Robert Zink, age 69, entered into peace on October 16th, 2022. He was the son of Earl Zink and Ellan Nace. He is survived by three brothers, Earl H. Zink, husband of Trudy of York; Carl Zink, husband of Carol; Richard Zink, husband of Catherine of Columbia; one sister, Arlene Green, wife of Calvin of Florida; four children, Robert Zink; Christine Zink; Christina Sapp, wife of Harry, of Lancaster; and Seria Zink, of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Ellen Zink; and his wife, Jean Zink, that he loved so much. 

Robert attended Hempfield High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. Then he went to the National Guard. Over the years, he worked in many foundries and delivered newspapers for 38 years. He loved all his children and grandkids.

There will be no formal service for Robert. Arrangements were made by Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia/Landisville.

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Dennis W. Kelec, 82 of Columbia, went peacefully to his heavenly Father Oct. 15, 2022 with his wife by his side. He was born on June 11, 1940, son of Joseph & Catherine (Sholder) Kelec, Turtle Creek, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He is survived by Jane (Herchelroath) Kelec, his wife of 35 plus years.

Dennis graduated from McCaskey High School, class of 1958. He was a Golf Professional from 1958 till 1973 at various courses, the last being Indian Springs, now Four Seasons. After retiring from golf he worked for 7 years for Twigg Distributors and then Houck & Sons for 25 years, retiring as Sales Manager.

Dennis was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lancaster. However, being raised Catholic, he continued praying his Catholic prayers, which were very important to him. An avid fisherman at Saw Creek Hunting & Fishing Assoc., Pocono, PA; Dennis loved to dance with his partner Jane. He also liked to cook and he enjoyed seeing his many friends at Commercial Travelers, Lancaster and the VFW, Columbia and cheering for his favorite team the Steelers.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his brother-in-law and wife, Barry and Pam Herchelroath, Columbia, and their extended families; and nieces Joanne, Donna and Cindy, and their extended families. He was preceded in death by brothers Joseph and George, niece Roberta Swain, nephew Joseph Kelec, Jr. and sister-in-law Alice Bartch, and her children DeeAnn, Robert and Michael.

The family would like to thank Drs. Altadonna, Iranmanesh and Davis for their excellent care during the past years. Also, Jane would like to thank her family for their love and support during this time. If so desired, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or to Columbia Meals on Wheels, 23 S 6th St., Columbia, PA 17512. In keeping with Dennis' wishes, there will be no formal service. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia/Landisville.

He was there to hear your borning cry and He was there in the evening when you shut your weary eyes. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.

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Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia on Monday, October 24, 2022; 10AM visitation and 11AM funeral mass.

James Lloyd Charles Blymier, 66, passed away on October 6, 2022. Born in Columbia, PA he was the son of the late James C. and Theresa (Snyder) Blymier. Jim enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting and tinkering around in his garage. Jim worked at Keystone Pretzel in Lititz. He was a long time member of the former Susquehanna # 8-4 Volunteer Fire Department (the ‘Hambones’), a member of the Hambones Social Club, the Columbia VFW Post #2435 and several other social clubs. 

Jim is survived by his daughter Dawn Blymier-McClarnon of Castle Rock, CO; two grandsons, John (Rachel) McClarnon of Goose Creek, SC, and Zac McClarnon of Castle Rock, CO; and one sister Wanda (Michael) Taylor of Stoneville, NC. Also surviving are multiple nephews, Michael (Rachel), Charlie, and John, and one niece, Stephanie. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Michael J. Blymier. 

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia on Monday, October 24, 2022; 10AM visitation and 11AM funeral mass. Interment will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home.

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Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens

Sharon Ann Poole, 79, of Columbia passed away on October 12, 2022. She was born in York to the late Alfred and Corine Taylor Woodling. Sharon leaves behind three children, Wayne, husband of Ricci Poole of Rheems, Michael Poole of Columbia, Susan Poole, wife of Eric Thompson of Columbia; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson.

Sharon will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville

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Fikreyesus Bekele was born on November 12, 1942 in Agaro, Ethiopia. In his early years, he taught at an elementary school. After attaining an associate degree in Public Health, he went into the healthcare field by opening a pharmacy to serve the underprivileged in the rural area of the country. He did that for 30 years, and it is still operating to this day. After migrating to the U.S. he became a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Keystone Human Services to fulfill his desire to help people.

