Punxsutawney Area Hospital to Celebrate National Hospital Week

The Punxsutawney Area Hospital is getting ready to celebrate National Hospital Week, which is held annually to recognize employees for their dedication and commitment as well as to interact with their communities. This year the dates for NHW are May 7 through May 13. Healthcare workers play a vital role in our communities; this was incredibly evident in recent years as the world struggled through the global pandemic. NHW is a great time of the year to shine a spotlight on hospitals and health systems who play such an essential role in the health of our communities.

The staff members at Punxsutawney Area Hospital will be invited to participate in various activities throughout the week. Some of these activities include: an online

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Continued from page 9 actual cookies, of course. The cookies were certainly a symbol of all the ‘togetherness’ that mom orchestrated.”

“For the record, my dad has done a fabulous job of keeping that family feeling going,” adds Justine. “He’s simply an extension of who they were together. He’s the best!”

Author Hope Edelman once wrote that we learn as much from someone’s absence as we do when they are with us, and Justine says she couldn’t agree more. “I’ve lived almost as much time without my mom as I lived with her,” she says, “and while I learned, and carry so, so much of scavenger hunt, employee breakfasts, the Groundhog Grindz Coffee trailer, department bowling, a cornhole tournament and picnic, cookie competition, and many others. This year the Punxsutawney Area Hospital will host a National Hospital Week Kick Off Event and Mixer on Monday, May 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event will have PAH Updates from Jack Sisk, president, along with other speakers. The PAH Wellness Bus will be available for tours. There will be light snacks and beverages available as well. The community is invited to attend, show support for the hardworking employees at PAH, and learn more about the great services that are provided at PAH. For more information, please visit www.path.org. what she taught me from her life, her death has taught me just as many lessons.”

“My experience has shown me that every day is actually unprecedented (and fleeting!), so don’t take life too seriously,” she adds, before concluding, “[Losing my mom at such a young age] has also shown me that beautiful moments and experiences can stem from the hardest situations. We can feel joy and sorrow simultaneously. The greatest lesson from her absence is we always have the choice of how we handle what we are given. I hope to ground my choices in so much of what she gave to the world: kindness, laughter, fun, understanding, and love.”

• • •

Douglas M. “Mutt” Pequeen, Sr. of Punxsutawney

November 25, 1960 - March 27, 2023

Douglas was a retired painter and wallpaper hanger. He enjoyed spending time and visiting with friends at Frank ’n Steins when they were open. “Mutt,” as he was known to his friends, lived his life to have a good time. He is survived by his wife, Jenny Pequeen; his sons, Douglas (Denise) M. Pequeen, Jr., and Michael (Ashley) J. Pequeen; his daughter, Catherine (Chris) D. Pennington; grandchildren Amber (Josh) Walker, Dillon Pequeen, Malachi, Micah, Elijah and Avah Pequeen, and Brianna and Kolbi Pennington; brothers, James (Linda) S. Pequeen, Jr., Scott (Ann) Pequeen; sister, Cathy Wiggins; his close nieces, Amy and Theresa Pequeen; as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Barbara (Fousnaught) Pequeen, and a brother, Steven Pequeen.

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

Elaine Marie (Pluchinsky) Koromaus of Punxsutawney

July 21, 1941 - March 29, 2023

Elaine graduated from Punxsutawney High School. She was a longtime member of the Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Punxsutawney, as well as a member of the Lady’s Auxiliary within the church. She was also President of the PnP Angels as well as secretary and treasurer for GCU Lodge #62. She was a member of the Punxsutawney Eagles and The Walston Club. With her sister, the two provided catering to almost every event in the Punxsutawney area for a long time. She was an extremely welcoming person, with a beloved personality. Above all else, she was extremely proud of her four grandchildren. She never tired of her main calling, as a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend.

Elaine is survived by her two sons; David (Sharon) Koromaus and Marc (Richelle “Shelly”) Koromaus; four grandchildren, Sydney, Logan, Max, Lukas; and two siblings, John R. (Maryann) Pluchinsky and Dolores (Mario) Cardamone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary (Meterko) Pluchinsky, and her husband, John Michael Koromaus. Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Aletha J. Franklin of Big Run

June 22, 1935 - March 31, 2023, A 1952 graduate of New Kensington High School, Aletha was a member of the Chestnut Grove Independent Church in Punxsutawney. She was an active and faithful servant in her church, serving on committees, helping with funeral dinners, and sending cards. She dedicated her life to her family and friends.

