Richard C. Skellen, age 53, of 423 E. Main St., Ridgway, died Monday, July 6, 2020, at his residence following an illness of 1 1/2 years. 

He was born March 17, 1967, in Albion, NY, son of Earle and Bonnie (Larnder) Skellen.  He resided in Ridgway for many years and was formerly of Cleveland, OH. 

He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church.  He was a ham radio operator, past Treasurer of ECCOTA, and past President of the Teacher’s Union.  He was a graduate of Ridgway Area High School Class of 1985.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art, a combined curriculum.  He received his Master’s in Art Education from Edinboro University.  Richard Skellen was a much loved and respected teacher.  He was employed by the Ridgway Area School District as an Art and Technology teacher for 12 years.

He is survived by his mother Bonnie J. Skellen of Ridgway, 1 brother Robert E. (Julie) Skellen of Ridgway, 1 niece Neeva L. Skellen of Ridgway, his significant other Joslyn Woodbury of Ridgway, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Celebration of Life for Richard C. Skellen will be held at a later date and time to be announced. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Thompson Funeral Home.  Share your online condolences at www.thompsonfuneralhomepa.com

Bertha L. “Bertie” Baughman, 89, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Gerber Road, St. Marys, passed away, Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at Pinecrest Manor, after a lengthy illness.

She was born May 30, 1931, in Munderf, PA, daughter of the late William and Vinnie McManigle Gerber. Bertie was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys Schools. She was a former employee of Brockway Glass, G.C. Murphy, Ames Department Store, and she drove van for Muccio School Transportation.

On May 15, 1948, in the Presbyterian Church, Bertie married Ernest C. Baughman, who preceded her in death on January 26, 2013.

She is survived by her daughter, Shari Mazzaferro and her husband John of St. Marys; four grandchildren, Thomas Ehrensberger, Timothy Wonderling, Tanya Brett, and John Wingate; six great-grandchildren, Tommy, Kristen, and Alexis Ehrensberger, Austin and Alicia Wonderling, and Danica Charles; a brother, Louis Gerber and his wife Joan of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Gerber of St. Marys; and by nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Bertie was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Ann Ehrensberger and her husband, Bill, and their children, Robbie, Kristen, and Kenny Wayne, who died in the Toccoa Falls, GA flood in 1977; and by a brother, Peter Gerber.

Bertie was a member of the St. Marys First United Methodist Church, as well as the Bootjack Grange and the Elk County Fair Committee. She sang and played guitar in several bands over the years, and played for the local nursing homes. Bertie also greatly enjoyed her cats.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral and committal services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Munderf Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Pinecrest Manor, 763 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.

The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Daniel L. Merritt Sr., 89, of 156 Dagus Mines Road, Dagus Mines, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Penn Highlands Elk, after a lengthy illness.

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He was born October 9, 1930, in Brockport, son of the late Harry and Ada Ruth Merritt.  Daniel was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Horton Township Schools.  He was a retired employee of the Stackpole Carbon Company, retiring after more than 40 years of service.

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On October 31, 1953, in Brockport, Daniel married Ardythe Lenox, who preceded him in death on January 16, 1995.

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He is survived by a daughter, Susan Fields and her husband Rev. Paul Fields of DuBois; a son, Daniel L. Merritt Jr. and his wife Lori of Kersey; six grandchildren, Tracy Schneider, David Mattiuz, Michelle Hitchcock, Jeffrey Fields, Eric Merritt, and Brian Merritt; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bernice Coleson of Brockport, Edna Cribbs of Ridgway, and Nancy Trumbull of Ridgway; and by a brother, Harry Merritt and his wife Katherine of Kersey.

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In addition to his wife and parents, Daniel was preceded in death by two sisters, Martha Nulf Chmielewski and Flora Carr; and by three brothers, Frank and Arthur Merritt, and in infancy, Raymond Merritt.

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Daniel was a member of the Kersey United Methodist Church and was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War.  He enjoyed gardening and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

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A Funeral Service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Karen Trask, Pastor of the Kersey United Methodist Church, officiating.  Full military rites will be accorded by the Fox Township Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the Earleyville Cemetery.

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Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

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Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Kersey United Methodist Church, 106 Dagus Mines Road, Kersey, PA  15846.

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Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

James L. Hackett, Jr., M.D., 87, of 1114 Windfall Road, St. Marys, died peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at his home.