After attending a Bible Seminary, he was asked to teach at the theological institute given his ability to relay God’s word and relate to people. He went on to found Kale Heywet Evangelical Church in Yebu, Jimma, Ethiopia where he was the Preacher and leader. Noticing a need to spread the Word in rural areas, he established six other affiliate churches that he still supported financially even after his migration to the USA. Most notably, he sent three youth servants of God to bible college with full financial scholarship. In the US, he co-founded Light of the World Evangelical Church in Lancaster, PA and served in various leadership roles. He also spread the gospel in any capacity he was able to from sermonizing to congregations to talking to the casual stranger on the street due to his love of Christ. 

He had many interests and hobbies that included playing professional soccer as well as being a federal level soccer referee. His most fulfilling pastime was volunteerism. He volunteered at numerous non-profits in both countries and gave his time to assist local community foundations that helped the underserved. He even went down south to help with Hurricane Katrina’s cleanup.

Fikreyesus passed away on October 10, 2022, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Fikreyesus will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 10:30 AM. at the Ethiopian Evangelical Church, 175 Church Street, Landisville, with a viewing at 10:00 AM. Interment in Landisville Mennonite Cemetery will follow the service and a luncheon will follow the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Community Care at hospiceandcommunitycare.org or 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home.

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She enjoyed word search puzzles, following the royal family, and listening to the radio.

Services for Debora: 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia, PA. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m.

She will be laid to rest with her parents at Holy Trinity Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022

Debora Ann Lehman, 62, of Columbia passed away on October 9, 2022. She was born in Columbia to the late Christopher L., Jr. and Barbara Bears Hilgert and was a lifelong resident of Columbia.

Debora attended Columbia High School and worked for many years with the former ITT Grinnell. She enjoyed word search puzzles, following the royal family, and listening to the radio. Debora was a loving sister and aunt who adored her family.

Debora leaves behind her siblings, Christopher L. Hilgert, III, companion of Deborah Moody of Marietta, Stephen M., husband of Maureen Hilgert of Columbia, Christine M. Fausnight of Mount Joy, Mary C., wife of Terry Hardee of Chapel Hill, NC, Patrick A., husband of Theresa Hilgert pf Mountville, Tim E., husband of Mandy Hilgert of Millersville; several nieces and nephews and a large extended family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jay D. Hilgert.

Services for Debora will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 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. She will be laid to rest with her parents at Holy Trinity Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susquehanna Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 745 Old Chiques Hill Rd, Columbia, PA 17512.

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He enjoyed playing video games, skateboarding, and listening to music.

A celebration of Brandon’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Reality Church, 2301 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 100, Lancaster, PA 17601.

The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. until service time.

Brandon Michael Smith, 27, of Lancaster passed away on October 7, 2022. He was born in Lancaster to Tracy Rhoads and the late Bradley Beats and was a lifelong resident of this area.

Brandon was a graduate of Hempfield High School with the Class of 2014. He enjoyed playing video games, skateboarding, and listening to music. Brandon was a loving son, father, brother, and uncle who adored his family. He was a member of Reality Church.

Brandon leaves behind his children, Hendrix Smith, Breah Perez-Smith, and one more child on the way; his parents, Michael and Tracy Rhoads of Lancaster; six siblings, Lauren Wirth, wife of Vince Marrone of Lancaster, Brad Beats, Jr. of Palm Coast, FL, Brittani, wife of Josh Plank of Gettysburg, Kelli Beats of Gettysburg, Chelsea Beats of Hellam, Sadie Rhoads of Lancaster; his maternal grandmother, Linda Sollenberger, wife of Don Lennox of Pequea; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, a large extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Bradley Paul Beats.

A celebration of Brandon’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Reality Church, 2301 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 100, Lancaster, PA 17601. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. until service time. Please kindly omit flowers and consider a donation to Reality Church.

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She enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening, game shows, murder mysteries, reading, and puzzles.

A celebration of Millie’s life: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia, PA.

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

She will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Silver Spring Cemetery

Mildred “Millie” Marie Beaston, 95, of Kinderhook passed away surrounded by her loving and devoted family on October 8, 2022. She was born in Lancaster to the late Russell and Cora Kame Moore, and was a lifelong residence of this area.

