Obituaries for Perry County for the weeks preceding June 8.
RAYMOND C. FITTING SR.
Raymond Charles “Pete” Fitting Sr., 85, of Duncannon, formerly of Marysville, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at home.
He was born April 1, 1939, in Lebanon to Charles and Margaret (Dietz) Fitting.
He was a retired truck driver for the former Texaco Corporation and a member of the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club. He was a firefighter, former assistant chief, fire policeman and life member of the Marysville Fire Company. He was a veteran, serving with the Marine Corps Reserves from 1956-1962. He was an active member for many years at the Marysville Senior Center, also serving on its board of directors, and a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Marysville.
He was the widower of Barbara L. (Johnson) Fitting, who died in 2013 and to whom he was married for more than 54 years.
Surviving are his companion, Jane Bowers, with whom he lived; a daughter, Kelly Adkins (Fred) of Mechanicsburg; a son, Raymond Charles Fitting Jr. of Mountain Home, Idaho; three grandchildren, Abbey Hood (Charles) of Palmdale, Calif., Raymond Charles Fitting III of California City, Calif., and Erin Adkins (fiancé Kiefer Schunk) of Buffalo, N.Y.; a great-grandson, Christopher Bowker of California City; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and caring friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Tracy Fitting; and seven siblings, Walter, Charles, Harvey and Richard Fitting, Ruth Jones, Edna Lencioni and Dolores Rupp.
A service was held May 28 in his church with pastor T.C Finney officiating. Interment was in Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Marysville.
Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marysville, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland at Home Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg 17110, or Marysville Fire Company, 326 Cameron St., Marysville 17053.
KATHY A. GRABOWSKI
Kathy Ann Grabowski, 71, entered into peaceful rest on Friday, May 24, 2024. She fought breast cancer for four years before succumbing to the disease.
She was the sweetest soul. She was a beloved wife, mom, sister, nana, great-nana and fur-nana. She was a hard worker and had different jobs over the years, like the Alta Shoe Factory where she worked for many years as well as the Greenwood School District.
She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She helped people in any way she could. She loved decorating her house, traveling with her husband, and planting flowers in her pots in the spring.
Her grandchildren meant the world to her. Life will not be the same without her. Her gentle spirit will be so missed.
Surviving are her loving husband of 46 years, John Grabowski; four children, Kimberly Shiner and husband, Howard, Deanna Ellsworth and husband Eric, Justin Grabowski and fiancée Kristen, and Jenna Seaman and husband Derek; a sister, Doreen Grabowski and husband Jeff; 11 grandchildren, Katie Mason, James Mason, Mike Mason, Cade Ellsworth, Abigail Shiner, Howard Shiner IV, Mackenzie Seaman, Paul Seaman, Owen Tucker, Jacob Grabowski and Nolan Grabowski; many great-grandchildren; loving nieces; and her cats, Henry and Paige.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8, with a luncheon to follow at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1000 N. Front St., Liverpool.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1000 N. Front St., Liverpool 17045, or Metavior.org to help fight metastatic breast cancer.
DWIGHT R. SHEARER
Dwight R. (Dick) Shearer passed away Monday, May 20, 2024, at his home in New Bloomfield.
He was born Nov. 12, 1944, in Harrisburg to the late Dwight K. and Pauline J. (Umholtz) Shearer.
He graduated in 1963 from Perry Joint High School and then served in the Army. After serving his country, he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Hoosier Engineering Company, and then drove tractor trailer for Teamsters Local 776 until retiring from Roadway at age 58. After retirement, he worked for Swenson Fuels part-time delivering propane. He was a council member of the Little Germany Church of God.
He was an esteemed member of the Perry County Military Honor Guard, serving more than 40 years. He was a member of the VFW Post 7463, American Legion Post 177, Newport Social Order of the Owls, Millerstown Moose Lodge 925, Hunters Valley Sportsman Association, New Bloomfield Fire Company, National Rifle Association and North American Hunting Association.
Surviving are a daughter, Tammy (Ivan) Miller; two grandchildren, Tessa and Aiden Miller; four sisters, June Slack, Jean (John) Sanderson, Gail (Don) Sheaffer and Wendy Shearer; a stepson, Dean L. (Shawn) Cless Jr.; a stepdaughter, Tina K. (Jeremy Saphore) Cless; five step-grandchildren, Kevin (Lynsey) Barrick, Morgan (Rey) Joseph, Renee and Bridgett Cless, and Logan Saphore; two stepgreat-granddaughters, Reagan Joseph and Collins Barrick; former marriage stepchildren, Dena Weidenhof, Laurie Dowdrick and Charles (Chuck) Geedy; and stepgrandchildren, Carla and Michael Weidenhof and Joseph (Lisa) Dowdrick.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Shearer; eldest sister, Joan Polgreen; and his little buddy (dog), Maggie.
