Punxsutawney Area Hospital Names First Award Winner

The Punxsutawney Area Hospital is proud to announce its first DAISY Award recipient.

Paula Spack, Vice President of Patient Care Services, announced on behalf of the DAISY Committee at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital that, “We are delighted to announce Paula Sylvis has been awarded as our first DAISY honoree.”

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, and the DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family.

Today, DAISY proudly honors nurses wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers –from nursing student through lifetime achievement.

The DAISY Foundation expresses gratitude toward nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary compassion and the skillful care they provide patients and families. By honoring these exemplary compassionate nurses, DAISY reinforces the importance of compassion in healthcare

Paula began her career working the summers of 1979 and 1980 as a nursing assistant. She graduated from Philipsburg State General Hospital School of Nursing in June 1981 and started her career at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital in July 1981.

Paula has been a nurse in the Medical Surgical Unit, Expecting You Department, and Short Procedure Unit.

“Paula has served the patients of our community for over 41 years with high skill, kindness, and compassion. She is loved and respected at PAH and serves as an excellent role model showing the heart and soul of nursing,” stated Spack.

For more information about the DAISY program at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital please visit www.pah.org.

The Soup Days

Continued from page 10 mushroom soup at Christmas.) My dad, however, had a very difficult time if a chicken foot complete with tiny toenails floated to the top of the pot, and he had to tiptoe, or shall I say, “tip spoon” around it. Dad usually mumbled, “Ewww,” and Mom said, “Don’t worry about the feet – we scrubbed them.” She would finish off her remark with a snappy, “You eat eggs, don’t you?”

(

“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)

January 20, 1886 — The good sledding at present has stimulated business to a marked extent. Railroad ties, boards, shingles, grain, etc. are being hauled in large quantities. (Valley News)

January 25, 1893 — Quite a number of boys in this town are the proud possessors of revolvers. It is not likely that their parents know of this else they would certainly not permit it. The average small boy, by proper care and attention to business, can manage to struggle along without a revolver. It is bad enough for men to go around with revolvers in their clothes, but it is positively outrageous for little kids to carry them. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

February 7, 1894 — If the ground hog came out of his nest at all on Friday, Feb. 2, he certainly saw his shadow, for the day was full of sunshine. It is to be hoped the rascal saw his shadow, for according to an old saying we would then have six weeks of cold weather, that is, if it doesn’t get warm. (Punxsutawney News)

Note: The weekly Punxsutawney Spirit of this date had no comment about February 2 and Groundhog Day. In this weekly news item there is no reference to a trek to Gobblers Knob or a community celebration of the event in Punxsutawney.

February 8, 1890 — A sleighing party of fourteen people from Brookville came to Punxsutawney yesterday in a sled drawn by four horses, and stopped at the Waverly Hotel. (Punxsutawney News)

Note: The Waverly Hotel was located where is now the F. O. Eagles building at the corner of North Penn Street with East Mahoning Street.

February 8, 1908 — A wireless message from upper Groundhog Knob near Highland Park today says that John Ernst is hemmed in by snow ten feet deep and that the “beautiful” is still piling up. Mr. Ernst, who had been ill, has invited his many friends in this place to come up and assist him to tunnel out. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

Note: Highland Park opened in 1904 and was located halfway between Punxsutawney and Reynoldsville, six miles from Punxsutawney near the Summit (elevation 1,822 feet) on PA Route 310 beyond Anita.

February 13, 1908 — Three Punxsutawney youths were yesterday taken in tow and hustled to the lockup where a charge was lodged against them of having committed a nuisance by snowballing with a mischievous intent. Burgess Brown gave them a severe lecturing, Chief of Police Palmer decide to break up the practice, which has become so decidedly dangerous. Perpetrators will be dealt with severely. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

(typically concocted with backs and wings) had a beef knucklebone in it, or the beef soup had some wings and chicken feet in it. That’s right, chicken feet. Mom and Gram both attested that it gave the soup a delicious flavor, so when my grandmother butchered the chicken, everything but the cluck, the feathers, the beak, and the comb got used.

