Skook News Obituaries: October 29th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Ruth was born in Poe, WV on March 17, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Clarence & Bertha (McClung) Winebrenner.
One of eight children, she is preceded in death by all of her siblings.
She was the widow of Auldie C. Short.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Walker, wife of Rusty, Harleysville, PA, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and several nieces & nephews.
Private services will be held at the family’s convenience.
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Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1976, Jessica was the beloved daughter of Mark and Dolores (Devers) Bierman and the devoted wife of Gregory A. Quandel, with whom she shared 19 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and faith that centered around the family they cherished so deeply.
Jessica was the proud mother of Bailey (Alyssa) Wertz, Brady Wertz and his significant other, Miranda Scifers, Gabrielle (Dan) Umholtz, and Kieffer (Natalie) Quandel. She was the adoring “Nana Q” to her granddaughter, Willow Estes Wertz, who was her absolute sunshine.Jessica was overjoyed to learn another grandbaby would be joining the family in early 2026, a blessing that filled her heart with joy and hope. She was loved and adored by so many, including her extended family, friends, nieces, nephews, and all who were blessed to know her.
Professionally, Jessica was the Director of Marketing for Empire Beauty School, where she dedicated over 15 years of her career. Her creativity, leadership, and warmth left an enduring mark on her colleagues and students alike. Her work reflected her spirit—vibrant, caring, and full of heart. To know Jessica was to know strength in its purest form.
She faced her battle with breast cancer with extraordinary courage, grace, and humility. Even in her hardest moments, she focused on others, ensuring those around her felt comforted, loved, and uplifted. She drew strength from her faith, her family, and the community that surrounded her. She often spoke about her gratitude for the love that carried her through—her husband Greg, who stood unwaveringly by her side; her children, who reminded her every day why she fought so fiercely; her parents, her brother Matt (Alyssa) Bierman, and her loyal companion, King Gibson, who never left her side.
She was continually moved by the kindness of friends, neighbors, and the many who reached out through meals, prayers, cards, and calls, each one a reminder that she was never alone in her journey. Jessica believed deeply in finding beauty in the struggle. She often said the silver lining of her fight was the connections and friendships it created, the people who opened their hearts, shared their stories, and became her sisters in strength. She credited these bonds and her support groups for giving her the courage to keep pushing forward, even on the hardest days. Her life reflected what she valued most: love, hope, and the people who make life worth fighting for. Her compassion was boundless, her humor ever-present, and her light impossible to dim. She loved fiercely, gave selflessly, and lived with gratitude even in the midst of pain.
Jessica’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched—in her husband Greg, her children and grandchildren, her family, and the many friends and colleagues who adored her. She was the truest definition of a fighter, and her light will continue to shine brightly for decades to come.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg, PA 17112. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow. A private burial will take place on Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Peace Cemetery, Minersville.
In honor of Jessica, guests are invited to wear pink for the private burial and Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jessica’s honor to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at www.pabreastcancer.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville.
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Born in Ashland he was a son of the late George T. and Rose Swaldi Bracey. He had been employed as a foreman for #1 Construction Company on road constructions.
He was preceded in death by his sisters; Barbara Wood and Rose Garrity.
George is survived by his son Louis J and his wife Rebecca Bracey, Frackville and his grandson Nico Mark Bracey.
Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born on April 15, 1940, in Pottsville, Paul was the son of the late Pauline A. (Dombrowsky) and Joseph M. Zmuida.
A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Paul embodied the Academy’s timeless values. While at West Point, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically, playing as the “lonely end” on the varsity football team—a position that reflected not only his independent spirit but also his dedication to teamwork and excellence.
Following his graduation, Paul served his country with honor as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His discipline, leadership, and integrity guided him throughout his military career and later in civilian life.
Paul went on to work as an engineer, applying his sharp mind and problem-solving skills to his profession. Outside of work, he was an avid golfer who found joy and camaraderie on the fairways. He was also an active member of the Orwigsburg Lions Club, where his generosity and community spirit touched many lives.
A man of deep faith, Paul was a devoted member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Orwigsburg.
In addition to his beloved wife, Cookie, with whom he shared 18 wonderful years of marriage, Paul is survived by his children:
In addition to his beloved wife, Cookie, with whom he shared 18 wonderful years of marriage, Paul is survived by his children:
- David Zmuida, husband of John
- Michael Zmuida
- Deslie, wife of Michael Church
- China, wife of George Hernandez
- Koreana Zmuida
A Memorial Service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at a later date, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg, with Jamie Barton officiating.
Paul will be remembered as a man of honor, humility, and heart—an officer, athlete, engineer, and above all, a loving husband, father, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Paul with a prayer.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Orwigsburg is honored to be serving the family
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
