was also a member of the Free & Accepted Masons.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Brother David L Thomas; a sister Ann R. Connors.
He is survived by Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to Servants to All 4 S. Centre St. Pottsville, PA 17901
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on May 17, 1925, she was the daughter of the late John Adam and Catherine (Mehling) Winn. Irene was the epitome of strength and resilience with a firecracker personality. She had a deep love for bingo, country music, game shows such as Jeopardy, and word search puzzles. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and excelled as a bowler in her youth winning several trophies. She cherished her family dearly and spent many joyful years living at home with her son David and his family.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, being preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 35 years John J. Buleza, Sr, sons: David Buleza and John J Buleza, Jr., sisters: Catherine Dreher, Lorettta Heffner, Anna Winn, and Emily Ebert, and brothers: James (Bud) and Frederick Winn.
Irene is survived by daughter-in-law Joan Buleza; two daughters: Carolyn Elison and husband Jack; Irene "Toot" Gagliardi and husband Frank; grandchildren: Nicole and Brittany Buleza; Yvonne Buck; Steven, Scott, Shaun, and Shane Elison; Bill “Bucky” Buleza and Hannah Moehlmann; Frank “Bunky” Gagliardi, Sandy Rogers, and Donna Spriggs; in addition to several great and great-great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair, PA. at 9:30AM on Saturday, July 26th, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday 7:30-9AM at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon.
Interment will be in the Queen of the Universe Cemetery in Pottsville, PA.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on October 6, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sara (Solt) Berzowski.
Joanne was a graduate of Minersville High School, Class of 1963, She then was a graduate of Empire Beauty School in Pottsville, where she also was a teaching instructor. She later worked and managed the Regis Hair Salon in the Fairlane Village Mall, Pottsville. Joanne also graduated from McCann Business School with a Specialized Associates Degree in Marketing and Management in 1998. Joanne was beautiful, kind, and loving and enjoyed listening to music and reading a good book.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Paul D. Costy, Jr., a grandson Jeremy "JJ" Costy, and brothers: William and John Berzowski.
Joanne is survived by a son David P. Costy and his companion Stacy Salaki, Port Carbon; a daughter Cheri Scott, Laramie, WY; six grandchildren: Jacqueline, Gina, Carina Costy, Travis and Garrett Scott, and Avalon Kimmel; seven great grandchildren: Logan, Thalya, Levi, Ruger, Delaney, Alexander, and Jax; and nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon on Wednesday July 30th at 7PM, with Deacon John Setlock Officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday from 5:30-7PM.
Interment will be held private.
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Eugene Lamberth, age 53, of Minersville, PA, passed away Sunday, July 20th, 2025 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey on January 18, 1972, he was the son of the late William Lamberth and Theresa (Simmons) Lamberth, who suvives him in Minersville.
Eugene worked for Guilford Mills in Pine Grove. He loved watching movies, especially SchFi and Horror movies.
In addition to his Mother, Eugene is survived by daughter Ashley Reigel; son Benjamin Lamberth; daughter Starr Lamberth; brother Rick Lamberth and his wife Beth; sister Cheyenne Snyder; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services and Interment are private.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
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She was born on Saturday, January 25, 1936, in Pitman, a daughter of the late Marlin F Heim and the late Norma N (Deitrich) Heim.
She was a graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School and a graduate of Empire Beauty School, Sunbury.
Marilyn was a seamstress in area garment factories prior to her retirement.
She was a member of Salem Church of Rough and Ready, Rough and Ready; where she was a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and very active in other activities in the church.
Marilyn was an avid Penn State and Phillie fan. She enjoyed baking, sewing, embroidering, crocheting, spending time with her family, and "spoiling" her grandchildren. Marilyn was a mom, a grandma, and a great grandma to a lot of people. She was also member of the "Creekside Camping Group".
Her husband, Gene B Headdings, passed away in 2023. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Janice Reiner.
She is survived by a daughter, Wendy D (Eugene) Houck; son, Scott K (Lori) Headdings; grandson, Kyle (Hannah) Headdings; great grandson, Henry Headdings; two step grandsons, Michael (Tish) Houck and Christopher (Erica Spann) Houck; two step granddaughters, Kristin (John) Ronan and Emily (Mark) Paulson; seven step great grandchildren, Theo, Edward, Josie, and Nicholas Houck and Sammy, Charlie, and Jamie Ronan; brother, Marlin (Linda) Heim, Jr; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Salem Church of Rough and Ready on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Mark Rothermel officiating.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Monday at the church.
Burial will be in Riverview Memorial Gardens, Halifax.
Memorial contributions can be made to Salem Church of Rough and Ready, 11 Church Road, Klingerstown PA 17941.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Marie Connolly, 54, of Mahanoy City, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Ashland on January 7, 1971, she was the daughter of the late James Connolly and her surviving mother, Margaret “Wychulis” Connolly.
Marie was a graduate of Schuylkill IU 29 – Mar-Lin. She was a staple around Mahanoy City, as she was well known for walking the town with the mailman, visiting her friends at Avenues and Evergreen, and was the biggest Mahanoy Area Sports fan as she would attend most sporting events.
Preceding her in death was her brother, James Connolly in 2002.
The surviving family includes her mother, 2 sisters- Kathy Spotts with her husband Ted and Linda Hoy with her husband Dave, 4 brothers- Bill with his wife Mel, Danny with his wife Lynn, John with his wife Cheryl, and Mick with his wife Ashley, also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Kevin Gallagher on Saturday, July 26th at 10:00am in Saint Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. Visitation will take place from 8 to 10am in the church prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Canicus Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org)
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc are entrusted with the arrangements with assistance of James Haughney.
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Diane Moll, 89, former Lavelle resident, passed away, Sunday, July 20, 2025, with family by her side, at the U.P.M.C. Hospital, Carlisle. Born at the former Ashland State General Hospital, Fountain Springs, October 7, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Enterline) Welker. Diane was a graduate of the former Butler Township High School, Fountain Springs, class of 1953, and was employed for the Upper Moreland School District as the Junior High School Cafeteria Supervisor until her retirement. She enjoyed watching her sons grow up through the Upper Moreland School District, keeping a watchful eye over them. Diane enjoyed reading Danielle Steel novels, and birdwatching in her backyard. She loved visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout the years. Preceding her in death was her husband John passing June 10, 1987, a son; Terry Moll, and siblings; Evert, Lois, Robert, Fay, Richard, and James.
Survivors
Son: John Moll and his wife Marianne
Son: Michael Moll and his wife Mimi
Son: Mark Moll and his husband Kel
Grandchildren: John Robert (Stephanie), Tina (Josh), Sarah (Christopher), Terry (Nikki), Mike, Chris (Regan), and Eric
Sister in Laws: Jean Welker and Catherine Wolfgang
13 Great Grandchildren, Many nieces and nephews
A private funeral and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Visit www.FritzFuneralHome.com to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
