Skook News Obituaries: August 11th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Marlene E. Sopko, 89, of Pottsville, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East Norwegian Street, Pottsville. She was born in Middleport on November 12, 1936.
Marlene was the daughter of the late Charles Tomalavage and Elizabeth (Thomas) Tomalavage.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George J. Sopko, Jr.
Marlene was of the Catholic faith and a graduate of Marion Catholic High School. She worked as a seamstress in the garment industry.
In addition to her parents and husband, Marlene is preceded in death by a brother, Bernard Tomalavage.
She is survived by her brother, Charles Tomalavage of Middleport, and nieces and nephews.
A private interment will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Lykens on Monday, April 16, 1956, a daughter of the late James and Joyce "Millie" Welker Long.
She was raised on Julian Street in Williamstown and graduated in 1974 from Williams Valley High School. She previously attended Hillside Christian Fellowship, Millersburg.
Deb was a retired seamstress from the local garment industry.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by grandson, Josiah Viera, 2018.
Deb enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and spending time at the library. While a resident of Edenbrook, Deb was the president of Resident Council.
Surviving are her husband of 52 years, G. David Bohner; three children, Lisa Martin (Paul II), Oklahoma, Jennifer Viera-Pysher (Elizabeth), Hegins, and James Bohner (Shelly), Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Kirstin and Caleb Martin, Daisha Viera, Christian and Wyatt Bohner, and Cassandra Soi.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home. A viewing will be held from 9-10 AM at the chapel. Following the service, Deb will be laid to rest in the Wiconisco Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Tri-Valley Library, 633 E Main St, Hegins, PA 17938.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve the Bohner family.
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Mary E. Bray, 100, of McAdoo, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening at St. Luke’s Hospital, Coaldale.
Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (Nemeth) Vinczi. On March 28, Mary celebrated the momentous occasion of her 100th birthday.
A lifelong resident of McAdoo, she was a proud graduate of McAdoo High School, Class of 1943.
Prior to retiring at the age of 83, Mary was a sacristan and housekeeper for the former St. Kunegunda’s and St. Stephen’s R.C. Church, and then for Church of All Saints, all of McAdoo. In her younger years, she was also employed in the local garment industry.
Mary was deeply devoted to her church and her faith, which were an important part of her life. She generously gave her time and talents, always willing to volunteer for countless ministries and help wherever she was needed. She was a longtime member of the church choir and faithfully served on the finance committee.
Mary and her husband, Paul, celebrated 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2015. Together, they enjoyed many memorable trips to Atlantic City and treasured the time they spent visiting and being with their family in Ohio, New Jersey and South Carolina.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Paul W. Bray Sr.; brothers, Stephen and William Vinczi; and sister, Louise Abrahamson.
Surviving are her son, Paul W. (Lori) Bray Jr., Weatherly; daughters, Lynn Bray, Conyngham Twp., and Janis (Jerome) Dvorak, McAdoo; grandchildren, Stacie Bray, Pamela (Chris) Lautenschlager, Michael (Amber) Bray; Cheyanne (Matthew) Ney and Julia Dvorak; great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Nolan Lautenschlager; brother, Bela Vinczi, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Friday, August 14. Rev. Msgr. Edward Zemanik will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial in Church of All Saints, McAdoo, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow privately in St. Stephen’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Friday, August 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church.
In lieu of Flowers, memorial donations can be made to Church of All Saints, McAdoo or to the McAdoo Ambulance Association.
The Damiano Funeral Home, McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (Nemeth) Vinczi. On March 28, Mary celebrated the momentous occasion of her 100th birthday.
A lifelong resident of McAdoo, she was a proud graduate of McAdoo High School, Class of 1943.
Prior to retiring at the age of 83, Mary was a sacristan and housekeeper for the former St. Kunegunda’s and St. Stephen’s R.C. Church, and then for Church of All Saints, all of McAdoo. In her younger years, she was also employed in the local garment industry.
