Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Schuylkill County Obituaries for March 4th, 2026

                                                             Skook News Obituaries

Skook News Obituaries:  March 4th, 2026

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Virginia J. Zimmerman
, 86, of Orwigsburg passed away Sunday, March 1st, at Orwigsburg Center.

Virginia was born in Hamburg, PA on October 27, 1939, a daughter of the late Jean B. (Brensinger) and Raymond J. Stump, Jr. She was the widow of Marlin T. Zimmerman, Sr.

She graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School, class of 1957, and prior to retiring, worked at Argo Mills, Schuylkill Haven.

Virginia is survived by four sons, Randy Zimmerman, husband of Sandy; of Colorado Springs; Bryan Zimmerman, of Orwigsburg; Michael Zimmerman, husband of Christa, of Orwigsburg, and Marlin T. Zimmerman, Jr., of Orwigsburg.

Virginia is also survived by six sisters, Joan, wife of John Lucas, of Sculp's Hill, Carol, widow of Robert Bubeck, of Friedensburg; Sandra Stump, of Orwigsburg; Peggy, husband of Tyler Bachman, of Auburn; Nancy, wife of Randy Moyer, of Willow Street and Debra, wife of Dan Seltzer, of Schuylkill Haven.

She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Virginia was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Zimmerman, Jr. and her brother Raymond Stump.

A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday March 10th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, P with Rev. Dr. Jan Remer-Osborn officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00. Interment at St. John's UCC Cemetery Auburn, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA PO Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.

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Mary Lou Strubel
, 66, of West Penn Township, New Ringgold, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Born in Lancaster on August 27, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Irene (Booth) Herr. Mary Lou was a woman of immense talent and even greater kindness. During her career, she served as a tow motor operator at Ford New Holland in Mountville and a quality control inspector for QVC in Lancaster, but her true passions flourished at home and in nature.

A gifted artist and seamstress, Mary Lou filled her world with creativity, from intricate paintings and crafts to the vibrant gardens that surrounded her home in The Pines. She was known for her "open gate" policy, welcoming neighbors into her garden and frequently brightening their days with hand-delivered bouquets. Whether she was tending to her flowers or spending weekends at the camper with her husband and her loyal dog, Daisy, Mary Lou embraced life’s simple joys.

Surviving are; her beloved husband of 35 years, Thomas M. Strubel; son, T. Cody Strubel and his wife Jessica; brother, Robert J. Herr; sister, C. Marie and her husband Kenneth Yake; grandchildren, Nolan Thomas, and Riley Brooke Strubel; nephews, Richard Herr, Kenny Herr, Clarence Herr, Neal Herr; nieces, Amy Herr, Jessica Gast, Amanda Herr, Stacey Shulte, Ashley Silva.

Mary Lou was also predeceased by; sister, Patricia Simmons; brothers, Lawrence, Clarence, and Jay Herr.

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 Mary's Life will be held on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends and family may visit from 5:30 P.M. until the time of services.

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Michele L. Murphy
, aged 67, of Walker Township, departed this life on March 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital. Her nurturing spirit and kind heart will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Michele was born on December 16, 1958, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, to Janie (Skeath) Neidlinger and the late Kenneth Neidlinger. A proud graduate of Mahanoy Area High School class of 1976, Michele carried the values of dedication and hard work throughout her life. She was known for her contributions to local businesses, including Vitale's, Reily's, Mahoning Valley Country Club, and Basile's, where she worked from its inception.

Michele found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was shopping for the latest trends or meticulously decorating her home, each addition reflecting her vibrant personality. Those who visited her could often feel the warmth and happiness that she created within her surroundings.

Michele shared a beautiful life with her husband, Eugene "Gene" Murphy, with whom she celebrated 27 years of marriage. Their partnership was one of love, support, and shared dreams, a testament to the bond they formed together. They were blessed with an extended family of three: Gene, married to Brenda Murphy; Tim M. Murphy; and Jack, married to Jackie Murphy.

She was also a devoted grandmother, leaving behind six grandchildren who adored her. Michele fostered strong connections with her family, which included her mother, Janie Neidlinger, and siblings, Terry Neidlinger, Eric Neidlinger and his wife Donna; best friend and aunt, Carol Tertel. These familial ties were the foundation of Michele's life, offering strength and solace through both celebrations and challenges.

Michele is preceded in death by her sister, Robin Gimbor, whose memory remains cherished among her loved ones.

