Skook News Obituaries: April 21st, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
📩 Daily Schuylkill County Obituary Alerts in Your Inbox
---------------------------------------------------
Julie was the last surviving member of her immediate family,
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home in Pottsville,
---------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Born in Coaldale on February 12, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Elwood and Dorothy (Kunkel) Gladney. Attending Tamaqua schools, Barbara spent her career in the textile industry, most recently bringing her dedication to Majestic Fire Apparel in Lehighton.
Barbara was truly the life of the party. Whether she was singing along to a local band or shining at a social gathering, her energy was infectious. She had a deep passion for cars and was a fixture at regional car shows, always taking immense pride in her own vehicles. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted "Gram" to her six grandchildren, who were the absolute center of her world.
She is survived by her loving husband, Steven P. Schaeffer; her daughters, Lisa Marie Hill and Summer Schaeffer; her brother, Elwood Gladney; and her sisters, Sandra Kammerdiener and Tracy Chappell. Her memory will be cherished forever by her adored grandchildren: Johnathan, Samantha, Mikey, Deanna, Brandon, and Damien.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884A Graveside Services will be held at 2 o'clock P.M. on on Wednesday April 22, 2026 at Odd Fellows Cemetery located on West Broad St. Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
---------------------------------------------------
Diane Elaine Thomas, 70, of Cressona, passed away Sunday, April 19th, at home.
Born in Pottsville on November 1, 1955, she was a daughter of the late Melvin E. & Ellen F. (Helmbold) Drey.
Married 29 years, Diane was the loving wife of Earl W. Thomas.
She was a 1974 graduate of Schulkill Haven High School.
Diane worked as a Production Operator for Omnova for 20 years. Later she was employed by SCI Mahanoy for 15 years as a library assistant.
Diane was a proud alumni of the Belvederes Drum & Bugle Corps. She was an avid bingo player at Cressona Good Will Hose Company and Shelborne. Diane enjoyed weeks spent at a private summer cottage at St. Lawrence River, New York.
In addition to her husband, Diane is also survived by her brother, James Drey, husband of Susan, Schuykill Haven, and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her sister, Carol Wade.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 29th at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona. A Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Diane's name may be made to ALS Association of Philadelphia, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002.
Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona, has been entrusted with arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Diane Marie Hayek, 77, of Frackville, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20th, at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, she was a daughter of the late John “Jack” Hayek and Marie (Nahas) Hayek.
Diane was a devout member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Frackville. She lived a life defined by devotion, generosity, and grace. Diane. Graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in General Arts & Sciences. A woman of intelligence and compassion, she began her professional journey as a 3rd grade school teacher at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, where she helped shape the minds and hearts of young students with patience and care. Her nurturing spirit and love of helping others were evident from the very beginning of her career.
Seeking new opportunities, Diane later moved to Washington, D.C., where she first worked in the medical records department at George Washington University. Her strong work ethic, professionalism, and natural leadership abilities soon guided her into a long and successful career with the American College of Radiology, where she served as Executive Director until her retirement. Through her years of service, Diane earned the respect and admiration of colleagues for her dedication, integrity, and tireless commitment to excellence. Diane enjoyed traveling internationally to Paris, Rome and Saudi Arabia. As a Favorite Aunt to several nieces & nephews she was forever taking them to museums, parks, shopping and was overly generous in gifting to them.
While Diane achieved much professionally, it was in her personal life where her heart truly shined brightest. In retirement, she devoted herself fully to the people she loved most, giving generously of her time, care, and affection. Her family and friends were the center of her world, and she found great joy in supporting them in every way she could. Never missing a family event no matter how far she had to travel.
Diane also had a creative eye and a love for beauty and history. She enjoyed antiquing, collecting art (at Blums), and discovering treasured pieces that reflected her refined taste. She often shared that passion by selling select items in New York, combining her appreciation for art with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Above all else, Diane will be remembered for her kindness & generosity. She was a woman who never hesitated to help family, friends, or even strangers in need. Her warmth was felt by everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her ever-present smile could brighten any room. Diane’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and selflessness—a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.
