Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Juanita S. Best
Juanita S. Best, 46, of Knox, died at 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in Clarion Hospital following a brief illness. Born Nov. 14, 1956, in Butler, she was the daughter of Bernice Marie Garis Rosenberger of East Brady and the late Walter J. Best. She was a 1974 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, Foxburg. Ms. Best formerly attended the West Freedom United Methodist Church. She was employed for some time at the Pine Haven Care Home near Fenelton. Ms. Best was of the Methodist faith. She enjoyed her family, babysitting children and camping. Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her longtime companion, Paul Darell Rankin of Knox; a daughter, Mrs. Gregory (Sheree) Ort of Sligo and three grandchildren, Andrew Scott Kinney, Austin Ryan Ort and Justin James Paul Ort, all of Sligo. She also is survived by four brothers, William Rankin of East Brady, Randy Best of Butler, Mark Blair of Chicora and John Blair of East Brady; three sisters, Mrs. Larry (Janice) Kline of Bruin, Jean Kamerer of Butler and Carol Best; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Father and her paternal and maternal grandparents. Friends called at the Chrisopher M. Hile Funeral Home, St. Petersburg, Pa. Funeral services were held at noon Friday, February 6, 2003 in the funeral home with the Rev. Donald L. Poole, pastor of the Knox United Methodist Church, officiating Interment was in Allegheny Cemetery, Allegheny Township, Butler County.
Glen Z. Gress
Glen Z. Gress, 71, of Emlenton, Died suddenly Saturday UPMC Northwest, Franklin, after being stricken ill in the post office parking lot in Emlenton. Born Nov. 24, 1931, in Saltilla, he was the son of Vernon and Geneva Kough Gress. Following graduation from high school, Mr. Gress attended Juniata College in Huntingdon. For a number of years, he and his associate owned and operated dress stores in New York City. Mr. Gress enjoyed many decades in his career of acting and directing, both on and off Broadway theaters, as well as in regional theaters of the Northeast. He and his longtime companion founded an acting company in Pittsburgh, operating the business there for mre than 12 years before coming to Emlenton. They were known for producing more than 100 productions in that 12-year period. Mr. Gress worked extensively with the Barrow-Civic Theater in Franklin, the Lucille Ball Theater in Jamestown, NY and the Road House Theater in Erie. Surviving are his companion of more than 50 years, Edward K. “Ed” Evans of Emlenton; a sister, Donna Benson of Royersford; a niece, Madonna Bach of Peach Bottom; and a nephew, Adrian Benson of Buffalo, NY. There will be no public visitation or memorial in accordance with deceased’s wishes. Interment will be in Saltilla. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the charge of the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Eau Claire.
Walter A. ‘Brick’ Jordan
Walter A. “Brick” Jordan, 71, of New Castle, died suddenly of natural causes early Wednesday morning, Feb. 5, 2003, at his residence. Born Nov. 3, 1931, in Perry Township, Clarion County, he was the sone of Clarence “Bricky” and Anna Henry Jordan. He was a graduate of the former Parker High School. Mr. Jordan served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 13, 1952, until his honorable discharge Oct. 22, 1954, as a corporal. He retired in 1991 from Penn Power in new Castle following 28 years of service in the line department. Mr. Jordan was a member of the VFW and American Legion Posts, both of Parker. He was Protestant. Surviving are his wife Betty Stewart Jordan; one daughter, Mrs. Rick (Lori) Rhoades of New Castle; two sons, Christopher and Steven W. Jordan, both of New Castle; and four grandchildren. He also is survived by one sister, Alice Dudek of Depew, NY; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Jordan was preceded in death by a stepson, Mike Heter, in June of 1987; and a sister, Martian Keefer. Friends called in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne Street, Parker. Funeral services were held in the funeral home. Interment will be in Concord Cemetery, Perry Township, Clarion County. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the American Lung Association.
Donald A. Culberson
Donald A. Culberson, 73, of Knox RD, died of natural causes at 6:10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2003. Born Jan. 7, 1930, in Rimersburg, he was the son of Clifford A. and Bessie Summerville Culberson. He was an Army Air Force veteran and was a member of the Knox Servicemen’s Club. Mr. Culberson began work as a manager for A&P Supermarket and he later operated D&M Supermarket and D&M Dairy in Knox. More recently he was a partner with his son, Randy in Sportsman’s Outfitters in Knox, retiring in 1980. He enjoyed gardening, yard work and fishing. Mr. Culberson was married Sept. 30, 1953, to Mary Lou F. Facemyer, who died Nov. 5, 1991. Surviving are a daughter, Sheila Clark and husband, Ken of Mariasville; a son, Randy Culberson of Knox; three grandchildren, Jamie Bowman, Rebecca Culberson, and Colin Culberson, all of Knox; his companion, Mildred Teeter of Knox; and a stepsister, Luemma Johnston of Butler. Mr. Culberson was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Friends were called Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003 in the David C. McEntire Funeral Home in Knox. Funeral services were held on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003 with the Rev. Louie Bennett, assistant pastor of Grace Evangelical Congregation Church, officiating. Interment was in the Starr Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Alliance for Wetlands & Wildlife, in care of Pam Moore, 22830 Route 68, Clarion, Pa. 16214.
Mary Jane McCormick
Mary Jane McCormick, 85, of Warren, Ohio, Formerly of Old State Road, Emlenton, Salem Township, Clarion County, died at 9:49 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, in a personal care home in Warren, Ohio. Born March 24, 1917 in Franklin, she was the daughter of Lawrence C. and Vernice McMurdy Snyder. Mrs. McCormick was a member of the former West Home Free Methodist Church, Emlenton. She enjoyed sewing and quilting. Mrs. McCormick was married Dec. 16, 1937, to George Bert McCormick, who died May 25, 1981. She and her late husband owned and operated a farm near Emlenton in Salem Township for more than 50 years. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Donald F. (Louise A.) Rapp of Niles, Ohio, who was her care giver for the past several years; three nieces; one nephew; and a number of great-nieces and great- nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. McCormick was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel H. Snyder. Friends called in the Christopher M. Hile Funeral Home, Emlenton. Funeral services were held in the funeral home with the Rev. Daryl Adams, retired Free Methodist pastor officiating. Interment is in Zion Union Cemetery, Richland Township Venango County.
Delbert L. Confer
Delbert L. Confer, 52, of Richland Township, Venango County died Friday, Feb 14, 2003, at his residence. Born Nov. 5, 1950, in Franklin, he was the son of Delbert R. and Juanita F. Emery Confer. Mr. Confer was a 1969 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, Foxburg. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he graduated from the Aviation Fund School and the AMS Class “Al” School. Mr. Confer graduated from the Kittanning Truck Driving School. He was a truck driver for F. R. Bellotti Trucking Co. of Leeper. Mr. Confer was certified by the International Mobile Air Conditioning Association. He was a member of the Emlenton Rod & Gun Club. Mr. Confer enjoyed hunting, fishing, football, hockey and rugby. He was married July 7, 2000 to Shirley M. Wilson, who survives. Also surviving are a stepson Fred Wilson of Richard Township; his Father and stepmother Delbert R. and Mary Jane Confer of St. Petersburg; a brother David C. Confer of Emlenton; a sister Regina F. Delavern of Erie; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mr. Confer was preceded in death by his mother and four grandparents. Visitation was held in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Washington Street, Eau Claire. Funeral services were held in the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald C. Bole, Venango County Hospice Association minister, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice of Venango County or to the American Cancer Society.
Wilda B. Guntrum
Wilda B. Guntrum, 93, formerly of St. Petersburg, Clarion County and Clintonville, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2003 in Grove Manor, Grove City, where she had resided since 1996. She had been a resident of St. Petersburg all of her life until moving in 1985 to the Clintonville Apartments in Clintonville. Born Feb. 15, 1910, in Piney Township, Clarion County, she was the daughter of David A. and Sarah E. Henry Ketner. Mrs. Guntrum was a graduate of Emlenton High School. She was a charter member of St. Petersburg Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Adult Sunday School for many years. Mrs. Guntrum was married in the home of her parents near St. Petersburg Nov. 25, 1931 to Harold “Gunnie” Guntrum, who died Feb. 6, 1965. Following the death of her husband, she was employed as a care giver for several families in the Lamartine area. Mrs. Guntrum was a homemaker. Surviving are many cousins, nieces and nephews, including a niece, Mrs. Dale (Janet) Grove of Grove City, her long time care giver; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Martha Guntrum of Fordland, Mo. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Ketner; and two sisters, Margaret Irene Nevel and Ethel Shoup. Friends called in the Christopher M. Hile Funeral Home, St. Petersburg. Funeral services were held in the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Myers, pastor of St. Petersburg United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in St. Petersburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Loving Fund, Grove Manor, 435 N. Broad St., Grove City, 16127.
