Skook News Obituaries: May 20th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late Ruth Zaylskus. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Zaylskus, a daughter, Maria Zaylskus, a brother, Frank Zaylskus, and a sister, Judy Zaylskus
Jack was a proud U.S. Navy veteran. While living in Frackville, he was self-employed and owned J-Z Appliances for many years. He was also a member of the Frackville Jaycees. After relocating to Hazleton, Jack worked as a car salesman for Motor World in Wilkes-Barre.
Jack had a great sense of humor, was witty, and was known by many for never wearing shoes — only sandals.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Shannon Zaylskus; and his grandson, Zachary Gerber.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 22, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 West Washington Street, Frackville.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Rita was born in Coaldale, Pa. on March 11, 1940, a daughter of the late Mary (Andreas) and Fredrick Meick.
She was the widow of Robert Lamar Miller. Robert died in 2017. She is survived by her companion, Irwin Lavan.
She worked as a bootie machine operator and was also employed in warehousing.
Rita enjoyed senior citizens meetings and activities.
Rita is survived by
four daughters, Rita Ann, wife of Russell Gernert, with whom she lived;
Rose, wife of Mark Killian,
Roxanne, wife of Mike Morgan
Rochelle, wife of Robert Reaman
a son,Robert Miller, husband of Lisa.
She is also survived by grandchildren Russell IV and Dustin Gernert; Amanda Miller; Charles Brensinger and her sister Theresa Mahoney
four daughters, Rita Ann, wife of Russell Gernert, with whom she lived;
Rose, wife of Mark Killian,
Roxanne, wife of Mike Morgan
Rochelle, wife of Robert Reaman
a son,Robert Miller, husband of Lisa.
She is also survived by grandchildren Russell IV and Dustin Gernert; Amanda Miller; Charles Brensinger and her sister Theresa Mahoney
She was predeceased by a daughter Ruth Ann Schlicker and grandsons Michael and Justin. and a brother Frederick "Fritz" Meick.
There will be no services. Hamilton-Breiner funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg is honored to have been entrusted with arrangements.
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Mary was married on April 16, 1949 to [the late] David L. Brosius.
Mary was a secretary and worked for Stehr Brothers Mill in Pitman. She was a life long member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, and attended Mountain Presbyterian Church, Sunbury.
With Mary, family always came first. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved playing cards and games with family members and friends. Puzzles kept her entertained in the wintertime. Both Mary and David had a passion for travel; any new destination was exciting. She also enjoyed taking long walks in the early morning.
Mary is survived by her children: Susan Ross and husband Edward, Sunbury, and Michele Leombruno and Tony, Prescott, AZ; Siblings: Ruth, Emma, Arlene (Mark), and Nancy; Grandchildren: Melinda (Walter), April, Tiffany (Jim), Sarah (Pete), William (Lydia), Kyle, and Blake; Great-Grandchildren: Rileigh, Kassidy, Noah, Noelle, Tucker, Lilly, Bentley, and Jasper.
She was preceded in death by two infant sons and daughter, Lori; Siblings: Chance, Harry, Eugene, Bruce, Ruby, Freida, and Lydia.
There will be a visitation held at St. Paul's Evangelical Church, 165 Ridge Road, Pitman, PA 17964 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 10-11 AM. Services will start at 11 AM followed by burial in the church graveyard. A fellowship meal will follow at Zion Evangelical Church, Pitman, PA. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary's memory to St. Paul's Evangelical Church OR Mountain Presbyterian Church, 2478 Boyles Run Rd, Sunbury, PA 17801.
The former Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home, Klingerstown, has become part of our family of funeral homes, and we are honored to serve this family at our Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Elizabethville location.
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Born in Higgins on March 15, 1929 he was the son of the late Hannah (Snyder) and Clarence Hepler. James grew up and was raised in Pitman early on.
James was the husband of Patricia (Minnick) Hepler. They were married since 1955.
James graduated from Higgins Township High School in 1946 and from Empire Beauty School. He owned and operated James Hepler Beauty Shop for over 35 years with locations in Ashland, Gordon and Mount Carmel.
He was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of Christ United Lutheran Church in Ashland. James was also was a member of the former F&AM Cedar Lodge 378 and Bloomsburg Consistory. He enjoyed building rock walls, spending time at his cabin in Beury’s Grove (Moon Lake) and animals.
Preceding him in death were 2 brothers Joseph and Leon also a grandson Micah Hepler.
