John R. Wagner Sr., 65, of Clearfield died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at his home with his family by his side.

Born May 17, 1949 in Johnstown, he was the son of the late Walter T. and Rachel D. Murphy Wagner.

Mr. Wagner was a graduate of the West Branch High School. He was retired from the Glen-Gery Brickyard, Bigler.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the James J. Patterson VFW Post 813, DuBois.

He’s survived by his domestic partner, Lisa Peoples; a daughter, Brenda King and her husband, Will; and two sons, John R. Wagner Jr. and his fiancée, Joyce StanDridge and Brian L. Wagner and his wife, Jamie.

He’s also survived by three sisters, Marie Marsh and her husband, Charlie, Martha Moyer and her husband, Fred and Carol Hollen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Harry, Richard, Walter and Ralph.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale. Burial will be in the Ashcroft Cemetery, Hawk Run.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Strange & Weaver Funeral Home, c/o The John R. Wagner Sr. Account, P.O. Box 238, 171 Deer Creek Rd., Morrisdale, PA 16858.

Donald Maurice McCracken, 75, of Grampian, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Born Aug. 21, 1939 in Bloomington, he was the son of Walter “Pete” and Kathryn (Smith) McCracken.

Mr. McCracken was a sheet metal worker and a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union. He had been employed by TAFCO in Hyde.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam, serving in the Panama Canal Zone.

He was a former member of the Clearfield Honor Guard; a member of the Clearfield American Legion Post 6; the Curwensville VFW Post 842; a former member of the Curwensville L.O.O.M.; the former Curwensville S.O.I.; and the Curwensville Rescue Hose & Ladder Co.

He was a 1958 graduate of Curwensville Area High School.

On Dec. 19, 1986, he wed the former Patricia “Patty” Betzold, who survives, along with two sons, Donald Brad McCracken and his wife, Annie of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Daniel Clinton McCracken and his wife, Bernadette of Honeyoye, NY; and two step-daughters, Tonya Stiles and her husband, Rory of Curwensville and Khristina Brewer and her companion, James Dale of Clearfield.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren three brothers and a sister,  Dean McCracken and his wife Dorothy, Frederick McCracken and his wife, Linda, and Richard McCracken and his wife, Joanne, all of Lumber City, and Betty Aughenbaugh of Philipsburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

At the request of Mr. McCracken, there will be no public visitation and private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family

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.

Josephine Pauline (Esposito) Bruzga, a former resident of Toby Terrace in Brockway, died peacefully at the Transitions at Oakland Manor in Sykesville, Md., on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015.

Born May 5, 1928 in Brockway, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Millie (Parenzi) Esposito.

She was a 1946 graduate of the Brockway High School. She served as a secretary at the Brockway Borough Municipal Authority for more than 25 years and until retiring in 1991.

She also served as a waitress at the former Bona Vista in Brockway and the Dutch Pantry in Dubois during the 1960’s and 1970’s.  She moved to Maryland in November of 2012.

She is survived by her son, David and his wife, Monika of New Market, Md. “MiMi,” as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, is also survived by her three grandchildren, Lauren, Michael and Daniel, all of Ellicott City, Md.; a step-granddaughter, Monica Haskins; and two step-great-grandchildren, Daniella and Isabella of Parkville, Md.

She is also survived by her sister, Patty Esposito, and two brothers, John and Richard Esposito, all of Brockway.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by four sisters, Connie, Ann Benson, Theresa Prosper, and Geraldine Whiteman and two brothers, Gerald and Francis.

A memorial mass will be held at the St. Tobias Church in Brockway on a date to be announced.

Expressions of sympathy and memories may be sent to the family via e-mail:  dabruzga@comcast.net and or www.gbfuneralhome.com.

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

Albert J. Walentukonis, 65, of Frenchville died Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at his residence. Born Oct. 22, 1949 in Trenton, NJ, he was the son of the late Rose Fox Montani and his step-father, Frank Montani.