He was born on October 30, 1932, in St. Marys, a son of the late Dr. James L. Hackett, Sr. and Freda Yetzer Hackett.

On June 10, 1958 in St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Washington, D.C., he married Ann Balsiger Hackett, who survives.  Together they shared more than 62 years of marriage.

Dr. Hackett was a member of Sacred Heart Church.  He attended Georgetown University, graduating in 1958 from medical school.  He served his internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, then returned to Georgetown to begin his residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Cardiology.  He returned to St. Marys in 1962, where he went on to serve the community for more than 40 years at the former Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital, during which he cared for over 4000 patients.  Dr. Hacket also spent the entirety of his career in St. Marys caring for the Sisters at the St. Joseph Monastery .  He was a life member of the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed golfing with his friends, affectionately known as the Fearsome Four.  He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

In addition to his wife, Ann Balsiger Hackett, he is survived by one daughter; Cindy Mattivi Saluga and her husband Ron of State College, two sons; James Hackett and his wife Michele of Tucson, AZ, and Dr. Kevin Hackett and his wife Mary Beth of Hagerstown, MD,  and by eight grandchildren; Kelly (Richard) Mercardo, Jimmy (Sarah) Hackett, Patrick Hackett, Alexa Mattivi, Maddie Mattivi, Kevin Hackett, Jr., Christopher Hackett, and Ryan Hackett, as well as by one great-grandson; Vincent Mercardo.  He is also survived by a sister; Pauline Carson of Oakmont, and by a niece; Freda (Bob) Aughenbaugh of Oakmont.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son at birth, Patrick, and by a son-in-law; Joseph Mattivi.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. James L. Hackett will be celebrated on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev. Michael Gabler, OSB, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Community Nurses Hospice, Sacred Heart Church, or to a charity of choice.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

Allen Michael Martin, 54, of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

Allen was born April 4, 1966 in Lexington, VA.  On July 3, 1997, he married Kelly M. Hoare of St. Marys, where they have resided ever since.

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Allen was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1984.  He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army.  Through this experience, he had the chance to travel the world and have many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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Allen worked the majority of his life as a truck driver.  He was employed at Walmart Transportation for the last 15 years.  He was a hardworking and dedicated employee, who never let a job be done poorly.

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Allen was a family man, as they were the light of his life.  He devoted all his time to putting them first.  He never entered or left a room without making everyone laugh, he truly was the life of the party.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, going on rides, browsing antique stores, and going fishing with his son.  He was always full of stories and advice.

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To describe Allen in one word would be “caring”.  He would have given the shirt off his back to anybody in need and wouldn’t think twice about it.

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Allen is survived by his wife, Kelly Martin, his daughter Maggie, and his son Nicolas.  Allen was always extremely proud of his children, as he was their biggest support during college and any decisions ever made in their lives.  He loved to watch them succeed and grow, and he is proud of who they will become.

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There will be no visitation.

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Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service to be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 10:30 AM, with the Rev. Michael Gabler, OSB officiating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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Memorials, if desired, may be made to Wreaths Across America, c/o Dolly Wehler, 712 Vine Road, St. Marys, PA  15857.

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Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Alfred F. "Butch" Sporner, 82, of 1129 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at his home.

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He was born on December 13, 1937, in St. Marys, a son of the late Francis and Josephine Cheatle Sporner.

On July 5, 1958 in Queen of the World Church, he married Carol Samick Sporner, who survives.  Together they shared nearly 62 years of love and marriage.

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Butch was a member of Queen of the World Church and retired in 2000 from St. Marys Carbon Company after more than 43 years of service.  He was a member of the Campowner's and the St. Marys Sportsmens Club.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved going to camp.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

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In addition to his wife, Carol Samick Sporner, he is survived by one daughter; Paula Collins and her husband Shawn of Kersey and one son; Mark Sporner and his wife Leslie of St. Marys, by six grandchildren; Emily, Michelle, Josh, Eric, Katie, and Courtney, and by 12 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by one brother; Vincent Sporner of St. Marys,; one sister; Dorothy Raffeinner and her husband Ray of Kersey, and by two sisters-in-law; Eleanor Newell and Sandy Samick, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

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In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister; Germaine Coder, and by a sister in childhood, Shirley Sporner.

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A Mass of Christian Burial for Alfred F. "Butch" Sporner will be celebrated on Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 10:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

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Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Friday, July 3, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Queen of the World Church.

