Obituaries for Perry County for the weeks preceding June 10.
LEE E. SEILER JR.
Lee E. Seiler Jr., 83, of West Hanover Twp. and formerly of Watts Twp., passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, in the comfort of his home.
He was born Nov. 21, 1939, in Duncannon to Lee E. Sr. and Erma M. (Lukens) Seiler.
A 1957 graduate of Susquenita High School, he served in the Army and Army Reserves prior to his honorable discharge.
Always a hardworking man who focused on providing for the needs of his family, he had worked as a drywall hanger with Novinger’s as well as a carpenter with Conrail prior to his employment as an equipment specialist at the Navy Parts Control Center, Mechanicsburg, for nearly 20 years until his retirement in 2001. In addition to serving his country, he served his community as a member of the Watts Twp. Planning Commission for nearly 30 years and coached Little League baseball for 15 years. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending time at his hunting camp, hunting and fishing, puzzles and computer games, Penn State football and reading — especially books by James Patterson and Louis L’Amour. He attended Trinity E.C. Church in Rutherford.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy L. (Allen) Speck Seiler; four children, Nancy Seiler-Lucia of Watts Twp., Jeff Seiler and his wife, Amy, of Halifax, Kelly Stine and her husband, Tim, of Watts Twp., and Gary Seiler of Watts Twp.; his wife’s children, Daniel Speck and his wife, Lori, of Palmyra, Angela Anderson and her husband, Michael, of Harrisburg, and David Speck of Silver Spring, Md.; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Susan I. (Broxtermann) Seiler, on Oct. 2, 2013; a sister, Norma Hoover; and a brother, Ronald Seiler.
A service was held May 30 in Hill United Methodist Church, Duncannon, with pastor Gordon Lewis officiating. Interment, with military honors, was in Hill Cemetery.
Ronald C.L. Smith Funeral Home, Duncannon, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg 17112, Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg 17110, or Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 134-A, Harrisburg 17109.
ELAINE M. BOUGHTER
Elaine M. Boughter, 64, of Newport passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Encompass Health Rehabilitation, Mechanicsburg.
She was born Nov. 30, 1958, in Berwick to William D. and Mary (Briggum) Varner.
She was a member of the Juniata Saddle Club.
She was the widow of Gary Bankus and Michael Boughter.
Surviving are her longtime companion, Ron Collins; three brothers, William Varner (Jane) of Allentown, David Varner (Sandra) of Florence, S.C., and James Varner of Schnecksville; a sister, Mary Sue Varner Lechleitner (Jan) of Annville; two grandchildren, Keenan and Briauna Flickinger; and a great-grandson, Kayson Flickinger.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Autumn Bankus Hartzell; a brother, Robert Varner; and sister-in-law, Kay Varner.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
PATRICIA J. CROCKETT
Patricia J. “Patches” Crockett, 74, of Millerstown passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
She was born Sept. 29, 1948, in Columbia to Charles and Grace Bish.
She enjoyed doing crafts.
Surviving are her husband, William R. Crockett; a son, William Crockett Jr; a brother, David Bish; and two sisters, Bobbi and Tina.
A service will be held Saturday, June 10 in David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, with visitation at noon until the memorial service at 1.
JAMES P. ALTLAND
James P. Altland, 59, of Newport passed away Friday, May 26, 2023.
He was born July 7, 1963, in York. He was a member of Gettysburg Fraternal Order of Eagles, York VFW and Gentlemen’s Club of North York.
Surviving are his mother, Betty J. Sutton of Orrtanna; fiance Sheila Knouse, of Newport; three brothers, Robert E. Altland of Collegeville, Richard Buntin of Union Bridge and Robert Buntin of Papua New Guinea; and three sisters, Kimberly Altland of Erie, Tracy Groft of Hanover and Rebecca Barber of Hampstead.
He was preceded in death by a companion, Beverly Hickman Harbold; biological father, Robert E Buntin; father, Larry Altland; and two brothers, Larry and Mark Altland.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
CHARLES W. CLAY
Charles W. Clay, 80, of New Bloomfield passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Select Specialty Hosptal, Harrisburg.
He was born Oct. 22, 1942, in Newport to Harry and Carrie (Snyder) Clay.
He was a Navy veteran and member of Millerstown Loyal Order of Moose and Newport American Legion. He was an avid NASCAR fan.