Jonathan “Hootie” Slatko
Jonathan “Hootie” Slatko, 29, of Foxburg, Pa., formerly of Clover, Pa., died March 4, 2003 in Foxburg. Mr. Slatko was born April 16, 1973, in Edison, N.J. He is the son of Douglas and Janet (Lapczynski) Slatko. Mr. Slatko is survived by his parents, his wife, Alysia Cheponis, and a son Ian at home and his brother Dean and his fiancee, Andrea Jock of Andover, Ohio. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Cheponis of Luzerne, Pa., as well as seven nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Mr. Slatko graduated from Central Cambria High School in 1991, where he played on the football and wrestling teams. Mr. Slatko was an altar server for many years at Holy Family church for many years. He was employed as a communications tower foreman. Friends were received at the Matevish Funeral Home,
Ebensburg, with a vigil wake service was held. A funeral mass was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Colver, Pa., with the Rev. Bernard Grega, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the family in Jonathan’s memory. Donations/ Cards maybe sent to Alysia Slatko, P.O. Box, 323, Foxburg, Pa. 16036
John N. Mostowy
John N. Mostowy, 85, of Butler, Pa formerly of Bruin passed away Saturday afternoon (03-15-03) at his residence following an extended illness. Born in West Butler on September 12, 1917 he was the son of Mike and Parzia Sprink Mostowy. He was a member and trustee of Martinsburg Presbyterian Church of Bruin. He was also a former member of the Bruin Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Mostowy was employed by Armco at Butler for thirty-seven years retiring in 1975. He then worked for PennDOT for four years until 1979. He also had been self-employed as owner of a pool hall and shoe repair business while living in Bruin. A veteran of World War II, he was honorably discharged January 17, 1946 as a sergeant with the 309th Combat Engineers Battalion, U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife Helen Gilbert Mostowy whom he married August 22, 1941; one daughter, Mrs. Wayne (M. Dianne) Grazier of Butler; three sons, Richard D. Mostowy of LaJolla, CA; John W. Mostowy of Sanford, NC., and Ronald Mostowy of San Escondidio, CA; six granddaughters, three grandsons, one greatgranddaughter, and three great grandsons: one brother Mike Mostowy of Bruin and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather, three sisters, and one brother. Friends were received at the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne St. Parker. Funeral services were held in the funeral. Burial is in Allegheny Cemetery, near Parker. The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice Services of Butler County.