Mr. Walentukonis was Native American. He was a self-employed artist.

He’s survived by his significant other, Kay Brown of Frenchville.

He’s also survived by a daughter, Jessica Alexander of Otsego, Mich.; a sister, Carol Gafgen of Whiting, NJ; a nephew, Robbie Gafgen of Whiting, NJ; and four grandchildren.

In addition to his mother and step-father, he was preceded in death by a son, Dion James and a brother-in-law, Bobby Gafgen.

At the request of Mr. Walentukonis, there will not be any public visitation or services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shepherd of the Hills Church, P.O. Box 65, Karthaus, PA 16845; Alleghany Spay & Neuter Clinic, Woodland, PA; or Kartahus Volunteer Ambulance, Karthaus, PA.

Obituary Notice: Mary R. Billotte (Provided photo)

Mary R. Billotte, 80, of Frenchville died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at home.

She was born Oct. 3, 1934 in Clearfield, a daughter of the late Joseph and Muriel (Graham) Hugney.

Mrs. Billotte was a homemaker and a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Frenchville where she was part of the Rosary Society. She was also a member of the ladies auxiliary of the Frenchville VFW Leigey Renaud Post No. 8386.

She is survived by three children, Nestor J. Billotte and Cindy Cardinale, both of Frenchville, and Melissa Phillips and her husband, Eric of Bridgeport, W.Va.; a grandson, Ian Phillips; and a great-grandson, Barry Shirey Jr.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nestor F. Billotte on Feb. 7, 2009 and whom she wed June 26, 1954 in Frenchville.

She was also preceded in death by granddaughter, Jennifer Cardinale; a son-in-law, Carl ‘Joe’ Cardinale; and two brothers, Matthew Hugney and Joseph V. Hugney Jr.

Public visitation and a memorial mass will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Sarcoma Research Foundation of America, 9899 Main St., Suite 204, Damascus, MD 20872.

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

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

Jared R. Bloom, 76, of Clearfield and formerly of Allport, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield.

Born Feb. 10, 1938, he was the son of the late Reynold A. and Estella E. Jamison Bloom. He attended the Cooper Township High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Vietnam era. He also hauled coal for Penn Coal, Sky Haven and Avery Coal companies.

Mr. Bloom is survived by five sons, Monty L. Bloom and his wife, Lynette, Cory Bloom, Drew Bloom, Jason Bloom and his wife, Jennifer and David Bloom and his wife, Amy.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Joshua, Greg and Isiah Bloom, Michael and Kyle Bloom, Macy and Cody Bloom, Isaak Bloom, Joe and Jonathan Bloom, Amos and Leah Albright, Aaron and Lindsey Albright, Adam Albright and Abraham Albright and three great-grandchildren.

He is survived by three sisters, Alice Leight and her husband, John of Windsor, Kathryn Bernard and her husband, James of Manchester and Elizabeth Bloom of Lewisberry and two brothers, Robert A. Bloom and his wife, Lillian of Youngstown and Dennis L. Bloom and his wife, Jean of Chester Hill.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Thompson Bloom.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Allport, with the Rev. Heather Baker-McAllister and the Rev. Gary Jewart co-officiating.

Burial will be in the Allport Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 185, 369 Allport Cutoff, Allport, PA 16821.

Michael L. Garofalo, 99, of DuBois died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at Nelson’s Golden Years after a brief illness.

Born Jan. 11, 1916 in Seattle, Wash., he was the son of the late Michael and Antonnet (Minardi) Garofalo.

He was married to Jayne (Stephenson) Garofalo.  She preceded him in death in 1970.  He later married Dorothy Elaine (Swanson) Garofalo in 1978.  She preceded him in death in 2008.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and serviced in World War II.  After his service to his country, he worked for the Sons of Italy, the Eagles and the Elks in Reynoldsville and the Erie Brewing Company. He is most known for his many years of work at the DuBois Holiday Inn.

