Skook News Obituaries: December 15th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville on March 11, 1943, he was the son of the late Elizabeth A. (Hutton) and Abraham Russell.
Harry was a 1963 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
He was employed as a mechanic for the former Reading Mack and the former J. Marlin Ernst in Deer Lake.
Harry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.
He is survived by three children: Richard Russell, husband of Michelle; Robby Russell, husband of Sharon; and Cristal Russell, all of Tamaqua. He is also survived by grandchildren: Austin, Rose, and Ryan Russell; brothers: Robert Russell, husband of Kay, of NC; Daniel Russell of Hamburg; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Harry is preceded in death by two brothers, William Russell and infant, James Russell.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 18th at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Pottsville. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of services.
Interment will take place at 11 AM on Friday, December 19th at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
At the family’s request, memorial donations may be forwarded to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or American Heart Association, PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
To extend online condolences visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com
Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Pottsville has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville on June 29th, 1944, he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret Grace Moran.
He was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School, where he was Captain of Nativity’s Championship Football team. After Nativity, he attended and graduated from Williamsport Area Community College in 1968. Edward also played semi-pro football for the Schuylkill Coal Crackers.
He was a machinist and certified welder by trade, who retired from Carpenter Technology, after previously working for the Reading Railroad. Edward also owned and operated Ednick Machine Shop in Minersville, with his business partner Nick Supko.
A devoted and loving husband, Edward, was happily married to Joyce Ann Demcher. Ed and Joyce lived and raised their family in Minersville, with their love never wavering in 57 years of marriage. To his wife, he was the most wonderful husband she could ever have had.
A proud father, he loved sharing stories about his daughter Dolly’s business career, and daughter Alexis’s gymnastic career at the University of Maryland. Edward became a grandfather later in life, and enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren, cheering on Abby playing softball, making coffee with Emma, charmed by Maggie’s stories, and playing games with Brady. Edward was an avid football fan, having attended Minersville football games for 75 years, and loved watching his son play at Minersville and in college.
He previously was an Eagles season ticket holder and attended their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018. He was also a valued contributor to the Shenandoah Valley Football Staff, coached by his son, Edward. He attended Trinity Lutheran Chapel in Buck Run, PA with his family.
In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas Moran, William Moran, Charles Moran, and Len O’Connor, sisters-in-laws, Evelyn Moran, Dorthy Moran, and Cathy Moran, in-laws Alex and Dolly Demcher.
Edward is survived by his wife, the former Joyce Ann Demcher, two daughters, Dolly Moran, Phoenixville, PA, Alexis Moran, Germantown, MD, a son, Edward Moran and his wife Chastity, Minersville, grandchildren Abigal, Emma, Maggie, and Brady Moran, sister-in-law Julie O’Connor, Nephews Thomas, Kevin, William, Charles, Len and Patrick, nieces Michelle, Margaret, and Cathy.
A Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am, Thursday December 18th at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville.
A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 with Pastor Carl D. Shankweiler officiating. Interment St. John’s Kimmel’s Cemetery Weishample.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made in Edward’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Chapel in Buck Run. 20 Buckhorn Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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She was born on Sunday, July 14, 1935, in Klingerstown, a daughter of the late Irvin Martz and the late Martha E (Klinger) Martz.
Betty retired from the former Johnson-Baillie Shoe Co., Millersburg.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran "Klinger's" Church, Erdman and a member of the Zion Rainbow Class.
Betty was also a member of VFW Post 2385 Auxiliary, Gratz.
She was an avid card player, Phillies fan, and enjoyed knotting and quilting..
Her husband John H Kessler, passed away in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Russell Martz, and a sister, Anna Mae Kessler.
She is survived by two daughters, Karen G (Jeffery) Hentz and Brenda L Bensinger both of Valley View; granddaughter, Kelly A (Adam) Wagner of Pine Grove; great grandson, Benjamin R Wagner; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran "Klinger's" Church, 311 Klinger's Church Rd, Lykens PA 17048, on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Pat Wirick officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday at the church.
Burial will be in Zion Lutheran "Klinger's" Cemetery, Erdman.
Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 44 Main Street, Klingerstown, PA 17941.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born on March 6, 1951 in Hegins, he was a son of the late Russel D. Klouser and Iva Wetzel Fetter.
Robert had worked on a farm.
He was a brother to Aaron, Terry, Bruce, Brenda, Cindy, Marlene, Oscar, Eugene and Sherry.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 49 years, Carol Staller Klouser.
Surviving are his children, including Mark Staller; his two grandchildren that he helped raise, Josh and Hunter Morgan; many other grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
There will be no services.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville on August 3, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Jean (Walters) Snyder and Gerald Ward.
Married 51 years, Debra was the wife of Richard Osatchuck.
She was a 1972 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
Debra was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at The Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.
