Friday, February 6, 2026

Schuylkill County Obituaries for February 6th, 2026

                                    Skook News Obituaries

Skook News Obituaries:  February 6th, 2026

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Lanny R. Bachman, Sr.
89 of Auburn passed away on Thursday at Luther Ridge Senior Living.

Born in Pine Grove, July 20, 1936, he was the son of the late Catherine Zerbe Bachman Williard and Arthur S. Bachman.

Lanny was a 1954 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School. After high school he joined the United States Navy.

He was a member of St. John’s Church in Auburn.

He was employed by Harvey B. Moyer for 35 years. Lanny was last employed at Ark Rentals in Orwigsburg.

Lanny was a Past Master of Schuylkill Lodge No. 138 F. & A.M., Orwigsburg. He was also a member of Rajah Temple, Shrine Club, Scottish Rite, and the American Motorcycle Association.

Lanny was a Philadelphia sports enthusiast and loved the Eagles and the Phillies. He enjoyed riding motorcycle with his wife Betty and loved playing poker with family along with hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Bachman who passed away in 2008 and a granddaughter, Laura Kline who passed in 2021. He is also preceded in death by his two brothers: Arthur A. Bachman and Arlin Bachman and a stepfather, Glen Williard.

Lanny is survived by his wife of 36 years, Betty Lea Bachman. He is survived by three sons. Lanny Jr. husband to Michelle of Auburn, Douglas husband to Tina of Auburn and Michael of Bethel. He is also survived by daughter Bobbi Joan Kline, wife of Richard of Schuylkill Haven. Lanny is survived by a daughter-in-law, Angela Bachman of Virginia and a stepson Richard W. Brown husband to Susan of Schuylkill Haven and a stepdaughter Cindy Brown partner to Joseph Ganunis of New Philadelphia. Two brothers, Henry, husband of Sharon, Chesapeake, VA and Thomas husband to Phyllis, of New Jersey. Lanny is survived by grandchildren, Robert Bachman, Kristine Bachman, Eric Bachman, Katelyn Bachman, Aliana Baez, Tyler Kline, Jessica Courter, Clare Bachman, Luke Bachman, Anna Bachman, Amy Luckenbill, Jason Brown, Jennifer Cataldi, Sarah McBreen, Mary McBreen, Richard Kline, Jr., Christopher Kline, Kristopher Claypoole, Jenna Spotts, Meaghan Fricker and 17 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13 at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment with military honors will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park Schuylkill Haven. Memories and condolences can be shared www.grabowskfuneralhomes.com.

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Janet Helen White
, 91, of Hegins, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

​Born in Ashland on July 6, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William and Helen (Evans) Zerby.

After attending Ashland High School, Janet proudly served her country as a member of the United States Air Force.

Following her service, Janet worked in Harrisburg. Later, becoming a local business woman, operating several stores fronts, including her candle shop in Ashland.

​Throughout her long and full life, Janet found joy in the simple pleasures. She was an avid card player and a devoted fan of Sunday Football and bingo.

She never missed a chance to scout for treasures at yard sales or to decorate her home for the holidays. Above all, Janet loved dancing and was always ready for a long car ride, listening to "the oldies" and sharing laughs with her great-granddaughter Abby.

Janet is survived by her brother, Wayne Zerby, and his wife Dorothy, of Ashland.

She leaves behind her four children: Barry, Cheri, Chuck, and JanEL.

Her Nine grandchildren: Heather, Jesse, Megan, Josh, Cori, Chaz, Tyler, Ryan, and Melany; thirteen great-grandchildren: Abby, Noah, Jesse Jr., Macy, Marley, Ella, Cole, Landon, Gavin, Dillon, Toby, Will, and Aria; and one great-great-grandchild, as well as nieces and nephews.

​She was preceded in death by her sisters, Shirley Hain and Kay Fertig, and a brother, Ronnie Zerby.

The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.

​In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Janet’s memory to organizations she was deeply passionate about: a charity supporting United States veterans or Pa Pitstop Dog rescue P.O. box 84 Shillington, Pa 19607

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Ruth (Boyer) Brill
, 83, of Coal Township, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at Mt. View Nursing and Rehabilitation, surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished wife of the late George D. Brill Sr., who preceded her in death in 1999.

Born on June 12, 1942, in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, Ruth was the daughter of the late Charles and Thelma (Gould) Boyer. Throughout her life, she found fulfillment in her work at J E Morgan Knitting Mills, where she spent many years contributing her skills and dedication.