Diane is survived by her brothers, Jack Hayek and his wife Barbara of Mechanicsville, Virginia, William Hayek and his wife Joanne of Lancaster, and Richard Hayek and his wife Karen of Moorestown, New Jersey; her uncle, Robert Nahas of New York; her aunt, Helene Nahas of Frackville; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 27th, at 11:30 a.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 N. Line St. Frackville with Reverend Guency Isaac, Pastor, as the celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing at the church on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Englewood section of Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Diane’s name, to Hospice and Community Care at 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552. hospiceandcommunitycare.org
Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.
.jpg)
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, she was a daughter of the late John “Jack” Hayek and Marie (Nahas) Hayek.
Diane was a devout member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Frackville. She lived a life defined by devotion, generosity, and grace. Diane. Graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in General Arts & Sciences. A woman of intelligence and compassion, she began her professional journey as a 3rd grade school teacher at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, where she helped shape the minds and hearts of young students with patience and care. Her nurturing spirit and love of helping others were evident from the very beginning of her career.
Seeking new opportunities, Diane later moved to Washington, D.C., where she first worked in the medical records department at George Washington University. Her strong work ethic, professionalism, and natural leadership abilities soon guided her into a long and successful career with the American College of Radiology, where she served as Executive Director until her retirement. Through her years of service, Diane earned the respect and admiration of colleagues for her dedication, integrity, and tireless commitment to excellence. Diane enjoyed traveling internationally to Paris, Rome and Saudi Arabia. As a Favorite Aunt to several nieces & nephews she was forever taking them to museums, parks, shopping and was overly generous in gifting to them.
While Diane achieved much professionally, it was in her personal life where her heart truly shined brightest. In retirement, she devoted herself fully to the people she loved most, giving generously of her time, care, and affection. Her family and friends were the center of her world, and she found great joy in supporting them in every way she could. Never missing a family event no matter how far she had to travel.
Diane also had a creative eye and a love for beauty and history. She enjoyed antiquing, collecting art (at Blums), and discovering treasured pieces that reflected her refined taste. She often shared that passion by selling select items in New York, combining her appreciation for art with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Above all else, Diane will be remembered for her kindness & generosity. She was a woman who never hesitated to help family, friends, or even strangers in need. Her warmth was felt by everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her ever-present smile could brighten any room. Diane’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and selflessness—a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.
Diane is survived by her brothers, Jack Hayek and his wife Barbara of Mechanicsville, Virginia, William Hayek and his wife Joanne of Lancaster, and Richard Hayek and his wife Karen of Moorestown, New Jersey; her uncle, Robert Nahas of New York; her aunt, Helene Nahas of Frackville; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 27th, at 11:30 a.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 N. Line St. Frackville with Reverend Guency Isaac, Pastor, as the celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing at the church on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Englewood section of Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Diane’s name, to Hospice and Community Care at 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552. hospiceandcommunitycare.org
Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------
Virginia Spudis, age 76, of Ringtown, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026.
Virginia was born in Shenandoah, a daughter of the late Edward and Sophie (Wojcinowicz) Kayes.
She is survived by her husband, James Spudis, along with her extended family of relatives and close friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Ringtown, during private services which were provided by the Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Inc. of Shenandoah.
---------------------------------------------------
.png)
Danny was born in Shenandoah on October 30, 1950, a son of the late Albert and Elva (Kline) Drumheller.
He was a graduate of the former JW Cooper High School, then served in the United States Army. After returning home from the service, Danny was employed by the railroad in New Jersey, then prior to retirement, he worked at Graham Packaging in Hazleton. During his retirement, he unselfishly provided care for his mother, Elva, during her final years.
He was an avid NASCAR fan, and always looked forward to watching the races.
In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, Albert Jr., Barry and Paul, along with two sisters, Lori Malinowski and Esther Drumheller..He is survived by a brother, Brian and seven sisters, Linda Shoup, Fran Lyon, Carrie Valousky, Trudy Kreisl, Nancy Kiessling, Kim Letcavage and Connie Gallagher, along with nieces, nephews, and his good friend, Frank "Fritzy" Chatcavage.
Danny's wishes for private services are being provided by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home of Ringtown.
--------------------------------------------------
Obituaries from the past 7 Days
--------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
