All Obituaries

Mildred S. Hoppes, 86, of Tamaqua, died Sunday, January 13, 2019, in her home. She was the wife of Berlyn C.W. Hoppes. They were married on May 2, 1953 and celebrated 65 years of marriage. She was a homemaker and dedicated her life working on the family farm. Mildred was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Born in West Penn Township, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Sarah R. (Mertz) Steigerwalt. She was preceded in death by a sister Florence Hoppes. Surviving are two sons,...

Ellis A. Beibleheimer, 72, of Tamaqua, died November 30, 2018, in his home. He was the husband of Linda (Balliet) Beibleheimer. They were married 49 years on January 11, 2018. He worked for his father-in-law, at L.U. Balliet, Inc. delivering coal. He then owned and operated the coal business until May of this year. He was also a part time janitor at West Penn Elementary for the past two years, where he considered everyone there as part of his family. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the...

George D. Shellenberger, 86, of Andreas, died Saturday, October 20, 2018, in St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. He was the husband of Shirley A (Steele) Shellenberger. Born in Norristown, he was the son of the late Arthur and Matilda (Gillespie) Shellenberger. Prior to retiring, he worked as a salesman for the Jewel Tea Company, Sears, and he was a vendor at the Hometown Farmers Market. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Martin. Surviving in addition to his...

Robert C. Dunn, 77, of New Ringgold, died Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in the Hospice Unit of the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Andrea (Rhubright) Dunn. They were married 57 years on January 21, 2018. He was a lifelong farmer and businessman, with a work ethic like no other. One of the happiest days of his life was May 10, 1954. At the age of 12, he and his family moved to the family farm. He was a 2nd generation farmer and to this day, the 3rd and 4th...

Norma C. Baker, 79, of Andreas, died October 8, 2018, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Jerry E. Baker. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on January 23. Born in Altoona, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Emma (Young) Martin. Norma was a member of Christ Evangelical Free Church, Lehighton. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, always diligent in providing for the needs of her family. She was preceded in death by a...

Darlene J. Hartman, 76, of Franklin Township, died Wednesday, September 19, 2018. She was the wife of the late Bruce A. Hartman, Sr. Prior to retiring, she was employed as a rural mail carrier for 22 years in the Lehighton Post Office. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Cedric V. and Millicent (Black) Haupt. Darlene was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mahoning. She was a life member of the Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, Lehighton, and a member of the Packerton...

Lamar R. Kunkel, 66, of Tamaqua, died Monday, August 27, 2018. Born in West Penn Township, he was the son of the late Paul and Arlene (Knepper) Kunkel. Prior to retiring as a lifelong truck driver, he was employed with Leiby Trucking, the former Van Buskirk Trucking, Andreas, and John Steigerwalt Trucking, New Ringgold. He was previously employed with the former M.E. Nester Wholesales, Tamaqua, and Tam Pallet, Lehighton. He was of Protestant faith. Lamar was passionate about farming, hunting...

Oliver E. Coombe, 87, of West Penn Township, died Friday, June 22, 2018, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Valerie of New Ringgold. He was the husband of Edith (Stetler) Coombe. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 5.  Oliver was a lifelong farmer and previously worked at Blue Ridge Pressure Casting, Lehighton. Born in West Penn Township, he was the son of the late Russell and Cora (Miller) Coombe. He was a member of St. Peter’s Union Church,...