Skook News Obituaries: May 14th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Brenda was born in Allentown, Pa. on October 9, 1961, a daughter of the late Violet (Diefenderfer) and Ralph Smith Sr.
She was the wife of George Knerr. They were married on March 27th, 1981.
Brenda was a Homemaker and very much loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting and the family has many afghans and treasures Brenda made throughout the years. She enjoyed music, singing, and going out to karaoke with her little sister.
In addition to George, her husband of 45 years, Brenda is survived by
her daughter, Alicia, wife of Michael Knapp, of Tamaqua, PA;
two sons Christopher Knerr and Eric Knerr
her daughter, Alicia, wife of Michael Knapp, of Tamaqua, PA;
two sons Christopher Knerr and Eric Knerr
Brenda is also survived by
two sisters, Patricia Ladick, Companion of John Felix and Betty Dolly;
two brothers, John Diefenderfer, husband of Dana and Michael Smith.
Brenda's grandchildren are Shelby Knapp, Mckenzie Knapp and Haylie Knapp. Nieces, nephews and cousins are also surviving.
She was preceded in death by her brother Ralph Smith Jr.
Services are private at the convenience of family and entrusted to the Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate if memorial contributions would be made to the funeral home at 116 South Liberty Street Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
Harry “Dennis” Mallams, Crystal Ridge and formerly of Frackville, passed away at home on Wednesday. Born in Shenandoah Heights, he was the son of the late Harry and Ruth (Kantner) Mallams. Dennis was a 1964 graduate of the former Frackville High School. Employed by several garment factories throughout his life, he retired in 2012. He also coached Little League baseball in Frackville for many years.
Dennis was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Frackville and is currently a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. He was a member of the 500 Fish and Game Club in Shenandoah.
Preceding him in death is his son, Kurt David Mallams. He is survived by his partner, Deb Jones; son, DJ Mallams, and his wife, Joyce; granddaughter, Emilee, and her husband, Alex; and granddaughter, Kylie. He is also survived by his two great granddaughters, Charlotte and Sophia.
As a final act of kindness and love, Dennis donated his body to the PA Humanities Gift Registry in honor of his granddaughters, who are both in the medical field.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at Christ Lutheran Church, 467 Main St. Conyngham, PA. Friends and family will be received from 10:00 AM to12:00 Noon.
Online photos and memories can be shared at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com
Mark J Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of his arrangements.
Alice M. (Korn) Chubb, 86, former Ashland resident, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Capital Rehabilitation Center, Harrisburg. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.
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Pauline M. Keck, a beloved longtime resident of Barnesville, passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on April 9, 1927, in Berwick, Pennsylvania, Pauline was the cherished daughter of the late Philip and Eva (Mycak) Malencore.
She was the devoted wife of the late Karl Leroy Keck, who preceded her in death in 2017. Throughout her life, Pauline demonstrated a remarkable dedication to both her family and her work, reflecting a spirit grounded in perseverance and care.
Pauline, also known as Pinky, applied her skill and artistry as a seamstress for M & M Dress Company in Berwick, Pennsylvania. In addition, she contributed her diligence and precision as a key punch operator and verifier for American Car and Foundry, also in Berwick. Her talents extended far beyond her professional life; she was known for her love of cooking and baking, her enjoyment of shopping, and her exceptional seamstress abilities. She held a profound appreciation for literature, particularly non-fiction and biographies, often finding joy and enlightenment within their pages.
Above all, Pauline treasured the time spent with her family, especially during the holidays, when she gathered with loved ones, sharing warmth and creating lasting memories.
Pauline is survived by her children, who carry forward her legacy of kindness and strength: her daughters, Mrs. Karen Conover and her husband Eric of Andreas, Michelle “Missy” Keck of Jim Thorpe; her sons, Jeffry Keck and his wife Anne Marie of Barnesville, and Barry Keck and his wife Janet of Whitehall. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who remember her with love and admiration.
She was preceded in death by; son, Karl Keck; her brothers, Michael, Peter, and Charles Malencore, as well as her sisters, Anna Yaninas, Marian Ruhlman, Helen Bankes, Catherine Shoemaker, Margaret Ragno Crusan, and Evelyn Iddings.
Funeral services honoring Pauline’s life will be held on Wednesday evening at 7pm from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home. Friends and family will be received from 5-7pm. Her final resting place will be at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania where she will be laid to rest on May 21st at 10:30 am alongside of her beloved husband who served his country honorably in the United States Navy.
The family extends their gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this time of loss.
Pauline M. Keck’s life was a testament to warmth, dedication, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Memorials in his name to: Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256
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Dennis was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Frackville and is currently a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. He was a member of the 500 Fish and Game Club in Shenandoah.
Preceding him in death is his son, Kurt David Mallams. He is survived by his partner, Deb Jones; son, DJ Mallams, and his wife, Joyce; granddaughter, Emilee, and her husband, Alex; and granddaughter, Kylie. He is also survived by his two great granddaughters, Charlotte and Sophia.
As a final act of kindness and love, Dennis donated his body to the PA Humanities Gift Registry in honor of his granddaughters, who are both in the medical field.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at Christ Lutheran Church, 467 Main St. Conyngham, PA. Friends and family will be received from 10:00 AM to12:00 Noon.
Online photos and memories can be shared at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com
Mark J Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of his arrangements.
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Alice M. (Korn) Chubb, 86, former Ashland resident, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Capital Rehabilitation Center, Harrisburg. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
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She was the devoted wife of the late Karl Leroy Keck, who preceded her in death in 2017. Throughout her life, Pauline demonstrated a remarkable dedication to both her family and her work, reflecting a spirit grounded in perseverance and care.
Pauline, also known as Pinky, applied her skill and artistry as a seamstress for M & M Dress Company in Berwick, Pennsylvania. In addition, she contributed her diligence and precision as a key punch operator and verifier for American Car and Foundry, also in Berwick. Her talents extended far beyond her professional life; she was known for her love of cooking and baking, her enjoyment of shopping, and her exceptional seamstress abilities. She held a profound appreciation for literature, particularly non-fiction and biographies, often finding joy and enlightenment within their pages.
Above all, Pauline treasured the time spent with her family, especially during the holidays, when she gathered with loved ones, sharing warmth and creating lasting memories.
Pauline is survived by her children, who carry forward her legacy of kindness and strength: her daughters, Mrs. Karen Conover and her husband Eric of Andreas, Michelle “Missy” Keck of Jim Thorpe; her sons, Jeffry Keck and his wife Anne Marie of Barnesville, and Barry Keck and his wife Janet of Whitehall. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who remember her with love and admiration.
She was preceded in death by; son, Karl Keck; her brothers, Michael, Peter, and Charles Malencore, as well as her sisters, Anna Yaninas, Marian Ruhlman, Helen Bankes, Catherine Shoemaker, Margaret Ragno Crusan, and Evelyn Iddings.
Funeral services honoring Pauline’s life will be held on Wednesday evening at 7pm from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home. Friends and family will be received from 5-7pm. Her final resting place will be at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania where she will be laid to rest on May 21st at 10:30 am alongside of her beloved husband who served his country honorably in the United States Navy.
The family extends their gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this time of loss.
Pauline M. Keck’s life was a testament to warmth, dedication, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Memorials in his name to: Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256
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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
