Skook News Obituaries: February 21st, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Joyce A. Achenbach, 79, of Pottsville passed away on Friday at Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg.
Born in the Schoentown community of Port Carbon on May 7, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Alberta Moshinsky.
Joyce was a 1964 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. She attended the Reading School of Nursing and also attained her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Penn State University while raising two children and working.
Joyce was a beloved educator and mentor of the LPN Program in Pottsville. She was an artisan of a multitude of mediums that reached many loved ones. Her generous and independent spirit will be missed.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Lewis “Bob” Achenbach who passed away in 2023. She is also preceded in death by her sisters Cleona Boyer and Gwen Skripko.
Joyce is survived by her children; Lewis Achenbach husband to Cynthia of Wheaton, IL and Leah Joy Kovack wife of Michael of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by grandchildren, Michael, Caleb and Grace and a great grandson Micah. She is survived by her brother Peter Moshinsky and sister Donna Ratynski.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 12:00 Noon. Family and friends are welcome from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Born in the Schoentown community of Port Carbon on May 7, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Alberta Moshinsky.
Joyce was a 1964 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. She attended the Reading School of Nursing and also attained her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Penn State University while raising two children and working.
Joyce was a beloved educator and mentor of the LPN Program in Pottsville. She was an artisan of a multitude of mediums that reached many loved ones. Her generous and independent spirit will be missed.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Lewis “Bob” Achenbach who passed away in 2023. She is also preceded in death by her sisters Cleona Boyer and Gwen Skripko.
Joyce is survived by her children; Lewis Achenbach husband to Cynthia of Wheaton, IL and Leah Joy Kovack wife of Michael of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by grandchildren, Michael, Caleb and Grace and a great grandson Micah. She is survived by her brother Peter Moshinsky and sister Donna Ratynski.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 12:00 Noon. Family and friends are welcome from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Patricia A. Mitchell, 86, of St. Clair, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven. She was born in Pottsville on July 30, 1939.
Patricia was the daughter of the late Patrick W. Haffey and Anna (Sabados) Haffey. She was of the Catholic faith.
She worked as a Nurse’s Aide at the former Rest Haven Nursing Home, Schuylkill Haven.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph J. Haffey.
She is survived by her caregiver, Diane Bender, wife of Jerry Talamantes, of St. Clair.
A private religious service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, with Deacon John Setlock officiating. A private interment will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Barbara E. (Zeigler) Stegmeier, 77 years of age of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.
Born Monday, May 31, 1948 in Andreas, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Earl and Beatrice (Hartung) Zeigler. Barb was also predeceased by; her husband of 52 years, Robert F. Stegmeier; sisters, Joan N. Miller, Doris E. Leiby; brother, Ronald W. Zeigler.
Surviving are; sister, Joyce Knepper, wife of Robert; brother, Larry Zeigler; sister-in-law, Helene Zeigler; brother-in-law, Lamar Leiby; nephew Bryan Miller, husband of Sharon; nieces, Shelly Heisler, wife of Todd; Ashley Rodgers, wife of Tom; Naomi Means, wife of Jerimiah; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A 1966 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Barb has continued to own and operate Panther Valley Carriers in conjunction with P.V.C. Sales & Service a family business she and her late husband have owned for over 44 years. Barb was a member of West Penn Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Barb and Bob, enjoyed traveling and camping. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Barb has been associated with Christ Evangelical Free Church of Lehighton for many years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. 570-386-5884
A celebration of Barb's Life will be held on Thursday evening February 26, 2026 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends and family may call from 5:00 P.M. until the time of services.
Private Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in Barb's name may be made to:
Christ Evangelical Free Church
2420 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive West
Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235
Lois D. Adams, 74, of Tower City (Clarks Valley), passed away very unexpectedly Friday, February 20, 2026 at her home.
Born in Tuesday, September 4, 1951, a daughter of the late Marlin and Bernetta Betz Leonard. Lois was a graduate of the Palmyra High School.
She was a faithful member of the Faith Evangelical Congregational Church, Wiconisco.
She had a deep love for collecting antiques. Her home reflected her passion for antiques, bringing warmth and character to every room in her house. She could often be found tending her flowers in her garden and watching the birds and all nature has to offer from her porch. Her neighbor, Koppy, was more like family, and they spent countless hours enjoying each other's friendship.
Above all, her family was the center of her world. She always went above and beyond for her daughters and their families. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy and fulfilled her life.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Leory "Linky" Adams, 1998, and her longtime companion Lamar "Slip" Schlein, 2022.
Surviving are her two daughters, Sherry Smith and her husband Dennis and Lori Buffington and her husband Doug; three grandchildren, Allie Smith, Drew and Kade Buffington; two brother Dennis Leonard and his wife Donna, and Gerald Leonard; two sisters, Carole Trego, and her companion Ed, and Cheryle Leonard; Nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Pastors Bob Stoner and Annette Shutt officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
In honor of Lois, the family encourages you to perform a random act of kindness, cherish the beauty of nature, or spend time appreciating something old and treasured, just as she did.