Jamess is survived by; spouse Patricia M. Hepler, Lavelle; son David Hepler, Ashland; son Peter Hepler, Helfenstein; son Mark Hepler (Mary), Jonestown; son John Hepler, Reading; 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.
Services and interment will be private at a later date.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born on November 4, 1947 in Reading, she was a daughter and step daughter of the late Monroe and Vivian Hoy Lehman and Donald Yocum.
She was a 1965 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
Veronica first worked at Summit Station Mfg., Pine Grove before becoming a beautician and she worked at Kindred Place in Annville.
She was a member of Salem Hetzel's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
Preceding her in death was a grandson, Todd Fekete, II.
Surviving are her husband of 60 years, Leonard Heim; a son, Rodney and wife Kim Heim of Manheim; a daughter, Valerie Fekete and companion Richard Behney of Pine Grove; a granddaughter, Victoria Fekete; a step brother, Richard and wife Lisa Yocum.
All Services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Paul Cronin officiating. Interment will be in Jacob's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Born on December 9, 1955 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Arthur and Irene Sullivan Spancake.
He was a 1974 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
Harold worked for Hydro Extrusions in Cressona and retired in 2021 after 37 years.
His life motto-"It Doesn't Matter."
He had been a social member of the Pine Grove Fish and Game, Pine Grove VFW, Rock Gun Club and the Roedersville Game and Fish. He was on the Rock Hotel Dart Team and Pool League. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He participated in blue rock and Pigeon shoots. He enjoyed time at the beach, bird watching and especially "gardening." He loved an occasional "game of chance" and an ice cold beer. His dad coached him in the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA in 1964.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Arthur Jr. and Rodney Spancake.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Debra Gerber Spancake; two sons, Harold Spancake Jr. of Pine Grove, Hogan Spancake and fiance' Nina Ferrar of Beaverton, Oregon; three sisters, Charlotte Klinger of Pine Grove, Donna and husband David Moyer of Friedensburg, Annette and husband Philip Brown of Pine Grove; a sister-in-law, Robin Spancake, wife of the late Arthur Spancake Jr., of Indiana; nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life and Memorial Services/Visitation will be held on June 28, 2026 at 6-7 P.M. Services will start at 7 PM at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to RMHC of Central PA, and send to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA, 745 West Governor Rd., Hershey, PA 17033 or online at rmhc-centralpa.org in his memory.
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Born in Lebanon on Thursday, October 3, 1968, a daughter of Gary and Janice Dankulich Kent, Delaware. She attended Minersville High School.
She was of the Pentecostal faith.
For the past 18 years, Becky was employed at Twin Grove RV Resort and Cottages, where she was a beloved and dedicated employee. She held many different positions at Twin Grove. For the past several years she could be found working in the ice cream shop. Becky also held various positions throughout the years as a private duty caregiver, as well as many years at the former Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville as a nurse's aide. Loving people and caring for others was just always her nature.
Becky will be remembered for being the glue that held her family together. Her family was her identity, and there was nothing she would not do for them. She lived for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, proudly wearing the title of Nanny, Giggy, Meme. Becky was the type of person who was always taking care of everyone around her. She was a selfless caretaker of her family, putting their needs above her own. She had an adventurous spirit, and she was loved by everyone who knew her. Becky was present for anyone in need, at any time. She was a best friend for the long run. Becky leaves behind a void that will never be filled, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Becky was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Amanda Smith, 2018.
Surviving in addition to her parents are her husband, Dennis Miller, with whom she spent 23 years with; her children, Beth Mullin, Minersville, Derek Mullin, Cressona, Zachary Mullin, Minersville, and Dennis Miller Jr., Tremont; her beloved grandchildren, Megan, Dennis, Caitlyn, and Alivia Schaeffer, Caris and Jack Morgan, and Maverick, Tanner, and Khali Mullin; her great grandchildren, Miles Miller, whom Becky and Dennis are raising, Landyn and Renley Schaeffer, Boston Borrell, and Braxton Litchko; a sister, Lisa Melochick, Delaware; two brother, James Shaak, Branchdale and David Shaak; numerous nieces, nephews, including Carrie Stoppard whom Becky and Dennis also raised and lovingly referred to as “her Bella”, and many dear friends, whom she loved and considered her family.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City, with Pastor Suzanne Elliott officiating. Visitation will be from 6-7 at the chapel.
A Celebration of Becky's Life will be announced at a later date at Twin Grove.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dimon Funeral Home, 644 E Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980 to help with expenses.
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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
