Skook News Obituaries: October 28th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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In addition to his parents, Chris is also survived by his brother, Gregory Allen Reed & wife, Jennifer Davies; niece, Piper Elizabeth Reed, all of Kutztown; his paternal grandmother, Betty Schaeffer; and several aunts, uncles, & cousins.
Chris was a graduate of RAF Lakenheath DODDS High School, United Kingdom. He loved traveling to many countries as an Air Force Military Brat. One of his special gifts was making new friends wherever he went. To Christopher, a stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet.
He enjoyed his southern brewed sweet tea and banana pudding. He became paralyzed at the age of 17 but never let it defeat him. He had many achievements afterward without letting the chair define him. He will be missed and forever remembered for his outgoing personality and southern manners.
He loved his pets, Chica & Nala, and especially his buddy, Jake, along with the cats his family fostered.
Chris is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Steve & Bonnie Vandevender; paternal grandparents, Arthur & Catherine Reed; and Lamar Schaeffer.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be conducted from 2–5 PM at the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Hall, 300 Grove St., Orwigsburg, on Saturday, November 22nd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pawsitive Hearts, 3815 Grant St., Reading, PA 19606 or St. Jude's Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Born in Chicago, IL November 29, 1941, he was a son of the late Theodore and Beatrice (Jenkins) Gauntlett. He spent his middle school years in Westerly, RI before moving to Jonestown. He was a graduate of Cass Twp. and was the starting Center for the 1957 Cass Township Condors High School Football team that was Undefeated, Untied and Unscored Upon. After his marriage he spent all of his life in Minersville.
He worked as a registered surveyor.
David was a member of Holy Family Parish- St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Minersville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Gaunlett.
Surviving are his wife Mary E. “Libby” (Melenchick) Gauntlett; Daughter Susan M. Mizzer and her husband Randy of Buck Run; Grandson Robert Mizzer of Forestville; Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday November 1, 2025 from St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church 539 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954 with Rev. Jojappa Adagatta officiating. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund at 538 Sunbury St. Minersville Pa 17954 or Advantage Home Hospice 1502 South Route 61 Pottsville, PA 17901. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc has charge of arrangements.
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Born in Harrisburg on Tuesday, June 1, 1971, he was the son of the late Thomas and Carolyn Lontz Sims.
Ryan was a 1989 graduate from Williams Valley High School. Following his time at Williams Valley, he attended Penn State University, Schuylkill.
He was employed as a truck driver for the majority of his life. Ryan was most recently working with Penske Logistics.
He was of the Methodist faith, belonging to the former Wesley United Methodist Church, Wiconisco.
He was also a member of the Wiconisco Fire Company and the Millersburg Moose Lodge.
Ryan enjoyed playing video games on his computer, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and watching sci-fi movies. He had a passion for music, with the Beatles being his favorite band. He was extremely involved in the Williams Valley Viking Pride Band when his daughters were in school, never missing a competition or event. Ryan also had an interest in trains, and he had an impressive model train collection.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Shirley and Donald Lontz and Helen and Henry Sims.
Surviving are his two daughters, Sydney Sims and her partner, Spring, TX, and Erica Sims (Preston Anderson), Osage Beach, MO; a sister, Michele Sims (Stephen Etzweiler); a niece, Adrianna Etzweiler; a nephew, Asher Etzweiler; two aunts, Linda Lontz, Tower City, and Lori Rodichok (Richard), Mifflinburg; his best friend, Scott Girard (Kathy), Lykens; godchildren, Duncan and Karan Girard; numerous cousins.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Ryan will be laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dimon Funeral Home, 644 E Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980, to help with expenses.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
