​Norma Jean (Fitzwater) Schmelzle passed away peacefully on July 26, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

​She was the eldest daughter of Ken and Josie Fitzwater. She and her loving husband, Ted Schmelzle who passed away December 16th, 2020 are reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. Norma Jean graduated from Canton High School in 1955. After graduation, she married Ted and they relocated to Louisiana for a few years as Ted served in the US Army, but then moved back to their home in Ogdensburg PA. They were happily married for nearly 65 years.

Norma Jean worked in the Bank of Canton for 40+ years. She was the epitome of customer service and many people would make appointments with her for help balancing their checkbooks, filling out CDs, making new accounts, and sometimes to just sit and visit.

Norma Jean will be remembered for her smile, laughter, spunk, and hospitality. She loved her family and always told others about having “14 great grandchildren.” Her home was always open to family and friends and there was always a supply of cookies handy. Norma was able to find humor in a situation and her laugh was infectious. Her hospitality was evident as she invited people for meals, opened her home to people working on the farm, and had parties for family during the holidays.

Norma Jean was a longtime member of the Ogdensburg Church of Christ and served as church treasurer for many years. She loved her Lord and attended Bible Studies and Sunday School and church regularly. She was well-known for her ability to cook a good meal and many church dinners featured her baked beans. She even conducted a pie crust baking class for members of the church as her pies were second to none!

Norma Jean also loved her flowers and her home. She started many of her inpatients from seed and everyday, you would see her outside her home in Ogdensburg watering and weeding. She was particular about her home and the laundry. She ironed every week and always wanted her family to look their best.

Besides her parents and Ted, Norma Jean was predeceased by great-grandson, Evan Andrew Pepper, a twin infant sister, infant sister, Darla Fitzwater, sister, Audrey Johnson and her husband Noel Johnson, and brothers Larue and Kermit Fitzwater.

Norma Jean is survived by daughters Brenda (Tom) Pepper of Ogdensburg, Barbara (Jon) Buxton of Shavertown; grandchildren Travis (Amanda) Pepper, Taylor (Lacy) Pepper, Andy (Shawna) Pepper, Jonathan (Kristen) Pepper all of Ogdensburg, Leah (Addison) Martin of Philadelphia, Josiah Buxton of Chantilly VA, and Jesse Buxton of Wellsville, NY, and great-grandchildren, Levi, Alyssa, Grant, Barrett, Addilyn, Jake, Grayson, Abraham, Leland, Emilia, Elsie, Lyla, Jase, Lance, and new baby Sadie; brothers Alden (Rosemary) Fitzwater of Canton and Donnie (Lynette) Fitzwater of Troy, and sister-in-law Betty Fitzwater of Canton, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,  dear friends and neighbors.

The family will receive friends 10 a.m. to noon at the Ogdensburg Church of Christ on Friday, July 30, 2021. A funeral service for Norma and a memorial service for Ted will be conducted 12 p.m. at the church.  Burial will follow in the Ogdensburg Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Mrs. Schmelzle’s name to; Ogdensburg Church of Christ, 13065 Rte 414, Roaring Branch, PA 17765.

Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton is assisting her family with arrangements. Share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Joseph Conrad Hofler, Jr., 85, of Towanda, PA passed away at his home on July 20, 2021.

Family and friends will be invited to a remembrance gathering in September 2021. Burial will be in Mt. Lake Cemetery at the family’s convenience. in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Joseph’s name to the Bradford County Library, 16093 Route 6 Troy, PA 16947.
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Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

David P. Morse, 74, of Leroy Township, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

In keeping with David’s wishes, services will be private. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

​Harriet J. “Hattie” (Doty) Rathbun passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 16th, 2021 at the Robert Packard Hospital with her husband of almost 53 years by her side and surrounded by her loving family.

​She was the loving wife of Dennis “Denny” G. Rathbun, Sr. The couple married August 18, 1968 and had 53 wonderful years together.  

