Obituary Notice: Stanley L. Douglas Jr. (Provided photo)

Stanley Leroy Douglas Jr., 97, of Olanta died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 at Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville.

Born Nov. 6, 1920, he was the son of Stanley O. Sr. and Elsie (Lloyd) Douglas.

Mr. Douglas was a life-long dairy farmer and also had been a former Pike Township Supervisor.

He had also been a heavy equipment operator for several local townships.

In his earlier years, he enjoyed boxing, and for many years, he had played the banjo in local area dance bands.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping; he was an amateur archaeologist.  He also was member of the former New Millport Grange.

On July 20, 1940, he wed the former Dorothy W. Fink, who preceded him in death Oct. 23, 1992.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Jaime Douglas; brothers, Kenneth, Gideon and infant, Leo Douglas; and sisters, Lillian Sarvey, Gay Anderson, Edna Tibbens, Caroline Billotte and Zoella Bell.  He was the last member of his generation.

Surviving are two sons, Edwin Douglas of Olanta and Terry Douglas of New Millport; five grandchildren, Brenda, Sean, Alysia, Jessica and Tyler; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and his long-time companion, Dorothy Rowles of Marron.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville, with the Rev. Stephen D. Shields officiating.  Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park in Hyde.

Friends will be received from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.

The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.

Obituary Notice: Helen Rose Eckley (Provided photo)

Helen Rose Eckley, 91, of Clearfield died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

Mrs. Eckley was born March 14, 1926 in Brookville, the daughter of John and Anna (Kavanaugh) Zitzelberger.

She was a graduate of the Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing in the class of 1947. She was also a graduate of the Indiana University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Mrs. Eckley was employed at the Clearfield Hospital for 40 years as a registered Nurse. She was the director of nursing at the hospital for 16 years.

She was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church of Clearfield. She served in various ways, including the Catholic Daughters of America, Rosary and Altar Society, Eucharistic Minister, Bereavement Committee and Hospital Visiting Committee.

Mrs. Eckley was involved in many organizations: Clearfield Hospital Nursing Alumni, Nursing Administrators Forum, National League of Nursing, American Nurses Association, Hospital Council of Western PA, Regional Medical Program Task Force, Hospital Community Advisory Committee, American Association of University Women and Mid-State Literacy Program.

She served on and volunteered with the American Heart Association Board, the Licensed Practical Nurse Advisory Board, Red Cross Blood Mobile Program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Council and as a Clearfield Vo-Tech Health Assistant.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was the last member of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clair D. “Buck” Eckley, to whom she was married Aug. 5, 1950 and who died Dec. 28, 2002; two sisters, Bernadette Afton and Mary Corbett; and two brothers, Leo and Ray Zitzelberger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, with Msgr. Henry Krebs as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Brookville.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield. The Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Monday.

Mrs. Eckley expressed that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the St. Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

To send online tributes, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.

Margaret Yastro, 89, of Osceola Mills died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 at Windy Hill Village, PSL in Philipsburg.

Born July 7, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Victoria (Skinski) Sokol.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osceola Mills.

She was a homemaker and a 1947 graduate of the former Osceola Mills High School.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Irene Lazeration and Helen Sokol and five brothers, Joseph, Frank, Edward, Raymond and one infant, Leonard Sokol.

She is survived by, two daughters, Gail Ann Yastro of Osceola Mills and Carol A. Baughman of (Sanborn) Houtzdale; four sons, S. Paul Yastro of Oakland, Calif., Dennis R. Yastro of Olanta, David Yastro and his wife, Rhonda of Philipsburg and Lee Yastro and his wife, Anna Marie of Osceola Mills; 14 grandchildren, Kalynn Yastro, Aden Yastro, Jennifer Yastro, Brenda Jones, Brent Baughman, Brandon Baughman, Erin Czerwinski, Devin Yastro, Ryan Yastro, Zane Yastro, Joseph Yastro, Andrew Yastro, David Baughman, Jr., and Lisa Williams; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osceola Mills.  Burial will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Osceola Mills. There will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st. St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills is in charge of the arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, go to: www.heathfuneral.com.

