Skook News Obituaries: August 26th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Douglas was born in Colorado Springs, CO, on May 2, 1958, a son of Mary (Slater) Beckwith of Odenton, MD, and the late Donald C. Beckwith.
He was a graduate of Palmyra Area High School, class of 1976.
He was previously employed as a chef at various locations, including Cafe 1134 and Peohe's in Coronado, CA. At Peohe's, he oversaw catering for the San Diego Chargers.
Douglas is survived by his daughter Hannah Barron, wife of Adam, of Seattle, WA; siblings: Dennis Beckwith, husband of Ann Kirsh, of Raleigh, NC; Jeff Beckwith, husband of Virginia "Ginger," of Cleveland, SC; Steve Beckwith and his partner Tina Beahm, of Harrisburg; Jeanne Elberfeld, wife of Greg, of Orwigsburg; Barbara Dunn of Painted Post, NY; Patty Simeone, wife of John, of Pittsburgh; and Laurie Barrow, wife of Fred, of Odenton, MD. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, Douglas was preceded in death by his sister Donna Beckwith.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to: National Park Foundation, Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 17394, Baltimore, MD 21298-9450 or by visiting https://www.nationalparks.org/
Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Wermesch (Vermes), Transylvania, Romania, on March 26, 1936, Hans was a son of the late Johann and Maria (Kreutzer) Schuller.
Married for 70 years, he was the loving husband of Erma E. (Reed) Schuller.
Hans was a graduate of Pine Grove High School.
He was a very skilled Machine Maintenance Technician for 25 years at Walk-in Shoe Company and then for 20 years at Hexcel.
In addition to his wife, Hans is also survived by children: Tom (Brenda) Schuller, Schuylkill Haven; Ed (Wendy) Schuller, Schuylkill Haven; Dennis (Valerie) Schuller, Schuylkill Haven; Sandy Schuller, Florida; and Daron Schuller, Virginia; grandchildren Phelicia, Julia, Emily, Alexandra, Mitchell, Danielle, Jessica, Hans, and Sarah; great-grandchildren Lorelai, Sophia, Luke, Riley, Kinsley and Logan; his brother, Erich Schuller, Ohio; and nieces & nephews.
Hans was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Maria Richards and grandson Travis Schuller.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
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He was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Hubler) Proctor.
A graduate of Wheaton High School, in Maryland, Robert went on to dedicate his career to serving his community as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Robert was a hardworking and dependable man who took pride in his work and in the connections he made with people along the way. He had a deep love of astronomy and a lifelong fascination with the night sky. Of all the planets, Saturn had a special place in his heart.
His curiosity about the universe reflected his sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around him. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean, and a sister Karen Tedrick, whom he now joins in eternal rest. He will be loving remembered by his three children: Doug, Donna, JoAnne, and his stepchildren: Brian and Brandon. Robert leaves behind cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him. May he rest peacefully beneath the stars he so admired, reunited with Jean.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a grave side Celebration of Robert’s Life, Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Brock Cemetery, 2000 Spruce Street, Ashland, PA. Officiating will be Rev. Jeremy Smallwood. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolences for Robert’s family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a grave side Celebration of Robert’s Life, Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Brock Cemetery, 2000 Spruce Street, Ashland, PA. Officiating will be Rev. Jeremy Smallwood. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolences for Robert’s family.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Patricia Marie Youst, 77, of Allentown, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, Allentown. She was born in Port Carbon on August 13, 1949.
Patty was the daughter of the late Edward Pollman and Mary (Basarob) Pollman.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony “Jeff” Youst, to whom she was married for 41 years.
Patty was of the Orthodox faith. She was a 1967 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. Patty worked in home health care.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Pollman.
In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by her daughter, Wendy Jochems of Pottsville; her son, Edward Fisher of the Washington, D.C., area; her brother, Howard Pollman of Schuylkill Haven; her two grandsons, Ian and Noah; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the James H. Evans Funeral Home Inc., St. Clair, with the Very Rev. Jeff Zias officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
James H. Evans Funeral Home Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Noralea Matz, 65 of Pottsville, died peacefully Tuesday morning at home surrounded by her family.
She was born November 2, 1960 in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Jack I and Martha Connors Snyder.
She was a 1978 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
Throughout her life, Noralea was known for her dedication to her work and to her community. She worked for Avenues, served as Director of the Pottsville Rec Commission, and was Manager of JFK Swimming Pool from 2008 until 2026. Her years of service reflected a deep commitment to recreation, community engagement, and the people she served. Recently, she was honored with a 20-year plaque at the City of Pottsville National Night Out.
Noralea was an active member of the former Humane Fire Co now Pottsville Fire Co. No.1, Pottsville
Surviving are her husband Michael with whom she married on April 28, 1984; a daughter, Jill Freeman and her husband Adam, Pottsville; a brother Jack Snyder, II and his wife Terry, Pottsville; nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 27th 1-6PM at the Pottsville Fire Co. No 1. Inurnment will be at the convivence of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Noralea be made to Pottsville Fire Co. No. 1, 200 Humane Blvd., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Cremation arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, James B. Humphrey, F.D.
Paul Orkin, 83, of Ashland passed away Sunday afternoon August 23, 2026 at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Philadelphia on October 4, 1942 he was the son of the late Marie (Strauss) and Jacob Orkin.
Paul was of the Jewish faith.
He was the husband of the late Kay R. Orkin who passed away March 19, 2025.
Paul graduated from Collingswood High School in New Jersey. In 1966 he graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy where he met his wife, Kay. Early on in his career he worked as an independent pharmacist in the Philadelphia area. From 1970-1973, Paul worked as a broker from Merrill Lynch.
