Ira J. Haire, 81, beloved husband of Joyce (Twichell) Haire, of Belleville, PA, formerly long-time resident of Canton, went home to Jesus on Monday afternoon, September 27, 2021. 

In keeping with Ira’s wishes there will no services. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations in Ira’s name to the Mennonite Disaster Services, 583 Airport Rd. Lititz, PA 17543.
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Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton, PA is assisting the family with arrangements. A full obituary, memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Lorraine M. (Kelley) Rusk, 71, of Canton , PA, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.

She was the loving wife of Thomas H. Rusk. The couple married July 28, 1972 and had 49 happy years together.

Lorraine was born on May 24, 1950 in Sayre, PA, daughter of the late Emmerson S. and Ruth (Bennett) Kelley. She was a 1968 graduate of Canton High School, and later became a bus driver and cheer leading coach for the school, and had also worked for Swayze’s and Shop Vac. Lorraine attended North Street Union Church and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Lorraine is survived by her husband Tom, daughters Tawnee Rusk and Kelley Rusk, both of Beaufort, SC, grandson Mason Pelachick, sisters Barb Reid of Lisbon Falls, Maine and Janet Cooke of Pottsville, PA, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Margaret, and brothers: Ronald Larry, Kevin, and Dick.
Services will be private and at the convenience of Lorraine’s family. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 West Main St. Troy, PA has been trusted with the arrangements.
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To send condolences go to: VickeryFH.com.

Dianne B. (Stone) Stiles, 82, died Saturday September 18, 2021 and her beloved husband, Gerald “Jerry” W. Stiles, 85, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021 only three days apart. Both long-time residents of Canton and are now “together for ever” joined in heaven riding their matching three-wheeled bikes. Hers pink and his blue.

Dianne Bessie (named after her mother) was born September 30, 1938 in Canton to the late Dana and Bessie (Carl) Stone. She attended Canton Area Schools. Dianne held many memberships including; a 45-year membership with the Lady Canton Rebekah Lodge 362 and served as their former District President. She was a past Chaplain & Flag Bearer representing Canton’s local district of the Rebekah Assembly of Pennsylvania.  She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Patriarch Militants and was honored to receive the Declaration of Chivalry Jewel. She was a woman of faith and attended the Canton Ecumenical Parish, as well as an active member of Western Alliance EMS. Mrs. Stiles was employed by the Canton Elementary School as a teacher’s aide for ten years until her retirement.

Gerald William was born July 9, 1936 in Honesdale to the late Edgar and Louise (Coons) Stiles. He attended Waymart High School. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly service our Country until his honorable discharge.  Jerry, as known by most, was employed by Masonite in Wysox for 35 years until his retirement. Jerry was an active and devoted member of the Western Alliance EMS.  He also held memberships in the Canton Moose Lodge 429 and the Wheel Inn Club of Roaring Branch.

After retirement Jerry and Dianne both enjoyed spending the winters in Ft. Meade Florida, but summers in Canton was always truly home.

They were married on April 15, 1962, in the former Canton Methodist Church. Together they spent 59 loving years and raised two children.  

Surviving are their children; Karen (Steve) Miller of Tannersville, PA. and Kevin (Cheryl) Stiles of Montoursville, grandchildren; Mark (Marsha) Miller of Princeton, TX, Samantha Miller of Dallas, TX, Adam Hartman of Seattle, WA, and Tegan Hartman of South Williamsport, a brother; Edward Stone, special nieces and nephews; Lee Stone Barbara Spencer all of Canton Kenneth Stone of Gillett, Sharon Patton of Ellenton and Teresa Morgan of Shunk, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and neighbors.

In addition to their parents, Dianne was predeceased by a brother; Robert Stone, a nephew; Ronnie Stone. Jerry was preceded in death by a sister; Janice Winters, brothers; Daniel, David, Robert and William Stiles.

Gerald and Dianne’s family invites friends to call from 10 A.M. to Noon Friday, September 24, 2021 at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724. Funeral services will follow at Noon with military honors accorded for Mr. Stiles at the funeral home.  Burial will be held in Bradford County Memorial Park near Towanda following the service.
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Please share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.

