Obituaries by LocationSarah M. Farling
McELHATTAN - Sarah M. Farling, 85, of Chatham Village, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, in the Jersey Shore Hospital emergency room. Her husband, Roy C. Farling, died Feb. 19, 1968. Retiring in 1987, she was employed for many years by Dr. Carman Spinney. She was a member of Salladasburg United Methodist Church. She was a member of Larrys Creek Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary and the Tiadaghton Court Order of Amaranth. Born Aug. 30, 1915, in Mechanicsburg, she was a daughter of Boyd L. and Ethel M. Hossler Martin. Surviving are two daughters, Sondra J. Poorman and Sally A. Sander, both of McElhattan; two foster daughters, Idessa M. Botts of McElhattan and Barbara Griswold in Delaware; a sister, Wilma Smith of Dover; two half brothers, Richard and Ronald Martin, both of Newburg; three half sisters, Virginia Shields, Irena Smith and Della Vogel, all of Newville; five grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Welker’s, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore, with the Rev. Drew A. Wilkerson officiating. Burial will be in Jersey Shore Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Sarah A. Fredericks
Sarah Agnes Fredericks, 94, a resident of Valley View Nursing Center, formerly of 3234 W. Fourth St., died Friday, Dec. 22, 2000 at the Center. She and her husband, Dr. Hugh S. Fredericks, would have observed their 68th wedding anniversary Dec. 24. She was a 1924 graduate of Williamsport High School. She received her bachelor of science degree from the former Lock Haven State Teachers College in 1928 and her master of science degree from Bucknell University in 1943. Retiring in 1971, she was the director of Guidance and Counseling at Roosevelt Junior High School. Prior to that, she was the head of the school’s science department and taught science and geography. She was employed by Penn State University, where she taught evening classes in guidance and counseling to student candidates for masters and doctors degrees. Earlier in life, she taught biology and physics in Huntingdon County. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. She formerly was active with Worldwide Kesick Evangelistic Efforts. Born March 1, 1906, in this city, she was a daughter of Wilbert P. and Margie A. Flexer Felix. Her husband survives. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St., with the Rev. D. Gene Patterson of Muncy Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Ann Forney
Ann Forney, 85, of 2200 Newberry St., died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in Williamsport Hospital, where she had been a patient. Her husband, Ellsworth F. Forney, died Aug. 17, 1999. She was employed by the former Rickman’s Garment Co. for 20 years and previously worked for the former Mr. Donut. She was a member of Church of the Ascension. Born Feb. 25, 1915, in this city, she was a daughter of Felix and Matilda Vassallo. Surviving are four grandchildren, Monte and Gregg Forney, Kay Snauffer, and Ann Lukowsky, all of this city; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Franklin E. Sr.; a brother, Anthony Vassallo; a sister, Lucy DiRado; and a grandson, Franklin E. Jr. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the church, 2111 Linn St., with the Rev. Charles J. Cummings officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Sanders’, 821 Diamond St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. The family will provide the flowers.
Betty J. Harbach
Betty Jane Harbach, 78, formerly of 1045 Westminster Drive, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in Valley View Nursing Center. She and her husband, Howard O. Harbach, observed their 52nd wedding anniversary June 19. Retiring in 1985 as director of nursing at Sycamore Manor, she was a registered nurse for more than 45 years. She was a private duty nurse and nursing supervisor at the former Lysock View Nursing Home. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and its Semper Fidelis Sunday school class. She was a 1941 graduate of Williamsport High School and a 1945 graduate of the Episcopal School of Nursing, Philadelphia. She was a member of Women of the Moose 384 and the Pennsylvania Nurses Association. Born Nov. 22, 1922, in Shamokin, she was a daughter of Charles E. and Esther Schaum Spurr. Surviving are a daughter, Diane Derrick of this city; a brother, Charles E. Spurr of this city; and a grandson, Matthew Derrick. She was preceded in death by a brother, George Spurr. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the church, 2 Ross St., with the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Close officiating. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call in the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by Maneval’s, 500 W. Fourth St.
Lillian J. Hauser
Lillian J. Hauser, 68, of 2206 Central Ave. died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000, in Williamsport Hospital following a lengthy illness. Her husband, Elwood C. Hauser, died July 10, 1995. She was a member of Church of the Ascension. She enjoyed crocheting and bingo. Born Jan. 12, 1932, in Kingston, she was a daughter of Thomas and Kathryn Housel Turner. Surviving are four daughters, Nancy A. Counsil of Seymour, Tenn., Beverly J. Hauser, Roberta D. Spaeth and Neva M. L. Hauser, all of this city; a brother, Robert Turner of Montgomery; three sisters, Betty Miller of Wilkes-Barre, Mary Mutchler of this city and Patricia Bailey of South Williamsport; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Charles D., who died Feb. 19, 1998. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Knight-Confer’s, 1914 Memorial Ave., with the Rev. Charles J. Cummings officiating. Burial will be in Woodward Township Cemetery, Linden. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday.
