Margaret E. Dascher, age 71, of New Albany, PA, passed way on Monday, November 23, 2009, at Memorial Hospital in Towanda, PA.

She was born on December 4, 1937, in New York, New York, a daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Lynch) Holmes.

Prior to her retirement she was data base coordinator for Smithkline Beecham Corporation.

She has been a resident of this area since 2000, having moved from the Doylestown and Glenside area.

Margaret had attended St. Peter’s Church, in Elkland Township.

She enjoyed being in the outdoors, and gardening.

She is survived by two children:  Anthony (Cheryl) Loftus, of Souderton, PA, and James (Julia) Loftus, Sr., of Mullica Hill, NJ; and by her two grandchildren: Shannon Loftus, and James Loftus, Jr.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Richard Dascher, (November 13, 2009), and by a sister: Jean Burns.

Memorial services are being arranged in Glenside, PA.

Local arrangements were made with the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.

Leonard L. Kobbe, Sr., age 79, of Elkland Township, New Albany, PA, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at Williamsport Hospital.

He was born on May 13, 1930, at home in Elkland a son of the late Ernest A. and Edith (Chapman) Kobbe.

On February 22, 1957, Leonard married the late Virginia Smith in Dushore. They loved and cared for each other until her death on March 21st, of this year.

Leonard was employed for Penn DOT as an operator for 30 years until his retirement in 1991. He also worked for McCarty Driscoll Lumber Company and Roscoe Burgess Lumber.

He loved his children and grandchildren.

He also enjoyed his time spent in the outdoors, and planting and caring for his garden.

Leonard is survived by his four children: Barbara A. (Clyde) Ryce of Mehoopany, PA, Bonnie L. Kobbe of Forksville, PA, Edith B. Spillers of New Albany, PA, and Leonard L. Kobbe Jr., of New Albany, PA; by six grandchildren: Timmy, Kevin and Brandi Ryce, Petty Officer Billy L. Spillers, Leonard L. Kobbe III, and Lindsey L. Kobbe; and by seven great-grandchildren: Owen, Breanna, Makayla, Destiny, Jovon, Kaylee Blanche, and Jacob Lee.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by: a sister Mertle Keeney; and by seven brothers: John, Earl, Larue, Mylo, Wilmer, Francis, and by an infant brother Willard; and by two sons-in-laws: Robert Marshall and Billy G. Spillers.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, in St. Peter’s Cemetery, at 4:00 p.m., with the Rev. Darcy Miller, pastor officiating.

Joseph “Joe” DePoto II, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2009.

Joe was married to his wife, Sharon Ross DePoto, for 45 years and they made their home in Wilmot Township, Pennsylvania.

Originally from Harrison, New Jersey, Joe was a strong, quiet man who loved his wife, family, sports and his land.  He spent countless hours maintaining his property and doing wood working, even after a stroke left him unable to use one side of his body.

Joe had four children, Sharon DePoto Smith, of Camptown, PA, Joseph DePoto III, of Elizabethtown, PA, Denise DePoto, of Camptown, PA, and Lori Ann DePoto Purnell of Allentown, PA. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Joseph DePoto; and his sister, Dorothy Pacheco.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Ross DePoto, his daughter, Sharon DePoto Smith, and her three children Degan, Taylor and Bailey; his son, Joseph DePoto III, his wife, Lori Baker Depoto and their two children, Karyn and Sydney; his daughter Denise DePoto and her two children, Jordan and Danelle Salsman; and his daughter Lori Ann DePoto Purnell, her husband Linwood Purnell II, and two children Jacob and Joshua; his brother John DePoto and sister Josephine Troiano.

Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday evening, November 19, 2009, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church Street, Wyalusing, PA.

Funeral services will be private on Friday, November 20, 2009, in the McHenry Funeral Home, with the Rev. Patricia Newhart, pastor of Beaver Meadows, officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Guthrie Hospice, R.R. 1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848; in memory of Mr. Joseph DePoto.

Shade from the Apple Tree

Just like that apple tree, standing

Watch over the ole’ barn, you

Protected us. Gnarled from age, beautiful,

We swung from your arms, climbed up

and took perch in your lap, laughing.

You never waivered.

Your roots run deep with a silent strength

That is palpable. Stand watch, dad,

Over a land that brought you joy and peace.

Stand watch, over the fruit of your soul as you release it

From your branches. Stand watch, over the heart that

Made you blossom. Your branches now

Reach the heavens

But there is still protection in your shadow for us.

