Last Chance Ranch

Consider adopting a furever friend today! Adoption fees range from a donation of your choice to $450 and include spay/neuter, 4dx tests, up to date vaccinations and preventatives. Applications are available at www.lastchanceranch.org and all adoptions are by appointment with an approved application. Occasional adoption events are held for walk-in adoptions. You can stay in the know by following us on Facebook at www.fb.com/LCRAnimalRescue or give us a call at (215) 538-2510.

A Recap of the 2022 Real Estate Market

2022 was a turbulent year for the US housing market, as inflation, rising interest rates, and elevated sales prices combined to cause a slowdown nationwide. Affordability challenges continue to limit market activity, with pending home sales and existing-home sales down month-over-month and falling 37.8% and 35.4% year-over-year, respectively, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Higher mortgage rates are also impacting prospective sellers, many of whom have locked in historically low rates and have chosen to wait until market conditions improve before selling their home. New Listings decreased 18.6 percent to 364. Pending Sales were down 23.6 percent to 375. Inventory levels grew 6.4 percent to 602 units. Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 3.6 percent to $290,000. Days on Market was up 31.6 percent to 25 days.

Buyers felt empowered as Months Supply of Inventory was up 25.0 percent to 1.0 months. Economists predict sales will continue to slow and housing prices will soften in many markets over the next 12 months, with larger price declines projected in more expensive areas. However, national inventory shortages will likely keep prices from dropping too much, as buyer demand continues to outpace supply, which remains limited at 3.3 months, according to NAR. Even if prices fall, many prospective buyers will find it difficult to afford a home in 2023, as higher rates have diminished purchasing power, adding hundreds of dollars to monthly mortgage payments. A key point to consider is talk with your mortgage professional and your real estate professional to strategize a plan to move forward today!

Sue deily HaS been a realtor for 35 yearS reSideS in tHe uPPer buCKS County area and enJoyS Serving Her ClientS in buCKS leHigH and montgomery CountieS. ContaCt Her at SueSellSHouSeS@gmail Com or 215-872-9865.

$47,483 Raised for this Season's ‘Quakertown Cares’ Campaign

BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH

The Student Congress of Quakertown Senior High School contributed $1,600 from Homecoming ticket sales to aid school families, and area veterans and seniors in need. Thank you to these thoughtful students and their faculty mentors!

Additional giving through January 13 included a $1,000 donation from long time ‘Cares’ supporter, Classic Staffing Services of Quakertown! An anonymous Sellersville resident added $400!

The following also contributed to the cause. Giving $250: Beth and Craig Arnold,

Quakertown United Methodist Church

Giving $195: Scott and Sue Godshalk, Regency Manor neighbors

$100: Constance Brown, Hayley Stauffer, Nancy and Fred Tirjan, Lillian Brader, Anonymous Perkasie resident

$50 gift card: Anonymous Milford Township resident

“Quakertown Cares” is a holiday campaign, but distributes aid and accepts contributions year-round. Contributions are tax-deductible, as ‘Cares’ is a 501(c)(3) charity. Now in its 28th year, the campaign has no administrative expenses; every contribution dollar goes to our neighbors in need!

Jacob F. betz, 78, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania passed away January 19, 2023 peacefully at home with family by his side.

Born in Philadelphia on March 24, 1944, he is the son of Grace M. Betz.

Jake married his wife Sutera on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1970, in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania.They would have celebrated their 53rd anniversary this month.

In addition to his wife, Jake is survived by son Christopher J., his wife Lisa, and granddaughters Abigail and Lauren of Trumbauersville; daughter Carolynn of Quakertown; and son Adam. He is also survived by his brother James J. Flannery III and his wife Donna of Palm Coast, Florida; and niece and nephew James and Jennifer.

Jake attended Roman Catholic High School of Philadelphia, graduating in 1961. He went on to study at the Philadelphia College of Science and Textiles, now Jefferson University, before embarking on his career in science and technology at companies such as Rohm & Haas, General Electric’s Missile & Space division, and ultimately various divisions of Ametek from which he retired after 42 years in 2011. He continued to consult with companies in the MEMS (Microelectronic Measurement Systems) field right up to the time of his passing. He also held a number of patents in the field of photovoltaics.

