Jon was an avid collector and loved visiting Rehoboth Beach with his family.

Jon J. Fox, 73, of Elizabethtown passed away on July 24, 2026. He was born in Hershey to the late John W. Fox, Sr. and Jessie Noll and was a lifelong resident of this area. Jon proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He most recently worked with Lasco Bathware until his retirement. Jon was an avid collector and loved visiting Rehoboth Beach with his family.

Jon leaves behind his wife of seventeen years Ann Sherman of Elizabethtown; five children Gary Fox of Lebanon, Shannon Nicole Heim of Maytown, Bobbi Jo Bortner of Columbia, Jimmy, husband of Alexis Bortner of Maytown, Melissa Frasure; Twelve grandchildren; three siblings Steven Fox of Manheim, Charles Trostle of Lebanon, John Fox, Jr. of Cleona; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

A celebration of Jon’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced by his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to assist with funeral costs by calling 717-684-2370 or by mail to the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512.

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He was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed shooting.

A celebration of John’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the Columbia VFW Post 2435, 401 Manor St, Columbia, PA 17512. Attendees are asked to drop in during those hours.

John Elias Andes, 74, of Washington Boro passed away on July 20, 2026. He was born in Ephrata to the Elias A. and Mary G. Moore Andes and was a lifelong resident of this area.

John was a graduate of Penn Manor High School with the Class of 1969. Following graduation, he worked with Hubley Manufacturing Company, Armstrong World Industries, and Kellogg’s before his retirement. He was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed shooting. John was a devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle who adored his family and treasured spending time with them.

John leaves behind his wife of forty years Deborah Andes of Washington Boro; his daughter Tamara, wife of Jeffrey Forsburg of Elizabethtown; eight siblings Mary Ann Landis of Jacksonville, FL, Ken Ortman of Washington Boro, Michael Andes of Leesburg, FL, Marcia Kulp of Kingman, AZ, Pearl House of Denver, Brian Andes of Denver, Patty Andes of Mount Joy, Brent Andes of Mount Joy; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of John’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the Columbia VFW Post 2435, 401 Manor St, Columbia, PA 17512. Attendees are asked to drop in during those hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Columbia Animal Shelter, 265 S. 10th St, Columbia, PA 17512 or www.columbiaanimalshelter.com.

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Larry enjoyed sports and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512.

The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. until service time.

Lawrence E. Newcomer, 79, of Columbia passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on July 20, 2026. He was born in Columbia to the late Clyde and Mary Wolpert Newcomer and was lifelong resident of the area.

Larry was a graduate of the Milton Hershey School and worked as lead machinist with Anvil until his retirement. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, being on the Susquehanna, and visiting the mountains in Perry County and lakes in Pennsylvania with his siblings, children, grandchildren, and great friends. Larry enjoyed sports and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. He loved his family’s music and often came out to dance at their performances. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle who adored his family and treasured spending time with them.

Larry leaves behind his wife Mary Kay Newcomer of Columbia - with whom he celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary this past weekend, three weeks before their actual anniversary of August 6th; three children Lori Newcomer, companion of Brian Lockard of Columbia, Mary Beth, wife of Brian Dehaven of Rothsville, Ken, husband of Denise Newcomer of Dallastown; five grandchildren Kerry Newcomer, Justin Newcomer, Justine Newcomer, Ryan Dehaven, Edison Newcomer; one great grandson Kieran McGinn; five siblings Mary Phillis Hartman, Carol Kline, Sarah “Sally” Welsh, Bill Newcomer, Kevin Newcomer; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Keith Newcomer and two siblings Clyde and Michael Newcomer.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Milton Hershey School Trust, P.O. Box 445, Hershey, PA 17033.

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She was a spitfire of a woman, who was always there to lend a helping hand to any living being in need.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Mary B. Brown, 75 of York, passed away on July 19, 2026 at the Penn State Lancaster Medical Center. She was the wife of the late John V. Brown, Sr. who preceded her in death in 2003. A longtime York County resident she was the daughter of the late James and Dorothy Silver Ward.

