On April 16, 2021, while holding her daughter’s hand and “tell everyone I love them” her last words spoken, Cynthia Edkin passed away unexpectedly at UPMC in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, following a courageous battle with Covid-19.
Born in Blossburg on November 9,1955 to the late Kenneth and Gladys (Leonard) Knecht, Cindy grew up and lived in Roaring Branch surrounded by her family and numerous friends. She was a graduate of Canton High School and was employed by the Wheel Inn and Midway Truck Stop.

Cindy married John Edkin and during their 48 years of marriage, they were blessed with their daughter Joanna (Larry Confer), grandsons Jacob and Travis (Cassidy Bellows) Butcher, granddaughter, Allyson Butcher and great granddaughter, Sophia Eaton Butcher.

Whether you needed Mom, Nan, Aunt Cinny, or Cin, you could always count on finding a faith-filled loving woman of God who would “go to the ends of the earth” to help you with whatever you may need or want.

Cindy enjoyed spending time with her family, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, going on therapy rides with her granddaughter and sisters, listening to gospel music, and genuinely helping others. Cindy attended the Roaring Branch Methodist Church and later attended and joined the Canton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Taking after her paternal grandmother, Goldie Graham, Cindy loved God and was a faithful servant by giving Bible studies, teaching Sabbath School, ministering to the community, and was a fervent prayer warrior. You could always count on her having at least one Bible and numerous religious pamphlets in her car at all times.

In addition to her beloved husband, John, daughter, Joanna, grandchildren Jacob, Travis and Allyson, and great granddaughter, Sophia. Cindy is survived by; brothers Kenny (Barb) Knecht, Williamsport; Roger (Deanna) Knecht, Liberty, David (Paulette) Knecht, Roaring Branch. Sisters; Debbie Brown, Williamsport, Mary (Danny) Route, Lori (Dean) Confer, Roaring Branch, and Michelle Knecht, Blossburg, brothers-in-law; Earl Moretz, Millerton and Paul Hoffman, Roaring Branch, paternal uncle, Wilse Knecht, Troy, paternal aunt, Mary Ann (John) Mesko, Delaware, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Wade Butcher, sisters; Carolyn “Tink” Hoffman and Sandy Moretz and special nephew, Tommy Castle.
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Family will receive friends 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at the Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton with the funeral service and celebration of Cindy’s life at 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing are requested while attending. Burial will follow in the Roaring Branch Cemetery. Memorial’s donations may be directed to the Canton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cynthia Edkin’s loving memory. Please share condolences with family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

“A time will come when we meet again, but don’t rush your time away. Remember me with happy thoughts, until that glorious day.”

Elaine Levin, 78, of Troy, PA, passed away at her home on April 6, 2020 following a brief illness.

Elaine was born April 14, 1942 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to George C. and Elizabeth Levin. On May 29, 1948, at the age of 6, Elaine moved to Martha Lloyd Community Services in Troy, PA where she was a life-long resident. At the time of Elaine’s passing she resided in Martha Lloyd’s Intermediate Care Facility.

Elaine lived a very happy and fulfilled life at Martha Lloyd; she attended program at Martha Lloyd’s Senior Center where she had many friends. Elaine enjoyed the company of others and was big on holding people’s hands and the giving and receiving of high-fives. She enjoyed being sang to and if asked, would hum to the tune of her favorite songs.
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Elaine is survived by her brother, Phillip (Anita) Levin of Troy, Michigan, her sister, Gail Fried, and 8 nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her housemates and the direct care staff who loved and cared for her throughout her life.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Elaine R. Morgan, 60, of Armenia Mountain, passed away at her daughter’s residence while surrounded by her loving family and friends on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

Elaine Roseanne was born June 15, 1960 to the late James and Fay (Tiller) Morgan in Sayre, PA. She attended Troy Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1978. Elaine was a member of the Morris Run American Legion Post 167.

Elaine had a passion for the mountain. She enjoyed jeep rides and all the beauty that nature had to offer. She took delight in gardening and house plants. Elaine was a devoted mother and grandmother. She always looked forward to time spent with her family and in her earlier years she liked cooking out. Elaine was always an extremely hard worker and a great provider to her family.

Surviving Elaine are her children; Scott (Danielle) Cunningham of Sugar Run, Arrell (Terry II) Putnam, Rachelle Rockwell, Ty (Janye) Rockwell and Shandi Rockwell (Kyle Thompson) all of Troy, grandchildren; Parker, Easton, Carlaina, Bridon, Brileigh, Brice, Briara, Mackism, Jackson, Elianna, Aiden and Kynlee, siblings; Anita Osgood of Gillett, June (Ross) Cummings of Wellsboro, May Decker (Paul Ford) of Chattem, Ny., Kelvin (Irene) Morgan of Mansfield and Wayne (Sonya) Morgan of Troy as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elaine was predeceased by brothers; John and Dennis Morgan and a brother-in-law; Ozzie Osgood.
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Visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Bakerburg Community Church, 197 Gray Valley Road, Mainesburg, PA 16932. A memorial service to honor Elaine’s life will follow at 11 A.M. with Pastor Paul Binkley officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Elaine’s name may be directed to the Bakerburg Community Church. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Marjorie (Congdon) Havens, age 92, of Troy, PA, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

​She was born on April 1, 1929 in Elmira, NY, a daughter of Harold and Alta (McLean) Congdon. Marjorie was the wife of the late Donald K. Havens who passed away on February 27, 2017. She was an avid reader and worked as a Library Aid for the Troy Area School District. Marjorie loved keeping up on current events and was a member of the Troy Baptist Church.