Hattie was born on November 3, 1949 in Sayre, PA, daughter of the late Merle A. and Madeline A. (Gernert) Doty. Over the years Hattie worked several jobs like Stull’s Flowers, Eureka, Sip & Dip, the Troy Area School District as a teacher’s aid and as a Culinary Instructor at the Towanda Vo-Tech School before becoming co-owner of Dennis Rathbun Construction for the past 37 years.  If that wasn’t enough, Hattie had to stay busy and opened and operated Balloon World & Wedding Planning.

Through all of her “work” career, her biggest passion was coaching her beloved cheerleaders.  She always talked about her girls.  “Coach Hattie” devoted over 27 years at Troy High School before retiring.  After a short break, she realized how much she missed it and decided to assist her daughter in coaching the Canton cheerleaders and her granddaughter.

The Christmas season was always special to Hattie as it was a time for the entire family to get together.  Her greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with her grandchildren.  Nana was proud of each of them as they grew up.  She wanted to be at every event she could.  For over 15 years she loved watching four of the Grandkids compete in the Youth Hunter Education Challenges (YHEC). The competitions took Papa and Nana yearly to State College and several times across the country to New Mexico.  

Hattie is survived by her husband Denny, sons Dennis “Bub” (Mary) Rathbun, Jr. and Darin (Kristi) Rathbun, daughter Marcie (Kim) Jennings, grandsons Garrett (Mellissa) Rathbun, Evan (Sydney) Rathbun, and Jarrod (Kerrigan) Rathbun, granddaughters Brianna Rathbun and Becca (Zach) Jennings-Howard, step-grandson Calvin Jennings, great grandchildren Jaspreat, Chance, Blaine and  Maverick, sister Lyne (Lee) Becker, brother Edward Doty, half-sister Carolyn Butler, brothers-in-laws: Chuck, Larry and Gary, several nieces & nephews and very special friends; Barb Y., Doreen, Barb M., Kate, Jean & Donna. She was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law Charles K. Rathbun, mother-in-law Lorrin Mae (Selleck) Rathbun, step mother-in-law Geraldine (Morgan) Rathbun, half-sister and husband Eldora and Larry LaRue, nephew Dee Jay McClure, and special cousin Leslie (Jennings) Welch. 

A Celebration of Hattie’s life will be held Saturday, August 21st starting at 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at D’Vine Vineyard at 350 Garnert Road, Columbia Cross Roads, PA 16914. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. 

 In lieu of flowers please send any donations to the Troy Junior Sportsmen, PO Box 142, Troy, PA 16947 or the Trojan Booster Club’s East Troy Athletic Center Building Complex Fund, P.O. Box 164 Troy, PA 16947. 
Send Condolences at:
VickeryFH.com

Robert (Bob) Henry Madigan passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 12, 2021 in Naples, Fla.

Bob was born at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, on July 27, 1936.

Bob graduated from Canton High School. Upon graduation from high school, Bob joined the Air Force and served as an Air Force medic.

Following the Air Force, Bob graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. Bob then worked for 31 years with the FDIC.

After Bob retired from the FDIC, he lived in Texas and most recently Naples, Fla.

Bob is survived by his wife Jan, five children, one granddaughter, 10 nieces and nephews, three brothers - James, William, Thomas and one sister - Mary.
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A private celebration of life will take place in August in Naples, Fla.

​On the last day of June, 2021, Commander Stephen Messer Bahr left us unexpectedly.

He was born in Bigfork Montana on June 3rd 1933. His parents were Caroline Ella Bahr nee Jellison, born in Bakersfield Ca. in 1898 and Robert Oscar Bahr, born in Dresden Germany in 1899. Steve was the 4th of 5 children. He was predeceased by his sister Mildred Elizabeth Storie and her husband Kenneth Gale Storie, his brother Walter Paul Bahr, whose wife Vivian Joann Bahr nee Marsh is still with us. His sister Eleanor May Bahr passed at the age of 5. His younger sister Roberta Caroline Brooks and her husband Master Chief Russ Brooks are both still with us.

Steve joined the Navy in 1952, soon after he met the love of his life, June Teresa Windle of Philadelphia. After the Steve transferred to San Diego, June flew out and the couple took a bus to Yuma Arizona the day after Steve turned 20 where they married. Two years later, they had a son, Stephen Robert Bahr, born at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital.

Steve finished his enlistment, and the family relocated to Big Fork Montana. Soon after Lori Jane Bahr was born in Kalispell Mt. June and Steve decided that Montana was not working for them, and Steve re-enlisted in the Navy. After a few more moves, the family ended up in Quincy Mass. Where Eric John Bahr completed the family. 

Steve’s career then put him back in Philly for a year, before being stationed on the USS Constellation’s commissioning crew for 3 years. The family moved to San Diego during this stint, but Steve spent much of it off the coast of Vietnam. After becoming a Chief Petty Officer, Steve received a commission becoming a Navy Mustang. 

The next 3 years were in Hawaii, where Steve had shore duty, a very special time. Next a year in Norfolk Va. Then 2 years in Rhode Island and then 2 years in Jacksonville Fl.

Oldest son Stephen left for college and subsequently joined the Navy. Lori Jane moved to the Martha Lloyd School in Troy Pa. where she still lives.

Steve, June and Eric moved to Virginia Beach were Eric finished high school and met his future bride Wendy Bahr.
While stationed in Japan, Stephen met his bride, Toshiko Chiba. Their daughter and son Caroline Chiba Bahr and Ian Chiba Bahr were both born there. Stephen completed his enlistment and he and the family relocated to the east coast. 

Eric married Wendy Young and they had a son Alex Cole Bahr and a daughter Katherine Marie Bahr.

Steve and June moved to DC where Steve did a stint at the Pentagon before completing his career at Pax River as the Maintenance Officer for the Navy’s Test Pilot School, retiring after 35 years as a Commander. Steve served on 7 different aircraft carriers in his very distinguished career.

They moved to Troy Pa. to be close to Lori Jane. They bought an old Victorian and converted it to the Silver Oak Leaf Bed & Breakfast. 

Since the early 70s, Steve and June become avid RVers, traveling around the US including Alaska and much of Canada.
A few years ago, Steve and June bought a residence in Benicia, California, becoming bi-costal. Stephen and Eric’s family have all relocated to California.

Caroline Chiba Bahr married Dr. Christopher Warren Harmon and they have a 5 year old son, Ethan Quincy Harmon.
Alex Cole Bahr married Xenia Tulupova. 

Katherine married Timothy Dane Summerell and the have two daughters, Eleanor Mae Summerell and Florence Ava Summerell.

Much to Steve and June’s delight, Ian Chiba Bahr is now a Navy man, making three generations.

Beside his distinguished military service, Steve served as the President of the Martha Lloyd School Board of directors, and in many other public service organizations in leadership roles.
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Please send any contributions to Martha Lloyd Community Services, 
66 Lloyd Lane, Troy, PA 16947, in honor of Cmdr. Stephen M. Bahr.

The family of Jean Spencer of Franklindale, who passed away on January 25th this year, would like to invite you to her memorial being held on Saturday July 31st, 2021 at 9:30 am.  

The memorial will be held in an outdoor pavilion on the Thomas W. Dunn Well Drilling property, 29 Dunn Lane, Monroeton, PA.  This is located immediately next door to the Franklindale Christian Church, on Rt 414 (closest intersection is Rt 414 and Preacherbrook Rd.).  

We will have a public drop-in visitation, beginning at 9:30, with light refreshments.  The service will take place in the same pavilion at 11 am.  
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The burial will take place immediately after the service in the cemetery next door, which is behind the church. 

Richard A. Eaton, Age 83, of Oak Hill Road, Troy, PA, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021 at home. 