Ruth had a vibrant spirit and enjoyed various pursuits that enriched her life. Her interests included playing bingo, following NASCAR, and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. A lover of chance, she frequently engaged in gambling and lottery games and took delight in exploring flea markets. However, what brought her the greatest joy was the time spent with her family, which she cherished above all else.

She is survived by her children: George Brill Jr. and his wife Renee of Mahanoy City; John Brill and his wife Charlene of Mahanoy City; Charles Brill and his wife Diane of Trevorton; Sandra, the wife of the late Roy Bowen of Mahanoy City; Kenneth Brill and his wife Christina of Elysburg; and Georgine, the wife of Charles Griffin of Ringtown. Additionally, Ruth was a proud grandmother to 24 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, creating a legacy of love and laughter.

In addition to her children, Ruth is survived by her siblings: William "Billy" Boyer and his wife Renee; Robert "Bobby" Boyer and his wife Barb; Beverly Lech; Bonnie Thomas; and Louanne "Peachy" Graff.

Ruth was preceded in death by three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several siblings, including Charles "Buddy" Boyer, Shirley Parrish, Dionne Keip, and Helen Bachorik.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 9th, at 11 AM at the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home located at 655 East Broad Street in Tamaqua. Calling hours will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Following the service, interment will take place at Sky View Memorial Park in Hometown.

The family encourages online condolences and fond memories to be shared at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

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Loretta Carolyn Beers
, age 83, of West Penn Township, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2026, at the Providence Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pottsville, PA. She was the devoted wife of Robert C. Beers, to whom she would have been married to for 65 years in June.

Born on March 31, 1942, in West Penn Township, Loretta was the daughter of the late Oscar A. and Verna (Rex) Steigerwalt. She was a proud graduate of Tamaqua High School, having completed her studies in 1959. Throughout her career, Loretta worked diligently in the textile industry, but her true pride resided in her roots as a farm girl. Her fondness for the outdoors was evident in her enjoyment of cutting grass alongside her husband and spending time in nature.

Loretta was an active and cherished member of Zion Stone Church in West Penn Township, where she dedicated 25 years of service as the church treasurer. Additionally, she was a member of the church alter guild and served on the kitchen committee, reflecting her commitment to her faith and community.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert, and her children: Bruce R. Beers of Smithfield, Virginia and Keith A. Beers, husband of Michele Beers, of West Penn Township. Loretta was also a proud grandmother to Jennifer, wife of Gunner Karason, Heather Beers, wife of the late James Sulin, Jacob Beers, Danika, wife of Michael Hayes, Maxine Beers, and Lacey Beers. Her legacy extends to her great-grandchildren: Erik Karason, Emma Karason, and Isabelle Sulin.

In addition to her immediate family, Loretta is survived by her siblings, June Koch, Richard, husband of Mary Steigerwalt and Shirley Lorah.

She was preceded in death by several siblings, including Sandra Sassaman, Laverne Oswald, Oscar Steigerwalt, Jr., Leonard Steigerwalt, Bernard Steigerwalt and Donald Steigerwalt.

A celebration of Loretta’s life will be a private ceremony at Zions Stone Church of West Penn Township.

She will be laid to rest in Zion Church Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to those who have offered support during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., located at 2066 West Penn Pike Rte. 309, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania.

Contributions can be made to Zion Stone Church , 45 Cemetery Road, New Ringgold, PA 17960.

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Jean M. Lang, 93 of Pottsville, died peacefully Wednesday at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.

She was born April 20, 1932, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Vincent M. and Rose Tucci Albo.

Jean was a 1950 graduate of Pottsville High School.

Prior to retiring she worked as a bookkeeper for the former Ost & Ost. She volunteered at the Good Samaritan hospital for 13 years in the Cancer Registry and Pottsville hospital for 11 years.

Jean was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, both of Pottsville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned H. Lang on August 29, 2006; a son, Ned G. Lang, 1984; granddaughter, Sherry Dallago, 2009; a brother Vincent Albo, 2023.

Surviving are 4 daughters, Nancy J. Obey, East Leroy, MI; Karen M. Dallago and her husband Robert, Pottsville; Diane L. Bechtel and her husband Joseph, Charleston, S.C., Denise V. Getzey, and her husband Robert, Pottsville; 8 grandchildren, Ryan, Alison, Zachary, Jacob, Rachael, Sarah, Ian and Evan; 7 great-grandchildren, Max, Iver, Owen, Everett, Ruby, Joni, Violet; nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30AM Saturday, Feb 7th at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9:30AM until time of mass Saturday at the church. Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Jean be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233., Pottsville, PA 17901.

Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, James B. Humphrey, F.D., Pottsville.

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Jeanine L. Peifer
, 94, a resident of Zion Grove, passed away on February 5, 2026, while a guest at the Shenandoah Area Senior Living Community.

Jeanine was born on January 31, 1932 in Nuremberg, a daughter of the late Ivan and Louise (Brandstatter) Michael. She graduated from the former North Union Township High School, and embarked on a lifelong journey as a homemaker. Jeanine and her husband of almost 69 years, Ronald Peifer, lived and worked in the Harrisburg area up until 2012, when they began living full time at their residence in Zion Grove. She was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Nuremberg. Jeanine enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her friends, along with doing puzzles.

In addition to her parents, Jeanine was preceded in death by two brothers, Ivan Michael and Donald Michael and by a great granddaughter, Sophia.

Jeanine is survived by her son, Greg Peifer, of Zion Grove, and by two grand daughters, Lauren Peifer and Lindsay Brill, along with 4 great grandchildren, Rebecca, Paige, Melanie and Charlotte, and by nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 260 Mahanoy Street, Nuremberg, PA at 11 AM on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. Visitation with Jeanine's family will be from 10-11 AM prior to the service at the church. Jeanine will be laid to rest at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Zion Grove, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Jeanine's family encourages that memorial donations in her name be made to Abby's Angels Animal Rescue, 120 West Pitt Street, Bedford, PA 15522, or visit www.abbysangelsah.org.

The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is honored to assist the Peifer family during their time of need and you may leave a condolence on our website at www.ringtownfuneral.com

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Lois Ann Houser, 88, of Ashland formerly Ringtown passed away early Tuesday morning February 3, 2026 at Broad Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Frackville.

Born in Turkey Run on April 23, 1937 she was the daughter of the late Anna (Millichap) and Benjamin Howells.

She was of the Protestant faith.

Lois attended Shenandoah Valley High School. She worked as a CNA for Rest Haven Nursing Home for many years prior to her retirement.

She was the significant other of Charles “Charlie” Engelberger, they were together 39 years.

She enjoyed going to yard sales and her beloved Kitty Kat.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by; husband Herbert Houser; sister Harriet Shafer; sister Margaret Bernhard; sister Edith Sinkiewicz.

Surviving are her long-time companion Charles “Charlie” Engelberger, Ashland; daughter Anna Mae Seroka, Pottsville; daughter Lori Hasker (Frank McKenzie), Frackville; daughter Mary Heiler, New Milford; son Calvin Houser (Lisa), Locustdale; son Kenneth Houser (Sheree), Ringtown; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

Private interment will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery-Shenandoah Heights at a later date.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com.

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Paul A. Wehry, 77, of Ashland passed away Tuesday morning February 3, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Ashland on April 7, 1948 he was the son of the late Ada F. (Lesher) and Joseph M. Wehry.

For over 55 years Paul was the husband of Joan M. (Kerstetter) Wehry, they were married in 1970.

He was of the Protestant faith. Paul graduated from Tri Valley High School in 1966. He worked as a welder for Bear Ridge Machine & Fabrication in Frackville before retiring in October 2009. Paul was also a farmer raising steer and harvesting grain all of his life.

Paul loved farming, nature, butchering, and eating. His famous saying was “pain is the best teacher”.

He is survived by; spouse Joan M. Wehry, Ashland; daughter Susan “Sue” M. Wehry-Crowell, Leesport; Jill A. Markovich (Eric), Kulpmont; son Michael P. Wehry (Nicole), KS; brother Carl Wehry (Edith “Edie”), Ashland; 2 grandchildren Luke & Lily Crowell; 3 nieces and 1 nephew; 3 cats Jennie, Angus and Annie who he loved very much.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com.

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Joan C. Snyder
, age 85 of Klingerstown, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Doylestown Hospital Penn Medicine. She was surrounded by loving family.

She was born on March 22, 1940, in Danville, a daughter of the late Harry Troutman and the late Elva Ferster Troutman.

She was a 1958 graduate of the former Hegins Twp. High School and Philadelphia School of Allied Health

Joan was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 425, Lykens, Valley Girls, the Idella Rebecca Lodge, and a life long member of St. James Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed cooking, quilting, baking, reading, going to church, and traveling.

