McMichael Funeral Home, Inc.

Jay Earl Wise Jr., always known as "Jay Jay" lost his earthly battle on May 4th 2021 when he was reunited with his Lord and Savior. He was born on October 2, 1976 to Jay Earl Wise, Sr., of Benton & Sherry Rinehart of Bechtelsville, Pa. In recent months Jay Jay spent a lot of quality time with his parents routinely each week making memories that will be cherished forever. He leaves behind 2 daughters: Kasey Avila of Benton & Ellie Wise of Turbotville and a son Taylor Wise al...so of Turbotville. Jay Jay was the youngest of 4 children. His siblings are Tami Collae of Orangeville, Pa April Neuman of Bechtelsville Pa & Christopher Wise of Barto Pa. Jay Jay loved Farming with his Father, hunting, listening to music and spending time with his Nieces/Nephews and his Grandkids Aleeah & Aeson Avila. Afterall, he was a big Kid at heart & always seemed most comfortable around the Kids. You could say He was the Pied Piper of Children. If you knew him you also knew that he was a Huge Atlanta Braves fan. Jay Jay's early departure from this earth leaves many friends and family with a huge hole in their heart that will be very difficult to heal. May we all find comfort in knowing that he is at Peace now & lean on each other throughout this difficult time. John 3:16 says: "For God So Loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." Jay Jay believed this without a doubt. Although we will all miss him terribly here on earth, we will meet again someday. Private services will be at the convenience of the family under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton. For online condolences or for additional information , please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com See more

Deborah A. (Hess) Comstock, 67, of Berwick, died Wednesday evening, April 28th, 2021 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Born May 30, 1953 at the Berwick Hospital, she was a daughter of the late Gary and Nancy (Lynn) Hess. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Comstock, on October 5, 2012. Deborah attended Columbia Montour Vocational Technical School and was employed by the former Venditti Travel Agency in Bloomsburg. She had later worked for Wal-Mart and D...ollar Tree until her retirement in 2005. She was a member of the Benton Christian Church. She was also a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, sewing, reading and gaming. Surviving are her three children: Autumn L. Shuman, of Berwick; Karl Hess, of Berwick and Heather Sellers and her husband, Paul, of Benton; three step children: John Comstock, Jr., of Hetlerville; Jerrel Comstock, of South Carolina; Dora Comstock of Millville; seventeen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Private services will be held at the convenience of the Family. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Comstock Family. For online condolences, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

Carrol Leroy Fausey, 84, of Greenwood Township, died Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Lisa Fausey, in Martinsburg, West Virginia under the excellent care of Home Helpers of the Panhandle and Hospice of the Panhandle. Born November 13, 1936 in Bloomsburg, he was the son of the late Fred and Elsie (Hartman) Fausey and raised by the late Roy and Cora (Hartman) Keeler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Lois (Fritz) Fausey wh...o died September 6, 1992 and his long-time companion Gertrude Hoover. Also preceding Carrol in death were his brother, Wayne M. Fausey, on July 21, 2016 and his grandson, Nicholas Miller. Carrol was a graduate of Millville High School and faithfully served the country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving in Germany as an Ordinance Specialist. He then returned to the U. S. as a member of the U. S. Army Reserves. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was self-employed as a plumbing and heating contractor owning Fausey’s Builders working alongside his Uncle Roy Keeler and cousin and brother-in-law Larry Fausey for more than 20 years. Carrol was a proud Lifetime Member of the American Legion, Millville Arthur Bardo Post 564 and the Benton V.F.W. Carrol was proud to have served as Post Commander at Post 564 in Millville as well as having served as the Pennsylvania District 17 Commander twice. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling throughout Pennsylvania and District 17 meeting with fellow Legionnaires as well as attending state and national conventions. He also held past memberships in the Moose and Elks Lodges of Bloomsburg. Surviving are his two children: 1SG Brian T. Fausey (U.S.A., Ret.) and his wife, Lisa Fausey, of Martinsburg, WV and Michelle Shangraw and her husband John, of Berwick; five grandchildren Jamie Gum, Melissa Gum, Brooke Fausey, Ryan Fausey and Ben Fausey; five great grandchildren and a sister, Ethel Horne of Bloomsburg as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc, 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton (State Route 487) with Pastor Robert K. Andrews, Derrs Christian Church officiating. Burial will be at the Jackson Cemetery, Derrs, with full military honors. A viewing will be held Monday from 11:00A. M. until the time of the service at 1:00 P. M. at McMichael's in Benton. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Arthur Bardo American Legion Post #564, 259 Legion Road, Millville, PA 17846. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