Richard G. Dascher, Sr., 77, of Overton Township, Forksville, PA, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2009, at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.

 He was born on March 24, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA, a son of the late Ernest W. Dascher.

 Richard is a veteran of the United States Army, and served as a Tank Commander at the end of the Korea.

 Prior to his retirement in 1993, he was a manufacturing supervisor for SPS Technologies of Jenkinstown, PA.

 Richard enjoyed his time spent out doors.

 He leaves surviving his children: Richard G. (Donna) Dascher, Jr., Brian H. (Nancy) Dascher, David W. Dascher, Thomas R. (Christi) Dascher; and by nine grandchildren.

 In addition he was preceded in death by four brothers: Jack, Peter, Ernest and Robert Dascher.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Overton, with the Rev. Darcy Miller, pastor officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Church, P.O. Box 284, Dushore, PA 18614.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.

Margaret Ellen Ruffcorn, 89, of R.R 1, Stevensville, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at the Bradford County Manor in Burlington, PA.

She was born on June 5, 1920, in Orient, PA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Banks) Yanatchko.

During World War II, she worked in New York City sodering radar parts.

On December 21, 1996, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Presley James Ruffcorn.

She was a member of the Wyalusing American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. 

She loved to knit, cook and bake, and enjoyed her time spent with family and friends.

She leaves surviving her daughter: Renee and son-in-law Ernest Stewart, of Stevensville, PA; as well as family and friends; many nieces and nephews, and grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband Presley James Ruffcorn, she was preceded in death by an infant son: William Clayton Ruffcorn; a brother: William Yanatchko; sisters: Elizabeth Koballa, Violet Mashakas and Helen Sieman.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, November 13, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. in the East Herrick Cemetery, with the Rev. Barry Ballard, pastor officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the: Wyalusing American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, c/o Joyce Patton, Treasurer, R.R. 1, Box 202-A, Wyalusing, PA, in memory of Margaret E. Ruffcorn.

Arrangements were entrusted to the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church Street, Wyalusing, PA.

Michael Salitrynski, age 86, of Orwell Township, Rome RR 1, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA,

He was born on April 23, 1923 in Shamokin, PA, a son of the late John and Anna (Halabura) Salitrynski.

Michael is a veteran of the United States Army.

Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Abbington School District as maintenance and groundskeeper.

On September 23, 2006, he was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Duitch) Salitrynski.

He leaves surviving two children: Kathy Robare, of New Albany, PA; David Salitrynski, of Rome, PA; by 8 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother: Peter Salitrynski; a sister: Mary Ykurak; and half sister: Josephine Hoyt.

Private services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.

Michael Salitrynski, age 86, of Orwell Township, Rome RR 1, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA,

 He was born on April 23, 1923 in Shamokin, PA, a son of the late John and Anna (Halabura) Salitrynski.

 Michael is a veteran of the United States Army.

 Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Abbington School District as maintenance and groundskeeper.

 On September 23, 2006, he was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Duitch) Salitrynski.

 He leaves surviving two children: Kathy Robare, of New Albany, PA; David Salitrynski, of Rome, PA; by 8 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

 In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother: Peter Salitrynski; a sister: Mary Ykurak; and half sister: Josephine Hoyt.

 Private services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

 Arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.

Gene “Skip” Robert Carner, 76, of Overton Township, New Albany R.D. 2, passed away on November 8, 2009, at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.

He was born on February 2, 1933, in New Albany, PA, a son of the late Lawrence and Ethel (Baker) Carner.

On September 26, 1959, he married for the former Catherine Shrimp in Dushore, PA. He and Catherine had celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.

Prior to his retirement he was employed as a Supervisor/Road Master for Overton Township, giving them 36 years of service.

He has lived his entire lifetime in the New Albany area.  He loved fishing, farming, gardening, being and working outdoors, and enjoyed joking around.

He leaves surviving his wife, Catherine Carner, at home; his half sister: Reta Gregory, of Sayre, PA; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by half brothers and sisters: George, Harry, Francis, Louis, Grace, James McCarty, Helen Middaugh, and Ruth Avery.

Private family services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.

Interment will immediately follow in Reformed Cemetery in Overton, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Dushore Fire & Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 1, Dushore, PA 18614.

Cecil Johnson, Jr., 68, of Lime Hill, born March 28, 1941, passed away at home Thursday, November 5, 2009.  His passing came after a long battle with COPD. Cecil lived in this area all his life with his wife Anna Mae (Heeman), who he married on March 28, 1958.

