Skook News Obituaries: January 30th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Sarah Umlauf, 92, of Cresswell Gardens, Ashland, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, East Campus, Pottsville.
Born in Gordon on September 22, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Clayton and Helen (Mason) Boyer. She attended the Gordon schools and enjoyed sharing stories of her time growing up in the town.
Throughout her life, Sarah kept her connections with Gordon by participating in community events and attending the Simpson United Methodist Church on Biddle Steet. She was devoutly religious and took comfort in Sunday services. Sarah enjoyed time with her family, particularly the holiday meals, which she took pride in creating. Sarah was quick with a laugh and had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed watching “old-school” comedies, comedians and all western movies and shows. Sarah was an avid Phillies fan, a fact she often attributed to her difficulty falling asleep after watching another gut-wrenching late inning loss. She is survived by two sons Paul L. Evans, of Ashland; William G. Evans, and his wife Elaine of Wernersville, PA, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul W. Evans in 1966, and husband Robert J. Umlauf in 2011; Grandson Chad Evans, and seven brothers; Clayton, John, Charles, William, Franklin, Haven, Marvin and four sisters; Helen, Doris, Catherine and Deanna.
At the request of Sarah’s family, a Celebration of Life Service will be at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Sarah’s Life, please make your memorial to Simpson United Methodist Church, 119 E. Biddle Street, Gordon, PA., 17936. Please make condolences to www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Born in Gordon on September 22, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Clayton and Helen (Mason) Boyer. She attended the Gordon schools and enjoyed sharing stories of her time growing up in the town.
Throughout her life, Sarah kept her connections with Gordon by participating in community events and attending the Simpson United Methodist Church on Biddle Steet. She was devoutly religious and took comfort in Sunday services. Sarah enjoyed time with her family, particularly the holiday meals, which she took pride in creating. Sarah was quick with a laugh and had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed watching “old-school” comedies, comedians and all western movies and shows. Sarah was an avid Phillies fan, a fact she often attributed to her difficulty falling asleep after watching another gut-wrenching late inning loss. She is survived by two sons Paul L. Evans, of Ashland; William G. Evans, and his wife Elaine of Wernersville, PA, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul W. Evans in 1966, and husband Robert J. Umlauf in 2011; Grandson Chad Evans, and seven brothers; Clayton, John, Charles, William, Franklin, Haven, Marvin and four sisters; Helen, Doris, Catherine and Deanna.
At the request of Sarah’s family, a Celebration of Life Service will be at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Sarah’s Life, please make your memorial to Simpson United Methodist Church, 119 E. Biddle Street, Gordon, PA., 17936. Please make condolences to www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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Paul was known for his quirky humor, wit, intelligence, strength, and compassion for others. As his grandchildren would say, he was “the best Pop in the universe.” A storyteller, song-maker, reader of books, snuggler of babies, and a safe place to land. Paul found joy in many things: gardening, birds, nature, books, history, travel, camping, games, and long conversations. He built a beautiful home on Lake Wynonah—a place that was a gathering spot filled with laughter, warmth, and love. He maintained lifelong friendships, welcomed everyone with a good meal, and had a gift for making people feel seen, comfortable, and cared for.
Paul was born in Pottsville on February 21, 1954, a son of the late John Francis & Mary Alice (Mooney) Purcell.
Married 45 years, he was the devoted and loving husband of Mary Corcoran.
Paul was a 1972 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. He also graduated from Syracuse University (B.A.), and Temple University (M.B.A). He worked for the United States Postal Service in large real estate acquisitions for 30 years.
Paul was a Master Gardener and active in the Lake Wynonah Property Owners Association.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his two children: Emily Wildman (wife of Chad) of Delray Beach, FL, and Alex Purcell (husband of Tory) of Boston, MA; grandchildren: Eva, Claire, Francesa, Theodore, and Weston; siblings: Sheila Purcell, Kate Purcell (wife of Ed Epstein), Jack Purcell, Matt Purcell (widower of Pat Renee), and Patrick Purcell; nieces and nephews: Zoe, Luke, Beth, Theresa, Scott, and Rebecca.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Liebner.
A private Celebration of Life is planned for February.
At the family's request, memorial donations in Paul’s memory can be made to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary or the Orwigsburg Area Food Pantry.
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Joanne L. Frey, 78, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Thursday, January 29th, at home.