Raymond Floyd Hacker, 95, of Fairmount Township, died Monday afternoon, April 26th, 2021 at his home. Born November 5, 1925 in Sugarloaf Township, he was a son of the late Harvey and Lillian (VanSickle) Hacker, of Central. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane E. (Eves) Hacker on December 19, 1996. Mr. Hacker faithfully served his country in the U. S. Army from 1944 to 1946 in World War II. He worked as a printer for the Lancaster Press in Lancaster, retiring in 1988.... Mr. Hacker was a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 460, F. & A. M., of Orangeville; the Order of Eastern Star, the Benton V. F. W., the Benton Lions Club, the Fairmount Springs United Methodist Church, the Sugarloaf Township Men's Group. He was a former member of the Grange and the Elks Lodge. His hobbies included gardening, wood working, refinishing antiques, building cabinets, dressers, tables, bird houses and jewelry chests. Surviving are his four children: Susan Hacker, San Diego, CA; Diane Hershey, Benton; Linda Swann, St. Augustine, FL; Jenny Hatfield, Trenton, FL; five grandchildren: E. Paul Anderson and his wife Toby; Joni Anderson Dachs and her husband, Mark; Jeremy Smith and his wife, Dee; Melissa Hatfield; Rachel Hatfield Acken and her husband, Brian; four great grandchildren: Justin Anderson, Katelyn Smith, Nora Rose Hoy, Katie Dachs. Also surviving are his siblings: Elro (Hacker) Delp Thomlinson Brink, Lancaster; Freas Hacker and his wife, Helen, of Dover, DE; Francis Hacker, of Berwick, and nieces and nephews. Friends and Relatives will be received Friday, April 30th, 2021 from 11 AM until 12 Noon at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton. Graveside Services and Military Honors will be held at 12:30 PM at the Fairmount Springs Cemetery with Pastor Michael T. Bodek, officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Fairmount Springs United Methodist Church, c/o Gail Sorber, 218 Old County Road, Benton, PA 17814 or to the Benton Lions Club, c/o Allan Harvey, P. O. Box 507, Benton, PA 17814. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Hacker Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

M. Elaine (Parks) Petroff, 60, of Berwick and formerly of the Benton area, died Thursday evening, April 15th, 2021 at Bloomsburg Care and Rehab. Center following a brief illness. Born April 3, 1961 at the Bloomsburg Hospital, she was a daughter of the late Gerald D. Parks, Sr., who died Jan. 22, 2014 and Mildred E. (Robbins) Parks who died April 14, 1989. She and her husband, Matthew Petroff celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary on April 2nd. Elaine attended Benton Hig...h School and had been employed by Liquidtane and then by Consolidated Container in Berwick. She attended the New Testament Assembly of God in Millville. Elaine enjoyed camping, the family reunions, spending time at Knoebels Amusement Park and with her beloved dogs. Along with her husband, Matt, she is survived by three foster children: Kenny, Evan and Alyssa Parks; a brother, Gerald D. Parks, Jr., and a sister, Catherine M. Roth, both of Florida. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our webiste: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

David R. Hack, Sr., age 59, of Millville, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021, a patient of the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. He was born on Wednesday, March 15, 1961 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Donald and Mary (Nause) Hack. On September 3, 1982, David married his loving wife, the former Charlotte M. Watkins. For 15 years, David was employed by Bloomsburg Mills and later for Cargill, Hazleton until his retirement in 2009. He loved spending time with family ...and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and working outdoors. In addition to his parents, David was also preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Hack, a sister in law, Bonnie Hack, and an uncle, Harold Hack. Survivors include his beloved wife of 39 years, Charlotte M. Hack, a son, David Hack, Jr. of Millville, a daughter, Stacy Hack and boyfriend Justin Enterline of Bloomsburg, a granddaughter, Kylenna Hack, an aunt, Jackie Hack of Millville, a niece, Melissa Hack of Berwick, a nephew, Danny Hack, Jr. of Mifflinville, two cousins, Nevin Hack of Millville, Barb wife of Gary Crawford of Millville, and a half brother, Damon Hack of Bloomsburg. Private services will be at the convenience of the family. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton is honored to serve the Hack family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/David-HackSr

N. Hester (Fritz) Andress, 97, of Summerhill and a Benton area native, died early Friday morning, February 12, 2021 at the Bonham Nursing Center, Stillwater, where she had been a resident since August. Born March15, 1923 in Jackson Township, she was a daughter of the late Karl W. and Sarah (Appleman) Fritz. She was a 1941 graduate of Benton High School. Hester had done housekeeping for area residents and had also worked at Bercon Packaging in Berwick.... Hester was a member of the Summerhill Evangelical United Methodist Church. Surviving are her two daughters: Dawn Smith and her husband, Jerry, of Berwick; Kathy Sands and her companion, John Goodall, of Baroda, Michigan; four grandchildren: Christian Smith and his wife, Leslie; Troy Smith and his wife Lynn; Carla Sands; Carrie Meyer and her husband, Tony. Also surviving are ten great grandchildren: Benjamin Smith, Zachary Smith, Nathan Smith, Aaron Smith, Adam Smith, Craig Smith, Brianna Embry, Sophie Lara, Tony Meyer, Jr. and Jace Meyer. She was the last member of her immediate family and along with her parents, was preceded in death by two sisters: Eleanor Sands on Dec. 6, 2014 and Gladys Strauch on Dec. 13, 2007. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc. of Benton, is honored to serve the Andress Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obitua/NHester-Andress

Ashley Ann (Steavens) Goode, 34, of Palmyra, Dauphin County, went to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, February 7, 2021 at her home. Born March 3, 1986 in Lansing, Michigan, she was a daughter of Kristine (Ehrke) Phillips, of Lansing, Michigan and the late Jeffrey Steavens. She and her husband, Brian J. Goode, would have celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary on June 14th. Ashley was a graduate of Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan and Purdue Kaplan University wher...e she earned a BS degree in Early Childhood Education and Social Work. She had been employed for nine years with Invision Human Services and more recently with Apex Health Care. She enjoyed spending time with her daughter, listening to 80's music, hiking, camping, traveling, family get-aways and gatherings, cooking, gardening, watching movies, Disney, and the Gilmore Girls. Surviving in addition to her mother and her husband, Brian, are her daughter, Hadlee Violet Goode; a sister, Alicia Lott and her husband, Mike, of Elsie, MI; two brothers: Joseph Ehrke, of Lansing, MI and Andrew Simmons and his wife, Erin, also of Lansing. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A Visitation will be held Saturday, February 13th, 2021 from 1 until 2 PM at the Benton United Methodist Church, Main Street, Benton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the National Association of Mental Illness, 140 Roosevelt Ave., Ste. 105, York, PA 17401 or to Alcoholics Anonymous, General Service Office, Box 459, Grand Central Station, NY, NY 10163. Private Services for the family will be held in Benton and also in Michigan at a later date. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton, is honored to serve the Goode Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Ashley-Goode

Francine (Romeo) Guzy, age 93, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Sunset Ridge Health Care, Bloomsburg, where she had been a resident for the past 8 years. Francine was born in Berwick on April 22, 1927, and she resided in the Wilkes-Barre area for most of her life. She was a daughter of the late Pasquale and Mary (Esole) Romeo. She was also preceded in death by her 4 brothers (Steve, Michael, Patsy, and Sam Romeo), and her 7 sisters (Rachel Romeo, Nellie O’Bell, ...Regina DeMelfi, AntanetteSie, Mary Perry, Albina Romeo, and Louise Hanko). Francine is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held later in the Spring of 2021, when the weather is fairer, and the pandemic less deadly. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Berwick. Arrangements are under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Benton. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Francine-Guzy

