Skook News Obituaries: February 23rd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Port Carbon, PA on December 27, 1930, he was the son of the late Stephen and Julia (Evonchalk) Smyk.
Joe was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired from United Metal Receptacle, Pottsville. He was a lifelong member of St. Stephen's Church, Port Carbon and a member of St. Clare of Assisi Church, Saint Clair.
Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Erma (Cooper) Smyk, brothers: William, Metro, and John, and sisters: Helen Rennick and Mary Lescavage.
Joe is survived by niece Helen Tohill and husband James, nephews: Robert Rennick and wife Karen and Stephen (Babe) Rennick, also nieces Elizabeth Brantly and husband Phil and Nancy Lescavage Voelker and husband George, nephew William Lescavage and wife Michelle, step-niece Linda Smith and husband Martin, step-nephew Joe Lescavage and wife Kathryn, many grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon on Tuesday March 3rd at 10:30AM, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Clare of Assisi Church Memorial Fund 250 East Hancock St. Saint Clair, PA 17970.
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Roxanne Shope, 61, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Friday, February 20th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Born in Reading on July 7, 1964, she was the daughter of the late Russell Delp, Sr.
She was the wife of Robert M. Shope, to whom she was married to for 22 years.
She was a graduate of Reading High School.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons Robert Keller husband of Kyle, Oley and Jarret Keller, Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren Colin and Julia; siblings Regina Marmer wife of Joe, Pine Grove, Rebecca Spangler wife of Greg, Holt and Russell Delp, Jr., Pottsville; nieces and nephews including Angie Bohn, Josh and Randy Heckman, Edward Bealer, Tyler Delp, Ashley Cappel and Brett Delp; numerous great nieces and nephews.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to American Heart Association 968 Postal Road, Suite 110 Allentown, PA 18109.
Services and interment will be held privately at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Donna Marie Martin, 59, of Minersville, passed away Thursday February 19, 2026 at LVHN-Cedar Crest.
Born in Pottsville, July 21, 1966, she was the daughter of the late Henry H. and Margaret (Lubish) Martin.
Donna attended Minersville Schools and went on to work as a Caregiver in Home Health. She treasured the time spend with loved ones. By making memories, traditions, and spending quality time, she left behind beautiful moments that will continue to warm hearts for generations.
She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville-St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephew Lucas Markus.
Survived by Longtime Companion Ronald Kintzel;
Her 3 Children: Brittany George, Ashley George, Thomas George and girlfriend Alexa Gauvreau;
Grandchildren: Owen, Benjamin, Kyle, Daisy;
Siblings John H. Martin, Michelle and husband David Markus, Randy Bush, Vincent Martin and his companion Maggie; Nieces and Nephews: Rachel Markus, Matthew Cassidy, Riley Cox, Margaret, and Bryson; Good Friends Beverly Wendling, Mark Kowalsky, Connie Lempfert, and Caroline Perez;
Beloved Cat, Queenie.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday February 25, 2026 at Dutcavich Funeral Home Cremation Care Inc. 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954.
Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Laurel Cemetery.
Marion E. Leitz, 64, of Pottsville, passed away Tuesday, February 17th, at Geisinger St. Luke's, Orwigsburg.
Marion was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on November 21, 1961, a daughter of the late Marie (Calhoun) and Moe Walton.
She was a former Waitress.
Marion is survived by a daughter, Melissa Foster, Marion is also survived by two brothers, Patrick M Reynolds and Edward Walton.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Edward Gardner, 99, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Coaldale. He was the beloved husband of the late Ann “Sissy” (Paulus) Gardner, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2011.
Born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Edward was a son of the late Edward and Anna (Faas) Gardner. He worked for many years as a machinist at the former Bundy Tubing in Hometown. Edward had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found great joy in gardening, boating, motorcycles, and airplanes. A proud WW II veteran of the U.S. Army, he was pursuing his pilot’s license, reflecting his enduring sense of adventure and enthusiasm for life. A man of Catholic faith and a member of the former St. John Lithuanian Church in Coaldale, he will be fondly remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, and special love for dogs.
Edward is survived by his sister, Claire Verbitsky of Hobe Sound, Florida; several nieces and nephews; and his devoted nephew and caretaker, Joseph Paulus and his wife, Marlene, of Coaldale. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Harold Gardner, and two sisters, Edith and Adele Gardner.
A prayer service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 26, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, with Deacon Edward Girard officiating. Interment with military honors at Sky-View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua will follow the service. Family and friends are invited to call from 10-11 AM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in Edward’s name may be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, P.O. Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Joyce Ann Moran, 80, of Minersville, passed away Friday, February 20th surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Buck Run on January 23, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Alex Demcher and Dolly Bowers.