She was one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
In addition to her husband, Debra is survived by five children, Heather Marx; Tina, wife of Nicholas Ondeck; Richard Osatchuck, Jr., husband of Christie; Mark Osatchuck; & Robyn, wife of Jordan Seiler. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and siblings: Cheryl Boyer, Jeffrey Snyder, Melissa Snyder, & Melinda Reinhert.
In addition to her parents, Debra is preceded in death by her son, Alex Osatchuck.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 19th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM until the time of services. Interment will follow at Cressona Cemetery.
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Constance “Connie” Ritzko, 57, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Thursday, December 11th, at home, surrounded by her family.
Connie was born in Pottsville on October 8, 1968, a daughter of the late James & Gertrude (Nadue) Sullivan.
Married 28 years, she was the wife of John Paul Ritzko, beloved mother of 5, grandmother of 1.
Connie was a graduate of Miami Coral Park Senior High School and was last employed as a pharmacy technician.
She was an avid reader and loved Disney movies. She was always caring and supportive. Connie was very compassionate and quick witted. She had an infectious laugh and enjoyed telling stories and sharing knowledge.
In addition to her husband, Connie is also survived by five children: Jim Sullivan, St. Clair, Anthony Ritzko, Schuylkill Haven, Britnee Schneck, Pittsburgh, Emily Ritzko, Schuylkill Haven, & Reilly Ritzko, Schuylkill Haven, her granddaughter, Molly Sullivan, three siblings: Christine Wylam, wife of Matthew, Shoemakersville, Matt Sullivan, husband of Debbie, New Philadelphia, & Michael Sullivan, husband of Krissy, St. Clair, and two nephews.
In addition to her parents, Connie is also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Sullivan.
Services will be privately held at the family’s convenience.
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Connie was born in Pottsville on October 8, 1968, a daughter of the late James & Gertrude (Nadue) Sullivan.
Married 28 years, she was the wife of John Paul Ritzko, beloved mother of 5, grandmother of 1.
Connie was a graduate of Miami Coral Park Senior High School and was last employed as a pharmacy technician.
She was an avid reader and loved Disney movies. She was always caring and supportive. Connie was very compassionate and quick witted. She had an infectious laugh and enjoyed telling stories and sharing knowledge.
In addition to her husband, Connie is also survived by five children: Jim Sullivan, St. Clair, Anthony Ritzko, Schuylkill Haven, Britnee Schneck, Pittsburgh, Emily Ritzko, Schuylkill Haven, & Reilly Ritzko, Schuylkill Haven, her granddaughter, Molly Sullivan, three siblings: Christine Wylam, wife of Matthew, Shoemakersville, Matt Sullivan, husband of Debbie, New Philadelphia, & Michael Sullivan, husband of Krissy, St. Clair, and two nephews.
In addition to her parents, Connie is also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Sullivan.
Services will be privately held at the family’s convenience.
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He is survived by his wife, Donna (Youst) Yeager, to whom he was married for 50 years.
Earl was of the Protestant faith.
He worked as a truck driver for multiple trucking companies and retired from the former Pottsville Bleach and Dye in Port Carbon. Earl also coached for Railway Park in Pottsville, Pottsville Midget Football, and the Pottsville Maroons. His passion was coaching kids.
Earl was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and Wayne Yeager.
In addition to his wife, Earl is survived by his son, Michael Yeager of Philadelphia; his brother, Gary Yeager, husband of Joni of Shoemakersville; his brother, Roy Yeager, husband of Linda of Cressona; his sister, Joann Yeager of Pottsville; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Reading August 16, 1983, he was a son of George M. Manning (husband of Sylvia) of Lakeland FL and Gail E. (Kelly) Wilder of Minersville.
He was preceded in death by his sister Alexis J. Wilder; Paternal Grandparents John & Kathleen Manning.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife Jacqueline (Sabol) Manning; brother Brian Manning of Pottsville; Stepchildren; Step Grandchildren; Uncle Joseph Manning of Pottsville; Aunt Donna Stokes and her husband Alex of Pine Grove; Brother-in-law John Sabol; Cousins.
A graduate of Daniel Boone High School, Matthew worked several construction jobs in the area and with his father. Most recently he spent days helping his best buddy Ellen at LZs. He was a member of Big Hill Gun Club.
Matt enjoyed playing sports during his younger years including a magical run while playing baseball with Railway Park 12-year-old Allstars in 1996.
Matt loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed poker, pool, darts, being with his friends, and sports. Matt’s love for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies was legendary among family and friends. Game days were sacred, and his loyalty to his teams mirrored the loyalty he showed to those he loved.
He loved traveling and had been spending winters in Florida to enjoy baseball, poker, and boats. He could make a new friend in any situation. His compassion for those in need exemplified his caring heart. It was not uncommon for him to provide meals to the homeless during his travels.
