Skook News Obituaries: August 1st, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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He was born May 30, 1950, a son of the late Roy and Helen A. Care Annis.
Prior to retiring he worked for Birdsboro Steel.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corp.
Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Peggy Mountz Annis; a daughter Kimberly Annis, Wyomissing; a stepdaughter, Tina Pauley, Minersville; 3 step-grandchildren, Michael Greenawalt; Alyssa Biagianti; Duane Pauley; 4 step-great grandchildren, Riley, Alani, Evelyn and Kylie;
Private cremation arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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Denise M. Petusky, 63, of Girardville, passed away at home on Thursday, July 30th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Ashland, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Loretta (Laconis) Petusky.
Denise dedicated many years of her life to hard work, beginning a 40-year career as a machine operator at Tri-State Envelope in Ashland. Following that, she was employed by Mrs. T's Pierogies until her retirement.
A devoted animal lover, Denise had a special place in her heart for her beloved kitty cats. She was a strong and devoted single mother who cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going out to eat with her family, playing bingo, gardening, talking to her closest friends, and enjoyed doing word games such as Wordle and Wordscapes.
Denise was preceded in death by her nephew Richard Petusky and niece Tomee Leigh Gower.
Denise is survived by her son, Michael Jones and his girlfriend, Krista Stolpe; her daughters, Rachel Hiles and Jenna Samler and her husband Robert; her brothers, Kenneth Petusky and James Petusky; her sister, Linda Petusky; her four cherished grandchildren, Charizma and Chloe Hiles, Danika and Cole Samler; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins.
No services will be held per Denise’s request. Private cremation services have been entrusted to the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Denise's memory to Save the Strays of Schuylkill County by clicking on the highlighted link.
Karen J. Paul, 73, of Tower City, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026 at her home.
Born in Clarks Valley on Saturday, November 1, 1952, a daughter of the late Robert "Chip" and Jean Houtz Shuttlesworth.
Karen is survived by her husband, Thomas Paul, Sr.; a son, Thomas Paul Jr and his wife Charlene, Lykens; grandson, Nathan Paul, Virginia; sister, Ann Shomper and her husband Dennis, Clarks Valley; an aunt, Maryanne Houtz, Clarks Valley; several nieces and nephews.
Following Karen's wishes, she will be laid to rest privately in the St. Peter's Cemetery, Orwin.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory can be made to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Karen's family.
Nancy Varner, 70, of Tamaqua, passed away suddenly Wednesday at St. Luke’s Miners Hospital, Coaldale.
Born in Berwick, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Julie (Anderson) Mason.
Nancy was a graduate of Berwick High School. She enjoyed life's quiet, peaceful moments and treasured her daily conversations with family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister, and will be deeply missed by all.
Surviving are her sons, Dustin Varner and wife Jacklyn of Tamaqua; and Derek Varner of Hometown; grandchildren, Leah, Gemma and Janna; brothers, Donny, Jim and Benjamin Mason, all of Berwick; and David Mason of Las Vegas; sisters, Linda Herring and husband Tim of Berwick; and Julie Thiboudeaux and husband Mark of Virginia; and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family.
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Born in Ashland, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Loretta (Laconis) Petusky.
Denise dedicated many years of her life to hard work, beginning a 40-year career as a machine operator at Tri-State Envelope in Ashland. Following that, she was employed by Mrs. T's Pierogies until her retirement.
A devoted animal lover, Denise had a special place in her heart for her beloved kitty cats. She was a strong and devoted single mother who cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going out to eat with her family, playing bingo, gardening, talking to her closest friends, and enjoyed doing word games such as Wordle and Wordscapes.
Denise was preceded in death by her nephew Richard Petusky and niece Tomee Leigh Gower.
Denise is survived by her son, Michael Jones and his girlfriend, Krista Stolpe; her daughters, Rachel Hiles and Jenna Samler and her husband Robert; her brothers, Kenneth Petusky and James Petusky; her sister, Linda Petusky; her four cherished grandchildren, Charizma and Chloe Hiles, Danika and Cole Samler; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins.