Aletha is survived by four children, son David (Tracy) Franklin, daughter Bonnie (Art) Rizzino, daughter Nancy (Gary) Reinhart, and daughter Rebecca (Ed) Serafin; five grandchildren, Michael Reinhart, Michele Reinhart, Eddie Serafin, Brandon Serafin, and Andrew (Sara) Franklin; and a brother, Robert (Cathy) Brady.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Franklin, and her parents, Jean (Lingenfelter) and Robert Brady.

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

Betty Jean Plotner of Punxsutawney formerly of Knoxdale

March 6, 1923 - April 1, 2023

Jean held various jobs throughout her life. She worked at Sylvania and Jefferson Manor, drove a school bus, and most importantly was a mother and homemaker. Jean made sure everyone that visited her did not leave hungry. She also enjoyed her cats, fishing, tending her vegetable garden, feeding wildlife, traveling, attending yard sales, and finding a bargain.

She is survived by two sons, Cecil F. Plotner and George (Brenda) W. Plotner; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Debbie; and other numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Blanche (Kessler) Hopkins; husband, Cecil F. Plotner; a son, Robert Plotner; five sisters; a brother; and a greatgreat-grandson.

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

Karen Rose Verdill Gratz of Clarion formerly of Punxsutawney

April 12, 1951 - April 3, 2023

Karen graduated from Punxsutawney High School in 1969 then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Kent State University with a concentration in Art and

Architecture.

She retired from US Airways in 2006 as a Reservation Sales Specialist working in the Washington, DC, Dayton, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Ind., sales offices. She previously worked in retail around the Punxsutawney area for Harls Shoe Store, The Smart Shop, and Thrift Drug Store.

Karen was a published poetess of the poem, “Time to Swim,” and a self-publisher of the children’s book “Fido the Duck, a Short Tale.” She contributed artwork to the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society.

Karen was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Punxsutawney.

In addition to her husband, Leonard “Leo” J. Gratz, she is survived by two siblings, sister Kay (Dave) DeLuca, and brother Michael (Mindi) Verdill; nieces and nephews, David (Beth) Uzzo, Adam (Melissa) Uzzo, Emily (Dale) DeLuca Holmes, Carrie (Austin) DeLuca Glahn, Andrew (Jill) DeLuca, Beau Verdill, and Bailee Verdill; several great nieces and nephews; and to her best friend Debbie Hardie, “I love you, my best friend, we will hang on Tarzan Swings in Heaven.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara R. (Rhodes) and Rocco Verdill, and a sister, Joyce Ann Uzzo, whom she considered the best “big sister” ever.

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

Alec J. “Ike” Godo of Punxsutawney

October 3, 1957 - April 6, 2023

Alec lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by a daughter, Jessica A. Carr; two grandchildren, Jessalynn and Ayden Carr; two sisters, Cheryl (John) C. Waters, Pamela J. McClure; a brother, Jerry (Shelby) L. Godo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. and Lenora (Beatty) Godo, and a sister, Linda M. Godo.

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

Dustin A. Davis of Worthville

February 29, 1988 - April 9, 2023

Dustin enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his father. He was a member of the Eagles.

In addition to his parents, Marsha J. Faudie and Donald C. Davis, he is survived by a sister

Missy L. Gilbert and husband Danny, Pa., and a niece Marissa L. Dunlap. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Ruth E. Peace of Cloe

May 15, 1926 - April 10, 2023

Ruth was a member of Cloe United Methodist Church. She was the cafeteria manager at Bell Township Elementary School for 22 years before her retirement. Ruth enjoyed traveling with her husband trying to visit all of the 50 states and cooking Sunday dinners for her family, friends, and whomever would stop by. Most of all Ruth loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by a son and two daughters: Richard (Nancy) E. Peace, Pamela J. Pifer and Kitty (Richard) Long; nine grandchildren: Rebecca (Tim) Pellas, Autumn (Matt) Rheaume, Amber Pifer, Hope (Rusty) Young, Justin Peace, Mallory (Ethan) Evans, Lacey (Patrick) Lydick, Brock (Heidi) Long and Shawna Peace; 17 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Cheri Peace; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Elva (McCarty) Mallory;her husband, Theodore Peace; a son, Ted S. Peace; and 13 siblings.

