Mickie V. Kester, 55, of Clearfield died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Clearfield.

She was the daughter of the late Clifford and Helen (Luce) Schenck born on April 11, 1958 in Clearfield.  She married Stephen J. Kester on Feb. 7, 1992 in Clearfield; he survives at home.

Mrs. Kester was of the Christian faith.  She was a homemaker and a 1976 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola High School.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jamie Wisor.

Along with her husband, Mrs. Kester is survived by a brother, Daniel Schenck of Clearfield.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Heath Funeral Home in Osceola Mills.

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

Obituary Notice: Forrest V. Bloom (Provided photo)

Forrest V. Bloom, 88, of Olanta died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at the Golden Living Center-Hill View, Altoona.

He was born Jan. 9, 1926 in Curwensville, the son of Edward and Grace (McDivitt) Bloom.

Mr. Bloom graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in animal husbandry. He worked in the mining industry and on a farm in Ohio.

He joined the service in 1950 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served as a master sergeant in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Era.

Mr. Bloom served five tours in Germany and two tours during the Korean War, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Other medals he received were Army Commendation Medal First OLC, Good Conduct Medal Eighth Award with three silver knots, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany) with one Oak Leaf Cluster, U.S. Army Recruiting Badge and Meritorious Service Medal.

While in the service, he was a National Guard advisor in Georgia and a federal game warden at Fort Knox, KY. He achieved Kentucky colonel, Army recruiter and career counselor. He had an Army Golden Glove with 87 fights, winning all but one and refereed football, baseball, basketball and boxing. He retired in 1975. During his military career, he was in every state but Hawaii and many countries, especially the Far East.

Upon his retirement, he worked at the Clearfield Cheese Plant as a security guard and for Bob’s Army and Navy store as a gun manager. He also went to Mount Aloysius and graduated with a degree in criminal justice and worked for the Lawrence Township and Clearfield Borough police departments for years.

He became a licensed EMT for several years and a licensed blaster in Pennsylvania. He was a constable in Knox Township for years until he decided not to run for re-election.

Mr. Bloom was affiliated with the Glen Richey Primitive Methodist Church.

He was a member of the Veterans of the Foreign War, the American Legion. He was a life member of the Glen Richey Fire Company and the Disabled American Veterans.

Mr. Bloom is survived by his wife, Kathleen A. (Olosky) Bloom of Olanta, and whom he married Aug. 27, 1994.

He’s survived by two sons, Leonard E. Bloom and his wife, Darlene of West Decatur and Victor L. Bloom of Madera; five grandchildren, Christopher Bloom, Heidi Bloom, Jennifer Bloom, Benjamin Bloom and Edward Bloom; one great-grandson, Noah Bloom; a sister-in-law, Elsie Bloom of Kerrmoor; numerous nieces and nephews; and a former daughter-in-law, Julie R. Bloom of Brussels, Belgium.

He was the last member of his generation. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Alice J. Bloom, who died Feb. 23, 1987; a sister, Mildred Ogden; and five brothers, Austin, Charles, Clarence, Richard and Harold Bloom.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home Inc., Clearfield, with  the Rev. Duane W. Stiner officiating. Burial will be in the Thompson Cemetery, Glen Richey, where military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post No. 6 and the VFW Post No. 1785 Honor Guard.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the hour of the services Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Glen Richey Fire Company, 86 Fire House Rd., Glen Richey, PA 16837 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16603 or to the Glen Richey Primitive Methodist Church, 59 White Church Rd., Glen Richey, PA 16837.

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

Harry Joseph Shive, 85, of Drifting died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at home with his loving wife and children at his side.

Born in Snow Shoe, he was the son of the late Harry W. and Martha Leona (Radar) Shive. He married Dorothy L. MacNamara on April 10, 1950.

He graduated from the Snow Shoe High School. He rescued a wrecked tandem truck and fixed it to start his first job. It was the first tandem truck in the area; however, his heart was always pulled to farming and raising animals.