Mary S. Speth Keays,
Diabetic Pioneer
LOCK HAVEN - Word has been received that Mary Susan Speth Keays, 47, of Atlanta, Ga., formerly of this city, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, following a lifelong battle with diabetes. She and her husband, Kurt Keays, observed their 13th wedding anniversary March 7. She was known as a diabetic pioneer. As a child, she was part of a control group at Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh and the Joslin Clinic in Boston, Mass., where new methods of treatment were tested. Much of the research done on the group became the standard for treatment. As a young adult, she received the first experimental laser treatment for blindness at Hershey Medical Center. She was a 1972 graduate of Lock Haven High School and a 1977 graduate of the former Lock Haven State College, with a degree in social work. She attended Cleveland School for the Blind. She was a graduate of a Massage Therapy School in Atlanta, Ga. Born Dec. 1, 1953, in Rochester, N.Y., she was a daughter of Al and Marcella Devaney Speth. Surviving, besides her husband, her father of Lock Haven, and her mother of State College, are three sisters, Patricia Corey of Charlotte, N.C., Judy MacLaren of San Bruno, Calif., and Jean Von Trende of Santa Rosa, Calif. A private service was held in Atlanta, Ga.
William B. Kessinger
BEECH CREEK - William B. Kessinger, 73, of this borough, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at home. His wife, the former Catherine Keefer, died Dec. 13. Retiring in 1989, he was co-owner of Kessinger Appliance and Gas Co. and a partner of Keswin Inc. Land Developers. He was a member of the former Beech Creek Presbyterian Church. A graduate of Lock Haven High School, he attended a refrigeration trade school in Chicago. He was a member of Beech Creek Borough Council, the Water Authority, and a former president of Hayes Fearon Cemetery Association, He was a life member of Lock Haven Elks, the local pool league, and Howard Veterans of Foreign Wars post. He was a member of Beech Creek American Legion for over 50 years, and served as commander and president of the Home Association. He was a Navy veteran of World War II in the Pacific. Born Nov. 15, 1927, in Beech Creek, he was a son of Thomas and Elsie Loth Kessinger. Surviving are two sons, William T. of Beech Creek and Mark P. of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three daughters, Siri Annegan of Erie, Debra Paras of Allentown, and Audrey Weaver of Beech Creek; two sisters, Jean McCloskey of Blanchard and Martha Andrus of Mill Hall; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John T. “Jack” and Mark H. Kessinger. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Helt Hanna Kline’s, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall, with Lt. Col. E. J. Conway officiating. Burial will be in Hayes Fearon Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Albert F. Livermore
Albert F. Livermore, 84, of 2937 Route 973 East, Cogan Station, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, in Sycamore Manor. His wife, the former Margaret R. Freezer, died Dec. 24, 1996. He was a retired Hepburn Township farmer and owned and operated Livermore Tractor Sales in Cogan Station. Formerly, he was a trucker for Stroehmann’s Bakery and was a bus driver for the Williamsport School District. He was a member of Balls Mills United Methodist Church. Born April 20, 1916, in Hepburn Township, he was a son of Albert L. and Helen Marie Baltzer Livermore. Surviving are a son, Allan F. of Cogan Station; three daughters, the Rev. Marie E. Lewis of Lock Haven, Janet L. Yoas of this city, and Marlene J. Brenner of Bluffton, S.C.; two brothers, Nelson of this city and Daniel of Cogan Station; a sister, Helen Weaver of this city; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, with the Rev. James R. Sunderland, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Beech Valley Cemetery, Gamble Township. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Edna N. Moore
Edna N. Moore, 85, of 971 Second St. died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000, in Williamsport Hospital. Her husband, Edward Moore, died in 1980. She retired from the Williamsport Home and Wundies. She was a member of Maple Street A.M.E. Zion Church. Born Oct. 31, 1915, in this city, she was a daughter of Lawrence and Edna Hughes. Surviving are a son, John Hughes of this city; a sister, Thelma Clipper, also of this city; a brother, Harry Hughes of Bloomsburg; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A private funeral will be at the family’s convenience. Burial will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Allen-Redmond’s, 331 Elmira St.
Alice D. Parsons
Alice D. Parsons, 90, formerly of 247 Valley St., DuBoistown, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in Manor Care Nursing Center South. Her husband, Ralph T. “Shorty” Parsons, died April 2, 1981. Born Feb. 20, 1910, in Minersville, she was a daughter of James Earle and Sarah E. Meredith Ault. Surviving are a son, Gary L. of DuBoistown; and a brother, John Ault of Knoxville, Tenn. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Harold, James, Paul, Thomas and Frank Ault. A private service in Wildwood Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. The family will provide the flowers. Arrangements are being handled by Sanders’, 821 Diamond St.