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

William R. Giovanetti of Brookville

September 1, 1946 - April 10, 2023, William served in the United States Army during Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. William earned his high school diploma and furthered his education at the Rosedale Technical Institute in the Auto Diesel Mechanic curriculum. He worked as a member of the Operating Engineers Local 66 and held various construction jobs. He retired as a Union Mechanic with his last job being for Waste Management in Washington, Pa. He enjoyed hunting, tinkering in his garage, riding his tractor, and spending time with his friends. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition to his partner, Mary K. Jenkins, he is survived by four children, son David (Colleen) Giovanetti, daughter Kelly Giovanetti, son Stephen Giovanetti, and daughter Kristy Giovanetti; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise (Leo) George; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Anna Lominski and

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Jack Joseph Giovanetti, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Bobby and infant Peter Giovanetti, and a sister Marie Smith.

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

Velma Belle Burkett of Punxsutawney

October 19, 1933 - April 13, 2023

Velma was a homemaker and always put others first and led a life of service to her church and community. As an active member of the First Church of God, she served as a Sunday School teacher for 30 years as well as a member of The Women of the Church of God and The Owl’s. Velma was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at Oliver Township Fire Hall and also served 30 years on the election board in Oliver Township.

She is survived by three sons, Dennis (Patricia K.) R. Burkett, Durwin Burkett, and Wayne (Linda) A. Burkett; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Paul) Reed; two brothers, David (Denise) Rogers and Robert Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William B. and Blanche (Means) Rodgers; husband, Lorraine W. Burkett; and two brothers, William and James Rogers.

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

Donald M. Jordan of Punxsutawney

December 23, 1939 - April 16, 2023

Don worked as a coal truck driver and as a custodian for the Punxsutawney Christian School. He was a member of the First Church of God of Punxsutawney.

Don enjoyed hunting, dirt track races, spending time with his family, and taking trips to Benezette to see the elk.

He is survived by four children, son Michael (Melinda) D. Jordan, son William (Jamie) W. Jordan, daughter Catherine (Kevin) Knox, son James L. Jordan and fiancée Brittany; five grandchildren, Eric (Nikki) Knox, Kayla (Jared) Webb, Canaan (Ashlyn) Knox, Roman (Amanda) Bowser and Octavia Jordan; two great-grandchildren, Quinnly Webb and Canyon Knox; and a special friend, Doris Good.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn A. (McQuown) Jordan, and parents, Faye (Young) and Eugene Jordan, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jacquelyn Jordan, and five siblings, Marie Fry, Walter Jordan, Chuck Jordan, Ruth Petroff, and Dorothy Nicholson. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Barbara Jane McConnaughey of Rossiter 1932 - April 16, 2023

Barbara was married to the late James R. McConnaughey. They spent the beginning of their married life in Buffalo, New York, and they moved to their farm in Canoe Ridge in 1971. She worked various jobs in Buffalo. Her last job was as a meat demonstrator at County Market in Punxsutawney. After retirement, she enjoyed being with friends at the Grandmother’s Club as well as at the Mahoning Hills Senior Center. Her grandson Ken did his Eagle Scout project for the Senior Center and her granddaughter Juli did a project with the Grandmothers Club with her fellow AG students from the Marion Center School District.

Barbara enjoyed oil paintings, nature watching, and cooking. Her absolute favorite times were spent with her grandchildren and later on with their spouses as well.

In addition to her husband and parents, Clyde and Lucille Ferrier McGee, she was also preceded in death by her four brothers: William, Phillip, Jack, and Don, and her four sisters: Emma Tate, Elizabeth Maue, Dorothy Gardner, and Marylou McGee.

She is survived by her daughter Diana (Kenneth) Carlson, her grandson Kenneth (Heather) Carlson, and her granddaughter Julianne (Ryan) Hickok.

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

Robert Dwight Himes of Rochester Mills

August 11, 1933 - April 20, 2023

After graduating in 1951 from Marion Center High School, Bob owned and operated the family dairy farm for 25 years in Rochester Mills. He received the Keystone and American Farmer’s Degree. He loved the outdoors, planting, harvesting, and maintaining the fields. Bob was an avid deer hunter and looked forward to hunting season each year when his many friends and family would come to hunt on the Himes Farm.

