Modest A. “Butch” Dufour III, 98, of Houtzdale died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at his residence.

Born March 11, 1916 in Atlantic, rural Houtzdale, he was the son of Modest Dufour Jr. and Celine (Finney) Dufour.

He was a member of the Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale.

He was employed by WO Gulbranson in the coal mines as a cutting machine operator until his retirement.

On Oct. 21, 1939, he married Kathryn (Schultz) Dufour, whom preceded him in death on May 20, 2011.

He is survived by two sons, Lawrence Dufour and his wife, Beverly and Gerald Dufour and his wife, Madeline, both of Houtzdale.

He is survived by five grandchildren, Lynn Williams and her husband, Lowell and David Dufour, both of Ramey, Noell Gilson and her husband, John of Smithmill, Gerald Dufour of Philadelphia and James Dufour of Columbus, Ohio and five great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Elizabeth Buynak and Marie Flango and her husband, Anthony, both of Houtzdale.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, two sisters, Irene Solensky and Shirley Dufour, an infant sister and a brother, Alex Dufour.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale, with Father Marc Solomon as celebrant.

Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Houtzdale.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday at the Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale.

A prayer service will be led by Father Marc Solomon at 8:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 123 Good St., Houtzdale, PA 16651 or to Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospice Program, 809 Turnpike Ave., Clearfield, PA 16830.

Condolences may be made to the family at birgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Calvin L. Shields (Provided photo)

Calvin L. Shields, 76, of Pleasant Gap died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Born Nov. 12, 1938 in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Lester and Vivian (Butterworth) Shields.  He married the former Nancy J. Czap on Sept. 15, 1963 in Hawk Run. She survives at home.

He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Hawk Run and served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1962.

Mr. Shields was a member of the B.P.O. Elks No. 1600 in State College. He was a former president of the Independent Bankers of Pennsylvania and was the president of the First National Bank of Centre Hall until his retirement.  He was a 1955 graduate of the Philipsburg High School.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Julie Lynn Shields and two brothers, William “Bill” and Warren Shields.  He was the last of his generation.

Along with his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Marx and her husband, Michael of State College; two sons, Shawn Shields and Dr. Elmo Randolph, both of Bergenfield, NJ; and two grandchildren, Gabriel and Eliza Marx, both of State College.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Hawk Run with the Rev. Peter Benyo officiating and Deacon Emil Gulick assisting.  Burial will be at the church cemetery in Hawk Run.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Pine St. in Philipsburg.

Panahida will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Housing Transitions, 217 E. Nittany Ave., State College, PA 16801 or to the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Hall Fund, 53 Fulton St., Hawk Run, PA 16840.

Friends may sign the guestbook at beezerheathfh.com.

Obituary Notice: Betty Jeanne Hile (Provided photo)

Betty Jeanne (Haley) Hile, 88, of Norfolk, Va., died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015 at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital in Norfolk, Va.

Born Oct. 22, 1926 in Clearfield, she was the daughter of Preston and Carla (Hoover) Haley. She married John (Jack) Hile, also Clearfield-born, on Feb. 7, 1947 in Clearfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; her oldest son, David; and her sister, Donna.

She is survived by two children, Robert and his husband, Utz Wewel of Hamburg, Germany, and Jackie (Hile) White and her husband, Larry, of Norfolk, Va., and her “honorary” daughter, Patricia Murphy, of Virginia Beach, Va.

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her very much. They will remember her for her grace, intelligence, beauty and marvelous wittiness. She is the last of her generation.

She worked many years as executive secretary at Bechtel Construction before enjoying a long retirement with her husband, Jack, in Gaithersburg, Md., and Suffolk, Portsmouth and Norfolk, Va.

She dedicated her later life to the researching and writing of an extensive genealogy of the Haley family, which gave many insights into heritage. Among her other hobbies were intricate handicrafts of all types and playing bridge. And, she could beat the pants off family in Scrabble and Dominoes.

Funeral and burial services will be held in the circle of the immediate family at 4 p.m. Monday at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Suffolk, Va. Sister Christine Webb will officiate at the service.

Arrangements are by Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Dr. Chapel. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Dorothy C. Schonwalder, 96, a resident of Ridgeview Elder Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville, and formerly of Curwensville, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 at Ridgeview.

Born March 1, 1918 in Shiloh, Bradford Township, she was the daughter of Doran and Nancy (Cowfer) Maines.