In 1955, he sold his truck and bought a dairy farm in Drifting. He attended Penn State University and received a certificate from the Department of Agriculture Short Course for dairy farming. He successfully farmed for 20 years and was nominated as a Pennsylvania Master Farmer a number of times.

He was the first farmer in the area to build an automated milking parlor. He started Shive’s Dairy, which sold raw milk and ice cream. In 1976, he sold the farm and started working for Johnson and Morgan Coal Co. but soon after started an excavation company and worked with his wife. In 2000, he sold the company to his son and retired on paper but was never far from working either a tractor or a backhoe.

Mr. Shive was a successful owner of two professions: farming and excavation. He was a skilled mechanic, which he learned from his father. He was a loving husband of 63 years and a devoted father to nine children; 25 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren.

He loved hunting and being in the outdoors. He was a member of the St. Severin Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, a part-owner of Long’s Dairy and a member of the Iron Workers Local No. 772. He helped replicate the existing bell tower for the St. Severin Old Log Church.

In addition to his wife, he’s survived by his daughters, Joan Evans (Philip) of Marshallville, Ohio, Judi Hauck (Walter) of Madison, NJ, Mary Kay Beveridge (Tuck) of Allport, Janet Jonson (Mike) of State College and Jacqui Chiarkas (Henry) and his sons, Mike (Jackie) of Boalsburg and Danny (Colleen) and Pat (Tink), both of Drifting, and a sister, Mary Doherty of Snow Shoe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Allen and a son, Mark and a grandchild, Maggie.

Friends and family will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday at the St. Severin Catholic Church and also from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday.

A mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Committal will be at the St. Severin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Severin Old Log Church restoration, P.O. Box 159, Frenchville, PA 16836. The family would like to thank the Clearfield Hospice for compassionate care of Mr. Shive during his final days.

Rebecca J. Bumbarger, 73, of Morrisdale died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield.

Born Aug. 25, 1940 in Philipsburg, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Faye E. Stone Laird. Mrs. Bumbarger worked at the Mountain Laurel Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center for 25 years as a care nurse until her retirement.

She was married to Terry A. Bumbarger Sr. on March 3, 1962. He survives in Morrisdale.

She’s survived by one daughter, Susan Summers and her companion, Rick Shirey of Osceola Mills and two sons, Scott Bumbarger and Terry A. Bumbarger Jr. and his wife, Shannon, both of Morrisdale.

She’s also survived by two sisters, Dr. Audrey Diane Bloom and her husband, Lawrence of Round Rock, TX and Linda Shaw and her husband, Dennis of Woodland; two grandchildren, Abigail Bumbarger of Morrisdale and Kaleb Bell of Osceola Mills and one step-grandchild, Sierra Maines of Morrisdale.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Yingling and one nephew, George Yingling.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Summit Hill United Methodist Church, Morrisdale, with the Pastor Tina Hawkins officiating. There will be no public visitation.

The Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Obituary Notice: Theodore W. Graham (Provided photo)

Theodore W. Graham, 94, of Clearfield died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at the Clearfield Hospital.

He was born Aug. 31, 1919, the son, of Henry Zinn and Sarah Jane (Dixon) Graham.

He retired from the Ford Motor Company in March 32, 1983 after 30 years of service.

Mr. Graham had lived in Loma Linda, Calif. and Attica, NY. After his retirement, his main interests were his family, volunteer work, gardening and hunting.

He was a member of the Mount Joy United Methodist Church and the Lawrence Township Fire Department. In 2002, he was named Fire Person of the Year. He was also a member of the Clearfield Borough Fire Department, the Clearfield Fire Department and the Old Town Sportsmen’s Club.

Mr. Graham is survived by a son, James Duane Graham of Byron, MN; two grandchildren, Melanie Lee Condado and her husband, Ruben, and Thomas James Graham and his wife, Tricia, both of Rochester, MN; four great-grandchildren, Abigail Rose Condado, Andrew Condado, Alexander Condado and Ellianna Faith Graham, all of Rochester, MN; two sisters, Annie Graham Lamere of Saranac, Lake, NY and Edith Graham Lorah and her husband, Richard of Vienna, VA; one brother, William H. Graham of Clearfield; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pauline Ruth Graham, whom he married on Aug. 24, 1945 and who died March 31, 1995; and three brothers, Samuel J. Graham, Russell R. Graham and Delbert D. Graham.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home Inc., Clearfield, with the Rev. Kenneth Leonard officiating. Burial will be in the Bradford Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until the hour of the services Saturday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mount Joy United Methodist Church, 1727 Mount Joy Rd., Clearfield, PA 16830 or Lawrence Township Fire Department, 321 Mill Rd., Clearfield, PA 16830 or Clearfield County Historical Society, 106 E. Pine St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

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

Harry L. Merritts, 51, of Woodland died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Born July 3, 1962 in Clearfield, he was the son of Donald and Roxanne (Cole) Merritts.  He had worked for Green’s Auto as a mechanic for many years and also for Dan Parsons Tree Service.

He is survived by his mother of Williamsburg; his wife, Judy Morgan Merritts; a son, Jason L. Merritts and his wife, Joyce; and two grandchildren, Kendrya Rae Merritts and Hunter Lee Merritts, all of Clearfield.

He’s also survived by eight brothers and sisters, Cindy Stephens of Woodland, Donald Merritts and his wife, Melissa and Pam Shaffer and her husband, Clair and April Davis, all of Williamsburg, Rick Merritts and his wife, Tammy of Clearfield, Dale Merritts and his wife, Jen of Irvona, Bridgette Merritts of Cresson and Ross Merritts of Waymart.

He was preceded in death by his father and a niece, Patty Davis.

At the request of Mr. Merritts, there will be no public viewing or services.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in the Canoe Creek Cemetery, Blair County.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602

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

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

James R. Brown, 51, of Morrisdale died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at the Altoona Hospital. Born April 10, 1962 in Huntington Station, Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late James B. and Virginia C. Freedell Brown.

He’s survived by two daughters, Trixie Brown and Cheyenne Brown, both of Winburne; two sisters, Barb Crain of Bowling Green, KY and Virginia Frank of Munson; two brothers, Michael Brown of Grassflat and Tony Brown of Scranton; and two grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brown was preceded in death by a daughter, Chelsie Brown.

A funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. There will not be any public visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, c/o James Brown Account, P.O. Box 238, 171 Deer Creek Rd., Morrisdale, PA 16858.

Obituary Notice: Daniel L. Hess (Provided photo)

Daniel L. Hess, 55, of Frenchville died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

He was born Aug. 22, 1958 in Clearfield, a son of the late William and Marian (Valimont) Hess.

Mr. Hess was an equipment operator for River Hill Coal Company, Kylertown. He enjoyed radio control truck racing, wood working, and was an avid fan of NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife, Candy (Gormont) Hess, whom he wed Sept. 14, 2001; three children, Kristy Johnson and her husband, Joseph of Woodland, Kirk Hess and his companion, Gina Dixon of Clearfield and Troy Hess at home; four grandchildren, James, Matthew and Katelyn Johnson and Myleigh Hess; four sisters, Linda Jackson and her husband, Walter and Debora McCracken, both of Clearfield, and Kathleen Rougeux and heer husband, Stanley and Cynthia Bell and her husband, David, both of Frenchville; a brother, Larry Hess and his wife, Laurie of Frenchville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Frenchville.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, 113 N. Third St., Clearfield.

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

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

Obituary Notice: Elsie M. McKeown (Provided photo)

Elsie Marie McKeown, 94, of Curwensville died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at her residence.

Born Jan. 1, 1920, she was the daughter of Clair E. and Helen E. (Anderson) Williams.  Mrs. McKeown was a homemaker.

She had worked for the former Clearfield Cheese for 25 years. She volunteered for the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging in the Meals on Wheels Program. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross, Clearfield County Chapter, for many years.