Marjorie is survived by her son, H. Keith (Patricia) of Troy, PA; daughters, Marla (Scott) Oldroyd of Troy, PA, and Kathleen (Renold) Aparicio of Norco, CA; brother, Howard (Bonnie) Congdon of Blacksburg, VA; sister, Carol Rockwell of Troy, PA; sister-in-law, Janice Congdon of Coryland, PA; grandchildren, Brent (Gina) Phillips, Robert Oldroyd, Marcus (Jessy) Oldroyd, Matthew (Megan) Oldroyd, Renold (Michelle) Aparicio Jr., Alexandria (Aaron) Lindsey, Nicholas (Catherine) Havens, and Richmond (Stephanie) Havens; great grandchildren, Clayton Havens, Kadance Lindsey, Karisma Lindsey, Keirali Lindsey, Kash Lindsey, Dagny Aparicio, Renold Aparicio III, Bastian Phillips and Gannon Oldroyd; and care-giver Ruth Lewis of Philadelphia, PA.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com

A mother’s love is…. everlasting. It is with greatest sadness that we announce the passing of Merriel Jean (VanNoy) Hickok.  Merriel passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2021, she was 91.  She will be greatly missed by her loving family and numerous friends, old and new.

Merriel was the daughter of Howard and Gertrude (Dewey) VanNoy, born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1929 and growing up on Mt. Pisgah, East Troy, PA.  On August 24, 1951, she married Raymond A. Hickok.  Together, the two purchased a small farm on Porter Road in Troy, and began building a family of their own. The couple happily worked together caring for their family farm, placing importance on family, friends and worship of God.  Merriel always wanted a large family and eventually had nine children. Even though there was plenty to do with a large family, she always had enough time for each and every one of them. She tirelessly worked to provide opportunities for her children and was always proud of any and all accomplishments.  Although very busy raising a family and taking care of the farm, Merriel made sure she took time for her own interests as well. She very much enjoyed reading, especially the Bible, loved playing piano, giving piano lessons, gardening, knitting, baking, canning and playing cards. In the fall of 1958, she began a serious study of the Bible and February 1959 she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, one of her greatest personal accomplishments.

Merriel was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Raymond Hickok; eldest daughter, Marette Hamby, and son-in-law, David Malosh, brothers Richard VanNoy and Bryce VanNoy.  She is survived by her children: Randall M. (Maureen) Hickok, Eileen K. Malosh, Shayla J. (Wayne) Chace, Brent T. (Carol) Hickok, Kevin D. (Joanna) Hickok, Gregory S. (Christina) Hickok, Denise J. (Jay) Andrus, Valerie J. Hickok; son-in-law, Mark Hamby, her sister, Laureen Wright, and sister-in-law, MaryFaith VanNoy. Merriel also leaves behind her grandchildren: Kristoffer, Matthew, Philip, Aaron, Erica, Hanna, Christopher, Corey, Chad, Chaunte, Chanel, Justin, Jasmine, Lily, Kelsey, Nathan, Kassidy, Lindsey and twelve great grandchildren.

Merriel leaves behind a beautiful legacy, she possessed many fine qualities, too many to recount here. While she is asleep in death now, our mom’s everlasting and unconditional love will continue to touch all our lives.
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A memorial service for Merriel is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, at 2 p.m. This will be broadcast virtually via Zoom for all who are able to attend.  Details for attending are available by calling or texting 570- 731-0761. There will be a private interment at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Pepper’s Funeral Home in Canton.  Condolence and memories may be shared at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.

Brenda R. Higley, 77, of Canton, PA., passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at the Winter Haven Hospital in Florida.

Brenda Ruth was born December 18, 1943 in Towanda to the late Vernon and Florence (Fawcett) Hatch. She attended Loyalsock Area high School and was a graduate of the Williamsport School of Commerce. On May 22, 2004 Brenda married Arlan Higley in the St. John’s Methodist Church in Grover.

She was a woman of faith in the Lord and in earlier years attended the Ward united Methodist Church. She was currently a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and while in Florida attended the First Baptist Church of Ft. Meade.  Brenda was also a member of the Pennsylvania Tax Collectors Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Notaries, the Bradford County Council for Republican Women, the Canton Women of the Moose, the Towanda Order of Eastern Star Towanda Chapter 76 having served as a Past Matron with the Canton Chapter 71.

Brenda was a well-known Notary, Messenger and Tax Collector in Canton for many years. She enjoyed camping, playing cards with her many friends and embroidering for others.