Arleta J. (VanOrder) Johnson, 89, formerly of the Benton area, died Wednesday morning, February 3, 2021 at the Gardens at Orangeville. Born January 14, 1932 in Antrim, Tioga County, she was a daughter of the late Alfred VanOrder and Leona (Short) VanOrder. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Elwin A. Johnson, Sr., who died May 20, 1999. Mrs. Johnson was a graduate of Westfield High School, Class of 1950. She was a long-time employee of the Charles D. R...oberts Company, Stillwater, previously known as Thompson Wood Products, retiring in 1987. She and her late husband had lived in Benton for many years and moved to Stony Brook Circle in 1994. Most recently, she had lived at Scott Meadows in Bloomsburg. Mrs. Johnson enjoyed doing crafts, playing cards, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family. Surviving are her four children: Selma R. "Sally" Hippenstiel and her husband, Stephen, of Bendertown; Terrell "Terri" Lazar and her husband, Stephen, of Berwick; Elwin A. "Buddy" Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Teri, of Merritt Island, Florida; Lori Farver and her husband, Wayne Jr., of Orangeville. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 1great great grandson. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda D. Lockard on Dec. 8, 2013; a granddaughter, Amber Lynn Lazar on May 24, 1989; a great granddaughter, Eliese Faith English, on Nov. 10, 2001 and a sister, Reita Ackley. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in St. James Cemetery, Fishing Creek Township. The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Parks-Snyder, of the Lightstreet United Methodist Church, will officiate. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Johnson family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Commonwealth Hospice, 1409 N. Market Street, Suite 202, Berwick, PA 18603. The Johnson family would like to thank the staff of the Gardens at Orangeville and Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick for their excellent care. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Arleta-Johnson

Dora E. (Hess) Charles, 73, of North Centre Township, died Saturday evening, December 5, 2020 at her home. Born June 4, 1947 in Berwick, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Wenner) Hess. She and her husband, Carl Larue Charles were married in June 1990. Dora was a graduate of Benton High School and worked for various local restaurants over the years. She also owned and operated Hess's Restaurant in Orangeville for ten years. ... Surviving, in addition to her husband, are her three children: Jamie Charles and his wife, Nancy, of rural Orangeville; Angie Snyder and her husband, Butch, of Millville; Pastor Robert J. "Bob" Hess and his wife, Christie, of Berwick; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings: Shirley Albertson, Sharon Hess, Donna Natale, Roberta Jean Albertson and Robert James "Jim" Hess and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel Hess. Private graveside services will be held at the Talmar Cemetery. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Charles / Hess Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

Dean O. Zofcin, 64, formerly of Shickshinny, died Sunday morning, December 6th, 2020 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born November 29, 1956 in Berwick, he was a son of the late Robert Bob Zofcin, who died Dec. 11, 2008 and Marie Laura (Rule) Zofcin, who died Dec. 10, 2009. Dean attended Northwest Area Schools and West Side Tech in Kingston. He worked in the pest control business for Blast Control Company in New Jersey.... He was a member of the Bible Baptist Church of Shickshinny. Dean was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and his favorite musician was Paul McCartney. Surviving are a brother, Darrell R. Zofcin, Sr., of Massachusetts and a sister, Seena M. Wehrenberg and her husband, Eric, of Wapwallopen as well as nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Manor Care in Kingston for the wonderful care that they provided to Dean for the past four years. Private graveside services will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery, Shickshinny. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Zofcin Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Dean-Zofcin