Mary was a devoted mother who cherished time with her family and friends. She was a spitfire of a woman, who was always there to lend a helping hand to any living being in need. Be it fur, feather, flower, or flesh; with grit and determination she would find a way. She did everything from animal rescue to lawn care, from feeding hungry mouths to giving the shirt off her own back if it was needed. Her memory will live on through every life she touched like the folklore of a human being she was.

She is survived by her daughters, Holly and Tabatha Brown; grandchildren, Dominque, Chevelle, and Cheyanne; great-grandchildren, Soul, Sonya, and Zane; sisters, Nancy Leiphart and Dorothy Wiley and sister-in-law and special friend, Betty Witmer. She was preceded in death by her son, John B. Brown Jr.; and siblings, James Brown and Sarah Torres.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

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Pete was the kind of man who would do anything to help those he loved.

Following cremation, at his request, no formal service will take place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family.  

Jerien "Pete" Smith, 65, of Wrightsville, PA, passed away peacefully on July 21st, 2026, at Susquehanna Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, PA after a brief illness.

Born on June 15, 1961, in Columbia, he was the son of the late Goldie Sprout and the late Morgan Smith.

Pete worked as a machinist at Slothower Machine Shop until his retirement in July 2025. He was a lifetime member of the Wrightsville Social Club and was a man of routine. Most mornings, you could find him there enjoying a cold beverage and sharing stories and laughs with the guys at the Social Club.

Pete was the kind of man who would do anything to help those he loved. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys, and he enjoyed golfing, deep-sea fishing, playfully tormenting his beloved cat, Maggie and his time spent at the Social Club.

In addition to his longtime companion, Anita, Pete is survived by his stepdaughters, Rachel (Chris) of Wrightsville and Tammy of Landisville; his niece, Brandi of Red Lion; and his great-niece, Logynn of Yorkana. Pete was loved by many and leaves behind countless friends whom he considered family.

In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Dallas; his sister, Daneen; his brother, Cole; and his nephew, Jordan.

Following cremation, at his request, no formal service will take place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family.  

In honor of Pete's love of golf and his community, memorial contributions may be made to the 9th Annual Wrightsville Fire Department Golf Tournament, c/o Wrightsville Fire Company, P.O. Box 148, Wrightsville, PA 17368.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Susquehanna Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster for the care and kindness shown to Pete during his final days.

"A familiar face, a loyal friend, and a man who cherished simple pleasures, Pete will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him."

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Rick was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed being on the Susquehanna and also hunting.

Richard Michael Gable, 79, of Columbia passed away on July 14, 2026. He was born in Lancaster to the late Marvin and Mary Jelley Gable and was a lifelong resident of this area. Rick was a graduate of Hempfield High School and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and worked with the Iron Workers Union until his retirement. He was a member of the Foresters’ of America – Columbia and the Columbia Borough Fire Department 80 (Hambones). He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed being on the Susquehanna and also hunting. Rick was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle who loved his family.

Rick leaves behind two daughters Lisa, wife of Ryan Sload of Marietta, Kristy, wife of Erik Albright of Columbia; four grandsons Tyler, Parker, Mason, and Liam; three siblings Barbara Gable of Owings Mills, MD, Mark, husband of Dianna Gable of Little River, SC, Ken Gable of Carlisle; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Tom Gable.

In honor of Rick’s final wishes there will be no formal services and any future services will be announced by his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Columbia Animal Shelter, 265 S. 10th St, Columbia, PA 17512 or www.columbiaanimalshelter.com.

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She will be remembered for her kindness, encouragement, generosity, and unwavering support that touched so many people.

A viewing will be held on July 23, 2026, from 4:00p.m. until 7: 00p.m at Clyde W Kraft Funeral Home, Inc.  519 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA. 17512.

