Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

04/13/2026

Kenneth James Blaine, age 65 of Shickshinny, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at home.

He was born in Kingston on February 19, 1961, and was the son of the late William and Ruth Brink Blaine.

Kenneth attended Lake-Lehman High School and graduated from West Side Vocational and Technical School with a focus in auto body repair, Class of 1979. He worked at Schuylkill Energy Resources, Shenandoah, as a maintenance mechanic for over 30 years. Kenneth was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 495, Shickshinny. He was a councilman and road supervisor for New Columbus Boro. Kenneth enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going on cruises with his family and riding his quads, side-by-side, and tractor with his dogs and grandchildren. He also enjoyed feeding the local deer and birds, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and his daily breakfast with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Gary Blaine; father-in-law, Clinton Strachan; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Strachan; and sisters-in-law, Debra and Karen Blaine.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, the former, Mary Alice Strachan; children, Tim Blaine (Lindsay) of Sierra Vista, AZ, Heather Blaine (Carrie) of Berwick, and Stephen Blaine (Olivia) of Harveys Lake; grandchildren, Hunter, Lillian, and Kelcey; siblings, Joseph Blaine, Sr. of Wilkes-Barre, Richard Blaine, Sr., of Lehman, and Janet Brucher (Mike) of Hunlock Creek; sister-in-law, Lydia Blaine of Dallas; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dogs, Sadie and Spot.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with his nephew, Pastor Richard Blaine, officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/12/2026

Norman F. Clancy, Sr., age 85 of Harveys Lake, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on August 19, 1940 and was the son of the late Harry and Amber Fry Clancy.

Norman graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School, Manhattan, where he excelled in basketball. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969. Norman retired from Roadway Express as a truck driver after 35 years of service, and received multiple safe driving awards. He was a member of the Harveys Lake Assembly of God Church. Norman was an avid woodchuck hunter and was a good roller skater in his youth. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially outdoor activities, including hunting, and fishing. Norman had a great love of pets which he shared with his wife, Diane.

In addition to his parents, she was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Clancy.

He is survived by his children, Amber Field (Jack) of Lehman, Norman Clancy, Jr. (Carol Marie) of Beaumont, Jason Clancy (Julie) of Clifford, and David Clancy (Amy) of Weston, FL; grandchildren, Matthew, Josie, Ryan, Lauren, Noelle and Dalton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. L.D. Reed of Harveys Lake Assembly of God Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Orcutt’s Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes Barre PA or Blue Chip Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/11/2026

Richard A Jones, age 91 of Monroe Township, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Embassy of East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Noxen on July 6, 1934 and was the son of the late Albert and Laura Lane Jones.

Richard graduated from Lake Noxen High School. He was a career Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict and worked and toured with the United States Air Force Thunder Birds for several years. Richard was active at Northmoreland Baptist Church and Noxen Independent Bible Church where he was also a deacon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary and sister, Patricia Hobbs.

Richard is survived by his sister, Karlene Sorber; brother, Theodore Jones; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday April 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM from Northmoreland Baptist Church, 21 Ripplebrook Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, with Pastor Kurt Seboe, Northmoreland Baptist Church officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be in the Orcutt's Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

Memorial donations can be made to the Northmoreland Baptist Church, 21 Ripplebrook Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 or Patriots Cove, 4334 State Route 29 South, Noxen, PA 18636

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/09/2026

Harold Eugene Kocher Jr., 83, of Dallas, passed away Wednesday, April 8, at Allied Hospice Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met.

He was born in Kingston on November 10, 1942, the son of the late Harold Sr. and Frances Ruth Bryant Kocher. He graduated from Dallas High School and served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserve as part of the 402nd Military Police.

In 1972, Harold married the former Barbara Patterson, who survives him.

Harold worked with his father in the sanitation business until his father’s death. He then partnered with Ted Kocher to form K&K Sanitation, which served the Back Mountain area for many years. (Harold and Ted were not direct relatives, but they thought of each other as brothers.)

He later worked at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as a nurses’ aide in the Cardiac Unit.

In addition to his wife, Harold is survived by children Chris (Crystal) Kocher and Karen (Dr. Terrence) Goyke, and grandchildren Caleb, Paige, Jarek and Wyatt Goyke.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek with Pastor Carol Folk of the Center Moreland United Methodist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Private interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lake Township.

Memorial donations can be made to the Back Mountain Food Bank, 40 K**b Hill, Trucksville, Pa. 18708.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com.

