Obituaries for Perry County for the weeks preceding July 6.
CHRISTOPHER M. SMEIGH
Christopher M. (Slippy) Smeigh, 48, of Newport passed away Monday, June 24, 2024, as the result of a motorcycle accident.
He was born June 14, 1976, in Harrisburg.
He was a 1994 graduate of Newport High School and employed at Keystone Fleet Services, Mechanicsburg. He was president of the Steel Hammerz LE MC Indian Rivers Chapter, past member and sergeant at arms of American Legion Riders, past Son of the American Legion and past member of Newport and New Bloomfield fire companies.
He was a motorcycle, gun and car enthusiast. He loved his country and supported his 2nd Amendment rights. He enjoyed riding his Harley, working in his garage, taking care of his lawn, riding his tractor, cooking/grilling, watching NASCAR, watching PSU beat OSU and spending time with his loved ones.
He was a hardworking man who took pride in all his work. He had such an infectious smile, amazing personality and a fantastic sense of humor. He would do anything for anyone, even strangers. His proudest moments were when he married his high school sweetheart on Feb. 28, 2004, the birth of his youngest daughter, seeing each of his children graduate high school, becoming a Grampy and buying his first Harley. He leaves a void in everyone’s hearts who knew and loved him. But, mostly in his family’s lives. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed.
Surviving are his wife and best friend of 20 years, Michelle (Nevius) Smeigh; a son, Quentin Smeigh (Sarah); two daughters, Courtney Diener (Will) and Raegen Smeigh; father, Donald Smeigh (Jill); mother, Shirl Clouser Smeigh; grandmother, Shirley Sheaffer Clouser; a sister, Tracy Sarver (Lee); two grandchildren, Lydia and Tobias; uncle, Marlin Clouser Jr., who lived with him; two nieces, Hailey and Hannah; six dogs, but especially his beloved dog, Frankie.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Marlin Clouser; aunt, Sherry Jones; paternal grandparents, William and Olive Smeigh; great-grandparents, Floyd and Anna Sheaffer; great- grandparents, Russell and Nancy Clouser; and aunt, Shirley Gross.
A service was held July 2 in Newport Family Life Center with Bobby McNew officiating. Burial was in Newport Cemetery.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Bank of Landisburg to help his family with any expenses.
RAYMOND P. FREELAND
Raymond P. Freeland, 66, of Spotsylvania passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
He was born Feb. 16, 1958.
He was the proud owner of Freeland Engineering and P&R Design Build. He was a diehard Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with friends and family, especially his grandsons, Elias and Luke.
Surviving are his devoted wife, Pauline; two sons, Jeremy Freeland (Lauren) and their children, Elias and Luke, all of Mechanicsburg, and, Ben Harp of East Pennsboro; a sister, Leona Peck (Larry) of Halifax; and two nieces, Jen Collier of Millersburg and Kim Holmes (Danny) and their children, Danny and Hope, all of Marlton, N.J.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Lupus Foundation at lupus.org/donate.
WILLIAM J. LINK
William J. Link, 84, of Duncannon passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Community General Osteopathic Hospital, Harrisburg.
He was born Feb. 25, 1940, in Shenandoah, Pa., to William “Vince” and Helen Link.
He was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Duncannon, New Buffalo Fire Company, Duncannon Sportsman’s Club, Duncannon American Legion and Fraternal Order of Police.
After graduating high school and serving his country in the USAF, he enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police. His career spanned more than 33 years in Perry County. He retired at the Newport Police barracks.
He had a passion for The Pennsylvania State University and its athletics. He was a football season ticket holder and missed only two home games over a span of 30-plus years. Family vacations to the beach and growing tomatoes in his garden were the highlight of his summer. He was a comical man; able to entertain with his witty personality. After retirement, he also enjoyed spending his mornings in “The Newsroom” with his buddies. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He cherished his four great-grandchildren and they provided him the strength to keep living until the very end.