My father, of Slovak descent, preferred a more creamy soup base or something with some vinegar, or maybe even sauerkraut. (Mom would grudgingly make him some watery version of a

I must admit, those claws did not bother me one bit. Many the time, my mom, Gram, and I shared a hearty bowl of broth together and we also nibbled on a chicken foot or two. That grisly texture was fun to gnaw, even though my father looked on in sheer horror. Different strokes for different folks, right? Or dif- ferent soups for different groups! Regardless of different soup palates, I am sure that most of us would agree with Campbell’s slogan, “Soup is good food,” and there are probably plenty of scientific reasons from the protein in it to the vitamins to the antioxidants. Mom always thought that a steaming bowl of soup cured anything from the common cold to a broken bone, and I am not going to argue with her belief. But most of all, soup takes me home again. I am sitting at the table with my family, fishing out the noodles, chomping on a carrot, and enjoying some pastina. As I pick up my bowl at the end of my repast, tip it to my lips, and slurp the remains of the broth, I think, “Umm, umm, good.”

• • •

Evelyn Long of Punxsutawney

June 25, 1940 - December 9, 2022

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, George Paris Jorno and Iniz Mary Mack. She was loved by all and will be missed by many. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Janet Romaine (DeShong) McQuown of Punxsutawney

February 6, 1938 - December 16, 2022

Janet graduated from Renovo High School and was a member of the First Christian Church of Big Run and the Chloe Methodist Church. Her dog, Tiny, who stayed by her side, passed away with her in a house fire.

Janet is survived by three daughters, Rhonda (Dana) Neely, Karen (Dwayne) Everson, and Lois (Dave) Tombs; one stepson, Bill (Kelly) McQuown; and two stepdaughters, Peggy (Doug) Griffith and Brenda (Jim) Shipley; three siblings, Shirley Ann Gilbert, Terry (Diane) DeShong, and Randy DeShong. Janet is also survived by five grandchildren, Brandi (Mark Mancuso) Cary, Victor Balbo, Tracey Balbo, Bethany Raynes, Trent Tombs; four greatgrandchildren, Skylar (Mary) Burkett, Madison Cary, Taylor Cary, and Felix Raynes; three great–great–grandchildren, Hampton Kotula, Harmony Love, and Baby Hilliard; and several step grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, James Ellis DeShong and Margaret Evelyn (Hess) (DeShong) White, and husband Howard McQuown, Janet is preceded in passing by one sister, Dora Jean Craven; four brothers, James “Jim” DeShong, Paul Maynard DeShong, John “Jack” DeShong, and William “Butch” DeShong; one grandson, Justin Earl Pitts; and one stepchild, Howard “Buddy” McQuown Junior.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Cynthia A “Cindy” Rebuck of Punxsutawney

May 15, 1958 - December 16, 2022

Cindy graduated from Moshannon Valley High School in 1976. She worked as an EMT and as a CNA at Mountain Laurel

Nursing and Rehabilitation. Cindy was co-owner of Rebuck’s South Side Service where she served as secretary and ran the day-to-day operations of the business alongside her husband, Denny. Cindy was a current member of the Punxsutawney Borough Council. She also volunteered for years as the cook at the Punxsutawney Lions Club. Cindy enjoyed going for trips with her husband in their motorhome and on their motorcycle. She loved driving around town in her smart car, saving many stray cats, taking care of her dogs, Duke, Harley and Daisy, but most of all she loved her family.

She is survived by her husband, Denny Rebuck; three daughters and a son, Lori (Tony) Ogden, Krista (Phil) Butler, Ray Lowe, and Charity (Nick) McCloskey. She is also survived by four stepchildren, Keri (Rob) Cimarolli, Kimberly (John) Feighner, Kyle Rebuck, and Kelsey Rebuck; two brothers and a sister, Clyde Brown, Kim Dixon, and Patrick (Kathy) Brown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Philip P. and Nancy (Frantz) Brown, and a sister, Crystal Albright Foreman.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Bertha M. Deahl of Punxsutawney

October 18, 1927 - December 19, 2022

Bertha was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Punxsutawney and enjoyed baking. She worked for Sylvania and Rolo-Jensen.

Bertha is survived by a daughter, Cindy Johnson; three grandchildren, Brent (Karina) Johnson, Kevin (Katie) Johnson, and Scott Johnson; and four great-grandchildren Vincent, Zach, Rhys, and Evie.

In addition to her husband, Merle Deahl, Jr., and parents, Ada Blanche (Pierce) and William Harkleroad, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Roslyn Deahl; brothers, Bill and Carl Harkleroad; sister, Zania Gregg; and a son-in-law, David Johnson Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com) u

John R. Curry of Sprankle Mills

December 31, 1956 - December 21, 2022

John was a member of St. John’s Reformed Church of Punxsutawney. He was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School. He worked at FAMCO for over 45 years.

