Stevens Family Funeral Homes

02/13/2026

Wendy L. Harber
May 30, 1962 – February 12, 2026
Wendy L. Harber, 63, Patton, passed away Thursday at her residence.
Wendy was born in Spangler, daughter of the late Roger and Margaret (McKee) White. On December 6, 1981, she married Bryan R. Harber.
She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years; 2 daughters: Shana L. Slagle (Justin) of Johnstown and Jessie M. Gray (Brandon) of Patton; 3 grandchildren: Taylerre, Aria, and Preston; 2 brothers: Ramon White (Carol) of Erie, PA and Roger White, Jr. (Melanie) of Sylvis; a sister, Wanda Pennington (Charles) of La Jose; and several nieces and nephews.
Wendy was a graduate of Purchase Line High School and was known as a talented painter and wallpaperer.
She was an avid bowler, where she went to nationals in Las Vegas. She enjoyed doing crafts, traveling to Cape Cod with her husband, and riding motorcycles.
Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by Stevens Funeral Home, Patton, PA.

02/13/2026

Give yourself grace. Some seasons require rest, quiet, and gentleness. Healing isn’t a race — it’s a process.

02/11/2026

Kimberly Kay Jones
November 22, 1962-February 10, 2026

Kimberly Kay Jones, 63, of Hollidaysburg, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening at her residence. She was born in Fort Hood, Texas, the daughter of Marie (Coble) Adams.
Kimberly married Jeffrey J. Jones in Altoona in 1993.
Surviving Kim is her loving husband, Jeff of Hollidaysburg; her mother, Marie Adams and partner, Becky Farber; stepdaughter, Melissa Billotte (Tim) all of Altoona; a stepson, Jeffrey J. Jones, Jr. of Pittsburgh; three step-grandchildren: Eve and Iris Jones and Devan Billotte; also, two brothers: Mark Adams of Altoona and Kevin Whetstine of Levittown.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Adams.
Kim was a graduate of Altoona Area High School and Harrisburg Area Community College.
She retired after a career in retail and as a caregiver.
Kim enjoyed gardening, crafts and loved shopping with her Mom.
Friends will be received from 5-8 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the Stevens Memorial Chapel. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The family kindly requests that contributions be made in Kim’s memory to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 862 Carnegie, Pa. 15106/ cancer.org/givehope.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

02/11/2026

John G. Patz, Jr.
August 31, 1933-February 10, 2026

John G. Patz, Jr., 92, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday evening at Westmont Woods, Johnstown. He was born in Gallitzin, the son of the late John G. and Helena M. (McGuire) Patz.
On November 11, 1959 he married Dolores Engelman in Altoona.
Surviving John is his loving wife of 66 years; four daughters: Pamela Patz and Anita Garhart (Kevin) both of Altoona and Becky Patz (Mason McCreary) and Melissa King both of East Freedom; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and a brother and three sisters.
He was preceded in death by eight siblings.
John was a 1953 graduate of Cresson High School.
He served in the US Army during the Korean War.
John retired from Conrail as a carman with 20 years of service.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont.
John enjoyed woodworking and reading.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Monday, February 16, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont with Msgr. Michael Becker, celebrant.
Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

For 130+ years, Stevens Family Funeral Homes has provided meaningful funeral services, guidance, & support for the families of Altoona.

02/11/2026

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means loosening your grip on the pain and holding tighter to the love, the lessons, and the memories that shaped your life. Healing takes time — and that’s okay.

02/10/2026

Suzanne Elizabeth Caldwell
January 3, 1960-February 9, 2026

Suzanne Elizabeth Caldwell (aka “Punk”, her Mom’s nickname for her) was born in Altoona on January 3, 1960 and passed into her heavenly home on Monday, at the young age of 66.
Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents, Orville Norman and Betty Jane (Hoefler) Caldwell and her sister Patricia Ann Caldwell.
She is survived by her brother Gary A. Caldwell; her best friend Dr. Jo-Ann Semko, and longtime friends Elaine Luensmann, Theresa Adams, Barbara Bundy, Dave and Therese Ream and her new-found sister, Joanne Colyer; along with many other relatives and friends.
Sue lived in Altoona her entire life except for a short stay in Hollidaysburg. Sue is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School. Sue received a Master of Education degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Business all from Saint Francis University in Loretto.
Sue spent ten years in the banking industry working in Central Counties Bank, which changed to Mellon Bank during the years she worked there. But the real love of her life came in the 24 years she spent in the Altoona Area School District as an elementary school teacher where she was able to teach and enjoy the many children who passed through the doors of her classroom. Children always brightened her day! Most of her teaching career was in the Juniata Gap building.
Sue was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lakemont and was previously a member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament where she was a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Sue also served faithfully as a board member on the Wachter Foundation.
Sue loved the Big Brother/Big Sister program and was a Big Sister to many young girls. Sue’s hobbies included arts and crafts, photography, traveling, and swimming.
Friends will be received from 10 am-11 am, Saturday, February 14, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, where a funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11 am with Msgr. Michael Becker, celebrant, Fr. Allen Zeth and Fr. George Goulash, concelebrants. Sue would be honored to have you present at this liturgy.
Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