Mary was deeply devoted to her church and her faith, which were an important part of her life. She generously gave her time and talents, always willing to volunteer for countless ministries and help wherever she was needed. She was a longtime member of the church choir and faithfully served on the finance committee.
Mary and her husband, Paul, celebrated 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2015. Together, they enjoyed many memorable trips to Atlantic City and treasured the time they spent visiting and being with their family in Ohio, New Jersey and South Carolina.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Paul W. Bray Sr.; brothers, Stephen and William Vinczi; and sister, Louise Abrahamson.
Surviving are her son, Paul W. (Lori) Bray Jr., Weatherly; daughters, Lynn Bray, Conyngham Twp., and Janis (Jerome) Dvorak, McAdoo; grandchildren, Stacie Bray, Pamela (Chris) Lautenschlager, Michael (Amber) Bray; Cheyanne (Matthew) Ney and Julia Dvorak; great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Nolan Lautenschlager; brother, Bela Vinczi, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Friday, August 14. Rev. Msgr. Edward Zemanik will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial in Church of All Saints, McAdoo, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow privately in St. Stephen’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Friday, August 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church.
In lieu of Flowers, memorial donations can be made to Church of All Saints, McAdoo or to the McAdoo Ambulance Association.
The Damiano Funeral Home, McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Born in Coaldale, Ross was a son of Ronald and Mary Ellen (Titus) Werner, both of Rush Township. He was a 1983 graduate of Blue Mountain Academy and earned an associate degree from Northampton Community College.
Ross worked as an X-ray and CT technician for several hospital networks over the years, including St. Luke’s and Lehigh Valley. He was a member of Drums Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In addition to his wife, Amy, Ross is survived by a daughter, Brittney Werner, and a son, Ross Werner, Jr., both at home; his parents, Ronald and Mary Ellen Werner; and a sister, Melissa Clapper and her husband, Terry, of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Christ Church Cemetery (the White Church), 120 Church Road, Barnesville, with Pastor Fadi Haddad officiating.
Memorials in Ross’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or online at www.cancer.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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To some she was Martha. To her family, she was Mom and Baba—and, depending on the story, she might also answer to Ho Mart, Chocolate Marshmallow, or Pink Iceberg.
Martha was born May 10, 1943, in Long Row, Gilberton, Pennsylvania, to Gregory “Harry” and Mary (Ploxa) Mendinsky. She was raised in the faith and traditions of her Ukrainian heritage, which she carried proudly and passed on to the generations that followed.
On May 23, 1964, Martha married John Chowansky. Together they built a life over 62 years centered on family and raised three children: Michelle, John, and Michael.
In her early years, Martha worked as a medical secretary for the Veterans Administration and for Dr. Nichols before devoting herself to raising her family. As her children grew, so did her role in the family.
She became Baba….Her grandchildren—Jennifer, Brianne, Zach, Joshua, Jaxson, Luka, and Zoya—brought her tremendous joy. She loved them, fed them, worried about them, and was always there when needed. In later years, she spent many hours in the kitchen attempting the nearly impossible task of keeping hungry teenage grandsons fed.
Food was one of Martha’s favorite ways to show love. Her family knew her pyrohy and holubtsi, paska, huckleberry pie, and the special birthday cake that seemingly appeared for everyone. And, of course, who could forget the Snickers and ice cream?
Through food and tradition, Martha taught her children and grandchildren about their Ukrainian heritage. She taught them to make pysanky, bake paska, prepare traditional foods, and carry on the customs she held dear.
Her faith was equally important. Martha loved her church and generously volunteered her time, serving as the “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” for the annual church picnic for more than 20 years. She was also a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Her faith was reflected in how she lived—helping others, giving of herself, and always putting family first.
That may be Martha’s greatest legacy. She taught her family to show up—to help without hesitation, do good without expectation, and care for one another.
Martha also knew how to have fun. She was an avid bowler, loved the beach with a Long Island Iced Tea nearby, had a weakness for sweets, could be caught dancing with or without music, and could apply the word “jeepers” to nearly any situation.
In the final months of her life, Martha’s health declined, and there were days when she was no longer quite the Martha her family had always known. Even then, she still tried to smile.