It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Mary Jane Slocum on September 15, 2021. She was a beloved resident of Roaring Branch, PA.

Mary Jane was the cherished wife and best friend of the late Ronnie Slocum. Loving mother of Mike (Kathy) Slocum and Alisha Ragan. Proud grandma to Shaina (Brent) Spencer, Chantel (Nick) Evertsen, Josh (Megan) Slocum, Gabe Ragan, and Zack (Sydney) Ragan. Mimi to Hannah Kendall, Olivia Kelley, Oaklee Ragan, Ava Evertsen, Harper and Saylor Slocum, and Levi Ragan. And special companion to Kenneth Harvey.

She was born on May 13, 1948 to the late Alfred  and Marion Route. Mary Jane was the oldest of seven and dear sister of Alfred (Marilyn) Route, late Susan (Gordy) Collister, late Ernie (Sally) Route, Linda (Dave) Rockwell, Brenda (Jim) Colton, Ricky (Denise) Route.

Mary Jane was greeted in Heaven by her husband, parents, mother-in-law, sister, brother, and beloved dog Snowball, who she dotingly referred to as “Mutt-boy.”

She will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many good friends whom she considered family.

The first word that comes to folk’s minds when asked about Janie is always “hardworking.” She spent her life serving and caring for others. She was employed at the Midway Truck Stop and the Blossburg VFW.  She has held many jobs throughout her life; working at the D&H Keystone Market, Landon’s Apple Orchard, Wondies Undies, and previously owned the Ralston Store and Slocum’s Meats and Deli. Janie considered all of her co-workers (past and present) to be part of her family. She dearly loved each and every one of you!

Mary Jane was an honest, forgiving, and selfless woman, who enjoyed the simple things in life. Her hobbies included working in her flower gardens, baking for charity events and family gatherings, reading, sewing, taking walks, and riding motorcycle. She enjoyed spending time on the mountain with Ken and visiting with friends at the Blossburg VFW and the Deer Crossing. She loved sitting on her porch, sipping coffee, and smoking a cigarette while chatting with family and neighbors.

But above all else, she adored her children and grandchildren. And if you we’re lucky enough to be present when she gazed into her great-grandchildren’s faces, the pure joy radiating from her would surely blind you.

She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace, and unconditional love. She has etched a permanent mark on the many lives she has touched with her heartfelt, direct advice and will be immensely missed.
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Mary Jane loved Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. We can have peace knowing he has said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Per Mary Jane’s wishes there will be no services.  A memorial graveside and public burial will be set for a later date. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Catherine M. (Parker) “Cathy” Wrisley, 79, beloved wife of Stuart Wrisley, long-time residents of Burlington Township, Pennsylvania went to be with her Lord on Sunday evening, September 12, 2021 at the St. Clair Hospital near Pittsburgh.  She was surrounded by family as she went to join her husband and her parents. 
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The family received friends from 11-1 P.M  on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Dr. in Canton with services to honor a life well lived following at 1 P.M. Burial was held directly after in the Lane Cemetery in Luther Mills. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Wrisley’s name to the Bradford County Library in Burlington, PA or the Baptist World Alliance at 405 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046 or http://www.baptistworld.org.  A full obituary, condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting, www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

William Davis Jr., 79, husband of 30 years to Ginny Davis, of Troy Township, passed away at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre on September 15, 2021.

Services will be announced at a later date. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.pepperfuneralhomes.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

Ruth (Berry) Pierce, 96, of Springfield, PA, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Twin Oaks Personal Care Home in Granville Summit, PA.

She was the loving wife of the late Carl L. Pierce who passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. The couple married March 23, 1946 and had 63 happy years together.

Ruth was born on February 2, 1925 in Berrytown, PA, daughter of the late Wesley and Grace (Allen) Berry.  She and Carl were dairy farmers and also operated their own farm equipment dealership for many years. Ruth was a member of Faith Community (Wetona/Big Pond) Methodist Church and was a member of the Mt. Laurel Camping Club. She loved to travel and visited all the states in the Continental US.

Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Elizabeth Pierce of Columbia Cross Roads; two granddaughters, Vanessa Pierce and her husband Thomas Cox of Ulster, Pa., Tricia Pierce and her companion Richard Fusare of Springfield, Pa.; two great-grandchildren, Kasey and Johnecca Fusare and Sabrina Fusare, several nieces and nephews, and special friends Wilma Young, Regina Jackson, and Marsha Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, brother Donald J. Berry, and sister Freda P. Ogden.

Services will be private and at the convenience of Ruth’s family. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 West Main St. Troy, PA has been trusted with the arrangements.

Ruth’s family would like to thank Twin Oaks Personal Care Home and Guthrie Hospice for the excellent care Ruth received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Twin Oaks Personal Care Home1100 Cowley Road, Granville Summit, PA 16926 or to the Faith Community United Methodist Church c/o Judy Hulslander, 5711 Springfield Road, Columbia Cross Roads, PA 16914.
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To send condolences go to: VickeryFH.com.

Carrie Faye Rebecca Paris, 19, of South Waverly, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

She was born on November 8, 2001, in Camden, NJ, the daughter of Brian and Kimberly (Roupp) Paris.

Carrie’s son was the light of her life. She loved him and her little sister very much. She loved all animals, especially dogs. Carrie also enjoyed painting and drawing and was an avid traveler.

She was a graduate of Wyalusing High School, Class of 2020. While in high school, Carrie was a member of the band and was very talented in that she could play multiple instruments. She was an amazing figure skater and even went to Nationals. Carrie was employed as a Waitress and enjoyed working at many different restaurants in the area.

She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents Allen and Mable Roupp, paternal grandmothers Marion Paris and Dorothy Paris, maternal great-grandparents Fred and Carrie Roupp, paternal great-grandparents Rex and Mildred Paris, aunt Karen Roupp, uncles Scott Paris and George Crist, and cousins Christina Paris and Nathan Crist.

Carrie is survived by her beloved son Alexander Michael, parents Brian and Kimberly Paris, sister Danielle Paris, grandfather Robert Paris, aunts Bobbi Roupp, Sandy (Keith) Llewellyn, and Kim Chisman, uncles David Paris, Terry Paris (Joella), Stephen Paris (Pam), great-aunt Jan Meredith and several other great aunts, great uncles, cousins, best friends Bridget, and Kira, and many other friends.
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The family is being cared for by Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA.

Dianne B. (Stone) Stiles, 82, life-long resident of Canton, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

Dianne Bessie (named after her mother) was born September 30, 1938 to the late Dana and Bessie (Carl) Stone. On April 15, 1962, Dianne married, the love of her life, Gerald William Stiles in the former Canton Methodist Church.  Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children. 

Dianne held many memberships including; a 45-year membership with the Lady Canton Rebekah Lodge 362 and served as their former District President. She was a past Chaplain & Flag Bearer representing Canton’s local district of the Rebekah Assembly of Pennsylvania.  She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Patriarch Militants and was honored to receive the Declaration of Chivalry Jewel. She was a woman of faith and attended the Canton Ecumenical Parish, as well as an active member of Western Alliance EMS.

Mrs. Stiles was employed by the Canton Elementary School as a teacher’s aide for ten years until her retirement.
Dianne and husband Jerry, enjoyed times spent at there winter home in Fort Meade, Florida, but Canton was truly always home.

Surviving are; her husband, Gerald Stiles, children; Karen (Steven) Miller of (Tannersville, PA) and Kevin (Cheryl) Stiles of Montoursville, grandchildren; Mark (Marsha) Miller of Princeton, TX and Samantha Miller of Dallas, TX, Adam Hartman of Seattle, WA and Tegan Hartman of South Williamsport, brothers; Edward Stone, special niece and nephew; Barbara (LaVerne) Spencer and Lee Stone all of Canton.

In addition to her parents, Dianne was predeceased by a brother; Robert (Lois) Stone, a nephew; Ronnie Stone sister-in-law; Janice (Lewis) Winters of Carlisle and brothers-in-law; Daniel, David and Robert Stiles all of Honesdale and William Stiles of Howell, NJ.
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The family invites friends to call from 10 A.M. to Noon of Friday, September 24, 2021 at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724. Funeral services will follow at Noon.  Burial will be held in Bradford County Memorial Park near Towanda following the service. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.