Richard was born January 17, 1938 in Sayre son of the late Dick and Betta Marie (Eskeli) Eaton. After high school he served his country with the US Army from 1956 to 1959. 

Following the service he attended Mansfield University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree and then his Master’s Degree from Elmira College. He taught history in the Elmira School District for 24 years.  

He served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Springfield Township Supervisors and later became a Supervisor himself until he was elected as a Bradford County Commissioner.  Richard was a dedicated Bradford County Commissioner where he served the County for two terms and served on many Boards including; Children & Youth Services, Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority, French Azylum, Conservation Board and Bradford County Library. He was an avid reader and Library Advocate. 

Richard never missed reading the New York Times from front to back daily. He was part of the Troy Area School District Education Foundation and joined to encourage the sponsorship of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which offers age appropriate books to children at no cost. His other interests included conservation and farming on his family farm in Leona. He and Mimi Smyth were married on June 15, 1963 and had just celebrated 58 years together.
Survivors include his wife Mary (Mimi) S. Eaton of Troy, a son, Eric Richard Eaton of Troy, daughter and son in law, Emily Ruth & John Benninger of Burlington, five grandchildren and one great grandchild, a sister May Elizabeth Perry of Sayre, and two nieces, several cousins and friends.
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Following Richard’s wishes there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA 16947.
Memorials in Richard’s memory may be made to the Allen F Pierce Library, Troy, PA

Harland L. Hartford, 82, of Canton, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021 at UPMC in Wellsboro.

Harland Lynwood was born on October 11, 1938 in Shunk, he was the last of 10 children born to the late James S. and Lila (Leonard) Hartford.  He was proud to have served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and would often tell stories of his experiences while serving in the States as well as Germany.

On August 28, 1970 Harland married the former Connie Ann Johnson in Canton, together they shared 50 years of loving marriage. Harland was employed for over 20 years by K.J. Trucking in Farmington, NY and later by the former CAF Inc. in Canton until his retirement from trucking. Most recently he assisted with the operations at Timber Ridge Winery in Canton. He was a member of; the American Legion Post 303, VFW Post 714 both of Canton, Red Run Rod Gun Club in Ralston and the Newelltown United Methodist Church.

Harland was known to be a jack of all trades. His family lovingly referred to him as “Tim the Toolman.” He truly enjoyed feeding the deer and in earlier years his horses. Harland could often be found at his daughter’s winery, Timber Ridge. He was always happy to pour you a sample. Wine making was something he truly had a passion for. He enjoyed reminiscing about his siblings and how they all grew up in a “time passed” in Shunk.

Surviving him are; his wife Connie, daughters; Leah “Sis” Hammack and Michelle “Mick” Hartford all of Canton, son, Chadwick Ragan of Duncannon, grandchildren; Melissa Wise, Trey Brown, Saxie Deal, Copy Ragan, Tabitha Ragan, Charlie Ragan and Adalyn Hartford, six great grandchildren, honorary son; Shaun “Amish” McKinley of Canton, sister-in-law, Mary Hartford of Canton, Delores Hartford of Troy, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and his faithful canine companion, Ranger.

Besides his parents, Harland was predeceased by his first wife; Donna Leah (Parker) Hartford, sons; Donald James Hartford and Harland L. Hartford Jr., a son-in-law; Jerry Hammack, siblings and their spouses; Marjorie Hickok, Lawrence (and Neva), Robert (and Brenda Higley), Dean, Glen (and Ora), Dale (and Pat), James, Reed (and Janice), Earl (and Sandy) and Alan “Punk” Williams.
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Family will receive friends 4 to 6 P.M. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton. A Memorial Service to celebrate Harland’s life will follow at 6 P.M. with Rev. Herbert Eby officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers consider a memorial donation in Harland’s memory to the Bradford County SPCA, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850 or the American Cancer Society,1948 E. 3rd St., Williamsport, PA 17701.