A memorial service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Messer Lau, who died on July 14, 2026 at the age of 79 at home under Hospice care in Lancaster, PA after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jean was born in Columbia, PA to the late Chet Messer and Ruth Kline Messer. She grew up in Columbia, PA and graduated from Millersville University with a BS degree in Education. Throughout her life, Jean worked as a first-grade teacher at Park Elementary School in Columbia for 37 years before retiring in 2007. Jean was also the Varsity Cheerleading coach at Hempfield High School for over 20 years where her teams won multiple awards, including 9 straight National Cheerleading Association top team performance awards.

Above all, Jean cherished family and friends and her 7 beloved grandchildren. She enjoyed supporting her grandchildren at various high school and college sporting events, traveling to Walt Disney World many times every year, and her fond love of stopping at Buc-ees travel center locations throughout the United States.  She will be remembered for her kindness, encouragement, generosity, and unwavering support that touched so many people.

Jean is survived by her husband David M Lau, children Jeff Quinn (Laura) of Elizabethtown, PA., Amy Roggenbuch (Douglas) of Toano, VA., and Megan Minder (Michael) of Lancaster, PA. She was the proud grandmother of Dylan, Madeline and Brodan Quinn, Victoria and Abigail Roggenbuch, and Delaney Collins (Noah) and Isaac Minder.  She is also survived by her stepfather Gordon Tolson. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A viewing will be held on July 23, 2026, from 4:00p.m. until 7: 00p.m at Clyde W Kraft Funeral Home, Inc.  519 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA. 17512.  A memorial service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jean's warmth, love, and lasting impact will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and all whose lives she touched as either a family member, friend, teacher or coach.

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Paul was a man of deep faith and trusted in the Lord.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St. Columbia PA 17512 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Richard Groff, Celebrant.

Friends may view at the church one hour prior to the mass. 

Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery.

Paul F. Smith Sr., age 99, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Hospice and Community Care on July 13, 2026 after a brief illness. Born and raised in Columbia, PA, Paul was the son of August and Catherine (Dinkle) Smith and lived the last 18 years in Manheim.

Paul was married to Joanne (Maxenberger) with whom he celebrated 78 years of marriage in April. He graduated from Columbia High School where he played baseball and was a member of the Scoreboard Squad. His father had to pick up his diploma as Paul missed graduation due to being drafted in the Army during WWll where he served as a PFC in the European Theater. 

Paul was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and in addition, for the past 18 years, a member of St. Richard Catholic Church in Manheim. Paul was a man of deep faith and trusted in the Lord.  Prayer was a central part of his daily life and each evening he shared a special time of prayer with Joanne.

Paul lived in service to others, especially to Joanne. He retired from Hamilton Watch in 1989 and operated a part time watch repair business from his home where he often could be found at his work bench, a watchmaker’s loupe to his eye and tweezers in his hand, meticulously working on timepieces. Paul was a wise man.  Even at 99 people continued to seek his counsel, trusting his experience, insight and sound and thoughtful perspective.  He offered advice that was both practical and compassionate. Paul was competitive, playing baseball as a young man and tennis with family and friends.  Up until his illness he was always up for a game of dominoes, Skip-Bo or Shanghai rummy where he proved to be a fierce opponent. Paul was artistic and loved to sing. A greeting card from Paul was known to include his own artwork, usually depicting a bucolic scene. He volunteered with Songs for the Journey for many years, singing to patients at the bedside when death is imminent in local hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. He enjoyed watching sports and westerns, trains, and following the Oakland A’s. Primarily Paul loved the Lord, Jesus Christ.

