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Thomas Peters, 67, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Tuesday, January 28th, peacefully, at his residence with his family by his side.
Thomas was born February 5, 1952, a son of the late Catherine (Honushefsky) and Thomas Peters.
He graduated from Mahanoy Area High School class of 1969.
He was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish Mahanoy City, PA 17948.
He worked for Hershey Chocolate Hazleton. He retired from there after 36 years in 2017.
He loved fishing and hunting and spending time outdoors. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Simpsons, and M.A.S.H.
He was the husband of Mary (Lesavage) Peters and just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
Thomas is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Peters, of West Hazleton; a son, Timothy, husband of Shannon Peters, of Harrisburg; two sisters, Kathleen Peters, of Mahanoy City; Nancy, wife of Greg Saldukas West Hazleton.
He is also survived by nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, at 11am with Rev. William Linchorst officiating.
Friends may call Friday from 10am at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish.
Interment private at convenience of the Family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit
www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Betty J. Maurer, age 95, formerly of Hegins, died peaceably on January 23, 2020, at Mountain View Nursing and Rehab Center in Coal Township, PA, where she had been a resident since October, 2019.
She was born July 19, 1924, in Valley View, youngest of three children born to the late Vernon and Annie (Henry) Romberger. She was a 1942 graduate of the former Hegins Twp. High School, and upon graduation attended what is today Central Penn Business School in Summerdale.
On August 5, 1944, she married the love of her life, Ted Maurer of Hegins. They were wed in Memphis, TN, where Ted was stationed in the Navy during World War II. They were married 75 years.
Betty possessed a great sense of humor, was strong willed, compassionate, exemplified an incredible work ethic, and was a good listener. She took great pride in being a wife and mother.
After raising her three boys she returned to the workforce and served as a secretary and receptionist for the former Spread Eagle Farms in Klingerstown, and then the Hegins Manufacturing Company.
Betty’s Christian faith and values defined every aspect of her life. She loved music and taught herself how to play the organ. For more than forty years served as the church organist and director of the Senior Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Hegins. She also directed the Children’s Choir for many years; sang in the Ladies Trio for more than twenty years; and for twenty-five years arranged and served as the Master of Ceremony for the Annual Community Christmas Program.
During her early years of retirement she volunteered for more than ten years as a volunteer driver for the Schuylkill County Transportation Organization -transporting senior citizens from the county to medical appointments.
In the spring of 2007, Betty and Ted became residents of Schoolyard Square, a Personal Care facility in Pine Grove, where they received excellent care. In October, 2019, Betty’s deteriorating health forced her to relocate to the Mountain View Nursing and Rehab Center in Coal Township, PA.
Betty left an indelible mark on her family, her church and all who knew her. Her jovial personality will be missed. She will be fondly remembered.
Betty was preceded in death by her only sister, Erma Gable, and her only brother, Robert Romberger.
She is survived by her husband, Ted, and three sons: Terry Maurer (Bonnie) of Cornwall, PA (formerly of Hegins); Tom Maurer (Louise) of Harrisburg; and Vernon (“Skip”) Maurer (Cheryl) of Hegins. In addition she had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great, great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Hegins. A period of visitation will proceed the service at 10:00 AM. Rev. Keith Rockwell will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s UM Church, 601 E. Main St., Hegins, PA 17938, or Geisinger Hospice, 410 Glenn Avenue, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Schoolyard Square for the thirteen years they lovingly cared for Betty as though she was a member of their family; the staff of Mountain View Nursing Home for their compassionate care the last few months of Betty’s life; and the staff of Geisinger Hospice of Bloomsburg who assured Betty's final days were comfortable.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be noted for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com
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Gladys E. Wehr, 94 years of age, of Cold Spring Road Andreas, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at The Summit Nursing Home in Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Born Saturday, August 1, 1925 in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania. the daughter of the late George and Jennie (Middlecamp) Miller. Gladys was also predeceased by her husband Orville J. Wehr on January 29, 2013; daughter, Patricia Wehr; sisters, Arlene Hontz, Joyce Peters, Madeline Zellner, Edith Fritzinger, Beatrice Yates; brothers, Lester, Murland, Raymond, and George Miller.
Surviving are sons, Ronald J. Wehr and his wife Maggie of Tamaqua, Terry A. Wehr and his wife Cathy of Tamaqua, Orville C. Wehr of Tamaqua; daughters, Cynthia A. Smith wife of David of Lehighton, Viv A. Wehr of Harrisburg, brother, Thomas Miller and his companion Phyllis Davis of Tamaqua, PA; 10 grand children; 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews survive Gladys.
A member of Ben Salem U.C.C. of Lehighton, Gladys had worked at the former Kiddie Kloes of Lansford in the Textile Industry. Gladys, enjoyed baking, sewing, quilting and working in her garden. No one's tomatoes plants could rival Gladys's.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
A Celebration of Gladys Life will take place on Saturday February 15, 2020 at 11 o'clock A.M. from Ben Salem U.C.C. 1965 Church Hill Drive Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235, Rev. Michael McGowan to officiate. Friends may call in church from 9:30 A.M. until time of services.
Interment will be in Ben Salem Cemetery, Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in her name to:
Ben Salem U.C.C.
P.O. Box 128, Andreas, Pennsylvania 18211
or
West Penn Fire Company
21 Municipal Road, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960
An expression of sympathy or fond memory may be share by visiting www.griffithsfuenralhomes.com
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M. Jean Luckenbill, 94, of Orwigsburg, passed away Wednesday, January 29th, at Seton Manor.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, on August 16, 1925, a daughter of the late Mary (Lengle) and Carl Shoener.
She was the widow of Stanley M. Luckenbill, Sr., who passed away in 2011.
