Skook News Obituaries: February 17th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Ruth Ann "Cookie" Hartranft, 78, a lifelong resident of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Forest Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Weatherly.
Cookie’s life was defined by two enduring passions: a relentless pursuit of education and a deep, quiet devotion to her faith. A 1965 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, she spent her career caring for others as a Registered Nurse at the former Coaldale State Hospital. Her love for learning was lifelong; after earning her B.S. from Bloomsburg University, she later returned to the classroom to master business and computer sciences—a testament to her belief that one is never too old to grow.
At Bethany E.C.C. Church, Cookie found a special calling within the Secret Sister Ministry. She took great joy in being a "silent prayer partner," finding purpose in sending anonymous notes of encouragement and thoughtful tokens to her "sisters." While the ministry kept her identity a secret for a time, her warmth, dedication, and heart for uplifting others were known to everyone who had the privilege of calling her a friend.
Cookie was the daughter of the late William Joseph and Laura Mary (Jones) Hartranft. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Jane Hartranft and Laura Faye Ziolko, and her longtime companion, Dale C. Miller.
Cookie is survived by; her beloved nephew, John William Ziolko.
Pending arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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Mrs. Ann (Prelovsky) DiRenzo, formerly of Minersville and Shenandoah, passed away on Valentines Day, February 14, 2026.
Ann turned 100 years old on December 5, 2025, and celebrated her birthday with many family and friends at the Schuylkill center in Pottsville.
Born in Minersville to Frank and Mary Prelovsky, Ann worked in the ladies’ garment industry as a seamstress for many years. During WW II, Ann met and married Paul Stanley DiRenzo from Shenandoah.
Together, they built a wonderful life, had one son, two granddaughters, and at present two great grandchildren.
Ann loved to bake, spend time with family, and take as many photos as her camera would allow. She was an absolutely wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Sister to her many siblings.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20th, from 10 to 11am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St. Shenandoah. Scripture Services will be conducted at 11am and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. Following services, Ann will be buried alongside her husband, Paul, in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