John was a member of the Oliver Township Volunteer Fire Company and served as their Safety Officer. He was one of the fire company’s top responders for the year of 2022.

John enjoyed camping, having campfires with their friends and family at their house, NASCAR and dirt track racing, rides in his Mustang, tinkering in his garage, and spending time with his family and grandsons.

John is survived by three children, son Matthew (Kathy) Curry, son Adam (Hallie Truitt) Curry, and daughter Elana (Brandin) McFadden; two grandchildren, Ethan Curry and Elliot Curry; siblings a sister, Becky Halberg; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Abby E. Curry; parents, Sara M. (Means) and Ralston Curry; and a brother, Tom Curry.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Irene Louise (Gresock) Phillips

June 27, 1934 - Dec. 23, 2022

Irene graduated from Punxsutawney High School, Class of 1952, and after attending beauty school in Pittsburgh, worked for a short time as a hairdresser.

With her husband reenlisting in the Army, Irene became a serviceman’s wife, living in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Texas, and twice in Germany over the course of his military career. They moved back to Punxsutawney in 1976. Later, Irene went to work for the ATA, as a van/bus driver and later as dispatcher. She was a very active woman. Irene was adviser to the local American Field Service (AFS) chapter, once taking a group of PAHS and foreign exchange students on a trip to visit AFS chapters in Tennessee and Kentucky. She was also a member of the Punxsutawney Duplicate Bridge Club and volunteered at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital and at the Bennis House. She was a member of SSCD Church and its Rosary Altar Society, and worked many church events. In addition to bridge, Irene loved Scrabble, listening to Sunday morning polkas, and cooking (her haluski was the absolute best), tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, traveling, and reading. Most of all, she loved to be with her family. Irene was endeared by many, always welcoming and ready to add another plate to the table for anyone. She lived her faith through her generosity and kindness, and was devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ.

She is survived by three sons, Mark (Amy) Phillips, Patrick Phillips and Andy (Chrissi) Phillips; two daughters, Laura (John) Jesse and Colleen (Regis) McKenzie; daughter-inlaw Marianne Phillips; grandsons, Roderic Phillips, John “Bubba” Jesse III, Jacob (Kate) Jesse, Jordan Jesse, Derek Phillips, Regis McKenzie IV, Randon Phillips, Matthew McKenzie, Riley Phillips, and Mitchell Phillips; granddaughters, Emily McKenzie, Abigail Phillips, and Caroline Phillips; great-granddaughters, Jordyn, Anna, Jade, Jenelle, Irene, Jesse; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Gresock and Joan Phillips; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, John Richard “Dick” Phillips, with whom she enjoyed 57 years of marriage, she was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary (Koromaus) Gresock; son, J. Richard (“Ric”) Phillips Jr.; grandson, Eric Phillips; four sisters, Mary Skarbek, Margaret Larko, Elizabeth Morris, and Anna Phillips; and three brothers, George, John, and Joseph Gresock. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

Harold J. “Pug” Seger of Rossiter

June 16, 1939 - December 23, 2022

Harold retired from Interstate Amesite and was a member of the Rossiter Sportsmen’s Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in his younger years he pitched for the Rossiter Miners and threw a nohitter. He loved his family and working on his property.

Harold is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Seger; a sister, Geneva “Teed” Rypczyk; his nephews, Ronald (Sherry) C. Seger, Terry (Rhonda) L. Seger, Keith (Margi) Rypczyk, and Louie Bonicalzi; and his nieces; Brenda (Dan) Tomko, Sandy (Eddie) Crouse, and Cheryl (Glen) Costello; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Robina (Johnson) Seger; brothers, Charles “Spark” Seger and Ronald “Butch” Seger; and his sister, Emma Jean “Dot” Bonicalzi.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

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Marilyn Rose (Potter) Deet of Houston, Texas formerly of Punxsutawney

November 11, 1945 - December 26, 2022

Marilyn was an active member of the Lake Houston Church of Christ. While she lived in Pennsylvania, she attended the Brookville Church of Christ. She was active in all areas of the church and was always willing to lend a hand. Marilyn formerly worked at the Pantall Hotel and Ruth and Harry’s restaurants in Punxsutawney. In recent years she worked at Sheetz and the Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Marilyn enjoyed serving the community, serving the Lord, her family, and her church family.

