Skook News Obituaries: March 26th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Betty Lea Bachman, 83, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Monday at Luther Ridge Senior Living in Pottsville surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, October 21, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Arietta Woomert Moyer Koch and William Moyer.
Betty Lea was a 1960 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School.
She was a member of St Johns Church in Auburn.
She was employed by Wright’s Knitwear for 18 years and last employed by Auburn Apparel.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 36 years, Lanny R Bachman Sr, a stepfather Paul Koch and a stepson Jeffrey Bachman.
Betty Lea is survived by son, Richard W Brown, husband of Susan Brown, Schuylkill Haven, daughter, Cynthia A Brown, partner to Joseph Ganunis, New Philadelphia. Also survived by stepsons Lanny Bachman Jr, Douglas Bachman, Michael Bachman, stepdaughter Bobbi Kline and stepdaughter-in-law Angela Bachman. She is also survived by two brothers, David Koch and Keith Koch. Two sisters, Carol Moyer and Linda Blankenhorn. Betty Lea is survived by grandchildren, Jason Brown, Melissa Focht, Jennifer Cataldi, Sarah McBreen, Mary McBreen and Amy Luckenbill. She is also survived by several great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven on Monday, March 30th at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Betty & Lanny Bachman to the Auburn Fire Company Ambulance Service, PO Box 7 Auburn PA 17922. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Born in Ashland, PA on February 13, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Patricia (Long) Kroh.
Patricia attended North Schuylkill High School and was a graduate of McCann School of Business in Pottsville in 2013 as a Medical Lab Tech. She also worked as a Sewing Machine Operator for Cressona Knit. Patricia always attended THON at Penn State University and she loved to read.
Patricia is survived by longtime companion Timothy Barnes; sons: Thomas J. Brobst; and Robert M. Brobst; daughter Lynn A. Brobst; four grandchildren: Raylenn, Emarie, Haisley, and Robert Jr.; brother: Robert and Michael Kroh; and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 11AM on Tuesday, March 31st, with Rev. Lorraine Heckman officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9-11AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held in the Mount Peace Cemetery, Minersville.
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Elva G. Lucas, 94, former Hill Road, Hegins, resident, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Born in Hegins Township, January 16, 1932, she was the daughter of the late H. Clarence and Clara (Yarnell) Lucas. She was a graduate of the former Hegins Township High School, class of 1949, and was employed as a bank teller for the former Citizen’s National Bank of Ashland, until her retirement. Elva was a member of the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample. Preceding her in death were brothers, Harold, Calvin, Edward, Norman, and Leroy, also sisters Irena Lucas, Phyllis Zeplin, Carolyn Bloom, Eleanor Zeplin, Iva Wagner, and Elsie Miller.Survivors
Sister: Gladys Maurer, Dillon, Montana
Many Nieces and Nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Elva’s Life, Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11 AM, in the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample. Officiating will be Rev. Benjamin Scholl, pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A viewing will begin in the church at 9:30 AM until the beginning of the service. Memorials in memory of Elva can be made to the Barry Salem United Methodist Church Missionary Fund, 844 Deep Creek Road, Ashland, PA., 17921. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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Born in Phoenix Park, December 24, 1942 he was a son of the late Luther and Inez (Else) Hubler.
He attended Minersville Schools before enlisting in the United States Army, serving as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War.
Noel went on to work as a Machine Operator for Exxon Chemical / Tredegar, Mar Lin. He was a member of Phoenix Park Union Church. He loved shooting darts and will be remembered for his love of animals, taking care of both pets and wild animals. He was a big Philadelphia sports fan, rooting for the Phillies, Eagles and Penn State Football.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Luther Hubler and Robert Hubler.
Surviving are his wife of 32 years Lisa M. (Tray) Hubler; daughters Christal L. Cason and her husband Ed of Myrtle Beach, SC; Tara R. Eckert and her husband Mark of Seltzer; grandchildren Ashli L. Hubler, Keith M. Kuzio and Kyle M. Cason; 2 great grandchildren with one on the way; a sister Sandra Barrett and her husband Martin of Phoenix Park; nieces and nephews.
