William H. “Bill” Jones, 83, Ralston, PA (husband of Virginia) passed away on December 31, 2016 at Manor Care North in Williamsport.
    William Herbert was born July 3, 1933 in Williamsport, Bill was the son of the late Paul Jones, Margaret (Dowling) Berry and was raised by his step-father, Robert Berry.
    He graduated from Canton High School with the class of 1952. On Sept, 15, 1955, Bill married the former Virginia Doddato in Maryland.
    They made their first home together in Ralston where Bill lived for the rest of his life. For over 34 years, Bill was the Ralston Postmaster, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed hunting and jeeping on McIntyre Mountain, boating and NASCAR’S Bill Elliot. Bill was of the Catholic faith and a member of the St. Aloysius Church in Ralston.
    He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Ginny, sons; William P. (Sally) Jones of Phoenixville, PA, Michael (Cathy) Jones of Middlesex, NJ, Gary (Jen) Jones and Jay (Wanda) Jones all of Ralston, also Bobby Finnermore of Maryland who Bill raised and loved as a son, four grandchildren; Cody, Caleigh, Makenna and Dakota Jones.

Leslie Gene Blair, 67, formerly of Troy, died unexpectedly on December 29, 2016 while home visiting family in the Troy area.  
    Surviving are his life partner, Karen Ousley; brother, James Blair, Loudon, TN; sisters, Susan Borek, Columbia Cross Roads, Nancy Teribury, Troy, Faye Blair, Houston, TX; uncles, James Schrader, Thomas Jenkins; aunt, Joanne Olmstead; nephews, Earl (Rachel)Teribury, Kyle Borek, Kane (Samantha) Borek; nieces, Elizabeth (John) Watson, Lindsay (Brett) Chesshir, grand nephews, Trevon Teribury, Eason Teribury, Trey Teribury, Pryor Teribury, John Watson, Evan Chesshir, Jude Watson; grand nieces, Delaney Borek, Hailee Chesshir and Blair Teribury.
    Les was born March 23, 1949 in Troy, to Lorton and Hilda Blair.  He graduated from Troy High School, where he was an accomplished athlete and later Mansfield University.  
    He went on to have successful careers in education and the financial lending industry.  He retired as the bank manager and Vice President of United Community Bank, Tellico Village, TN.  He was also a member of the Rotary and Kiwanis.

    Norman E. Spencer, 86, Horse heads, NY  went to be with his Lord after a short illness. He passed, surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 29, 2016.
    Norman was born September 17, 1930, in Canton, PA, a son of the late Myron and Daisy Bastion Spencer.
    He is survived by his loving children: Sandra Hall, John Spencer and fiancé Erlyn, Karen (David) Currey and Cheryl DeSarno; sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; brother, Seward Spencer; sister, Dorothy Pine; several extended family members and a host of caring friends.

     Lester Watkins, Jr.,Troy, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY.  
    Lester was born on January 17, 1937 in Troy, son of the late Lester and Lillian (Schoonover) Watkins, Sr.  He was a 1954 Troy High School graduate where he was a four sport varsity letterman.
     Lester was a US Army veteran where he played football for the army in Germany.  He also played semi-professional football for the Troy Chiefs, and his favorite professional team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.  
    He retired from Lecher’s Hardware as a manager and was Baptist by faith.
     Lester was a member of the Troy Post #49 of the American Legion and enjoyed hunting, fishing, shuffleboard, bowling, and golf.

    On the morning of Thursday, December 22nd, 2016, longtime Canton area resident Ellen W. Castle, 85, went home to be with her Heavenly Father surrounded by her loving family.  
     Born in Shunk on May 25th, 1931, she was the daughter of Laurayne and Esther Williams.  She met the love of her life, Joe M. Castle, and they were married August 27th, 1950.  Together they raised a son and daughter and shared 66 years.  Ellen lived a full life, enjoying each precious moment.  In addition to the task of caring for her home and family she worked for many years as a bookkeeper  for a number of businesses in the Canton community.  She also enjoyed bowling and working with ceramics.  She enjoyed the simple pleasures of being a wife, Mom and Grandma.  Most importantly, Ellen was a woman with a deep, abiding faith in Jesus and was a member of the North Street Community Church in Canton.  She shared Jesus’  love with her family and friends and in times of tribulation  drew strength and hope from His Word.  This past Thursday Ellen took the hand of her Savior and entered into the Kingdom that was prepared for her.

M. Madeline (Bristol) Sjoblom, 83, of Troy, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Twin Oaks Personal Care Home in Granville, surrounded by her family.  
    Madeline was born on August 28, 1933 in Troy, daughter of the late Merle and Susan Bristol.  She is a 1951 graduate of Troy High School and later worked part time for the cafeteria at the Junior-Senior High.  She was Christian by faith, was a member of the Troy Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary and the Troy American Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary. Madeline enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with family and friends.
    Madeline is survived by her children: Edward Sjoblom, Jr., Troy, Susan (Keith) Mickey, Canton, Lori Sjoblom, Towanda, Glenn (Mary Anne) Sjoblom of Essex Jct. VT, and Tina (Ken) Bulford, Tunkhannock, PA; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren;  brother Donnie Bristol, Sparks, NV; sister-in-law Norma Sjoblom, Syracuse, NY; along with several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ed, and brothers Bob, Charlie, Verne, and Edwin;  brother-in-law Karl Sjoblom and sister-in-law Anna Coates.

    Mrs. Alrene M. (Hanson) Lundy, 90, Paradise, CA passed away December 20, 2016 following a brief illness.
    She was born December 26, 1926 and was a graduate of UCLA with her teaching certification. She was an elementary school teacher in the San Bernadino School District for over 35 years.
    In June, 1950 she married her husband, Edward LaRue Lundy, who passed away in 2004. He was a Canton native and member of the CHS Class of 1948.
    They were volunteers for the Rialto Police Department for many years.
    Arlene was an avid tennis player, loved her church studies and traveling. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed.
    Arlene is survived by her son, Hollis (Lorrie) Lundy, Megalia, CA; daughter, Cheryl Lundy Wyatt, Paradise, CA; grandchildren Kevin Lundy, Carrie (Matt) Flaherty, Ashley (Cassidy) Pensis, and Tyler (Dani) Wyatt; five great-grandchildren, all of California. Extended family includes sisters-in-law, Carol (Harry) Jones, Ogdensburg and Marilyn (Frank) Huff, Montoursville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

    Mary Bly, 75, beloved sister, mother, and wife, was called to her eternal resting place on December 20, 2016.
    She was born on March 17, 1941 in Artesia, NM, to Russell and Thelma (McCaw) Rogers.
    She is survived by her husband James Bly, at home and daughter Jennie Miller, Temple, TX. Also, sister Barbara (Richard) Henderson, Los Alamos, NM and brother Stanley Rogers, Roswell, NM. numerous cousins (Rogers & McCaw) and two nephews: Roger Henderson & Reese Rogers; two nieces: Mary Kay Henderson & Karen Melton.
    Mary and James Bly were married on January 23, 1981 in Carlsbad, NM. She was an active member and Deacon of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
    Mary attended Atoka School through the eighth grade, then continued in the Artesia Public Schools graduating in 1959. She then attended Park College in Kansas City, Missouri later transferring to New Mexico State University. She also attended dress design school in Chicago, Illinois.
    During her school years, Mary was very active in Eddy County 4-H, attending the 36th National 4-H Congress in 1957. She was recognized and earned an award for her bread baking demonstration. Mary was also active in Junior Women's Club and was part of the group that coordinated the original Heritage Walkway Mural for the Bicentennial.

    Penelope Ann (Hiester) Shores, 56, quietly departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at home and surrounded by loved ones.
    Born on Sept. 1, 1960, she was the eldest of three siblings.
    "Penny" was a loving wife, proud mom and grandma. She was passionate about animals and enjoyed country living.
    She earned her Master's degree in Human Services from Capella University and worked at Northern Tier as a Therapeutic Support Staff until she became unable to work because of her health.

 Kenneth R. Ballard, 88, West Burlington Township, passed away on  December 14, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. “Dot” (Kinch) Ballard who passed away February 12, 2005.  The couple married June 24, 1950 and had 54 happy years together.
    Ken was born on October 10, 1928 in Troy, son of the late Ray M. and Elsie (McKean) Ballard.  He was a 1946 graduate of Troy High School and was a member of the West Burlington United Methodist Church since 1945. After high school Ken was a carpenter by trade and in 1966 because an appliance repair technician for Sears in Horseheads, NY until his retirement in 1991.  Ken was a member of the National Law Enforcement Officers Association, AARP, North Penn AAA, and the Audubon Society.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, was a member of the NRA, and was a member of Cold Spring Hunting Camp in Leroy.