Obituary Notice: John C. Sutherland II (Provided photo)

John C. Sutherland II, of Clearfield died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the Penn Highlands Clearfield.

He was born Nov. 23, 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of Betty (Pfeil) Sutherland of Johnstown and the late John C. Sutherland.

He was employed at Bob’s Army Navy in Clearfield.  He was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed HO Scale model trains. He also served with the U.S. Marine Corps.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his companion, Liz Shaw of Clearfield; five children, Brandy Newton of Michigan, John Sutherland III of Johnstown, Rebekah Boley and her husband, Dustin of Michigan, Sarah Golden and her husband, Derek of Missouri and Helena Sutherland of Montana; three sisters, Heather Johnson of Johnstown, Bonnie Bury of Maple Valley, Wash., and Tammy Sanders of Johnstown and Wayne Sutherland of Johnstown; and 11 grandchildren.

At the request of Mr. Sutherland, there will be no services held at this time.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256.

The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Patricia M. (Renaud) Keith Ross (Provided photo)

Patricia M. (Renaud) Keith Ross, 76, of Philipsburg and formerly of Frenchville, died Friday, Dec. 8, 2017 at Windy Hill Village, PSL in Philipsburg.

Born April 13, 1941 in Clearfield, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Mary (Johnson) Renaud.

She married Edwin Ross on Nov. 21, 1991 in Kylertown. He preceded her in death Feb. 5, 2005.

She was of the Christian faith and a homemaker.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

She is survived by two sons, Michael Keith and his wife, Tracy Webster of Osceola Mills and Daniel Keith and his wife, Nancy of New Milford, Conn.; two sisters, Marie Miller and her husband, Robert of Emporium, Pa. and Matty Keating of Philadelphia, Pa.; five grandchildren, Shanelle, Jolene, Sandra, Jessica and Nick; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills, with Pastor Beth Stutler officiating.  Burial will be at the Congress Hill Cemetery in LeContes Mills.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

To sign the online guestbook, go to: www.heathfuneral.com.

Obituary Notice: James C. Swanson (Provided photo)

James C. Swanson, 75, of Brockway died Friday, Dec. 8, 2017 at his home.

Born Sept. 18, 1942 in Johnsonburg, Pa., he was the son of the late Carl A. and Mabel C. Norlin Swanson.

On May 1, 1965, he married Elizabeth “Betty” (Pichler) Swanson. She survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.

He retired from the Clearfield County Office of Assistance after 15 years of service. Prior to that, he worked for 23 years at the Brockway Glass Co.

He was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church and the Garfield Lodge No. 559 Free & Accepted Masons.

He loved to go daily to the Sheetz in Brockway and Falls Creek for coffee with his friends.

He is survived by a daughter, Darcy Vollmer and her husband, Robert of Kersey; a son, Darin Swanson and his wife, Emily of Kersey; a sister, Carla Adamson and her husband, Robert of DuBois; a brother-in-law, Richard Klingensmith of DuBois; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Alma Jean Klingensmith.

There will be no public visitation.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Christ Lutheran Church in DuBois with Pastors John and Amy Miller co-officiating.

Memorials may be placed with the Gateway Humane Society, 1211 Airport Rd., Falls Creek, PA 15840.

The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.

J

Obituary Notice: Judy Lynn Kojadinovich (Provided photo)

udy Lynn Kojadinovich, 56, of Philipsburg died Tuesday, Dec. 5 in the arms of her family at her home following a long, three-year battle with breast cancer.

She was born April 9, 1961 in Natrona Heights, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Anthony L. Tyborowski and Elizabeth A. Tyborowski.

She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation education in 1985.

She met the love of her life, Gregory Stephen Albert Kojadinovich, at Penn State and married him in Tarentum, Pa., in 1987.

