Skook News Obituaries: August 18th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born on December 1, 1945 in Pottsville PA, he was the son of the late Joseph John and Wanda M. (Pawlowski) Tray.
Jim was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 till 1968.
Jim worked in electronics at Tamaqua Cable until retiring.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mildred T. "Milly" (Lehan) Tray, step-son Robert M. Bensinger, step-daughter Deborah Bensinger, sisters: Rosemary Brown, Martha Cash, Elizabeth Sauchick, Gladys Lisnock, Janet Conville, Kathleen Hepner; and brother Joseph Tray Jr.
Jim is survived by daughter Cheryl Peterson (Brian), Tooele, Utah; step-daughters Diane Miller (James), Delano and Lori Scintilla (Nick), Drums; sister Wanda Svrcek; 21 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday August 20th from 10am-12noon at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair at 10AM on Friday, August 21st, .
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Barry Allen Dierwechter, 74, of Pottsville, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026, at home with family by his side.
Born in Pottsville on May 26, 1952, Barry was a son of the late Glenn and Doris (Mease) Dierwechter.
Barry was the loving husband of Lynn (Dougherty) Dierwechter, to whom he was married for 30 years.
He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, class of 1971.
Barry owned Dierwechter's Used Auto Parts and Helping Hands Wildlife Center.
Barry was a member of the National Turkey Federation and enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures, including building show cars, fishing and spending time in Wildwood, NJ. He was known for his collection of crazy t-shirts and his wild, unforgettable sense of humor. Above all, Barry cherished his cats, his beloved wife and children. The love for his family, sense of humor, and unique personality will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Barry is also survived by children Duane Zimmerman Jr., husband of Mandy and Ashley Dinanath, wife of Ray; grandchildren Ethan, Brianna, Carter and Kathleen; nieces and nephews; sister Renea Kalbach, wife of Joseph; and brother Sam Hummel.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 7:00pm on Friday, August 21st at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Vinny Murray officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5:00pm until the time of services. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to: Helping Hands Wildlife Center, 41 E. 2nd Mountain Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Charlotte Jean Williams, founder of Char-Will Kennels of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, as a guest of Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.
Born Monday, August 19, 1940 in California the daughter of the late Harold and Bettye (Milton) Franklin. Charlotte was also predeceased by; husband Richard J. Williams; sister, Leila Burgess.
Surviving are; daughter, Diane Buhl wife of Dale with whom she resided; sons, Mark Williams and his wife Susan, John A. Williams; brothers, Frank Franklin, Ronald Franklin; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren
.Born and raised in California, Charlotte met her husband while he was serving in the Military and moved home with him to Pennsylvania. Charlotte, owned and operated Char-Will Kennels for over 50 years, breeding German Shepherds and Flat-coated Retrievers. Charlotte Trained and showed dogs for over fifty years. A 4-H leader for many years, Charlotte also trained dogs for the Leader Dog program in conjunction with the Lions Clubs International, a global vision program inspired by Helen Keller's 1925 challenge to become "Knights of the Blind". Charlotte also boarded dogs for many years. Charlotte also drove a school bus for Blue Mountain School District.
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
Memorials in Charlotte's name may be made to: German Shepherd Rescue P.O. Box 132New Ringgold Pennsylvania.
Theresa L. Tertel, 78, of Mahanoy City, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Greenwood Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Tamaqua.
Born in Mahanoy City on November 17, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Gulick) Tertel.
Theresa was a 1965 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and then worked many years as a sewing machine operator in the local garment industry. She was a devoted member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City, being a member of the church choir, the church sodality, a CCD instructor, and involved in most church functions.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her brother – Cyril Tertel.
Her surviving family includes 2 brothers- Joseph Tertel with his wife Sandy of Frackville and Mark Tertel with his wife Mary of Quakake, 2 sisters- Ann Shoup with her husband Ken of Mahanoy City and Margaret Reba of New Jersey, her sister-in-law- Marion Tertel of Allentown, along with nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 21st at 10am in St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City and will be officiated by Fr. Kevin Gallagher. A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday morning from 8:30 to 10am in the church. Burial will immediately follow in the Assumption BVM Cemetery in Mahanoy City.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Theresa’s memory to her church: St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City
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Marie M. Pribish, 66, a resident of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17th, 2026.
Marie was born in Shenandoah on February 1, 1960, a daughter of the late John and Aldona (Besky) Pribish.
She was a 1977 graduate of the Shenandoah Valley High School, and then went on to further her education at the University of Pittsburg, then graduating with a degree in education from Slippery Rock University.
