Obituary Writing and Submission Services

Sarah (Witkowski) Knauer, 38, of Glen Lyon, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 18, at home.

She was born July 1, 1986, in the former Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, to Bernard “Sonny” and Susan (Guzofsky) Witkowski.

Sarah married the love of her life, Jason, on Oct. 7, 2017, after spending six years dating. Together, they shared a love for sports, movies, and anything pop culture. Sarah and Jason were each other’s better half, despite their different taste in hockey teams.

In childhood, Sarah was an altar server, attended Bible school, and painted the altar cloths at St. Adalbert’s Church in Glen Lyon. In elementary school, Sarah participated in a Christmas card-making contest and her design was selected as the winner to be sold to raise money for the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. In high school, she was selected as a freshman to be a backup singer for Andy Williams’ Christmas show at the arena in Wilkes-Barre Township. She also loved to play sports, including field hockey, soccer, Little League, cheerleading at St. Mary’s Church in Nanticoke, and participating in the school chorus ensemble and drama stage crew. She took pride in playing Jack’s mother and painting the cow for the school’s performance of “Into The Woods.”

Sarah graduated from Greater Nanticoke Area, Class of 2004, and earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2011. After graduating, she was employed as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. She also taught pharmacy to students at Wilkes University as an adjunct professor. Most recently, she was employed in Geisinger’s cardiology department. She was recently published in Cardiology Today’s October edition.

Sarah’s commitment and passion for her career were evident in the care she gave her patients and in the incredible, in-depth stories she could recite years later. Her immense intelligence shone through in everything she did. From her sharpness and quick wit to her cleverly sarcastic sense of humor, she was a one-of-a-kind type of person.

Sarah will be remembered for her immense love for learning, reading — particularly “Gone With The Wind” and “Harry Potter” — and drawing, shopping, and cosmetic fashion. She really knew how to do her makeup.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Clem and Geraldine Guzofsky; paternal grandparents, Bernard and Anna Witkowski; cousin, Herman Olenginski; and fur-babies, Rascal, Indie, Georgia, Katie, and Bell.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jason; parents, “Sonny” and Susan, Glen Lyon; uncle and aunt, David and Eleanor Guzofsky, Nanticoke; mother-in-law, Donna Knauer, Pittston Township; numerous loving cousins; and fur-babies, Charlie, RB, and Bonny.

It does not seem possible to portray in words the truly extraordinary life that Sarah lived. She had a fierce determination to educate and better herself constantly while being one of the most compassionate and caring people you could ever meet. The soul-deep love she had for her husband — that he returned absolutely — is what love stories are made of. She was the corner of her parents’ world. She will be missed deeply by so many.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, from George A. Strish Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., Glen Lyon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Adalbert’s Church, Holy Spirit Parish, 31 S. Market St., Glen Lyon. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9:30 a.m. to service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Cecelia Mary Benson, age, 96, of Shickshinny Lake, PA, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at Holy Spirit/St. Mary’s Church, Mocanaqua. Interment will follow in Ascension Cemetery, Mocanaqua.

Funeral Arrangements are by the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., Glen Lyon.

William C. Liggett, age 74, a lifetime resident of Ashley, PA, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre.

He was born in Wilkes Barre on March 17, 1951, the son of the late Abner and Eloise (Glace) Liggett. He was a graduate of Ashley Sugar Notch High School. Bill was proud to serve his country in the US Navy. He was employed as a machinist by North End Electric Company until his retirement in 2016.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He and his wife were yearly Disney World visitors which was one of their favorite places. He also loved traveling to different states with his daughter Rebecca to the NASCAR races.

Preceding him in death was his beloved wife, Alice (Edwards) Liggett in 2013.

Surviving are his daughters, Georgette Ulichney and husband Christopher, Karen Liggett, Rebecca Liggett and her companion Bill, 2 grandchildren, Steven and Emma Ulichney, sisters, Judy Schraeder and her companion David Kaskus, Lucy Edwards, Carol Elick and her husband Ray. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

A Prayer Service will be conducted by Pastor Rebecca Tanner, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 am at the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley. Interment to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service.

Mark K. Ackerman, 76, of Glen Lyon, PA, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes Barre.

He was born in Wilkes Barre, PA on December 16, 1948, the son of the late William and Eleanor (Evans) Ackerman. He graduated from Coughlin High School, Wilkes Barre, and Penn State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. He was employed by SCI Dallas until his retirement in 2008. Mark was also proud to serve his country in the US Navy.

