Skook News Obituaries: September 24th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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She was preceded in death by her brother: William Sanders Jr. and her nephew: Robert Matthew Conrad Jr. In addition to her mother, Lois, she is survived by her daughters: Mia Hernandez and Mariah Hernandez of Shenandoah, PA, and Desiree Hernandez of Frackville, PA; her son, Dontae Hernandez of Frackville, PA; her granddaughter, Maya Ann Mazack; former husband, father of her children: Desidero Hernandez-Mendoza, and her sister: Constance J. Sanders.
Graveside memorial services are being held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Skyview Memorial Park in Hometown, PA. Online photos and memories can be shared with her family at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com. MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of arrangements.
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Barbara A. Haslam, 81, of Wadesville-Pottsville, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven.
She was born in Pottsville on October 16, 1943, the daughter of the late Clarence Shappell and Anna (Sabaday) Shappell.
Barb is survived by her husband, Ronald Haslam, to whom she was married for 62 years.
She was a member of the St. Clair Wade United Methodist Church and worked at Dixon Ticonderoga in Deer Lake.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Scott Haslam, and her grandson, Scotty Haslam.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Long, wife of Rich, of Pottsville; her son, Bradley Haslam, husband of Kimberly, of St. Clair; her daughter, Amy Rodrian, wife of Richard, of St. Clair; her 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, at 4:00 PM with Rev. Jack Murray officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday afternoon at the funeral home.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair. James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements..jpg)
Betty Ann Grickis, 97, formerly of Haven Fair Lawn, passed away Thursday, September 18th, at Providence Place Retirement Community, Pottsville.
Born in Palo Alto on October 12, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Albert & Alice (Mellinger) Clocker.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard "Dick" Grickis, and her second husband, William Lambert.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Betty is also preceded in death by her grandson, Adam Grickis, granddaughter, Jessica Ney, and siblings: Helen, Gerry, Nancy, Albert "Bud", & Ralph "Luke".
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, St. Clair.
Betty attended Pottsville Area High School.
She was a former Boy Scouts den mother, and was active in PTA. She belonged to the Schuylkill Haven & Pottsville Senior Citizens groups, and enjoyed many bus trips with the seniors over the years, as well as her special trips to NYC with her mom, Alice. Betty loved to roller skate with her husband Dick. They held memberships in roller skating clubs in Chester County. She also loved the beach, enjoying weekend trips to their cabin in Delaware every summer. Her weekly hair appointments to her hairdresser/dear friend Linda brought her joy for over fifty years. Family was important to Betty, and nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than a visit from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through the years, she was an active member of her church, and loved cooking and baking for church events. Her church family was very dear to her, and she loved attending Reverend Schaeffer's Sunday service.
Betty was employed at Classtex Knitting Mills in Orwigsburg, worked in the cafeteria at Blue Mountain Elementary school, and later worked for many years as a secretary for Dick Grickis Mobile Homes.
Betty is survived by three children: Richard D. Grickis, Jr., husband of Sue, Auburn, Bonnie L. Staller, Lansdale, & Jayne A. Grickis, Downingtown, grandchildren: Stephanie Merz, Desiree Lesko, Kevin Grickis, Jill Grickis Henson, Sheena Navarro, & Tyler Rhine, great-grandchildren: Kiara Grickis, Lokyn Henson, Brianna Grickis, Gavin and Owen Merz, Emma & Rylee Grickis, as well as many nieces & nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 3rd at First Presbyterian Church in St. Clair, with Rev. Robert Schaeffer officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of services. Interment will be privately held at the family’s convenience.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Betty’s name to First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Mill St., St. Clair PA 17970.
Mariann M. Smith, 89, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Monday, September 22nd, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.
Mariann was born in Springfield, IL on August 24, 1936, a daughter of the late John & Geraldine (Stubbs) Muller.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Jo Middlemass.
Mariann had worked as a professional photographer and a nursing home activities director.
She enjoyed participating in the Cody Gunfighters Wild West reenactments in Cody, Wyoming.
