​Davis “Dave” Shedden, 81, well known resident of Canton, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022, at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

Davis VanDyke was born in Elmira, New York on September 15, 1940, to the late Leslie Shedden and Evelyn (VanDyke) Shedden Sechrist. He attended Canton Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1958. After graduating, Dave was employed by the Strong Berg Carlson telephone company where he helped to install automatic dial switchboards with crews in Indiana, North Dakota and Minnesota. 

Dave proudly enlisted in the United States Army on September 28, 1959, and was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia and then served a special assignment at a building called Tall Antenna Towers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On September 27, 1961, he received his honorable discharge and earned the rank of Specialist 4th Class. In 2021 Dave humbly wore his Army's original khaki uniform to church on Veteran’s Day. After serving in the Army, he attended South Georgia Technical and Vocational School in Americus, Georgia where he received a degree in Diesel Engine Repair. Dave was employed for 14 years by Jones and Brague Mining Company until their closure in 1984. He then started his own company with his son Charles, named Shedden Trucking.

​Together they hauled coal, flat bed freight and California produce. Deciding to expand their business they worked in the Gas Well industry and operated a fleet of trucks that hauled for Milton Transport as well as tankers that ran throughout the United States, Ontario and Quebec. Today the Gas Well Industry and Milton Trucking still continue for Shedden Trucking. In January of 2022 Dave was still going to the garage every day, seeing to the daily operations. Unfortunately, after developing breathing problems and being hospitalized with pneumonia the family received the unfortunate news that Dave had stage four lung cancer, although he never smoked. Dave was a courageous four-year survivor of esophageal and thyroid cancer.

Dave loved and enjoyed; history, books, traveling and meeting new people. He was a man of Faith in the Lord and a member and Trustee of the Ward United Methodist Church.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Maxine (Merritt) Shedden of Canton, sons; James (Linda) Shedden of Madrid, Spain, Charles (Teresa) Shedden of Canton and Craig (Lee) Shedden of Denver, Colorado, grandchildren; Olivia (Rafael) of Almeria, Spain, Jacob (Susan) of Troy, Sam (student at Cal U), Noah (senior at North Penn Liberty) Sean of Madrid, Spain, great-great granddaughters; Joanna, Evelyn, Elizabeth and a baby girl due in July, a sister; Alice Zumba of Santa Rosa, CA., brothers; Scott (Elaine) Shedden of Canton and Leo (Jennie) Shedden of Ann Arbor, Michigan, sisters in law; Linda Merritt of Canton, Debbie (Tom) Elliott of Towanda as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, Dave was predeceased by his stepfather of 30 plus years, that the family truly loved, Clyde Sechrist.

A celebration of Davis’s life will be held Sunday, April 3, 2022, from 1-3 P.M. at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724. A service to honor his life will follow at 3 P.M. with Pastor Jennifer Jones officiating. A private burial will be held in the East Canton Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dave’s name may be directed to the Ward United Methodist Church, 474 Furman Road, Canton, PA 17724. Please share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Mary Jane Watson, 85, of Canton, PA, walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, March 27, at the Towanda Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit.

Born June 5, 1936 in Rome, New York, Mary Jane spent nearly her entire life residing in Canton, Troy, and Windfall, PA.

After many years of living and working on the family farm in Windfall, PA, Mary Jane spent multiple decades working for various employers in Troy, PA. Those employers included the Super Duper grocery store, American Silk/Woven Label and Eureka/Paper Magic.

Faith, family and friends were an important part of her life. In addition to enjoying time spent with family or visiting with life-long friends, Mary Jane was an avid reader and loved to crochet.

A loving and caring mother and grandmother, Mary Jane is survived by four children, Roger Hawkins and Nancy (Hawkins) Neff both of Canton, PA, Jim (Leslie) Hawkins of Spring Brook Twp., PA, and Tom (Lisa) Watson of Richmond, VA.; her six grandchildren, Mindy Hartford of Covington, PA, Glenn Trick Jr. and Nichole (John) Ambruch of Canton, PA, Jacob Neff of Bloomsburg, PA, Madison Hawkins of Pittsburgh, PA, and Blake Hawkins of New York, NY. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Katie Shay, Hunter Chaapel, Gavin Hartford, and Norah and Alice Ambruch.