She proudly attended Buck Run School, before graduating from Minersville High School. Earning her undergraduate degree in History at Ursinus College, Joyce continued her education with a Master’s of Education from Kutztown University. While attending Kutztown, she became a published author, recounting her grandparents’ immigration from the Ukraine. She was an English teacher at Minersville High School before finding her true passion as a Kindergarten teacher. Her warmth and kindness were endearing to her students, who frequently would approach her to express their gratitude for the impact that she had on their lives.
Once she and Ed started their family, she stayed at home to raise her three children. A devoted and loving wife, Joyce was happily married to Edward J. Moran. Ed and Joyce lived and raised their family in Minersville, with their love never wavering in 57 years of marriage. Throughout their lives, they had many adventures seeing the world together, touring the U.S., Europe and Ireland, and attending concerts, the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl.
Known for her quick wit and happy demeanor; her friends and family have many joyful stories of what a true original Joyce was in life.
A proud mother, she loved sharing stories about her daughter Dolly’s career, daughter Alexis’s gymnastics at the University of Maryland, and her son Edward’s family. Delighted to become a grandmother later in life, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren; cheering on Abby playing softball, sharing cookies with Emma, being silly with Maggie and doing puzzles with Brady.
She was an Officer of the Minersville Fifth Quarter Club, and current Board Member of the Minersville Public Library. She was a faithful and lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Chapel in Buck Run, PA, where she also served for many years on the Church Council.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her parents, and in-laws.
Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Dolly Moran, Phoenixville, PA, Alexis Moran, Germantown, MD, a son, Edward Moran and his wife Chastity, Minersville, grandchildren Abigail, Emma, Maggie, and Brady Moran, sister-in-law Julie O’Connor, Nephews Thomas, Kevin, William, Charles, Len and Patrick, nieces Michelle, Margaret, and Cathy.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:00 to 11:00 am Friday , February 27 at the Trinity Lutheran Chapel, Buck Run.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 with Pastor Carl Shankweiler officiant.
Interment St. John’s Kimmels Cemetery, Weishample.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Trinity Lutheran Chapel of Buck Run.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Carl “Shack” Shackelton, 93, of Cressona, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026.
Born in Narrowsburg, NY to the late Harry and Beatrice (Tiffany) Shackelton, Shack was a proud 1951 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. Following graduation, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy for four years.
Shack devoted more than 30 years of his professional life working as a salesman for ConAgra, formerly Armour Foods, before retiring in 1991. Never one to sit still, he continued working part-time after retirement at Schuylkill Country Club and Hidden Valley Golf Course until the age of 83.
An avid golfer with six holes in one, Shack was a proud member of the Tremont Clubsters and the Schuylkill Haven Golf League. He and his beloved wife, Shirley, loved their summer vacations and spending the winter months in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where Shack also enjoyed many memorable golf trips with his longtime friends.
Shack was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Rainbow Hose Company.
Above all, Shack was happiest when surrounded by his family. He treasured the time he spent watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Shackelton, and his grandson, Steven Miller.
Shack is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley (Gehrig) Shackelton; his daughters, Robin (Chris) Lehman and Cheryl (Mark) Miller, both of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Bradley, Kristina and Jill Lehman, Amy (Nick) Marrongelle, and Megan Miller; and four great-grandchildren, Austin and Gianna Marrongelle, and Taliah and Alex Miller.
Shack will be remembered as a devoted husband and proud dad and pop. Whether he was on the golf course, in Myrtle Beach with his buddies, or simply spending time with his family, he was right where he wanted to be. He lived a full life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Private services will be held at the family’s convenience.
Memorial contributions in Shack’s name may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
Ida Seidel Harwood, 99, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away Saturday, February 21st, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville, where she had been a resident.
Ida was born in Philadelphia on October 13, 1926, a daughter of the late Walter & Ida M. (Seidel) Kirkwood.
She was the widow of Raymond James Harwood, Jr. who passed away October 2, 1982.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ida is also preceded in death by her siblings: Marie, Walt, & Harry.
Ida is survived by her daughter, Susan Marie Weissman, wife of John, of Lake Wynonah.
Affectionately known as "Grandmom", Ida adored her six grandsons: Colin, Andrew, Ian, Eric, Stephen, & William.
Private interment will be held at George Washington Memorial Park, Plymouth Meeting, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Ida's memory may be made to an animal rescue or veterans organization of your choice.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.