Mariann was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by three children: Pamela James, Silver Bay, MN, Frederick Dean Pflug, husband of Michelle, Dewey, AZ, & Edith Lindenmuth, wife of William, Cressona, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and her dear friend, Dee Dee Weinhold, Schuylkill Haven.
Services will be privately held at the convenience of the family.
Her family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Mariann’s name to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 101 Frack St. Frackville, PA 17931-1734.
George H. Watkins, 84, of Fountain Springs passed away Tuesday morning September 23, 2025.
Born in Ashland on April 16, 1941 he was the son of the late Nellie (Beneshunas) and Honorable G. Harold Watkins.
George was of the Christian faith. He attended Butler Township High School, Wyoming Seminary High School and the Oxford Academy. George later graduated from Temple University where studied business finance.
He was the husband of Susan (Shepherd) Watkins.
George served in the Army and Merchant Marines.
For over 55 years he owned and operated Watkins Lawn & Garden in Fountain Springs.
He enjoyed football, traveling and dining out.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Carol Healy.
Surviving are; spouse Susan Watkins, Fountain Springs; daughter Jennifer Watkins, FL; grandson George Jordan, FL; brother Edmund Watkins, Myrtle Beach; sister Pamella Hobbs, FL; nieces & nephews.
Services and interment will be private.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Lynda Beth Hamilton, 77, of Orwigsburg, passed away Tuesday, September 23rd, at Geisinger St. Luke's, Orwigsburg.
Lynda was born in Pottsville on August 29, 1948, a daughter of the late Geraldine (Rutter ) and John Lundbye.
Her parents owned and operated the Lundbye Funeral Home for many years before it became the Hamilton Funeral home under the supervision of her late husband Wayne S. Hamilton. Wayne died on April 1st of this year.
Lynda graduated from Blue Mountain High School, Class of 1966 and went on to earn her Associate Degree.
She was a lifetime member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg.
She was born in Pottsville on October 16, 1943, the daughter of the late Clarence Shappell and Anna (Sabaday) Shappell.
Barb is survived by her husband, Ronald Haslam, to whom she was married for 62 years.
She was a member of the St. Clair Wade United Methodist Church and worked at Dixon Ticonderoga in Deer Lake.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Scott Haslam, and her grandson, Scotty Haslam.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Long, wife of Rich, of Pottsville; her son, Bradley Haslam, husband of Kimberly, of St. Clair; her daughter, Amy Rodrian, wife of Richard, of St. Clair; her 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, at 4:00 PM with Rev. Jack Murray officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday afternoon at the funeral home.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair. James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Palo Alto on October 12, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Albert & Alice (Mellinger) Clocker.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard "Dick" Grickis, and her second husband, William Lambert.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Betty is also preceded in death by her grandson, Adam Grickis, granddaughter, Jessica Ney, and siblings: Helen, Gerry, Nancy, Albert "Bud", & Ralph "Luke".
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, St. Clair.
Betty attended Pottsville Area High School.
She was a former Boy Scouts den mother, and was active in PTA. She belonged to the Schuylkill Haven & Pottsville Senior Citizens groups, and enjoyed many bus trips with the seniors over the years, as well as her special trips to NYC with her mom, Alice. Betty loved to roller skate with her husband Dick. They held memberships in roller skating clubs in Chester County. She also loved the beach, enjoying weekend trips to their cabin in Delaware every summer. Her weekly hair appointments to her hairdresser/dear friend Linda brought her joy for over fifty years. Family was important to Betty, and nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than a visit from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through the years, she was an active member of her church, and loved cooking and baking for church events. Her church family was very dear to her, and she loved attending Reverend Schaeffer's Sunday service.
Betty was employed at Classtex Knitting Mills in Orwigsburg, worked in the cafeteria at Blue Mountain Elementary school, and later worked for many years as a secretary for Dick Grickis Mobile Homes.