Jean K. "Katie" (Still) Knorr, 73, of rural Benton (Sugarloaf Township), died Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at her home. Born June 11, 1947 in Tokyo, Japan, she was a daughter of the late Colonel Daniel E. Still and Jean Katherine (Mangum) Still. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth E. Knorr, on May 10, 2016. Katie was a graduate of the University of Maryland where she earned her Bachelor’s degree of Education, and two Masters degrees in Elementary and Special Educ...ation. She taught PreK, Elementary, Junior High/Middle School and Special Education students in Prince George’s County, Maryland for over 30 years until her retirement in 2003, when she and her husband, Ken, moved to Elk Grove permanently. She was an active member of the Benton Presbyterian Church, the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center and the Benton Senior Center. Katie served key roles in these organizations, helping to plan and execute events and supporting people in need. She was loved by the people of these communities. During her illness and especially after she entered hospice home care, she received a steady stream of visitors: old friends and even a former student from her teaching days, local friends and neighbors, and her family (traveling from as far as Texas). We are grateful that Commonwealth Home Hospice, Bayada Nurses and Griswold Homecare made it possible for Katie to go home. Katie’s hobbies included gardening, photography, reading, cooking, and traveling. In her younger years, she was a cracker jack softball player. She also was an avid music fan. She loved having her grandson and nieces and nephews spend time with her, especially during summer vacation. Surviving are her daughter, Jennifer Lynne Gilbert, of Owings, Maryland; her grandson, Ian D. Gilbert; two brothers: Daniel E. (Dan) Still, Jr., of Sykesville, MD; William A. (Bill) Still III, of Menard, TX; two sisters: Winifred S. (Wini) and husband Rob Hayes, of Lansdale, PA, their children Matt and wife Kimberley Hayes and Katie and husband James Greco, great nephews and niece Ryan, Jack, Adam and Nora Hayes and James and Aaron Greco; sister Margaret E. (Margee) Sanstrom, and her two children, Dan (Bubba) and Samantha (Sammy) Sanstrom of Marriottsville, MD: step daughter Lee Knorr of Stafford, VA, step grandchildren Lauren, Joshua, and Vincent. and stepson Kenneth Knorr of Fredericksburg, VA. Due to the current pandemic, services will be held at a later date when family and friends can safely gather to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) https://ocrahope.org/ The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Knorr Family. For online condolences, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jean-Knorr

J. Nevin Hartman, 70, of rural Benton (Jackson Township), died Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 at his home. Born April 22, 1950 at the Bloomsburg Hospital, he was a son of the late Robert C. Hartman, who died December 16, 1994 and Theresa (Yost) Hartman, who died November 10, 2018. Nevin was a 1968 graduate of Benton High School and then attended Williamsport Area Community College.... He owned and operated Hartman Construction for 40 years. He also had multiple rental properties and owned and operated Diggers Diversion and Waller Road Auto Mart. Nevin was a social member of the Benton V. F. W., was a member of the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge and the Sons of American Legion, Millville Post. His hobbies included muscle cars, motorcycles and Farmall tractors. In his younger years he enjoyed tractor pulls, hunting, 4 x 4 races, hill climbs and snowmobiling. Surviving are his son, Jarad N. Hartman and his wife, Amanda, of Benton; a granddaughter, Neva Hartman; three nephews: James Joseph Hartman, Brandon Hartman and Daniel Hartman, as well as his Aunt, Carolyn Hartman, all of Benton. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: James K. Hartman on December 18, 2009 and Robert D. Hartman in 2019. Due to the pandemic, graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 at 1 PM at the Waller Cemetery, Jackson Township, with Pastor Tyler Rauhauser, Waller United Methodist Church, officiating. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Hartman Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: https://www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com/obituary/JNevin-Hartman

Wayne E. Strausser, 80, of rural Nescopeck Chez Woodland, died Sunday, November 15, 2020. Born November 10, 1940 in Berwick, he was a son of the late Honorable Representative Albert E. Strausser, Sr. and Helen (Smith) Strausser. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert E. Strausser, Jr.; his Sister Marjorie Brennan and his brother-in-law, Robert Brennan. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Clio Iva (Mowery) Strausser, whom he married June...Continue reading