Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Virginia Fay (Swope) Sechrist
MOUNT UNION — Virginia Fay (Swope) Sechrist, 81, of R.R. 3, Box 1491, Mount Union, Pa., went to be with the Lord at 12:40 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, at the Lewistown Hospital.
Virginia was born on Dec. 13, 1922, in Hill Valley, the daughter of the late Millard W. and Jose Mae (Hamman) Swope.
She was united in marriage to Robert George Sechrist, on Feb. 8, 1947. Her husband survives along with her three sons : Barry Robert Sechrist and wife, Deborah of Hill Valley, Earl William Sechrist and wife, Tammy of Three Springs, Ray Allen Sechrist and wife Jodi of Rome.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren, three step grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one step great-grandchild. A foster brother, Charles A. Miller, who was raised in the Swope home, survives and lives in Mount Union. Mrs. Sechrist was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters .
The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, at the New Life Fellowship Church with Pastor Dayton Sines officiating. Interment will be in Haven Rest Memorial Park, R.R. 1, Shirleysburg.
Friends will be received at the Robert D. Heath Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, and at New Life Church on Thursday, from 9 a.m. until time of service.
Helen E. Ritter
BEAVERTOWN — Helen E. Ritter, 78, of Beavertown passed away at 10:18 a.m., Nov. 15, 2004, at Evangelical Community Hospital. She was born Sept. 26, 1926, in Spring Township, Snyder County, a daughter of the late Clotworthy and Clyda (Swanger) Fisher. On Oct. 4, 1947, she married Lewis B. Ritter, who survives.
She was a member of the Beavertown United Methodist Church, where she was very active. Earlier in life, she worked for the former Beavertown Silk Mill. She sold Avon for over forty years and had served as the group leader. She enjoyed playing cards, collecting jewelry, glassware and pictures.
She is survived by daughters , Cheryl A. Ritter, Mechanicsburg; Trisha L. Evanitsky, Milroy; two sons , Timothy L., Mechanicsburg and Terry A., Middleburg; seven grandchildren, Angela, Shannon, Mandi, Gregory, Nathan, Jennifer and Rebecca; two great-grandchildren, Zakary and Logan.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Kline and a brother, Foster Fisher.
Friends may call Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Aurand Funeral Home, 316 W. Market St. Beavertown where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Beavertown. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday , in the Beavertown United Methodist Church by Pastor Kathy Mercado and Pastor Tom Schroeder.
Memorial contributions may be made to Beavertown United Methodist Church Beavertown, PA 17813.
Bernice R. Kauffman
THOMPSONTOWN — Bernice R. Kauffman, 90, of R.R. 1 Thompsontown, died at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, 2004 at her home.
Born July 29, 1914, in Delaware Township, Juniata County, she was the daughter of the late Hudson H. and Phoebe A. (Shirk) Brubaker. Her husband, C. Roscoe Kauffman, whom she married Feb. 23, 1938, preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 1995.
She is survived by a son, Wayne Kauffman and wife Grace of Mt. Pleasant Mills; three daughters , June Heller and a husband, Mervin, of Millersville, Shirley Helmuth and husband, Larry, of Lebanon, and Doris Dressler and husband, Roger, of R.R. 1 Thompsontown; three brothers , Lester L. Brubaker of McAlisterville, Paul S. Brubaker of McAlisterville and Darwin D. Brubaker of Mifflintown; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one sister, Fern Wert.
She had been a homemaker for most of her life.
She was a member of the Delaware Mennonite Church, R.R. 1 Thompsontown and a former member of the Juniata Valley Chorus.
She enjoyed going to the McAlisterville Senior Citizens Center, quilting and singing, but her greatest joy was following her family’s activities.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday from the Delaware Mennonite Church, R.R. 1 Thompsontown, with the Rev. Glenn D. Hosler and the Rev. Salvatore Buoncore officiating. Interment will follow in the Lost Creek Mennonite Cemetery, Oakland Mills.
Viewing will be held from 12:30 p.m. Sunday until the time of service at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Delaware Mennonite Church, R.R. 1 Box 65 H, Thompsontown, PA 17094; or Hospice: The Bridge, Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044.