Herbert R. Fithian
Herbert R. Fithian, 84, of Foxburg, Pa. passed away Friday (0314-03) at his winter residence in Zephyr Hills, Florida following an extended illness. Born in Butler, Pa on July 10, 1918, he was the son of James H. and Carrie M. Parker Fithian. He was a graduate of the former Parker High School. He retired on April l, 1980 from the former Glass Containers Corp. located at Parker where he had spent a career as a moldmaker and later supervisor of the moldmaking department. Mr. Fithian served in the United States Army Air Force in the World War II area. He trained as a bomber pilot and later as a bombardier in Florida. As the war drew to a close, Mr. Fithian was honorably discharged having fully qualified at both positions. A well known musician, he played with local bands from Butler to Oil City and many other areas much of his adult life. While he and his late wife wintered in Florida for many years, he was active with musical groups in the Zephyr Hills region of Florida. Locally, Herb was known for performing the duty of “Taps” at local servicemen’s funerals as well as being present for all Memorial Day services in the Parker area. He was a long time member and official of the Foxburg United Methodist Church. He was also a longtime member of Parker Rotary and was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary in recent years. He was a life member of Musicians Union #630 A.F.M., a member of Charles A. Black American Legion Post 598 of Parker and I.O.O.F. Lodge 278 of Butler. Mr. Fithian was long affiliated with the Foxburg Free Library as both a board member and treasurer. As long as health permitted, he was personally involved with the library from the fiscal aspect as well as the overall maintenance of the physical plant. In addition to music, he enjoyed golfing and was for many years a member of the Foxburg Country Club. He and his wife were fond of travel which included trips to the Orient including China, Europe including Ireland, and much of the United States. He belonged to many organizations, but was always more than a member - he was an involved member. Surviving are three sisters: Florence Krathge of Seneca, Pa., Mrs. Clarence (Bettye) Smith of Washington, D.C., and Jane Fox of Parker; two brothers: Jesse Fithian of Russell, Pa. and Richard (Dick) Fithian of Beaufort, S.C.; a number of nephews, nieces, great-nephews and greatnieces. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Farrington Fithian who he married Dec. 16, 1939 in
Parker, Pa. and who passed away Sept. 29 2000. Also two sisters: Maude McIntyre and Helen Ramsey preceded him in death. A memorial service for Mr. Fithian will be held in the Foxburg United Methodist Church with inurnment to follow in the Foxburg Cemetery later this Spring at the convenience of the survivors. The H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Pa. is in charge of arrangements.
Lt. Arthur G. Hornbeck
Lt. Arthur G. Hornbeck, USN Ret., 71, of Huntington Beach, CA, died Saturday, February 2, 2002, suddenly of a stroke following a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Hornbeck.
Mr. Hornbeck was born in Matamoras, and was the son of the late Arthur "Chief² Hornbeck who died in 1972, and the late Florence Hoffman Illjes, who died in 1983. He grew up and attended local schools in Pike County, and was a graduate of Milford High School. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1957 and then returned to East Stroudsburg College where he graduated in 1961 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. He then returned to the US Navy and attended Navy OCS in Newport, RI. He retired from the Navy after 15 years of service and then became associated with Engineering Plastics Corporation, which he owned and operated for 20 years. He was a member of the Huntington Beach American Legion Post as well as the VFW, and was a member of the National Association of Accountants, the Methodist Churches of East Stroudsburg, and Fountain Valley, CA.
Also surviving are a son, Jeffrey Hornbeck of Milford; two daughters, Jill Paige of Vancouver, WA; and Julie Hart of Huntington Beach, CA; grandchildren, Matthew Hay of NJ; Michael Hay of Portland, OR; Amanda and Patrick Hart both of Huntington Beach, CA; and Patricia Hornbeck of Milford.
Following cremation Mr. Hornbeck was interred at sea under the auspices of the US Navy.
Thelma F. Peet
Thelma F. Peet, 86, of Newfoundland, died Thursday, March 7, 2002 in the Julia Ribaudo Senior Care Center, Lake Ariel. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold E. Peet, in 2001.
Mrs. Peet was born in Angels, and was the daughter of the late William and Nell Phillips Fitz. She had resided in the Newfoundland area for most of her life. She was retired with over 30 years of service as supervisor and head cook at the Newfoundland Elementary School Cafeteria. She was a member of the Moravian Church, Newfoundland and the Ladies Aid Society of the Church and was also very active in the Church Suppers. She was also a member of the Auxiliary of Post 859 American Legion and The Auxiliary of the Greene Dreher Volunteer Fire Co. and a member of the Greene-Dreher-Sterling Fair Assoc. and Ladies of Paupack Rebekah Lodge
Surviving are a daughter, Elaine P. Gifford of Scotrun; three grandchildren, Frank J. Gifford of Tobyhanna; Michael R. Gifford of Brooklyn, NY; and Caitlin P. Gifford of Scotrun; a sister, Genevieve Voeste of LewisBurg; and four great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Ellen McLain and a brother, George Fitz.
Interment, Moravian Cemetery, Newfoundland.
Arrangements by the Arthur J. Frey Funeral Home, Rt. 191, Village of LaAnna, South Sterling, PA.