Joanne was born in Pottsville on October 16, 1947, a daughter of Louise M. (Kramer) Gradwell, of Pottsville, and the late Frederick L. Gradwell, Sr.
Her companion of over 40 years, George Haller, Sr. preceded her in death on January 21, 2026.
She is survived by three siblings: Clara Rose Smith, Frederick L. Gradwell, Jr., & Catherine M. Urban, and nieces and nephews including Dalana Leonard, whom she raised.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
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Born in Mahanoy City on February 20, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Adamick) Kohan.
Joan was a 1952 graduate of Mahanoy City High School. After high school, she worked as a switchboard operator for the telephone company before she devoted herself to her family as a proud homemaker.
She was a lifelong member of the former St. Canicus Church, and more recently St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City. Joan was very active in her church life, whether it was singing in the choir or participating in many church functions, she always dedicated her time and efforts. She was also a member of the Golden Age. Above all else, those closest to Joan will simply remember her as the kindest and most selfless person they have ever met.
Besides her parents, Joan was preceded by her husband- James Morgan, her son- Tom Morgan, and her sister- Doris Mattijssen.
Her surviving family includes her 2 sons- Jim and John Morgan, her 2 daughters- Betty Ann Drenning with her husband Scott and Mary Jo Morgan, 4 brothers- Jack, Bill, Gene, and Joe Kohan, 1 sister- Nancy Kohan, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 5th at 11am in St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City and will be celebrated by Fr. Kevin Gallagher. A visitation will take place prior to Mass from 10 to 11am in the church. Burial will follow in St. Canicus Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements with the assistance of James Haughney Jr.
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Corrine R. Coward, 75, of Ashland passed away early Sunday morning January 25, 2026 at her residence surrounded by family.
Born in Ashland on June 23, 1950 she was the daughter of the late Ruth (Malick) and Jerome Stanitis.
She graduated from Tri-Valley High School in 1968.
Corrine was the wife of William “Bill” E. Coward, they were married in 1972.
She was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of Christ United Lutheran Church in Gordon. Corrine sang in the church choir and taught Sunday school for many years.
Corrine worked as a secretary for for Cummins Diesel and later Ashland Diesel in Ashland. Later she worked for the Schuylkill County Prison as a secretary before retiring.
She enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parent’s, she was preceded in death by her brother Jerry Stanitis.
Corrine is survived by; husband William E. Coward Jr., Ashland; son William E. Coward III, Ashland; son Joshua A. Coward, Ashland; brother Kenny Stanitis (Pam), Morgantown; sister Shirley Miller (Jim), Dalmatia; grandson Zack Coward; several nieces & nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Christ United Lutheran Church in Ashland.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Michael “Mike” J. Phelan, 69, of Ashland (Locustdale) passed away Friday afternoon January 23, 2026 at his residence.
Born in Levittown, PA on December 11, 1956 he was the son of the late Margaret (Ginaldi) and William Phelan Sr.
Mike was the husband of the late Doris M. Phelan who passed away July 29, 2023.
He worked in the coal mines and later for Gould’s Pumps in Ashland.
Mike was of the Catholic faith.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycles and spending time with his 2 grandsons Brayden and Zadyn.
In addition to his parents and spouse, he was preceded in death by; stepson Jason Palewicz; sister Lorah Sleek; brother Steven Phelan; brother William Phelan Jr.; brother Chris Phelan.
Mike is survived by his son Joshua “Josh” Phelan, Big Mine Run and 2 grandsons Brayden Boyer and Zadyn Phelan; many nieces & nephews.
Interment will be private at Citizens Cemetery in Lavelle at a later date where he will be laid to rest with his spouse Doris and step son Jason.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Pansy was the daughter of the late Margaret (Rhine) Frye.
She is survived by her husband, James T. Strickland, to whom she was married for 56 years.
Pansy was a member of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Port Carbon. She was also a member of ESGR.
Pansy was a 1964 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School. She worked at Weis Markets and Giant as a deli manager.
In addition to her mother, Pansy is preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Trumbo, and a brother, Lynwood Fessler.
Pansy is survived by her son, James T. Strickland, husband of Karen of Pottsville; her son, Chad T. Strickland, husband of Donna of Nanticoke; and her son, Troy T. Strickland, husband of Kelly of Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also survived by her grandson, Dakota Dean; granddaughters Erin, Briana, Kaylee, and Shannon; her great-grandson, Theo; and nieces and nephews.
A religious service will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Barry Long officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.
Interment will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