No services will be held per Denise’s request. Private cremation services have been entrusted to the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Denise's memory to Save the Strays of Schuylkill County by clicking on the highlighted link.
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Jane Ann Hepler, 83, of Ashland passed away Thursday July 30, 2026 at The Gardens at York Terrace in Pottsville.
Born in Ashland on June 20, 1943 she was the daughter of the late Edith (Stivetts) and Harry Metzinger.
Jane graduated from Butler Township High School in 1961.
She was the wife of the late James A. Hepler who passed away in 2016.
Jane was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
She worked as a hairdresser, waitress and dental assistant throughout the years. Jane enjoyed cooking, reading, word search puzzles, playing solitare and spending time with her family.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents; spouse James A. Hepler; 4 brothers Kenneth, Harry, Wayne & Roger Metzinger; sister-in-law Dawn Glowacki; brother-in-law Kenneth Smith; sister-in-law Jane Metzinger; brother-in-law Leo Glowacki.
Surviving are her 3 daughters Kimberly J. Reilly (Mark), W. Pittston; Jennifer L. Hepler, Ashland; Alison Wolfgang (Ronald), Wyoming PA; son James L. Hepler (Samantha), Waynesboro; 8 grandchildren; Emily (Nick), Katie (Jake), Gavin, Jack, Landon, Lorelei, Matthew & Bridget; 3 great grandchildren Jaxon, Delaney and Emerson; 3 sister-in-laws Helene Smith, Lavelle; Dorothy & Jeanette Metzinger; many nieces & nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday August 6, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, North 9th St, Ashland PA with Rev. Dana Heckman-Biel officiating. Viewing at 10:00 - 12:00 in the church. Interment at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jane’s memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Hillside SPCA-Joe & Caroline's Fund, PO Box 233,51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Born in Ashland on June 20, 1943 she was the daughter of the late Edith (Stivetts) and Harry Metzinger.
Jane graduated from Butler Township High School in 1961.
She was the wife of the late James A. Hepler who passed away in 2016.
Jane was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
She worked as a hairdresser, waitress and dental assistant throughout the years. Jane enjoyed cooking, reading, word search puzzles, playing solitare and spending time with her family.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents; spouse James A. Hepler; 4 brothers Kenneth, Harry, Wayne & Roger Metzinger; sister-in-law Dawn Glowacki; brother-in-law Kenneth Smith; sister-in-law Jane Metzinger; brother-in-law Leo Glowacki.
Surviving are her 3 daughters Kimberly J. Reilly (Mark), W. Pittston; Jennifer L. Hepler, Ashland; Alison Wolfgang (Ronald), Wyoming PA; son James L. Hepler (Samantha), Waynesboro; 8 grandchildren; Emily (Nick), Katie (Jake), Gavin, Jack, Landon, Lorelei, Matthew & Bridget; 3 great grandchildren Jaxon, Delaney and Emerson; 3 sister-in-laws Helene Smith, Lavelle; Dorothy & Jeanette Metzinger; many nieces & nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday August 6, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, North 9th St, Ashland PA with Rev. Dana Heckman-Biel officiating. Viewing at 10:00 - 12:00 in the church. Interment at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jane’s memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Hillside SPCA-Joe & Caroline's Fund, PO Box 233,51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born in Clarks Valley on Saturday, November 1, 1952, a daughter of the late Robert "Chip" and Jean Houtz Shuttlesworth.
Karen is survived by her husband, Thomas Paul, Sr.; a son, Thomas Paul Jr and his wife Charlene, Lykens; grandson, Nathan Paul, Virginia; sister, Ann Shomper and her husband Dennis, Clarks Valley; an aunt, Maryanne Houtz, Clarks Valley; several nieces and nephews.
Following Karen's wishes, she will be laid to rest privately in the St. Peter's Cemetery, Orwin.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory can be made to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Karen's family.
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Nancy Varner, 70, of Tamaqua, passed away suddenly Wednesday at St. Luke’s Miners Hospital, Coaldale.
Born in Berwick, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Julie (Anderson) Mason.