Surviving are his wife, Donna Clay; a son, Richard Clay (Augusta) of Newport; two grandchildren, Jessica and Jackie; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, Earl, Harry, John, George and Jim Clay; and two sisters, Norma Black and Phyllis Cassell.
A service will be held Saturday, June 10, in Christ Lutheran Church, 115 Church St., Duncannon, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the service at 11. Inurnment will be at a later date in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry County Animal Rescue or Christ Lutheran Church.
JAMES S. STEMLER
James Steven “Jim” Stemler, 62, of Liverpool entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at his home.
He was born March 11, 1961, in Harrisburg to the late Frank and Beverly (Bennar) Stemler.
He graduated from Greenwood High School, after which he enlisted and served in the Army. He dedicated his life to truck driving where he was known as “Asphalt Cowboy.”
He was a member of Penbrook American Legion Post 945, Harrisburg. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, antique trucks, his motorcycle, making his own ammunition and knives, spending time with his family and friends, especially kayaking, and spending time with his dog, Baby, who was his best friend and constant companion.
Surviving are his former wife, Carolyn; three daughters, Kelsey Stemler Dietz and her husband Johnny of Liverpool, Sierra Groninger and her husband Andy of Mt. Pleasant Mills, and Angel Peugh of Liverpool; a brother, Frank Stemler V; a sister, Michele Stemler; and several nieces and a nephew.
George P. Garman Funeral Home, Liverpool, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to DMVA Office of Veterans Affairs, Building 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville 17003-5002, or Amedysis Home Health Care, 480 New Holland Ave., Suite 8101, Lancaster 17602.
CATHERINE W. RHODES
Catherine W. “Kay” Rhodes, 88, of Mt. Pleasant Mills went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 26, 2023, at her home.
She was born March 22, 1935, in Scranton to Mark Sr. and Margaret (Rau) Whelan.
She was a 1953 graduate of Central High School, Scranton. From 1986 to 1988, she worked at Good’s Store in Quarryville. Most importantly, she enjoyed being a homemaker for her family.
Her hobbies included quilting and sewing. The most precious times were spending time and creating memories with her family.
She was the widow of George C. Rhodes Sr., who died Sept. 12, 2005, and to whom she was married nearly 62 years.
Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Westy Rhodes of Blanchard; seven children, Richard M. Rhodes of Chambersburg, Timothy D. Rhodes and his wife Maureen of Peach Bottom, Daniel J. Rhodes of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Paul A. Rhodes and his wife Diane of Troy, Matthew W. Rhodes of Middleburg, and Kathleen A. Rhodes of Mt. Pleasant Mills; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Margaret O’Neal of Hebron, Conn., and Marion Kelly of Rochester, N.Y.
She was preceded in death by a son, George C. Rhodes Jr., on Nov. 23, 2022; a daughter-in-law, Pam Rhodes; and brother, Mark Whelan Jr.
A service was held June 1 in George P. Garman Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant Mills, with pastor Ronald Shupe officiating. Interment was in Richfield Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Juniata County, c/o Building Fund, 23964 Route 35 N., Mifflintown 17059.
ORAN A. SHAFER
Oran Shafer, 97, formerly of Duncannon and Marysville, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Carlisle.
He was born in Port Trevorton to Roger H. and Minnie (Herrold) Shafer.
He was an Air Force veteran, serving in the 1501st Air Transport Group, Fairfield-Suisun AFB (currently Travis AFB), California. After an honorable discharge in 1948, he worked in road construction for several years and later retired from Bethlehem Steel, Steelton, after 30 years of service. After retirement, he worked part-time stocking shelves at Mutzabaugh’s Market, Duncannon.
He had many hobbies over the years including making wood crafts, walking, putting puzzles together and dancing with his wife. His favorite saying was, “I’m happy-go-lucky, just passing through enjoying the ride.”
He was the widower of Catherine (Buck) Shafer, who passed away July 22, 2019.
Surviving are five children, Charles Shafer (Lori) of Ohio, Donald Shafer (Winifred) of Enola, Thomas Shafer of Enola, Pamela Sharar (Edward-deceased) of Newport and Ellen DeWalt (Alan) of York Haven; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Roger and Oran Jr.; two sisters, Mildred Brubaker and Erma Martin; a brother, Lamar; and a great-grandson, Brantley.
Bitner Family Funeral Homes handled arrangements.
Memorial contrubutions may be made to Hospice for All Seasons Foundation, 280 S. Hill Drive, Grantville 17028.