He was a member of DuBois Kiwanis Club, the Reynoldsville American Legion Post, the DuBois Country Club, the Reynoldsville Elks Club and he was the last surviving member of the former Reynoldsville Sons of Italy.

He was a member of the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church and a past member of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville. He was an avid and accomplished golfer and enjoyed singing in the St. Mary’s Church choir for 75 years.

He is survived by three daughters, Nancy Kraus and her husband, Edward of Mechanicsburg, Sally Harvey and her husband, Jack of DuBois and Susan Koontz of Lancaster; two step-daughters, Kim Kerr and her husband, Shawn of Acme and Heather O’Brien of Anchorage, Alaska; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Anna Garofalo, a brother, Joseph Garofalo and a great-granddaughter, Brittany Baird.

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 Fr. Daniel Kresinski officiating.

Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Reynoldsville.

Memorials may be placed with Penn Highland Hospice, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.

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

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

Ronald E. Kelly, 84, of Woodland died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at his home.

He was born Sept. 25, 1930 in Clearfield, the son of Lincoln and Mae (Dent) Kelly. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Philipsburg.

He worked at Commercial Printing. He then retired from The Clearfield Progress as a journeyman.

He served on the Woodland Water Authority. He was a member of the former Woodland Lions Club and a life member of the Bigler-Jackson-Woodland Fire Company.

He was survived by his wife, Arvilla M. (Owens) Kelly; two sons, Randolph E. Kelly and his wife, Debra J. of Palmyra and Alan L. Kelly and his wife, Heather of Frenchville; and three daughters, Kim M. Hall and her husband, Scott of Midlothian, Va., Pamela J. Kamara and her husband, Jacob of Glen Burnie, Md., and Lori J. Kelly of Pasadena, Calif.

He’s also survived by seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the last member of his generation. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Hobart Kelly; and a sister, Virginia Shaffer.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. with Pastor Ted Seibert officiating.
Burial will be held at Crown Crest Memorial Park.

Friends will be received from 12 p.m. until the hour of the services Thursday at the funeral home.

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

To send online tributes, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, Clearfield.

Betty Jo (Date) Bedekovich, 85, of Langhorne died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at Crestview Center, Langhorne.

Born June 13, 1929 in Smoke Run, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Phillips) Date.

She’s survived by one daughter, Joann (Daniel) Dallesandro of Langhorne and two sons, Mark (Krista) Bedekovich and James (Irene) Bedekovich, all of Smithmill.

She’s survived by a sister, Morrell Date of Levittown and eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Emilee, Jeffrey, Allison, Billy, James Jr., Matthew and Justine. She’s also survived by six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Bedekovich, and a brother, Tom Date Sr.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday at the Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Madera.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Clare L. Pannebaker officiating.  Burial will follow in Hegarty’s Crossroad Cemetery, Coalport.

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

John L. Beschler, 86, Clearfield and formerly of Philipsburg died Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Clearfield.

Born Jan. 13, 1929 in Tyrone, he was the son of the late John and Stella (Ross) Beschler.  He married the former Nettie I. Swope on April 12, 1988 in Winchester, Va. She survives at home.

Mr. Beschler was a member of the New Life Center in Philipsburg. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

He had volunteered as a DJ during the early to mid-1990’s for a number of “hymn time” programs on WPHB Radio in Philipsburg.

He was employed as a railroad electrician for the former Pennsylvania Railroad/Conrail at the Juniata shops in Altoona until his retirement.  He was a graduate of the Tyrone High School.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Susan Shoffner.

Mr. Beschler is survived by two daughters, Christine Zeppenfeld and her husband, Sterling of Trenton, NJ and Susan Zimmerman and her husband, David of Philipsburg and two step-daughters, Donna Mitulski and her husband, Allan of Erie and Cindy Lansberry and her husband, Tom Neiring of Charleston, SC.