Graveside services with Military honors will be held at 11:30 AM Monday, March 30, 2026 from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA 17003 with Rev. George Somers officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Beth was born in Pottsville , on April 30, 1964, a daughter of the late Nancy (Meyer) and Gerald Fink. She was the wife of Kevin John Montgomery.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Minersville Beth was a Registered Nurse at LVHN Schuylkill East.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, sister, Suzan Fink.
Beth is survived by her husband, Kevin, four sons Daniel, Tyler, Michael, and Jake Montgomery. Beth is also survived by two sisters, Carole Davis, and Natalie Bachman, and a brother, Jerry Fink.
A Visitation will be held 9:00 to 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 31st at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. Minersville. A Religious Service will follow with Pastor Brian Beisell officiating.
Interment at Mount Peace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside Society 51 SPCA Rd Pottsville,, PA 17901
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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The son of the late Ralph Simon Lutz and Sara (Auman) Lutz, he was born in Lebanon, PA on July 5, 1934.
From his birth until his move to Florida in 2017, he lived in Schuylkill County in Reinerton and Muir and then West West Terrace, Branch Township.
His love for learning took Ralph into the field of Education. His early learning experiences were in the Palmyra and Reinerton, PA schools. He was a 1952 graduate of the Porter Township High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He always talked proudly about having been voted the “May King” and biggest heart-breaker. Through higher education, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lebanon Valley College, Master’s Degree , Bucknell University, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. Temple University and Doctorate in Education, Highland University, Tennessee. Beginning as science teacher at Porter Township he was also class advisor and coach. He moved into the Principalship and later, Superintendent at the young age of 35. Dr. Ralph served the Porter Township Schools, the Williams Valley School District where he spearheaded the building of the new High School, Portage Area School District, Cambria County and the Saint Clair Area School District, Schuylkill County.
A hard worker, he earned his way through College at Hershey Park driving a supply truck, caddying at the Golf Course, operating and maintaining the rides or preparing the former Ballroom for the Big Band performances. Ralph contributed much to the Porter Township community.. He was the youngest Magistrate, Township auditor, Manager of the Fire Company social hall and assistant Fire Chief. As a teen, he was very faithful serving as an Acolyte at St. Peter’s Church, Reinerton. Along with his wife Barbara, they founded and operated Simply Delicious, a candy-making supply store in Pottsville, PA in the 1980’s.
He enjoyed traveling and camping around the country towing his trailer and then driving his Winnebago Motorhome. He was also an avid reader with a library of great books and lover of good old-fashioned country music. He also loved his pets dearly.
Survivors include: Wife of 43 years Dr. Barbara Yastishock Lutz, Daughters Patsy Lutz Schwalm (+Ben); Karen Lutz-Lento (Richard), and Theresa Lesky Reynolds. Grand children Amanda Schwalm Law, Sara Schwalm, Andrew Schwalm, Joshua Lento, Kyle Lento and Brynne Reynolds. Great-Grandchildren Makenzie Law, and Eli Schwalm. Two sisters, Carol Lutz Houtz and Marilyn Lutz Zweier. Nieces and nephews in the Houtz and Zweier families and his former wife Patricia Lutz.
A man of faith, he has a reputation of caring and kindness toward others helping those in need as well as rescuing animals. When in the Pottsville area, he was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church and involved with the Eastern Christian Formation classes, cooking at Hillcrest Hall for fundraisers and catering large events and monthly breakfasts at the church. He also helped at the Pilgrimages at the Eparchial Grove in Canadensis, PA, Franciscan Friary, Sybertsville, PA, Otpust at Mount Saint Macrina, Uniontown, PA and Vidpust at the Sisters Servants, Sloatsburg, NY. He also organized and coordinated a non-denominational prayer group. In Florida he has been affiliated with the Byzantine Catholic Community, St. Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and Saint Alban Church.
