Skook News Obituaries: July 18th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born Sunday, September 29, 1946, in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Thomas and LaVerne Weston. Karen was also predeceased by; husband, Thomas C. Rottet; sister-in-law, Renee Weston.
Surviving are brother, Frank H. Weston and his wife Carol A; nephews, Frank S. Weston, Michael B. Weston, Jason T. Weston and his wife Nancy A., and their son, Mason M.; God-daughter, Abigail Morrison.
A Tamaqua High School graduate, Karen, earned her teaching certification in health & physical education from West Chester University and her Master of Education from East Stroudsburg University. She dedicated over 39 years to teaching physical education in the Tamaqua Area School District, impacting students across both the elementary and high school levels. In 1971, Karen (formerly, Sheets) made history as Tamaqua’s first women’s basketball coach, founding a program that she would guide to extraordinary heights. Under her leadership, the Lady Raiders captured two District 11 championships and achieved a phenomenal 21-1 record in 1977. The following year, she led the team to a stunning 33-3 record and the 1978 women’s Pennsylvania State Championship. Though she stepped down after the state title run, she returned to lead the program again from 1982 through 1989. In recognition of her historic contributions, Karen was inducted into the inaugural class of the Tamaqua High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Beyond local sports, Karen served as an assistant for the Olympic women’s training camp. She was a passionate supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles and an ardent follower of the North Carolina Tar Heels women’s basketball team. Locally, she was a member of the Primitive Methodist Church in Tamaqua.
Karen was the humblest, kind, generous, and compassionate person one could ever meet. Family was the cornerstone of her life; she deeply adored her brother Frank, and her love extended fully to her nephews, friends, and former players.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held on Friday July 24, 2026 at 11 o’clock A.M. from the funeral home. A visitation will take place at the funeral on Friday morning from 9:30 A.M until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials in her name to Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation. 109 West Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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Helene was born in Shenandoah on April 27, 1930, a daughter of the late William and Anna (Kilker) McHugh, and was educated and graduated from the Shenandoah Catholic High School, Class of 1948.
A lifelong homemaker, she also supported her husband as a business partner at Johnny's Sunoco, for over fifty years. She enjoyed playing bingo and her trips to the casinos.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" Grutza in 2008; a son, Gary in 1976; a granddaughter Helene and a great granddaughter Hannah, along with several brothers and sisters.
Helene is survived by two sons, John Grutza and his wife Marie and Joseph Grutza and his wife Cindy, all of Barnesville. She also is survived by six grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, along with a sister, Cathy Kufro of Shenandoah Heights.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Divine Mercy Church, West Cherry Street, Shenandoah on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on from 8-9:45 AM at the Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026.
Helene will be laid to rest alongside her husband at the Annunciation Cemetery, Shenandoah, immediately following the Mass.
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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
