Herbert (HK) Chester Kilmer, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, January 30, 2022, at age 93.
HK was born on January 30, 1929, to Chester Kilmer and Winona Gumaer-Kilmer. He resided in Benton Township with his wife of 73 years, Elsie Kilmer. HK’s determination and persistent work ethic showed in his first conversation with his wife. Elsie was a switchboard phone operator, who assisted HK as he tried to proceed with a phone call. He insisted the call would not go through. Although he hardly believed a Kilmer could ever be wrong, Elsie broke the news that the receiving line was not answering his call and that he’d have to call back later. Intrigued by Elsie’s lovely voice, HK called the switchboard multiple times thereafter, in hopes that she’d answer his calls. To his liking, she answered time and again until they eventually started dating. Herbert and Elsie married on November 6, 1948, and had six children. He was the definition of the American Dream in his family’s eyes. He had worked as a truck driver and was involved in the timber industry in his early years. He then worked in the stone quarry industry for the majority of his life and was determined to give his family the best life possible, he eventually founded Herb Kilmer & Sons Inc. in June 1976. Still alive and well decades later, the family business built a foundation for success for HK’s children. His wife and children vividly recall their annual summer vacation to Fenway Park, where they cheered on the Boston Red Sox. HK was largely a fan of the Boston Celtics as well but had a special love for baseball, the American pastime. When he wasn’t working to support his family or cursing the Yankees in hopes of Boston taking the win in the seventh inning, he could be found pacing next to first base at local little league games. He made many contributions to the Benton Township Baseball Field, as he wanted little league baseball to have a positive impact on as many children as possible. He also loved bowling, jigsaw puzzles, his fishing trips to Canada, and stone conventions in Atlantic City, which came with nights at the casino as a bonus. Although HK gave his all to his family, his business, and his hobbies, he was a devoted Christian and member of the Seventh Day Adventist Faith. Because of this, his family rests assured that he now has the best ticket above Fenway Park in the presence of the Lord. He is survived by four sons, Roger Kilmer (Cheryl Albus), Jeffrey Kilmer (Diane Kilmer), Thomas Kilmer, and Kenneth Kilmer; two daughters, Sandra Compton (David Compton), and Jacqueline Kilmer; a sister, Audrey Depew; and a brother, Cecil Kilmer; twelve adoring grandchildren, twenty-six beloved great-grandchildren, and the love of his life, his wife Elsie Mary Kilmer. He was predeceased by a brother, Chester “Junie” Kilmer Jr., and daughter-in-laws Kathy Kilmer and Jean Kerr. A viewing will be held from 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, February 5, at the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson immediately followed by the funeral service.
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David James Payne, 71, of New Milford, passed away Saturday, January 29 at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
His wife is Judy Mae Cooley Payne and they have been married for 48 years. David was born November 8, 1950 in Meshoppen to Franklyn and Mabel Collum Payne. He was a graduate of Mountain View High School and was a member of the PA Farm Bureau and the South Gibson Methodist Church. David was hard working farmer. He was proud very proud of his life’s work and what he was able to provide. He loved his family and watching his grandchildren grow. David is also survived by a son, Jonathan David Payne; two daughters, Joy Lynn Allen (Tim) and Jenny Leigh Payne (Jimmer); five grandchildren, James Penny, Nathan Payne, Wyatt Yachymiak, Cali Yachymiak, and Carter Allen; two brothers, Dale F. Payne (Kim Kay) and Frank Payne (Brenda); and aunts Marie Acker and Esther Payne. The Funeral service will be Thursday, February 3, at 1pm by Rev. John Shaffer of the South Gibson United Methodist Church in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. There will be a viewing from 11am until service time. Interment will be held in the South Gibson Cemetery. Donations may be made in honor of David to the Harford Historical Society, C/O Maureen Warren, 4158 Creek Rd, Kingsley PA 18826 Elizabeth (Betty) Mills, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away Jan. 18, 2021. Born December 2, 1937, in Scranton, she was the daughter of Evan and Helen Griffiths of Nicholson.
Betty graduated with an Associate’s degree from Keystone College, worked in the School library, Bendix, and spent several years working in real estate with Century 21 Sherlock Homes (formerly, Homes R Us) in Tunkhannock helping people find their special forever homes. Through her work at Bendix, she met the love of her life Charles (Charlie) Mills who she married on Aug. 29, 1960. Their love was that once in a lifetime relationship which was most evident through the letters and postcards Charlie sent to Betty back home in Nicholson while stationed in Korea. Betty’s son, John, remembers his mom for her huge heart, her enjoyment when spending time with family and friends, and her love for music, singing and dancing. Taegan describes MomMom as the most caring and loving person, always putting others before herself. She makes the best tuna fish sandwiches and loves playing board games. Betty enjoyed going for rides with Taegan and Jake Kakareka to Long John Silvers and Mannings for Coffee ice cream, her favorite; spending time with Dora (Oliver) on road trips to Philly, lunch dates, and riding around town. She played blackjack and other games with the gang at Glenmaura Senior Living where she earned the nickname Blackjack Betty because she would often get blackjack much to the dismay of the other players and became a celebrity at MidValley for her spot in a TV commercial. Involved in the community, Betty served as treasurer for the Dimock Community Workers for several years, volunteering with local community organizations, Dimock Community Church suppers, and lending a helping hand when needed. In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband Charlie, her brother Leonard, Uncle Jack, Aunt Florence, Aunt Ann, and an infant grandson Madison. Surviving is her son John C. Mills and wife Debbie; a granddaughter Taegan Jai-Lynn Mills, Dimock; Sister-in-law Jeane Griffiths, Gilbertsville, PA; a nephew Christopher Griffiths and wife Missy; grandniece Ella Griffiths, Massachusetts; and cousin, Jan Wicander, husband Erik, and their children, New Hampshire. Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 28, 5-7pm, with the Funeral held Saturday, Jan. 29, 11am at the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. Internment in Dimock Cemetery, Dimock. The family invites friends to gather following the service at the American Legion Gardner Warner Post (Montrose/Elk Lake), in celebration of Betty’s life. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Folds of Honor (https://foldsofhonor.org/join-the-mission/ways-to-give) or Wounded Warriors project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate). If donating, please be sure to note in memory of Betty Mills and thank you so very much. |
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