RUTH A. MCCALISTER
Ruth A. McCalister, 80, of Spring Road, Shermans Dale, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at her Carroll Twp. home.
She was born Aug. 8, 1942, in Carlisle to the late Christian and Bessie (Lauver) McCalister.
She was a Christian and a member of Young’s United Methodist Church, Shermans Dale. In spite of her many infirmities, she had a contagious, loving smile and a countenance of gratitude that revealed her character and faith. She was a loving, caring mother, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed going for car rides, doing crossword puzzles, cooking and she was the family historian.
Surviving are a son, Douglas McCalister of Shermans Dale, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by five brothers, Paul, John, Charles, Christian Jr. and Donald; and five sisters, Esther Donnely, Emma Eslinger, Minnie Cameron, Mary Negley and Betty Paulus.
A celebration of life was held June 5 in her church with pastor Scott Ryan officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions, to help with funeral expenses, may be made to Boyer Family Funeral Home, 101 W. Main St., P.O. Box 11, New Bloomfield 17068.
JAMES A. KITNER
James A. Kitner, 50, of New Bloomfield passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023, as the result of an automobile accident.
He was born Feb. 22, 1973 to the late Lester A. and Sadie Ickes Kitner.
He was a member of New Bloomfield United Methodist Church and a graduate of West Perry High School. He was employed by the Weis Market in Newport, the Borough of New Bloomfield and Soil and Conservation Service in New Bloomfield.
Surviving are an aunt, Frances Ickes Owen, and four cousins, Pamela and Heidi Owen and Scott and Richard Good.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Amos and Mary Kitner; maternal grandparents, William and Geraldine Ruth (Seidel) Ickes; two stepbrothers, John and David; a stepsister, Sharon; and an uncle, William Ickes Jr.
A graveside service was held May 31 in Snyders Cemetery, New Bloomfield
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to his church, P.O. Box 96, New Bloomfield 17068.
RONALD S. FLEISHER
Ronald S. Fleisher, 90, of Duncannon passed away Friday, May 26, 2023, at his home in Duncannon.
He was born July 14, 1932, in Juniata Twp. to George and Bertha (Campbell) Fleisher. He was the youngest of 12 brothers and sisters.
He graduated in 1950 from Newport High School.
He worked on the railroad for a time and as a milkman for Halls Dairy. He was an avid hunter and spent much of his time in the local woods as well as Tioga County. He was a longstanding member of the NRA and Duncannon Sportsmen Club. One of his proudest achievements was teaching his son and grandsons how to hunt.
He had been a committed member of Dellville Church and got much fulfillment from his time there.
He was a great lover of people and spent many hours of his later years at the Old Sled Works in Duncannon. Nothing brought him more pleasure than attending the sporting events of his grandchildren. He developed quite a talent as a woodworker. He enjoyed many adventures with his wife traveling to many places.
He always was willing to help or do anything for anyone at any time and will be remembered for his gentleness and kindness.
He was the widower of Elizabeth “Betty” Fleisher, who died in 2015 and to whom he was married 60 years.
Surviving are a daughter, Laura J. Spease, and her husband Scott; a daughter-in-law, Judy Fleisher, both of Duncannon; four grandchildren, Heath B. Fleisher and his wife Cherie, Corey J. Fleisher and his wife Stephanie, Lynne M. Reeder and her husband Brandon, and Sean A. Spease; 10 great-grandchildren; and loyal cat, Henry.
He was preceded in death by 11 siblings; a son, Joseph R. Fleisher; and a great-granddaughter, Cybil Fleisher.
A celebration of life service was held June 5 in Ronald C.L. Smith Funeral Home, Duncannon, with the Rev. Kurt V. Hertzberg officiating. Earthly committal was in Union Cemetery, Duncannon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dellville United Methodist Church, 806 Dellville Road, Duncannon 17020.
BEVERLY M. STEMLER
Beverly M. Stemler, 85, of Liverpool entered eternal rest on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Transitions Healthcare Allen Cove, Duncannon.
She was born May 6, 1938, in Harrisburg to John and Marie Bennar.
After high school, she enlisted in the Navy and enjoyed her time there and shared many stories with her family. Her favorite pastime was painting wildlife portraits.
She was the widow of Frank H. Stemler IV, who died April 8, 2020.
Surviving are three children, Frank H. Stemler V, James S. Stemler and Michele B. Stemler; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Carol Bennar.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John Bennar.
George P. Garman Funeral Home, Liverpool, handled arrangements.