Jake was a lifelong learner right up the end, always reading and studying and practicing what he learned. He was a self-taught computer programmer whose software was sold worldwide. He innovated manufacturing processes for his employers and friends with local businesses and was always willing to use his knowledge and problem-solving skills to help anyone who needed him.

Jake was an extremely devoted husband and father. If there was an opportunity to be involved in his family’s activities, he was there through sports, clubs, scouts, hobbies, church, Christopher’s business, and much more. Never did he ever neglect to support his family in every way.

Friends and family are invited to honor Jake on February 18 at First United Church of Christ at 4th and Park Avenue in Quakertown. A calling hour will be held at 10 AM and a celebration of life service at 11 AM. Memorial contributions in honor of Jake can be made to the Roman Catholic High School Alumni Association, Class of 1961, 301 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

William “bill” anderson, 79, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on January 11, 2023, in his home.

Born in Sellersville, PA he was the son of the late Richard Anderson and Ruth (Strouse) Anderson.

Bill graduated from Pennridge High School in 1961 and went on to continue his education at Spring Garden Institute of Tech. He proudly served in the United States Army. When he was younger, Bill enjoyed hunting, in his later years, Bill spent a lot of his time fishing. Bill was a member of the United Steelworker’s Union and worked as a maintenance mechanic for Sun Oil. During his spare time, you would find William watching Wheel of Fortune, the History Channel and sports games, such as the Eagles and Phillies. He was also an avid watcher of the Allentown and Philadelphia daily news.

He was the spouse of Judy (Larsen) Anderson, together they shared 44 years of marriage.

He will be dearly missed by his children, James R. Anderson and William T. Anderson (Sirlene); his stepchild, Janet Fiugalski (Tim); his 5 grandchildren, Breanna, Nathan, BillBill, Hannah, and Leland; and 3 great-grandchildren, Sofia, Aiden, and Aliya.

Bill is predeceased by his stepchild, Russell Fiugalski. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Last Chance Ranch.

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343) linda l. becker, 62, of Richlandtown, passed away on January 28th, 2023, in her home.

Born in Brownsville, Linda is the daughter of Leeland McNutt and the late Donna McNutt (Holstein).

Linda attended Quakertown Senior High School and then went on to complete cosmetology school.

Linda loved being a hairdresser and she loved her clients. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening.

Linda will be dearly missed by her children, Ricky Becker (Becky), Kamryn Lousnberry (Dan), and Elivia Drake; her grandchildren,

Alaina and Bryce; her father, Leeland McNutt, and her sisters; Elaine Hogan (Mike), Karen McNutt, and Cindy Taylor; and her nieces and nephews, Sean Wampole (Vanessa), Rachelle Wampole, and Samantha Long (Brent).

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343) robert “bob” John buttery, 69, passed away on January 10th, 2023, in his home. stephen r. cameron, 67, of Quakertown died January 19, 2023. myrtle colon, age 81, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 26, 2022 at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, Pennsylvania.

Jackson “Jack” J. blasé, 82, of Quakertown died January 12, 2023 in his home.

He was the husband of Gail W. (Wisneski) Blasé.

Born in Camden, NJ he was the son of the late Joseph & Ellen (Watson) Blasé. He was an owner/operator for a Home Improvement Company. Prior to that he was a salesman for various products. He enjoyed flea markets and was a craftsman. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Zane D. Blasé, and a daughter Hillary Morgan Blasé; two sisters Connie & Mary Lee; one grandchild Margaret “Maggie” Kaitlyn-Blasé-Parliman. He was predeceased by a son Aaron and a daughter Katelyn Ashley; a brother Joe and a sister Jill. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late John Buttery and Louise (Turner) Buttery.

Bob graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in 1971. He then went on to continue his education at Lehigh Carbon Community College where he received his associate’s degree.

Bob’s favorite thing to do was play disc golf.

He will be dearly missed by his sister, Lori Harbison (Ed); his aunt, Susan Moyer; his cousins, Jennifer Moyer and Natalie Altemose; and his nephew, Kevin Harbison (Brittany).

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.

He was the husband of Charle (Krieg) Cameron for 23 years.

Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Robert & Yvonne (Hershey) Cameron.

He was a heavy equipment operator for SEPTA before retiring.

He was a railroad enthusiast. He enjoyed fishing and was a kind and caring person having the biggest heart, he was a very giving person who enjoyed making everyone happy.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children James & Steve, and his step-children Chris & Sean. Six grandchildren & seventeen great grandchildren.

