Skook News Obituaries: September 20th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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She was a devoted family woman known for her love of camping and crafting. Born on Thursday, July 3, 1952, in Coaldale, Susan was the daughter of the late Roland and Kathleen (McLaughlin) Bankes.
She attended Tamaqua Area High School and had a career of more than 22 years at the former Sealy Mattress of Delano. Susan's greatest joy was her family.
She and her husband of 55 years, Bertine W. "Bert" Andrews, enjoyed camping and spending time together. Her home was a reflection of her creativity, filled with the wreaths she loved to make. She also treasured the companionship of her dog, Loki.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Welker; and her brothers, Francis and James Bankes. In addition to her husband, Bert, Susan is survived by her loving family, including her sons Chad B. Andrews and Shawn J. Andrews and his wife, Brenda. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Brianna Demjanick and her husband Joe, Tiffani Murphy, Tyler Andrews, Emily Andrews, and Chase Andrews.
Her legacy also continues through her great-grandchildren, Dexter Demjanick and Peyton Boyer, and her brother, Butch Bankes.
Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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She was born on Tuesday, October 14, 1930, in Hegins Township, a daughter of the late Albert L Wolfgang and the late Ruth C (Shadle) Wolfgang.
Mary was a 1948 graduate of the former Hegins Township High School.
She was a seamstress in area garment factories prior to her retirement.
Mary was a very active member of the Church of God, Valley View.
Her husband, Arthur L "Pete" Steckley, passed away in 2002. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Eleanor Boyer and Daisy Koppenhaver, and a brother, Franklin Wolfgang.
She is survived by a sister, Anna Mae Spotts of Carlisle; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc,, Valley View, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Gerald Frey officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Church of God Cemetery, Valley View.
Memorial contributions can be made to Church of God, 900 W Main Street, Valley View, PA 17983.
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Born on Saturday, March 17, 1928, a son of the late Harvey and Ethel Updegrave Brown. Peanut obtained his GED.
He retired at the age of 55 from the New Cumberland Defense Depot, following 30 years of employment .
He was a proud United States Army veteran, serving with the Army Air Corps.
In his younger years he was involved with the Porter Tower Lions Club. Peanut was also a member of the Short Mountain Conservation Club, and he was a proud lifelong member of the NRA.
Peanut was an avid outdoorsman. He could often be found fishing, hunting, trapping animals, or trap shooting. He also was very athletic and played basketball and baseball into adulthood. Peanut was a gifted artist, making the most beautiful paintings and drawings throughout the years. He will be remembered for his ability to fix anything he wanted to. He always enjoyed getting together with his daughters for a meal.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Brown, 2025; a granddaughter, Kera Lynn Koppenhaver, 2023; two brothers, Jacque and William Brown.
Surviving are his three daughters, Cheryl L. Fulk and her husband Paul, Halifax, Debra D. Daniels wife of the late H. Fred, and Lori J. Koppenhaver and her husband, Jim, Halifax; five grandchildren, Ginger Fleegal-Fulk, Adam Koppenhaver, Samantha Schoffstall, Tara Shultz and James Schoffstall; five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
A Celebration of Peanut's Life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City with Pastor Paul Fulk officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 in the chapel. Peanut will be laid to rest with his wife Betty in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Donations in Peanut's memory can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 415 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