Surviving are two sons, William (Terri) Link Jr. of Somerset and Michael (Annie) of Harrisburg; a daughter, Carey (Lester) Fisher of New Holland; a sister, Rose of New York; seven grandchildren, Allyson, Ashley, Alyssa, Ellie, Hannah, Zeb and Zane; and four great-grandchildren, Waverly, Oakley, Lee and Maya.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary A. (Caulfield) Link; a brother, Joseph; and a sister, Jean.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 28 in his church. Interment, with military honors, was in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Ronald C.L. Smith Funeral Home, Duncannon, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to his church, c/o Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 121 William St., Marysville 17053.
GLADYS L. BOWER MCCRAKEN
Gladys L. Bower McCracken, 104, passed away peacefully in her own home in Landisburg on Friday, June 21, 2024.
She was born March 27, 1920, at home in Perry County to Charles and Alice (Yocum) Sheibley.
She worked at the dress factory in Carlisle, as well as Warm Springs Lodge, Landisburg. She was a devoted homemaker who had a green thumb. Her yard and garden were always kept in pristine condition. She enjoyed cooking, baking and, particularly, preparing family meals. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family and in her later years, loved taking pictures with her granddaughters especially when Snapchat filters were involved.
Surviving are a son, Andrew, and his wife Cindy (Kistler) of Shermans Dale; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three children, Barb Neff, Gloria White and Milt Bower; her husbands, Milton Bower and Charlie McCracken; two brothers; three sisters; and a grandson.
Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, handled arrangements.
SAMUEL ARMOLT
Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Samuel Armolt, 73, of Shermans Dale who passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was able to remain at home with his loved ones.
He was born Oct. 24, 1950, in Carlisle to the late Samuel Sr. and Florence (Stotler) Armolt.
Surviving are his wife Bobbi; three children, Shane (Brandi) Armolt, Samantha (Rodney) Luke and Jacob Armolt; four grandchildren, Jasmine and Colton Luke and Tyler and Kyle Armolt; six siblings, Rhonda, Lester, Cindy, Gloria, Terry and Julie; his fur buddies, Rocky and Willy; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene.
Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity.
The family thanks Hospice of Central Pennsylvania for their phenomenal care and kindness during this difficult time.
THERESA J. WILSON
Theresa J. Wilson 72, of Ickesburg passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
She was born in Harrisburg to William and Betty Weidenhof.
She was a member Newport American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed her time as a farmer, landscaper and her employment at CPARK. She was a city girl who turned into a farmer’s wife then cross-country truck driver with her husband.
Surviving are her husband, James (Jimmy) Wilson; two brothers, William Collier (Pat) and Carl Weidenhof (Dena); three daughters, Suzanne Kent (Dennis), Tarra Paige and Jamie York (Steven); six grandchildren, Lauren Eshelman (Jack), Kayla Ramp (Ian), Shelby Moore (Ryan), Morgan Roush (Austin), Elijah York and Austin Kent; eight great-grandchildren, Alexis Sutton, Carter Eshelman, Cora Moore, Aspen Ramp, Koah Ramp, Kasen Roush, Cillian Moore and Camden Craft; and her beloved dog, Sir Maxwell of Saville (Max).
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Michael Collier, Steve Weidenhof, James Weidenhof Sr. and Timothy Weidenhof.
A service was held June 27 in Saville Brethren in Christ Church, Ickesburg. Burial was in Eshcol Cemetery.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saville Brethren in Christ Church, 2105 Liberty Valley Road, Ickesburg 17037, or Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg 17011.
PATRICIA A. PALM
Patricia Ann Palm, 65, of Ickesburg left her Earthly home and ascended into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
She was born April 17, 1959, in Harrisburg to the late David S. and Lena G. (Yocum) Baughman.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Her life was dedicated to her home, faith and family. On Oct. 31, 1976, she was accepted into membership at Sandy Hill United Church of Christ through confession of faith. She graduated in 1977 from West Perry High School. On June 25, 1977, she wore her graduation dress, which was made by her mother, as her wedding dress when she married.