She is survived by her loving husband at home and two beautiful daughters and son, Sarah E. Kojadinovich of Pittsburgh, Kristen M. Kojadinovich of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Gregory S. A. Kojadinovich II of State College. She also has numerous brothers and sisters.

Following her marriage, she was a homemaker before returning back to work providing rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.

She enjoyed reading and discussing religion and politics. She was a master gardener and integrated her homegrown vegetables and herbs into her passion of cooking.

Her pesto recipe was superb. She loved the outdoors, camping, walking her dog, Riley and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins.

She will be remembered for her caring heart, unconditional giving and love to others and fortitude in her struggle with cancer.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the gFree Methodist Church in Gearhartsville. A meal will follow at Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God, Philipsburg. All are welcome to attend.

Marcella Sefchick, 91, of Morann died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 in TLC Manor, Brisbin.

Born March 26, 1926 in Ginter, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Shedlock) Sefchick.

She was a member of the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ramey. She enjoyed her cats.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Lucas and four brothers, George, Michael, Joseph and Andrew Sefchick.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ramey, with the Rev. Anthony Balistreri officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ramey.

Condolences may be sent to: www.kruise-spewock.com.

Obituary Notice: Thomas M. Misko (Provided photo)

Thomas M. Misko, 69, of DuBois died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at the DuBois Nursing Home.

Born Sept. 16, 1948, he was the son of the late Adolph and Irene (Kopp) Misko.

On May 4, 1968, he married Jane E. (Hossler) Misko.  She preceded him in death July 28, 2006.

On July 26, 2014, he married Carolyn (Hanson) Misko.  She survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.

He retired as the sales manager at Apple Tractor in Brockway. Prior to that, he had worked for more than 20 years at Highway Equipment.

He was a member of the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church. He loved to garden, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was a life member of the DuBois Volunteer Fire Department’s Goodwill Hose Co. No. 5 as well as a member of the J.E. DuBois Hose Co. No 3.

He is survived by a daughter, Mandi S. Fitch of Fayetteville, NC; a son, Thomas M. Misko and his wife, Kerri of Pittsburgh; a brother, Ronald Misko and his wife, Mary Ann of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Kathy Stewart and her husband, Richard of DuBois; and four grandchildren, Kayden, Ian, Brayden and Abigail.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Misko.

Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. A scriptural wake service will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Richard Siefer as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery.

Memorials may be placed with the Goodwill Hose Co. No. 5, 418 S. State St., and or the J.E. DuBois Hose Co. No. 3, 301 First St., both in DuBois, PA 15801.

Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.

Mary Kay Pritchard, 65, of Westminster Village, PSL, Philipsburg, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at her residence.

She was born May 25, 1952 in Philipsburg, a daughter of the late Raymond L. and Betty J. (Whitton) Krollman.

She was a 1970 graduate of the West Branch Area High School.

She was employed with a number of area businesses throughout her working career. Two more recent former positions included working as a sales consultant for Family Homes, Woodland, and as a lease consultant for Hillcrest Commons, RD Philipsburg.

She was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, (Forest) Morrisdale, and previously a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philipsburg.

She was married Oct. 5, 1996 in the courtyard at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Philipsburg, to William C. Pritchard Jr., who survives at home.

She is also survived by two sons, James E. Matson of Philipsburg and his companion, Vickie Price of Clearfield and Jason M. Morris and his wife, Jennifer of Philipsburg and two sisters, Susie Winters and her husband, Dean of Philipsburg and Holly Krollman and her companion, Brian Johnson of Detroit, Mich.

She is also survived by three grandchildren, Caleb Matson and Josie Morris, both of Philipsburg, and Ashley Matson of Sandy Ridge; three of her husband’s daughters, Robin Mae, Kimberly Ann and Holly Christine; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Gloria Meyer and Ruth Ann Krollman; and her husband’s daughter, Stacey Lynn.

