Stephen J. “Steve” Rockwell, 68, life-time resident of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident near New Albany, PA.

Stephen James was born in Sayre on April 17, 1954, a son of the late James and Carol (Little) Rockwell. He attended Canton Area Schools where he excelled in Warrior football and wrestling. Steve was a 1972 CHS graduate and would have celebrated his 50th class reunion this Memorial Day weekend. Following high school Steve attended Williamsport Area Community College where he majored in Auto Mechanics. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy where he proudly served our country for nearly twelve years as a Gas Turbine Technician and during the Gulf wars. Steve was employed by H. Rockwell & Sons in Canton as a Mill Supervisor for many years until his health no longer permitted him to continue. He was a member of the Old Possessions Hunting Club on Armenia Mountain and belonged to ARM (Association of Recovering Motorcyclist) Chapter 52 of Middlebury Center, PA. There he earned his road name “Rumble.” In his earlier years, Steve was a former coach and president of the Canton Little League, where he implemented many positive changes within the program. He was a man of faith in the Lord and most recently enjoyed attending Victory Church in Troy.

Steve had a true passion for motorcycles, riding and maintaining them was definitely a favorite past time. He was a model train enthusiast and historian. Steve would study the old settlements in the area, especially on Armenia Mountain. Upon his findings he would take that information and hand draw detailed maps of that area.  Much of his work can be found at the Bradford County Library, where they often asked him to speak about his experiences and techniques. Steve was an eccentric individual and could be somewhat corky at times. Honesty was his creed, saying, “a man is only worth his word”. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and walking on Armenia Mountain usually accompanied by his canine companion and best friend, Shadow. Steve possessed a strong work ethic and was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Most important to Steve was his family, especially his children, grandchildren and their special times spent together.

Surviving is his children; Marty (Rachel) Rockwell of Canton, Stephanie Ann Rockwell-Gust of Elizabeth, KY, several grandchildren, brothers; Phil (Johanne) Rockwell and Dave (Linda) Rockwell, both of Canton, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Carol L. Rockwell.

Friends may call 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Victory Church, 645 East Main St. Troy, PA 16947. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be held in the Park Cemetery in Canton. Steve’s fellow motorcycle group (ARM) will pay tribute by leading the procession.  Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family suggests memorials may be directed to the Association of Recovering Motorcyclist (ARM) C/O 36 Memory Lane, Middlebury Center, PA 16935 in Stephen Rockwell’s loving memory.
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The Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Dr. in Canton is assisting the Rockwell family with arrangements.

Joseph Kozak, 93, of West Burlington PA, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

Joe was born on January 17, 1929, in Chester PA.  His parents, Samuel and Annastasia Kozak, arrived in the United States from Austria in the early 1900s. Joe was predeceased by his wife, Ginette Carman Kozak, who he met while enjoying hunting in Bradford County and then married in 1984.  He was a parishioner of St. John’s Catholic Church in Troy.

Joe had the unique distinction of serving in two branches of service, the US Merchant Marines and the US Army, during World War II and the Korean War.

At the age of 16, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and was stationed onboard a US ship in Korean waters until 1951.  Later that year, he enlisted in the US Army and again was stationed in Korea.  During his service, Joe was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the Korean Ambassador for Peace medal.  He was also honored as a Veteran of the Korean War with a Quilt of Valor.

After discharge from the Army, Joe wanted to return to the sea.  He spent the next 5 years working as a longshoreman and then reenlisted in the Merchant Marines for another 24 years.  Joe could list the 30 countries and 135 ports all over the world that he had been in.  He loved going out on the sea, traveling the world, and his proudest family moments were at the many birthday celebrations.

Joe is survived by his stepson Claude (Beth) Carman of Troy PA and stepdaughter Linda (Tom) Marley of Galena, MD.  Also surviving are grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nicole, Steve, Anson and Nora; Brynne, Gordy, Kyah and Kabe; and Brett and Delaney Carman.

Joe was also predeceased by a sister, Mary Rivera, and 3 brothers, Peter, Michael, and William.
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A private family service will be held at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr.  Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA and burial will be in the Hilton Cemetery.

Sarah C. Ransom passed away on the evening of April 21st, 2022, at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born Sarah Elizabeth Crumbling to the late Harry Ammon and Rena Elizabeth (Terry) Crumbling, at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre on February 7th, 1941.

Sarah grew up in Troy, Pennsylvania, and was a 1958 graduate of Troy High School and a 1962 graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Nursing. Her classmates from THS and UB Basics were dear to her and she maintained her connection to them throughout her life. She would go on to earn a master’s degree in Community Health Administration from Long Island University.

Sarah started her career as a nurse in Buffalo, Ithaca, and Syracuse. She moved into health administration in New York City, first at a small hospital in Brooklyn, then with the Health and Hospitals Corporation, the Professional Service Review Organization, and the New York City Medical Assistance Program. Her primary interest was discharge planning and continuity of care. She was the founder and president of the American Association for Continuity of Care, and shared her expertise nationally as an energetic advocate and speaker in the field.

In 1984 Sarah moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to join the Upjohn Company’s national home care division as a Marketing Program Manager. She was promoted to be the Assistant Director of Field Operations, then the Director of Government Programs — the first woman to become a Director in the company’s history.

In 1991 she returned home to Bradford County, settling in Sayre, to become the Manager of Guthrie’s Med Supply Depot, guiding its transition from a joint venture to an independent operation. She then served in the newly established position of Community Health Improvement Coordinator, before retiring in 2003.

Sarah had an enduring connection with Troy High School, where her parents had taught for many years and where her father was the principal, and she served on the board of the Troy Area School District Foundation. In 2005 she revived the Troy High School Alumni Association, which had faded away in the 1970’s after nearly 100 years of activity. The Association now once again provides support to students, parents, administration, and the wider community. In 2010 Sarah was inducted into the Foundation’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Sarah had a strong sense of civic engagement and responsibility, just as her parents had before her. She was a founding member of the Bradford County Partners for Family and Community Development and served on its board for many years. She also served on the boards of the Bradford County United Way, Robert Packer Hospital, The Bridge, Troy’s Glenwood Cemetery, the Bradford County Library, and the Valley Chorus. She served a four-year term on the Sayre Borough Council with a special interest in the borough’s parks.

Sarah was an energetic member of the Valley United Presbyterian church, serving as an Elder and a Deacon, and took great joy in singing in the choir. Through the church she coordinated the Athens Chow for Children program, which provides food for Head Start children and their families on weekends during the school year. Sarah and her children were very grateful for the love and support they received from Sarah’s church family during her illness.

In 1999 Sarah married William H. (Bill) Ransom, III. They made a beautiful life together, traveled the world together, and their union brought them great strength and happiness. Bill passed away in 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Sarah’s brother, Harry Ammon (Hap) Crumbling, Jr of Houston, Texas, passed away in 2011.

With her first husband, the late Wendell L. Craig, Sarah had two sons, Jeffrey and Bradley, and a beloved granddaughter, Kira Webb-Craig, all of New York City, who survive her. She had great affection for her niece, Sharon Crumbling and husband John, and their children, Isabella and Luke, of Houston, Texas. Her nephew, Scott Crumbling, also from Houston, passed away in 2021. Sarah had a lifelong bond of love and affection with the Craig family — Connie and Gary (Tiffany), Jim and Connie, Ben and Donna, and Laurie (Madsen).

Sarah loved her family, her friends, her garden, and her view of Island Pond which she treasured until the end. She will be missed.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
 -  Helen Keller
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Donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to the William “Bill” Ransom, III Community Service Award at the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, 104 W. Lockhart Street, Unit 2, Sayre, PA 18840, www.twintierscf.org
A memorial service is planned for the summer.

Susan “Sue” Gleason, 54, of Roseville, (Rutland Township, PA), passed away on Friday evening, May 20, 2022, at her home surrounded by loving family. Susan Mae Gleason was born in Blossburg on September 23, 1967; one of six children born to the Diana Lee (Boyden) White of Cameron, NY and the late Floyd Lewis White.

Sue attended college at Penn Tech’s North Campus in Wellsboro and received a degree in Secretarial Administration.  Later, she was employed for several years by Martha Lloyd Community Services in Mansfield as a Direct Care Specialist. Susan took great pride in her work and recently received a 10-year recognition award for her dedicated service.  She also enjoyed working in the cafe’ at Jelly Stone Park, formerly Bucktail Camping Resort, in Mansfield.

On July 17, 1993, Susan married John William Gleason at the Coolidge Hollow United Methodist Church in Wellsboro. Sue loved the outdoors and all of God’s nature. She was an avid camper and enjoyed walking, riding bike and especially barbequing with family and friends.  Sue was a talented cake baker and decorator. In earlier years, she made many cakes for birthdays and special events alike.

Susan will be remembered for her great sense of humor. Although she could be one “who told it like it was”. Sue always remained a loving and caring person, she will be dearly missed.

Besides her mother, Susan is survived by her husband of nearly 29 years, John W. Gleason, children, Chris Losinger and Carrie Graybill both of New York State, John C. “Little John” Gleason and Justin Winnie both of Roseville, nine grandchildren, siblings, Howard (Debbie) Losinger of Wisconsin, Tom (Sandy) Losinger of Tioga, Floyd White Jr. of Woodhall, NY, David White of Mainesburg and Tina White of Wellsboro, several nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and a special canine friend, Roxy.

A Memorial Service to honor Susan’s life be held 1 p.m. Sunday June 12, 2022, at the Victory Church, 465 Main Street, Troy, PA 16947. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

In the lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to assist the family with final arrangements may be directed in Susan’s name to The Victory Church in Troy.

The Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton is in caring assistance of arrangements.

Please share memories and / or condolences with family by visiting, www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Linda (Morgan) Allen, 73, beloved wife of Rufus Allen, of Canton, Pennsylvania went home to join her Lord and Savior, early Friday morning May 20, 2022, while at home with loving family by her side.

A memorial service to honor Linda’s life will be held and announced at a later date with burial following in the Ellenton Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded. The family suggests that you consider a memorial donation in Mrs. Allen’s name to; Faith Baptist Church, 3451 Rt. 414, Canton, PA 17724, E. Canton United Methodist Church, 5791 Rt. 414, Canton, PA 17724 or Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Rd., Towanda, PA 18848.
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The Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton is assisting the Allen family with arrangements. A full obituary and condolences for family, please visit www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Betty Louise Taylor, age 86 of Canton, PA, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at her home.

She was born on November 16, 1935, in Canton, PA, a daughter of Robert E. and Eva Mae (Elliot) Boyd. Betty was married to Allen Taylor, with whom she would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on July 27, 2022. She enjoyed raising children and taking cares of others. Betty was a member of Grover Church of Christ and she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing piano and guitar, singing in a choir, crocheting, needle point, baking, cooking and hanging clothes out on the clothesline. 

Betty is survived by her husband; two sons, Ronald Taylor of Canton, PA and Jeff (Wendy) Taylor of Plano, TX; three daughters, Bonnie Wilson of Baltimore, MD, Brenda (Robert) Best of Canton, PA, and Theresa (Robert) Schweit of Mansfield, PA; twenty-two foster children; two brothers, Larry (Karen) Boyd of Allentown, PA; and Dennis (Vicki) Boyd of Leroy, PA; twelve grandchildren; several greatgrandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Francis (Eileen) Boyd, two sisters, Doris (Fred) Huslander and Sandra (Harry) Jones, and a daughter, Brenda Mills. 
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A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at the Grover Church of Christ 498 Grover Rd. Grover, PA 17735, with Willard Strunk officiating. Burial will take place in Beach Flats Cemetery Canton, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Grover Church of Christ Building Fund or the charity of one’s choice. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc. 637 S. Main St. Mansfield, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com

​Scott L Barrett, 55, of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, formerly of LeRoy, passed away at his home on April 27, 2022. Scott Lynn Barrett was born on September 26, 1966, at the Troy Community Hospital, he was one of three children born to Arla (Norton) Pepper and the late Wayne Jack Barrett.

Scott grew up in LeRoy where he attended the LeRoy Baptist Church and the Canton Area School District, graduating with the class of 1984. Following graduation, he went on to Williamsport Area Community College until enlisting in the US Army where he proudly served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Scott settled in the Harrisburg area. He was employed by the Bob Ruth Ford Dealership in Dillsburg selling cars and in their finance department for the past several years.

Surviving is his; mother and stepfather, Arla and Roger “Butch” Pepper, wife, April Barrett, two children and their spouses, Cassie and Josh Jenkins, Cole and Kalina Barrett, two siblings, Lonnie (Michelle) Barrett, Tina Schrader, stepbrother, Todd (Julie) Barrett, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Wayne Barrett on September 2, 2014, as well as many uncles and aunts.

On Thursday, May 12, 2022, a military burial was held at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. with full military honors accorded. A Celebration of Scott’s Life followed May 15th, at the Christian Life Assembly Church located in Camp Hill, Pa.  There will be no local calling hours or memorial services.

The Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, Pa. 17724 is assisting Scott’s family with local arrangements.

Please share memories of Scott and condolences with his family by visiting  www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Timothy R. “Tim” Dibble., 65, of Troy Township, Pennsylvania, passed away at home on Saturday May 7, 2022, with loving family by his side.

Timothy Ray was born May 15, 1956, in Troy, a son of the late Lawrence and Maezil (Spencer) Dibble. Tim grew up in the Ogdensburg area and attended Canton Schools.  After meeting on a blind date, Tim would marry the love of his life, former Vicky Roupp, on August 13, 1977, at his parent’s home in Ogdensburg.  They shared 44 beloved years and together raised their son, Greg. Tim loved hunting on Bloss Mountain near Ogdensburg with his brothers and favorite nephew, Hunter (Lindsey) Dibble along with other special neices and nephews.  Although he never bagged that big buck, Tim enjoyed the woods, wildlife and all nature had to offer.

He could often be seen relaxing on his porch watching the birds or just looking around the house admiring his beautiful lawn and homestead. He was a talented woodworker and carpenter. One of Tim’s favorite pastimes was going with “the gang” and visiting different Casinos.

He was a dedicated employee of Cummings Lumber in Troy.  Tim worked as a log truck driver and took great pride in his job, retiring on May 29, 2021, following 37 years. Later, he enjoyed going for rides around the area reminiscing and telling where he had hauled logs from.

He was a simple down to earth man. Most of all was the love he shared for his family and if there was a family gathering or reunion, Tim was there.

He leaves behind his wife, Vicky, son, Gregory Dibble, three brothers, Paul (Willie) Dibble, Denny (Sandy) Dibble and Max (Sheila) Dibble all of Canton, a sister, Darlene Atkinson of Montoursville, several special brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and a special mom, Delores Hartford of Troy.

Besides his parents, Tim was predeceased by, an infant daughter, Stephanie Dibble, three siblings and their spouses, Louise (Don) Ward, Janice (Ed) Lodge and Stewart Dibble as well as his Dachshund canine friends, Duke and Lionel
Visitation will be held 3 to 5 P.M., Friday, May 13, 2022, at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton.  A Memorial Service to honor Tim’s life will follow at 5 P.M. with Rev. Duane Taylor, officiating.  Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

The family will provide flowers and suggests you consider a memorial donation in Timothy’s name to the Animal Care Sanctuary, P.O. Box A.E., East Smithfield, PA 18817 or plant a tree in Tim’s loving memory.
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Please share memories and/or condolences with family by visiting, www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Keith D Fitch, Sr., 69, resident of Canton Township, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly early Friday evening, April 29, 2022 at the Guthrie Troy Community Hospital’s ER.

