Skook News Obituaries: November 4th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Coaldale on Tuesday, July 11, 1944, Bill was the son of the late Evan George Willing and Jean C. (Walker) Willing. He was also predeceased by his beloved daughter, Tracey Lynn Willing, and his brother, Evan George Willing II.
A proud 1962 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Bill served his country honorably in the U.S. Army Reserve. Bill had a long tenured career serving the Tamaqua Borough, retiring with respect as the Assistant Borough Manager.
Although a private and proud man who shied away from his picture being taken, Bill was an active and engaged member of his community. A devoted member of the East End Fire Co., he was a familiar face at the firehouse, where he belonged to the Pool League and served as the dedicated Steward on Wednesdays, and was an ardent Penn State fan in a proud Notre Dame environment. An avid outdoorsman, Bill found great joy in hunting, trips to Canada, and the loyal companionship of his cherished dogs while on long walks on the South Ward Mountain. Bill was an ardent supporter of Tamaqua Blue Raider athletics and had a special knack for growing tomatoes.
He will be deeply missed by his surviving family: his daughter, Wendy L. Willing-Hall and her husband Daniel; his son, William W. Willing, Jr.; his cherished grandson, Derek Willing and his wife Kori; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Parker and Pierce Willing; sister, Jean Bales and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Public visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday morning at the funeral home from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.
Private interment Odd Fellows Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania..
Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to: East End Fire Co.553-555 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
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Betty I. Ferrier, 96, formerly of Cressona, went home to Jesus on Friday, October 31st at Celebration Villa in Lebanon.
Born in Friedensburg on March 14, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Catharine (Kull) and Albert Heberling.
Betty was the widow of Dale W. Ferrier; the couple was married for 71 years.
She was a 1946 graduate of Cressona High School.
Betty was a member of St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, Cressona where she also served as a Deacon.
Betty was a Girl Scout leader and worked the polls on Election Day.
Betty is survived by two daughters: Diane, wife of Scott Hilyard, of Lebanon and Joan, wife of George Shollenberger, of Bethel. She is also survived by grandsons: John, Geoffrey, and Timothy, & 6 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Betty is preceded in death by a brother, Carl Heberling.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 6th at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona. A viewing will be held from 10 AM until the beginning of the service.
Interment will follow at Cressona Cemetery.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to be given to St. Mark’s UCC, 30 Pottsville St. Cressona, PA 17929.
Betty was a Girl Scout leader and worked the polls on Election Day.
Betty is survived by two daughters: Diane, wife of Scott Hilyard, of Lebanon and Joan, wife of George Shollenberger, of Bethel. She is also survived by grandsons: John, Geoffrey, and Timothy, & 6 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Betty is preceded in death by a brother, Carl Heberling.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 6th at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona. A viewing will be held from 10 AM until the beginning of the service.
Interment will follow at Cressona Cemetery.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to be given to St. Mark’s UCC, 30 Pottsville St. Cressona, PA 17929.
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He was the son of the late Eugene and Elizabeth (Portz) Koch.
Richard was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School in 1962 and a graduate of Kutztown University in 1967 with a Bachelors of Science Art Education. He used his degree to work as an Art teacher at Williams Valley School District for many years.
Richard loved art and music, as a musician, he was a french horn player, and in his high school years he was selected for the Eastern District Band in his junior year. He also played with local concert bands including the Third Brigade.
Later in life Richard was known as a dealer of autos and antiques as well as his artistic endeavors.
He is survived by his wife Carrie, two sons; Richard and Max, a brother Larry, a niece Kerri Koch Miller and her son Quincy.
In honoring Richard's wishes, private services will be provided by the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville, PA.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
