Obituaries

Altoona, PA Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Altoona, Blair County, PA & Surrounding Areas

Russell F. Ellenberger

Russell F. Ellenberger

Jul 24, 2025

Russell F. Ellenberger, 78, Altoona, went home to be with his Lord and Savior late Thursday evening.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Victor M. and Marjorie (Carling) Ellenberger.

Russ is survived by his devoted wife, Pam, and their four children: John Ellenberger, and wife Kristen Spencer of Fairfax, VA; Kristen John of Hollidaysburg; Kelly Bassler, and husband Dusty...

Charles J. Cates

Charles J. Cates

Jul 24, 2025

Charles J. Cates, 76, Martinsburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away early Thursday at Homewood Living at Martinsburg.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Joseph C. and Nellie E. (Forsht) Cates. On January 29, 1983, he married Beth A. Whitfield in Altoona.

In addition to his wife, of 42 years, he is survived by four daughters: Michelle L. Carr (John)...

Shirley Burket

Shirley Burket

Jul 23, 2025

Shirley Burket, 85, Duncansville, passed away Wednesday at her home.

She was born in Bedford, daughter of the late Russell and Sarah (Claar) Stiffler. She married Woodrow Burket, Jr. who preceded her in death on December 24, 1983.

She is survived by a son, Randy Burkett and wife Sheryl of Altoona; a daughter, Susan Noel of Tampa, FL; grandchildren: Jenna Burkett and...

Dorothy Gehret

Dorothy Gehret

Jul 14, 2025



Dorothy Gehret, 92, formerly of Altoona went to be with the Lord at Presbyterian Village in Hollidaysburg.

She was born June 7, 1933, daughter of the late Benton and Grace (Price) Gutshall. She married James R. Gehret, Sr. who preceded her in death on June 30, 1999.

Surviving are four children, a daughter: Susan Parsons (Bruce) of FL; three sons: William G....

Jeffrey Lynn Oblinger

Jeffrey Lynn Oblinger

Jul 12, 2025

Jeffrey Lynn Oblinger, 64, Altoona, passed away unexpectedly Saturday.

Born in Altoona, Jeffrey was the beloved son of the late Robert and Carrie “Peg” (Holsinger) Oblinger. He found his soulmate in Lisa Renae Kane, and they were united in marriage on October 24, 1981. Their bond of 43 years was marked by unwavering support and deep affection. The two were high...

Virginia M. Dandrea

Virginia M. Dandrea

Jul 11, 2025

Virginia M. “Ginny” Dandrea, 92, Altoona, passed away Friday at UPMC Altoona.

She was born in Spangler, Cambria County, PA, daughter of the late Nicholas and Cathrine (McArry) Coover.

On September 14, 1956, she married David L. Dandrea at First Church of Christ in Altoona.

She is survived by her husband, David, of 68 years and a niece, Sharon Rummell. She is also...

Irene Decker

Irene Decker

Jul 5, 2025

Irene Decker, 73, Altoona, passed away Saturday at UPMC Altoona.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Carl A. and Mae J. (Morgan) Farber.

On February 29, 1981, she married John Decker. He preceded her in death in May of 2001.

She is survived by a daughter, Nichole Decker of Altoona; grandson, John Decker; siblings: Carol Hummel (Terry) of Jacksonville, FL,...

Sharon L. Dimond

Sharon L. Dimond

Jul 3, 2025

Sharon L. Dimond, 78, Altoona, passed away Thursday at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late John T., Jr. and Betty L. (McConahy) Ryen.

On July 2, 1966, she married George W. Dimond in Altoona. He preceded her in death on November 19, 1987.

She is survived by a sister, Peggy Lunglhofer (Dennis); a sister-in-law,...

Philip N. George

Philip N. George

Jun 26, 2025

Philip N. George, 77, Altoona, passed away Thursday at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Blossburg, Pa., son of the late Arthur and Norma (Button) George Webster.

He married Nona Courtright June 9, 1967, in Tioga, Pa.

Surviving are his wife Nona; two children: daughter, Lois George of Belleville, Pa.; his daughter, Amanda George-Wheaton and her husband, David, of...

Theo Anthony Scherden

Theo Anthony Scherden

Jun 22, 2025

Theo Anthony Scherden, beloved son of Kyle M. Scherden and Marie D. Scherden (Noonan), was born on June 17, 2025, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and passed peacefully in his parents' arms on June 22, 2025. Though his time with us was heartbreakingly short, Theo's life was filled with deep love, gentle care, and the warmth of family.In just five days, Theo...