A graveside service, with a ceremony by the Perry County Honor Guard, was held May 29 in Bloomfield Cemetery.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry County Military Honor Guard, Little Germany Church of God or Homeland Hospice.
MARY J. FORD
Mary Josephine “Jo” Ford, 70, of Newport passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
She was the daughter of the late Edward and Yolanda Jeselnick of Saint Marys.
A beloved wife, mother, sister and aunt, she is survived by her husband, James W. Ford Jr.; a son, Zachary Ford; seven siblings, James, Stephen, Anne, Paul, Mark, Julia and Dona; and a sprawling web of siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, and beyond.
She was preceded in death by four siblings, John, Thomas, Andrew and Gregory.
She took pleasure in caring for her family as a doting wife of 43 years and a fierce advocate for her son’s opportunities in life. A dedicated volunteer in her community, she served as a member of the Newport Women’s Club, Newport Civic Club, and the strategic planning committee for the Newport School District.
She absolutely loved antiquing, and for many years had a successful side business reselling antiques on eBay and at Penn Avenue Trading Company, Newport.
Her husband wanted all to know that she was an incredible speller of words (unlike him). She also was a good cook and even better baker who could change one’s life with a chocolate chip cookie. She would always insist that she was very shy, but no one would know it from the number of strangers who felt they could share their life stories with her. It was more accurate to describe her as a humble listener. An expression she was fond of saying was, “That’s just the way life is,” which her grieving family tries to remember as they celebrate her life and memory.
A service was held June 3 in Newport Family Life Center.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to BrightFocus Foundation and its research to end Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration (brightfocus.org).
KAREN B. GELNETT
Karen Beth (Thomas) Gelnett, born on Feb. 2, 1953, in Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024.
She was known for her active involvement in her church and her unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. Her compassionate spirit and dedication to her faith touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy of service.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her love and the memories she created will live on in hearts forever.
Surviving are her devoted husband of 50 years, John Gelnett; two daughters, Heather Moreland and Patience Morris; three beloved grandchildren, Alixana and Sorcha Moreland, and Jaden Morris; two sisters, Natalie Crandley and Charlotte Mathias; and a brother, Craig Thomas.
A celebration of life service was held June 1 in Red Hill Church of God, Newport.
Memorial contributions may be made to Market Square Presbyterian’s homeless support program or Open Stage Theater.
ROBERT E. SHERMAN
Robert Ellwood Sherman, 87, of Landisburg entered eternal rest on Friday, May 24, 2024, after a 12-year battle with cancer.
He was born May 21, 1937, in Landisburg to Amanda (Barringer) and Chester Sherman.
One of the kindest souls, he was a gentle, giving man who worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had everything they needed. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. Over his life, he worked many jobs including helping several farmers in the area, working as a movie projectionist at the Highway Theater in Ickesburg, and working as a heavy equipment operator at the stone quarry in Landisburg. In 1998, after 26 years, he retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in New Bloomfield.
Anyone who knew him was aware of his ability to light up a room with his smile and laughter. He enjoyed spending time hunting, listening to the sweet twang of country music, and watching movies, especially when he was surrounded by friends and family.
He was a loving brother to six siblings and four stepsiblings. He was the devoted husband of Olive (Stone) Sherman for 54 years and a loving father to Tammy (Donald) Bream. He cherished his role as a grandfather to granddaughter Courtney (Kyle) Mann and grandson Nathaniel Bream (Madelyn Krantz). He also had the great pleasure of being a great-grandfather to Jase, Rosalynd and Harrison Mann.
Also surviving are three brothers, Fred (Nancy) Sherman, Carl (Nancy) Myers and William Myers, and four sisters, Anna Womer, Beverly Casner, Charlene (John) Brown and Ruth (Bob) Klinger.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald Sherman and Wayne Myers; a sister, Evelyn Potteiger; and two grandchildren, Megan and Tyler Bream.
His personality and love touched many lives including his in-law family, longtime friends and many nieces and nephews.
A service was held May 29 in Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, with the Rev. Larry Hale officiating. Burial was in Bloomfield Cemetery.
DIANE L. MITTEN
Diane L. Mitten, 61, of Shermans Dale passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at home.
She was born March 13, 1963, in Mechanicsburg to the late Stanley and Hattie (Maines) Rudy. She was the stepdaughter of Wesley Smith.
She was retired from PHEAA, and afterward worked for Rich Valley and Mayapple golf courses and America’s Auto Auction.
She loved golfing, the beach, sitting on her porch in the mornings watching the bald eagles fly over Shermans Creek. She was a member of Enola Sportsmen’s Club and enjoyed shooting pool. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.