She was retired from the Clearfield Area School District after 20 years of service, having worked in the cafeteria. She was a member of the Centre Grove United Methodist Church.

On Dec. 31, 1934, she wed Fred B. Schonwalder, whom preceded her in death on March 2, 1997.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, eight sisters, six brothers and several nieces and nephews.

Surviving are two daughters, Catherine L. Klopp of Curwensville and Violet M. Curley and her husband, John of Clearfield.  Also surviving are four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild, three great-great-grandchildren and a sister, Winifred L. Maines of Philipsburg.

Friends and family will be received from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Monday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville.

At the request of Mrs. Schonwalder, funeral services will be private.

The family suggests contributions be made to the Centre Grove United Methodist Church, 1100 Village Rd., Clearfield, PA  16830.

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: Evelyn (Cotter) Tubo (Provided photo)

Evelyn (Cotter) Tubo, 90, of Houtzdale died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College.

Born Sept 4, 1924, she was the daughter of Daniel and Mary (Leynaud) Cotter.

On Aug. 24, 1946 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Houtzdale, she married James “Buzzy” Tubo, whom preceded her in death on Jan. 24, 1966.

She was a member of the Christ the King Catholic Church, the church Altar and Rosary Society, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Victoria No. 646 and the Houtzdale American Legion Auxiliary.

She was employed by Community Nursing Service until her retirement in 1988.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Callovini and her husband, James of Houtzdale; two granddaughters, Jamie Isaacson and her husband, Aaron and Danielle Dunsmore and her husband, Kenny, both of Philipsburg; a grandson, Craig Callovini of Blacksburg, Va.; and three great-grandchildren, Alaina Mae and Hadley Marie Dunsmore and Zaden James Isaacson.

Also surviving are two sisters, Patricia Wulderk and her husband, Raymond and Frances Hagen, both of Houtzdale and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Randal Lynn Tubo on Dec. 25, 2011; an infant son on May 24, 1947; her brothers, Louis, Daniel, Eugene Cotter; and her sisters, Florence Kost, Shirley Ekman and Catherine “Cass” Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale, with Father Marc Solomon as celebrant.

Friends will be received from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Birger A Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale.

The Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. Tuesday by Christ the King Altar and Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Memorial donations may be made to American Lung Association, 810 River Ave., Suite 140, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Obituary Notice: Margaret H. Wilsoncroft (Provided photo)

Margaret H. Wilsoncroft, 65, of Clearfield died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 27, 1949, the daughter of Merlin C. and Minnie (Thompson) Parks.

Mrs. Wilsoncroft worked at Target Sportswear as a seamstress. She also worked at Appalachian Wood Products, and as a home care aide.

She was an active member of the Clearfield Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and taught Sunday school. She loved her little kids and always talked about them. She was also a former choir member.

She was a long-time volunteer for the Clearfield High School marching band, and Clearfield Music Boosters. She was “The Uniform Lady,” serving more than 25 years going on numerous band trips and chaperoning years of football games. She would want all of the band kids to know how much she loved them and the life they gave her.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Wilsoncroft, whom she married Oct. 20, 1973 at the Presbyterian Church in Clearfield.

She is survived by a daughter, Beth Michael and her husband, Richard of Clearfield; a son, Gary Wilsoncroft of Clearfield; and five grandchildren, Joshua Rippey, Courtney Rippey, Matthew Rippey and Ethan Michael, all of Clearfield, and Richie Michael of Curwensville.

She is also survived by a brother, Robert Parks and his wife, Mary of Clearfield; a sister, LaRee Fuchs and her husband, Chuck of Luthersburg; a sister-in-law, Nancy Parks of Clearfield; and by her best friend and band sidekick, Elaine Brown. She is further survived by dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Wilsoncroft was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Trenna Crissman of Arizona; and one brother, Richard Parks of Clearfield.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Clearfield Presbyterian Church with the Rev. J. Robert Mellgard officiating and Richard B. Barkley assisting with services.

Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. and from 10 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clearfield Presbyterian Church, 119 N. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830 or to the Clearfield Music Boosters.

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

Arrangements are under the care of the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. in Clearfield.

Obituary Notice: Henrietta “Babe” Wood (Provided photo)

Henrietta “Babe” Wood passed from this world into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. She was blessed with a long life of 102 years.

She was born Aug. 7, 1912 at Centre, Osceola Mills RD, a daughter of the late George and Eliza Jane (Parkins) Starline. On Sept. 13, 1929, she married Frank “Red” Wood, whom preceded her in death on June 4, 1986.