Among her passions in life was her love of flowers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, (Village of Forest), 3495 Winburne-Munson Rd., Morrisdale, with the Rev. Kenneth Zitsch Jr. officiating.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.

The arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.

Obituary Notice: James A. Jones (Provided photo)

James A. Jones, 78, of Clearfield died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 at his home.

He was born Oct. 1, 1939, a son of the late Joseph R. and Mary Ellen (Conaway) Jones.

Mr. Jones worked for the Clearfield Municipal Authority as a foreman for 33 years before retiring in 1999.

Previously, he was employed by Louie Demi and Sons for nine years as a plumber.

He was Baptist by faith and was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He also loved to tend to his garden.

He is survived by two daughters, Kimberly McGee and Tracy Snyder, both of Clearfield; six grandchildren, Nikki, Danny, Ashley, Brittany, Joseph and Megan; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth V. Catino of Clearfield.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann (Wisor) Jones, on Aug. 3, 1999 and to whom he was wed Feb. 3, 1961 in Clearfield.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Strong; a grandson, Matthew Burgess; a sister, Shirley Ann Nicholson; and three brothers, Edward, Joseph Jr. and Robert K. Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, with the Rev. Hiram Westover officiating.

Friends will be received from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to charity of one’s choice.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Mary Ellen Hainsey (Provided photo)

Mary Ellen Hainsey, 92, of Ginter died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at Windy Hill Village, Philipsburg.

Born March 29, 1925 in Osceola Mills, she was the daughter of the late John Plummer and Anna (Franek) Plummer Legan.

She was a life-long member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ramey, and a 1943 graduate of the Madera High School.

She was employed by Penn State University until her retirement in 1987.

On Nov. 26, 1945 in Bellefonte, she married William R. Hainsey, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a daughter, Carol (William) Vogel; a son, William (Maureen) Hainsey; two grandchildren, Jeffrey (Glenda) Vogel and Bonnie (Kevin) Reimer; and four great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Cassandra Vogel and Emily and Matthew Reimer.

Also surviving are a nephew, John Plummer and a niece, Janet Plummer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on Aug. 29, 1971 and a brother, John Plummer, who died in 2015.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family with Father Zab Amar officiating. There will be no public visitation. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Brisbin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.birgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.

Bradley Ivan Swanson, 42, of Morrisdale died Dec. 10, 2017 at his residence.

Born Aug. 2, 1975 in Clearfield, he was the son of Peter Swanson Sr., of Clearfield and the late Helen Kyler Swanson.

Mr. Swanson was a 1993 graduate of the West Branch Area High School.

Along with his father, he is survived by a half-brother, Peter Swanson Jr., of Clearfield and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother; brother, Christopher R. Swanson; maternal grandparents, Ivan Sr. and Lois Kyler; and paternal grandparents, Martin and Elizabeth Swanson.

There will be no public visitation. Private services will be held at a later date.

Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, is in charge of the arrangements.

Michael Martin Leigey, 27, of Holtwood, Pa., and formerly of West Decatur, died Dec. 8, 2017 at his residence.

Born May 11, 1990 in Philipsburg, he was the son of Lisa and Robert Snyder of West Decatur and Mark and Heather Leigey of Holtwood.

His grandparents are JoAnn Lowder of Wallaceton and Elmer and Joy Leigey of Ephrata.

Also surviving are his son, Landon Leigey of State College; his sisters, Amanda Leigey of Clearfield and Abigail Leigey of Holtwood; step-sister, Sarah Willey of Holtwood; his step-brother, Brandon Amsden of Holtwood; and his nephews, Aydon Seaburn and Lyric Lance, both of Clearfield.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Norman Lowder.

Mr. Leigey was a 2008 graduate of the Clearfield High School. He was employed by G.R. Mitchell, Willow Street, Pa., and was a member of the Army National Guard from 2010 to 2014. His interests were spending time with his family and friends as well as fishing on the river.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, at the Chapel of Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, with Pastor Tina Hawkins officiating.