Millie was a graduate of Donegal High school and worked with Armstrong World Industries until her eventual retirement. She was a role model and a passionate caregiver, playing a major role in the upbringing of her grandchildren. Millie was an avid shopper who enjoyed Boscov’s and various country markets like Tuesday at Root’s Country Market. She also enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening, game shows, murder mysteries, reading, and puzzles.  Millie loved the outdoors and was a skilled hunter and fisher. She liked traveling with her late husband, especially to Hawaii, Alaska, and Maine. Millie participated in many social groups, including winning service awards in her favorite Twalkers group at Park City Mall.

Millie leaves behind her daughter, C. Clark of Red Lion; six grandchildren, Christina Benner (Darrel), Randy Roschel (Pam), Susanne Maples (Jonathan), Dale Kauffman, Jr. (Kyra), Ray-Michael Kauffman, (Christopher), and Kaitlyn Kauffman; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren with one more on the way. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray S. Beaston; two children, Barry Beaston and Kim Kauffman; one great grandchild, Kayla Roschel.

A celebration of Millie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Silver Spring Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2951 Whiteford Rd # 304, York, PA 17402.

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At Eleanor’s request there will be no services.

Eleanor Irene Flory, 92, entered into rest on Wednesday October 5, 2022.  She was the wife of the late Daniel M. Flory for over 70 years, who left us in 2019.  Eleanor was the daughter of the late W. Lewis and Elsie Morrison.  

She will be missed by her daughters, Sharon, wife of John Kurtz; and Sheila, wife of the late Barry Rhoads.  Eleanor is also survived by two granddaughters, Kristi wife of John Prime; and Kimberly, wife of Jack Clark, three great-grandchildren, Nikolas, Jeremy and Kellie, and one great-great-grandson, Carter.

Eleanor was a homemaker and volunteered at Lancaster General Hospital for over 50 years.

At Eleanor’s request there will be no services.

The family would like to thank Hospice and Community Care, St. John’s Herr Estate, and Spang Crest of Luthercare for their caring services.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Gib was the proud owner of a 1967 Nova and enjoyed attending and participating in various local car shows. He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed tending to his aquariums, making "sock monkeys" and walking his beloved rescue "Arlo."

Funeral services: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., Columbia. Interment will follow in Mount Bethel Cemetery. A closed casket visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service.

Gilbert "Gib" Geltmacher, Jr., 72, of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at UPMC, Lititz. He was the husband of Catherine Mimnall Geltmacher with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on September 23rd. Born in Columbia, he was the son of the late Gilbert Geltmacher, Sr. and the late Betty Miller Geltmacher Rote.

Gib graduated from Columbia High School in 1969 and served in the PA National Guard. He retired in 2016 after 37 years of service from Wilco Electrical Contractors where he worked as an electrician. His previous employment included Hamilton Watch, Howmet and All-Size Box Company. Gib was the proud owner of a 1967 Nova and enjoyed attending and participating in various local car shows. He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed tending to his aquariums, making "sock monkeys" and walking his beloved rescue "Arlo."

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Gib at UPMC.

In addition to his wife is his daughter, Angel wife of Roy Bozarth; two grandchildren, Marrissa Bozarth and William Bongart. Two sisters also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2022 beginning at 11:00 a.m. from the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA. with the Rev. Mark S. Kopp, officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Bethel Cemetery. A closed casket visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and surrounding
herself with family and friends, especially her granddaughters..

A private service was held. Friends, extended family, and co-workers will also get their chance to pay their respects at a Life Celebration, to be announced.

Anna M. “Sis” Horner, 72, of Columbia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 26, 2022. Born and raised in Columbia, she was the daughter of the late
George B. and Nancy (Mimnall) Klinestever.

Anna retired from R.R. Donnelly Co, Greenfield Road, and worked at Armstrong World Industries floor plant for 25 plus years. She had a passion for jewelry and enjoyed
many years in retail jewelry sales at the former Littman and Whitehall Jewelers, at the York Galleria and Park City malls. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and surrounding
herself with family and friends, especially her granddaughters.