She was a life-time member of the South Philipsburg Christian & Missionary Alliance Church. She was an active member in the church and taught Sunday and Bible school. She was also a faithful member of the Women’s Missionary Prayer Fellowship.

She was a loving, giving mother to her children who survive her, Kenneth Leroy ”Arch” Wood and his wife, Donna and Beverly “Boots” (Wood) Ryver and her husband, Bill, both of Philipsburg, and Nancy (Wood) Bolser and her husband, the Rev. Dudley Bolser of Monroe, Ohio.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ronald Wood, who resided with his grandmother; Dennis Wood and his wife, Debbie, Lynne (Ryver) Williams and her husband, Tim and Valarie (Ryver) Kelley, all of Philipsburg; Stephanie (Wood) Klinger and her companion, John of Centre Hall; Michael Wood of Port Matilda; Sarah Bolser of Colorado; Jennifer Bolser of Oregon; Stephen Bolser and his wife, Mandy of Fort Worth, Texas; and Tom Bolser and his wife, Julie of Merauke, Indonesia; numerous great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was the last of her generation. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, James; a grandson, William Wood; and three sisters, Blanche Askey, Edith Croyle and Ivy Ryver.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. Dudley Bolser and the Rev. Scott Hartsock officiating.

Burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to Philipsburg C&MA Church, 317 Hemlock St., Philipsburg, PA 16866 or to the Missionary Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653-0047.

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

Howard Robert Matthews, 90, of Morgantown, W. Va., and formerly of Grampian, died Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at the West Virginia University Hospital/Ruby Memorial in Morgantown, W. Va.

Born June 8, 1924 in Grampian, he was the son of John and Myrtle (Passmore) Matthews.

Mr. Matthews worked in the coal industry all of his life. He most recently retired as the owner and operator of Big M Coal Co. in Kingwood, W. Va.  He was a member of the Hepburnia United Methodist Church in Grampian.

He wed the former Dollie L. Ellinger on July 6, 1946, who survives along with three daughters, Yvonne Lansberry and her husband, William of West Decatur, Janelle Savage and her husband, James of Clarksburg, W. Va., and Paulette Neese and her husband, Michael of Morgantown, W. Va.

Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brian Savage and his wife, Grace, Darcie Scott and her husband, Jamie, Andrienne McCracken and her husband, Brent and Sarah Downey and her husband, Paul; six great-grandchildren, Devon Cunningham, Emily Savage, Kaylee Scott, Keegan McCracken, Lauren Downey, and Ayslynn McCracken; a sister, Mae Maderia and her husband, Gust of Grampian; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Block and Ruth Jones and brothers, John, James and Amos Matthews.

Funeral services for Mr. Matthews will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc., 300 State St., Curwensville, with the Rev. Ronald Emery officiating. Burial will be in the Friends Cemetery of Grampian.

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. Wednesday until time of services at the funeral home.

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

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.

Donna Marie (Gower) Gregory, 58, of Madera died Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at Ridgeview Elder Care Rehabilitation Center, Curwensville.

Born Sept. 18, 1956 in Towanda, she was the daughter of Donald (Phyllis) Gower of Renova and the late Ella (Bilby) Gower.

She is survived by one son, David A. Gower of Madera; three sisters, Joyce (Paul) Perry of Madera, Sharon (Charles) Kanouff of Brisbin and Gladys (Karl) Forman of Sevierville, Tenn.; one brother, Donald W. (Carolyn) Gower of Renova; and four grandchildren, Tara Kephart, Davin Gower, Jayden Gower and Dalton Gower.

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Gundy” Gregory, and two brothers, Donald M. Gower Jr. and Bill Gower.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Madera.

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

Helen L. Rudzinski, 89, of DuBois died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Penn highlands DuBois.

Born June 1, 1925 in Helvetia, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Celia (Kostovney) Vesnesky.

On Oct. 9, 1948, she married Albert D. Rudzinski.  He preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 2006.

She was a homemaker and a well-known waitress at many DuBois area restaurants, including the Pine Inn, Valentine’s Flaming Hearth and Tommy D’s to name a few.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, the former Lithuanian Independence Club and the George D. Montgomery Post 17 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was a well-known polish cook.

She is survived by four children, A. Joseph Rudzinski and his wife, Carolyn of Wytheville, Va.; Michael C. “Polka Mike” Rudzinski of DuBois; Diane Smith and her husband, Gene of Brockway; and Lisa Lanager and her husband, Chris of Clearfield.