Her compassionate character was the cornerstone of her family. She was beloved by many.

Joan and her late husband owned and operated a candy business, The Candy Box. She was lovingly referred to as the "Candy Lady" by hundreds of her patrons.

Her husband George A. Snyder passed away in 2024.

She is survived by her two daughters, Constance Snyder Malick of Center Valley and Melinda (Craig) Shafer of Lansdale; three grandchildren Hunter (Melissa) Malick of Ridgefield, CT; Gabrielle (Matthew Bruer) Malick of Emmaus; and Logan Shafer of Lansdale; and a great-grandson, Carter Malick.

Funeral services will be held at St.James Lutheran Church, Pitman, on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Mark Rothermel officiating.

Order of Eastern Star Service will be held at 9:45 AM on Saturday at the churcch.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church.

A private burial will be at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

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

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lebanon VA Medical Center 10V, 1700 S Lincoln Ave, Lebanon PA 17042. Memo- Fund #8101 CLC Veteran's Activities.

Condolences can be left for the family at buffingtonreed@gmail.com.

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Irma M. Harris
, 96, of Pine Grove and Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in Providence Place, Pottsville.

Born on March 10, 1929 in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late Calvin and Annie Kutz Brown and was raised by her aunt and uncle, the late Lawrence and Dorothy Herring Brown.

She had been a seamstress at various factories in Pine Grove, worked in the warping department at Penn Dye in Pine Grove and later was a dishwasher in the Pine Grove Area Middle School cafeteria.

Irma was a member of the Schuylkill Church of the Brethren, Pine Grove where the was a Deconness and attended the Grace EC Church in Schuylkill Haven for the last 10 years.

She was a member of the Pine Grove Senior Citizens. She enjoyed quilting, playing games, reading, traveling and spending time with family. She also loved her pet dogs.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 54 years, Leroy Harris; five brothers, Ernest, Richard, Charles D., Robert and Charles W. Brown; and a sister, Mildred Stump.

Surviving are two daughters, Karen Gibson of Auburn, Sharon Cunio of Carlisle; 4 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at Grace EC Church, 151 Earl Stoyer St., Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Ted Rathman officiating. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will be at a later date in the Schuylkill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Pine Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Grace EC Church, 151 Earl Stoyer St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 in her memory.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.

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Ella L. Artz
, 100, of Pine Grove, formerly of Valley View, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Providence Place, Pine Grove.

Born on April 8, 1925 in Valley View, she was the daughter of the late John and Elura Star Erdman.

She was a graduate of Hegins Township High School and Empire Beauty School in Pottsville.

Ella was a hairdresser who had her own business and was well know in the area with a large clientele.

She was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Valley View.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Delbert Artz; a son, Kenneth Artz; a sister, Velma Klinger; and three brothers, Elwood Erdman, Barto Erdman and Rahn Erdman.

Surviving are a son, Jimmy and wife Betty Erdman of Enola; a daughter, Susan and husband Robert Cooper of Lewes, DE; four grandchildren, Jason Erdman, Davonna Rickard, Taylor Cooper and Cameron Cooper; five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

All Services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Andrew United Methodist Cemetery, Valley View.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Compassus Hospice, 500 Hawk Ridge Dr. Suite 6, Hamburg, PA 19526 in her memory.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, PA. is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.

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Edward C. Graver
, 81, of Allentown passed away on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.

Edward, known as Ted to his longtime friends and family, was the son of Gordon and Alice Graver. He lived in Newtown, Pennsylvania, until 1970 when he relocated to Allentown to work for PPL Corp where he continued to work for nearly 40 years. Edward was a 1966 graduate of Minersville Area High School and an Air Force veteran. He served during the Vietnam war and went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State Schuylkill.

Ted was known for his sense of humor, easygoing temperament, and curiosity, always seeking to understand the mechanics of how things work and keeping up with current events. He was a lifelong fan of Penn State football and car racing, and enjoyed anything related to vehicles and machines.

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by three sisters, Marie, Janet, and Carolyn, and a brother, Lewis. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Carol (Zerbe), his daughter Amy, his sister Louise, and his brother Robert. Ted was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, and uncle to many generations of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Edward's life will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 7pm in the chapel at the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City with visitation from 6-7pm. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Edward’s passion for learning, donations can be made to support a Penn State scholarship fund using this link or sent and made payable to the Dimon Funeral Home at 644 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA, 17098 to be forwarded on to the fund.

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

Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home