Preceding him in death was a daughter, Theresa Michelle Tillotson in 2002, a sister, Marlyn Kepler, and brothers, William and Keith Ackerman.

Surviving is his wife of 41 years, Cecelia Rose (Lucas) Ackerman, at home, son, John W. Corkell (Lorraine), Glen Lyon, PA, daughters, Melissa Helmecki (Peter), Glen Lyon, PA, and Jennifer Rodriguez (Michael), Drums, PA, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., Glen Lyon, PA.

James L. Coulter, 60, of Kingston, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

He was born in Newark, NJ, the son of the late Daniel and Darlene (Goss) Coulter.

A beloved father and grandfather, Jim was known for his infectious laughter, adventurous attitude, and the love he gave to his daughter and grandkids.

Surviving is his daughter, Jamie Coulter, and her fiancée, Keith Lewis, of Mountaintop, PA, 3 grandchildren, Arianna Grady, Sean Grady, and Kartyr Lewis.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are by the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley.

David Mark Balakier, 67, entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2025, at Allied Services Skilled Nursing – Meade Street.

David was born in Sugar Notch, PA on April 30, 1957, the son of the late Henry and Regina (Wlosinski) Balakier. He was a member of the 1975 graduating class of Bishop Hoban High School. He was employed as an appliance repairman for 31 years by Mastroff Appliance Company and Sears and Roebuck, Inc. He later worked as a stagehand for Mountain Productions. 

David was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish, Sugar Notch, PA until its closing. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Dymphna Council 12814 where he was a Past Grand Knight. David served as a member of the Sugar Notch council for many years. He belonged to the IATSE Union Local 82 and St. Conrad’s Society.

David was an avid lover of music, gardening, and cooking. While he did not have children of his own, he shared these passions with his nieces and nephews through the years. Uncle Dave lived for time spent with family, especially on holidays. As the family grew, he became an integral part of traditions, both old and new, with his nieces and their families. These memories will carry us through until we meet again. He brought joy to so many children by portraying Santa Claus at the annual Knights of Columbus Christmas party. He had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh with his endless arsenal of jokes.

Surviving are his three loving siblings, Andrea Fallon and the late George Fallon, Michael Balakier and his wife Bonnie, and Linda Helfrick and her husband Bob, all of Sugar Notch, PA. Left to cherish his memory are 7 nieces and nephews: Donna, Dara, Deandra, Robbie, Michael, Justin, and Eric, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends and “brothers” Bernie Shalata and Paul “Iggy” Rakowski.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 9:30 am from the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 10.

Chester M. Mierzwa, age 75, of Glen Lyon, PA, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at his home. Surviving is his wife, Theresa (Butz) Mierzwa, at home.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the George A Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., Glen Lyon.

Tracey Lynn Busa, age 61, of Edwardsville, PA, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Edenbrook 2nd Ave., Kingston, PA.

Memorial Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley, PA.

Free Obit Tracey Lynn Busa February 15, 2025

Marlyn A. Finnegan, 82, of Ashley, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Mountain City Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Hazle Twp., PA. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm from the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 12:00 pm until the time of service. The interment will be in the Albert Cemetery, Mountaintop. 

Cecelia M. Benson, age 96, of Shickshinny Lake, PA, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre. 

Funeral arrangements are pending from the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 211 West Main St., Glen Lyon. 

Free death Notice in TL For Thursday, February 13, 2025

Zigmund P. Skipalis Jr., 82, a lifelong resident of Hanover Twp., PA, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at his home. He was born in Hanover Twp., PA on May 3, 1942, the son of the late Zigmund and Katherine (Witinski) Skipalis Sr. He attended Hanover High School and was employed by the former Park King Concrete Company until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Leo the Great Church, Ashley and the former Holy Family Church, Sugar Notch.

Ziggy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and bowling.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy in 2020; brothers, Andrew and Edward Skipalis; and sister, Catherine Kuklewicz. Surviving are his daughters, Brenda Skipalis and Kathy Skipalis; sister-in-law, Delores Skipalis; nieces, Doris Kuklewicz Brady and Linda Skipalis Morgan; and nephews, Edward Kuklewicz III and Barry Skipalis.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are by the George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley.

Paid obit in both CV & TL, no photo

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During this challenging time, George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home is here to provide the caring assistance you need with obituary services. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the process, ensuring your loved one's memory is honored with dignity and respect. Don't hesitate to reach out – we're here to support you every step of the way in creating a meaningful and lasting tribute.