Betty is survived by three children: Richard D. Grickis, Jr., husband of Sue, Auburn, Bonnie L. Staller, Lansdale, & Jayne A. Grickis, Downingtown, grandchildren: Stephanie Merz, Desiree Lesko, Kevin Grickis, Jill Grickis Henson, Sheena Navarro, & Tyler Rhine, great-grandchildren: Kiara Grickis, Lokyn Henson, Brianna Grickis, Gavin and Owen Merz, Emma & Rylee Grickis, as well as many nieces & nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 3rd at First Presbyterian Church in St. Clair, with Rev. Robert Schaeffer officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of services. Interment will be privately held at the family’s convenience.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Betty’s name to First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Mill St., St. Clair PA 17970.
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Mariann was born in Springfield, IL on August 24, 1936, a daughter of the late John & Geraldine (Stubbs) Muller.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Jo Middlemass.
Mariann had worked as a professional photographer and a nursing home activities director.
She enjoyed participating in the Cody Gunfighters Wild West reenactments in Cody, Wyoming.
Mariann was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by three children: Pamela James, Silver Bay, MN, Frederick Dean Pflug, husband of Michelle, Dewey, AZ, & Edith Lindenmuth, wife of William, Cressona, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and her dear friend, Dee Dee Weinhold, Schuylkill Haven.
Services will be privately held at the convenience of the family.
Her family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Mariann’s name to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 101 Frack St. Frackville, PA 17931-1734.
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Born in Ashland on April 16, 1941 he was the son of the late Nellie (Beneshunas) and Honorable G. Harold Watkins.
George was of the Christian faith. He attended Butler Township High School, Wyoming Seminary High School and the Oxford Academy. George later graduated from Temple University where studied business finance.
He was the husband of Susan (Shepherd) Watkins.
George served in the Army and Merchant Marines.
For over 55 years he owned and operated Watkins Lawn & Garden in Fountain Springs.
He enjoyed football, traveling and dining out.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Carol Healy.
Surviving are; spouse Susan Watkins, Fountain Springs; daughter Jennifer Watkins, FL; grandson George Jordan, FL; brother Edmund Watkins, Myrtle Beach; sister Pamella Hobbs, FL; nieces & nephews.
Services and interment will be private.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Lynda was born in Pottsville on August 29, 1948, a daughter of the late Geraldine (Rutter ) and John Lundbye.
Her parents owned and operated the Lundbye Funeral Home for many years before it became the Hamilton Funeral home under the supervision of her late husband Wayne S. Hamilton. Wayne died on April 1st of this year.
Lynda graduated from Blue Mountain High School, Class of 1966 and went on to earn her Associate Degree.
She was a lifetime member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg.
Lynda was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper for Boyer's Food Markets, Orwigsburg, from 1978 until her retirement in 2010.
Lynda was a member of the Schuylkill Country Club and loved playing cards. She was a past member of the Orwigsburg Lionettes and Order of Eastern Star, Orwigsburg Chapter .
Lynda was a member of the Schuylkill Country Club and loved playing cards. She was a past member of the Orwigsburg Lionettes and Order of Eastern Star, Orwigsburg Chapter .
Lynda is also survived by her sister, Barbara Huey, wife of G. Curtis, of Orwigsburg.
She is also survived by nephew Seth Huey, husband of Teddi; niece Taryn Fisher, wife of Drew; great nephews Brayden and Jaxson Fisher as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, in-laws, cousins and close friends.
An evening viewing will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 1st at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg. Calling hours will pause at 7:00 PM for an Eastern Star Service.
A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 on Thursday, October 2nd with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. Guests are welcome from 9:00 AM until time of service. Interment services will be held at Salem Evangelical Cemetery, Orwigsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's UCC, 236 East Market Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, Illinois 60093, or online at leukemiarf.org.
She is also survived by nephew Seth Huey, husband of Teddi; niece Taryn Fisher, wife of Drew; great nephews Brayden and Jaxson Fisher as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, in-laws, cousins and close friends.
An evening viewing will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 1st at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg. Calling hours will pause at 7:00 PM for an Eastern Star Service.
A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 on Thursday, October 2nd with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. Guests are welcome from 9:00 AM until time of service. Interment services will be held at Salem Evangelical Cemetery, Orwigsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's UCC, 236 East Market Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, Illinois 60093, or online at leukemiarf.org.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville