Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Ethel A. Foust
CENTRE HALL — Ethel A. Foust, 76, of Centre Hall, went to be with her Lord Monday, April 11, 2005, at her home.
She was born March 27, 1929, in Petersburg, Pa., a daughter of the late James and Effie (Wagner) Harshbarger. Her husband, Guy R. Foust Sr., whom she married on March 25, 1951, in Huntingdon, survives.
Also surviving are: a daughter, Debra Colwell and husband Ronald L., Belleville; a son, Guy R. Foust Jr. and wife Jan, Bellefonte; a sister, Verna Foster, McVeytown; a brother, William Harshbarger, Athens, Ga.; five grandchildren, Laura Foust, Amanda Foust, Mark Colwell and wife Jennifer, Erin Colwell and Ryan Colwell; and three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Christopher and Brendan Colwell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters , Carrie Crozier and Hazel Westover, and two brothers , John and Edwin Harshbarger.
For most of her life she was a bookkeeper for Foust Garage, Centre Hall.
She was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Centre Hall, where she was an active participant in the spiritual life of the church and served as a nursery worker for many years.
Her Savior, family and church were of utmost importance to her, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening and was an exceptionally gifted homemaker.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, with the Rev. Russell L. Sauerwein officiating. Interment will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, Centre Hall. There will be no public visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828, or to Brookline Home Care and Hospice, 3901 Atherton St., State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed, or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.
June J. Gutshall
BELLEVILLE — June J. Gutshall, 88, of Valley View Haven, Belleville, died at 2:55 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2005, at the nursing home.
She was born June 18, 1916 in Lewistown, a daughter of the late Charles and Mollie (Ream) Vanalman. Her husband, Fred R. Gutshall Sr., preceded her in death March 19, 1993.
She is survived by children, Fred R. Gutshall Jr., of Harrisburg, and Mrs. Rollin (Mollie) Price, of Muncy; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters .
She was employed as a sales clerk for Goldman’s and Joe Katz Clothing Stores and for Wilson’s Jewelry.
She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.
Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Hoenstine Funeral Home, Inc., 75 Logan St., Lewistown, with Pastor Thomas Dunkle officiating. Interment will be in Mount Rock Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of the service, Wednesday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorials be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Hazel A. Semler
REEDSVILLE — Hazel A. Semler, 82, of 184 Wilson St., Reedsville, peacefully passed away at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at Valley View Haven Nursing Home, Belleville, with family members at her side.
She was born in Lewistown Feb. 9, 1923, a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Toner) Baker. Her husband, Marion C. Semler, preceded her in death in May 2001.
She is survived by a son, David E. Semler, and wife, Kay, of Reedsville; two sisters , Margaret Young and Florence Kline, both of Reedsville; two granddaughters, Angelica D. Semler, of Chicago, Ill., Shannon N. Semler, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; a stepgranddaughter, Christina R. Delvescovo, of Downingtown; a stepgrandson, Andrew J. Costanzo, serving in the United States Army, at Fort Benning, Ga.; and three great-granddaughters, whom she dearly loved.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Paul W. Semler, in 1957, who was killed while on active duty with the United States Army, in Germany; five brothers , Paul W. Baker, John D. Baker, Robert G. Baker Sr., James R. Baker, and Thomas E. Baker; and one sister, Mildred Pennebaker.
She attended Junction School in Lewistown.
During her working years, she was employed by the Arrow Shirt Company in Lewistown and Massachusetts, for four years, as a seamstress. She also was employed, more recently, as a hostess, by the Honey Creek Inn Restaurant.
Following her retirement, she enjoyed trips to the Chesapeake Bay area, the visits from her granddaughters, grandson, and great-granddaughters, and the company of her neighbors.
Her funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, at Bohn Funeral Home, Main Street, Reedsville, with the Rev. Samuel Strohm officiating. The family will meet with friends 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to Valley View Haven Retirement Community, 4702 E. Main St., Belleville, PA 17004.
Florence C. Guntz
MCALISTERVILLE — Florence C. Guntz, 73, of Brookline Manor, RR 1, Mifflintown, and formerly of RR 1, McAlisterville, died at 10:45 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2005, at the manor.
She was born Oct. 29, 1931, a daughter of the late Walter Sidney and Catherine C (King) Fuller. Her husband, Joseph A. Guntz, preceded her in death on March 9, 2004.
Surviving is: a sister, Gracie C. Sheaffer, RR 2, Box 435, Richfield.
She was a retired nurse’s aid, having worked for several nursing homes in Media, Pa.
She attended Brown’s United Methodist Church, RR 2, McAlisterville. She was a member of the McAlisterville senior citizens’ center and was a past member of the former Port Royal senior citizens’ center.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Rex Funeral Home, Port Royal, with the Rev. Ronald E. Landis officiating. Interment will be in New Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal.
The viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at the funeral home. There will be no evening viewing.