In addition to the love she had for her children and grandchildren, Mary Jane had a special life-long connection, fondness, and deep admiration for her “other son”/nephew, Danny Watson and his wife Phyliss of Elmira, NY.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her oldest child, daughter Frances (Frannie) Trick, daughter Norma (Nancy’s twin) who passed at birth, her beloved son-in-law Michael (Nancy) Neff, her first husband Charles Hawkins, and her second husband Walter Watson.

In honor of Mary Jane’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours or memorial services. A family-only celebration of Mary Jane’s life will take place the week of March 28.
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The Morse & Kleese Funeral Home in Canton is assisting with arrangements. Share condolences and memories of Mary Jane at morseandkleesefuneralhome.com

Margaret “Peggy” Ann Nichols, 82, of Charlotte, a woman of fierce Italian spirit and love of her family, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in Charlotte.

Peggy, 82, was born February 11, 1940 in the small town of Canton, PA, the daughter of Frank and Katherine (Keagle) Carrozza. She graduated High School in Canton in 1957 and left on a celebratory European cruise with her grandparents. While in Florence, Italy, she met a handsome young U.S. Army medic named Earl Nichols. The two reunited in Canton, PA and married on September 3, 1959.

They soon moved to Texas, where they raised their family. Peggy worked as a beautician while Earl worked in trucking. They later returned to Pennsylvania, where they opened their own business, Machinery Transport Services Trucking Co. They co-operated the business for decades, in both Pennsylvania and Texas. Even in her final years in Charlotte, MI, she continued to have her hand in operations. Peggy’s years in Texas led her to develop a passion for the Dallas Cowboys and Willie Nelson. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting and cross-stitch, gardening, cooking and baking for her family and friends. Above all, she loved her family. 
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Peggy is survived by her children, James (Tracie) Nichols of Eagle River, WI, Juli (Larry) Tkaczyk of Charlotte, and Gregory (Doreen) Nichols of Coppell, TX; grandchildren, Nicholas Tkaczyk, Andrew Tkaczyk, Austin Tkaczyk, Zacchary Nichols, Kaitlyn Nichols, Ian Nichols, and Landon Nichols; and her sister, E. Jane (Dr. Donald F.) Stanton of Lakewood Ranch, FL. She was predeceased by her husband, Earl Albert Nichols.

​Randall A. Laue, age 64, of Troy, PA passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at his home.   He was born on January 1, 1958, in Fairmont, MN, a son of Richard and Alice (Bremer) Laue.   

Randy was a 1976 graduate of Ceylon High School and a 1980 graduate of Minnesota State University at Mankato.   Randy graduated with degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science.  He worked for IBM for 22 years in Minnesota, Maryland, New York, and Massachusetts; owned and operated the Troy Sports Pub in Troy, PA; and worked as a sales rep for Hoover’s Hardware, also in Troy.  Randy retired in 2018.  Randy was a member of the Troy Lions Club and enjoyed antique cars and watching sports.  He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. 

Randy is survived by his son, Elijah C. Laue of New York, NY; his former wife and mother of his son, Joy Laue of Troy, PA; a brother, Rod (Debra) Laue of Fairmont, MN; a sister, Kathy Blom of Springfield, IL; and a sister-in-law, Linda Laue of Cottage Grove, MN, also one niece and several nephews.   He was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Laue; two sisters, Joyce Mosher and Gloria Laue, and a niece Michelle Blom. 