He is survived by three sons, Steve Beschler of Duncansville, Tim Beschler and his wife, Brenda of Ebensburg and Mark Beschler and his wife, Dana of Pittsburgh and four step-sons, Dave Shoffner and his wife, Luann of Madera, Tom Shoffner and his wife, Kim of Erie and Dale Shoffner and his companion, Wendy Kelly and Michael Shoffner and his wife, Jennifer, all of Philipsburg.

He is survived by one sister, Beverly Spiller and her husband, Don of LaPort, Texas; two brothers, Samuel Beschler and his wife, Gerry of Tyrone and Edwin Beschler and his wife, Fern of Jamaica Plain, Mass.  He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. John T. Dill officiating.  Burial will be at the Philipsburg Cemetery in Philipsburg.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Friends may sign the guestbook at beezerheathfh.com.

Obituary Notice: Leslie R. Bailor Sr. (Provided photo)

Leslie Robert Bailor Sr., of O’Shanter died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

Born Feb. 1, 1958 in Clearfield, he was the son of James and Deloris (Rowles) Bailor.

Mr. Bailor was a laborer and had worked for the gas well drilling industry, machine shops and furniture manufacturing.  He was a 1976 graduate of the Clearfield Area High School.

Surviving are three children, Michelle Bailor Gregory and her husband, Patrick of Huntsville, Ala., Leslie Robert Bailor Jr. and his wife, Devon of O’Shanter and James Ryan Bailor of North Carolina and a step-son, Jeffrey Weld and his wife Casey of Alabama.

Also surviving are six grandchildren and two sisters and two brothers, Sandy Maines and her husband, Ron of Osceola Mills, James Bailor Jr. and his wife, Tammy and Patricia Boal, both of Marion, NC, and John Bailor and his companion, Doreen Fox of Curwensville.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Mr. Bailor will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville, with the Rev. David Hamilton officiating.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until time of services at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the family in care of the Chidboy Funeral Home Inc., 300 State 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.

Robert I. Garthwaite, 89, of DuBois died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 at the DuBois Nursing Home.

Born March 12, 1925 in Jefferson County, he was the son of the late George E. and Mary (Berry) Garthwaite.

On Dec. 19, 1967, he married Shirley M. (Powers) Garthwaite.  She preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 2008.

He worked at Rola Jensen in DuBois for many years. He was a member of the James J. Patterson Post 813.

He is survived by four sons, Robert I. Garthwaite Jr., Scott B. Garthwaite, Shawn B. Garthwaite and Christopher R. Garthwaite, three brothers, David, Samuel and Richard Garthwaite and one sister, Lois Atkins.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, April Clark.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Beechwoods Cemetery.

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.

Carl Douglas Turner, 52, of Kylertown died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

Born Aug. 18 1962 in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Carl and Mildred Fay Pierce Turner. Mr. Turner was employed at the Kylertown Kwik Fill.

Mr. Turner enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Deserter Run Camp.

He is survived by two sisters, Bonnie Campbell of DuBois and Joyce McGoniigal and her husband, Dean of Hyde.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the Strange & Weaver Funeral Home, Morrisdale, with the Rev. Gary Jewart officiating.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Obituary Notice: Vivian ‘Elaine’ Graham (Provided photo)

Vivian ‘Elaine’ Graham, 88, of Clearfield died Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield.

She was born March 26, 1926 in Shawville, a daughter of the late Donald and Bertha (Kyler) Graham.

Mrs. Graham was employed at the Clearfield Diary for many years. She attended the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church, Clearfield.

She is survived by her husband, William Graham, whom she wed June 17, 1950; a grandson, Troy Graham and his finance, Rebekah Greenland; and a daughter-in-law, Anita Graham of Clearfield.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Marvin and Larry Graham and a sister, Faye Shaw.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Kevin A Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, with the Rev. Dr. Duane A. White, the Rev. Robert B. Goldenberg and the Rev. Hiram Westover officiating. Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Marvin Graham Scholarship Fund, c/o Christian Missionary and Alliance School, 45 Alliance Rd., Clearfield.

