Schuylkill County Obituaries for January 8th, 2026

           

Skook News Obituaries:  January 8th, 2026

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Michelle M. Miller, lovingly known as “Momma Miller,” 54, of Shenandoah, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at her home.

Born in Pottsville on December 7, 1971, Michelle was the daughter of the late Dennis Miller Sr. and Gloria (Oliver) Miller.

Michelle worked for many years at the Pizza Shop in Shenandoah, where she became a familiar and cherished face to many. She had a smile that could light up a room and a heart that always put others before herself. Michelle was the kind of person who would help anyone in need, never hesitating to offer kindness, laughter, or support.

She loved going to the casino, playing bingo, and shopping. Michelle despised the cold weather and was happiest when she could escape it to visit her daughter in Hawaii. She would often ask when her daughter was moving back to Hawaii because she fully intended to go with her. Michelle was an avid pool player, having competed on several 8-ball and 9-ball teams throughout the area.

She also had a soft spot in her heart for teddy bears and Highland cows. On Sundays during football season, her home was often filled with her loud and passionate cheers for her beloved Dallas Cowboys.

In addition to her parents, Michelle was preceded in death by her son, Danyel Miller, in 2025.

She is survived by her two daughters, Hayley Hammer and Ashley Miller; her brother, Dennis Miller Jr.; two grandsons, Elijah Noel and Khai Anthony Miller; her granddaughter, Giselle; and a cherished grandchild yet to be born, whom she was so excited to hold and love, as that baby carried a precious piece of Danyel, whom the family lost just a few short months ago. Elijah and Khai lovingly called her “Momma,” a title she wore with pride. Michelle also deeply adored Hayley’s dog, Tucker.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 19, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc., 40 N. Jardin Street, Shenandoah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Michelle’s memory to the family or directly to Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc.

Charles J Bowman, age 80 of Valley View, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Sunbury Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Sunbury.

He was born on February 19, 1945, in Valley View, a son of the late Charles W Bowman and the late Minerva (Klouser) Bowman.

Charlie was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.

He was a security guard for the former Kocher Coal Company, prior to his retirement.

Charlie loved New York Giants Football and spending time with his grandchildren.

He wife, Jean Bowman, passed away in 2009. He was also preceded in death by a step-daughter, Linda Wetzel.

He is survived by two daughters, Bonnie (Patrick) Shoop of Herndon and Julie Ferster of Herndon; five grandchildren, Jacob Ferster, Andrea Ferster, Terri Shoop, William Shoop, and Gordon Shoop; a step son, David P Wetzel of Allentown; and a sister, Sue Steinle of Harrisburg

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc,, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

Stephen J. “Skinter” Waak, 90, of McAdoo, passed away Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton.

Born in McAdoo, he was the son of the Late Joseph and Esther (Hranechny) Waak.

Stephen was a devoted and life-long member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, McAdoo. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Prior to retiring, he was employed at Garland Industries of Freeland.

Stephen was a founding member of McAdoo Southside Rod & Gun Club. He found great joy in cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. He was a master of crossword puzzles and a devoted football and baseball fan.

Preceding him in death, were his wife, Irene (Gnidzinski) Waak; and brothers, Joseph, Raymond and Deacon Michael.

Surviving are his son, Stephen J. Waak and wife, Lisa, of McAdoo; daughters, Christine Derr and husband, George, of Beaver Meadows; Jeanette Logan and partner, Keith Reismiller, of Bainbridge; and Charlene Sabulsky and husband, Vincent, of McAdoo; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, James and Gabriel, both of McAdoo; and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Monday, January 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m., from the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. The Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, McAdoo, by Rev. Nicholas Kostyk, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Calling hours are Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org or to a charity of one’s choice.

Barbara A. Kondash, 85, of McAdoo, passed away suddenly Tuesday afternoon at home.

Born in Mahanoy City, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Anna (Sukel) Boger and a faithful member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo.

Barbara was a devoted homemaker and enjoyed caring for her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend; she will be deeply missed by all.

Preceding her in death, were husband, Bernard M. Kondash; son, Christopher Kondash; and brothers, Eugene, Robert and George Boger.

Surviving are her sons, Bernard E. Kondash and wife, Lisa, of Mountaintop; David Kondash and wife, Michelle, of Freeland; daughter, Sharon Kunkel and husband, James, of Kelayres; sons, Kevin Kondash and wife, Colleen, of Florida; and Robert Kondash and wife, Dawn, of Black Creek Twp; 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Ann Petrilyak, of Weatherly.

Her funeral will be held Saturday, January 10, at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. A funeral service will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Interment will be held in St. Mary of the Assumption R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo, at the convenience of the family.

Calling hours will be held Saturday from 12 to 1 p.m. in the funeral home.

Janet M. Faix, 89, of Andreas, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Coaldale. Prior to retiring, Janet was a caregiver at the former Hamburg Center and previously employed at the former Atlas Powder Co., Reynolds. Born in Krumsville, she was the daughter of the late Millard and Bertha (Smith) Hassler. Janet was a member of Zion’s Stone Church, of West Penn Township. Janet enjoyed visiting and spending time with her friends. She liked attending to her flowers, gardening, reading, playing cards and scrabble. She loved animals, especially chipmunks and her cats. 

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Norman, Bruce, and Myron Hassler; half-brother, Ralph Wisser; and half-sister, Evelyn Schlenker. 

Janet is survived by a son, David and his companion Robin, of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Susan-Jane, wife of Tim Mohler, of Denver, PA; three grandchildren, Crystal, wife of Matt Stewart, Nathan Mohler and Ted Mohler and his wife Hope; and nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Hartman Funeral Home, New Ringgold, with Rev. Kevin Kirkpatrick officiating. Call 11-noon at the funeral home. Interment 1pm Friday, January 16, at Zion’s Stone Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SOAR, Starting Over Animal Rescue, PO Box 286, Schnecksville, PA 18078.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.

These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville