Merrill Milford “Buddy”, “Dutch” Laird, 87, of Clearfield died Monday, March 11, 2013 at Ridgeview Elder Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville. Born Jan. 18, 1926 in Spring Valley, he was the son of Kenneth Harvey and Iva Mae (Rowles) Laird.

Mr. Laird was first self-employed running a saw mill. He then worked for Harbison-Walker Refractories, Penn Lines and Haxelett. He eventually retired from Warner Tree Trimming.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

He was first married to Jennie Laird and then married the former Alice A. (Shaffer) Rader, who preceded him in death May 21, 2012.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Elmer Laird, a sister, Florence Krise, an infant sister, Gladys Laird and a grandson, Christopher Paul Laird.

Surviving are eight children, Patricia Deitrich of Port Matilda, Rick Laird and his wife, Tammi of Harker Heights, TX, Kenneth Laird and his wife, Mary, Gregory Laird and Tammi Buck and her husband, Chris, all of Clearfield, Penny Wisor and her husband, Ronald of Bigler and Pamala Linbert and her husband, Christopher and Michael Laird and his wife, Connie, all of Curwensville.

Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, Mildred McCullough of Spring Valley, a step-daughter, Mary Neeper and her husband, Howard of Hyde, nine step-grandchildren, 19 step-great-grandchildren, and 12 step-great great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Laird will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. 16 N. Front St., Clearfield, with the Rev. Kenneth Pry officiating.

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

The family suggests contributions be made to the Community Care Group of Ridgeview Elder Care, 30 Fourth Ave., Curwensville, PA  16833.

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.

Mary Ann Wright, 70, of Chestnut Grove, died Sunday,March 10, 2013at the Clearfield Hospital.

BornJuly 23, 1942in Clearfield, she was the daughter of Charles E. and Alda Ruth (Thomas) Luce.  She was Lutheran by faith.  She was a homemaker, and she loved canning, crafting, gift giving and children.

Surviving are a brother and sister, John “Jack” Luce of Chestnut Grove and Virgie Ellen Luce of Beverly Hills, CA. as well as numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her former husband, Walter Wright.

Funeral services for Mary Wright will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville, with the Rev. Charles M. Lee Jr. officiating. Burial will be in the Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Grampian.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and from 12 p.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home.

The family suggests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

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: Mildred D Smeal (Provided photo)

Mildred D Smeal, 93 of Houtzdale died Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Clearfield Hospital, Clearfield. Born July 17, 1919 in West Decatur, she was a daughter of Leroy and Minnie (Waple) Mason.

She was employed as a nurse’s aide at the Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabalitation Center and Clearfield Hospital until her retirement.

She married Ray Smeal, who preceded her in death on May 14, 1991.

Mrs. Smeal is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Caldwell and her husband, Jerry of Curwensville and Linda McCombs of Clearfield, a son, Al R. Smeal and his wife, Rose of Houtzdale, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three brothers, Jim Mason of Ohio, Les Mason of Harrisburg, Roy Mason of Philipsburg, two sisters, Edna Dunkle 0f Milesburg and Campsy Richner of Houtzdale and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, Leroy and Kenny Smeal and a brother, Chuck Smeal.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, Clearfield with the Rev. John Mason, the Rev. Larry Smeal, the Rev. Robert Goldenberg and Dr. Duane White as officiates.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday at the Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale and from 2 p.m. until the time of service Friday at the church.

Burial will be in the Baughman Cemetery, Sanborn.

Rosalie M. Lombardo, 93, of Clearfield died Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born March 22, 1919 in Walston, the daughter of Samuel and Frances (Chiodo) Lombardo Sr.  She was a member of the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church.

She was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and served during the World War II as photo laboratory technician. She received the American Service Medal Good Conduct Medal, WAAC service ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

She retired from a garment factory in York, as a seamstress. She was a member of the Garment Workers Union.

She is survived by three sisters, Margaret Rose and her husband, Robert of Curwensville, Elizabeth Savel of Clearfield and Nellie Ann Halford and her husband, Rodney of Youngstown, NY and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Samuel Lombardo, Joseph Lombardo, Charles Lombardo, James Lombardo, Guy M. Lombardo and an infant brother, Sylvester Lombardo and a sister, Jennie Miller.

Honoring the wishes of Miss Lombardo, there will no public viewing or visitation.

A Memorial Mass will be announced at a later date.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Roman Catholic Church-Building Fund, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

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

Joanne Kephart of Glen Richey died Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.  She was the daughter of Edward and Mary (Rumsky) Kephart.

She was first employed by the former Dufton/Delaney Hardware in Clearfield, then by Martell Glass in Hyde and finally retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.  She was a member of St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in Curwensville.

Surviving is a brother, Ronald Kephart and his wife, Elizabeth of Olanta, a nephew, Douglas Allen Kephart and his wife, Sue of Glen Richey, a niece, Michelle Dawn Kephart of Erie, an aunt, Pearl Rumsky of Glen Richey, an uncle John Rumsky of Clearfield and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in Curwensville, with the Rev. Father Mark J. Mastrian as celebrant. Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park of Hyde.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville when the procession will depart for the church.

The Rosary will be recited by members of St. Timothy Altar and Rosary Society at 5:30 p.m. Friday and a Scripture Vigil Services will be conducted 7:45 p.m. Friday, both at the funeral home.

The family suggests contributions be made to the St. Timothy Church Fr. Niebling Memorial Fund, 306 Walnut St., Curwensville, PA 16833.

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.

Nicki L. Rauch, 60, of Clearfield, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clearfield. Born Aug. 5, 1952, she was the daughter of Douglas Wood and Dorothy Lorraine (Morrison) McKendrick.  She was affiliated with the Jubilee Christian Center of Hyde.

Surviving are four children, Richard Lopez and his wife, Windy and Adam Rauch and his wife, Amy, both of Clearfield and Lisa McKenzie and her husband, Roger and Aaron Rauch, both of Curwensville.  Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and her husband, Richard “Rick” Rauch of Clearfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her step-father, Merrill A. McKendrick.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday above the Clearfield Eagles Club located on East Market Street, Clearfield.

There will be no public visitation.

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.

Obituary Notice: Veronica L. Pirow (Provided photo)

Veronica L. Pirow, 75, of Hawk Run died Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Clearfield Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Michael J. Sr. and Mary (Ropchock) Pirow, born Nov. 25, 1937 in Philipsburg.

Ms. Pirow was a member of Nativity of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Chester Hill, where she was also a member of the alter guild, St. Ann’s Guild and the choir.

She was a member of the board of directors of the Philipsburg State General Hospital.  She was active in politics and served as Judge of Elections with Morris Township, second precinct.  She enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and spending time with her dog, Chloe.

She was first employed as a registered nurse and later as a nursing supervisor at Clearfield Hospital.  She was also a Clearfield County deputy coroner for many years.

She was a 1955 graduate of Morris Township High School and was a 1958 graduate of the Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Pirow was preceded in death by a brother, Michael J. Pirow Jr. and a sister, Helen Mae Harvey.

She is survived by two sisters, Rose Marie Fetcenko of Troy, RD Philipsburg and Mary Ann Undercofler of Glendale, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.

A prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at The Nativity of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Chester Hill.  The Very Rev. John Horosky and the Rev. Peter Benyo will officiate.  Burial will be at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Hawk Run.

Friends will be received from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Beezer Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg.

Parastas will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of her may be made to: Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21^st Street, Clearfield, PA 16830; St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 420 Laura St., Philipsburg, PA 16866; or St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 53 Fulton St., Hawk Run, PA 16840.

Friends may sign the guestbook at beezerheathfh.com.

Edgar Lee Bell, 72, of Grassflat died Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Clearfield Hospital. Born Dec. 25, 1940 in Brisbin, he was the son of the late Arthur and Mary Bloom Bell.

He was married to Violet Coble Bell on April 29, 1961 in Grassflat. She survives.

Mr. Bell is survived by one daughter, Violet Kaye Wolf and her husband, Andrew of Stanford, CT and two sons, Keith Bell and his wife, Brittiny and Jason Bell, all of Grassflat.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Patricia and Hunter Bell and Ethan Thompson; three sisters, Elizabeth Teater of Missouri, Mildred Daub of Bellefonte and Mary Berger of Minnesota; and one brother, Percy Bell of Niagara Falls, NY.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, two brothers and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Messiah Baptist Church, Lanse, with Pastor Earl R. Shawley officiating. Burial will be in the Messiah Baptist Cemetery, Kylertown.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the church.

The family suggests memorial contribution be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The Johnson Funeral Home, Grassflat, is serving the family.

Obituary Notice: E. Isabelle “Belle” Graffius (Provided photo)

E. Isabelle “Belle” Graffius, 94, of Philipsburg died Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus.

Born July 5, 1918 in Gearhartville, Philipsburg RD, she was a daughter of the late Frank H. and Martha A. (Taylor) Middleton. On Nov. 17, 1945 at Philipsburg, she married John B. “Jack” Graffius, who died April 10, 2011.

She’s survived by one sister, Florence Rothrock, formerly of Philipsburg and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two brothers, John H. Middleton and George T. Middleton.

She was a 1937 graduate of Philipsburg High School. She worked for McCory’s and Irwin Stationary, both of Philipsburg. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Philipsburg, where she held various offices.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Colonist, the Daughters of the American Revolution, was Past Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star Philipsburg Chapter #387, the Amvets Auxiliary, and a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

In 1977, she was named Woman of the Year by the Business & Professional Women.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. Brenda K. Leigey officiating. Burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday at the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 465, Philipsburg, PA 16866 or to the Moshannon Valley Branch of YMCA of Centre County, P.O. Box 426, Philipsburg, PA 16866.

Online condolences may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Gertrude Mary “Gertie” Hepfer (Provided photo)

Gertrude Mary “Gertie” Hepfer, 90, of Grampian died Friday, March 15, 2013 at the home of her daughter, Debbie Hepfer in Clearfield.

Born March 8, 1923 in Hepburnia, she was the daughter of Frank and Candace (Thomas) Guiher.  She was a homemaker and spent a great amount of time volunteering in the Grampian area.

She was a member of the Grampian Church of God, where she was a member of the Chad Missionary Society, was a member of the Grampian Days Committee and operated a booth during the celebration and the Penn Grange.

She wed Franklin R. Hepfer on March 23, 1940 and who preceded her in death April 4, 2002.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Richard Hepfer; a sister, Dorothy Hines; and six brothers, Chester, Herbert, LeRoy, Winfield Scott, Leonard and Harvey Guiher.

She was the last member of her generation.

Surviving are four children, Mary Ellen McCracken of Canandaigua, NY; Franklin Ronald Hepfer and his wife, Irene of Maryland; Gary Stanley Hepfer and his wife, Marcy of Danville; Debbie Hepfer and her partner, Robin Blaylock of Clearfield; a daughter-in-law, Deloris Hepfer of North Carolina; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Grampian Church of God Route 219 North, with the Rev. Leslie Bloom officiating. Burial will be in the Friends Cemetery Grampian.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville and from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, when the procession will depart for the church.

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.

Dorothy P. Allender, 80, formerly of DuBois died Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Christ the King Manor. Born May 3, 1932 in Weirton, WV, she was the daughter of the late Paul Pappas and Stella (Trilirakis) Pappas Manousakis.

On May 17, 1956, she married Robert S. Allender.  He preceded her in death Aug. 3, 2001.

Mrs. Allender grew up in Ambridge and worked at Tygart Valley Glass Plant in Washington. Then, she became a full-time homemaker.

She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in DuBois. She was also baptized Greek Orthodox.

Mrs. Allender enjoyed sewing, cooking and being with her family and friends, as well as being a wife, mother and grandmother

She is survived by a son, Charles Allender and his fiancée, LouAnn Henry of DuBois; a step-sister, Maria Pistiolas and her husband, George of Brunswick, OH; a step-brother, Jerry Pappas and his wife, Pat of Myrtle Beach, SC; two grandchildren, Ashley and Alex Allender; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, George Pappas; a sister, Mary Karolaus; and her step-brother, John Pappas.

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

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Sarah Ott officiating.

Burial will follow in Morningside Cemetery.

Memorials may be placed with First United Presbyterian Church, 43 W. Scribner Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.

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

Steven P. Franek, 76, of Olanta and formerly of Drifting died Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield. Born Oct. 14, 1936, he was the son of the late George and Mary Nagray Franek.

Mr. Franek was affiliated with the St. Severin Roman Catholic Church, Drifting.

He was married to Betty J. Condon Franek of Olanta.

He’s survived by three daughters, Melinda Elbel and her husband, Clark of Punxsutawney; Laura Orr and her husband, John of Huntingdon; and Tammy Moler and her husband, Steve of Baltimore, MD and one son, Steve Franek of Hunlock.

Also surviving are four sisters, Margaret Seal of Vassar, MI; JoAnne Martin and Miriam Koleno, both of Drifting; and Rose Ann Hoover of Philipsburg; three brothers, Arthur Franek and his wife, Alice of Casonova; Anthony Franek of Drifting and John Franek and his wife, Nancy of Ginter; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, George Franek Jr.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Severin Catholic Church, Drifting, with the Father David A. Perry Jr. and the Father Joseph Orr as celebrant.  Burial will be in the St. Severin Roman Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be private to the family.

Strange & Weaver Funeral Service is serving the family.

Fred E. Sloppy, 97, a former resident of Colonial Courtyard, Clearfield died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield.

He was born May 3, 1915 in Clearfield County, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Sloppy.  Mr. Sloppy retired from Harbison Walker Refractories, Clearfield after 37 years of employment. He had a love of traveling, including going to Florida for 30 years with his wife, Jessie.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Clearfield, a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #540, Clearfield and a 50-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #480, Curwensville.

Mr. Sloppy is survived by his son, Richard Sloppy and his wife, Sandra of New Millport; four grandchildren, Daniel Sloppy of Erie, Lori Buzzard and her husband, Don of Erie and Brian and Andrew Sloppy of New Millport; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia ‘Avanel’ Whitaker of Buchanan Dam, TX; and a daughter-in-law, Connie Sloppy of Erie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie L. (Leiby) Sloppy on Feb. 3, 2013 and whom he wed in 1937. He was also preceded in death by a son, Jack A. Sloppy and three brothers, Kenneth, George and Clifford Sloppy.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Clearfield with the Rev. Penney Rahm officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Curwensville.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the hour of services Wednesday at the church.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, Clearfield, 121 N. Second St., Clearfield or to the SPCA, 275 21^st 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: Gordon L. Caldwell (Provided photo)

Gordon Lee Caldwell, 49, of Clearfield died Saturday, March 9, 2013 at his residence. Born Feb. 20, 1964, he was the son of Gerald “Jerry” and Kathryn (Smeal) Caldwell.

He attended the Clearfield Alliance Church, wolf Run, Clearfield.

Surviving are his parents of Curwensville and a brother, Glenn Caldwell and his wife, Rose of Reedsville.

A memorial funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Clearfield Alliance Church, with the Rev. Dr. Duane White officiating. Burial will be in the Baughman Cemetery in Sanborn.

There will be no public visitation.

The family suggests contributions be made to the Clearfield Alliance Church.

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.

Sara Louise Wilkes, 96, of Houtzdale died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the home of her daughter Joyce Summers in Chester, VA. Born June 20, 1916, she was a daughter of Simon and Mary Roberts Peck.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Houtzdale, Order of Eastern Star and Order of Amaranth.

She was a homemaker.

On Dec. 9, 1933 in Cumberland, MD, she married John Leonard Wilkes, who preceded her in death Jan. 26, 1993.

She’s survived by a daughter, Joyce A Summers and her husband, Jim of Chester, VA; three sons, John L. Wilkes Jr. and his wife, Marsha of Avis, Glenn R. Wilkes and his wife, Kate of Webster, NY and James A. Wilkes of Chesapeake Beach, MD; seven grandchildren, Gregory T. Wilkes, Sharon M. Hewitt, Kari E. Silver, Beth Stroble, Debbie Schawnke, Mark I. Summers and Richard T. Summers.

Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Peck of Philipsburg and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a grandson, Justin Wilkes on Feb. 26, 1995; five sisters, Beatrice Clancy, Betty Lobb, Shirley Johnson, Dolly Lobb, Ruth Emala; and a brother, Ray Peck.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale, with the Rev. Robert Ford officiating.

Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Brisbin.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church, Clara and Good St., Houtzdale, PA 16651.

Olive I. Mease, 86, of West Decatur died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Clearfield Hospital. Born May 21, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John and Ethel Green Bumbarger.

Mrs. Mease was affiliated with the Protestant faith. She drove bus for the Centre Intermediate for years.

She was married to Alvin C. Mease, who preceded her in death Sept. 14, 1980.

Mrs. Mease is survived by six daughters, Debra Ann Bumbarger, Linda Bryan and her husband, Larry, Sandra Harvey and her companion, Fred Lucas, Janet Shimmel and her husband James and Teresa Harvey, all of Philipsburg and Crystal Steele and her companion, Jim of New Washington and two sons, Alvin S. Mease and his wife, Elaine of La Jose and Richard Mease and his companion, Deb of Philipsburg.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mabel Woods of Niagara Falls, NY and Mary Beish of Bigler; a good friend, Richard Steele; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Judith M. Mease and one grandson, Timothy Steele.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel of the Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, with the Pastor Tina Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in the Reidy Cemetery, Wallaceton.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. until the hour of services Wednesday at the funeral home.

Obituary Notice: Veronica A. Mollica (Provided photo)

Veronica Ann (Sarnese) Mollica, 59, of Clearfield died Monday, March 18, 2013 at her residence after a lengthy illness. Born Feb. 21, 1954 in Latrobe, she was the daughter of Daniel and Veronica (Sherbeck) Sarnese.

She was a member of the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Clearfield.  She had worked in retail management, managing Pappy’s Pizza in Dubois. She was the manager of Clearfield Fashion Bug for 10 years.

On June 6, 1990 at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, she wed Stephen J. Mollica, who survives along with a son, James Daniel Horner of Dubois.

She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Reba Mollica of Clearfield, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Becky and Rick Hummel of Clearfield, Nancy and Jon Hayes of Downingtown, Sam and Leah Mollica of Dubois, Claudia and Bruce Russell of Chester Springs and Carol Sarnese of Lady Lake, FL.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews, R. Lynn Hummel of Emporium, Ann Hummel of Baltimore, MD, Heather Hettesheimer and Heidi Taylor, both of Georgia, Bruce Russell, Andrew Russell and Cara Russel, all of Chester Springs, Samantha Mollica of Baltimore, MD, Christina Peterson of Bellefonte, Eric Hayes, Jennifer Hayes and Kathleen Hayes, all of Downingtown.

In addition she is survived by her long-time caregiver, Amy Clark Couturiaux, who was loved like a daughter and also fellow caregiver, Melissa Lowder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Alphonse Sarnese and her father-in-law, Samuel J. “Dutchie” Mollica.

At the request of Mrs. Mollica, there will be no public visitation. Private memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21^st St., Clearfield, PA 16830, or to the National Multiple  Sclerosis Society, Western PA Chapter, 1501 Reedsdale St., Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

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.

Obituary Notice: Theresa E. (Schmidt) Kuntz (Provided photo)

Theresa E. (Schmidt) Kuntz, 94, formerly of Ramey, died Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Tucson, AZ.

Mrs. Kuntz was born June 29, 1918 at North Tonawanda, NY, a daughter of the late William E. and Hedwig (Wambsganss) Schmidt.

On June 8, 1940 at North Tonawanda, she married Leonard W. Kuntz, who preceded her in death June 4, 1988.

Mrs. Kuntz is survived by a son and a daughter, Steven J. Koontz of Las Vegas, NV and Karen A. Sussman of Lantry, SD;  six grandchildren, Dr. Greg Koontz, Jeff Koontz, Steven Koontz, Kristina Harrison, Dr. Amy Sussman and Jennifer Willmott; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She’s also survived by a sister, Myrtha Witkop of Selinsgrove and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Kuntz was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara L. Lynn on July 16, 2007 and a brother, William Schmidt.

For more than 56 years, Mrs. Kuntz taught classical piano from her home in Ramey to individuals of all ages.  She was most proud of her students when they would perform for their family and friends at the yearly piano recital.  Mrs. Kuntz not only instructed students on the piano, she would instruct them on the importance of hard work and dedication to be successful in life.

Mrs. Kuntz was the organist at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Munson, for many years and a volunteer at the Clearfield Hospital for more than 20 years.  She enjoyed traveling and was an avid Penn State Football fan and attended most home games when she was able.

She will be remembered for her love of cats, and especially Mordechai and Mehgan.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. March 29 and from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. March 30 at the Kruise Funeral Home Inc. Ramey.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. March 30 at the funeral home with the Rev. Jonathan A. Schnibben officiating.   Burial will follow in the Beulah Cemetery Ramey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1501 Reedsdale St., Suite 105, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros, C/O Karen A. Sussman, President, ISPMB P.O. Box 55, Lantry, SD  57636-0055.

Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.

Jack F. Webster, 85, of Osceola Mills died Monday, March 18, 2013 at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home in Hollidaysburg.

He was the son of the late Freeman and Mabel (Wertz) Webster, born Nov. 15, 1927 in Osceola Mills. He was married to Barbara E. (Tibbetts) Webster on June 19, 1947 in Osceola Mills. She preceded him in death April 9, 2000.

Mr. Webster was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the VFW Post #5020 in Osceola Mills.

He served as Decatur Township tax collector for 26 years and had previously been a barber in Philipsburg and Osceola Mills.

He was a 1945 graduate of the former Osceola Mills High School.

Mr. Webster was an avid fly fisherman and loved hunting.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rodger Webster.

He’s survived by a daughter, Stacey L. Soltis and her husband, James of Osceola Mills; a sister, Vanetta Webster Irwin and her husband, Jack, who was his hunting and fishing buddy, of Osceola Mills; and two grandchildren, Samantha Soltis and Ryan Soltis.

At Mr. Webster’s request, funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Heath Funeral Home in Osceola Mills.  Burial will be at the Umbria Cemetery in Osceola Mills.

There will be no public visitation.

Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Osceola Mills Honor Guard.

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

Albert E. “Al” Crawford, 90, of DuBois died Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at the DuBois Nursing Home.

Born Aug. 16, 1922, he was the son of the late William and Phrona (Knarr) Crawford. On April 8, 1948, he married Marian R. Miller.  She survives.

Mr. Crawford was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving during World War II.  He obtained the rank of First Lieutenant and was a pilot and flying instructor.

He worked as an engineer at Brockway Glass until his retirement.

He was a member of the Lakeside United Methodist Church.  He also was a member of the George D. Montgomery American Legion Post 17 and Trout Unlimited.  He enjoyed many hobbies, such as woodworking, furniture making and was a model train enthusiast.

He’s survived by his son, James R. Crawford and his wife, Judy of Brockway; two grandchildren, Kristin Moore and Thad Crawford; and four great-grandchildren, Austin, Leah, Baylee and Spencer Moore.

He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Daniel and Andrew Crawford.

There will be no public visitation.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Lakeside United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Zilhaver officiating.

Full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard from the church.

Memorials may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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