She was a lifelong member of the Curwensville United Methodist Church, where she participated in W.S.C.S., the church choir. She was treasurer for many years and a part of the kitchen workers. She was also a part of the annual “Search for Peace” pageant.

On Sept. 23, 1939 at St. Timothy Church in Curwensville, she wed James R. McKeown, who preceded her in death in 1989.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Joyce Irene McKeown; a brother, Norris A. Williams; two sisters, Edith Mae Pentz and Florence Pauline Fetzer; two sons-in-law, James S. Gillen and James A. Clark; a great-great-granddaughter, Skylar; and a nephew, Robert C. Williams.  She was the last member of her generation.

Surviving are three daughters, Helen Ann Gillen of Clearfield; Ruth Ellen Graham of Harrisburg; and Mary Jane Clark of Curwensville. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Bertha “Penny” Bloom, James R. Gillen, Virginia L. Guiher and her significant other, Dave, Mary Ellen Guiher and her husband, Frank, Sylvia Lansberry and her significant other, Matt, Susan M. Wills and her husband, Russ, David R. Graham and his wife, Cindy, Craig S. Graham, Christine J. Zeigler and her husband, Bradley and Bryan J. Clark and his wife, Cheryl.

In addition, there are 20 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great-grandchildren also surviving.

At the request of Mrs. McKeown, there will be no public visitation and a Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date.  Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park in Hyde.

The family suggests contributions be made to either the Curwensville United Methodist Church, 602 State St., Curwensville, PA 16833 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Obituary Notice: Stephen M. Belin (Provided photo)

Stephen M. Belin, 68, of Houtzdale died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 at UPMC Altoona.

He was born Jan. 5, 1946 in Philipsburg, a son of the late Matthew J. and Mary Jane (Brennan) Belin.

He was an active parishioner of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Ramey.  He was a Eucharistic Minister of Communion. He chaired and instructed for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the church.

In addition, Mr. Belin served as president of the parish council and as the church’s business manager. He was the technical coordinator liaison for the parish with the Erie Diocese. Mr. Belin served on the Holy Trinity Cemetery Committee and maintained the cemetery burial maps and death and burial records.

He graduated from the Moshannon Valley High School as salutatorian of his class in 1963. In recent years, he organized the class reunions.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis University, Loretto in 1967. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in inorganic chemistry from Cornell University.

Mr. Belin worked as a chemist for the Chattem Drug Co. in Chattanooga, TN from 1970 -1972.  He then was hired as a teacher for the Moshannon Valley School District in 1972 and retired in 2005 as the technical coordinator.

He taught nearly every science course available throughout his career.  He served as president of the local teacher’s union for several years, including serving during the only teachers’ strike in the history of the school in 1988.

Mr. Belin was appointed to the Woodward Township Sewage & Water Authority Board in

January of 1990. He was the only founding member of the board serving; since its conception, he’d served as the secretary/treasurer.  Mr. Belin had served a total of 24 years on the board.

He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union since boyhood, acting as treasurer of the local branch for some years.  He was a volunteer tax aide counselor for the AARP and IRS senior citizens tax aide program since 2011. In 2012, he had served as the technical coordinator for Clearfield County.

Mr. Belin was an enthusiastic gardener, and orchardist. He could barely leave a seed unplanted. He was an avid ornithologist, establishing a birding-watching club in the area in the 1990′s. He served as Clearfield County Coordinator for the Audubon Spring Migratory Bird Count for many years and participated in the Winter Raptor Survey in Clearfield County for several years.

He enjoyed genealogy and providing his family members with stories and photos of their past generations.

On Aug. 19, 1967, in Cleveland, Ohio, he married Mary Ann (Pajcic) Belin, who survives him, along with a sister-in-law, Marcia Muir of DuBois and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only sibling, Matthew Belin.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Kruise Funeral Home Inc., Ramey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Zab Amar as celebrant.

