Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
John H. Chester
BELLEVILLE — John H. Chester, 71, of 3996 E. Main St., Belleville, died at 1:22 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at his home.
Born Jan. 18, 1932, in Lewistown, he was a son of the late John H. and Margaret (McClellan) Chester. His Father preceded him in death on March 12, 1936, and his mother on Aug. 14, 1989. His wife, Edna (Smith) Chester of 3996 E. Main St., whom he married on Aug. 12, 1956, survives.
Also surviving are: two children, Linda Sue Burian and husband, Carl, Tallahassee, FL and John F. Chester and wife, Denise, Belleville; two grandsons, Matthew and Jonathon Chester; and a brother, H. Samuel Chester, Reedsville.
He was a graduate of Lewistown High School Class of 1951.
He worked for New Holland for 36 years, retiring in 1993. Currently, he was employed by Donsco Inc., Belleville and had previously worked at Lewistown Florist and at Flowers and Such, Belleville.
He served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant from December, 1952 to November 1954. He was in the Korean Conflict, and he earned the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one star, Combat Infantryman Badge and Commendation Ribbon with metal pendant.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Belleville, where he served as former counsel president and was a member of the choir.
He was also a life member of VFW Post No. 5935, Belleville and a former scout master of Boy Scout Troop No. 3, Belleville. He served with Union Township Fire Police and the Belleville Fire Company and was a previous member of Lewistown Elks, where he served as their pianist.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Belleville with the Reverends Larry Siikanen, Cliff Miller and Rosalie Smith officiating. Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Belleville.
His viewing will be 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday at Baggus Funeral Home, Belleville.
Memorials can be made to: Hospice: The Bridge, Lewistown Hospital, 2nd Floor, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044; Big Valley Ambulance Club, P.O. Box 1023, Belleville, PA 17004; or St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 5716, Belleville, PA 17004.
Donald E. Baggus Funeral Home, 3813 W. Main St., Belleville, is in charge of arrangements.
Cindy L. Wagner
MCCLURE — Cindy L. Wagner, 45, of Election House Road, McClure, died at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at Gettysburg Hospital.
Born Sept. 26, 1958, in Lewistown, she was a daughter of Dolores Wilson Jackson, Lewistown and the late Orlie J. Jackson. Her husband, Timothy Wagner, whom she married Sept. 25, 1991, survives.
Also surviving are: one sister, Carol Jackson, Lewistown; and three brothers , Joseph Jackson and his wife Lisa, North Carolina, James W. Jackson and his wife, Linda and Scott Jackson, all of Lewistown.
She worked for Keystone Services, Lewistown as a residence instructor, and also for Supportive Concepts for Families.
She liked to travel and be with friends.
Her funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bannerville Church of the Brethren with Rev. Liane C. Wagner officiating. Interment will be in Bannerville Cemetery.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Barr Funeral Home, 120 Logan St., Lewistown.
Todd A. Gardner
Todd A. Gardner, 38, of Montandon, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003.
Born Aug. 8, 1965, in Lewistown he was a son of Glenn A. Gardner, RR1 Beaver Springs and the late Mary I. (McMullen), who passed away in 1994. On Jan. 27, 1990, he married Wendy Moyer of Port Trevorton, who survives.
Also surviving are: daughters , Casey J. and Paige A. Gardner, Port Trevorton, and a son Todd A. Gardner Jr., all of RR2 Mt. Pleasant Mills; two sisters , Salinda D. Knepp, Beaver Springs and Laurie A. Brininger, RR1 Beaver Springs and two brothers , Glenn A. Gardner Jr., RR1 Beaver Springs and Robert L. Gardner, RR2 McClure.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Susan I. Gardner in 1949.
He was employed by Ritz Craft Homes, Mifflinburg currently as a foreman, beginning in 1984. He enjoyed fishing. He graduated from West Snyder High School in 1983.
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Aurand Funeral Homes, 316 W. Market St., Beavertown with Pastor Liane Wagner officiating. Interment will be in the Pine Glen Cemetery, Granville. Friends may call 4-9 p.m Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will be present 7-9 p.m.
Esther M. Glunt
SHADE GAP — Esther M. Glunt, 87, of HC 75, Shade Gap, died at 10:55 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at the Chambersburg Hospital.
Born Oct. 1, 1916, in Shade Gap, she was a daughter of the late Thomas C. and Mary (Appleby) Murphy. Her husband, Willis P. Glunt, whom she married on Jan. 23, 1934, preceded her in death on Dec. 11, 1990.