Keith Duane was born on September 28, 1952, a son of the late Elwin T. “Sonny” and Ellen (Kilmer) Fitch. He attended Canton area schools and was a graduate of the class of 1972. Following graduation Keith proudly joined the United States Marine Corp. No stranger to days hard work. After receiving his honorable discharge from the Corp, Keith owned and operated a dairy farm in Roaring Branch. In addition to seeing to the daily operations of the farm he drove school bus for the Canton Area School District. Keith then and worked for Eastern Milk Producers in Canton for a time until he accepted employment at Ward Foundry in Blossburg where he retired after several years of dedicated service. One not to stand idle, Keith then was most recently employed by Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital as a floor technician until the time of his death. He was a member of the Canton VFW post 714.

Keith truly enjoyed the outdoors. He always looked forward to family cook outs and riding motorcycle.  In younger years, he enjoyed hunting, tractor pulls and drag racing. Keith was a handy man and could fix just about anything as well as keeping up his homestead. Above all Keith, was a great dad who loved his children with all his heart. Spending time with family was always the highlight of his life.

He leaves behind his children; Keith Jr. (Irene) Fitch of Canton, Jason Fitch of Roaring Branch, Corey (Kathryn) Fitch of Williamsport, Jordan (Kira) Fitch of Ulster and Sonny Fitch, Madison Fitch both of Canton, Ellen Keever of Taylorsville, North Carolina, grandchildren; Asiah, Mason, Tyler, Savanah, Aiden, Logan, Orion, Alexandria, Danielle and Adria, siblings; James (Suzanne) Fitch of Summerset, PA., Elwin (Charlene) Fitch of Roaring Branch, Ted (Jackie) of New York State and a half-brother, Frank Leonard of Roaring Branch, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Keith was predeceased by his parents Elwin “Sonny” and Ellen (Kilmer) Fitch.
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A time of visitation will be held 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA.  A celebration of Mr. Fitch’s life will follow at 1 P.M., at the funeral home, with military honors accorded. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Please share your memories of Keith and condolences with the family by visiting www.pepperfunerlahomes.com

David Roy Huffman of Tavares, Florida passed from this life on April 23, 2022 after a difficult battle with cancer. 

David was born in Canton on April 29, 1948. He was the son of Jack Huffman, Jr. and the late Jean (Castle) Huffman of East Canton, PA. David graduated from Canton High School in 1966 and attended Penn State Mont Alto campus before enlisting in the Navy. 

He served as an electrician aboard the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt (“Rosie” CV-42) from 1967 to 1971. On May 7, 1994 David married the former Nellierae Clark. They made their home in Stewartsville, NJ where David worked for an independent industrial electrical contractor. David and Nellierae shared a love of shooting, fishing, kayaking, hunting, and camping. They also enjoyed attending reunions with David’s Navy shipmates and looked forward to travels in their motorhome. 
 
David is survived by his wife, Nellierae Clark Huffman of Tavares, FL, father, Jack Huffman, Jr. of Granville Summit, brother, Dale (Debbie) Huffman, of Leesburg, FL, sister, Connie (Carmen) Venezia, of Towanda, PA, son David B. Huffman of Phillipsburg, NJ, daughters, Korena Monoski (Doug Miner) of Eustis, Florida, and Dr. Aimee Raup (Tim Raup) of Rockledge, FL, grandsons, Trent Shipton, Remington Shipton, and Caige Raup, granddaughter Zara Rae Raup, step grandchildren, Quinton Miner and Alexandrea Miner, step great granddaughter, Charlie Rae Miner, and David’s many nieces, nephews, and cousins. David was predeceased by his mother, Jean (Castle) Huffman, grandparents, Virginia (McNeil) and Benjamin H. Castle, and Edith (Bennett) and Jack Huffman, Sr. 
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 A celebration of life gathering to be led by Reverend Mike Briggs from their Tavares, FL United Methodist Church is planned at a later date at the convenience of the family. David’s family will be accepting donations to the PA YHEC (NRA Pennsylvania Youth Hunting Education Challenge), 59 Fenner Ave. Troy, PA 16947 in David’s memory.