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

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the family in care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951.

She was the spouse of Angel Colon, who passed 17 years ago on March 5, 2005, and with whom she ultimately shared 43 years of marriage.

Born in Quakertown, PA she was a daughter of William Roberts and Myrtle Corum Roberts of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

She was a member of 2nd Baptist Church of Doylestown, Pennsylvania for her entire adult life, and was a loyal, tireless worker that applied her skills as an Assembler for Ametek Incorporated - U.S. Gauge Division in Sellersville, Pennsylvania until her retirement on August 1, 2001.

Most importantly, Myrtle, better known as Aunt Toot or Tootie, was a passionate, dedicated, and loving mother of four, who committed her life to doing whatever was necessary to see to it that they had all that she could give them of her time, her heart, and her support. She wore her emotions on her sleeve (as they say), which means you never had to wonder where you stood with her. She was not shy about telling you. She really enjoyed a good crime-drama on network TV, she loved warm blankets, football was her favorite sport (obviously), and she was a fantastic cook that made the best macaroni salad in the history of mankind. She is survived by Brenda Riddick (Daughter), Donna Riddick (Daughter), Robert Riddick

(Son), Louis Riddick (Son), Debra Riddick (daughter in-law), Ian Riddick (Grandson), Andre Riddick (Grandson), Travis Riddick (Grandson), Lauren Riddick (Granddaughter), Lindsay Riddick (Granddaughter), Gabrielle Riddick (Granddaughter), Leanne Riddick (Granddaughter), Darren Riddick (Grandson), Patricia Boyd (Sister), Loretta Lewis (Sister), Anna Jones (Sister).

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343) elizabeth ann "betty" curry, 84, of Quakertown passed away at her home on January 8, 2023.

She was born in Philadelphia on September 23, 1938 to the late Peter and Rose (Brady) Mullin.

She was the loving wife of Leonard Nytz for 22 years until his passing in 1982, and to Robert Curry for 2 years until his passing in 1992.

Betty was a loving mother and grandmother, an avid reader, and nature lover. As a young girl, she found enjoyment in horses where she would assist in their upkeep in exchange for riding time. She also loved listening to music and attending live concerts. Some of her favorite artists were John Denver and Johnny Mathis, who she excitedly met in person at a local concert hall. She also had the thrill of a lifetime when she was called up on stage after she baked a cake for Peter Wolf, lead singer of the J. Geils Band, and participated with the entire audience in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. A major event for such a shy young woman.

She traveled the world as a Navy wife for many years while raising her young children before settling down in Florida to run a successful and popular fishing camp with her family on Lake Lochloosa. She eventually returned to Pennsylvania and went back to school to obtain her GED at the age of 42 after her children were grown. She went on to have a very fulfilling career as a book keeper and office manager for Lower Southampton Township for nearly 20 years until her retirement. Her remaining years were filled with joy attending her grandchildren's sporting events, watching her favorite Philadelphia Phillies on television, collecting anything related to lighthouses, and catching up with her extended family and friends.

Betty is survived by her children Christina (Edward) DePamphilis, Lawrence (Renae) Nytz, John (Marcella) Nytz, and Michael (Teri) Nytz; grandchildren Jack, Keegan, Ryan, Matthew, John, and Marcella; brothers Thomas and Joseph Mullin; and many other loving family and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents; both husbands; grandson Christian Lawrence Nytz; and siblings Edward, Catherine, Peter, Loretta, and Frank. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343) louis GeorGe decker, 87, of Hilltown, PA, formerly of Little Meadows, PA., Upper Darby, PA and Bellport, NY., died January 20, 2023.

Preceded in death by his late wife, Elizabeth Macaulay Decker, Lou was born in Brookhaven, NY, and graduated from Bellport High School in 1954.

He served in the Army from 1957-60 enjoying his time in Europe working on microwave radio communication towers in Germany and France, including the Eiffel Tower. He studied at Suffolk Community College, NY. with an engineering emphasis.

Lou grew up in Upper Darby, PA, riding his bike and the train into Philadelphia exploring museums. With his homebase always being Brookhaven, Long Island NY, Lou grew up driving the Model T and Packard he tinkered and rebuilt well before any driver's license would be issued, along with working and playing in Tooker's Boat yard.