Brother Ralph has been a 60+ years member of the Swatara Lodge No. 267 of Free and Accepted Masons, Tremont, PA.
Viewing will take place at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home, 104 S. 4th Street Minersville on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm as well as Monday before the Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. at Ss.. Peter and Paul Church Byzantine Catholic Church, 107 S. 4th Street, Minersville. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Donations to your choice of charity in Ralph’s memory will be greatly appreciated. May God grant Blessed Repose to His good and faithful servant, Ralph, and may his Memory be Eternal.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, November 3, 1952, He was a son of the late Paul Grabish Sr. and Marion (Brennan) Grabish.
He was a 1970 graduate of St. Clair High School.
He was a Loader Operator at Reading Anthracite.
He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair.
He was preceded in death by sister Margaret Grabish; Brother Paul Grabish Jr.
Surviving are Brothers and Sisters Kathy Eberly and her husband John of Bethel; Diane Melincavage and her husband Joe of Palo Alto; Donna Zelinsky of Jalappa; David Grabish of Schuylkill Haven; sister Helen Tomalavage and her husband J.R. of Orwigsburg; brother Robert Grabish and his wife Mariann of Port Carbon; Karen Murphy of St. Clair; Marianne Balthaser of Ashland; Peggy Clark and her husband James of Wilmington, DE; Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Saturday from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair, PA 17970 with Msgr. John J. Grabish and William F. Glosser concelebrating. Friends may call from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Clare of Assisi Memorial Fund at the above address. Burial will be in SS. Peter & Paul RC Cemetery, Port Carbon.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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Paul was born in Ringtown, a son of the late Marvin and Florence (Bley) Deebel. He tended his family farm throughout his life, and also was a farmer and truck driver working for Hetherington Mountain View Farms and Bley Farms.
Paul was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ringtown. An avid hunter, he belonged to the Ringtown Valley Hunting Camp in Cedar Run and the Shenandoah Fish and Game Club. He was also a member of the F&AM Pottsville Lodge and the Shriners. Paul enjoyed the outdoors and years ago was a member of the former Ringtown Snowmobile Club.
In adiition to his parents, her was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian (Reiber) Deebel in 2009, and by a brother Thomas F. Deebel and a sister Phyllis Jordan.
Paul is survived by his children, Judy, wife of Jack Donahue; Patti, wife of Richard Gauntt and Paul, Jr., and his wife Ellen.Seven grandchildren survive, Kristen Savage, Ryan Donahue, Rachael McCroan; Hailey Gauntt; Pvt. Alexander Gauntt; Laura Deebel and Cole Deebel, along with two great grandchildren, Jonah Savage and Price McCroan.
Paul is also survived by his sisters, Rose Jablonski and Karen Everett, along with nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, March 30th, at 11 AM in St. John's Lutheran Church, 106 West Main Street, Ringtown. A viewing will be held on Sunday evening, March 29th, from 6-8 PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown, and again on Monday morning from 10-11 AM at the church prior to the service.
Paul will be laid to rest alongside his wife at St. John's Cemetery, immediately following the service.
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Born on October 23, 1954 in ,Pottsville, he was a son of the late Paul and Lucille Seiger Krammes.
He was a 1972 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and a 1977 graduate of Penn State University with a Master's Degree in Biology focusing on the Ruffed Grouse.
Larry was a Machinist at Engineered Materials Solutions (EMS), in Hamburg.
He was a member of St. Peter's UCC, Pine Grove.
Larry was a social member of the Pine Grove Fish & Game, Pine Grove VFW Post 3432, Ten Pin, and the H. H. & L. Fire Co. #1. He loved trout fishing and grouse hunting.
Surviving are his wife, Lynn Devine Krammes; three step children, Brad Umbenhauer, Tara Leininger, and Sara Griffiths; 10 step grandchildren; a sister, Diane Light of Pine Grove.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Bruce Kosack officiating. There will be a viewing on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Salem Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to St. Peter's United Church of Christ for the Memorial Fund, 277 S. Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
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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