Surviving are: children, Dale Glunt and Wendell Glunt, both of Shade Gap, L. Edward Glunt and Loyd Glunt, both of Fayetteville, Clifford Glunt and Leriwyn Glunt, both of McConnellsburg, Darrel Glunt, Orbisonia, Charlene Mitchell, Enola, Marlene Stull, Gettysburg, and Glenda Varner, Lewistown; 37 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by 10 siblings. She was also preceded in death by two children, Donna and Galen, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was last employed at the Chambersburg Hospital, where she had worked for 11 years. Prior to that, she worked at L. Greif Manufacturing, Mount Union.
She was a charter member of the Shade Gap Bible Church, Shade Gap and a member of the Shade Gap Golden Agers.
Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Shade Gap Bible Church, Route 522, Shade Gap, with the Rev. Charles Hicks officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Shade Gap.
Friends may call 4-9 p.m. Tuesday and noon until the time of service Wednesday at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Shade Gap Bible Church Building Fund, c/o Rev. Charles Hicks, Shade Gap, PA 17255.
Arrangements are being handled by the Martin R. Brown Funeral Home, Orbisonia.
John W. Woodcock Sr.
REEDSVILLE — John W. Woodcock Sr., 73, of 37 Marlick Ave., Reedsville, died at 10:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, at his residence.
Born Nov. 4, 1930, in Altoona, he was a son of J. Sidney Woodcock Sr. of McVeytown and the late Ruth (Lantz) Woodcock. His wife, Catherine (Mahoney) Woodcock, whom he married on Dec. 24, 1949, survives.
Also surviving are: five children, John W. Woodcock Jr., Marietta, GA, Keith D. Woodcock, Montoursville, Mrs. Charlene McClellan, York Springs, Mrs. Cathy D. Jones, Lewistown and Douglas W. Woodcock, Thompsontown; three brothers , J. Sidney Woodcock Jr., Altoona, David Woodcock, Cottage Grove, WI and Daniel Woodcock, Sarver; two sisters , Janet Yon, Halifax and Mrs. Joyce Brotzman, State College; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was a graduate of McVeytown-Oliver High School Class of 1949.
He worked in the ring mill at Standard Steel, Burnham, retiring in 1992. Earlier in life, he worked at the G. C. Murphy Store, Lewistown and later in the spinning department of the American Viscose Corporation, Lewistown.
He was a member of Pleasant Acres Assembly of God Church, Lewistown. He was the current secretary of the church, a member of the church board, a former Sunday School superintendent and teacher and a member of the church choir.
His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pleasant Acres Assembly of God Church, 160 Summit Dr., Lewistown with Dr. Robert Coutts officiating, assisted by Rev. Harold Imes and Pastor Jack Grumbine. Interment will be in Mattawana Cemetery, McVeytown.
The viewing will be 6-9 p.m. today at Heller-Hoenstine Woodlawn Funeral Home, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown and from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the church.
Memorials can be sent to: Hospice: The Bridge, c/o Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044 or to Pleasant Acres Assembly of God Church, 160 Summit Drive, Lewistown, PA 17044.
William R. ‘Bill’ Leach
THOMPSONTOWN — William R. “Bill” Leach, 82, of RR1 Thompsontown, died at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Perry Village, New Bloomfield.
Born Dec. 4, 1920, in Thompsontown, Juniata County, a son of the late Charles R. and Anna (Cameron) Leach. His wife, Georgina W. (Maize) Leach, whom he married Nov. 3, 1945, preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 1984.
Surviving are: a brother, C. Darwin Leach, RR1 Thompsontown and a sister, Joanne M. Shehan, RR2, McAlisterville; three nieces and two nephews.
He was a farmer all his life.
He was a member of Thompsontown United Methodist Church and was an avid hunter.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the McAlisterville Chapel of Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 16 Westfall St., McAlisterville, with Rev. Maureen Wagner officiating. Interment will be in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Thompsontown.
Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to the Thompsontown United Methodist Church, West Main Street, Thompsontown, PA 17094.
Mary Jane Cline
LEWISTOWN — Mary Jane Cline, 66, of Malta Home, Granville and formerly of 481 Hawstone Rd., Lewistown, died at 11:38 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at Malta Home.
Born May 4, 1937, in Lewistown, she was the daughter of the late Carl R. and Dorothy M. (Hess) Dillman. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard E. Lynch, on March 21, 1966.
Surviving are: three children, Richard A. Lynch, Chambersburg, Mark E. Lynch and wife, Penny, and Mrs. Earl (Billi) Weaver, all of Lewistown; and three grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Carl R. Dillman.
She was a homemaker and a social member of Lewistown Moose Lodge.
Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. today at Heller-Hoenstine Woodlawn Funeral Home, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown, with the Rev. John Looney officiating. Interment will be in Lind Memorial Cemetery, Lewistown.
Her viewing will be from noon until the time of service today at the funeral home.