She is survived by a son Ron, (Laura) Deet; a daughter, Barbara (Deet) Raster; three grandchildren, Lance Deet, Lukas Deet, Zoe Raster; a great-grandson, Matthew Beau Deet; a sister, Laurie Zapf; and a brother, Paul (Manetta) Potter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by parents, Dana and Charlotte Potter; her husband, Robert Deet; a daughter, Susan May Neal; three brothers and a sister.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

George M. Wineberg, 96 of Punxsutawney passed away January 1, 2023

George was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served as a medic with a M.A.S.H. unit with the United States Army.

George was a member of the Big Run Methodist Church and the Punxsutawney American Legion Post 62. George started working for Jordan’s Furniture Store in Punxsutawney, before owning his own store, “Wineberg’s Store” in Brockway. After selling the store he went on to work at Wolf Furniture and Big Run Carpet. George enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors. He was known to play a practical joke every now and then. Most of all George loved spending time with his family and visiting with people.

He is survived by his children, Beverly (John) Keeley, Dennis Wineberg, Paula Wineberg, and Mike McCreary; four grandchildren, Jason (Branda) Wineberg, Robyn Wineberg, Kaylynn (Enrique)

Ajquejaye, Laura (Landon) Prutznal; six great-grandchildren, Bailey Wineberg, Aubrey Wineberg, Nicholas Wineberg, Quinn Mace, Milo and Ian Ajquejay; and a sister, Elda Wineberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murry C. M. and Laura (Rhoades) Wineberg; his wife of 67 years, Jane (Weber) Wineberg; an infant son; a daughter-in-law, Leslie Wineberg; a brother, Darrell Wineberg; and a sister, Gervin Wineberg.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Sandra E. Bellomo of Punxsutawney

October 5, 1935 - January 2, 2023

Sandy is survived by her nieces and nephews, Robert Joseph Bellomo, Michael D. Bellomo, Mary F. Bellomo, Patricia (Dave) D. Snyder, Jeannie Allenbaugh, and Lois Allenbaugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo and Frances (Caruso) Bellomo; two infant siblings; and three brothers, John, Frank, and Ralph Bellomo.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Diane P. McGuire of Punxsutawney

April 24, 1965 - January 6, 2023

Diane was an active member of First Church of God, participating in WCG Ladies where she served as secretary. Diane also helped out with the Good News Club. She attended Wednesday night Bible study at Chestnut Grove Independent church.

Diane was a 1983 graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School. She retired in 2021 from the Jefferson County Assistance Office. Diane enjoyed attending southern gospel concerts and being active in her church. She loved her family. She would cook meals or soup for her family and friends delivering to their doorstep. Diane always wanted to make sure her family and friends had leftovers to take home.

She is survived by a sister, Bridget A. Rice; a niece, Annelise Rice; a nephew, Wyldon Rice; an aunt, Patricia “Molly” (Albert) Dembosky; and an uncle, Paul Smith, IL.; and numerous cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Arlene (Smith) McGuire.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Samuel “Sam” Edward Neiswonger of Punxsutawney

December 7, 1977 - January 8, 2023

Sam attended DuBois and Brockway Area High Schools. He was a very simple man who loved to be outdoors where you could find him hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers. Above all else, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his mother, Martha Jane (Wells) Frantz; and wife, Kelly Lynn Huey, Sam is survived by five children, Gerome E. (Brittney) Neiswonger, Kameo T. Neiswonger, Shantell Neiswonger, Carolynn D. Neiswonger, and Blaze A. Neiswonger; two brothers, Richard A. (Carrie) Neiswonger and Eugene “Buddy” R. Neiswonger III. Sam is also survived by two grandchildren, Mya M. Bishop and Haven L. Neiswonger, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sam is preceded in passing by his father, Eugene Russell Neiswonger; one sister, Christina Marie Elizabeth Neiswonger; stepfather, Yogi Frantz; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Karen A. (Work) Zeitler of Punxsutawney

January 23, 1952 - January 8, 2023

Karen is survived by her husband, Ted Zeitler; her mother, Marie (Buterbaugh) Work; sisters, Karla (Chuck) Strawser and Kristie (Dave) Kromer; nieces, Kelly (Work) Rowe and Alee (Kromer) Smith; and nephew, Drew Strawser. She is also survived by her children, Heath (Lisa) Zeitler, Brooke (Adam Holmes) Zeitler, and Wesley Zeitler.