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Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

William A. Hillebrand, 94, of Boone Mountain Road, Kersey, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at Pinecrest Manor following a brief illness.

He was born on July 28, 1925, in the Bear Creek Area in Ridgway Township, a son of the late Peter and Mary Zoschg Hillebrand.

On November 9, 1947 in St. Marys Church, he married Sophie Jameson Hillebrand, who preceded him in death on August 28, 1988.

A lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central High School, Mr. Hillebrand was also an Army combat veteran of WWII, having served in the European Theater.  He retired from Clarion Sintered Metals after more than 29 years of service.  
He was a member of St. Boniface Church, as well as the Fox Township Firemen's Club and the Fox Township Senior Center, where he will be fondly remembered for the baked goods he would deliver regularly.
He was Exalted Ruler of BPOE Elks 872 in Ridgway, having served two terms.  He was also Post Commander of the Ridgway Legion Post 208 and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.  Years ago, he was also active with the Babe Ruth baseball league in Ridgway.  Affectionately known as Uncle Bill or Willie, he was a friend to all who loved cooking. 

He is survived by 35 nieces and nephews, as well as by many friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by six brothers; Peter, Rudolph, Louis, Joseph, Otto, and Tony Hillebrand, and by two sisters; Marie Hillebrand and Ida Sorg.

A Mass of Christian Burial for William A. Hillebrand will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, 2020, at 11:00 AM at St. Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 with Rev. Ross Miceli, Pastor, officiating.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Fox Township Burial Detail.

Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Friends and family will be received at the St. Boniface Church on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Boniface Church or to the Fox Township Senior Center.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

Werner Selzer, 73, of Georgetown, TX, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 29, 2020, at UPMC Altoona, after he visited his mother-in-law to celebrate her 90th birthday.

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He was born April 14, 1947, in Neunkirchen, Germany, son of the late Werner and Hanne Hilfenstein Selzer.  He attended university in Saarburg, Germany, where he graduated as an electrical engineer.  He was a former employee of Saarbergwerke in Heiligenwald, Germany and retired from DuPont after 20+ years of service.  Werner enjoyed cooking and making his family happy.

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Werner is survived by his wife, the former Karen Rothrock, who survives in Georgetown, Texas.  He is also survived by his daughter, Tanja Mally of Waldacher, Germany; two sisters, Heidrun Pyk and Giesla Bungert, both of Germany; his mother-in-law, Arlene Rothrock of Kersey; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral and committal services will be privately held on Friday, July 3, 2020 at Parklawn Memorial Gardens with Pastor Scott Wiest, Pastor of Shiloh Evangelical Presbyterian Church, officiating. 

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The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Private funeral services and visitation were held on Monday morning in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Gabler, OSB officiating for the late Louise S. Withington, 103, of 412 Dippold Avenue, St. Marys.  She passed away Saturday, June 27, 2020, at her residence, after an illness of the past several months.

She was born March 9, 1917, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Sebastian and Margaret Deth Sorg.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys Schools.  Louise was a retired employee of GTE Sylvania, retiring in 1982, after 39 years of service.  Louise was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and the St. Anne’s Society.

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On May 9, 1940, in the St. Mary’s Church Rectory, Louise married Raymond E. Withington, who preceded her in death on April 12, 1996.

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She is survived by a brother-in-law, Tony Celin of St. Marys; and by 31 nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Louise was preceded in death by nine sisters, Esther Hannibal, Marie Lang, Matilda DeWald, Bernice Ray, Rita Samick, Mabel Zernell, Helen Solic, Doris Celin, and by a sister, Magdalena Sorg, in infancy; four brothers, Martin, Alfred, John, and Thomas Sorg; and by a sister-in-law, Geraldine Sorg.  She was the last member of her immediate family.

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Burial was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, 325 Center Street, St. Marys, PA  15857 or to the Sacred Heart Church Social Committee, 325 Center Street, St. Marys, PA  15857.

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The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Gary W. "GW" Bauer, 75, of 24 Sonny Lane, St. Marys, died on Friday, June 26, 2020 following a brief illness.

He was born on November 12, 1944, in St. Marys, a son  of the late Richard and Marie Vollmer Bauer.

Mr. Bauer was a graduate of St. Marys High School, class of 1965.  He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  Gary retired in 2010 from the City of St. Marys, having worked for many years on the road crew.  He had also been employed by Sylvania for a number of years.