Memorial services for Randy will be held at 2:00 on Thursday, March 31 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilbert, MN.   Burial will follow the service in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.   A celebration of life ceremony will be held later at the family’s convenience in Troy, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Randy’s name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1668 40th St Ceylon, MN  56121, Troy Lions Club, PO Box 215, Troy, PA 16947, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com 

Marvin H. Kromer, 85, of Towanda, formerly of Emaus, Pennsylvania, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Troy Guthrie Community Hospital. Marvin Howard was born in Bethlehem, PA on December 2,1936; a son of the late Marvin and Mary (Wargo) Kromer. He enjoyed traveling to the beautiful mountains of Bradford County. Approximately 10 years ago Marvin moved to the Towanda area and made his home.
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 In keeping with Mr. Kromer’s wishes, there will be no services and he will be laid to rest at his favorite hunting spot. In lieu of flowers, Consider memorial donations in Marvin’s name to a charity of one’s choice. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility 578 Springbrook Dr. in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements.  Please share memories and condolences by visiting http://www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Linda D. (Metzger) Pepper, 82, of Monroeton (Franklin Township, PA) passed away at the Troy Guthrie Hospital, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, due to complications with surgery. Linda was born December 29, 1939, to the late Clarence and Erma (Taylor) Metzger. She attended Canton Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1958 where she was very active in the Home Economics program. Shortly after high school Linda married her true love, Carlyle “Bud” Pepper in Leroy Township. Together they shared more than 51 years of blessed marriage and raised three children until Bud’s passing on September 30, 2010. Linda was a member of the Leroy Independent Baptist Church.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Linda knew she was a hard worker. In her earlier years she was employed by Troy Craft and in 1958 she and Bud acquired their first dairy farm. In 1977, they purchased the former Barnhart farm in West Franklin, which their sons now proudly own. Linda would see to the daily operations of the dairy as well as helped out at nearly every auction at the Wyalusing, Athens and Troy Sale Barns with Bud. Despite her busy schedule she always found time to take care of her home and most importantly her family. Most recently you could find Linda at work alongside of her family at the Pepper’s Auction Barn, that is owned by her oldest son. It was a job she truly enjoyed. She never complained and always said with a smile “ya do what you gotta do!”

Linda was a devoted and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Because of her caring ways, she was lovingly referred to as mom by many. Linda was an exceptional cook and loved to bake. She was especially known for her famous Potato Salad and making cakes for others. Because of her hospitality she never knew if she would be cooking for two or two hundred. Gladly inviting anyone who stopped by to stay for breakfast, lunch and/or supper. You were guaranteed to never leave Linda’s house with an empty stomach. She truly embraced the love of her family, and their well-being was always her number one priority.

Surviving Linda are her children; Ed (Pam) Pepper of Leroy, Tim (Carolyn) Pepper of West Franklin and Cory Pepper of Leroy, grandchildren; Dani (Brad) Hugo, Desi (Kirk) Space, Adam (Devon) Pepper, Heather Pepper, Heidi (Zack) Grace, Dylan, Nick (Makenna) Pepper, Wes, Colt and Ace Pepper, great-grandchildren; Stormy (Cody) Wolfe, Kody Powell, Cyra Hugo, Brendyn (Tish), Brody and Bryelle Space, Bridger and Paisley Pepper, Kix Carr, Ashlyn Grace,  Kyle Powell and Dawson Hugo, great-great grandchildren;  Scarlett Wolfe, along with many “bonus sons” Linda helped care for, Chris Radney was very near and dear to her heart, special friends; Ralph and Myra McNeal of Towanda, two sisters; Audrey (Charles) Brackman of Blandon, PA, Norma Nichols of East Smithfield, sisters-in-law; Betty (Con) Benninger of Troy and Viola Metzger of North Union, brothers-in-law; Brad (Faye) Pepper of Granville Summit and Rev. William “Bill” (Patti) Pepper of Altoona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins friends and neighbors and her feline companion Buddy.

Besides her parents Linda was predeceased by her husband Carlyle “Bud” Pepper, a sister; Marie (Art) Harkness, brother; Bruce Metzger and a brother-in-law; Robert Pepper.
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The family invites friends to attend a viewing on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724. Funeral services to honor her life will follow at 1 P.M. with pastors Ruby Sosa and Duane Taylor officiating.  Burial will be held in Leroy Cemetery. Those who wish may make a memorial in Linda’s name to a charity of choice. Please share your memories of Linda and condolences with the family by visiting http://www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

​Gloria A. (Fernsler) Martin, 53, of Trout Run, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. 

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be announced at a later date. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers consider a memorial donation in Gloria’s name to the Ralston Fire Co. Station 17, P.O. Box 1, Ralston, PA 17763. A full obituary and condolences to the family may be shared at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Shirley Crandell Blackall, 85, of 21 Preacher Brook Road, Monroeton, PA, Franklin Township, passed away Friday, March 11, 2022, at the Skilled Nursing Unit, Towanda, PA.

Shirley was born in Towanda, PA on May 14, 1936, the only child of the late Amos B. Crandell and Edna Kelley Crandell.  She was a graduate of Towanda High School with the Class of 1954 and continued her education at the Goldey-Beacom School of Business in Wilmington, DE.  In her early years, she lived and worked in Louisiana was employed by Michoud Corporation constructing the first spacecraft to the moon before returning to the family farm in Franklindale.  Shirley also was employed at GTE Sylvania and the Bradford County Courthouse.   

Growing up she attended the Franklindale Christian Church and later was a member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Alba and North Union, PA.  She was also a member of the Bradford County Council of Republican Women and former member of the Order of Eastern Star, Towanda Chapter.  Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Tom; son, Ron Hooks (Karen); daughters, Kelley Hooks, Shannon Pardoe (Mark); grandchildren, Whitney Eberlin (Eric), Davin Taylor (Kayla), Dylan Taylor (Kay), Lucas Cease, and 6 great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind 4 stepchildren, 8 step grandchildren, and 8 step great grandchildren in Texas.  A service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
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Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

Alice A. Saar, 64, of Canton Township, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at her residence, while surrounded by the love of her family.

Services and burial in Pennsdale Cemetery will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers consider a memorial donation to a charity of one’s choice in Alice’s loving memory. A full oibituary and condolences may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Joseph E. Spencer, 83, of Roaring Branch (Union Township, PA) passed away peacefully on the morning of March 8, 2022, at home while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 13, 1938, in Canton, Pennsylvania to late Walter and E. Geraldine Spencer.

Joe grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton Area High School in 1957. He served in the US Army from 1958-1960.  In earlier years he was employed for Masonite in Towanda and The Canton Independent Sentinel. He attended Williamsport Area Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Biomedical Technology in 1975. Joe worked as a biomedical technician for Divine Providence Hospital for many years. After retirement, he enjoyed working as a transporter for Western Alliance. He volunteered for the Area Agency on Aging, delivering for Meals on Wheels for approximately ten years.

On January 9, 1965, Joe married the former June Brenchley in Canton. Together they raised three children. They enjoyed traveling, and spending time with family.

Joe is survived by his wife June, of Canton; his son Andy Spencer (Sherry) of Canton; daughter Laurel Spencer(Anthonette), Blossburg; and Angela Mosser (John), of Canton; his brother Stephen Spencer(Glenda), of Canton; and Robert Spencer (Bettie), Winston Salem, NC; his grandchildren Nicole Ragab (Ramy), Reading; Natalie Siedhof (Jennifer), of Syracuse, NY; Joslyn Spencer (Jeremiah), Forty Fort; and Jenna Spencer (Riley), of Mansfield; as well as many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Geraldine Spencer, brothers William and Thomas, sister-in-law Bonita Spencer, niece Kathleen Spencer, and nephew William Lamont (Monty) Spencer.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes there will be no services. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Area Agency on Aging. http://www.bsstaaa.org/
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The Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility in Canton is assisting with arrangements. Share condolences and memories of Joe by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com