Mary A. Kramer, 85, of Landingville passed away Sunday, February 22nd, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg, where she had been a resident.
Mary was born in Landingville on April 30, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Edward G. & Minnie (Schmidt) Riegel.
She was the widow of Gerald S. Kramer who preceded her in death in 2018.
Mary was a member of Faith Reformed United Church of Christ, Landingville.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Kramer, Landingville, eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and nieces & nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary is also preceded in death by two daughters: Cynthia Smith, & Brenda Kramer, and two brothers: Guy H. Riegel, & Floyd Reber.
A private Graveside Service will be held at Park Hill Cemetery, Landingville, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be forwarded to Faith Reformed UCC, 8 Church St., Landingville PA 17972.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Clare of Assisi Church Memorial Fund 250 East Hancock St. Saint Clair, PA 17970.
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Born in Reading on July 7, 1964, she was the daughter of the late Russell Delp, Sr.
She was the wife of Robert M. Shope, to whom she was married to for 22 years.
She was a graduate of Reading High School.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons Robert Keller husband of Kyle, Oley and Jarret Keller, Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren Colin and Julia; siblings Regina Marmer wife of Joe, Pine Grove, Rebecca Spangler wife of Greg, Holt and Russell Delp, Jr., Pottsville; nieces and nephews including Angie Bohn, Josh and Randy Heckman, Edward Bealer, Tyler Delp, Ashley Cappel and Brett Delp; numerous great nieces and nephews.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to American Heart Association 968 Postal Road, Suite 110 Allentown, PA 18109.
Services and interment will be held privately at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, July 21, 1966, she was the daughter of the late Henry H. and Margaret (Lubish) Martin.
Donna attended Minersville Schools and went on to work as a Caregiver in Home Health. She treasured the time spend with loved ones. By making memories, traditions, and spending quality time, she left behind beautiful moments that will continue to warm hearts for generations.
She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville-St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephew Lucas Markus.
Survived by Longtime Companion Ronald Kintzel;
Her 3 Children: Brittany George, Ashley George, Thomas George and girlfriend Alexa Gauvreau;
Grandchildren: Owen, Benjamin, Kyle, Daisy;
Siblings John H. Martin, Michelle and husband David Markus, Randy Bush, Vincent Martin and his companion Maggie; Nieces and Nephews: Rachel Markus, Matthew Cassidy, Riley Cox, Margaret, and Bryson; Good Friends Beverly Wendling, Mark Kowalsky, Connie Lempfert, and Caroline Perez;
Beloved Cat, Queenie.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday February 25, 2026 at Dutcavich Funeral Home Cremation Care Inc. 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954.
Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Laurel Cemetery.
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Marion E. Leitz, 64, of Pottsville, passed away Tuesday, February 17th, at Geisinger St. Luke's, Orwigsburg.
Marion was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on November 21, 1961, a daughter of the late Marie (Calhoun) and Moe Walton.
She was a former Waitress.
Marion is survived by a daughter, Melissa Foster, Marion is also survived by two brothers, Patrick M Reynolds and Edward Walton.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Edward was a son of the late Edward and Anna (Faas) Gardner. He worked for many years as a machinist at the former Bundy Tubing in Hometown. Edward had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found great joy in gardening, boating, motorcycles, and airplanes. A proud WW II veteran of the U.S. Army, he was pursuing his pilot’s license, reflecting his enduring sense of adventure and enthusiasm for life. A man of Catholic faith and a member of the former St. John Lithuanian Church in Coaldale, he will be fondly remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, and special love for dogs.
Edward is survived by his sister, Claire Verbitsky of Hobe Sound, Florida; several nieces and nephews; and his devoted nephew and caretaker, Joseph Paulus and his wife, Marlene, of Coaldale. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Harold Gardner, and two sisters, Edith and Adele Gardner.
A prayer service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 26, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, with Deacon Edward Girard officiating. Interment with military honors at Sky-View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua will follow the service. Family and friends are invited to call from 10-11 AM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in Edward’s name may be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, P.O. Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Born in Buck Run on January 23, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Alex Demcher and Dolly Bowers.
She proudly attended Buck Run School, before graduating from Minersville High School. Earning her undergraduate degree in History at Ursinus College, Joyce continued her education with a Master’s of Education from Kutztown University. While attending Kutztown, she became a published author, recounting her grandparents’ immigration from the Ukraine. She was an English teacher at Minersville High School before finding her true passion as a Kindergarten teacher. Her warmth and kindness were endearing to her students, who frequently would approach her to express their gratitude for the impact that she had on their lives.