She worked as an investigator for the State Department of Aging in Lehigh and Tioga counties, before becoming a supervisor in the Assessment Unit of Lebanon County, a position in which she retired from.
Marie loved music and attended many concerts during her lifetime. She also loved to take in nature and hike, which she enjoyed to do while she traveled.
Marie is survived by her brother, John Pribish and his wife Christine; and by a sister, Linda Kerlavage, all of Shenandoah. A niece, Abigale Pribish and two nephews Kyle and Keith Kerlavage also survive, along with an extended family of relatives and friends.
Msgr. Ronald Bocian will celebrate a A Mass of Christian Burial at the Divine Mercy Church, West Cherry Street, Shenandoah on Monday, August 24th, at 10:30 AM. A time for visitation with Maries family will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass at the Church.
Marie will be laid to rest in the Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, immediately following Mass.
The Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is honored to assist Marie's family during their time of need.
Donna L. Mueller, 83, of Ashland passed away early morning Tuesday August 18, 2026 at Mount Carmel Senior Living Community.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Carolyn E. Mehlman, 96, of Deer Lake passed away Sunday, August 16th, at Providence Place, Pottsville
Carolyn was born in West Brunswick Township, PA on April 4, 1930, a daughter of the late Marguerite (Haussmann) and James O. Meck.
She was the widow of Harry Mehlman. Harry died in 1983.
Carolyn was a member of Zion's Red Church Orwigsburg and a 1948 Graduate of Auburn High School and studied theater at Temple University.
She worked as the Secretary and treasurer at Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company. She also held the position of Secretary and treasurer for the borough of Deer Lake for many years,
She was a member of the John Kenley Theater Group, Deer Lake. She was a Girl Scout & Brownie leader and taught piano for many years to the youth of Deer Lake. She was very active in her life.
Carolyn is survived by
three daughters, Gretchen, wife of Benjamin Nauyalis, of Auburn, PA;
Karen, wife of Kurt Gilbert, of Schuylkill Haven, PA;
Deborah, wife of Kenneth Eberle, of Mount Joy, PA
Carolyn is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Kenneth, Jeremy, Jennifer, James, Jacob and Kelly.
Her great grandchildren are Bailee, Cannon, Daniel, Ella, Sawyer, Tucker and Korah
She was predeceased by her sister Peggy M. Mengle and was also predeceased by her long time companion Richard C. Lewis in April 2026. A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, August 25th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg. Visitation will begin at 10:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company No. 1, 1 Ash Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
Barbara is survived by her sons Delmar and Darren Phillips of Frackville, and a sister Joyce Stripe of Orwigsburg, as well as nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday August 22, at 11am from St.Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 N. Line Street Frackville, with Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis as celebrant. A visitation will be held from 10am until the time of mass at the church. Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Donations in Barbara's memory can be mailed directly to the church.
Robert A. Evans, Jr. Funeral Home, Robert F. Corcoran, Funeral Director has charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville on May 26, 1952, Barry was a son of the late Glenn and Doris (Mease) Dierwechter.
Barry was the loving husband of Lynn (Dougherty) Dierwechter, to whom he was married for 30 years.
He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, class of 1971.
Barry owned Dierwechter's Used Auto Parts and Helping Hands Wildlife Center.
Barry was a member of the National Turkey Federation and enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures, including building show cars, fishing and spending time in Wildwood, NJ. He was known for his collection of crazy t-shirts and his wild, unforgettable sense of humor. Above all, Barry cherished his cats, his beloved wife and children. The love for his family, sense of humor, and unique personality will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Barry is also survived by children Duane Zimmerman Jr., husband of Mandy and Ashley Dinanath, wife of Ray; grandchildren Ethan, Brianna, Carter and Kathleen; nieces and nephews; sister Renea Kalbach, wife of Joseph; and brother Sam Hummel.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 7:00pm on Friday, August 21st at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Vinny Murray officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5:00pm until the time of services. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to: Helping Hands Wildlife Center, 41 E. 2nd Mountain Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born Monday, August 19, 1940 in California the daughter of the late Harold and Bettye (Milton) Franklin. Charlotte was also predeceased by; husband Richard J. Williams; sister, Leila Burgess.
Surviving are; daughter, Diane Buhl wife of Dale with whom she resided; sons, Mark Williams and his wife Susan, John A. Williams; brothers, Frank Franklin, Ronald Franklin; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren
.Born and raised in California, Charlotte met her husband while he was serving in the Military and moved home with him to Pennsylvania. Charlotte, owned and operated Char-Will Kennels for over 50 years, breeding German Shepherds and Flat-coated Retrievers. Charlotte Trained and showed dogs for over fifty years. A 4-H leader for many years, Charlotte also trained dogs for the Leader Dog program in conjunction with the Lions Clubs International, a global vision program inspired by Helen Keller's 1925 challenge to become "Knights of the Blind". Charlotte also boarded dogs for many years. Charlotte also drove a school bus for Blue Mountain School District.