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

Bernard A. “Bernie” Ilgen, 57, of St. Marys died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

Born Nov. 14, 1957 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late LaRon N. and Edna C. (Carlin) Ilgen.

He was a 1975 graduate of Penns Valley High School.

He was a manager of the potato chip division at Snyder’s of Hanover for 12 years.  He then worked as supervisor at Cerro Copper and Brass for many years.

He enjoyed going fishing and riding dirt bikes.  He also enjoyed driving “muscle cars.”

He is survived by his long-time companion, Susan Brown of St. Marys; a son, Jacob A. Ilgen of Moshannon; and a brother, Byron L. Ilgen of Bellefonte.

There will be no public visitation and a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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.

Obituary Notice: Cindy Lou Kephart (Provided photo)

Cindy Lou Kephart, 60, of Philipsburg and formerly of Osceola Mills died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at her home.

Born Jan. 10, 1955 in Philipsburg, she was the daughter of the late Arthur W. and Annice (Ibberson) Kephart.

Ms. Kephart was a member of the Centre United Methodist Church in Osceola Mills.

She was also a member of the Columbia Fire Co. in Osceola Mills, team captain for the Relay for Life in Philipsburg and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 5020 in Osceola Mills.

She was a retired licensed practical nurse and had worked at the Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Clearfield and at Windy Hill Village Nursing Home in Philipsburg.  Ms. Kephart was a 1973 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola High School; she graduated from the Clearfield Vo-Tech as an LPN.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Lenny Kephart and Gerald L. Kephart and a baby sister, Elizabeth Kephart.

Ms. Kephart is survived by a sister, Annice M. Brocail and her husband, George of Osceola Mills and a brother, Richard W. Kephart of Sandy Ridge.

She is survived by eight nieces and nephews, Jeff Scovern and his wife, Anna, Rick Kephart and his wife, Kathy, Scott Kephart and his wife, Tracy, Dave Scovern and his wife, B.J., Lenny Kephart, Laurie Sparks, Shelley Reese and her husband, J.P., and Stephanie Dinant and her husband Scott; and several grand-nieces and nephews.

A public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Centre United Methodist Church in Osceola Mills, with Pastor Jennifer C. Heikes and the Rev. Dr. Mary Jo Bruinooge officiating.  Burial will be at the Umbria Cemetery in Osceola Mills.

Private viewing will be held at the convenience of the family at Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Centre United Methodist Church, c/o Connie Bainey, 603 Kate St., Osceola Mills, PA 16666 or to the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 157, Osceola Mills, PA 16666.

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

John S. Padisak, 85, of Curwensville died Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at his residence. Born Feb. 18, 1929, he was the son of the late Steve and Theresa (Ciprich) Padisak.

Mr. Padisak was a member of the St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Curwensville.  He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired from Tafco.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Verna Sudika, Annie Hammer, Mary Trimabora, Tressa Frantz and Helen Thompson and one brother, Andrew Padisak.

Mr. Padisak is survived by one daughter, Carrie Jo Spitzkoff of Punxsutawney; three sisters, Josephine Hoover and Katherine Hess, both of Clearfield, and Stepanie Krucelyak and her husband, Steve of Punxsutawney; and two grandchildren, Ronie and Brandon Keith.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be at Crown Crest Memorial Park in Hyde.

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

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

Obituary Notice: Margaret T. Sharpless (Provided photo)

Margaret T. Sharpless, 89, of Sandy Ridge died Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 at her residence.

Born Sept. 10, 1925 in Morrisdale, she was the daughter of the late Ambrose and Ida (Neff) Neff.  She married Melvin J. Sharpless on Nov. 19, 1949 in Osceola Mills.  He survives at home.