Nancy was a graduate of Berwick High School. She enjoyed life's quiet, peaceful moments and treasured her daily conversations with family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister, and will be deeply missed by all.
Surviving are her sons, Dustin Varner and wife Jacklyn of Tamaqua; and Derek Varner of Hometown; grandchildren, Leah, Gemma and Janna; brothers, Donny, Jim and Benjamin Mason, all of Berwick; and David Mason of Las Vegas; sisters, Linda Herring and husband Tim of Berwick; and Julie Thiboudeaux and husband Mark of Virginia; and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family.
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Catherine E. (Zehner) Schock, 90 years of age of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.
Born Sunday, April 5, 1936 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Charles T. and Vera Marie (Barthel) Zehner.
Catherine was also predeceased by; husband, Harold J; sons, Harold J. Schock Jr., Thomas F. Schock; Grandson Harold J Schock IIISurviving are daughters Holly Beth Cittrich & Husband Don Morris, Janet Marie Maxfield & Husband Nathan; son; Randy D. Schock and his wife Amy; 21 grandchildren; 32 Great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints Pottsville Branch, Catherine was a 1954 graduate of Tamaqua High School. Catherine enjoyed running the A-Treat soda business, crocheting, adult coloring books and gardening.
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
A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening August 5, 2026, at the funeral home from 5 to 7:00 P.M.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Catherine to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints 1501 Mahantongo St. Pottsville PA 17901.
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Born Sunday, April 5, 1936 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Charles T. and Vera Marie (Barthel) Zehner.
Catherine was also predeceased by; husband, Harold J; sons, Harold J. Schock Jr., Thomas F. Schock; Grandson Harold J Schock IIISurviving are daughters Holly Beth Cittrich & Husband Don Morris, Janet Marie Maxfield & Husband Nathan; son; Randy D. Schock and his wife Amy; 21 grandchildren; 32 Great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints Pottsville Branch, Catherine was a 1954 graduate of Tamaqua High School. Catherine enjoyed running the A-Treat soda business, crocheting, adult coloring books and gardening.
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
A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening August 5, 2026, at the funeral home from 5 to 7:00 P.M.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Catherine to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints 1501 Mahantongo St. Pottsville PA 17901.
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Irene was born on April 9, 1929, daughter of Frances (Bonk) and Joseph Siminitus. She was the widow of Joseph Sabadish to whom she was married for 70 years. Irene was preceded in death by her brothers Edward, Joseph, and Stanley Siminitus.
Irene graduated from Cass Twp.H.S. in 1947. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, Minersville, formerly St. Stanislaus Church.
Irene loved cooking and baking for her family especially during the holidays. Irene also loved traveling, especially her trips to Europe and Bermuda.
She is survived by 3 daughters: Rita Hahner (William), Margaret Fabrizio (Anthony), Rose Yelchak (Joseph) and Grandsons: William, Jason, Kurt (Kellie) Hahner and three Great Grandchildren: Harrison, Gabriella and Josephine and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Donald Butler Funeral Home, Minersville, PA on Tuesday, August 4th, from 9-11am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM at Holy Family. Interment at Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. Contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
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Born on December 16, 1937 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Suzannah Walters Kohr.
She was a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
Joan had been a sewing machine operator and worked for the former Summit Station Mfg., Millers, Alpha Mills, and Argo.
She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
Joan enjoyed playing bingo, karaoke, shopping, the horse races at Schuylkill Center, and going to thePine Grove Lions Club to listen to the Bluegrass music. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Mervin M. Moyer; a son, Gary Moyer and a brother, Dennis Kohr.
Surviving are a son, Eugene "Dude" and wife Sharon Moyer of Pine Grove; two daughters, Brenda Aungst of Pine Grove, Holly Moyer of Tremont; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and a brother, Ronald Kohr of Wernersville.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 6. 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastors Denim McDemus and Ricky Ney, Jr. officiating. There will be a viewing on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Pine Grove Lions Club, P. O. Box 44, Pine Grove, PA 17963 in her memory.
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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