02/09/2026

Caryle A. Bearer
June 10, 1938-February 3, 2026

Caryle A. Bearer, 87, of Carrolltown, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening at Apple Blossom Senior Living. She was born in New York City, the daughter of the late Theodore and Dorothy (Kanik) Koterwas.
Caryle was married for 62 years to Bernard Thomas “Berney” Bearer until his passing on March 4, 2022.
She is survived by three daughters: Karen, wife of Doug Kegerreis, Linda, wife of Dr. Daniel Dorfman and Susan Bernard; her son, Jerry, husband of Theresa (Sokira) Bearer; nine grandchildren: Amanda (Bearer) Tatum, Kristi (Kegerreis) Elliott, Leah (Bearer) Sidone, Derek Kegerreis, Mindy (Bernard) Curtis, Ren Wilder, Brooke (Bernard) Slenker, Tristan Hess and Mallory Bernard; seven great-grandchildren: Jocelyn Tatum, Matthew Tatum, Carson Sidone, Adelena Sidone, Kayleigh Elliott, Abigail Elliott, Jade Kegerreis and numerous nieces and nephews.
Caryle was a graduate of John Carroll High School and of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
She was an active member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.
Caryle enjoyed painting, creating jewelry, and was a professional artist. She had a special passion for restoring religious statues, including restoration work for St. Benedict’s Church as well as other churches in the area. Caryle helped prepare St. Benedict’s for Easter and Christmas, often working alongside her husband.
She delighted in doing arts and crafts with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed spending time with friends, and found joy in roller skating, ice skating, and ballroom dancing.
Caryle lovingly cared for her collies and shelties, but above all, she cherished spending time with her family. The family extends a special thank you to Apple Blossom for the wonderful care and friendship provided over the last two years.
Friends will be received from 10 am to noon, Saturday, February 21, 2026 in the Boniface Wimmer Room at St. Benedict Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will immediately follow at noon with Fr. Michael Gabler, OSB. Committal will take place at St. Benedict Cemetery.
Arrangements are provided by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Carrolltown.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in Caryle’s memory to: St. Benedict Catholic Church, P.O. Box 447, Carrolltown, PA 15722.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

02/09/2026

Scott L. Hochstein
October 14, 1959-February 9, 2026

Scott L. Hochstein, 66, of Altoona, passed away unexpectedly Monday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Johnstown, the son of the late Robert and Shirley (Sell) Hochstein.
Surviving are Scott’s three daughters: Sonya Hochstein (Keesha) of Northern Cambria, Dawn Briggs (Corey) of Bellwood and Christine Calderwood (Jeremey) of Altoona; seven grandchildren: Alex, Christian, Cyler, Dannika, Kenzie, Rylee and Charlotte; and his brother, Craig Hochstein (Ted) of Phoenix, Ariz.
Scott was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Hochstein.
He retired from Union Roofing Company in 2011 with nearly 20 years of service.
Scott loved to ride his motorcycle and enjoyed golfing. He ultimately loved going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and time well spent with family.
There will be no services or visitation.
Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

For 130+ years, Stevens Family Funeral Homes has provided meaningful funeral services, guidance, & support for the families of Altoona.

02/09/2026

Roxie Anna (Harris) Thomas
May 21, 1923-February 4, 2026

Roxie Anna (Harris) Thomas, 102, of Altoona, peacefully passed away on Wednesday at the Graystone Grand Palazzo.
She was born in Plank Road Altoona, the daughter of the late Sallie (Ivey) and William Henry Harris, Sr.
A happy marriage of 74 years, June 15, 1946 ended September 8, 2020, when her husband, Mahersal “Bonnie” Thomas, passed away.
Surviving are a son, Dwayne Thomas (Sharron); two grandsons: Dwayne Marc Thomas (Andrea) and Scott Thomas (Casie); four great-grandchildren: Kris, Jordan, Jade and Alanna all of Orangevale, California. Also surviving are a Goddaughter, Stephanie Dorsey (Alfred) of Buckeye, Arizona; caring in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Roxie was a life-long member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. From the Cradle Roll to Adult Class, she belonged to many church ministries over the years, usually serving as Secretary/Treasurer or the Church Historian. Roxie most enjoyed being elected as the delegate, every year, representing the Sunday School and the Baptist Young People’s Union (BYPU) later the Baptist Training Union (BTU) at the Pennsylvania State Baptist Convention.
She graduated Altoona High School class of 1941 and attended Altoona Penn State. Roxie graduated class of 1963, LPN-Altoona High School Vo-Tech as co-honoree in theory and application.
She was the last of her immediate family of eleven and was preceded in death by six brothers: Walter, Roy, “Dick”, “Gaden”, Prince and John. Her four sisters: Gwendolyn and Mary Harris and Effie Hines and Betty Pattillo.
Roxie belonged to the N.A.A.C.P, Women of Color and was recognized for 25 years of service as a Meals on Wheels Volunteer.
In lieu of flowers, Roxie wanted donations sent to the missionary named in honor of her Mother, The Sallie Harris Missionary Ministry of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, P.O. Box 12, Altoona, PA 16603.
Friends will be received from 11 am-noon, Friday, February 13, 2026 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. A funeral celebration will immediately follow at noon with Rev. Keith Moore.
Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.
Interment will be held at Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

02/09/2026

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02/06/2026

Joseph R. Hitch
October 20, 1970 – February 4, 2026

Joseph R. Hitch, 55, Northern Cambria, passed away Wednesday at his residence.
Joe was born in Patton, son of the late Regis J. “Joe” and Elaine (Bailey) Hitch.
On May 10, 1997 he married Linda A. Stiles.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years and several cousins and many friends.
He is preceded in death by a sister, Robyn M. Hitch.
Joe was a 1988 graduate of Cambria Heights High School.
He worked as a private investigator for Gitting’s Private Investigations.
Joe enjoyed spending time with his wife, Linda and their dogs.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until an 11 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Stevens Funeral Home, 1004 N.Fifth Avenue, Patton, PA 16668 with Rev. Fr. Ananias Buccicone O.S.B. officiating.
Interment will be a Fairview Cemetery, Patton.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

02/06/2026

No two lives are the same, and neither should be any two farewells. Favorite music, photos, meaningful objects — even small touches can turn a service into a true reflection of the life it honors.