Burial will follow in the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery Ramey.  Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania Chapter, 2101 N. Front St., Building No. 1, Suite 200, Harrisburg, PA  17110.

Frances E. “Fritzie” Kost, 92, of DuBois died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at the DuBois Nursing Home.

Born Nov. 17, 1921 in Gallitzin, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary Ann (Gawlick) Wojtarowicz.

On July 28, 1956, she married S. Thomas Kost.  He preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 1978.

She was a homemaker and a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church.  She was well-known for making rosaries and liked to crochet and do puzzles.  She loved to spend time with her family and go to aqua-size at the DuBois YMCA.

She is survived by three daughters, Sandra Lundberg and her husband, Gary of Brockway, Rebecca Cuthbert of Middlesex, NJ and Linda Robuck and her husband, John of Ridgway; one sister, Agnes Wozniak of Aliquippa; and six grandchildren, Marianne Lundberg, Marissa, Andrew, Valerie and Katie Robuck and Thomas Cuthbert.

She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Stanley, Francis and Peter Wojtarowicz) and five sisters, Stella Sweeney, Annie Axelson, Catherine Kunko, Sister Harriet Wojtarowicz and Julia Prorok).

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home Inc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Kresinsky as celebrant.

Burial will follow in St. Catherine Cemetery.

Memorials may be placed with the DuBois Public Library, 31 S. Brady St., DuBois, PA 15801.

Online condolences may be made to www.gbfuneralhome.com.

Robert J. Kennedy, 34, of Altoona died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born Feb.  27, 1979, a son of the late James G. Kennedy and G. Kay (Parks) Kennedy with whom he resided.  On June 28, 2003 in Coalport, he married Scarlett E. Peters, who survives along with two children, Jacob D. and Alyssa E., and a brother, James R., all of Altoona.

He was a 1998 graduate of Altoona High School. He was employed by Go Green of Altoona.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday at the McQuown Funeral Home, Glasgow. Another viewing will be held from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Asbury Methodist Church, Altoona, at which time funeral services will be held with Pastor James House officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the family.

Shirley A. Miller, 64, of Curwensville died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at her home.

She was born Nov. 14, 1949 in Clearfield, a daughter of Bessie J. (Kerr) Rowles of Curwensville and the late Leroy F. Rowles.

Mrs. Miller owned the Animal House, a former pet store in Curwensville. She had also been employed at Bloom Insurance of Clearfield and for Attorney Timothy Durant in Clearfield.

She was a member of the Curwensville Presbyterian Church and also a member of the Clearfield Classic Quilters. She graduated in 1967 from the Curwensville High School and also earned an Associate’s degree in business from Penn State.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Jim Miller, whom she wed Nov. 20, 1973 in Clearfield; three sisters, Karen Wriglesworth and her husband, Jeff of Grampian; Sandy Rowles of Curwensville and Lee Mays of Olanta; a mother-in-law, Mildred Miller of DuBois; a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Miller of DuBois; four nephews and nieces, Brian Wriglesworth and his wife, Sarah of Port Royal, Elizabeth Wisor and her husband, Adam of Grampian, Katelyn Mays and her fiancé, Cory Clark of DuBois and Tyler Mays of Olanta.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Curwensville Presbyterian Church with Gary Jewart officiating. Burial will be in the Bloomington Cemetery, Curwensville.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Curwensville, and from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Bob Perks Fund, P.O. Box 313, State College, PA 16804.

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

Lillian A. “Gussie” Shugarts, 86, of Clearfield, died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at her home.

Ms. Shugarts was born Oct. 16, 1927 in Clearfield, the daughter of Philip and Mae (Milliron) Garito.

She had worked as a waitress most of her life at various places, including the Dimeling Hotel.

Ms. Shugarts was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Eagles and Moose Auxiliary.