Most of her family lived nearby so family gatherings occurred every week at the homes of her parents and in-laws. She was a stay-at-home mom while her two sons were growing up and sold Avon in the evenings to enjoy some time out to make new friends. She loved working and playing with their kids, and later on in life her grandkids.
Over 40 years, she served as a devoted member of Sandy Hill Church as the secretary, janitor, Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher. The life and survival of Sandy Hill Church was very important to her. If she was not in attendance, she likely was ill. Once her children grew up, she worked at Shermans Dale Exxon and Ross Distribution. After retiring from Ross Distribution at age 62, she finally pursued her dream of working with children at Little Mooz Daycare. She had a gift whereby she could build a bond with children at the daycare, as well as children she was meeting for the very first time.
She lived a very simple life and enjoyed the beauty and wildlife around her. She was always working in the flower beds at home, as well as at the church, in order to keep everything well-maintained and beautiful. She enjoyed her mountain rides with her husband, four-wheeler rides with her children and grandchildren, and cookouts with family and friends.
She battled metastatic melanoma for several years before her passing, but never complained about the struggles she had faced. She always had a positive outlook on her life, as well as a smile on her face.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 47 years, Thomas L. Palm; two sons, Jonathan G. Palm (Dannene) and Michael T. Palm (Kathleen), both of Ickesburg; six grandchildren, Helena L. Palm of Loysville, Kayla J. Pimpinella of Shermans Dale, Ryan C. Pimpinella of Ickesburg, and Hailey L., Jayden G. and Holden L. Palm, all of Ickesburg; and four siblings, Donna J. Radle of Millerstown, Mary J. Peffer (Marlin) of Carlisle, Roger L. Baughman (Colleen) of Millerstown and Richard E. Baughman of Elliottsburg.
She was preceded in death by four brothers David E., Harry F., Charles L. and George Baughman.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, in her church, 6300 Tuscarora Path, Loysville. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service with pastor Don Funk officiating at 11. Fellowship and a meal will conclude the service.
Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sandy Hill Cemetery Association, 451 Fisher Hill Road, Loysville 17047.
CHARLES L. BORNMAN
Charles L. Bornman, 89, of Duncannon passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Holy Spirit Hospital.
He was born Aug. 14, 1934, in Duncannon to Phillip and Gladys (Barrick) Bornman.
Surviving are his wife, Linda (Bowersox) Bornman, and two children, Daniel Bornman of Duncannon and Debra Fach of New Bloomfield.
David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.
CRAIG TURNER
Craig Turner, 68, a 1974 graduate of York Suburban, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at his home.
He was born in January 1956 in Norristown to the late Len (Bill) and Jean Turner. The second of five children, his parents named him Leonard Craig, with Leonard being a family name for at least three generations and Craig being a thank you and recognition to Dr. Craig, who was a wonderful doctor to his mother during her pregnancy. The family moved briefly to Hagerstown, Md., and then settled in York in 1960 where both his parents remained until their respective deaths.
His mother always described him as a gentle soul, and they had a very special and close relationship. His father also was very close to all of his children and still found time to be involved in many extracurricular activities despite holding down two jobs during most of Craig’s childhood. Family times were fun and adventurous with so many siblings and Craig also had many wonderful childhood and school friends. He loved nature and spent much time outside observing things and collecting butterflies and other things of interest. He carried this love into adulthood; he had an extraordinary green thumb with the ability to grow pretty much anything. He farmed for several years as an adult and loved his time being outdoors — hands-on with his produce and working. He also was a gifted musician and played the trombone and bass guitar. One of his prized possessions was an acoustic bass guitar. He loved to read and was an avid reader his entire life.
He and all the Turners shared a love of the ocean. Father Bill loved to gather up the family for beach trips and all the kids have wonderful memories of camping in Trap Pond, with a one-evening trip to the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk during many of the trips. After high school, he moved to Ocean City, Md., where he spent his time at the beach during the day, working at a local hotel, and then hanging with his friends during the evening/night hours. As many of the York Suburban class of 1974 know, several classmates spent at least part of the 1970s and 1980s living on the big island in Hawaii and he joined this special gang of friends from approximately 1977 to 1980. He and all of the classmates loved their Hawaii time and maintained a special tight knit bond that lasted all of his life.
He was raised in church and although always interested in the things of God, did not become serious about a relationship with Christ until 1986. His life changed radically during the conversion and his relationship with Christ and sharing Christ with others was at the core of who he was from 1986 until his death. He attended college in Dallas, graduating in December 1993. He met Catherine Cassidy, now Turner, in August 1993, and they married in January 1995. He always wanted to get back to Pennsylvania. His young family, which now included his son James, returned to Pennsylvania in December 1997. They initially lived in York, moved to New Cumberland for five years, Millerstown for 18 years, and the family returned to York in 2021. Their family memories are too much to capture in an obituary but involved pursuing his interest in farming in Millerstown for several years, homeschooling his son for several years, and then watching him grow up, attend college, and start his own family.
Surviving are his wife Catherine; son, James Turner (Aggie); a grandson, Forest Turner; four siblings, Paula Urey (Lyle), Susan Turner (William Craig), Richard Turner (Lisa) and Beverly Betson (Bob); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A celebration of life service was held July 1 in Beck Funeral Home and Cremation Service, York, with pastors Rob Costello and Anthony Cucuzella officiating. He was laid to rest in Mount Rose Cemetery, York.
Memorial contributions may be made to Family Worship Center, 865 W. Broadway, Red Lion 17356, scholarship and general funds to Musical Theater, Greenwood School District (greenwoodsd.org), or Our Mission, ALS United Mid-Atlantic (alsmidatlantic.org).
JENNIE C. NICKEL
Jennie C. Nickel, 94, of Cook Road, Duncannon, died Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Stonebridge Health and Rehabilitation Center, Duncannon.
She was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Wheatfield Twp. to Franklin E. Sr. (Mayor Cook) and Grace (Heffley) Cook.
She was educated at Roseglen one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Duncannon High School at the age of 16.
She began working at Pennsylvania Bureau of Vital Statistics transcribing birth and death certificates. Following her marriage in 1951 she assisted in the operation of the former Nickel Funeral Home in Duncannon. She was a part-time employee at Dr. Harry Pfautz’s office for more than 30 years and served as an enumerator in four U.S. national censuses. Over the years, she was active in a number of civic and social organizations. Namely, secretary of the former Perry County Tourist and Recreation Board, president of the Perry County Unit of the American Cancer Society, Girl Scout troop leader and organizer of the Duncannon Girl Scouts and Susquenita Band Boosters. She enjoyed flea markets, Barbies, gardening, sewing, mystery novels and cutting firewood throughout her life.
Surviving are her husband of 72 years, James A. Nickel; three daughters, Nancy E. Johnson of Lancaster, Laura A. Scaman of Honesdale and Lois A. Nickel-Ward of St. Petersburg, Fla.; a brother, Charles C. Cook of Maricopa, Ariz; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane A. Natale; three sisters, Linda Riedlinger, Ruth Way and Daisy Shope; and four brothers, Franklin Jr., Carroll, Harvey and Dr. O. Russell Cook.
Inerment was in Bloomfield Cemetery.
Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity.
PATRICIA J. NOLL
Patricia Jane “Patty” “Pat” Noll, 77, of Millerstown passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
She was born Aug. 7, 1946, in Lewistown to the late George and Alice Rebecca (Wirt) Eby.
Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Clarence L. Noll; a brother, David F. Eby and wife Connie; a son, Brian D. Noll and wife Terri; a daughter, Jennifer L. Crup and husband Emmett; a granddaughter, Katelyn B. Crup; other extended family; and her beloved dog, Carli.
A celebration of life reception will be held on Sunday, July 14; visit anytime with the family between 2 and 5 p.m. at Newport Assembly of God Family Life Center, 27 W. Shortcut Road, Newport.
RICHARD L. GUTSHALL
Richard L. Gutshall, 75, of Mechanicsburg passed away at home on Monday, June 24, 2024. Formerly of Loysville, he also was known as “Premo” and “Dick.”
He was born Feb. 6, 1949, in Carlisle to the late Kermit L. and Helen (Stum) Gutshall of Loysville.
He graduated in 1968 from West Perry High School and proudly served his country as a Marine from 1968 to 1970. He was a member of Tressler Memorial Free Lutheran Church, Loysville. He also was a 32nd degree Mason at Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge 629 and belonged to Harrisburg Consistory. In 2006, he retired from Norfolk Southern as a locomotive engineer, after starting his career with Conrail. He loved being a railroader, uncle and great-uncle, but most of all he loved being a Pappy to his three grandchildren.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 38 years, Carol S. (Harless) Gutshall; two stepdaughters, Heather S. Brookmyer (Bryon) of Mechanicsburg and Jennifer L. Hardie (Derek) of Shiremanstown; three stepgrandchildren, Emily, Ian and Luci; three siblings, Karen Tucker (Paul) of Los Angeles, Calif., Gwen McCartney (Ken) of Allentown, and Larry Gutshall of Loysville; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A graveside service, with military honors, was held July 1 in Restland Cemetery, Loysville.
Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association online at https://action.lung.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31271&mfc_pref=T&31271.donation=form1.
RICHARD A. ST. PIERRE
Richard A. St. Pierre, 79, of Millerstown passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
He earned a bachelor’s of science degree in marine biology from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree in fisheries science from the University of Virginia. In 1977, he became assistant area manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before moving into the role of Susquehanna River Fisheries coordinator. He led negotiations for four settlement agreements with utility companies on shad population, rebuilding fish passage and flow issues. The shad program was his most important work.
Throughout the years, he assisted in a Fish and Wildlife Service international affairs program in China, Russia, Italy, France and Iceland.
From 1996 to 2004, he chaired the Chesapeake Bay Program’s fish passage work group. He was awarded the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Conservationist of the Year (2000), in working in shad restoration on the Susquehanna River.
He enjoyed reading, golf, fishing and travels to Europe and Asia.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Peggy St. Pierre; two sons, Christopher St. Pierre, wife Cassandra, and Nicolas St. Pierre, wife Kari; a granddaughter, Dillon; two brothers, Gerald St. Pierre of Roanoke, Va., and Glen St. Pierre of West Palm Beach, Fla.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
TATE M. SPIDLE
Tate Mitchell Spidle, 5-month-old son of Garret A. and Katelyn L. Spidle, of Marysville, was welcomed into Heaven on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Hershey Medical Center.
He was born Jan. 13, 2024, at Harrisburg Hospital where he spent a month in the NICU and then was transferred to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital NICU where he spent 96 days. He graduated from the NICU in Pittsburgh and was allowed to come home to his loving and caring family. He got to meet his big brother Liam and his big sister Kinsley after months of waiting. He could always brighten up the room and make everyone happy and smile. He loved to cuddle with mom and dad. He enjoyed swinging in his baby swing and loved shopping trips with mom and dad. He was a fighter and a NICU warrior.
In addition to his proud and loving parents, surviving are paternal grandparents, Darryl E. Spidle of Marysville and Nancy K. Spidle of Newport; maternal grandmother, Melody L. Pepper of Newport; a brother, Liam J. Foster of Marysville; a sister, Kinsley R. Spidle of Marysville; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a special cousin “on the way,” Wesley T. Spidle.
Interment was in Riverview Memorial Gardens, Halifax.
Micheal J. Shalonis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marysville, handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Miracle Network, Hershey, 1249 Cocoa Ave., 115, Hershey 17033 (717-531-6606).
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