 In addition to his wife Joanne, Paul is survived by his 7 children: Paul Smith Jr., Jan Marie Kaufhold, Barbara Smith, Marianne Nicklaus (Jim Nicklaus), Dr. Timothy R. Smith (K. Marie Smith), Beth Kinard (Harry Kinard), and Elaine Leech (Oscar Leech); 11 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.  In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his siblings: Bernadine, Veronica, Edward and Cyril; daughter-in-law Patricia Nachtrab; granddaughter Kaitlynn Smith and great granddaughter Olivia Leech-Sasso.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St. Columbia PA 17512 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Richard Groff, Celebrant. Friends may view at the church one hour prior to the mass.  Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please have a Mass said for Paul at any Catholic church or by contacting St. Richard Catholic Church (717-665-2465) or Holy Trinity Catholic Church (717-684-2711).

 The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the excellent and compassionate care provided by LGH ICU unit and Hospice and Community Care.

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Above all, Eddie loved God and cherished time with his family.

A service of remembrance will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA 17512 on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Edwin “Eddie” Davila, 68, of West Hempfield Township, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Amy Davila, with whom he shared 43 years of companionship and 35 years of marriage. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Luis Anibal Davila and Naomi Morales-Davila.

Edwin proudly served in the U.S. Army and retired in 2016 from the New York City Housing Authority, where he worked as an elevator mechanic. A classic car enthusiast, he enjoyed attending car shows and displaying his ’74 Camaro. Wherever he went, he made friends and enjoyed talking with everyone. He was a member of Columbia Fish & Game, VFW Post 2435, L.O.O.M. Lodge 307, and the Susquehanna Valley Camaro Club. Above all, he loved God and cherished time with his family.

In addition to his wife are his children, Amy Lynn Davila and son-in-law Leon; Eddie Jr. and his wife of Gladys; daughter-in-law Rose wife of the late Edwin Joseph Davila; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sisters, Lourdes Davila-Rojas and Lisa and her husband David Vargas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation’s may be made in Eddie’s memory to: https://www.pennstatehealth.org/childrens/giving

A service of remembrance will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA 17512 on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

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Mildred was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who adored her family and treasured being with them.

Mildred R. McDowell, 88, of Wrightsville passed away on July 1, 2026. She was born in Hametown, PA to the late Austin and Hilda Hershey Besser. Mildred grew up and worked with her family business: Besser’s Cabins and Department Store and worked other jobs before retiring from Harley Davidson in York. She enjoyed drinking beer and spending time with her family. Mildred was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who adored her family and treasured being with them.

Midred leaves behind three sons Eugene D., husband of Robin Gingerich of Hellam, Robert E. Gingerich of Wrightsville, Donald L. Gingerich of Dover; two beloved grandchildren Makayla and Donnie; six great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son Michael A. Gingerich.

There will be no formal services for Mildred and she will be laid to rest privately at Fairview Cemetery in Wrightsville. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Columbia Animal Shelter, 265 S. 10th St, Columbia, PA 17512 or www.columbiaanimalshelter.com.

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Bonnie enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, sewing, shopping, listening to music, and spending time at the Columbia Senior Center. Above all, she treasured time with her family and her beloved grand kitties and grand dogs.

Bonnie M. Bechtold, 71, of West Hempfield Township, was peacefully reunited with her beloved husband, Richard J. Bechtold, Jr., on Thursday, June 25, 2026, after a brief illness at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. They were married on June 29, 1974, and shared many years together before his passing in 2015. Born in Lancaster, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Doris Consylman Yost.

Bonnie worked in the Housekeeping Department at Lancaster General Hospital for 18 years before retiring in 2023. Prior to that, she was employed at the K Café at Kmart on Fruitville Pike in Lancaster. She enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, sewing, shopping, listening to music, and spending time at the Columbia Senior Center. Above all, she treasured time with her family and her beloved grand kitties and grand dogs.

She is survived by her daughter, Crystal McKinney, widow of the late Ed McKinney, Sr., her grandchildren, Emily (Esteban) Vargas and Edward McKinney Jr.; her siblings, Sandra Vazquez, Judy Birchfield, and Mark Yost; sister-in-law Darlene (Mike) Hefflefinger; as well as other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also the mother of her son, Richard J. Bechtold III.

Bonnie especially enjoyed volunteering her time at the Senior Center and valued the friendships she made there. One of her favorite memories was being crowned Queen at the Columbia Senior Center's 2026 Western-themed Senior Prom, an honor that brought her great joy and many smiles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. Bechtold, Jr.; her mother, Doris Consylman Yost; her son-in-law, Ed McKinney, Sr.; and her siblings, Dennis Parke, Richard Yost Jr., and Jacob Parke Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Columbia Senior Center in Bonnie's memory. The love, friendship, and sense of community she found there brought her great joy throughout her retirement.

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Les had a passionate, lifelong commitment to fitness, strength and physical activity and he enjoyed working out and socializing with friends at the Hempfield rec Center.

Funeral services will be held from the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia, PA on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM

There will be no public viewing, however the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Private interment will follow in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Leslie L. Schoelkoph, 79, Lancaster, known as "Coach" or "Les", passed away at his home on June 19, 2026.

Born in Columbia, PA, he was the son of the late George A. and Alice Fogie Schoelkoph. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Schoelkoph.

Les graduated from Columbia High School, Class of 1965, where he excelled at multiple sports and earned a total of 10 Varsity letters in football, wrestling and baseball. Among his many athletic achievements, he was selected for the 1964 first team All-Conference football team and he co-received the Lancaster County Football League Bernie Rider Memorial Trophy for outstanding linebacker. Les was "Columbia Proud" and enjoyed reminiscing the glory days with former teammates.

He attended Trinidad Junior College, Colorado, and graduated from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado, where he played football under scholarship. Following college, he signed with the Montreal Alouettes, Canadian Football League and later signed with the Pottstown Firebirds, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Les returned to Columbia High School (CHS) as a Physical Education teacher and he held numerous coaching positions including tenures of head coach for football, wrestling, baseball, and track & field. Under his leadership, the 1982 CHS Varsity wrestling team won the Lancaster-Lebanon Section title. Les also coached the wrestling team at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and produced an overall winning record. His coaching experiences were very rewarding to him and were fondly remembered.

He was inducted in the first class of the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements and was also inducted in 2018, with the 1975 CHS State Championship Track team, that he coached. In 2004, he was inducted in the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame.

In later years, he was most proud of training extensively and competing in well-known powerlifting federations, including the USA Powerlifting, the International Powerlifting Association, and the World Natural Powerlifting Federation, where he held State, National and World Titles.

Les had a passionate, lifelong commitment to fitness, strength and physical activity and he enjoyed working out and socializing with friends at the Hempfield recCenter.

He was a member of the Columbia VFW and the PA State Education Association.

Les is survived by a son, several cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held from the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia, PA on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Jeff Engroff, officiating. There will be no public viewing, however the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private interment will follow in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Kindly omit flowers.

Contributions in Les's memory to the Columbia Education Foundation, PO Box 548, Columbia, PA 17512 would be deeply appreciated.

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Everywhere she went she collected new friends much as she did seashells and the cherished greeting cards that came of so many friendships.

According to Beth's wishes a private ceremony will be held at the convenience of the family.

Elizabeth Betrone (Beth) was born in Columbia, PA in 1938, the younger daughter of George Y. and Anna S. Berntheizel. Beth passed away peacefully at home from natural causes on June 18, 2026 at the age of 87.

Beth attended Holy Trinity in Columbia, PA, and graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1956 where she twirled as a majorette in the marching band. She established friendships from these beginnings that she cherished through a lifetime surviving family moves and the natural passage of time. Beth married John Wesley Betrone III on August 17, 1957. Their married life took them from Pennsylvania to Ohio to Delaware before returning home again to Lancaster County, where they settled in Landisville for more than forty years. Together they raised four children.