Once she and Ed started their family, she stayed at home to raise her three children. A devoted and loving wife, Joyce was happily married to Edward J. Moran. Ed and Joyce lived and raised their family in Minersville, with their love never wavering in 57 years of marriage. Throughout their lives, they had many adventures seeing the world together, touring the U.S., Europe and Ireland, and attending concerts, the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl.
Known for her quick wit and happy demeanor; her friends and family have many joyful stories of what a true original Joyce was in life.
A proud mother, she loved sharing stories about her daughter Dolly’s career, daughter Alexis’s gymnastics at the University of Maryland, and her son Edward’s family. Delighted to become a grandmother later in life, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren; cheering on Abby playing softball, sharing cookies with Emma, being silly with Maggie and doing puzzles with Brady.
She was an Officer of the Minersville Fifth Quarter Club, and current Board Member of the Minersville Public Library. She was a faithful and lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Chapel in Buck Run, PA, where she also served for many years on the Church Council.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her parents, and in-laws.
Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Dolly Moran, Phoenixville, PA, Alexis Moran, Germantown, MD, a son, Edward Moran and his wife Chastity, Minersville, grandchildren Abigail, Emma, Maggie, and Brady Moran, sister-in-law Julie O’Connor, Nephews Thomas, Kevin, William, Charles, Len and Patrick, nieces Michelle, Margaret, and Cathy.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:00 to 11:00 am Friday , February 27 at the Trinity Lutheran Chapel, Buck Run.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 with Pastor Carl Shankweiler officiant.
Interment St. John’s Kimmels Cemetery, Weishample.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Trinity Lutheran Chapel of Buck Run.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Narrowsburg, NY to the late Harry and Beatrice (Tiffany) Shackelton, Shack was a proud 1951 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. Following graduation, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy for four years.
Shack devoted more than 30 years of his professional life working as a salesman for ConAgra, formerly Armour Foods, before retiring in 1991. Never one to sit still, he continued working part-time after retirement at Schuylkill Country Club and Hidden Valley Golf Course until the age of 83.
An avid golfer with six holes in one, Shack was a proud member of the Tremont Clubsters and the Schuylkill Haven Golf League. He and his beloved wife, Shirley, loved their summer vacations and spending the winter months in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where Shack also enjoyed many memorable golf trips with his longtime friends.
Shack was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Rainbow Hose Company.
Above all, Shack was happiest when surrounded by his family. He treasured the time he spent watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Shackelton, and his grandson, Steven Miller.
Shack is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley (Gehrig) Shackelton; his daughters, Robin (Chris) Lehman and Cheryl (Mark) Miller, both of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Bradley, Kristina and Jill Lehman, Amy (Nick) Marrongelle, and Megan Miller; and four great-grandchildren, Austin and Gianna Marrongelle, and Taliah and Alex Miller.
Shack will be remembered as a devoted husband and proud dad and pop. Whether he was on the golf course, in Myrtle Beach with his buddies, or simply spending time with his family, he was right where he wanted to be. He lived a full life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Private services will be held at the family’s convenience.
Memorial contributions in Shack’s name may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Ida was born in Philadelphia on October 13, 1926, a daughter of the late Walter & Ida M. (Seidel) Kirkwood.
She was the widow of Raymond James Harwood, Jr. who passed away October 2, 1982.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ida is also preceded in death by her siblings: Marie, Walt, & Harry.
Ida is survived by her daughter, Susan Marie Weissman, wife of John, of Lake Wynonah.
Affectionately known as "Grandmom", Ida adored her six grandsons: Colin, Andrew, Ian, Eric, Stephen, & William.
Private interment will be held at George Washington Memorial Park, Plymouth Meeting, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Ida's memory may be made to an animal rescue or veterans organization of your choice.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Mary A. Kramer, 85, of Landingville passed away Sunday, February 22nd, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg, where she had been a resident.
Mary was born in Landingville on April 30, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Edward G. & Minnie (Schmidt) Riegel.
She was the widow of Gerald S. Kramer who preceded her in death in 2018.
Mary was a member of Faith Reformed United Church of Christ, Landingville.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Kramer, Landingville, eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and nieces & nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary is also preceded in death by two daughters: Cynthia Smith, & Brenda Kramer, and two brothers: Guy H. Riegel, & Floyd Reber.
A private Graveside Service will be held at Park Hill Cemetery, Landingville, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be forwarded to Faith Reformed UCC, 8 Church St., Landingville PA 17972.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Obituaries from the past 7 Days
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