B. Ray Minich
B. Ray Minich, 92, of White Mills, died Saturday, March 9, 2002 at the Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, Honesdale after an illness. He is survived by his wife, the former Goldie N. Knisely.
Mr. Minich was born in Loysville, and was the son of the late Harry and Mary Showers Minich. He graduated from Newport High School, Newport, in 1928 and Susquehanna University, Selingsgrove, in 1932. He also attended graduate school at Shippensburg State University and completed courses in Choral Music conducting at the Ministerium Church Music School at Shawnee on the Delaware. He taught in a one-room Elementary School in Perry County, from 1933 to 1936 during which time he also organized and directed the Loysville Community Orchestra. He was supervisor of Music in the Lykens School, Lykens, from 1936 - 1945 and was the Director of Instrumental Music at Honesdale High School from 1945 until retiring in 1974.
He directed the Liberty Hose Co. Band, Lykens and was a co-founder and director of the Maple City Band, Honesdale. For many years he played viola for the Wayne County Symphony Orchestra. He was a member, past vice-president and past treasurer of the Wallenpaupack Area School Board which he served from 1953 to 1983. He also served on the Board of Directors for the North East Intermediate Unit 19 and the Wayne County Children and Youth Services Advisory Board. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Honesdale, where he served as choir director for 23 years.
He was a member and Past Master of the Honesdale Blue Lodge, F&AM, a member of the Anthony Wayne Royal Arch Chapter, the Savona Commandery (Knights Templar), the Irem Temple Shrine Club, Wilkes-Barre, and the Wayne-Pike Shrine Club. He was a charter member of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary and a member of the Wayne County, State and National Associations of School Retirees. He was also a former member of the Cherry Ridge Fishing Club and the White Mills Fire Company.
Also surviving are a son, Ronald W. Minich of Belvedere, NJ; two daughters, Mrs. Norma N. Massood of Wayne, NJ; and Mrs. Linda Queipo of Lake Ariel; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Hollie Minich; and a sister, Marguerite Kepner.
Interment, Indian Orchard Cemetery, Indian Orchard.
Arrangements made by Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 North Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431.
Constance R. Cure
Constance R. Cure, 66, of Forest City and formerly of Milford, died Saturday, March 9, 2002 at Marian Community Hospital, Carbondale. She was predeceased by her husband, William Leo Cure, in 1982.
Mrs. Cure was born in Kingston, NY, and was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Ruth Creamer. She was a retired cook from the Coal Miner's Restaurant, Forest City. She was a member of Naval Ship VFW Auxiliary, Port Jervis, NY; and American Legion Auxiliary, Milford.
Surviving are four sons, Charles C. Shifler of Forest City; Dale R. Shifler of Simpson; Kevin J. Cure of Philadelphia; William L. Cure of Waymart; a daughter, Sandra R. Pasterchjk of Gomer, Ohio; two brothers, Doug and Larry; a sister, Lorraine; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements made by J.W. Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc., 621 Main St., Simpson 18407.
August C. Anschuetz
August C. Anschuetz, of Carbondale and formerly of Greeley, died Saturday, March 9, 2002 at Marian Community Hospital, Carbondale. He is survived by his wife, the former Betty M. Hobday Aileo.
Mr. Anschuetz was born in the Bronx, NY, and was the son of the late Otto and Anna Graber Anschuetz. He was an Army veteran of World War II, receiving five Bronze Stars and two overseas service bars. His tours of duty included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He retired as a salesman for Narrowsburg Honor Brand Feed Co., and he was a photographer. He attended the First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, and was a member of the VFW Post 4712, Simpson.
Also surviving are two sons, Dale of Reading and Kevin of Honesdale; a stepson, Anthony John Aileo of Carbondale; a daughter, Cheryl Van Wert of Hollisterville; four stepdaughters, Betty Aileo Kennedy of Clarks Green; Carrie and Mary Aileo, both of Carbondale; Cindy Carney of Phoenixville; a brother, Otto Anschuetz of Bothwel, WA; 10 grandchildren.
Interment, Willow View Cemetery, Clifford.
Arrangements made by Oliver R. Shifler Funeral Home, Inc., 94 N. Main St., Carbondale, PA 18407.