Family and friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Obituary Notice: George T. Hauck Jr. (Provided photo)

George T. Hauck Jr., 88, of DuBois died Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital.

Born July 18, 1929, he is the son of the late George T. and Mary (Minns) Hauck, Sr.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served in the Korean War.

On Aug. 12, 1954, he married Janette “Jan” (Allen) Hauck. She survives.

He was in the automotive business for 50 years. After his retirement, he was a mail courier for S&T Bank for 15 years.

He was a 1947 graduate of the DuBois Area High School. He then graduated from the General Motors Institute in Flint, Mich.

He was a member of the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, the Garfield Lodge No. 559 Free & Accepted Masons, the George D. Montgomery American Legion Post No. 17 and the Olympic Athletic Club.

He was a past member of the board of directors for the Ridgway Federal Savings & Loans and a past advisory board member of Northwest Savings Bank.

He is survived by two daughters, Lori Skraba and her husband, Michael and Lynn Aughenbaugh and her husband, James, both of DuBois; one sister, LuAn Pedulla and her husband, Joseph; three granddaughters, Alecia and her husband, Steve, Amanda and Abby; one grandson, Michael; one great-grandson, Hawke; one great-granddaughter, Graci; numerous nieces and nephews; and a goddaughter, Debi.

He was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Robyn Hauck, and a sister Beverly Richards.

There will be no public visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Richard Siefer as celebrant.

Burial will be in Morningside Cemetery.

Memorial may be placed with DuBois Central Catholic, P.O. 567, DuBois, PA 15801.

The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Winifred L. “Winnie” Maines (Provided photo)

Winifred L. “Winnie” Maines, 85, who resided with her grandson, Scott Crowell and his family in Scranton, and formerly of Philipsburg, died Saturday in Scranton.

Born Dec. 22, 1931 in Shiloh, she was the daughter of the late Doran and Matilda “Nancy” (Cowfer) Maines.

She was of the Protestant faith. She was also a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her fiancé, Paul Robinson and her former companion, Wayne R. Crowell; one daughter, Nancy Smeal; and one grandson, Bradley Bumbarger.

She is survived by six daughters, Kathy Dixon and Bonnie Buck, both of Curwensville, Diane Bumbarger and Rhonda Crowell, both of Osceola Mills, Penny Klanish of Brisbin and Wendy Banks of Philipsburg and three sons, James Dixon of LeContes Mills, Wayne R. Crowell of Coalport and Michael Crowell of Scranton.

She is survived by three step-daughters, Deanna Snyder of Illinois, Sharon Crowell of Niagara Falls, NY and Candice Rice of Hawk Run and one step-son, Sonny Wayne Crowell of Illinois. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Gearhartville Free Methodist Church in (Gearhartville) Philipsburg, with Pastor Merry Kendall officiating.

Obituary Notice: D. Joanne Bezilla (Provided photo)

D. Joanne Bezilla, 82, of Philipsburg died Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

Born Jan. 26, 1935 in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Kerr) Silensky.

She married John H. “Jack” Bezilla Jr. on Jan. 8, 1953 in Winchester, Va. He preceded her in death Feb. 25, 2007.

She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Philipsburg.

She was retired from the former Philipsburg State General Hospital in the x-ray department as a dark room technician.  She was a 1952 graduate of the Madera High School.

She is survived by one daughter, Brenda S. Smith of Philipsburg; two grandchildren, Jason R. Smith and his wife, Jessica of Howard and Courtney R. Pasquale and her husband, Scott of Warriors Mark; four great-grandchildren, Cooper Smith and Madeleine, Lincoln and Annaliese Pasquale; and one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Janet Bezilla of Osceola Mills.

Funeral services will be private. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Altoona.

Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills is in charge of the arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, go to: www.heathfuneral.com.

Obituary Notice: Esther H. Behel (Provided photo)

Esther H. Behel, 85, of Clearfield died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017 at the Ridgeview Elder Care and Rehabilitation Center, Curwensville.