As we remember Michele L. Murphy, we do so with gratitude for her generous spirit and the joy she brought into our lives. Her legacy of love, family, and friendship will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services are private at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.

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Colson Shawn Mills, infant son of Harley Mills, passed away Saturday February 28, 2026 at LVHN-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

He was preceded in death by his maternal Grandmother Shawn Bugdanavage.

Surviving are his mother Harley Mills of Pottsville; Sister Gabriella Fees; Brother Mickie Reno; Grandfathers Ken Mills and Walter Bugdanavage.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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Judith “Judy” A. Tesno
, 77, of Ashland passed away Monday evening March 2, 2026 at her home.

Born in Ashland on April 9, 1948 she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Patten) and Marlin Joyce.

She was of the Catholic faith and was a member of the former St. Mauritius Church in Ashland.

Judy was the wife of the late Scott Tesno who passed in 2018.

Judy graduated from Ashland High School in 1966 and from Empire Beauty School.

For over 40 years owned and operated her hair salon, she referred to as “the shop” at her residence in Ashland. She also worked for Tri-State Envelope prior to retiring.

Judy enjoyed reading and spending time with her adored grandson Knox.

In addition her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son and her brother Joseph Joyce.

Surviving are her daughter Roni L. Lynn (Rob), Pottsville; grandson Knox Lynn, Pottsville; brother Tom Joyce (Betty Ann), Ashland; nieces, nephews, inlaws and many friends.

Services and interment will be private at Judy’s request.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Judy’s memory to Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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Palmer E Geist
, age 87 of Hegins, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest Hospital, Allentown.

He was born on March 3, 1939, in Hegins, a son of the late Earl Geist and the late Neva Ely Geist.

He was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, Hegins.

He was a 1957 graduate of Tri-Valley High School and a graduate of the Ford School of Business.

Palmer served in the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired in March 1992 as Staff Sergeant First Class.

He began working at the First National Bank of Hegins in 1964. In 1970 he became the manager of new Tri-Valley Office in Valley View. After a series of mergers he retired from Meridian Bank in 1994 with thirty years of service.

Palmer was the past treasurer of the Hegins - Valley View Rotary Club and the Tri-Valley Lions Club. He was also treasurer for the Lions Club at the district and state levels. He was also treasurer for the former Hegins Labor Day Shoot Committee for many years and the Schuylkill County Wine Festival from 2009 until December 2016.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Geist and Dean Geist.

He is survived by a niece Deana Rebuck and her husband Kenny; a great nephew Kody Rebuck; and a sister in law Sandy Geist.

Services will be held at Friedens Lutheran Church, Hegins, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Lee Diefenderfer officiating.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the church.

Burial will be in St. John's "Kimmel's" Cemetery, Ashland.

Memorial contributions can be made to Friedens Lutheran Church, PO Box 375, Hegins PA 17938.

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

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Paula J. Shoop
, 62, of Mount Carmel, passed away peacefully, Monday night, March 2, 2026 at the Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

Born in Pottsville on Thursday, May 2, 1963, a beloved daughter of Jim and Jeanette Boyer Salada, Williamstown. She attended Williams Valley High School.

Before becoming ill, Paula was employed in the local garment industry.

She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed doing puzzles. Paula always looked forward to motorcycle rides. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality and her ability to socialize with anyone.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nicole Shoop, March 9, 2013.

Surviving in addition to her parents are her son, Justin Shoop, Pine Grove; a granddaughter, Adrianna Wilson, New Jersey; a sister, Faith Halteman (Jim), Elizabethtown; two brothers, Jimmy Salada (Michelle), Mount Carmel, and Mike Salada, Williamstown; one aunt; two uncles; numerous cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM from the St. Peter's Cemetery, Orwin.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Paula's family.

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Helen C. Gaughan
, 86, of McAdoo, passed away Tuesday evening at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Julia Jesky. She was a faithful member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo.

Helen was a devoted homemaker and most enjoyed the time spent with her grandchildren. She and her husband loved going on long Sunday drives, Polkas and trips to the shore.

Preceding her in death, were husband, John P. Gaughan; son, Thomas J. Gaughan; and brother, Michael Jesky.

Surviving are her sons, John P. Jr. and wife Patty; Mark and partner Millie; David and partner Lynne; Michael and wife Charlotte; daughter, Donna Kolbush and husband Carl; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in Church of All Saints, McAdoo. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.

The Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family.

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