In her active youth, Beth was a crackerjack clay pigeon shooter, a lover of canoeing, and an enthusiastic participant in at-home sing-alongs while playing the family piano. She introduced her own children to boogie boarding and building drippy castles during long, shared summer stays at Stone Harbor with family and friends. Wherever she lived she found ways to contribute. Beth started a church preschool program in Ohio, volunteered as a Campfire Girl, and Cub Scout leader, and taught CCD at St. Leo's Church in Lancaster. As a grandmother, she attended ballet recitals, orchestra and chorus concerts, and sporting events. From an artistic family, Beth taught her personal signature drawings of house, tree, tulip, and rabbit to her grandchildren. Beth even memorably performed her own bathtub baptism ritual on some of her grandchildren.

Beth dove deeply into a lengthy encore career at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, making a splash ultimately for 23 years as an Academic Department Coordinator for Departments of Philosophy and Religious Studies. She retired in 2011, having been awarded the inaugural Richard Kneedler Distinguished Service Award in 2006 for her naturally caring involvement that continued into retirement. She appreciated working and learning with faculty, administration, students, and fellow staff, especially the facilities and operations team. She is remembered by many not only for her dedication but for her collegial mischief and frequent laughter.

Beth imbued every gathering with a festive spirit yet also had a friendly competitive streak that showed up in all she did, from tennis, bowling, darts, pinochle, and in her later years at Woodcrest Villa, canasta. Through the course of her lifetime, Beth and her husband, John enjoyed traveling to Germany, Iceland, Switzerland; Acapulco, Mexico; Taos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dolores, Colorado; Santa Cruz, Kirkwood, Tahoe, California, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, St. Augustine and Indialantic, Florida as well as frequent trips to Cape Cod and Nantucket, Massachusetts. Everywhere she went she collected new friends much as she did seashells and the cherished greeting cards that came of so many friendships.

Beth is survived by her four children, Beth (Steve) Vail, Miki (John) Betrone-Harpst, Susan (Scott) Van Arman, and Michael (Melissa) Betrone; seven grandchildren, Ali (James), Kenzie (Eddie), Jessica (Meli), Justin (Caroline), Greta, Claudine, and Iris; two great-grandchildren Jocelyn and Savannah; brother Jack (Dr. Peg Bohnert) Berntheizel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years John Betrone, brothers George (dear lifelong friend Sue) and Jim Berntheizel, and sister Ann B. Clarey.

According to Beth's wishes a private ceremony will be held at the convenience of the family.

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She enjoyed taking bus trips with her friends at St. Peter Apartments.

Services for Patricia will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512.

The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. until service time.

Burial will be private and she will be laid to rest with her late husband at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Patricia A. Wagner, 89, of Columbia passed away on June 17, 2026. She was born in Columbia to the late Charles and Elenora McComsey Holland and was a life long resident of Columbia.

Patricia was a graduate of Columbia High School with the Class of 1955 and worked as an inspector with the former R & S Manufacturing Company until her retirement. She enjoyed taking bus trips with her friends at St. Peter Apartments. Patricia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who adored her family and treasured spending time with them.

Patricia leaves behind her son Barry Wagner of Middletown; two grandsons Adam Wagner of Elizabethtown and Nathan Wagner of Middletown; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Herbert H. Wagner in 2003; her daughter-in-law Carron Wagner; six siblings.     

Services for Patricia will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be private and she will be laid to rest with her late husband at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Columbia Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 391, Columbia, PA 17512.

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Amelia enjoyed knitting and visits from her family and friends.

A graveside service for Amelia will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. Peter Cemetery, 801 Old Chickies Hill Rd,
Columbia, PA 17512. she will be laid to rest with her parents.

Amelia C. Moore, 76, of Columbia passed away on June 21, 2026. A lifelong resident of Columbia, she was born to the late Joseph L. and Doris Bowers Moore.

Amelia enjoyed knitting and visits from her family and friends. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peter Catholic Church.

Amelia leaves behind her brother Joseph, husband of Barb Moore of Columbia; three nephews Joey, Mark, and Kyle; numerous cousins and a large extended family.

