Obituaries
Obituaries Week of December 17, 2009
Dec 18, 2009 - 9:34:58 AM

Esther A. Klose
    Esther A. Klose, 100, of 265 Walnut St., Mifflinburg since 1938, peacefully entered into rest at 9:38 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family and one of her caregivers.
    Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Roupp Funeral Home Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg.

Linda L. (Sampsell) Bogus
    Linda L. (Sampsell) Bogus, 59, of 305 Oberdorf Lane, Mifflinburg passed away on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at her home.
    She was born Feb. 8, 1951, in Lewisburg, a daughter of the late Herman Sr. and Carrie E. (Nogle) Sampsell. On Nov. 28, 1970, she married her husband of 39 years, Bernard S. Bogus, who survives.
    A graduate of Lewisburg High School, she worked as a press tender for Moore's Business Forms in Lewisburg for 29 years.
    She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Selinsgrove.
    Linda loved cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She often went camping, took bus trips to the casino, or went out to eat with friends. Linda enjoyed crafting and collected Boyd's Bears and Longaberger Baskets. She possessed a great love of animals, especially her cocker spaniel, Harley.
    In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Crystal L. and Daniel Hesketh, of Lewistown, Bernadine E. and Doug Richard, of Middleburg, and Stacy L. Bogus, of Pleasant Grove; an adopted son, Terrance and wife Gail Warren, of Montgomery; three stepsons, Michael J. Bogus and wife Karen, of Dover, Stanley T. Bogus and wife Patricia, of New Columbia, and Scott E. Gemberling and wife Crystal, of Mifflinburg; one stepdaughter, Patricia A. Gordon and companion Lloyd Snyder, of New Columbia; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond M. and Mary Nogle and Kennard R. and Brenda Sampsell, all of Lewisburg, and Kenneth R. and Maryln Sampsell, of Montandon; one sister, Betty E. Lloyd, of Mifflinburg; six grandchildren, Robert H. Bogus, Zachary D. Hesketh and Abby N. Hesketh, all of Lewistown, Miranda M. Richard and Alaina K. Richard, both of Middleburg, and Megan L. Bush, of Pleasant Grove; 12 step-grandchildren, Aaron Bogus, Kyle Bogus, Codie Bogus, Bernard Houdeshell, DeShaunda Houdeshell, Danita Jo Dangler, Alyssa Bogus, Christopher Bogus, Austin Bogus, Janelle Eddy, Curtis Gemberling and Andrew Gemberling; four step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by two brothers, Herman J. Sampsell Jr. and Lester D. Sampsell, and one sister, Sandra L. Sampsell.
    Funeral services were held Wed., Dec. 16, at Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, South Second and St. Louis Streets, Lewisburg. It was officiated by Father John F. Hoover, retired Episcopal priest.
    Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery.
    Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Bertha A. “Sis” Lamoureaux
    Bertha A. “Sis” Lamoureaux, 71, of 1706 Washington Ave., Lewisburg passed away on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at her home.
    She was born Aug. 22, 1938, in Staten Island, a daughter of the late William and Emma (Grund) Stetter.
    A graduate of Port Richmond High in Staten Island, she and Wilfred D. (Bud) Lamoureaux were married Oct. 24. 1955 and recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.
    She and Bud owned and operated the Kozy Korner Restaurant, Mifflinburg and Cheers Family Restaurant, Milton. After retiring from the restaurant business, Sis worked in a fraternity house at Bucknell, retiring in 1999.
    Sis was an avid Yankees fan, never missing an opportunity to root for her team. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, doing puzzles and dearly loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
    In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Edward T. Lamoureaux, of Harrisburg, Steven D. and Susan K. Lamoureaux, of Palm Coast, Fla.; one daughter and son-in-law, Diane S. and Douglas E. Shaffer, of Lewisburg; two brothers, Rudolph Stetter Sr., of Toms River, N.J., and John W. Stetter, of Lewisburg; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn and John W. Hafer, of New Berlin, and Beverly and Robert Bartsch, of Hillsborough, N.J.; one sister, Barbara Tart of Staten Island; six grandchildren, Douglas Shaffer, of Lewisburg, Jeremy (Phillis) Shaffer, of Mifflinburg; Renee Shaffer, of Lewisburg, Steven Jr. (Tina) Lamoureaux, of Palm Coast; Christopher C. (Laura) Lamoureaux, of Palm Coast; and Bella S. Doyle, of Harrisburg, and numerous nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.
    Funeral services were held Wed., Dec. 16, at the Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, South Second and St. Louis streets. The Rev. Robert Reed Van Deusen, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church, Milton, officiated.
    Internment was at the convenience of the family.

Gary D. Yagel
    Gary D. Yagel, 64, of 438 N. Second St., Sunbury went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, after a two-year battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side.
    He was born July 9, 1945, in Shamokin, but was raised and educated in Sunbury. He was a son of Betty (Rice) Yagel, of Sunbury, and the late John Z. Yagel. On Jan. 1, 1963, he married the former Shirley A. Clark in First Baptist Church, Sunbury, where they still attended at the time of his passing. Gary's passing broke a 47-year union of love. They had two children, Stanley J. Yagel and Denise M. Berry.
    Gary started his career at the Sunbury Daily Item when he was 11, working as a paper boy until entering a full-time position in advertising. He went on to be a printer and composer in later years. He worked for the Item for 36 years until his retirement in 1998. After retirement, he and a buddy painted for 10 years for family and friends before he got sick and could not work anymore.
    Gary enjoyed many different types of activities in his lifetime, like watching football with his family, picnics on the porch and going to his grandchildren’s games and activities. He was always there to help his children and grandchildren with whatever came along. He was a good dad and husband, and he loved his family very much. He had a great sense of humor and a great attitude, which got him through the cancer years.
    In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gary and five other friends purchased a hunting cabin in Bald Eagle Forest, near Hartleton, where he had lots of good memories. He was a member of the Susquehanna Valley Billiard League for many years as an assistant coach and coach at one time or another, and he shot for the Amercan Legion Post 201. He was a life member of the Americus Hose Company and Northumberland Fire Company, a social member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Selinsgrove, and Sunbury Social Club.
    Gary and his wife loved to ride motorcycle for most of their married years, with many friends and family down through the years. He especially enjoyed going to Bike Week in Ocean City, Md., each year in September with his good friends. He had just become a member of the American Legion Riders, but never got a chance to ride with them. He especially loved going to church on Sunday morning and being with his church family, whom he loved dearly.
    Gary had many friends from all walks of life, and he treasured each and every one of them.
    In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by one son, Stanley J. Yagel and his companion, Lisa Hogarty, of Trevorton; one daughter and son-in-law, Denise M. and Michael A. Berry, of Sunbury; five grandchildren, Morgan Yagel, of Danville, Michael A. Berry II, of Sunbury, Kennedie Yagel, of Northumberland, and Chase and Haley Hogarty, of Trevorton; one brother and sister-in-law, John and Lorraine Yagel, of Sunbury; sister-in-law, Connie Yagel, of Dornsife; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and Terry Patterson, of Bloomsburg; sister-in-law, Alice Clark and her companion, George Wendt, of Northumberland; and his many loving nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Robert Yagel, of Dornsife.
    Memorial services were held Mon., Dec. 14, in First Baptist Church, Fourth and Chestnut streets, Sunbury. The Rev. Darrin G. Hunt officiated.
    Burial was in Pomfret Manor Cemetery, Sunbury.
    The family asks for donations in Gary’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society, Patient Service Center, P.O. Box 897, Hershey, PA 17033, or Geisinger Hospice, 100 N. Academy Ave., Mc24-11, Danville, PA 17822-2411, or First Baptist Church, Fourth and Chestnut streets, Sunbury, PA 17801.
    Funeral arrangements were by the Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, 395 State St., Sunbury.

Rev. Jesse G. Blankenship III
    Rev. Jesse G. Blankenship III, 78, of 31 S. 18th St., Lewisburg passed away on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at the Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg.
    He was born Dec. 20, 1930, in Birmingham, Ala., a son of the late Jesse G. Jr. and Virgie (Allen) Blankenship. He and his wife of 56 years, the former Ruth B. Bloom, were married June 3, 1953.
    A 1949 graduate of Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, he then received a degree in Speech & Psychology from Samford University in 1953 and later graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, now Palmer. During this time he also served his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve.
    From 1953 until 1957 while attending the seminary, he served as pastor at Gulf Mills Congregational Christian Church, Philadelphia. The next seven years he also served as a pastor, first at the First Baptist Church in Slatington from 1958 until 1960 and then at the Luzerne Ave. Baptist Church in West Pittston from 1960 until 1964.
    In 1964, he accepted a position as chaplain at the Laurelton State Hospital, where he served until 1975, when he left to become the Institution Chaplain at Danville State Hospital, a position he held until retiring in 1996.
    Rev. Blankenship unofficially was the chaplain of the Lewisburg High School football team for 31 years. He was a member of many area ministeriums, including Mifflinburg, Lewisburg and Danville, as well as other surrounding areas. Through the years he also substituted as a supply minister for many area churches. Rev. Blankenship was a 45 year member of First Baptist Church in Lewisburg.
    He enjoyed spending the evenings with his friends at the Country Cupboard, where he was lovingly known as “Smokey.” Rev. Blankenship was instrumental in forming the Keystone Blade Club and enjoyed guns and target shooting. He was a train enthusiast, an avid woodworker, and enjoyed yard work.
    Surviving in addition to his wife are one son and daughter-in-law, Jesse G. IV and Eva Blankenship, of Dallas, Texas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Leota R. and Daniel Juliano, of Daytona Beach, Fla., and Lynda R. and Jerry Barrett, of Lewisburg; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul A. and Frances Blankenship, of Birmingham, Ala.; and 14 grandchildren.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred V. Blankenship.
    A memorial service was held Sun., Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church, 51 S. Third St., Lewisburg. His pastor, the Rev. MacKenzie Scott officiated.
    Burial was held privately at the convenience of the family in Lewisburg Cemetery.
    The family  suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church, 51 S. Third St., Lewisburg, PA 17837, the Lewisburg High School Athletic Association, 815 Market St., Lewisburg, PA 17837, or a charity of one's choice.
    The family was assisted by the Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, S. Second and St. Louis Streets, Lewisburg.

Peggy Ann Johanns
     Peggy Ann Johanns, 79, of 705 Vista Heights, New Berlin since 1995, formerly of Edison, N.J., entered into rest at 4:58 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at her home.
    She was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Brooklyn, N.Y., a daughter of the late Hjelm and Ruth (Quortrup) Press. On Sept. 23, 1950, in Metuchen, N.J., she married Robert C. Johanns, who survives.
    Peggy was a 1948 graduate of Metuchen High School.
    She was employed as a secretary in the technology department of Middlesex County College, Edison.
    Peggy enjoyed sharing time with her family and was very talented at knitting and sewing.
    Surviving, in addition to her husband of 59 years, are four daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and James Marquette, of Newark, N.Y., Linda and Loyal Goldeski, of Shaktoolik, Alaska, Carol and Robert Quinn, of Rochester, N.Y., and Bette and Michael Zbinden, of Alhambra, Ill.; one sister, Elizabeth Van Nostrand, of Somerset, N.J.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held Tues., Dec. 15,  at the Roupp Funeral Home Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg. Pastor Ralph T. Unroe officiated.
    Memorial contributions may be made to SUN Home Health Services, 61 Duke St., Northumberland, PA 17857.
    The Johanns family extends a thank you to all of the loving and devoted caregivers of Peggy throughout her illness.