Always an avid Steelers fan, Gary also enjoyed socializing with his friends and girlfriend at the Eagles Club, where he was a longtime member.  He was lovingly referred to as "Steve" by his brothers, and will fondly be remembered for his love of his 50's Chevrolet.

He is survived by one daughter, Lori Milliard and her husband Ray of Johnsonburg, by his three grandchildren; Mason, Rayce, and Kallie, by one brother; John B. "Bruce" Bauer, and by his longtime girlfriend, Susan Lion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; Richard J. "Dick" Bauer, Jr. and Kenneth Bauer.

Funeral Services for Gary W. "GW" Bauer will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

William L. "Bill" Dippold, 90, of 114 Catalina Road, St. Marys, died on Thursday morning, June 25, 2020 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

He was born on June 21, 1930, in St. Marys, a son of the late Roman and Leona Schatz Dippold.

On June 19, 1954 in St. Marys Church, he married Margaret Schauer Dippold, who survives of St. Marys.

Bill was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central High School, class of 1948.  He was a member of St. Marys Church and retired from Stackpole-Carbone after 40 years of service.

He was a member of the K of C, CMF, and the Sportsmens Club.  Bill loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and gardening.  He also enjoyed shooting trap and skeet, bowling, and playing horseshoes.  Most of all, he loved going to camp and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife of more than 66 years, Margaret "Peggy" Dippold, he is survived by two daughters; Sharon Schatz and her husband Rich and Debra Caggiano and her husband Dan, all of Kersey, and by two sons; Douglas Dippold of Folsom, PA, and Eric Dippold and his fiance Darla Pollino of St. Marys.  He is also survived by one grandson; Nathan Caggiano.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin sister; Elizabeth "Betty" Dailey, and by sisters Alice Smith and Dorothy Diehl.

A Memorial Service for William L. Dippold will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at  11:00 AM at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home with Rev. Peter Augustine Pierjok, OSB, officiating.

Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Christian Food Bank or to the Elk County Humane Society.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

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Richard H. "Rich" Jacobs, 90, of 504 High Street, Johnsonburg, died Tuesday morning, June 23, 2020 at Penn Higlands-Elk, St. Marys, PA following a lengthy illness.

He was born on March 31, 1930 in Johnsonburg, a son of the late Harold and Katherine Steger Jacobs. He married Patricia L. "Pat" Swedenjelm on September 4, 1954 in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg. She died July 1, 2012.

Rich lived most of his life in Johnsonburg, having lived in Miami, FL for several years. He was a 1947 graduate of Johnsonburg High School. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church where he had been a Lector for many years and part of the Cursillo Movement and the Johnsonburg Senior Center. He had been active with the Johnsonburg Rotary Club for many years. He was a past president of the Holy Rosary School PTO and was a past Vice President of the ECCHS PTCO. He loved spending time with his family, especially camping with his wife and kids and grandchildren, and playing cards with his friends at the Senior Center. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking.

Mr. Jacobs was a Korean Era Army Vet serving as a Private First Class overseas with Co E, 112th Infantry Regt., 28th Infantry Division.

Mr. Jacobs was a longtime Insurance agent for the Prudential Life Insurance Co. and retired in 1990 after 20 years of service. He had also worked for PennTech Papers in Johnsonburg for 7 years, Sun Life Insurance Co. in Florida for 9 years and Pan American Airlines in Miami, FL for several years.

Rich is survived by two sons, Richard J. Jacobs and his wife Lori and Tom Jacobs and his wife Kelle all of Johnsonburg, 4 grandchildren; Steve Jacobs, Jeff Jacobs, Kara Jacobs and Krista Jacobs and 3 great-grandchildren; Madison and Wyatt Duttry and Aislin Jacobs and a step-granddaughter Rebecca Williams and 2 step-great-grandchildren; Joey and Austin Vacvarella. He is also survived by a brother, William "Bill" Jacobs of Ridgway.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is predeceased by granddaughters Cathy Duttry, and Niki and Tera Jacobs in infancy and a brother, Earl Jacobs.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard H. Jacobs will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Tuesday June 30, 2020 at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor presiding. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, Pa

If desired, memorial contributions should be made to the Johnsonburg Senior Center, 430 Center St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845.

Share your condolences at www.ferraginefuneralhome.com.