A graveside service for Amelia will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. Peter Cemetery, 801 Old Chickies Hill Rd, Columbia, PA 17512. Fr. Mark Wilke will officiate and she will be laid to rest with her parents. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Peter Catholic Church, 121 S. 2nd St, Columbia, PA 17512.

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Jean and her husband Bob were avid travelers both domestically and internationally.

A memorial service will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA 17512 on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM

The family will receive friends on Thursday one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

C. Jean Geesey, 82 of Lancaster, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at her residence. She was the wife of the late Robert W. Geesey who preceded her in death in 2001. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Roy J. and Eleanor (Lynn) Kauffman.

A graduate of Solanco High School, Class of 1962, she was employed for many years at the former Tapsco Co. now Cadmus Communications, Lancaster and was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Columbia.

Jean and her husband Bob were avid travelers both domestically and internationally and enjoyed trips to both Stone Harbor and Ocean City, NJ.

She is survived by her children, Barbara J. Murphy and Robert E. Geesey; sisters, Janet Speros (Spencer), Judy Henry (Norman) and Polly Kauffman. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Roy J. Kauffman, Jr., Joan Groff, Ronald Kauffman and Robert Kauffman.

A memorial service will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA 17512 on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Martha Harris, officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends on Thursday one hour prior to the service.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster PA 17604 or at www.hospiceand communitycare.com.

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He was a well-known Columbia fixture as he visited many downtown merchants throughout his day. 

A memorial service will be held from the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA on Thursday, JULY 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

James B. Coller, 58 of Columbia, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, June 19th at his mother’s residence. A lifelong Columbia resident, he was the son of Mildred Brown Dosch, Columbia.

A Columbia High School graduate, he was employed by K.T Graham, Inc. and was a well-known Columbia fixture as he visited many downtown merchants throughout his day.  A member of the Columbia Fire Department, he volunteered as a fire policeman for many years.

In addition to his mother is his sister, Valerie Kissinger and brother Neil Freeland. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert ‘Biggie” Coller, Jr.

A memorial service will be held from the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA on Thursday, JULY 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Dave and Diane Shope, presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Fire Department Fire Police.

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Don was a man of deep and abiding faith.

celebration of Don's life at Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM

There will be no public viewing, however the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia, for family.

Donald Bruce Newcomer, Sr., 91, rejoined his Lord and beloved spouse on June 17, 2026. Born January 23, 1935 to Chester and Mary Newcomer, Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Sandra (July 2025) and two brothers, George Schoelkoph and Chester Newcomer, Jr.

Don graduated from Columbia High School in 1953. During his time as center for the school's football team, Don met cheerleader "Sandy the Dandy." Within a few years Don would become the love of Sandy's life and she, his "Sunshine." Don and Sandy married in 1957 and celebrated their 68th anniversary in 2025; their love endures and we celebrate their reunion!

Don worked in manufacturing and quality control for The Bendix Corporation. He received additional training through Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology and rose to the level of Senior Engineer. Don left Bendix in 1970 to embark on his second career of insurance sales. He started with Prudential, achieving $1.3M in sales during his first year. He was promoted to Sales Manager and held the position for four years. Don yearned to work directly with customers and was able to return to this with Nationwide, when he took ownership of an agency for a retiring colleague.

Don completed additional college level training and earned the industry's prestigious Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) status. He served his policyholders with expertise and dedication until retiring at age 65.

Don was a man of deep and abiding faith. Don and Sandy poured their love into several churches through the years, with Don serving as elder when called. Together, they helped establish Emmanuel Christian Fellowship and nurtured its growth for many years. Don also answered the call to missions, making 6 trips to Guatemala in support of People for Missions.