Charlotte Ann “Gigi” Humphrey
    Charlotte Ann “Gigi” Humphrey, 82, of 18 Spruce St., Shamokin Dam entered into rest at 11:05 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following an illness of five days. She had lived in Shamokin Dam since 1967 and before that lived in Mifflinburg for many years.
    She was born July 25, 1927, in Kelly Township, Union County, a daughter of the late Roy Blaine and Z. Beatrice (Weaver) Hackenberg. She was united in marriage in Mifflinburg by the late Rev. Raymond J. Fisher to Warren Milton Humphrey, who preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 1999. Warren was chief of police of the Shamokin Dam Police Department at the time of his demise.
    Gigi graduated from Mifflinburg High School, Class of 1945, and was a graduate of the Franklin Institute of Science and Arts, Philadelphia, Class of 1947, as a medical technologist.
    Charlotte served as a medical technologist for the Ladies Garment Workers Union, Harrisburg, was an office assistant for William T. Musser, MD, Mifflinburg, and retired in 1989 after serving as a receptionist at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for 22 years. She volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, Danville, for many years.
    She was an active member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shamokin Dam, and sang in the church choir for many years. While living in Mifflinburg, the Humphreys were active members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg. She also was a member of Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 152, Mifflinburg.
    Charlotte enjoyed traveling, reading, cross stitch, listening to classical music and spending time with her friends and family at the beach and at the family's mountain cabin.
    She is survived by two children and their spouses, Michele A. and Ron Mitchell, of Selinsgrove, and Warren Craig "Chop" and Betse S. Humphrey, of Selinsgrove; and five grandchildren, Aaron W. and Emily K. Mitchell, Colin P. Mitchell, Tyler A. Mitchell, Kelsey R. Humphrey and Emma E. Humphrey.
    She was preceded in death by one sister, Helen M. Taylor, who died in 1979, and by one daughter, Ruan Elizabeth Humphrey, who died on Oct. 4, 1954.
    Funeral services were held Sat., Dec. 12,  at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 30 S. Old Trail, Shamokin Dam. Her pastor, the Rev. Wayne C. Muthler, officiated.
    Interment was in East Side Cemetery, Mifflinburg.
    Memorials in Charlotte's memory may be made to St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 30 S. Old Trail, Shamokin Dam, PA 17876.
    The family is being served by the Schwartz-Adamo Funeral and Cremation Service, 247 Chestnut St., Mifflinburg.

Ivan Oberholtzer Zimmerman
    Ivan Oberholtzer Zimmerman, 30, of 11900 State Route 304, Mifflinburg entered into rest on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at 3:10 a.m. at his residence in Limstone Township. He had been in ill health for the past six months.
    Ivan was born July 5, 1979, in Limestone Township, a son of Esra Martin Zimmerman, of Mifflinburg, and the late Magdalene “Lena” Martin Oberholtzer Zimmerman, who died on July 3, 2009.
    He was a special education student for 16 years in the Mifflinburg Area School District and was a member of the Mountain View Old Order Mennonite Church, Millmont.
    In addition to his father, he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Maria K. Zimmerman, of RR, Ephrata; siblings and their spouses, Reuben O. and Nora H. Zimmerman, of Millmont, Mary Ella O. and Nathan S. Hoover, of Elkton, Ky., Esra O. and Anna Mary H. Zimmerman, of Winfield, Menno O. and Elaine H. Zimmerman, of Millmont, Amos O. and Mary Z. Zimmerman, Lydia O. Zimmerman, David O. and Priscilla H. Zimmerman, Ammon O. and Mary Joy S. Zimmerman, Lena O. Zimmerman, Verna O. Hoover, Clayton O. Hoover, Lucinda W. Zimmerman and Amos B. Hoover, Elmer O. and Mary Jane M. Zimmerman, and Martha O. Zimmerman, all of Mifflinburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
    Visitors were received Thurs., Dec. 10,  at the Esra M. Zimmerman residence, 11900 State Route 304, Mifflinburg. Funeral services were held at the Esra M. Zimmerman residence, with additional services at Mountain View Old Order Mennonite Church, 274 Kaiser Run Road, Millmont. Officiating was Bishop Levi N. Martin, Phares L. Zimmerman, Amos W. Nolt, and Lloyd R. Zimmerman.
    Interment was in the Mountain View Old Order Mennonite Cemetery, Lewis Township, Union County. Serving as bearers were Jerry Z. Hoover, Elvin Z. Leid, Aaron O. Martin Jr., Paul O. Nolt, Mervin R. Oberholtzer, and Nelson W. Oberholtzer.
    The family was served by the Schwartz-Adamo Funeral and Cremation Service, 247 Chestnut St., Mifflinburg.



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