Norma J. Forshey
MIFFLINTOWN — Norma Forshey, 70, of RR 3, Mifflintown, died at 5:37 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2005, at Lewistown Hospital.
She was born July 17, 1934, in Tiffin, Ohio, a daughter of Luella (Goeller) Grassmyer, of Thompsontown, and the late Clair Carruthers. Her husband, William E. Forshey Sr., of Mifflintown, survives.
Also surviving are: children, Mark Varnes, Blairs Mills, Daniel Varnes, Mifflintown, Larry Varnes, Port Royal, Tammy Rhea, Mifflintown, and Ryan Varnes Beaver, Port Royal; stepchildren, William E. Forshey Jr., Paul Forshey, Denver Forshey, Tina Forshey, all of Pittsburgh, and Glen Forshey, Lewistown; siblings, Patricia Lauver, Deborah Tabb, both of Thompsontown, Madelyn Carruthers Landis, Ebensburg, and Sandra Leitner, Harrisburg; and seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three children, David, Arnold and Mary Jane.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Barr Funeral Home Inc., 120 Logan St., Lewistown, is in charge of arrangements.
Cleda Merl Wright
HEADLAND, Ala. — Cleda Merl (Wilson) Wright, a resident of Headland, Ala., died early Monday morning, March 7, 2005, at the home of her daughter, Wilma Rhodes Marshall. She was 92.
She was a native of Dilltown, Pa. and a daughter of the late Jesse Clair and Oly Elvy (Poling) Wilson. She lived all of her adult life in Lewistown, before moving to Headland in 1996.
She is survived by daughter, Wilma Rhodes Marshall, and husband, Larry, Headland, Ala.; a son, Bert Wright Jr., and wife, Diane, Reisterstown, Md; a son-in-law, Leroy Hudson and wife, Gail, Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Wendy Press, and husband, Steve, Ann Bottoms, and husband, Dwayne, Patrick Rhodes, and wife, Jayme, Rachel Beth Listwan, and husband, Marty, Vonnie Baney and husband, Paul, Denise Thomas, and husband, Mike; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Bettie Graham, Orlando, Fla.; and brother, Bill Wilson, Reedsville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Wright; a daughter, Elizabeth Elvy Wright Hudson; son, Don Barry Wright; a great-granddaughter, Jessica Diane Press; four sisters , Laura Elder, Elvy Wilson, Dorothy Kane, June Wilson; and a brother, Dow Wilson.
She taught private piano lessons for a number of years. She was a member of the First Church of the Brethren in Lewistown, where she served as church organist and choir director. She also formerly served as choir director for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lewistown. Mrs. Wright’s greatest joy in life, after suffering from a stroke, was writing, and she especially enjoyed being a member of the Wiregrass Writers Club.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at the First Church of the Brethren, Shaw Avenue in Lewistown, with Pastor Douglas Sherlock officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Headland United Methodist Church Building Fund, 103 W. King Street, Headland, Alabama 36345.
Dorothy P. Kline
LEWISTOWN — Dorothy P. Kline, 80, of 3613 U.S. Highway 522 North, Lewistown, died at 8:42 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2005, at her daughter’s residence.
She was born Nov. 24, 1924, in Manor Hill, Pa., a daughter of the late John W. and Alvilda G. (Wagner) Guyer. Her husband, Henry W. Kline, died Aug. 27, 1996.
Surviving are: children, Mrs. Theodore (Carol Ann) Babcock, Reedsville, Garry Lee Kline and wife Gloria, and Mrs. Duane (Marie) Rhodes, both of Lewistown; a daughter-in-law, Judy Kline, Lewistown; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: a son, Henry J. “Pete” Kline, on Dec. 27, 1993; a great-grandson, Skylar P. Snook, in 1991; two brothers , Merle and Orville Guyer; and a sister, Arlene H. Spigelmyer.
She was a member of Samuel’s Church and a homemaker. She enjoyed country music, the Pittsburgh Steelers and professional wrestling. Dorothy devoted her life to raising her family, caring for her husband, and treating one and all with love and respect.
Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Heller-Hoenstine Woodlawn Funeral Home, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown, with the Rev. Jerry Miller officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park.
A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
The family will provide all flowers, and asks that memorial contributions be made to Hospice: The Bridge, c/o Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Carl W. “Mannie” Hopple
LEWISTOWN — Carl W. “Mannie” Hopple, 85, of Lockport Road, Lewistown, died at 8:45 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2005, at his home.
He was born Aug. 1, 1919, in Oliver Township, a son of the late Carl R. and Charlotte (Sellers) Hopple. His wife, Mary E. (Aurand) Hopple, preceded him in death on Feb. 27, 1985.