She is also survived by a sister, Bernice Yonushonis of DuBois; seven grandchildren, Monica Murphy, Holly Wilcox, Heidy Freund, Colby and Haley Smith and McKenna and Landyn Lanager; and six great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Stanley, Walter and Joseph Vesnesky and three sisters, Cecelia Sekula, Martha DeChurch and Stella Lesky.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home. A scriptural wake service will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

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

Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials may be placed with the St. Francis Catholic School, 230 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA, 16830.

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

Obituary Notice: Dolores V. Fama (Provided photo)

Dolores V. Fama, 90, of Clearfield died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

Mrs. Fama was born Oct. 11, 1924 in Altoona to the late Joseph and Josephine (Sampino) Calabrese.

She worked at McGregor’s Sportswear as a seamstress and was a homemaker.

Mrs. Fama was a member of the St. Francis Church in Clearfield. She enjoyed cooking and baking Italian cookies with her friends from the neighborhood.

She is survived by three daughters, Rose Marie Fama, Mary Jo (Fama) Rowles and her husband, Christopher and Natalie Ann Fama, all of Clearfield.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Elizabeth Dewees and her husband, Thomas of Maryland and Jennifer Kalin and her husband, Todd of Ohio and three great-grandchildren, Shane Dewees and Lily and Sloane Kalin.

She is also survived by a sister, Emily Turchetta of Altoona and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anthony J. Fama Sr., whom she married Oct. 5, 1946 in Altoona at Mount Carmel Church; a son, Anthony Fama Jr.; and her siblings, Katherine DiMauro, Florence Basaites and John Calabrese.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Clearfield with Father John Miller officiating.

Friends will be received from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Francis Church, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830 or to Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospice, 809 Turnpike Ave., Clearfield, PA 16830.

Online remembrances can be made at www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. in Clearfield.

Allen “Dean” McNeal, 73, of Treasure Lake, DuBois, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

Born April 18, 1941 in Stormstown, he was the son of the late Andrew and Ruby (Borst) McNeal.

In December of 1993, he married Trudy (Wagner) McNeal.  She survives.

He was the owner and operator of Dean McNeal’s Backhoe Service for more than 20 years.  Prior to that, he worked for Glenn O. Hawbaker for 20 years.

He was a member of State College Lodge No. 700 Free & Accepted Masons.

He is survived by a step-daughter, Sherry Feeney and her husband, Steven of Merrimack, NH; a step-son, Todd Wagner of Lewisburg, W.Va.; a brother, Richard McNeal and his wife, Gloria of Port Matilda; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three sisters.

There will be no public visitation and private funeral services will be held at a later date.

Burial will be in Gray Cemetery in Port Matilda.

Memorials may be placed with a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

Obituary Notice: Robert A. Dixon (Provided photo)

Robert A. Dixon, 71, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015.

He was born May 13, 1943 and lived a long and full life. He enjoyed relaxing at his favorite fishing hole, the Kettle Creek Campground.

He will be remembered for the family camping trips and dearly missed by his children, Robert “Little Bob,” Rodney A., Randy T., Lori A. and Tina M. Dixon.

A gathering for friends and family will be held at 1208 S. Second St., Room 102, Clearfield on Friday. It will begin at 1 p.m.

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

Obituary Notice: Wilma J. Kephart (Provided photo)

Wilma J. Kephart, 81, of Parsonsburg, Md., and formerly of Clearfield, died Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at the Golden Gardens Assisted Living,
Parsonsburg, Md.

She was born Nov. 2, 1933, in Clearfield, the daughter of Wade C. and Georgia (Workman) Heberling.

She was retired as a secretary with Agway and also had her own cleaning business.
She was affiliated with the Clearfield Alliance Church.

She is survived by a son, Scott Kephart and his wife, Carla of Clearfield; a daughter, Wilma “Chris’ Mayhew and her husband, Jess of Shawville; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the last member of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Berman Kephart; three brothers, an infant, Wilber “Jiggs” Heberling and Richard Heberling; and two sisters, Bernice Carns and Mildred Heberling.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc., Clearfield, with the Rev. Robert B. Goldenberg officiating. Burial will be in Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde.

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

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Clearfield County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 275 21^st St., Clearfield, PA 16830 or Clearfield Penn Highland Hospice, P.O. Box 992, 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, Clearfield.