Surviving Brenda is her loving husband; Arlan L. Higley Sr., sons; Brent Hartford and Brian (Dawn) Hartford all of Canton, step-daughters; Brenda (Les) Kisner of Springfield, Bonnie (Howard) Vroman of Troy, step-children; Arlan Jr. (Patty) Higley of Dushore, Melanie (Ron) DeSanto of Trout Run, Michael (Patty) Higley of Hughesville, grandchildren; Taylor, Trever, Kaleb, Hunter and Skylar Hartford and David Jackson, several great grandchildren, brother; Darwin (Connie) Hatch of Forksville, sisters in law, Alda (Art) Molyneux of Trout Run, Karen (Roy) King of Forksville and Anita (James) Chase of Dushore, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends in Canton as well as Florida, where she and Arlan spent the winter months.

Besides her parents, Brenda was predeceased by her first husband of 29 years, Robert “Bob” Hartford, several of Bob’s brothers and a sister, a sister-in law, Loretta (Phil) Fitzwater and brother-in-law, Sherman (Marion) Higley.

Brenda wanted to leave this thought, DO NOT stand and cry but rejoice as the Angels have come to take me with them and until we meet again, I Love You All!

The family invites friends to call from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2021at the Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton.  A funeral service in celebration of Brenda’s life will be held 12:30 p.m., at the funeral home, with Pastors James House and Jennifer Jones, officiating. Burial will follow in the Beech Flats Cemetery, Canton.
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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to her beloved Church, St. John’s Grover, PA 17735
Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Velma (Watson) Beach, age 91, of Troy, PA, passed away at her home on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

She was born on August 15, 1929 in Gillett, PA, a daughter of Ivan and Ruth (Kimball) Watson.  Velma was the wife of the late Louis R. Beach who passed away on January 14, 2017. She was a homemaker who loved to travel and go camping. Velma also enjoyed quilting, canning, cooking and baking. She was a member of the Coryland Church.

Velma is survived by her sons Dean (Linda) Roy of UT, Darrell (Diane) Roy of Gillett, PA; a stepson, Douglas (Karen) Beach of Columbia Cross Roads, PA; daughters Denise (Jay) Malin of AZ; stepdaughters, Connie Beers of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Deborah Eighmey of FL, and Cindy Oldroyd of Gillet, PA; daughter-in-law, Naomi Roy of Gillett, PA; a brother Roy Watson of Troy, PA;sisters Eleanor (Jim) Boor of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Dorothy Terry of Bath, NY and Linda (Luther) Wrisley of Troy, PA; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lewis Roy; husband, Louis Beach; brother Harold Watson; sister Doris Watson; brother, Merle Watson; children Dawn Roy, David Roy, and Daniel Roy; and stepson-in-law, Larry Eighmey.
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A memorial service will be held in June at Coryland Church, 3028 Hickory Rd, Gillet, PA. Burial will take place in Coryland Cemetery. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com

Ann Lee (Bailey) Egli, 77, of Troy, PA passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA surrounded by her family. She was the loving wife of Michael J. Egli, Sr. The couple married in 1977 and had many happy years together.  

Ann was born on October 21, 1943 in Pine City, NY, daughter of the late Lawrence Merle and L. Henrietta “Henny” (McClure) Bailey. She worked as a waitress at The Outside Inn in Canton, PA where she met her husband Mike, was a weaver for ASL in Troy, was the proud owner of Ann’s Wood You Believe, and was an admissions clerk for the Emergency Department of Troy Hospital. Ann was a member of the First Baptist Church of Troy, was a singer in the Christian music group Higher Ground, enjoyed making crafts, word searches and loved spending time with her family and friends.  

Ann is survived by her husband Mike, daughter Lisa Deemy (Mollie Eliot) of Strasburg, PA, step son Michael J. Egli, Jr., grandchildren: Jennifer (Noah), Jason, Kelly (Brandi), Keith, Kevin (Kari), Angelia, Zac (Brittany), Lee (Molly), Burgess (Claudia), and Sunshine (Jaeson), along with numerous great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her son Lawrence Lee, and her great granddaughter Madisyn DePew. 

There will be a celebration of Ann’s life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA. 
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Send condolences at: VickeryFH.com.

Betty Lou (Moore) Ayers, 78, of Granville Summit, PA., passed away early Thursday morning, April 1, 2021, at her home, while surrounded by the love of her family.

Betty Lou was born on February 25, 1943 in Sayre, to the late Simmons and Beatrice (Bennett) Moore. She attended Troy Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1961.  Bet, as known by many, was a woman of faith and attended the Granville Church of Christ.

She enjoyed watching the old westerns and game shows.

Surviving Betty are her children; Wayne Ayers and Wesley Ayers, both of Vidor, Tx., Wendall Ayers of Williamsport and Merrell Ayers of Granville as well as several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents Betty was predeceased by a brother; Jesse Moore and a sister; Nelly Holly.
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A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in Bradford County Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations in Betty’s name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn 38105. Please share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com