She is survived by four children, Joanne M. Anderson and John E. Shugarts, both of Clearfield, Robert P. Shugarts and his wife, Marlene of New Millport and Joyce A. Mays and her husband, William of Glen Richey; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Shaw, Louise Murray and Jeannette Ogden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ms. Shugarts was preceded in death by her parents; three sons, William F. Shugarts Jr., Thomas J. and Larry J. Shugarts; a grandson, Robert Shugarts Jr.; and two brothers, Dominic and James Garito.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield with the Rev. M. Bruce Dimmick officiating.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until the hour of services Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

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

Hanako Ito, 89, of DuBois died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 at Christ the King Manor.

Born March 15, 1924 in Hannah, WY, she was the daughter of the late George and Hatsuyo (Niimoto) Miyamoto).

She was married to Noboru Ito and he preceded her in death on Dec. 1, 1981.

She was a homemaker and a very talented seamstress.  In 2005, she moved from Colorado to DuBois to be close with her family.

She loved to knit, go fishing and to travel.  She was a member of the Japanese American Association in Colorado.

She is survived by four children, Richard Ito of Taos, NM; Colleen Beck and her husband, Don of Delta Junction, AK; Faye Worley and her husband, Paul of Sykesville, MD; and Lloyd Ito and his wife, Kathy of Luthersburg; a brother, William Miyamoto of Arizona; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Services will be held in Thornton, CO. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park.

The Goble-Baronick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be placed with Christ the King Manor, 1100 W. Long Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.

Online condolences may be made to www.gbfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Paula Herbert Lefler Read (Provided photo)

Paula Herbert Lefler Read was born Feb. 26, 1936 in Clearfield. She was the daughter of the late Ralph J Herbert and V. Margaret Mellott Herbert.

She always felt proud and fortunate to be reared in Woodland and Bradford Township. She was brought up in the Methodist faith.
She attended Woodland Elementary School through eight grade levels and graduated from Clearfield Area High School in 1954, the Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing in 1957 and Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1968.

She attended Clarion University to obtain her elementary certification. She worked as a registered nurse on the staff at Clearfield Hospital and at the Stanly County Hospital in Albemarle, NC.

She was employed as an instructor in the Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing for three years until the school was closed. She retired after 30 years as a first grade teacher at the Third Ward Elementary School in the Clearfield Area School District.

She enjoyed music, going to the movies, traveling, musical theater and being with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two sons, Henry B. Lefler of Luthersburg and Ralph H. Lefler of Frenchville; two grandsons, Dane Lefler and Jordan Lefler of DuBois; and a sister, Phyllis Mullen of Allentown.

She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Aid Society of Clearfield County, the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, the Clearfield Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Clearfield Hospital Nurse’s Alumni and volunteered at the Centre School.

As her wishes, the family will receive condolences with a short memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ag Building at the Clearfield Driving Park followed by a celebration of her life.

Friends will be received from 1 p.m. Sunday until the hour of the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Children’s Aid Society, 1008 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830, Clearfield Hospital Nurses Alumni Scholarship Fund, C/O Rita Thomson, 612 Arnold Ave., Clearfield, PA 16830 or to Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Scholarship Fund, C/O Joyce Graham, 971 Flood Rd., Clearfield, Pa 16830.

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

Justin C. Gilbert, 21, of DuBois died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at his home after a five-year fight with leukemia.

Born Sept. 2, 1992, he was the son of Edwin Dean and Peggy Sue (Lindemuth) Gilbert.  They survive and live in DuBois.

He worked at both the GetGo at Giant Eagle and the maintenance department at the DuBois Mall.

He was a Boy Scout for many years and had attained the rank of Star Scout. He was an avid fisherman.  He enjoyed playing video games, and he was especially fond of his vintage video game collection.

He is survived by his brother, Jonathon Gilbert and one sister, Emily Gilbert, both of DuBois; his maternal grandmother, Susan Lindemuth of Hazen; and his paternal grandparents, Ken and Jean (Weible) Gilbert of DuBois.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Lindemuth.

There will be no public visitation.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, at the Smithtown Community Church with Pastor Harold Hills officiating.