Mrs. Sharpless was Christian by faith and a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda S. Tamol and her husband, Thomas of Java Center, NY and Kathy Bermel and her husband, Kenneth of Lockport, NY; two sons, Larry Sharp and his wife, Deborah of Grand Island, NY and Dennis Sharpless of Sandy Ridge; one sister, Betty Smith of Charlotte, NC; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills, with Pastor Mark Thumma officiating.  Burial will be at the Umbria Cemetery in Osceola Mills.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday and from 1 p.m. Friday until funeral time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, c/o Virginia Snyder, Box 3, Sandy Ridge, PA 16677

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

Obituary Notice: Paul Blaine Kline (Provided photo)

Paul Blaine Kline, 90, of Herndon, Va., and formerly of Clearfield, died at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015.

Born Aug. 22, 1924 in Clearfield, he was the son of Walter and Lois (Graffius) Kline.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Wisor) Kline, whom he married July 24, 1946, in Clearfield.

Surviving are two children, Paul Kline and his wife, Linda of State College and Peggy Sorbera and her husband, Joseph of Broadlands, Va.

Surviving are four granddaughters, Anne Hanover, Elizabeth Joseph, Lori Kline-Gil and Tracy Kline Gonzalez and six great-grandchildren, Ethan and Travis Hanover, Jenna, Brooke and Leah Joseph and Zachary Gonzalez.

Also surviving is a twin sister, Pauline Blake of San Diego, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Rex; and a great-grandson, Ryan Hanover.

Born and raised in Clearfield, Mr. Kline joined the U.S. Army after graduating from the Clearfield High School in 1943. A World War II veteran, he served with the 283^rd Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theatre from June 19, 1943 through April 6, 1946.

He landed on Utah Beach Aug. 9, 1944 as part of the liberation of France. He was awarded a French Legion of Honor medal for service to France.

He participated in the battles of Mortain, Colmar and Dessenheim in France, as well as the battles of Cologne, Nuremberg and Munich in Germany. He was present at the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp. He was awarded the Purple Heart for shrapnel injuries received Feb. 25, 1945.

Upon returning to Pennsylvania after the war, Mr. Kline was employed by Harbison-Walker Construction. In retirement, he loved spending time with family, traveling with his wife and visiting his boyhood home in Shiloh where he enjoyed hunting.

He devoted countless hours volunteering with various civic organizations. He was a member of Mount Joy United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. A gifted singer, he performed gospel music at several local churches throughout the years.

Mr. Kline participated in various civic organizations, including the Lions Club, Pennsylvania State Grange, the Mosquito Creek Sportsmen’s Association, the Clearfield Volunteer Firemen Association, where he was a life member, and the Clearfield County Area on Aging where he served on the board and delivered meals.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Society of the French Legion of Honor.

Family and friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Kenneth Leonard officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Crest Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Clearfield Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Mount Joy United Methodist Church, RR 2, Clearfield, PA 16830.

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

Arrangements are under the direction of Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc., Clearfield.

Obituary Notice: Lillie B. Rees (Provided photo)

Lillie B. Rees, 75, of Frenchville died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 at the Penn Highlands DuBois.

She was born Jan. 6, 1940 in Roanoke Rapids, NC, a daughter of the late James A. Sr. and Cora Virginia (Cobb) Blanchard.

While living in North Carolina, she was employed as a secretary and later as a sewing factory worker.

After moving to this area, she continued her employment with Shortway Products, Permagrain Products, Young People Who Care in Frenchville, Clearfield County Assistance Office and the American Red Cross.

She also volunteered at the Frenchville Picnic and the Blueberry Festival. She was of the Baptist faith all of her life.

She is survived by three children, Robert A. Rees Jr. and James David Rees, both of Frenchville, and Margaret Ann Goodrow and her husband, John of Woodland; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Frank ‘Bubba’ Blanchard and his wife, Martha of Roanoke Rapids, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Rees Sr., on April 1, 1990 and whom she wed Aug. 23, 1958 at the First Baptist Church, Roanoke Rapids, NC.

She was also preceded in death by sister, Viola Pinkerton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, with the Rev. Mark Brower officiating.

Burial will be in the Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery, Karthaus.

Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

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