Donna Jean (Diehl) Cowder, 80, of Philipsburg died Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at Windy Hill Village.

Mrs. Cowder was a 1952 graduate of the Clearfield High School. She was a 1986 graduate of the Dubois Business College.

She was formerly employed as a medical secretary and transcriptionist. She then retired from the Universal Health System after 22 years.

She was a former member Christ United Methodist Church of Clearfield, where she served as the church secretary for more than 30 years.

She was a former member of the Elk Hose Company of Clearfield, the Bigler Jackson Woodland Fire Company Auxiliary and the State College Business and Professional Women’s Club.

She is survived by her husband, Homer S. Cowder, whom she married Nov. 28, 1988.

She is also survived by a step-daughter, Jeanette Dunlap Ostrofsky and her husband Eric; two step-grandchildren, Rick Dunlap and his wife, Kelly of Munson and Jessica Dunlap and her fiancé, Bill Little of Hawk Run; three step-great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one nephew , Michael Rafferty and his wife, Debi of Florida; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester C. Diehl in 1960 and Sarah Dorothea (Strong) Diehl in 1965, and one sister, Beverly G. Raffeity in 2013.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. with Pastor Kathy Leigey officiating. Burial will be at the Bigler Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. Saturday until the hour of services at the funeral home.

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

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

Robert W. “Bob” Maines, 95, of Curwensville died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at Ridgeview Elder Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Born Oct. 5, 1919, in Bigler, he was the son of Burtis and V. Mae (Bumbarger) Maines.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II.

He is survived by two granddaughters, Jackie Sanders and her husband, Tim and Amanda Royer and her husband, Bill, all of Curwensville.

He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and five brothers and sisters, Darrel Maines, Chester Maines, Bertha Buck, Helen Cupp and Dorothy Feaster.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Kearney; a daughter, Deborah Greendoner; a grandson, Christopher Mencer; his brothers, Ralph, Walter, Ernest, Harry, Benny, Harold and Ray; and his sisters, Katherine, Violet, Hetti and Martha.

A public memorial service for Mr. Maines will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the family in care of the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville, 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.

Obituary Notice: John Lewis Kopchik (Provided photo)

John Lewis Kopchik, 87, of (North) Philipsburg died at Windy Hill Village on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

He was born April 11, 1927, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Andrew and Mary (Hydock) Kopchik. He graduated from the Philipsburg High School in 1945. On Oct. 28, 1950, in Winburne, he wed Marcella Marie Kopchik, his wife of 64 years, and who died Aug. 18, 2014.

Mr. Kopchik was a life-long member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, where he spent many years as a lector and as a part of their vocal choir. He also was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Union, Branch No. 456, of Hawk Run.

He served in the U.S. Army as a baker from 1945 to 1947, immediately following World War II.

Mr. Kopchik worked as a mover from 1948 to 1950 with Merle Stockley’s Moving Company. He was also employed for a period of time with Johnny Rice, paving highways in central Pennsylvania.

Beginning in 1954, he spent the next 28 years working in various roles, including assistant manager at the local Acme Market. When Acme closed its store in Philipsburg, he went to work at Penn State University, as a custodian in multiple campus buildings until he retired in 1992.

Among his hobbies were hunting, organic gardening of both vegetables and flowers, bee-keeping for a number of years with his wife and volunteering with his wife at the former Philipsburg Area Hospital, where they initially met while she was in nurse’s training.

Mr. Kopchik was a self-taught beekeeper and attended classes with his wife, Marcella, along with the “3C’s and a B Club” (Centre, Clearfield, Cambria and Bedford counties). He loved people and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by four children, John M. Kopchik and his wife, Joanne of Cowpens, SC, Gerard Kopchik of Winter Garden, Fla., Mary (Kopchik) Easton of Maple Valley, Wash., and Annette Gill and her husband, Tom of Riverside, Calif.

He is survived by one brother-in-law, John M. Deliman and his wife, Delores of Chester Hill and a sister-in­-law, Rosemary Deliman of Philipsburg.

He is survived by five grandchildren, John A. Kopchik and his wife, Andrea of Elliottsburg, Danielle (Kopchik) Powell and her husband, Vince of Houtzdale, Karuna McMurtry of Wasilla, Alaska, Dolma Maria Halstead of Seattle, Wash., and Carmichael Halstead of Maple Valley, Wash., and three step-grandchildren, Curt of Canton, Mich., Kevin of Commerce Township, Mich., and Angela (Angie), of Fort Wayne, Ind..