She is survived by her daughter, Tonia (Klinestever), wife of Victor Valentin; granddaughters, Alyssa Torres and Victoria Valentin; a sister, Kim McCue, wife of
Andrew Kazlauskas; nieces Nicole (McCue), wife of Gregory Wamsley, Tiffany Klinestever, and Kristy Sue Ortman; and a nephew, Jason McCue, husband of Andrea (Monzon). Her brother, John “Bum” Klinestever, preceded her in death.

A private service was held on Friday, September 30, 2022. Friends, extended family,
and co-workers will also get their chance to pay their respects at a Life Celebration, to
be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sis’s memory to The
Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Truck Convoy, an event she volunteered at for many years.
Contributions can be mailed to: Make-A-Wish, 1054 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA
17601 or online at wish.org.

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Mikey was an avid foodie & loved to cook and eat. He was a tech enthusiast as well as a devoted cat lover.

Michael J. “Mikey” Urban, Jr. (RN, BSN), 67, of Columbia, passed away at home with his husband by his side on September 14, 2022. He was born February 9, 1955, in Lancaster, to the late Michael, Sr. and Arlene (Dochterman) Urban, and lived most of his life in this area.

Michael graduated from Villanova University in 1977 and then began his long, exemplary nursing career. He practiced in many different areas of nursing until his retirement in 2020 from Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Michael was an avid foodie and loved to cook and eat. He was a tech enthusiast as well as a devoted cat lover. He adored his family and friends and treasured spending as much time as possible with them.   

Michael leaves behind his partner and husband of twenty-five years Joseph W. “Joey” Lively, Jr. of Columbia; two siblings, Michele Walker of Houston, TX, and Philip Urban, Sr., husband of Jen of Shinglehouse, PA; nieces and nephew, Jessica, Amy, Heidi, and Philip, Jr.; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Dr, Lancaster, Pa 17604 or Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 998 S. Russell St, York, PA 17402 in his memory.

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Dick was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, & uncle who adored his family and treasured spending time with them.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. Information will be published as soon as it is scheduled. Burial will be private, and he will be laid to rest at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Richard “Dick” Powell, 86, of Columbia passed away on September 17, 2022. He was born in Ickesburg, PA to the late William and Esther Powell. Dick graduated from Lebanon Valley College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music. He proudly served in United States Navy and was a member of United States Navy Band where he played trombone and baritone. Playing in the band took him to many places all over the world including South Africa. When stateside, he spent time stationed in Norfolk, VA and Philadelphia, PA. Following his service, Dick earned his master’s degree in music education from Temple University. He became the band director for Dallastown Area High School from 1963 – 1965 and was the band director at Eastern York High School from 1965 – 1995 where he touched many lives of students, teachers, and parents. He continued to support Eastern’s music programs well beyond retirement and could often be found sitting in the audience at their music concerts and musicals. Dick supported the V.F.W. Post 2435 where he was their band director. He loved big band music and jazz and was an avid supporter of the fine and performing arts. He was thrilled and proud to attend every dance performance of both his daughter, Ilsa and his granddaughter, Genna. Dick was an active member of his community, loyal friend, and would lend a hand to anyone in need. He was also known for his love of animals, great smile, and contagious laughter. Dick was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and uncle who adored his family and treasured spending time with them.

Dick leaves behind his wife of sixty-three years, Sylvia Stone Powell of Columbia; his daughter, Ilsa, wife of Mike Diller of Lancaster; his beloved granddaughter Genna Diller of Lancaster; two sisters, Mary Lou Orris of Ickesburg, and Bonnie, wife of James Goodling of Elizabethtown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Max Powell.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. Information will be published as soon as it is scheduled. Burial will be private, and he will be laid to rest at Holy Trinity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eastern York High School Band Boosters, c/o Keith Gromis, P.O. Box 2002, Wrightsville, PA 17368, or the Columbia Animal Shelter, 265 S. 10th St, Columbia, PA 17512.

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Rich will be missed by his family and friends from the many clubs he belonged to.

Celebration of Rich's Life: Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Columbia United Methodist Church, 510 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA at 11:00 a.m. with a receiving line one hour prior to the service.

We are sad to announce the death of Charles "Rich" Gerfin III, Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Rich was born in Columbia on June 12, 1939 to Charles R. Gerfin, Jr. and Pearl R. Gerfin-Heineman. He was married to Sue Kame Gerfin, for 54 years at the time of her death in 2018.