The McAlisterville Chapel of the Brown Funeral Homes, 16 Westfall St., McAlisterville, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Nelson L. Mowery
ALTURAS, Calif. — Nelson L. Mowery, 65, of Alturas, Calif. died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004.
Born in Lewistown, he was the son of the late Lewis I. and Mary Mowery. His wife, Dianne, of Alturas, survives him.
Also surviving are: children, David of Susanville, Calif. and Donna of Alturas; sister Mary Louise Reeder of Burnham; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was retired from Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, Calif. Private funeral services are being held at the convenience of the family.
David E. Kanagy
BELLEVILLE — David E. Kanagy, 85, of 903 Middle Road, Belleville, went to be with Jesus at 2:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, from his home.
Born March 2, 1919, he was a son of the late Pius and Mary (Yoder) Kanagy. His wife, Ida M. (Glick) Kanagy, whom he married June 14, 1941, survives.
Also surviving are: children, Roy D. Kanagy and wife Rita, DaVida J. Kanagy, and Martha M. Kanagy, all of Belleville; siblings, Mrs. Savilla King of Belleville, Attrennis Kanagy and wife Marie of Gruver, Tx., Paul Kanagy and wife Kathy of Oden Ark., Chester Kanagy and wife Bertha; Pius Kanagy, Jr., both of Belleville; and Titus Kanagy of Penn Furnace; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a still-born son.
He retired from the Belleville Flour Mill with 45 years of service.
He was a member of Rockville Mennonite Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher since the church began.
His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Rockville Mennonite Church, Belleville, with the Revs. Harold Sharp and Elam Glick officiating. Interment will be in Allensville Mennonite Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Sunday, at Baggus Funeral Home, Belleville.
Memorials may be sent to: Hospice: The Bridge, Lewistown Hospital, Second Floor, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17004 or Rockville Mennonite Church, 319 Rockville Rd., Belleville, PA 17004.
Arrangements are being handled by the Donald E. Baggus Funeral Home, 3813 W. Main St., Belleville, PA 17004.
Kathleen S. Ilioff
LEWISTOWN - Kathleen S. Ilioff, 91, of 201 Summit Dr., Lewistown, died at 9:26 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at Lewistown Hospital.
Born April 12, 1913, in Yeagertown, she was a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Duff) Smith. Her husband, Dr. Louie B. Ilioff, preceded her in death on March 31, 2000.
Surviving are: a niece, Barbara Yhlen, Lewistown; and a nephew, Loree Miller, Selinsgrove.
She was preceded in death by: three sisters and one brother.
She worked as a teacher in Yeagertown and Miami, Fla.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Lewistown.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at Barr Funeral Home, Inc., 120 Logan St., Lewistown, with the Rev. Robert Zorn officiating. Interment will be in Lind Memorial Cemetery.
A vistation for family and friends will be held 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23. 2004, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Mifflin County Special Needs Center, 401 Yale St., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Violet M. Swyers
BELLEVILLE - After a brief stay at Valley View Retirement Home, Belleville, Violet Marie (Wilson) Swyers went home to be with her Lord, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004. At her side was her husband, two daughters , and Wilda.
Violet was born Dec. 18, 1918, in Munson, Clearfield County, to Joseph and Lavina (Heane) Wilson.
Violet was a 1936 graduate of Lewistown High School. On Aug. 11, 1940, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, Md., she married Jack Zerbe Swyers.
Violet was a life long member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a past president of the Episcopal Church Women, a Sunday School teacher, an active Girl Scout Leader, helped with Meals on Wheels, a member of Belleville Civic Club and was a lecturer on Joseph of Armathea.
Violet was very proud and will always be remembered for establishing the popular St. Mark’s Espiscopal Church Salad Bar.
Survivors include: her loving husband for 64 years, Jack; two daughters , Zella (David P.) Butler of Buffalo, Ind., and Debbie (Randy) Clifton of Middletown, Ohio; a brother, William (Ruth) Wilson, Lewistown; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: a daughter, Bonnie Cheadle; a granddaughter, Jacqueline Marie Cheadle; a brother, Joseph Wilson; and three sisters , Evelyn Allen, Mildred Dunkleberger and Emma Hoffman.
Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 21 S. Main St., Lewistown, with the Rev. Ronald Guy officiating. Interment will be in St. Mark’s Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at the Hoenstine Funeral Home, Inc., 75 Logan St., Lewistown, and from 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004, until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Organ Fund, 21 S. Main St., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Mary I. McMillin
LEWISTOWN - Mary I. McMillin, 84, of 5880 SR103 N., Lewistown, died at 7:14 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at her home.
Born Jan. 9, 1920, in Kerney, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Jason and Edith (Irvin) Foor. Her husband, Fred W. McMillin Sr., whom she married on Feb. 17, 1937, survives.
Also surviving are: three children, Sandra M. Hartman, Lewistown, Edith E. McMillin, Belleville, and Fred W. McMillin Jr. and wife, Deborah, Lewistown; a brother, Robert Foor, Lewistown; three sisters , Lulu Gaut, Pottstown, Frances Wallace and Alice Rausche, both of Royersford; and ten grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: two sons , Jon D. McMillin and Michael A. McMillin; two grandsons, Jason Todd McMillin and Donald R. Shoemaker Jr.; and three brothers and two sisters .
She was a licensed practical nurse at the the Yohn Convalescent Home and at the Malta Home, retiring in 1995.
She was a member of Lewistown Christian and Missonary Alliance Church, where she taught Sunday School for years and was active in the Missonary Society. She was also a member of the LPN Nurses Association.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Hoenstine Funeral Home, Inc. 75 Logan St., Lewistown, with the Rev. Jacob T. Traxler officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice: The Bridge, 400 Highland Ave., C/O Second Floor, Lewistown, PA 17044 or to: Lewistown Christian and Missonary Alliance Church, 50 Hudson Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044.
John E. Bishop Sr.
MILROY - John E. Bishop Sr., 63, of 56 Electric Ave., Milroy, went to be with the Lord at 11:44 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, at Lewistown Hospital.
Born Jan. 5, 1941, in Lewistown, he was a son of the late John H. Bishop Jr. and Mabel Jane (Wagner) Bishop. His wife, Sues A. (Gibboney) Bishop, who he married on July 25, 1961, survives.
Also surviving are: three children, John E. Bishop Jr., Reedsville, Leonard E. Bishop, Reedsville, and Christopher L. Bishop, Milroy; a brother, Albert M. Bishop, Burnham; and six grandchildren, Adam, Andrew, Brooke, Cody, Erin and Hannah Bishop, who were the joy of his life.
He retired from Bishop’s Garage, Shrader, after 44 years of service, which he started with his Father in 1958.
He was a member of Shrader United Methodist Church, East End Blue Rock Sportsman’s Club and the N.R.A.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a a very devoted family man.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 at Bohn Funeral Home, Reedsville, with the Rev. Vicki Elmer and Marshall Deckard officiating. Interment will be in Salem Cemetery, Siglerville.
A viewing will be held for family and friends 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at the funeral home.
Claire W. Wagner
LEWISTOWN — Claire W. Wagner, 92, of 407 S. Brown St., Lewistown, went home to be with the Lord at 10:58 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, at Lewistown Hospital.
Born July 9, 1912 in Kistler, Pa., she was the daughter of the late George W. and Bessie L. (Keifer) Snair. Her husband, William McKinley Wagner, preceded her in death on March 13, 1959.
She is survived by: children, Helen Yorks of Lewistown, Walter S. Wagner of Warfordsburg, Louise Slick of Lewistown, Sally Treichler of McClure and Diane E. Huffman of Bowie, Md.; 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: daughter June Rothrock on March 11, 1966, an infant son, William Edward Wagner and an infant daughter, Mary Ellen Wagner.
She was the last of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by two sisters , Edith Rheam and Marion tate, and a brother, James Snair.
A recipient of the mother of the Year award in The Sentinel, she loved to sing, play organ and spend time with her family. She attended Adult Daycare in the Lewistown Heights.
Her funeral service will be at noon today at the Bohn Funeral Home, 55 N. Main St., Reedsville, with Pastor John S. Walters officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Milroy. Family received friends 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