Surviving grandchildren include Garrett Zeitler, Jaelin Decker, Ian Decker, Logan Zeitler, and Kamryn Zeitler.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, George Work; grandmothers, Mildred (Wolfgang) Buterbaugh and Edna Ellenberger Martin Work; and grandfathers, Lamont Buterbaugh and John Charles Work. She graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School with the Class of 1969 and also attended Clarion University for Music and IUP for Accounting.

Karen retired from Femco Machine after 37 years of dedicated employment. She loved reading, listening to music, playing board games, and watching the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Penn State football.

Her calm and loving demeanor will be remembered by all that knew and loved her. She will be cherished in our hearts forever. Her final thoughts were “LOVE.”

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com) u

Clyde Robert “Bob” Riethmiller of Smicksburg

March 19, 1927 - January 10, 2023

Bob was a veteran of WWII, serving with the United States Army. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Smicksburg. Bob worked at various jobs throughout his career. He retired from Hammermill Paper Co. He took great pride in his large vegetable garden. Bob was always willing to lend a hand and never expected anything for it. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter.

He is survived by two sons, Gary (Sue) R. Riethmiller, Roy E. Riethmiller; one granddaughter, Katie R. Riethmiller; a great-granddaughter, Karie M. Erwin; two sisters, Betty Errigo and Joyce Smith; a brother, George Riethmiller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Riley and Mable (Gahagan) Riethmiller; his wife, Leona (Ewing) Riethmiller; two infant children; two sisters, Ruth Mountain and Shirley Wilson; and a brother, Clair Riethmiller. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

Richard “Snap” Quay Shank, Jr. of Punxsutawney

April 16, 1960 - January 11, 2023

Richard graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School. He worked for Sam Jack Drilling on the rigs. He also worked for the Indiana Gazette delivering newspapers. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and listening to music. He loved the time he spent with his youngest grandson, Theo, and the many videos and phone calls he got from him every day. Richard always talked about all the crazy and fun times he had enjoyed with his brother, Tim “Frog.” Richard will Continued on next page

Continued from previous page be dearly missed by his family and friends. Richard is survived by six children, Tonya Shank, Richard Shank III, Paul Shank, Erica Shank, Rebecca Shank, and Caylia Shank; five siblings, Candy (Ken) Stitt, Tim Shank, Jeff Shank, Julie Shank, and Tammy Mae (James) Shank-Holland. Richard is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Shawn Anderson, Korinne Anderson, Seth Anderson, Dominick Shank, Sylis Shank, Caden Shank, Eliona Shank, Brycen Shank, Esmeray Storm, Theodore McGregor, and Prudence McGregor; and one greatgrandchild, Raelynn Anderson. In addition to his parents, Richard Quay Shank Sr. and Beverly Joan (Spencer) Shank, Richard is preceded in passing by one sister, Bonnie Shank, and one nephew, Andrew Toy.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Ellen M. Diehl of Punxsutawney

May 10, 1929 - January 11, 2023

Ellen attended the Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic church of Punxsutawney.

Ellen was an avid bowler for 60+ years and participated in many state and national tournaments that took her across Pennsylvania and the U.S. She was a stay-at-home mom who loved taking care of her family, family functions, and growing flowers.

She is survived by two daughters, Peggy (Robert) McClelland and Jean Sinclair; seven grandchildren, Larry (Lori) Manners, Kristi (Jim) Halliwell, Doug (Stacey) Manners, Jackie (Tim) Haas, Rebecca (Nick) Jones, Danny Diehl and Lisa Diehl; eighteen great-grandchildren; four greatgreat grandchildren; a brother, Joe (Alice) Armagost; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband of 68 years, Jack B. Diehl, and parents, Victorine E. (Terlinski) and Christopher J. Armagost, she was preceded in death by a son, Ken Diehl; an infant daughter; a granddaughter, Shawne; brothers, Ed, Bob, and Jackie; sisters, Betty “Elizabeth,” Ileana, Mary and Martha; an infant sister; and Phyllis Armagost, who was like a sister to her.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Mary E. Justice of Punxsutawney

January 25, 1937 - January 13, 2023

Mary attended the Oliveburg Presbyterian Church. She was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School. Mary enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, cooking, spending time with her family, painting classes and painting, watching the Food Network, cross country skiing, hiking, camping, reading, and flower gardening.