Surviving are a daughter, Jennifer L. Constable, and a son, Jeffrey A. Mitten, both of Shermans Dale; two sisters, Denise Rudy of Carlisle and Karen Woodcook of Arizona; and five grandchildren, Justin, Damien, Jonathan, Cali and Paisley.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Deborah Rudy and Brenda Brajkovich; a brother, Kevin Rudy; and a granddaughter, Alivia.
A celebration of life will be held from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at Pandemonium, 5085 Spring Road, Shermans Dale.
Ronan Funeral Home, Carlisle, is handling arrangements.
GINGER L. SCHOLL
Ginger Lea Scholl, 50, of McAlisterville passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
She was born July 16, 1973, in Lewistown to Stephen Scholl of Newton Hamilton and Lorene L. (Leister) Scholl of Mifflin.
She graduated from East Juniata High School in 1991 and graduated from Millersville University in 1995, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in earth science and biology.
She was employed by New Day Charter School, Mifflintown, where she taught biology and earth science; was a member of Brown’s Global Methodist Church, Cocolamus, where she was a part of the Emaus Group; and enjoyed being with her family and friends, loved being with her cats, swimming and jumping the ocean waves.
In addition to her parents, surviving is her feline companion, Maggie.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 13, in her church, 33401 Route 35 North, McAlisterville. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Brown Funeral Home, McAlisterville, is handling arrangements.
CATHERINE M. LYTER
Catherine M. Lyter, 70, of Liverpool passed away Friday, May 24, 2024.
She was born April 11, 1954, in Lewisburg to Ida and Robert Eckhardt.
She was a Legionaire at Liverpool American Legion Post 364 and enjoyed playing bingo and the lottery.
Surviving are her husband, John A. Lyter; a brother, Paul E. Shatto; two sisters, Virginia A. Gamble and Tina D. Marks; two grandchildren, Connor and Colin Chapman; a stepson, Alton J. Lyter; and a stepdaughter, Raquel Lyter.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Kieffer; a brother, George Shatto; and a sister, Mary Kline.
A service was held June 3 in St. John (Barners) Lutheran Church, Liverpool. Burial was in Liverpool Cemetery.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
ROBERT L. HAZZARD SR.
It is with profound sadness that the passing of husband, father and Pop Pop, Robert L “Bob” Hazzard Sr., is announced. Born in Saxton, Pa., to Mary Foutz and Raymond Hazzard on Feb. 16, 1936, he found his peace on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
He graduated in 1955 from Susquenita High School. He enjoyed getting together with his high school classmates two times a year. He ran a thriving construction business for 45 years with his wife Kay by his side. In later years, his sons worked with him as well. He was a member of Hope United Presbyterian Church, Dauphin, for 40 years. He was a past deacon and loved getting together and making Easter eggs.
He and his wife took pride in keeping the courtyard alive and beautiful with flowers and plants. His family had the pleasure of caring for him at home and surrounding him with love and laughter.
Surviving are his wife of almost 62 years, Kay Hazzard; three children, Shelley Briggs and her husband Rick, sons Heath Hazzard and Robert Hazzard Jr. along with his wife Kendra; six grandchildren, Dillan Briggs, Jarrad Briggs, Hunter and Lane Hazzard, Brooke and Kyle Sweeger; three great-grandchildren, Margot Briggs, Adelyn and Wyatt Nadu; many nieces and nephews; and a sister, Diane Colestock.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond and William.
A service will be held at his church on Saturday, June 8. Visitation begins at 10 am; service at 11. A luncheon will follow the service.
The family thanks Dr. Renninger and his staff at Camp Hill Oncology, and Residential Hospice.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church.
DORIS E. SMITH
Doris E. Smith, 99, of Newport left her Earthly home and joined her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 27, 2024.
She was born at home on April 23, 1925, to Luther A. and Edna Ruth (Garlin) Baer of Landisburg.
Doris was a loving, caring, hardworking woman who did everything to the best of her ability. Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. In addition to working side-by-side with her husband/owner/operator of R.E. Smith & Son, Inc. (heating oil) of Newport, she raised a family and ran the household. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, baking, playing piano and organ, and spending time with her family. Before she was homebound, she attended Red Hill Church of God, Newport.
Surviving are three children, Loretta K. Baer (Dallas), Robin E. Smith (Elaine Hower), and Karen L. Dobbs (Gary), all of Newport; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Robert E. Smith; an infant son, Robert G. Smith; and six siblings, Hazel Swarner, Geraldine Brownawell, Delois Sanders, Elwood Baer, Frederick Baer and Ted Baer.
A service was held May 31 in Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, with the Rev. Philip Brenizer officiating. Interment was in Blain Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, Perry County Camp, P.O. Box 114, Loysville 17047.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