She was born March 19, 1932 in Spangler, a daughter of the late Walter and Helen (Marsh) Langford.

Mrs. Behel was employed at CVS Pharmacy, Clearfield, for 10 years. Prior to that, she was employed by the former Cowdricks Drugstore.

She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Clearfield.

She is survived by three children, Edward Behel and his wife, Marilyn of Glen Richey, Carol Norris and her husband, Robert II of Columbus, Ohio and Scott Behel and his wife, Debra of Clearfield; six grandchildren, Sherry Kephart, Cynthia Marshall, Charles Marshall, Nicole Huston, Robert Norris III and Jennifer Behel; and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandra Marshall; an infant daughter, Betsy Lynn Behel; four sisters, Dorothy Boob, Betty May, Elaine Kelliher and Edith Barnett; and two brothers, Thomas and Walter Langford.

As per her wishes, all services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Second St., Clearfield or to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 275 21st St., Clearfield.

The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

Phyllis Jean (Wood) Karlinchak, 83, of Erie died peacefully Dec. 11, 2017 at St. Mary’s Home East surrounded by her family.

She was born Jan. 5, 1934, a daughter of the late James and Martha (Kislear) Wood of Ramey.

Mrs. Karlinchak graduated from the Madera High School in 1951. She was a devout catholic and member of the St. James Church.

She enjoyed bowling, crafting, baking, gardening, cooking, sewing and playing cards with her friends. She was also a PIAA swimming and diving official.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, attending all of her children’s and grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events, as well as spending Sundays listening to Polka music and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers with her husband.

Mrs. Karlinchak love of music stayed with her, as she would hum tunes up until her last days.

Her work career started right after graduation when she went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C.

Later, she worked for General Electric in Erie. After raising her children, she worked part-time for the Temple Anshe Hesed.

She married Peter Karlinchak on May 19, 1956 and shared 61 wonderful years with the love of her life.

She is also survived by a son, Timothy and a daughter, Kara Ann Whitman, both of Erie; one grandson, Justin Whitman; and three granddaughters, Jordyn Whitman, Alexandra Karlinchak and Christina Karlinchak, all of Erie.

She is also survived by two sisters, Rosemarie Weierick of Houtzdale and Dolores Fudrow of State College and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Marian Wood West.

The family would like to acknowledge the care both Jean and Pete received by the staff at St. Mary’s, and they are grateful for their compassion and support.

Mrs. Karlinchak will be laid to rest in her hometown of Ramey.

Friends and family may call at the Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Saturday.

Services will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Burial will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com.

Obituary Notice: Samuel B. ‘Sam’ Yost (Provided photo)

Samuel B. ‘Sam’ Yost, 75, died Dec. 12, 2017 surrounded by family.

He was born to William W. and Madge B. Yost at the Clearfield Hospital on March 29, 1942.

He graduated from the Clearfield High School and the Mercersburg Academy. He received a degree in business administration from the Penn State University.

In 1976, he also earned his surveying license from the Penn State University. He owned Yost Surveying for many years.

He enjoyed arts and sports.  He acted in plays with the Old Town Players at Elliott State Park, was an ‘end man’ for CHS Downbeats and performed with two friends as ‘The Kingston Trio.’

He also sang with the Mercersburg Choir. He was a gifted painter and loved painting outdoor scenes of fishing and canoeing.

He loved canoeing and went on many canoe trips both on the Susquehanna River and a number of rivers in Canada.

He canoed in the Red Mo Races from its first year until a few years ago.  He was an avid golfer, playing in many tournaments and having four holes-in-one.

On March 25, 1968, he married the former Jody Pearce.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Pearce B. Yost and his wife, Erin of Lewistown, William R. Yost of Clearfield and Maryah Yost and her husband, Steven Redrup and their daughter, Morgan Redrup, formerly of England and now of Clearfield.

A memorial service will be held for friends and family of Sam at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library, 1 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830 or to St. Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.