04/07/2026

C. Madeline Bilby, age 91 of Shickshinny, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Berwick.

She was born in Nanticoke on August 19, 1934 and was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Metcalf.

Madeline graduated from Huntington Mills High School, Class of 1952. She worked at the local dress factory in Harveyville, and continued to do so when it moved to Sweet Valley. Madeline was a member of Calvary Bible Chapel, Hunlock Creek.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Russell; brothers, Darte, Jack, Glenn, Richard, and Neil Metcalf; and sisters, Jacqueline Stocksdale, Sue Hoyt, and Vivien Everett.

Madeline is survived by sisters, Ferne Stevens of Berwick and Peggy Cragle of Hunlock Creek; stepdaughter, Nancy Reider; and step-grandson, Danny Rood.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Bloomingdale Cemetery, Ross Township, with Pastor Neil Martin, Calvary Bible Chapel officiating

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to Calvary Bible Chapel, 362 Hunlock-Harveyville Road, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621.


Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/24/2026

Robert Lewis “Bob” Stucker, age 89 of Sweet Valley, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026.

He was born on February 17, 1937 in the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre and was the son of the late Elmer Stucker, Sr. and Effie Eudora (Thomas) Stucker.

Bob proudly served in the US Army from 1960 to 1962, stationed at Fort Hood, TX and in Germany. He later spent 38 years as a proud member of the Laborers Local 158, working in heavy highway construction before retiring and making his home in Sweet Valley, where he lived for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Doris Mae Stucker (1987); infant brother, Thomas Stucker (1948); son, Brian Stucker (2022); brothers, Alan D. Stucker (2022), Harry Thomas Stucker (2021), and Paul Phillip Stucker, Sr. (2025); longtime companion, Mary Ann (Patla) Kukosky (2017).

Bob is survived by his children, Robert T. Stucker of Tunkhannock, Jeffery Stucker and David Stucker, both of Wilkes-Barre area; and by the Kukosky family he loved as his own – Tom and Gail Kukosky, Christopher Kukosky, Stepanie Hill and Bryan Vest, Nicholas and Melissa Kukosky, all of Sweet Valley and Matthew and Heather Kukosky of Lehman; siblings, Elmer S. Stucker, Jr., Charolette Ann Stucker, Shirley May Stucker, Charles John Stucker, John Thomas Stucker, and Bernadine Lombardo; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and the extended Kukosky family who loved him as one of their own.

Even when asked how he was doing, his familiar answer of “terrible” was always delivered with a hint of humor and a warmth that reassured everyone he loved that, in truth, his spirit was anything but.

Bob will be remembered for his military service, his 38 years with Laborers Local 158 in heavy highway construction, his quiet strength, and the way he helped create a large, blended family filled with love and “adopted children” who called him family. He shared 35 meaningful years with Mary, and together they cherished their grandchildren and the lively household they built.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with family friend, Doug Evans, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Patla Cemetery, Sweet Valley.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/23/2026

Nancy Ilene Arnold, age 90 of Hunlock Creek, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Hunlock Creek on March 27, 1935 and was the daughter of the late Willard and Ruth Benscoter and Boyd and Katie Bonham, who raised her from a young age.

Nancy graduated from Shickshinny High School. She worked at Pomeroys in Wilkes-Barre as a dress buyer and later at several local sewing factories as a seamstress. Nancy was a member of the Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, where she was also heavily involved with the Ladies Aide program. She enjoyed crocheting, plastic canvas work and had great love for her many cats. Nancy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Thomas Arnold, Jr.; sisters, Charlotte Whitmore and Therma Featherman; brother, Herald Benscoter; great-granddaughter, Emma Rose Matthews.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Debra Matthews; sister, Travilla Price; grandson, Edmund Matthews; granddaughter, Victoria Blaine; 3 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM at the Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, 83 Hunlock Harveyville Rd., Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Donna Dickinson, Certified Lay Minister, officiating.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

The family asks to please omit any flowers from the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, 83 Hunlock Harveyville Rd., Hunlock Creek, PA 18621.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/16/2026

Charlotte Ann Hopfer, age 82 of Noxen, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Monroe Township on September 6, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Harvey and Leah Patton.

Charlotte attended Tunkhannock and Dallas School Districts. She was employed as a seamstress at a Noxen dress factory, a welder at Encon, Offset Paperback, and as a dietary aid for Methodist Homes in Tunkhannock. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Noxen Fire Co., Evans Falls Methodist Church, and Eastern Star. She was an avid reader and gardener and enjoyed spending time with all her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David ; brother, Perry.