Surviving are: a companion, Arlene Keister, Troxeville; five children, Howard E. Hopple and wife Rosella, Mount Airy, Md., Donna M. Moore, Old Park Road, Lewistown, Carl D. Hopple and wife Donna, Big Ridge Road, Lewistown, Kathryn “Sue” Woomer and husband David, Old Park Road, Lewistown, and Richard B. Hopple and wife Nancy, Squaw Hollow Road, Lewistown; a sister, Grace Vogelsong, Baltimore, Md.; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Larry W. Hopple, on Oct. 14, 1979; and siblings, George Hopple, Helen Clark, Alice Pennebaker and Charlotte Jamison.
A farmer early in life, he was later employed as superintendent of the Mifflin County Department of Highways and as a bridge engineer for PennDOT, covering an eight-county district. He retired from the former Arch Rock Paving, Lewistown.
He held the longest current membership of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Lockport.
An avid outdoorsman, he also enjoyed gardening, traveling and spending time with his family, especially at their monthly family dinners.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Harshbarger Funeral Home, 3 S. Market St., McVeytown, with the Revs. Dale Dobbs and Alvin Smith officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park, Lewistown.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wesley Chapel U.M. Church, c/o Frank Davidheiser, 325 Middle Road, Lewistown, PA 17044; or to Sun Home Hospice, 2 Hudson Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Lydia S. (Furst) Cunningham
SORRENTO, Fla. — Lydia S. (Furst) Cunningham, 53, of 137 Hillsborough Dr., Sorrento, Fla., formerly of Greenwood Rd., Altoona, peacefully went to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday April 6, 2005. She passed away at home after a courageous three-year battle with ovarian cancer.
She had a very strong Christian faith and loved her family so much.
She is survived by: her loving husband, David G. Cunningham; three daughters , Amy Ganous, of Slocomb, Ala., Sarah Fink, of Beckley, W.Va., and Amanda, Lake Mary, Fla.; one son, David Jr., Lake Mary, Fla.; 1-year-old grandson Alex, of Beckley, W.Va.; her Father and step-mother , Hubert S. and Elsie Furst, Mt. Dora, Fla.; and two sisters , Paula McCrone, Duncannon, and Nancy Curtis, Sorrento, Fla.
She was preceded by: her mother , Nancy E. (Secrest) Furst.
A celebration of her life will be held on her birthday May 12, 2005 at Yalaha Community Church, Yalaha, Fla.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to: Hospice of Lake and Sumter counties, 12300 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.
Margaret L. Seecora
MILROY — Margaret L. “Me-Ma” Seecora, 90, formerly of 1044 Lower Creek Road, Treaster Valley, Milroy, died at 4:10 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2005, at Beverly Healthcare-William Penn, Lewistown.
She was born April 16, 1915, in Lewistown, a daughter of the late Ira C. and Bertha (Yearick) Hummel. Her second husband, Lawrence Seecora, preceded her in death May 14, 1976. Her first husband, Lee E. Nale, preceded her Oct. 2, 1950.
She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Jean M. (James) Eckley, of Milroy; stepdaughters, Kay Boyer, of Reston, Va. and Nancy Muller, of Michigan; grandchildren, Christina J. Carolus-Lepley and David S. Carolus; great-grandchildren, Abigail L. Carolus, Erica L. Lepley and Katelyn J. Carolus; and stepgrandsons, Aaron Boyer, Anthony Muller and John Muller.
She was the last of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by sisters , Glenda Wolfgang and Mildred Showers; and grandson, Richard L. Carolus, Sept. 1, 1979.
She worked for American Viscose, and owned and operated East End Superette on Walnut Street, Lewistown. She worked at Town & Country and retired from the Area Agency on Aging.
She was a member of Siglerville Congregational Church and Fountain Square Senior Community Center. She had played in the Lewistown Symphony Orchestra and the Siglerville Band.
Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, at Bohn Funeral Home, Reedsville, with the Rev. Bert Bowen officiating. Interment will be in Salem Cemetery, Siglerville. Her viewing will be 7-9 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.
Glen J. Snyder
WERNERSVILLE — Glen J. Snyder, 78, of 601 Lambda Circle, Apt C., Wernersville, Pa., and formerly of Lewistown, died 12:50 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2005, at Reading Hospital.
Born Dec. 29, 1926, in Burnham, he was a son of the late Lester and Anna Mae (Snook) Snyder. His wife, Bertha (Kohler) Snyder, whom he married Feb. 8, 1947, survives.
Also surviving are daughters , Mrs. Thomas (Janet) Murphy, Hamburg, Pa., and Mrs. William (Betty) Boczkowski, Summerville, S.C.; siblings, Pauline Lewis, Mifflintown, Mrs. Joseph (Gladys) Hassinger, McClure, James L. Snyder, Port Matilda, and David A. Snyder, McClure; and four grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters , Helen Wright and Mary Ann Snyder.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theatre on the aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard.
He was plant manager at Sterns and Foster Bedding Co., in Philadelphia, for 33 years, retiring in 1988.
He was methodist by faith.
His graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Juniata Memorial Park, with the Rev. D. Gregory Lake officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 1170 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610.
Arrangements are under the direction of Heller-Hoenstine Woodlawn Funeral Home, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.