Rich is survived by his daughters, Betty-Sue (Scott) Ryno and Laurie Ann Gerfin-Lutz (the late Mitchel Lutz, Sr.); his grandchildren, Samantha Gerfin, Jason (Amanda) Kramer, Courtney Ryno, and Mitchel Lutz, Jr. and great-grandchildren Kaiden Charles Matthews and Kennedi Grace Elizabeth Gerfin. He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Mitchel Lutz, Sr., sister, Patricia Sprout & brother in-law, Kenneth Sprout as well as four brothers, Tommy Gerfin, Michael "Spank" Gerfin, Ronald "Radar" Gerfin (Mary Ruth), and Barry "BoBo" Gerfin, stepfather, Samuel Heineman and various aunts and uncles.

Rich graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology with a trade in printing. In 1959 he went to work for Forry & Hacker Printing Company where he stayed until 1993 when he and partner Mike Smoker opened S&G Printing in Columbia. S&G Printing supported Columbia with their business from 1993 until 2018.

Rich will be missed by his family and friends from the many clubs he belonged to. He was a member of the Sunsnappers where he was treasurer for 19 years, and the Columbia Lions Club. He was a founding member of the Columbia Education Foundation where he also served as treasurer and was instrumental in starting the annual Golf Outing fund raiser, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Association as well as other local organizations. He was a faithful member of the Columbia United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and held many offices.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Rich's Life on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Columbia United Methodist Church, 510 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA at 11:00 a.m. with a receiving line one hour prior to the service. Following the service, the family invites friends and family to join them for a luncheon to continue celebrating Rich's life.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Columbia Education Heritage Scholarship Fund.

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She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who adored her family and treasured spending time with them.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2022 in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at St. John Herr Estate, 200 Luther Ln, Columbia, PA 17512.

She will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Conestoga Memorial Park on a later date.

Dorothy W. Koerkle, 95, of Columbia passed away on September 17, 2022. She was born in Wabank to the late Raymond and Anna Keller and was a lifelong resident of this area.

Dorothy was a graduate of the former Manor-Millersville High School and worked with Wells Fargo until her eventual retirement. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who adored her family and treasured spending time with them.

Dorothy leaves behind her children, Cheryl Spanos of York, Barbara, wife of Bruce Davis of York, Edward, husband of Phyllis Leaman of Lebanon; three grandchildren, Brooke, Michael, Cole; one great grandchild, Isabel; one sister, Jane Leary of Columbia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Edward Koerkle in 1986; a grandson, Reid Spanos; four siblings.

A memorial service for Dorothy will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2022 in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at St. John Herr Estate, 200 Luther Ln, Columbia, PA 17512. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Conestoga Memorial Park on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of one’s choice.

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 Hougy enjoyed spending time at the river as well as traveling with his family to Ocean City, New Jersey and Florida beaches.

Celebration of Life: Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia, on Tuesday September 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The immediate family will receive friends and family from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

William H. Hougendobler, “Hougy”, 72, of Lancaster, passed on Monday, September 12, 2022 at home after a 2-year battle with cancer. He was the husband of Terry Crist Hougendobler. They would have celebrated 49 years of marriage in October.  He was born in Columbia and was the son of the late William H., Sr. and Mary Haugh Hougendobler.

In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Bill worked for Armstrong World Industries as a supervisor. He was a graduate of Penn State University.  In retirement, he started his “second career” at Sports Authority. He enjoyed working with customers and restringing tennis racquets. In high school, Hougy was a stand-out athlete for the Columbia Crimson Tide. He excelled on the basketball court and was a member of the Hall of Fame track team. Later in life Bill enjoyed playing tennis at the Hempfield Rec Center. Hougy was a member of the Columbia-Middletown Elks and the Columbia Canoe Club.  He enjoyed spending time at the river as well as traveling with his family to Ocean City, New Jersey and Florida beaches.  Hougy was a fan of all sports, especially Penn State and Eagles football. He also attended Hershey Bears hockey games for many years with his family.

He is survived by his children, Brent, husband of Michele Weaver Hougendobler, Columbia and Andrea, wife of John Williams, Nashville, Tennessee. He also loved spending time with his 8 grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his sisters, Nancy Mosteller and Mary Jane Bell.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA on Tuesday September 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The immediate family will receive friends and family from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. There will be no public viewing.  In lieu of flower, please consider a donation to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Jeanette was an avid reader and crossword solver. She was never without a stack of books to be read next.