Beginning in 1973, Paul and his wife owned and operated Paul Chevrolet in Ashland for over 35 years. They also owned and operated Kay Orkin Chevrolet in Tamaqua for many years.
Paul served on several local boards including Fountain Springs Country Club, Ashland Hospital, and Citizens Bank. He also served as President for Pennsylvania Auto Dealers Association.
Surviving are daughter Jacqueline Sturr (Matthew), Laurel MD; son Ben Orkin (Erin), Ashland; grandchildren Dorothy, Alexander & Abigail; nephew Dr Todd Banning DO (Lisa), Lehighton; niece Dr. Rebecca Banning MD, FL; sister-in-law Linda Banning, Andreas.
Services will be private at the family’s request. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to American Cancer Society, 16 N 4th St, Minersville PA 17954.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Edith Mae Nocket, age 79, of Port Carbon, PA passed away Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at Providence Place, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, PA on March 13, 1947, she was the daughter of the late George and Viola (Reed) Flanagan.
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Patty was the daughter of the late Edward Pollman and Mary (Basarob) Pollman.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony “Jeff” Youst, to whom she was married for 41 years.
Patty was of the Orthodox faith. She was a 1967 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. Patty worked in home health care.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Pollman.
In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by her daughter, Wendy Jochems of Pottsville; her son, Edward Fisher of the Washington, D.C., area; her brother, Howard Pollman of Schuylkill Haven; her two grandsons, Ian and Noah; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the James H. Evans Funeral Home Inc., St. Clair, with the Very Rev. Jeff Zias officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
James H. Evans Funeral Home Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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She was born November 2, 1960 in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Jack I and Martha Connors Snyder.
She was a 1978 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
Throughout her life, Noralea was known for her dedication to her work and to her community. She worked for Avenues, served as Director of the Pottsville Rec Commission, and was Manager of JFK Swimming Pool from 2008 until 2026. Her years of service reflected a deep commitment to recreation, community engagement, and the people she served. Recently, she was honored with a 20-year plaque at the City of Pottsville National Night Out.
Noralea was an active member of the former Humane Fire Co now Pottsville Fire Co. No.1, Pottsville
Surviving are her husband Michael with whom she married on April 28, 1984; a daughter, Jill Freeman and her husband Adam, Pottsville; a brother Jack Snyder, II and his wife Terry, Pottsville; nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 27th 1-6PM at the Pottsville Fire Co. No 1. Inurnment will be at the convivence of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Noralea be made to Pottsville Fire Co. No. 1, 200 Humane Blvd., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Cremation arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, James B. Humphrey, F.D.
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Born in Philadelphia on October 4, 1942 he was the son of the late Marie (Strauss) and Jacob Orkin.
Paul was of the Jewish faith.
He was the husband of the late Kay R. Orkin who passed away March 19, 2025.
Paul graduated from Collingswood High School in New Jersey. In 1966 he graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy where he met his wife, Kay. Early on in his career he worked as an independent pharmacist in the Philadelphia area. From 1970-1973, Paul worked as a broker from Merrill Lynch.
Beginning in 1973, Paul and his wife owned and operated Paul Chevrolet in Ashland for over 35 years. They also owned and operated Kay Orkin Chevrolet in Tamaqua for many years.
Paul served on several local boards including Fountain Springs Country Club, Ashland Hospital, and Citizens Bank. He also served as President for Pennsylvania Auto Dealers Association.
Surviving are daughter Jacqueline Sturr (Matthew), Laurel MD; son Ben Orkin (Erin), Ashland; grandchildren Dorothy, Alexander & Abigail; nephew Dr Todd Banning DO (Lisa), Lehighton; niece Dr. Rebecca Banning MD, FL; sister-in-law Linda Banning, Andreas.
Services will be private at the family’s request. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to American Cancer Society, 16 N 4th St, Minersville PA 17954.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on March 13, 1947, she was the daughter of the late George and Viola (Reed) Flanagan.
Edith was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School, class of 1965. She worked at Boscov's Department Store, Pottsville for 37 years, working in numerous deparments over that time.
Edith was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair. She was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan and loved going to the Casino on bus trips, going on family trips, and get togethers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters: Helen Flanagan and Mary Smyser and a brother George "Chas" Flanagan.
Edith is survived by her ex husband and lifelong friend Carl Nocket, Port Carbon; daughters: Carol Raffa (James), Tamaqua and Susan Wilner (Gary), Port Carbon; a grandson Kyle Wilner, Port Carbon; a sister Barbara Woodford, Hamburg; and nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon on Wednesday September 9th at 10:30AM, with Msgn William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday morning from 9-10:30AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private at St Ambrose Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
The Family would like to thank the staffs of the memory care unit at Providence Place, Pottsville and Compassus Hospice for all of the care and support throughout this journey.
In lieu of Flowers please make donations in Edith’s memory to the Hillside SPCA PO Box 233 Pottsville PA 17901.
Ya Ma Kruy, 84, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the Saint Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.
Born in Cambodia on September 3, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Moeurn Lim and Lach Khim.
Ya Ma is survived by her four children, Sokhom Ma, Hope Ma, and Sokheth Ma, all of Lowell, Massachusetts, and Raine Pagan, Schuylkill Haven; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Following her wishes, there will be no formal services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Ya Ma's family.
In lieu of Flowers please make donations in Edith’s memory to the Hillside SPCA PO Box 233 Pottsville PA 17901.
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Born in Cambodia on September 3, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Moeurn Lim and Lach Khim.
Ya Ma is survived by her four children, Sokhom Ma, Hope Ma, and Sokheth Ma, all of Lowell, Massachusetts, and Raine Pagan, Schuylkill Haven; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Following her wishes, there will be no formal services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Ya Ma's family.
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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