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple

Jun 21, 2025

Shirley Temple, 90, passed away gracefully to her heavenly reward at Maybrook Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center. She struggled with many health issues the past year but she always had a smile and testimony for her Lord and Savior.

She was born at home in Altoona to Hobart and Margaret (Friday) Temple. There were four brothers and four sisters (all born...

Jamie Dodson

Jamie Dodson

Jun 18, 2025

Jamie S. Dodson, 69, Altoona, formerly of Claysburg, passed away peacefully, Wednesday evening, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Roaring Spring, a daughter of the late James and Opal (Benton) Dodson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kirk Beichler; a daughter, Hillary Doran of Hollidaysburg; step-daughters: Jessica Beichler (Johnathan Spahn) of Plum and Krista Beichler of Altoona; a granddaughter,...

Marianne B. Melotti

Marianne B. Melotti

Jun 14, 2025

Marianne B. Melotti, 80, Altoona, peacefully passed away Saturday, June 4th, 2025.

She was born in Moon Township, daughter of the late Ellis and Gertrude Ardrey.

She was a dedicated mother and is survived by three children: Cindy Donatucci (David) of Palm City, FL, Michael Melotti (Kelly Rysko) of Madison, OH and Nicholas Melotti (Donna) of Mendon, VT; grandchildren: Dominic, Micaela and...

Dorothy Stayer

Dorothy Stayer

May 28, 2025

Dorothy K. “Dottie” Stayer, 77, Altoona, passed away Wednesday at UPMC Altoona.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Merrill and Loretta (Woleslagle) Martin.

On April 27, 1968, she married Richard Dale Stayer.

In addition to her husband of 57 years; she is survived by two daughters: Pam Wertman (Terry) of Tyrone and Shelby Stayer of Altoona; grandsons: Joshua (Amanda) and...

Marilyn Ann Loibl

Marilyn Ann Loibl

May 23, 2025

Marilyn Ann Loibl, 71, Altoona, passed away Friday at her home.

She was born in Baltimore, MD, daughter of the late Melvin and Mary (Bollinger) Ingram.

Marilyn was a homemaker. She enjoyed oil painting and cats and birds.

She is survived by a son, Gerald Loibl of Florida; a daughter, Crystal Garrett (Ryan) of Kentucky; two grandchildren: Elijah and Natalie; siblings: Kandie Franell...

Michael C. Runk

Michael C. Runk

May 18, 2025

Michael C. “Mikey” Runk, 19, Altoona, passed away Sunday evening. He was born in Altoona, the beloved son of Michael T. Runk of Altoona, and Jenifer L. (Buck) Runk (Ashley Snyder) of Patton.

Mikey is survived by his two sisters, Emily E. Runk (Courtney) and Megan M. Runk (Zach); his grandparents: Clair and Doris Runk, Timothy and Susan Buck and Virgina...

Gary A. Burns

Gary A. Burns

May 16, 2025

Gary A. Burns, 73, of Altoona, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 16, 2025. Born and raised in Altoona, he was the son of the late Albert and Mildred Burns and the beloved spouse of the late Deborah A. Ritchey.

A proud graduate of Altoona Area High School, Gary dedicated his life to service—first to his country, then...

Henry J. "Hank" Trybus

Henry J. "Hank" Trybus

May 7, 2025

Henry J. “Hank” Trybus, 71, Altoona, passed away Wednesday, peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters.

He was born in Windber, son of the late Fred and Lenore (Hamil) Trybus.

On June 21, 1975, he married his best friend, Sharon E. Moses in Cresson.

In addition to his wife, Sharon; he is survived by two daughters: Mandy Trybus of Pittsburgh and Stacy Lubold...

Karen Servello

Karen Servello

May 3, 2025

Karen Servello (nee Parshall), of Altoona, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in her hometown.

Born on May 12, 1962, in Altoona, Karen spent her life rooted in the community where she was born and deeply cherished.

Karen’s life was centered around the people she loved. She found immense joy in spending time with family and friends, creating lasting memories through...

Bernice L. Smith

Bernice L. Smith

Apr 20, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother and friend, Bernice “Bernie” Smith, who passed away from an extended illness on April 20, 2025 at the age of 93.

Bernie was born in DuBois, PA, the daughter of John and Lillie Christian. She was married to George Peterman and later, to Alvin Smith who both preceded her in death....