She was a member of Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville
Jean was formerly employed by Ethel Maid and Argo. After retirement she worked for R and J as a van driver.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter Sandra Jean and sister Betty Staller.
Jean is survived by sons Stanley "Snook" Luckenbill, Jr. and his wife Linda, of Whitehall; Randy Luckenbill and his wife Wendy, of Schuylkill Haven; Todd Luckenbill, of Penscola FL; grandchildren Traci Falco, Rodd Luckenbill, Kristin Stroming, Shannon Luckenbill, Brittany Luckenbill, Hunter Luckenbill, Troy Luckenbill, Brian Luckenbill, Jordan Joyce; 12 Great Grandchildren; and a sister Karleen Harmon wife of Jay, State College.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Bethesda EC Church at Reedsville, at 11 am on Monday, February 3rd,with Reverend Mark Brooks officiating.
A viewing for family and friends will be held Monday 10 am until the time of the service at the church.
Family request donations to Bethesda EC Church at Reedsville 155 Reedsville Way Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Interment will follow at Reedsville Cemetery, Wayne Township.
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Mildred Shappell, 79, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday, January 29th, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born in New Ringgold on November 6, 1940, she was a daughter of the late John & Mildred (Sterner) Seltzer.
She was the widow of Cyril Shappell, who passed away January 18, 2011.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is also preceded in death by her sister, Mabel Fedoriska, brother, Jim Seltzer, and grandson, Jordan Krute.
Mildred was a Blue Mountain High School graduate.
She was a member of The Lighthouse Church
Mildred had been employed as a janitor for the Schuylkill Haven School District.
She is survived by two daughters, Michele Shappell, Schuylkill Haven, and Karen Geist, wife of Gerald, Selinsgrove; grandchildren; Justin and Jarrett Krute, Kelsey Geist Delos, and Kendall, & Adin Geist, and great-grandson, Jaxon Krute.
Mildred is also survived by six sisters, Ruth Schuck, TN; Pearl Neiswender, Schuylkill Haven; Alberta Canfield, Pine Grove; Edith Sheva, New Cumberland; Martha Brown, Auburn; & Debra Seltzer, Orwigsburg, and five brothers, Floyd Seltzer, Schuylkill Haven; John Seltzer, McKeansburg; David Seltzer, Philippines; Daniel Seltzer, Schuylkill Haven; & Philip Seltzer, of Orwigsburg.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted at The Lighthouse Church, Orwigsburg, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor William Orf officiating.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Interment will follow the service at St. John's New Cemetery, Auburn.
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Abija Estere Rubenis Vents, 88, of Lake Wynonah, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 29th at home.
Born in Riga, Latvia on May 15, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Karlis & Lidija (Lemane) Kenins.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her first husband, Gvido Rubenis, in 1985, and her second husband, Janis Vents, in 2016.
Abija had worked as an insurance agent for Fireman's Fund insurance company from 1980 to 1990.
Later, she graduated from Latvian Theological Seminary, Toronto, Canada. She served as an ordained minister for the Latvian Evanglical Lutheran Church in America for 20 years.
She was a member of Christ Evangelical Church, Bethel, PA, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Florida.
Abija is survived by two daughters: Inese W. Jardine, and Anita Gladden, grandchildren: Andrew, & Sandra Jardine, Lija Jalowy wife of Blake, Curtis Gladden husband of Kelly, and Nicholas & Alexander Gladden, a sister, Rasma Skworcow, a nephew, George Skworcow, Jr., and a niece, Sandra Skworcow.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, PA, on February 11th at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Ieva Dzelzgalvis officiating.
A viewing will be held at the funeral home on February 11th from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Private interment will be held at a later date at the Latvian Memorial Park, Catskills, NY.
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Sandra L. Zimmerman, 71, of Pine Grove, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at home.
Born on October 27, 1948 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Donald A. and Alverta Sattizahn Zimmerman.
Preceding her in death were three infant siblings, Sharon, Patsy, and Donald Arthur Zimmerman.
Surviving are a sister, Bonnie Zimmerman, and nephew, Steven Zimmerman, both of Pine Grove.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 139 S. Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 to help with costs.
You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Edward J. Eiche, 81, Frackville, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning at his residence with his loving family at his side.
Born in Frackville he was the son of the late Howard and Elizabeth Harris Eiche. He had been employed by the former Frackville American Water Works until his retirement. He later was employed as a van driver for Schuylkill IU #29.
He was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Frackville.
Ed was a 1957 graduate of W. Mahanoy Twp High School where he earned 12 varsity letters during his high school career and was named Outstanding Player of the year in both his junior and senior years. He was the quarterback for the All-Star games in 1956 and 57. After graduation he played semipro baseball for the Lost Creek Rebels for nine years. His coaching credentials are; assistant coach Shenandoah Catholic H.S 1962-63, head coach 1963-64. In 1968 he was named the first head coach of both the football and basketball teams of the newly formed Cardinal Brennan High School. He was also instrumental in forming the Shenandoah Babe Ruth League and later coached the Frackville Teeners. His career as a coach spanned 32 years. In 2011 he was inducted into the Jerry Wolman, Northern Anthracite, Hall of Fame.
He was preceded in death by a sister Carol DeAngelo.
Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara Ann Beacher Eiche, his daughter Kimberly A. Parry, Frackville, his grandchildren; William P. Parry III and his wife Stephanie, Edward J. Parry and his fiancé Allysa Clouse, his great-granddaughter Iris Harper Parry and a sister Janice wife of Dick Witmer, Valdosta, GA
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville. A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Ed’s name, be made to the Frackville Teener League.
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On Tuesday, Governor Tom Wolf renewed his to raise Pennsylvania's minimum wage and plan to extend overtime pay eligibility.