Perhaps that smile was one final reminder of what she spent a lifetime teaching:
Be good to people. Be there when someone needs you. And always take care of your family.
Martha is survived by her husband, John Chowansky; her children, Michelle English (Joe), John Chowansky (Rachel) , and Michael (Abbie) Chowansky; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Brianne, Zach, Joshua, Jaxson, Luka, and Zoya; her sister, Rosalie Jankaitis. Many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gregory “Harry” and Mary (Ploxa) Mendinsky.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 14, at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church in Maizeville, Pennsylvania. A viewing will be held from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Liturgy. Burial will take place at St. John’s Ukrainian Cemetery in Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Ukrainian Homestead in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, in Martha’s memory.
Martha leaves behind recipes and traditions that will continue at family tables, lessons passed to the next generation, and a family that knows how to care for one another because she showed them how.
And when the pyrohy aren’t quite right, the birthday cake doesn’t turn out as planned, or someone does something particularly ridiculous, her family will undoubtedly hear her voice:
“Jeepers.”
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Anona Mae Clouser, 92, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2026, at Providence Place in Pottsville, where she was currently a guest.
Anona was born in Weishample on May 10, 1934, a daughter of the late Irvin and Martha (Kessler) Clouser, and was a long time member of the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample, being involved in the Christian Endeavor, Otterbein Guild, United Methodist Women. She was a Sunday School Pianist, member of the Chancel Choir, Church Orchestra, Administration Board, Pasotr-Parish Relations Committee, Worship Committee, and Delegatey Delagate to the Annual Conference.
She graduated from Hegins Township High school in 1952, and began working for the PPL Corporation in Harrisburg for 43 years until her retirement.She was a member the West Shore Choral Society and the Susquehanna Singers. Anona was also a member of the Weishample Band, Weishample Grange #1898, Schuylkill County Pamona Grange, PA State and National Grange.
She belonged to the Tri-Valley Senior Citizens, Mahantango Senior Citizens and the PPL Live Wires or Harrisburg.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Harold Clouser and a nephew, Brian Stutzman.
Anona is survived by a sister, Grace I. Stutzman, Hegins, and by two nieces, Brenda Powell of Florida, Lori Klinger of Sacramento, and by two nephews, Bruce Stutzman of Dalton and Kevin Clouser of Ashland.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, August 14th, 2026 at 11 AM at the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, 844 Deep Creek Road, Ashland. A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM at the church prior to the service.
Anona will be laid to rest immediately following the service at the Barry UM Cemetery.
The Buffington Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is assisting Anonas family during their time of need.
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Anona was born in Weishample on May 10, 1934, a daughter of the late Irvin and Martha (Kessler) Clouser, and was a long time member of the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample, being involved in the Christian Endeavor, Otterbein Guild, United Methodist Women. She was a Sunday School Pianist, member of the Chancel Choir, Church Orchestra, Administration Board, Pasotr-Parish Relations Committee, Worship Committee, and Delegatey Delagate to the Annual Conference.
She graduated from Hegins Township High school in 1952, and began working for the PPL Corporation in Harrisburg for 43 years until her retirement.She was a member the West Shore Choral Society and the Susquehanna Singers. Anona was also a member of the Weishample Band, Weishample Grange #1898, Schuylkill County Pamona Grange, PA State and National Grange.
She belonged to the Tri-Valley Senior Citizens, Mahantango Senior Citizens and the PPL Live Wires or Harrisburg.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Harold Clouser and a nephew, Brian Stutzman.
Anona is survived by a sister, Grace I. Stutzman, Hegins, and by two nieces, Brenda Powell of Florida, Lori Klinger of Sacramento, and by two nephews, Bruce Stutzman of Dalton and Kevin Clouser of Ashland.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, August 14th, 2026 at 11 AM at the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, 844 Deep Creek Road, Ashland. A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM at the church prior to the service.
Anona will be laid to rest immediately following the service at the Barry UM Cemetery.
The Buffington Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is assisting Anonas family during their time of need.
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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