Memorials can be made to: American Cancer Society, 26 N. Brown St., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Robert C. Hambright
BURNHAM — Robert C. Hambright, 68, fondly known in Mifflin County as “The Movie Man” of 406 N. Pine St, Burnham, died Monday evening, Dec. 1, 2003, at Lewistown Hospital.
He was born Aug. 18, 1935, in Lewistown, son of Charles V. and Sara J. (Hill) Hambright. His Father died in February 1976. He married Marjorie A. Kunes on Dec. 23, 1960, at Lakemont Methodist Church.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years; his mother of the Beverly Healthcare-William Penn Nursing Home, Lewistown; a brother, Richard, and wife, Delores, of Yeagertown; one niece and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Ann Wheeler in May 1999.
He was a 1954 graduate of Chief Logan High School, Lewistown.
Mr. Hambright was a member of the Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Yeagertown.
He began his career as an usher at the Embassy Theater, Lewistown, in September 1950, working for the late Harold Cohen. He was a semi-retired manager of Miller Cinemas 6, Lewistown. The highlight of his career came when he was chosen to light the new marquee at the Embassy Theater one week prior to his falling accident at home. In the 1960s, he worked at the Wilson theater in Tyrone, the Blair Theater in Hollidaysburg and the Drive-In-Theater in Boalsburg.
Mr. Hambright enjoyed talking to the young children and the young-at-heart. He enjoyed car rides, watching trains at the Lewistown station, especially Amtrak, watching airplanes do tough and go’s at the Mifflintown Airport and collecting trains and train memorabilia.
He was a member of Lewistown F&AM 203, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Altoona and a member of Royal Arch Masons 186, Mifflintown.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Yeagertown, with Rev. Philip Tundel officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Altoona.
Friends may call 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be give c/o Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Main Street, Yeagertown, PA 17-59 or Friends of the Embassy, c/o Paul Fagley, 114 Second Ave., Burnham, PA 17009 or the Mifflin County Model Railroad Club, c/o Ed Forsythe, 1317 Vira Road, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Arrangements were made by Sorge Funeral Home, Holidaysburg.
Lester W. Morrison
LEWISTOWN — Lester W. Morrison, 90, of 327 W. Fifth St., Lewistown, passed away at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, at his residence after an extended illness.
Born Oct. 30, 1913 in Landisburg, he was the son of Charles M. and Lydia Ann (Sheaffer) Morrison. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bessie M. (Weaver) in 1948, a second wife Junie (Shimp) in 1969, and third wife Margaret “Peg” (Headins, Morgan) in 1996.
Surviving are children Beverly A. Franklin, Lewistown, Rodger L. Morrison, Vancouver, WA; step-son Gerald Morgan, Carlisle; a brother, Lee Morrison, Carlisle; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a step-grandchild.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters .
Mr. Morrison was affiliated with wholesale and retail food. He moved from Kent, OH to join the Giant Food Stores and helped to open and become manager of the first self-service Giant Store on South Main Street, Lewistown in 1936. He worked all departments and phases of the operation. He attended seminars in Boston and Chicago.
He assisted in training managers, department managers and cashiers. He retired after 39 years of service to enjoy the outdoors and traveling.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he was a former treasurer of fellowship and Trinity special accounts. He served on the finance committee, administrative board and was a church trustee.
He was a member of United Commercial Travelers, life member of Sportman’s Club, Coffee Run Fishing Club, Historical Society, NRA and AAA.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 428 S. Main St., Lewistown with Rev. Kari Swigart officiating. Interment will be in Lind Memorial Cemetery.
Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity UMC or to Hospice, The Bridge c/o Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Hoenstine Funeral Home, Inc., 75 Logan St., Lewistown, is in charge of arrangements.
E. Romaine Kennedy
PORT ROYAL—E. Romaine Kennedy, 74 of Port Royal died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, at Locust Grove Retirement Village, Mifflin.
Born April 6, 1929, in Honey Grove, she was the daughter of the late James L. and Frances LeEmma (Junkins) McCulloch. Her husband, William A. “Bill” Kennedy died on May 27, 1997.
She is survived by 2 sons and 3 daughters , James B. Kennedy and wife, Lois, Yeagertown, J. Douglas Kennedy and wife, Pam, F. Sue Brewer and husband, Tim, Penny D. Royer and husband, William, all Port Royal, and Pamela L. Kennedy, Port Royal and fiance, Mark Corkins, Lewistown; three sisters , Helen Myers, McAlisterville, Cecile G. McCulloch, Enola, and Janet Symmerman, Thompsontown; 7 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons and 1 step-great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by a son, William “Herb” Kennedy on May 24, 1975.
She retired as head cook at Tuscarora Valley Elementary School and was Methodist by faith. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed gardening, hunting, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Her service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guss Funeral Home, 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown with Rev. M. Eugene Heidler officiating. Interment will be in Old Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Assoc., 3544 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110.