H. Jeanette Newcomer, 91 of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania died on September 9, 2022 in Akron, PA. Jeanette was predeceased by her loving husband James A. Newcomer Sr. Her parents were Eugene and Blanche Wissler Reisinger. She was predeceased by her siblings, Blanche
Kreiser, Harriet Fry, Eugene Reisinger, Martha Reisinger, Renna Steffan, and Mary Greider.

She graduated from Columbia High School in 1949.

She is survived by her 4 children James A. Newcomer Jr. of Leola, married to Barbara, Diana E. Hill of Mount Joy, wife of Kenneth E., Robert E. Newcomer of Nokomis, FL married to Jill, and Jeanette L. Arnold of Lancaster wife of Lloyd G.. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 due in December.

Jeanette was devoted to her family hosting large Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas
celebrations. Her home was welcoming and full of laughter and stories new, old and often
retold and embellished. The majority of her life’s work consisted of herding, feeding and
enriching the lives of her 4 children, their friends, neighbors and relatives on the farm. She was
the chief cook, caretaker and bookkeeper for the dairy farm. She was also instrumental in the
lives of her grand-children and great grand-children and will be dearly missed.
She was a lifelong member of Columbia United Methodist Church and served on the kitchen
committee, needles and hooks, church historian, taught Sunday school, helped with youth
group activities, bible school, and sang in the choir.

Jeanette was an avid reader and crossword solver. She was never without a stack of books to
be read next. She disliked cats, talking on the telephone and off key singing. The family would
often call and threaten to sing Kumbayah to entice her to answer the phone, it rarely worked.
A private interment will be held by the family.

Please omit flowers, donations may be given in memory of H. Jeanette Newcomer to the Lancaster County Library System or a charity of your choosing.

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Those who knew Robyn were familiar with her creative art, whether it be her clay creations, her animal drawings, or her detailed costumes.

Viewing services will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512 on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Clyde W. Kraft on Friday, September 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Robyn Bittenbender — daughter, sister, friend, artist, and animal lover — passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at her family home in Columbia, PA. She was 12 years old and a 7th grader at Columbia High/Middle School.

When Family and friends were asked to describe Robyn in a word, the common ones chosen were "Selfless, Loving, and talented". Family notes that Robyn always put other’s needs and feelings before her own, making her selfless. Friends and family could find Robyn caring for and loving on all and any animals (including ants, which she was once seen testing which food they liked most so that she could be sure to give them their favorite). Most of all, those who knew Robyn were familiar with her creative art, whether it be her clay creations, her animal drawings, or her detailed costumes.

Born in Lancaster to Deana Fisher, a loving family-centered woman, Robyn was quickly known for being a family focused child. Robyn was eager to gift art to family members and crack jokes to see a smile on her loved ones faces.

Robyn was an engaging and social individual who loved hanging out with her friends as much as she had loved absorbing any and all knowledge she could gain from her many books. If she wasn’t at home loving on her family, animals, and art, Robyn could be found spending time with her friends, Kayshell and Veronica, whom she adored.

As a young lady with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Robyn was also subject to depression, which she battled for several years. She chose to end her life just several months before her 13th birthday. Robin leaves behind her mother, Deana Fisher, fiancé of Brandon Ober of Columbia; her father, Troy, husband of Julie Bittenbender of Ephrata; five siblings, Haley Fisher, Chloe Shipley, Lillian Fisher, Eric Bittenbender, and Nicole Bittenbender; maternal grandparents, Dean and Beth Fisher of Columbia; aunts and uncle, Andrea, wife of Brian McDermott of Rockville, MD, Melissa, wife of David Mummaw of Columbia, Dean, Jr., husband of Laura Fisher of Canyon Country, CA; numerous cousins and family members.

Viewing services will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512 on Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will also be held at Clyde W. Kraft on Friday, September 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, in Robyn’s name be sent to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter) c/o Samantha Bruno, 117 Ghaner Dr, State College, PA 16803.

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A devout loving-father, husband, provider, protector of the Cracraft family, his extreme love for progeny, teaching our girls computer science, math, chess, piano and sharing his entrepreneurial skills.