Friends may call from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursday December 18, 2025 at Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. A Celebration of Life will begin at 7:30PM at the funeral home.
Matt had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and seemed to have a natural gift for understanding them. His calm presence and gentle spirit earned him the reputation of a true dog whisperer. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Hillside SPCA PO box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born in Herndon, on October 20, 1942, a son of the late Albert and Erma (Schaffer) Strohecker. Dean was a graduate of Mahanoy Joint High School Class of 1960.
He had been employed by Empire Kosher Poultry, Mifflintown, prior to his disabling arthritis.
Dean had been a member of Grace Community Church Evangelical Free, Herndon.
Dean enjoyed square dancing, camping, tinkering, crafting, and especially trips to the casino. He had been a wrestler in high school and enjoyed watching WWE, "the idiots," as he liked to call them. Dean enjoyed going to his family Christmas parties and family reunions each year.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Strohecker, Lucille Maurer, Lawrence Strohecker, Albert Strohecker Jr., Alma Bordner, and Mark Strohecker. Dean was also preceded in death by his companion and love of his life, Mary Jane Heim, with whom he had resided.
Surviving are his children, Melissa Miller (Ken), Cindy Shaffer (Daryl), Ann Strohecker, Dean Strohecker Jr, Tammy Ney (Jason), Traci Strohecker (Zach), Ryan Strohecker (Adrienne), and Julianne Reiner (Robert), whom he considered a daughter and with whom he resided after Mary Jane's death. She became his caretaker for the remainder of his life. He had 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Margaret Faye Wilkinson, Mabel Thomas, Patricia Kemble (Keith), Romaine Clough (Harold), Gene Strohecker (Kathy), Kenneth Strohecker (Sandra), David Strohecker (Shirley), Brenda Scheib (Daniel), Glenda Klinger (Scott), and many nieces and nephews.
Dean suffered the vast majority of his life with debilitating arthritis. It was Dean's wish to donate his body to science. As per Dean's wishes, his body was accepted through Humanities Gift Registry and he will be part of a study conducted at Hershey Medical Center for up to two and half years. His hope was that science can help others by learning from him.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5-6 at the chapel.
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Theresa M. Hoffman, 68, of Williamstown, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Pottsville on Tuesday, April 30, 1957, a daughter of the late David and Mary "Molly" Larkin Hoffman. She was a 1975 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
She was a retired business analyst with Highmark.
Terry enjoyed reading and baking. Above all else, her family was her entire world.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Allison Bonawitz; a brother, John Hoffman.
Surviving are her daughter, Libby Schreiner (Eric), Williamstown; a grandson, Blaine Schreiner, Williamstown; sisters, Noreen Gochenaur (Mel), Williamstown, and Mary Ann Haginske (Paul), York; her granddog, Enzo; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Services will be held on Sunday December 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel. Following the service, a luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the Porter Tower Lions Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Terry's family.
Theresa M. Hoffman, 68, of Williamstown, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Pottsville on Tuesday, April 30, 1957, a daughter of the late David and Mary "Molly" Larkin Hoffman. She was a 1975 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
She was a retired business analyst with Highmark.
Terry enjoyed reading and baking. Above all else, her family was her entire world.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Allison Bonawitz; a brother, John Hoffman.
Surviving are her daughter, Libby Schreiner (Eric), Williamstown; a grandson, Blaine Schreiner, Williamstown; sisters, Noreen Gochenaur (Mel), Williamstown, and Mary Ann Haginske (Paul), York; her granddog, Enzo; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Services will be held on Sunday December 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel. Following the service, a luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the Porter Tower Lions Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Terry's family.
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Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Daniel M. and Alice A. (Tenisci) Skripnek. Prior to retiring, he worked in road construction as a milling machine operator on a paving crew. He was of Orthodox faith. Daniel enjoyed going to the Hometown Auction, public auctions, and bid boards along with basket raffles and Chinese auctions. Danny was a true fan of the track. He enjoyed watching everything from NASCAR to drag races, but his fondest memories were of the time he spent at Maple Grove Raceway during his youth. He also reveled in watching his nephew Jaxon Oswald race at Blue Mountain Quarter Midget Racetrack.
He was also preceded in death by his beloved Rottweiler, Sunny.
Surviving is a son, Neil Skripnek, of Coaldale; three daughters, Tracy Skripnek, of Tamaqua, Amanda Skripnek, of Georgia, and Camille Skripnek, of Pottsville; a sister, Marie Skripnek, of New Ringgold; five grandchildren, Jerome Balliet, Andrew Balliet, Adam Balliet, Gemma Skripnek and Vivienne Skripnek.
Services will be held at 11a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, with V. Rev. James Weremedic as celebrant. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 9-11a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery, Summit Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
Services will be held at 11a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, with V. Rev. James Weremedic as celebrant. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 9-11a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery, Summit Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