John A. Robbins
John A. Robbins, 84, a resident of Kramm Nursing Home, Watsontown, formerly of 17 Vertie Lane, Milton, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000 in Lewisburg Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg. He and his wife, the former Bertha Eberly, observed their 17th wedding anniversary this year. Retiring in 1973, he was employed for 25 years by Halls Transportation Co., Sunbury, where he had been a heavy truck mechanic. Previously, he worked at A.C.F. Co., Milton, Rolling Green Park, Shamokin Dam, and for a Sunbury Service Station. He was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Sunbury. He was a member of East End Volunteer Fire Co., Sunbury and a life member of Post 201 American Legion, Sunbury. He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 429, Reading and a member of Blessing Mt. Hunting Club, Warrensville. He was a veteran of World War II. Born July 26, 1916, in Liberty Township, Montour County, he was a son of William and Cora Auten Robbins. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Maurice of Burnt Hills, N.Y.; a stepson, William Eberly of Chattanooga, Tenn.; three stepdaughters, Margaret Thigpen of Dangerfield, Texas, Mary Ann Campbell of Mechanicsville, N.Y. and Judith Wright of Hummelstown; a sister, Margaret Yeager of Sunbury; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Harriett, in 1980 and 15 brothers and sisters. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Barr’s, 124 Main St., Watsontown. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery, Milton. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
Leonard L. Stevenson
Leonard L. Stevenson, 72, of Covington RR, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in Sherwood Manor, Mansfield. He and his wife, the former Artheia Fields, observed their 48th wedding anniversary March 1. He was employed by the A&P plant until his retirement in 1991. Earlier, he was a dairy farmer in the Covington area. Born July 23, 1928, in Allamuchy, N.Y., he was a son of John Sr. and Elizabeth Wagner Stevenson. Surviving, besides his wife, are three sons, Duane of Bath, N.Y., Robert and Michael, both of Covington; a daughter, Patricia of Lancaster; a sister, Ruth Comstock of Wellsboro; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by several sisters and brothers. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zwicharowski’s, 314 Granger St., Blossburg, with the Rev. Kirk Smether officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation.
William James Swank
William James Swank, 38, of Deepwater, Mo., formerly of Unityville, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, at his parents’ home in Unityville after a lengthy illness. He and his wife, the former Tina Lynn Weibley, observed their 10th wedding anniversary July 1. He was an owner-operator, working for Prime, Inc. He graduated from Hughesville High School in 1983. Born Nov. 9, 1962, in Muncy, he was a son of Chester and Grace Hamilton Swank. Surviving, besides his wife, are a son, Austin Lee, of Deepwater; two brothers, Chester Jr. of Muncy and Gerald of Beaver Lake; and three sisters, Judy Chestnut of Beaver Lake, Lois Swank of Unityville, and Louise Grace Cooney of Hughesville. The funeral will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Poust-Bunnell’s, Main Street, Millville. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lancaster. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight.
Richard C. Barner
LOCK HAVEN - Richard C. Barner, 75, of Susque View Home, formerly of Rich Manor, Woolrich, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, at the home. Retiring in 1987, he was employed for 18 years by Jersey Shore Steel Company. He previously had worked at the Weis Market and A & P as a meatcutter. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and received the European Theater Ribbon, the Pacific Theater Ribbon with one star, the American Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Born July 9, 1925, in Beech Creek, he was a son of Boyd C. and Fairy Dress Barner. Surviving is a brother, Forest W. of Flemington. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold E. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Wetzler’s, 320 Main St., Mill Hall, with the Rev. Ellen Evans, his pastor officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Mill Hall. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Dorothy L. DeWald
Dorothy L. DeWald, 79, of 1469 Route 220 Highway, Pennsdale, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, at the Muncy Valley Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit. She was self employed as an accountant. She was previously employed by Young Machinery, Muncy. She was a member of Watsontown Baptist Church. She enjoyed golfing. She was a graduate of Lycoming College. Born Nov. 20, 1921, in Watsontown, she was a daughter of Derl and Veda Minier Conner. Surviving are two daughters, Anne L. Hall of Montoursville and Trudy L. Parsons of Lilburn, Fla.; three brothers, L. Gene Conner of Haines City, Fla., William I. Conner of Lakeland, Fla., and Terry L. Conner of Winter Haven, Fla.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Arley, Harmon, Kenneth and Donald Conner, and one sister, Sara Conner. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family, with the Rev. D. Gene Patterson, pastor of Muncy Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Waller Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Betzer’s, 108 N. Main St., Muncy.