For a number of years he was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Punxsutawney. During that time he served on the Board of Trustees. He also loved serving in the church kitchen helping prepare dinners for different occasions throughout the year. On Sundays between the services you would find Bob in the social room serving coffee. He later became a regular attender to the First Church of God in Punxsutawney.

The past years Bob’s eyesight had deteriorated, but he filled his time doing yard work, listening to Family Life Network and Fox News. He followed sports, especially the

Steelers, Pitt, and Penn State football, and Indiana High School baseball.

Bob enjoyed traveling and special holidays when all the family would be together.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Grace (Nichol); five children: a daughter Patti and husband Dave Grant, three sons, Douglas and wife Bonnie, Gregory, Mark and deceased wife Cathy, daughter Christie and deceased husband, Todd and 10 grandchildren, Nathan (Kristin) Miller, Jessica (Scott) Warshel, Derek Miller and fiancée Kira, Joel (Micha) Himes, Travis (Erin) Himes, Ashlynn (Andy) Starr, Mark Himes and Grace, Mackenzie, and Andrew McGee; nine great-grandchildren, Natalie and Vincent Miller, Thomas and Aubrey Starr, Jaxyn and Rylan Warshel, Parker and Ethan Himes, and Ruby Himes; and a brother, Andrew Himes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eincle and Arminta Himes; two sisters, Ida Beatty and Ruth Troupe; and five brothers, Earl, Roy, Merle, Melvin, and Ellis Himes. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Ray Wilson Dinsmore, Sr. of Punxsutawney

November 12, 1931 - April 21, 2023

A veteran, Ray served during the Korean War as a member of the United States Navy and the Marines. He joined the Navy in 1950, where he became a medical corpsman, and later transferred to the Marine Corps.

In 1967 Ray was ordained an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney and also elected to the Punxsutawney Borough Council. He also served as president of the Mary A. Wilson Elementary School PTA. Ray was the owner of Dinsmore Lithographer, which he founded in 1969. He became the printing instructor at Jefferson County Vo-Tech when the school first opened in 1969. He later became the school’s cooperative education coordinator.

Ray is survived by his wife, Roberta Joan Maier; three sons, Ray W. Jr., Jeffrey (wife Kathy), and Matthew; and a daughter, Debra Dinsmore (Michael Shaffer); two granddaughters, Megan and Keri Dinsmore; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Grace (Monteith) Dinsmore; two sisters, Cathryn Stahl and Helen Elliott; and three brothers, Arthur, Alex, and Hal Dinsmore.

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

Janeen Barrett of Punxsutawney

October 4, 1955 - April 21, 2023

Janeen was a member of the First Church of God of Punxsutawney. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her cat, Lily, baking, singing in the church choir, and puzzle books.

She worked for The Potters Place and as a secretary for the Christian Missionary Alliance district office in Punxsutawney.

Janeen is survived by three children, son Jason (Sarah) Barrett, son Daniel (Megan) Barrett, and daughter Amber Barrett; five grandchildren, Viera, Kayta and Javen Barrett and Tenley and Landon Barrett; a brother, Robert (Carol) Burkett; sister-in-law, Millie Burkett; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Daryl J. Barrett, and parents, Ruth (McGonagle) and Eugene Burkett, she was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Burkett, and a sister, Bonnie Burkett.

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

John “Bill” William Brooks, Jr. August 28, 1949 - April 21, 2023

Bill was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in the Vietnam War as Crew Chief of a Huey helicopter.

Bill had many passions but his constant was aviation. However, what Bill was the most passionate about was family. He made a tradition of road-tripping back to Pennsylvania at least twice a year to visit his family.

Bill is survived and greatly missed by his children, son, Blake Brooks, three daughters, Brittany Brooks, Kristy (Bradley) Day, and Amy (Dalton) Wiley; his beloved grandchildren, Blake Brooks, Lucas Nelson, Will Wiley, and Channing Day; his very much loved siblings, sister, Millicent Burkett, and three brothers, James Brooks, Joel (Judy) Brooks, and Dave (Cindy Seger) Brooks; a sister-in-law, Jane Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, John William Brooks III, his eldest brother, Randell Brooks, his brother-in-law, Tom Burkett, sister-in-law, Kay Brooks, and his parents, John William Brooks, Sr., and Henrietta (Long) Brooks.

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

Please visit the websites of the funeral homes listed to view the complete obituary, sign their guestbooks, plant a tree, and offer your condolences.

If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish the obituary in Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call (814) 952-3668. uuu