Charlotte is survived by her son, David Hopfer ( Donna) of Noxen; grandsons: Matthew (Sharon) and Garrett (Alizabeth); 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; numerous nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to the Noxen Fire Department, 3493 Stull Rd., Noxen, PA 18636 or Noxen Ambulance Assoc., 142 Elizabeth St., Noxen, PA 18636.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/14/2026

https://youtube.com/live/aYZyxWd-XKk?feature=share

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/11/2026

Beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Alice Louise Penhale Lent, age 86 of Shickshinny, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Allied Hospice Meade St., Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre on July 7, 1939 and was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas, Sr. and Louise (Fry) Penhale.

Alice graduated from Nanticoke High School in 1957 and then went on to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing, becoming a registered nurse in 1960. “Alice Lent, R.N.,” as she was fondly known by many, went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. She returned to the Wilkes-Barre area and continued her nursing career path in Public Health. It was during this time that she met her true love and soul mate, William Burdett Lent. They married in January 1966 and built a life together for 44 years until Bill’s death in August 2010. After marrying Bill, Alice became a school nurse and had a successful and fulfilling 25 year career in the Northwest Area School District, retiring in the late 1990’s. Alice was involved in community and church activities and nursing care advocacy. Primarily she was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends, including many gatherings at the farm.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Lent; brother, Thomas Penhale, Jr.

Alice is survived by her children, Rebecca Correllus and her husband, Douglas of Beacon, NY; Matthew Lent and his wife, Michelle of Frostburg, MD; Christopher Lent and his wife, Amanda Birk of Shickshinny; Five loving granddaughters: Madelyn, Allyson, Abigail, Gwendolyn and Meredith; One loving grandson, Owen; cousin, Lance Penhale; several nephews and other cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Donna Dickinson, Certified Lay Minister of the Muhlenberg United Methodist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Interment will be in Bloomindale Cemetery, Ross Twp.

Memorial donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 or St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/10/2026

Anthony W. Yockavitch (Tony), 71, of Fort Myers, FL and formerly of Sweet Valley, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, with his family at his side.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on May 14, 1954, the son of the late Anthony P. “Yock” and Lois Cragle Yockavitch.

Tony graduated from Lake-Lehman High School, Class of 1972. He enjoyed growing up and working on the family farm in Sweet Valley, and was employed at Inter-Metro Industries. Along with his family, Tony owned and operated the Video Showcase in Sweet Valley for 25 years, where he enjoyed connecting with the local customers.

Tony was a loving son, brother, and uncle. While he would often be seen outside caring for his property, it was his family that filled most of his time, and his heart. Tony influenced a family generation, showing what it looks like to love unconditionally, give selflessly, and laugh abundantly.

Tony is survived by sister Kathy Lynn and her daughter Tammy; loving brother Jeff and his caring wife Elizabeth of Fort Myers, FL, and the lights of his life, niece Jessica Hauze and her husband Jesse of Sweet Valley, nephews Joshua Wilkey (Michelle) of Edison, NJ and Bradley Snyder (Mandy) of Lopatcong, NJ, and the newest joy in Tony’s life, great-nephew Parker Hauze.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family to honor Tony’s life and the impact he had on his family and friends.

03/09/2026

Karen A. (Benscoter) Blaine, age 76 of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Allied Services Meade St. Skilled Nursing, Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Nanticoke on October 23, 1949 and was the daughter of the late Glenn and Eloise Benscoter.

Karen was a member of the Our Lady of Hope Church in Wilkes-Barre where she was a member of the crocheting ministry and was a Eucharistic Minister. She volunteered at the Plymouth Library and Pet Smart, where she spent time with the animals. Karen was employed at Lord and Taylor in Wilkes-Barre. She was an avid reader of Steven King books and enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by fur babies, Smudge, Ashley and Betty Ann; nephew, Doug.

Karen is survived by her husband of 26 years, Joseph; children, Joe Blaine, Jr. (Cindy Ann) of Harveys Lake, Angela Harmon (Shawn) of Idetown and Jessie Zim of Nanticoke; numerous grandchildren; dogs, Shane, Melonie and Ginger; cat, Lacy.

A memorial service will be held Thursday March 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with her nephew, Pastor Richard Blaine, officiating.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to Rescue Pets Serving Vets, 4793 Red Rock Rd., Benton, PA 17814.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to longtime family friends, Helene and John, Jorge, Maria and Angela, Katie, Marianne and Carl, Steve and Stella, and to the staff at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Allied Hospice Meade St. for making her last days more comfortable.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com