 Elsie Mary Kilmer passed away in her home on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. She was 98 years old.
Elsie was born on Feb. 8, 1927 to Floyd Stark and Anna May Hajos-Stark. Elsie resided in Benton Township, where she was always accompanied by her children and grandchildren. Elsie was married to her husband of 73 years, Herbert Kilmer. Elsie was a switchboard phone operator, who assisted Herbert while he tried to proceed with a phone call. When Herbert insisted the phone line would not go through, Elsie had to tell him that the receiving line was not answering so he’d have to call back later. In love with the sound of Elsie’s voice, Herbert called back numerous times until Elsie answered. Elsie and Herbie married on Nov. 6, 1948 and had six children. She and Herbert did everything in life together, and even co-owned their business, Herb Kilmer & Sons Inc. Elsie frequently attended her grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurricular activities. As an avid Boston sports fan, Elsie experienced many family vacations to Fenway Park and saw her fair share of Boston Celtics games. In her high school years, Elsie was an athlete herself. She served as the captain of the basketball and field hockey teams and was also a talented bowler. In her leisure time, Elsie enjoyed playing card games, watching game shows and Hallmark movies, visiting the casino with her husband, and staying at their winter home in Florida. Elsie is recognized by her generosity to various charity organizations and her devotion to her family. Elsie is survived by 6 children, Roger Kilmer (Cheryl Albus), Sandra Compton (David Compton), Jeffrey Kilmer (Diane Kilmer), Thomas Kilmer, Kenneth Kilmer, and Jacqueline Kilmer, 12 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Herbert Kilmer, sisters Alberta Hall and Geraldine Philo, brother Bud Stark, her mother and father, Anna May and Floyd Stark, and daughters-in-law Kathy Kilmer and Jean Kerr. The Kilmer family would like to extend their gratitude to Elsie’s caregivers for their care, compassion, and companionship throughout her last few years. A special thanks is given to Debbie Stoppard for providing exceptional care and companionship to Elsie. A viewing will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service.
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 Gerald Stevens Davis, 86, of Kingsley, Pa., passed away peacefully in his sleep at Stella Maris in Timonium, Maryland, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 22, 2025.
He was predeceased by his wife, Alice M. (Wheeler) Davis, in 2010. Born in South Gibson, Pa., he was the son of the late Harold and Mary Davis. He graduated from Harford High School and then earned an associate degree in biomedical technology. Jerry served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years and retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Plains Township, after 20 years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and genealogy as hobbies. Jerry is survived by two children: Harold and wife, Lori Davis, of Scranton, S.C.; and Sandra and Terry Hart, of Freeland, Md.; five grandchildren: Rick, Sierra, Brooke, Jaidyn and Talon; and seven great-grandchildren: John, Zac, Ellie, Alyson, Joshua, Axl and Luna. He is also predeceased by a granddaughter, Ashley. Funeral services are private at the convenience of the family.  Gregory Symuleski, 54, of Hop Bottom passed away Friday, January 24,
2025 at Allied Hospice is Scranton after a courageous battle with illness. His wife is Cathy Ouellette Symuleski and they have been married 21 years. Born in Linden, New Jersey he is the son of the late John and Loretta Borden Symuleski. Gregg graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School, attended Penn State, earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Education from Marywood University, and was the Post Master in Nicholson. He was a member of the Hop Bottom Church of Hope and Peace. He was a member of the Fleetville fire company as an assistant chief and an EMT. He loved building models and was a member of the Model club. He enjoyed hunting and assisting with the Boy Scouts. He loved/enjoyed, his dog Luna, cooking, and singing. He loved the challenge to debate, and was known and appreciated for his many jokes, phrases and responses. Gregg loved his family and spending time with his children. Gregg is also survived by a son, Jonathon Symuleski; a daughter, Caroline Symuleski; a brother, David (Phyllis) Symuleski; mother in law, Carol Oullette; a sister-in-law, Judy Symuleski, sister in Law, Amy Armstrong; brother in law, John Ouellette and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Symuleski; nephew, Tommy; niece, Cassidey; and father in law, Albert. The family would like to thank the nurses at Davita Dialysis in Tunkhannock, Dr. Henry Yeager, Dr. William Brown, Dr. John Diakiw, Traditional Home Health and Hospice, and Allied Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral services performed by Rev. Phil Richardson will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 2pm in the Church of Hope and Peace in Hop Bottom. Family and friends may call from 12 Noon until service time at the church. Donations may be made in Gregg's memory to the Hop Bottom Hose Company and the Hop Bottom Church of Hope and Peace.  Raymond Leo Fallon, 66, of Kingsley passed away Saturday January 25, 2025 at Geisinger CMC in Scranton.
Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late William and Helen Zick Fallon. Ray graduated from Mountain View High School in 1976. He worked at the Elk Mountain VFW Post #8488 as a manager for many years and also was a member since 1982. He loved to help with the annual VFW Toys for Kids program. He also was a huge fan and supporter of Pompey Racing. Ray is survived by two brothers, Duane Fallon and Paul (Pauline) Fallon; a sister, Patricia Barankovich; numerous nieces and nephews; and too many friends to count. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward Fallon; a sister in law, Adeline Fallon; and a brother in law, Ronald Barankovich. Funeral services performed by Rev. Bryant Clark will be held on Friday, January 31 at 11am in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson with a viewing from 10am until service time. A viewing will also be held on Thursday, January 30 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date in the South Gibson Cemetery.  Richard Roland Keithline Sr., 83, of Nicholson passed away at home on January 26, 2025 with his family by his side. He had battled cancer for a very long time.
Born in Tunkhannock, he is the son of the late Roland and Mary Millbrodt Keithline. He loved being outside with his brother and son. He drove truck for forty plus years and then retired. Richard loved going to Florida once a year but he could unfortunately no longer go due to his battle with cancer. Richard is survived by his children, Richard R. Keithline Jr. of Nicholson, Theresa and Mark Brewer of Meshoppen, Jacqueline Hall of Nicholson, Amy and Shane Landry of Louisiana; many grandchildren and many more great grandchildren. We love Richard and he will be sorely missed. Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  John H. Zimmerman, 91, of Hop Bottom passed away January 20, 2025 at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore.
His wife, Lola Zimmerman, passed away November 26, 2022. Born in Wilkes Barre, he is the son of the late William H. and Beatrice Whitson Zimmerman. John was a US Army Veteran, having served in the Korean War. He received the Army of Occupation Medal Japan, Korean Service Medal with 5 stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. After his service, John graduated from Sea Girt Police Academy and began his career in law enforcement serving as a police officer for Watchung, NJ. for many years as well as a volunteer fireman. He was a member of the Harford Congregational Church and the Watchung, NJ fire department. He enjoyed fly fishing, bowling, golf, and playing bingo. John loved his family. He cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. John is survived by a daughter, Lynn Butler; a son, John Hardman Zimmerman; grandchildren Rhett(Carissa), Corey(Alissa), and John Butler, Matthew(Marisa) Wren, and Christina(Dave) Harris; and great grandchildren, Henry and Holden Butler. He was predeceased by sisters Beatrice Barber, Mary Elizabeth Southern, Doris Derby, Laura LaGrue; and brothers Harry and Walter Zimmerman. Funeral Services performed by Rev. Will Hagenbuch of the Harford Congregational Church will be held Monday January 27 at 11:00am in the Charles Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. Family and friends may call from 10am until service time. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in the Fern Knoll Burial Park in Dallas.  Rebecca (Becky) Darling, of Fleetville PA died Monday afternoon, January 20, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Lenox Township on February 28, 1940, to the late Paul and Ann Ransom. She graduated from Benton High School in 1958. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 64 years, Paul Darling. She was a faithful wife working hand in hand on the dairy farm. She milked many cows and fed countless calves.