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Born Monday, May 31, 1948 in Andreas, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Earl and Beatrice (Hartung) Zeigler. Barb was also predeceased by; her husband of 52 years, Robert F. Stegmeier; sisters, Joan N. Miller, Doris E. Leiby; brother, Ronald W. Zeigler.
Surviving are; sister, Joyce Knepper, wife of Robert; brother, Larry Zeigler; sister-in-law, Helene Zeigler; brother-in-law, Lamar Leiby; nephew Bryan Miller, husband of Sharon; nieces, Shelly Heisler, wife of Todd; Ashley Rodgers, wife of Tom; Naomi Means, wife of Jerimiah; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A 1966 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Barb has continued to own and operate Panther Valley Carriers in conjunction with P.V.C. Sales & Service a family business she and her late husband have owned for over 44 years. Barb was a member of West Penn Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Barb and Bob, enjoyed traveling and camping. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Barb has been associated with Christ Evangelical Free Church of Lehighton for many years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. 570-386-5884
A celebration of Barb's Life will be held on Thursday evening February 26, 2026 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends and family may call from 5:00 P.M. until the time of services.
Private Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in Barb's name may be made to:
Christ Evangelical Free Church
2420 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive West
Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235
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William I. Mills, 95, formerly of Girardville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19th, at the home of his daughter in Manheim.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Warren and Sarah (Thomas) Mills. Bill was a hardworking and dedicated man throughout his life. He was employed at Metropolitan Mirror in Frackville, the Summit Station Quarry, and concluded his working years at Wenco Windows, where he crafted patio doors until his retirement.
Bill proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His patriotism and quiet pride in his service remained with him throughout his life.
Bill was a devout member of the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church, Ashland.
He was well known for his larger-than-life personality and unwavering loyalty to his favorite teams. Bill was a passionate and devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and also enjoyed cheering on the New York Yankees. In his downtime, he could often be found enjoying classic television programs such as The Lawrence Welk Show and The Red Skelton Show, watching Fox News, or settling in for a good John Wayne western.
Bill found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed playing his Pennsylvania lottery numbers and trying his luck with scratch-off tickets. He especially loved his late wife Alice’s home cooking, often pairing a favorite meal with a Yuengling beer. A trip for Five Guys burgers and a Pepsi was also something he truly enjoyed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice W. Mills, and his ten siblings.
Bill is survived by his three daughters: Lisa Mills of Sunbury; Beth Ann Michalik and her husband, Paul, of Girardville; and Tammy Mills Morrison and her husband, Robert, of Manheim; his 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, whom he adored and loved unconditionally; He is also survived by one sister, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28th, from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 403 West Main Street, Girardville. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:30 am until the time of service. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Warren and Sarah (Thomas) Mills. Bill was a hardworking and dedicated man throughout his life. He was employed at Metropolitan Mirror in Frackville, the Summit Station Quarry, and concluded his working years at Wenco Windows, where he crafted patio doors until his retirement.
Bill proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His patriotism and quiet pride in his service remained with him throughout his life.
Bill was a devout member of the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church, Ashland.
He was well known for his larger-than-life personality and unwavering loyalty to his favorite teams. Bill was a passionate and devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and also enjoyed cheering on the New York Yankees. In his downtime, he could often be found enjoying classic television programs such as The Lawrence Welk Show and The Red Skelton Show, watching Fox News, or settling in for a good John Wayne western.
Bill found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed playing his Pennsylvania lottery numbers and trying his luck with scratch-off tickets. He especially loved his late wife Alice’s home cooking, often pairing a favorite meal with a Yuengling beer. A trip for Five Guys burgers and a Pepsi was also something he truly enjoyed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice W. Mills, and his ten siblings.
Bill is survived by his three daughters: Lisa Mills of Sunbury; Beth Ann Michalik and her husband, Paul, of Girardville; and Tammy Mills Morrison and her husband, Robert, of Manheim; his 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, whom he adored and loved unconditionally; He is also survived by one sister, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28th, from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 403 West Main Street, Girardville. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:30 am until the time of service. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Tuesday, September 4, 1951, a daughter of the late Marlin and Bernetta Betz Leonard. Lois was a graduate of the Palmyra High School.
She was a faithful member of the Faith Evangelical Congregational Church, Wiconisco.
She had a deep love for collecting antiques. Her home reflected her passion for antiques, bringing warmth and character to every room in her house. She could often be found tending her flowers in her garden and watching the birds and all nature has to offer from her porch. Her neighbor, Koppy, was more like family, and they spent countless hours enjoying each other's friendship.
Above all, her family was the center of her world. She always went above and beyond for her daughters and their families. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy and fulfilled her life.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Leory "Linky" Adams, 1998, and her longtime companion Lamar "Slip" Schlein, 2022.
Surviving are her two daughters, Sherry Smith and her husband Dennis and Lori Buffington and her husband Doug; three grandchildren, Allie Smith, Drew and Kade Buffington; two brother Dennis Leonard and his wife Donna, and Gerald Leonard; two sisters, Carole Trego, and her companion Ed, and Cheryle Leonard; Nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Pastors Bob Stoner and Annette Shutt officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
In honor of Lois, the family encourages you to perform a random act of kindness, cherish the beauty of nature, or spend time appreciating something old and treasured, just as she did.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