He worked for awhile in trucking and logging, but his true passion was the stone quarry business that he started and was still involved in.

His other great passion in life was spending time with his wife Anna Mae, his children, and all of his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife: Anna Mae, at home; his children: Debbie and David Hazard of Nichols, NY, Paula and Tom Weaver of Port Republic, VA, Cindy and Brian Kerperien, of Wyalusing, PA, also by a granddaughter he raised as his own Jennifer and Shawn O’Dell of Camptown, PA; other granddaughters: Amanda and Geoffrey Powell, of Nichols, NY, Candi Hazard Bellis, of Nichols, NY, Marian Kerperien, of Wyalusing, PA; and great-grandchildren: Shawn O’Dell, Jr. of Camptown, PA, Destiny and Haley Powell, of Nichols, NY, and Levi and Logan Bellis of Nichols, NY.

He is also survived by several siblings: Robert and Betty Johnson, of Lime Hill, PA, Randy and Cathy Johnson of Wyalusing, PA, Billy Johnson, of Wyalusing, PA, Donnie Johnson of Towanda, PA, Charlie and Helen Johnson of Burlington, PA, Patty and George Baker, of Laceyville, PA, Marlene Johnson, of Laceyville, PA, Bonnie and Mike Boyanowski, of Camptown, PA, Peggy Smith, of Sugar Run, Susie Roberts of Wyalusing, PA, Marion and Roger Canfield of Mehoopany, PA, and Judy and Mike Spencer of Herrickville, PA.  Also by many nieces and nephews, and lots of great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Cecil & Betty Johnson, by a brother Albert, and a sister Joyce.  He was also preceded in death by his in-laws: John and Emma Heeman, Sr.

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday, November 8, 2009, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church Street, Wyalusing, PA.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Beverly Murphy, pastor officiating.

He will be laid to rest in the Lime Hill Cemetery immediately following.

Pallbearers: David Hazard, Brian Kerperien, Tom Weaver, Shawn O’Dell, Gary Spencer and Geoffrey Powell.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Bradford County Humane Society, P.O. Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850, in memory of Cecil Johnson.

John L. Evans, age 69, of Orwell Township, Rome, PA, passed away on Sunday evening, November 1, 2009, at Ashton Health Care, in Athens, PA.

He was born on November 25, 1939, in Sayre, PA, a son of the late Jacob and Margaret (Williams) Evans.

On April 16, 1976, he was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth Evans.

On April 3, 1982, he married the former Louise Hunsinger in Orwell Township.

Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Great Iron Foundry in Owego, NY, giving over 27 years of service.

John had attended the Herrickville Wesleyan Church.

He enjoyed fishing and his time spent in the outdoors.  He found great enjoyment in working around the house, building and doing carpentry work.

He leaves surviving: his wife: Louise Evans, at home; seven children: John Jr. (Cindy) Evans, of Rome, PA, Yvonne “Sissy” (Richard) Bashore, of Sayre, PA, Polly Evans, of Towanda, PA, Linda (Ron) Hunsinger, of Laceyville, PA, Chad (Theresa) Evans, of Rome, PA, Kelly (Shawn) Mapes, of Mehoopany, PA; adopted children: Amber Ann (Robert) Hanson and Christopher Evans; step children: Charles Jr.  (Peggy) Slater, of KT, Kenny (Cindy) Slater, of Rome, PA, Denny (Candace) Slater, of Athens, PA, Randy Slater, of Rome, PA; by brothers and sisters: Olan (Phyllis) Evans, Phoebe McManus, Gene (Alice) Evans, Ronnie Evans; Denny (Tammy ) Evans, Nancy (Bill ) Dunbar, Penny (Chuck) Dunbar; by his 38 special grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and 1^st wife, he was also preceded in death by a daughter: Peggy Evans; by brothers and sisters: Robert Evans, Sally Dunbar, Clara Swackhammer Kany, Bob Evans, Lois Evans, Jacob Evans, Theodore Evans, Charles Evans, and Pauline Colegrove: by two grandchildren: Brandon Crawford, Stephanie Evans; and by a great grandson: Zachary Brown.

Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday evening, November 4, 2009, at the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, Herrickville, PA, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., and on Thursday, November 5, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, with the Rev. Jason Laudermilch, pastor officiating.

Interment will be in the South Hill Cemetery, Herrickville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to: Herrickville Wesleyan Church, R.R. 3, Box 152B, Wyalusing, PA 18853, in memory of Mr. John L. Evans.

Arrangements were entrusted to the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church Street, Wyalusing, PA.