She loved digging in the dirt. She had a fabulous garden with enough produce to share with everyone. Her sunflowers and gigantic pumpkins were a favorite of her grandchildren. Dandelions were her favorite flower and when they filled the fields, the camera would be out to take advantage of a great phone op! She had a relationship with Jesus that got her through the good and bad times. She was a dynamic prayer warrior. She lived out her faith by the way she treated others, always making every person feel loved and special. One of her favorite bible passages was Psalm 34. Everyone that came through her door left with a full belly and a smile on their face. If you were lucky there was a piece of homemade apple pie waiting for you and always a cookie jar full of chocolate chip cookies. Her three children were fortunate to have her as their mother, Mark Darling (Hazel), Jill Williams and husband Wayne, and Eric Darling. Her grandchildren share treasured memories, Janna Conoway and husband Noah, Kelsey Bingaman and husband Paul, Ben Williams, Cole Darling, Katie Stalker and husband Ryan, Caleb Darling and wife Shawna, and Rebecca, Sarah and Isaac Darling. The joy of her life the last few years were her great-grandchildren, Sophia, Whitney and Hudson Conoway, Levi and Weston Bingaman, Chayce, Rhett and Cheyenne Stalker. She was anxiously waiting for another great-grandchild to come in June. She leaves behind a faithful friend, Bonnie Watson, who called her almost every day. Special thanks to Allied Service Hospice, especially Chris and Heather who made her last days at home as comfortable as possible. There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, 1/25/25 @ 11:00AM in the Fleetville Fire Hall.  Reeves, Arthur M. SSgt, USMC (Retired)
Affectionately known by all as “Chick”. October 13, 1959-January 16, 2025 SSgt. USMC (Retired) Arthur M. Reeves, 65, of Nicholson, PA, Reported to Heaven on January 16, 2025, at home after battling complications from an existing illness. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Ronald and Helen Howell Reeves. Chick graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School and immediately answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1979. He honorably served until 1995, including serving a deployment in the Gulf War for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Chick earned numerous commendations during his distinguished military career, including the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two stars, Navy Unit Commendation, Rifle Marksmanship Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three stars, Good Conduct Medal with four stars, Letter of Commendation, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and National Defense Service Medal. He was also a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps League. Following his retirement, Chick returned to Northeast Pennsylvania and eventually made his home in Nicholson. He became a beloved pillar of the community, generously supporting local youth sports programs, including the Christy Mathewson Little League. He was an ardent fan of Lackawanna Trail athletics, particularly the football and wrestling teams, and continued to mentor and support young athletes even after their graduation. Chick’s presence was felt deeply by all who knew him—he was the embodiment of loyalty, generosity, and a love for his hometown. Chick had a gift for storytelling, and if you crossed paths with him at the “Nicholson Mall”, AKA the Pump and Pantry, one of his favorite hangouts, you were in for an entertaining tale. Whether you had the time or not. A passionate motorcyclist, Chick’s love of speed and the open road was as vibrant as his personality—when he was on his bike, everyone knew it. Above all, Chick was a devoted family man. He spoke from the heart and loved fiercely, embodying the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment in all aspects of his life. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of Chick's friends, specifically Sam Rath and the infamous COL Davis for their unwavering friendship, guidance, and support of Chick through the years. Chick is survived by his son, Ronald Reeves, and daughter-in-law, Katie-Ann; three grandchildren, Zoey, Tyler, and Mikayla Reeves; two sisters, Carol Ainey and Rhonda Mills; a brother, William Reeves; a nephew, Neal; and four nieces, Iantha, Naomi, Ruby, and Shelby. He was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa Reeves; a sister, Terry Severcool; and a brother, Christian Reeves. A Celebration of Life with full military honors will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. “If the Army and Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by the United States Marines.” OORAH!!! Mary Patricia Webster, 78, of Hop Bottom, Lathrop Township passed away January 14, 2025 at Allied Services Hospice in Scranton.
Her husband, William, passed away on April 19, 2024. Born in Toronto, Canada she is the daughter of the late Patrick and Mary MacDonald Lemiuex. Prior to retiring she worked in medical equipment sales and was a member of the St. Patrick Church in Nicholson. She is survived by a son, Michael Glowacki. A mass of Christian burial performed by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun will be Tuesday, January 28th at 11:00am in the St. Patrick Church, 205 Main Street, Nicholson. Those who wish to attend the service are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be held at the convienence of the family in the Lockwood Cemetery in Chemung, NY.  Gerald Dale Burgess, 82, of Hop Bottom passed away Sunday January 12, 2025 at Regional Hospital in Scranton.
His wife is Melvina Freeman Burgess and they have been married for 62 years. Born in Tunkhannock, he is the son of the late Louis and Verna Dymond Burgess. He graduated from Tunkhannock High School and was a self-employed truck driver for many years. Gerald was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family. In his spare time he could always be found working on his truck and he liked to hunt, fish, and camp. Gerald is also survived by four sons, Kenneth Burgess (Ronni), Jerry Burgess , Bob Burgess (Tara), and Tim Burgess (Jill); twelve grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Burgess (Marie); a sister, Gladys Anderson; a sister in law, Susan Burgess; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased four sisters, Eleanor, Esther, Marion, and Loretta; and a brother, Louis Jr. A memorial service performed by Rev. John Whitehead will be held on Saturday February 1, 2025 at 12 Noon in the Nicholson United Methodist Church. Family and friends may call from 11am until service time at the church. |
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