Mary was a former volunteer helper with Cub Scouts and the 4H.

She worked for Sylvania and later as a cafeteria worker beginning at Mapleview School and then retired from the former Junior High School.

She is survived by two children, son, Keith (Diane) Justice, and daughter, Kathy (Kevin) Geer; four grandchildren, Corry Geer, Tyler Geer, Seth Justice, and Ethan Justice; three great-grandchildren, Gracilyn, Hayden, and Brock Justice; three brothers, George Elbel, Jay Elbel and Bill Elbel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Gerald C. Justice, and parents, Alice (McFarland) and Edward Elbel, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Glenn, Emery, and Eugene Elbel.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Bertha M. “Birdie” Fletcher of Punxsutawney

February 9, 1931 - January 14, 2023

Birdie was a member of the Red Hat Society at Brookside Manor. She enjoyed bingo, bowling, painting, cooking and took great pride in raising her family.

She is survived by nine children, Allen (Connie) Lewis, Homer (Linda Umbaugh) Callender, Mary Callender, John (June) Callender, Peggy (George) Powers, Patty (Matt) Wagner, Gerri Ferguson, Terri (Frank) Hemsing, Loretta (Eric) Cassatt; numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Alice Vallies, Dorothy Baldwin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Alice (Magle) Beck; two granddaughters, Camie Callender, Heather Smith; and a sister, Hazel Pfeil; and four infant siblings.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Frederick “Freddie” Michael Kovalyak of Reynoldsville

September 25, 1947 - January 14, 2023

Freddie graduated from Clarion State College with a bachelor’s degree in education. He continued his education at Westminster College to achieve his principal papers. Freddie was in education for 37 years and was principal in several schools for 30 of those years. He was also Federal Program Director for the DuBois Area School District, retiring in 2004.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville, Sons of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #540, and a former Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #519. He was a coach for varsity track and field, elementary basketball, and Senior Little League.

In addition to his wife, Marcheta Grossi, Freddie is survived by two sons, Christopher (Tracy) Kovalyak and Brent (Angela) Kovalyak, and four grandchildren, Mia, Alexander, Ryan, and Alessandra.

In addition to his parents, Frederick Theodore and Kathryn Virginia (Bracken) Kovalyak, Freddie is preceded in passing by his grandmother Stella Bracken.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Paul Thomas “Finn” Weaver of Rochester Mills

June 29, 1950 - January 15, 2023

Finn was a member of Saint Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsutawney. He retired from the BuffaloPittsburgh Railroad as a bookkeeper. Finn enjoyed playing pool and shooting darts in various leagues, fishing, playing his guitar, woodworking, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Mary A. Lydick (Michael), Julieanne (James) J. Hogg, and Nathan Paul Weaver; four granddaughters, Allison, Zoey, Skylin, and Katerina; his siblings, John (Carol) Weaver, Mary Weaver-Jay, Thomas Weaver, and Robert Weaver; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Silas and Mary Catherine (O’Leary) Weaver; a son, Thomas J. Weaver; and a brother, Joseph A. Weaver.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Bonnie Jane (Plowman) Hudak of Punxsutawney

October 20, 1923 - January 18, 2023

Bonnie graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School with the Class of 1941. A devout Catholic and a faithful member of the Ss. Cosmas & Damian, she taught catechism at her beloved parish’s school. Bonnie was a dedicated Pittsburgh sports fan and an avid gardener. She enjoyed playing cards and cooking, but never enjoyed them as much as when she shared them with her family. Bonnie is survived by one son-in-law, William Peterson, and two grandchildren, Michael Peterson and Jacquelyn Peterson.

In addition to her parents, William E. Plowman and Ora May (Bath) Plowman, and husband, Nicholas Edward Hudak, Bonnie was preceded in passing by her daughter, Barbara Ann (Hudak) Peterson; three brothers, George Plowman, Maurice Plowman, James Plowman; and one sister, Ethel (Plowman) Farnsworth. Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com) u

Carolyn A. Long of Punxsutawney

October 30, 1961 - January 21, 2023

In addition to her husband, Bryan D. Long, and mother, Connie (Leksell) Brocious, Carolyn is survived by a daughter, Kelly Spade; a grandson, Logan Spade; and siblings, Janet Cruz, Robert (Traci) Joseph, Allen Brocious, John Joseph, Art (Wendy) Brocious, and Randy Brocious.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Joseph, and stepfather, Terry Brocious.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com) u u

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