He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Courtney, Harley, Ashlyn, Chase, Christopher, Justin and Makayla; six step-great-grandchildren, Tommie, Jacob, Braden, Lilly, Carter and Mia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kopchik was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Joseph and Andrew; one sister, Anna; and a son, Michael A. Kopchik, whom served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam and whom died at age 50. Mr. Kopchik is the last member of his immediate generation.

Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg. The Rosary will be recited by the Ss. Peter & Paul Rosary Society at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Hawk Run, with the Rev. Joseph Staszewski as celebrant.

Burial will be at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Hawk Run. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences for the family may be submitted at www.beezerheathfh.com.

Obituary Notice: James J. “Jim” McDermott (Provided photo)

James J. “Jim” McDermott, 94, of Clearfield and most recently of Christ the King Manor, DuBois died Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at Penn Highland, DuBois.

Mr. McDermott was born Oct. 17, 1920 in Clearfield, the son of Joseph J. and Eleanor (Berthot) McDermott. He had been employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a window clerk for 23 years, retiring in 1979.

Mr. McDermott was a life-long member of the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, Clearfield.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served as a navigator on a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II. His plane was shot down, and he was held as a German prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III.

He and his fellow POWS were liberated by General Patton at the end of the war. He continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until retirement.

Mr. McDermott was a member of the Clearfield County Historical Society, the Clearfield Elks Lodge No. 540 and the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6.

He is survived by three daughters, Kathleen Nannery (James) of Auburn, Wash., Diane E. Mathews of Olympia, Wash., and Lynne M. Dudurich (Randy) of Springfield, Va.; a daughter-in-law, Michele McDermott of Seven Fields; three grandchildren, Jacob W. Nannery (Kristen), Kyla M. Galbraith (Jason) and Joseph J. McDermott (Ashley); and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. McDermott was the last member of his generation. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Julia M. “Judy” (Mann) McDermott, whom he married June 30, 1945 and whom died Sept. 13, 2002; a son, Joseph M. McDermott; and all his siblings; Laura Carr, Joan Undercoffer, Emma Veihdeffer, Clemence McDermott, Thomas McDermott and Regina McDermott.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church with Father John Miller III as celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Clearfield Honor Guard.

Friends will be received from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield. The Clearfield Elks Lodge No. 540 will conduct a service at the funeral home at 6:45 p.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

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

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

Obituary Notice: Max A. Sharpless (Provided photo)

Max A. Sharpless, 60, of Philipsburg died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 at the Tyrone Hospital in Tyrone.

Born April 23, 1954 in Sandy Ridge, he was the son of C. Dean Sharpless and Lois (Millard) Sharpless of Philipsburg.

Mr. Sharpless was of the Christian faith.  He was a member of the L.O.O. Moose No. 154 in Osceola Mills. He had worked for Burgmeier’s Hauling in Altoona. Mr. Sharpless was a 1972 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola High School.

He was preceded in death by a son, Dean Allen Sharpless and a sister, Chrissie Sharpless.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sharpless is survived by two sons, Douglass R. Sharpless and his wife, Michelle of Clearfield and Daniel L. Sharpless and his fiancée, Chelsea Hunt of Morrisdale; a sister, Susan Saupp and her   husband, James of Sandy Ridge; and a brother, Mark E. Sharpless of Morrisdale.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Madison, Raeleigh, Lucas, Bayleigh and Kensington and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A L.O.O. Moose memorial service will be held at 8 p.m. Friday at the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills.  Burial will be at the Umbria Cemetery in Osceola Mills.

Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday at the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Osceola Mills.

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

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

Mark L. Noble Sr., 79, DuBois died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born Oct. 8, 1935, he was the son of the late Charles and Agnes (Solkolwski) Noble.

On Feb. 9, 1963, he married Shirley L. (Lyons) Noble.  She survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

He worked as a driller for the Minns Coal Company. Prior to that, he worked for Forsyth Drilling Company.

He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman.  He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

He is survived by two daughters, Brenda L. Pyne and her husband, James of Kersey and Debra L. Wilkerson of Mesa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mark L. Noble Jr.; a daughter, Cheryl Eifort; a sister, Kathleen McGranor; and a grandson, Christian J. Wilkerson.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Bockus.

Burial will be in Lakelawn Memorial Park.

Memorials should be sent to Penn Highlands Hospice, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.

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