His employment history includes Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY as a senior technical specialist in the chemistry department working with Isotope separators and mass spectrometer for Ionic collision processes, IBM as a senior automated equipment specialist, Lockheed Martin, and eventually Loral Space & Communications. Over the years Lou was a member of the Brookhaven, Bellport, and Little Meadows Volunteer Fire Depts. Member of the BBBB&BS racing club, president of the Afghan hound assoc., vice president of the Brookhaven Kennel Club, member of Tioga County Kennel Club in Owego N.Y., and active member in the Bucks County Kennel Club and Supervisor of Apolacon Township, PA. Lou was a Free Mason, member of Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No 558 F. & A.M. This year would have been celebrating his 60th year. Lou started as a young man in Patchogue, NY. He also thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the American Legion, and Keelersville Club in his later years. Lou's passions were clamming, showing, breeding, and handling their Afghan Hounds, racing sailboats and iceboats, spending time at old inlet and being a Carmen River Rat. Lou was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with the greatest joy in life being when his entire family and good friends were together, especially in Canada fishing and water skiing. Reunions with his beloved Pongonis and Vasell nieces and nephews were also a favorite. Lou was preceded in death by his two sisters Shirley Decker Vasell and Claire Decker Pongonis. Lou is survived by son Louis G. Decker, Jr, wife Ann Tice Decker, their children Elizabeth Decker Keller and Christopher Decker; daughter Elizabeth Decker-Marshall, husband Troy Q. Marshall, their children Chase Marshall and Addison Marshall.

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343) bonnie l deFrancesco, 76, of Quakertown passed away on December 31, 2022.

She was born in Quakertown on May 10, 1946 to the late Helen Bright.

She was the loving wife of David DeFrancesco for 51 years.

Bonnie worked as a beautician, medical secretary, and then a "cuddler" for newborn babies at Grand View Hospital.

She loved the beach, reading, and sitting in the sunshine.

Bonnie is survived by her husband; children Lisa DeFrancesco and Cody DeFrancesco; grandchildren Lovenya DeFrancesco and Maxton Mizerny; and many other loving family and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents; daughter Toni DeFrancesco; and granddaughter Kennedy DeFrancesco.

Interment will be privately held. All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215536-3343)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association. edWard r. depamphilis, 94, of Quakertown passed away on January 18, 2023. He was born in Philadelphia on September 28, 1928 to the late Edward and Annabelle (Penater) DePamphilis.

He was the loving husband of Catherine (Sauermelch) DePamphilis for 68 years until her passing in 2020.

After enlisting in the Army in 1948, Ed proudly served as a Sergeant and a Combat Engineer. He spent two years in Guam before being called back to serve in the Korean War. After the war, he returned to the Philadelphia area to marry his beloved Catherine in 1952 and was Honorably discharged in 1953. He worked as a machinist at SKF Industries in Philadelphia and Compressor Products in Newtown as a shop foreman, while raising five children in Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA. In their later years, Ed and Catherine retired to Delaware before moving back to the Quakertown area to be closer to family. Ed was an avid Eagles fan, and a devout Catholic.

Edward is survived by his children Karen Burg, Janet Hober, JoAnne (David) Johnson, Edward Jr. (Christina) DePamphilis, and Richard (Lisa) DePamphilis; grandchildren Michael, Kirsten, Colleen, Janine, Nicole, Billy, LeighAnn, Larissa, and Jack; great grandchildren Tyler, Ashley, Kyle, Jaelyn, Jason, Ayden, Izaak, Eric, and Lexi; and many other loving family and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents; wife; and brother Robert DePamphilis.

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. (215-536-3343) mary Veronica FinGer of Telford, Pennsylvania, was born on January 26, 1920, and was awarded her second pair of Angel Wings on January 1, 2023, at Lutheran Community At Telford.

Mary was the daughter of Jacob Sikacz and Julia Wyhinnyj Sikacz of 132 W. Wishart Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Mary shared 29 years of marriage with Henry A. Finger, before his death in 1971. Mary's sister Anna Sikacz Zolomij, left our family in 2015.

Mary graduated from Kensington High School in Philadelphia in 1937 and worked for the Yellow Cab Company in Philadelphia. Mary and Henry married on May 16, 1942. She became a stay-at-home Mom to raise six children. Later Mary worked as a Cashier at Shanken's Shop 'N Bag in Horsham, an Accounts Payable Clerk for the Wissahickon