Memorials may be sent to Children’s Hospital – Oncology, Attention:  Sharon Lavella, 4401 Penn Ave., Floor 9, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

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

The Goble-Baronick Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Forest E. Morgan, 50, of Philipsburg, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

He was the son of the late Harold L. “Toots” and Patricia A. (Laudenslager) Morgan, born July 8, 1963 in Philipsburg.  He is survived by his companion Judy Farley of Philipsburg.

Mr. Morgan was Protestant by faith.  He was the owner and operator of Forest E. Morgan Plumbing & Heating of Philipsburg and a 1981 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Jeffrey Morgan.

Mr. Morgan is survived by two sisters, Beverly Cowher and Patti DeLucia and her husband, Brian, both of Philipsburg.  He is also survived by three nieces, Misti McCloskey and her husband, Shane and Kyra DeLucia, both of Philipsburg, and Kayla DeLucia of Clearfield; a nephew, Ryan DeLucia and his wife, Samantha of Erie; a great-nephew; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

There will be no public visitation.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home in Philipsburg.

Contributions may be made to the family, in care of, Patti DeLucia, 2808 Port Matilda Hwy., Philipsburg, PA 16866.

Friends may sign the guestbook at: beezerheathfh.com.

Robert J. Schultz, 73, of Kylertown died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at his residence. Born June 29, 1940 in Winburne, he was the son of the late Lee J. and Evelyn Kester Schultz.

Mr. Schultz was a member of the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Allport, where he was a very active volunteer. He also attended the Brisbin Baptist Church, Brisbin.

He was a 1958 graduate of the Cooper Township High School. He was the owner and operator of the former Schultz Excavating in Kylertown. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He enjoyed dancing.

He was married to Veronica Way Schultz, who preceded him in death.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Arden, David and Jack Schultz. He was the last member of his generation.

Mr. Schultz is survived by five daughters, Tina Schultz of Bellefonte, Penny Shadeck and her husband, Steve of Frenchville, Patricia Conrad and her husband, Alan of Lanse, Deborah Simcox and her husband, Adam of Clearfield and Amy Smeal and her husband, Cliff of Woodland.

He’s also survived by a companion, Anna Bowery of Kylertown and nine grandchildren, Wayne Bambarger and his wife, April, Stephanie Dale and her husband, Adam, Nathan Shadeck and his wife, Meagan, Michael and Daniel Conrad, Abigail and Bradley Simcox and Anthony and Isabella Lopez; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Allport, with the Rev. Heather Baker-McAllister officiating. Burial will be in the Allport Cemetery.

There will be no public visitation.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Harvest Fund, c/o Gethsemane United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 185, 369 Allport Cutoff, Allport, PA 16821.

Obituary Notice: Andrew Jack Arnold (Provided photo)

Andrew Jack Arnold, 29, of Clarksville, TN and formerly of Osceola Mills, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 in Hopkinsville, KY.

He was the son of Jack A. and Pastor Susan L. (Wood) Arnold of Osceola Mills. He was born May 14, 1984 in Clearfield. He married Heather (Lombardo) Arnold on July 17, 2010 in Telford; she survives him at home.

Mr. Arnold was of the Christian faith.  He served seven years in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a member of the 28th Division Infantry Band.  He was a security guard for Loomis of Nashville, TN.

He was a 2002 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola High School and a 2007 graduate of Lock Haven University with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Albert Arnold and Ed Wood.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Arnold is survived by twin sons, Jacob A. Arnold and Alexander J. Arnold, who reside at home; grandmothers, Eleanor Jane Arnold of and JoAnn Wood, both of Philipsburg; and numerous aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Osceola Mills United Methodist Church with Pastor Donald Smith officiating.  Burial will be at the Umbria Cemetery in Osceola Mills.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service Saturday at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heath Funeral Home in Osceola Mills.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Jack and Sue Arnold, 305 Sarah St., Osceola Mills, PA 16666 for the future needs of Mr. Arnold’s sons.

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