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
Memorials in Charlotte's name may be made to: German Shepherd Rescue P.O. Box 132New Ringgold Pennsylvania.
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Born in Mahanoy City on November 17, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Gulick) Tertel.
Theresa was a 1965 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and then worked many years as a sewing machine operator in the local garment industry. She was a devoted member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City, being a member of the church choir, the church sodality, a CCD instructor, and involved in most church functions.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her brother – Cyril Tertel.
Her surviving family includes 2 brothers- Joseph Tertel with his wife Sandy of Frackville and Mark Tertel with his wife Mary of Quakake, 2 sisters- Ann Shoup with her husband Ken of Mahanoy City and Margaret Reba of New Jersey, her sister-in-law- Marion Tertel of Allentown, along with nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 21st at 10am in St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City and will be officiated by Fr. Kevin Gallagher. A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday morning from 8:30 to 10am in the church. Burial will immediately follow in the Assumption BVM Cemetery in Mahanoy City.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Theresa’s memory to her church: St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City
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Marie was born in Shenandoah on February 1, 1960, a daughter of the late John and Aldona (Besky) Pribish.
She was a 1977 graduate of the Shenandoah Valley High School, and then went on to further her education at the University of Pittsburg, then graduating with a degree in education from Slippery Rock University.
She worked as an investigator for the State Department of Aging in Lehigh and Tioga counties, before becoming a supervisor in the Assessment Unit of Lebanon County, a position in which she retired from.
Marie loved music and attended many concerts during her lifetime. She also loved to take in nature and hike, which she enjoyed to do while she traveled.
Marie is survived by her brother, John Pribish and his wife Christine; and by a sister, Linda Kerlavage, all of Shenandoah. A niece, Abigale Pribish and two nephews Kyle and Keith Kerlavage also survive, along with an extended family of relatives and friends.
Msgr. Ronald Bocian will celebrate a A Mass of Christian Burial at the Divine Mercy Church, West Cherry Street, Shenandoah on Monday, August 24th, at 10:30 AM. A time for visitation with Maries family will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass at the Church.
Marie will be laid to rest in the Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, immediately following Mass.
The Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is honored to assist Marie's family during their time of need.
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Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Carolyn was born in West Brunswick Township, PA on April 4, 1930, a daughter of the late Marguerite (Haussmann) and James O. Meck.
She was the widow of Harry Mehlman. Harry died in 1983.
Carolyn was a member of Zion's Red Church Orwigsburg and a 1948 Graduate of Auburn High School and studied theater at Temple University.
She worked as the Secretary and treasurer at Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company. She also held the position of Secretary and treasurer for the borough of Deer Lake for many years,
She was a member of the John Kenley Theater Group, Deer Lake. She was a Girl Scout & Brownie leader and taught piano for many years to the youth of Deer Lake. She was very active in her life.
Carolyn is survived by
three daughters, Gretchen, wife of Benjamin Nauyalis, of Auburn, PA;
Karen, wife of Kurt Gilbert, of Schuylkill Haven, PA;
Deborah, wife of Kenneth Eberle, of Mount Joy, PA
Carolyn is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Kenneth, Jeremy, Jennifer, James, Jacob and Kelly.
Her great grandchildren are Bailee, Cannon, Daniel, Ella, Sawyer, Tucker and Korah
She was predeceased by her sister Peggy M. Mengle and was also predeceased by her long time companion Richard C. Lewis in April 2026. A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, August 25th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg. Visitation will begin at 10:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company No. 1, 1 Ash Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
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Barbara E. Phillips, 83, of Frackville, passed away at her home on Saturday August 15, 2026. She was born April 13, 1943 in Pottsville, the daughter of Edward and Mary Skiptunas Zack. Barbara graduated from Immaculate Heart High School. She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker R.C. Church, Frackville. In addition to her parents. she was preceded in death by her husband Delmar, who passed away Dec, 2015 after 50 years of marriage and infant sister Janice.
Barbara is survived by her sons Delmar and Darren Phillips of Frackville, and a sister Joyce Stripe of Orwigsburg, as well as nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday August 22, at 11am from St.Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 N. Line Street Frackville, with Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis as celebrant. A visitation will be held from 10am until the time of mass at the church. Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Donations in Barbara's memory can be mailed directly to the church.
Robert A. Evans, Jr. Funeral Home, Robert F. Corcoran, Funeral Director has charge of arrangements.
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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