Don is survived by his brother Wayne Newcomer, his four children, and their families: Donald Newcomer, Jr. and spouse Dottie, daughter Susan Newcomer and spouse Shonna Ilgenfritz, daughter Shara Crumling and spouse Ross, and daughter Lauri Kugle and spouse Matthew. Also grandchildren: Danielle Reed, Drew Newcomer, Douglas Newcomer, Kayla Nicholas, Sarah White, Katie Kugle, and Joshua Kugle; and great-grandchildren Joseph and Zoë Newcomer, Janelle and Danicka Reed, and Micah White.

Please join Don's family for a celebration of Don's life at Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jim Herbert officiating. There will be no public viewing, however the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia, for family. All guests are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship at the Columbia Crossings River Trails Center following the conclusion of services. Dad loved the old bridge, and the motto "life is uncertain, eat dessert first." We look forward to including both in our celebration of him.

Dad's direct care staff throughout his last chapter were extraordinary and loved him well. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Masonic Village Hospice.

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His real love was visiting the beaches of North Wildwood, NJ with his family.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 616 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512.

The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Thomas V. Spicer, Jr., 76, a well-known and respected presence in Columbia passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 18, 2026. A lifelong resident of Columbia, he was the son of the late Thomas, Sr. and Phyllis Renoll.

Tom was a graduate of Columbia High School with the Class of 1968 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he worked with Comcast for thirty-eight years until his retirement. Tom enjoyed the outdoors and was a member of the Shawnee Rod and Gun Club in Huntington, but his real love was visiting the beaches of North Wildwood, NJ with his family. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who adored his family and treasured spending time with them. He will be missed for his loving and endearing sense of humor.

Tom leaves behind his wife of almost fifty-seven years Sue Spicer of Columbia; three children Angie Spicer of Columbia, Becky, wife of Russ Smith of Richmond, VA, Joe Spicer, companion of Sarah Williams of York; three grandsons Tim Powell of Columbia, Jacob and Max Smith of Richmond, VA; three siblings Mike, husband of Brenda Spicer of Oregon, Scott Spicer of Columbia, Lisa, wife of Chunk Lehman of Columbia; numerous nieces and nephews and many many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Gary Spicer and a stepmother, Mary Jane Spicer.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 616 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, 2102 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Amedisys Hospice, 1410 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Raquel Davila Valentin, 58, who departed this life on June 13, 2026. She was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Miguel Angel Davila and the late Irma I. Valentin Cruz.

She was a strong, independent, and loving woman whose life was defined by her unwavering determination, hard work, and devotion to those she loved. Whose love, loyalty, and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, loyal friend, and someone who always took the time to listen and offer support to those in need. She faced life’s challenges with courage and strength, always putting her heart into everything she did.

She believed in the value of hard work and carried that dedication throughout her life. Her determination and perseverance were inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Above all, Raquel cherished her family. Her love, guidance, and unwavering support will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She took great pride in her home, keeping it warm, welcoming, and beautifully cared for. She loved listening to music and spending time with her loved ones during small family gatherings. Those moments together brought her great happiness and created memories that will be treasured forever.

Raquel’s radiant smile could light up any room, and her kindness, warmth, and loving spirit touched the lives of many. She had a special way of making people feel welcomed, loved, and valued.

She leaves behind three children Jannisse Jenary Maldonado Davila, companion of Waldy Gonzalez of York, Katiria Maldonado Davila, companion of Anthony Sykhir Jackson of York, Edgar “Bebo” Anthony Maldonado Davila, husband of Maya Alexis Lozano of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren Jovani Anthony Maldonado, Jonathan Isaiah Sanchez, Josiah Manuel Sanchez, Jabae Malik Maldonado, Edgar Anthony Maldonado, Jr., Leo Anthony Maldonado, Mia Alexis Lozano, Jayden Sykhir Jackson; her father Miguel Angel Davila; six siblings Amarilis Davila Valentin, Xiomara Davila, Willmary Rosario, Miguel A. Davila, Alejandro Davila, Gabriel Davila; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May she rest in peace.

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MAMI!

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Send a Condolence

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