 Interment and The celebration of Life is to be this Fall 2022 at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California. 

My beloved husband Stuart M. Cracraft, age 63, a long-time resident of San Juan Capistrano, California, died peacefully in his home on September 22, 2021.  He was the son of the late L. K. “Chris” Cracraft of racing fame, and the late Sharleen L. Southall, Palm Springs Life Magazine Society Editor.  Stuarts father died in 1961, when he was three years old. 

Stuart was the loving husband of 34 years to his wife, Annetta V. Smith-Cracraft, from Columbia, PA, and father to their twin daughters, April A. Cracraft and Tiffany A. Cracraft, both native Californians. 

 At an early age Stuart created GNU Chess, created the story for the episode Here’s Lucy “Lucy and Uncle Harry’s Pot” Season 5, Episode 21 (Viewable Hulu Plus), Convinced Steve Jobs to take a picture of his family (Google “Steve Jobs Stuart Cracraft” for the Mac Daily News Blog). Accomplished pianist, his favorite song, C. M. Wildor’s Toccata from the 5th Symphony, made world history turning point in computers as Deep Thought operator at the 1988 Long Beach American Open which eventually  played against Kasparov as Deep Blue, defeated him in the 2nd match and was then retired to the Smithsonian. The above happened in 1997. 

He graduated with top honors from Palm Valley School in Palm Springs, CA, before entering The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Later entering Stanford and National University whereby he attained his degree of Bachelor of Arts after joining S.R.I. International, Stanford Research Institute at Stanford University, Menlo Park, CA as a computer systems analyst, UCLA Department of Mathematics, and USC Information Sciences Institute. 

Worked extensively in International venture using AWS, Terraform, Kubernetes, and numerous related languages, coding software for many Computer Industry giants such as Apple, Wells Fargo, Airtouch, Toshiba America Information Systems, NASA CalTech - Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA where he had met his wife Annetta and proposed to her. 

 He attained certificates as Oracle DBA, 

Architect, AI, Data Science, CI/CD, Red Hat, RHCE, RHCSA, AWS CDA/CSA/SYSOP/

Sun Microsystems, Mensa Member, Developer/Cloud Services, past Alfred Raymond Memorial Creative Writing and Humanities Award, and membership of The Cum Laude Society. 

 A devout loving-father, husband, provider, protector of the Cracraft family, his extreme love for progeny, teaching our girls computer science, math, chess, piano and sharing his entrepreneurial skills to his two lovely children, April and Tiffany, brought such warmth and devotion to our family together in San Juan Capistrano for 34 years. In addition, he owned a privately-held company UNIXISH LLC.  

 Interment and The celebration of Life is to be this Fall 2022 at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California. 

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LuAnn loved sunshine, spoiling her grandbabies, shots of screwball, Lifetime movies, and sticking her feet in the sand.

Celebration of life: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time.

LuAnn Kay Royer, 67, of Lewes, DE and formerly of Lancaster passed away, surrounded by her family, on September 7, 2022. She was born in Lancaster to the late Richard and Miriam Trego and until recently was a lifelong resident of this area.

LuAnn was a graduate of Conestoga Valley High School with the Class of 1973. She worked with Mennonite Home Communities for many years until her eventual retirement.

LuAnn would do anything for anyone and deeply loved her family. She made the best Christmas cookies and peanut butter eggs. You could always find her singing and dancing in the kitchen, especially to the music of Pitbull.

LuAnn was the queen of facial expressions and rolling her eyes, which she passed down to her daughter and granddaughter. She enjoyed having mango margaritas with her husband and friends at the beach. LuAnn loved sunshine, spoiling her grandbabies, shots of screwball, Lifetime movies, and sticking her feet in the sand.

LuAnn leaves behind her husband of twenty-four years, Ed Royer of Lewes, DE; her daughters, Traci, wife of Alex Cornelison of Manheim, Susan, wife of Chad Zeamer of Lancaster; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren; three siblings, Donna, wife of the late Mel Redcay of Bowmansville, Sheri, wife of Burt Greeby of Denver, Rick, husband of Colleen Trego of Leola. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Michael Trego.

A celebration of LuAnn’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut 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 Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602

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Send a Condolence

If you would like to send a condolence message to a family please fill out the form below and we will deliver it to them.