Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

02/24/2026

Charles “Chuckie” R. Gunton, age 68 of Noxen, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on December 25, 1957 and was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Brenner Gunton.

Chuck graduated from Tunkhannock High School, Class of 1975, and received his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus, in architecture. He worked at Hillard, Inc., and several other architectural companies before starting CG Designs, LLC, where he was the owner and operator. He enjoyed playing pool and loved swimming and fishing at Nuangola Lake, where he also entertained and had picnics with his nieces and nephews. Chuck loved classic cars and was a member of the Hi Lites Motor Club. He was a selfless man who could lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Chuck also enjoyed working on cars with his late Uncle Spence, and had a great love of his pets, especially his buddy, Chunk.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by stepmother, Juanita Andres.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 8 years, the former Patti Correll (Fayash), who he had known for 20 years; children, Tara Fayash of Surprise, AZ, Tiffany Price (Tim) of Bloomsburg, Andrew Fayash, III (Ashley) of Mary-D, PA; grandchildren, Trinity, Talan, Araya, and Amelia; siblings, David Gunton, Cindy Bosak, and Joanne Kvashay; and 5 nieces and 2 nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Ben Hubbell of the Noxen Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Monday before the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Dymond Section of Orcutt’s Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Noxen Neighborhood Center, Corp, with checks payable to: SOWYCO, 3600 State Route 29 S., Noxen, PA 18636

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

Chuck will be sorely missed by all of his family, associates, and friends.

02/20/2026

Dear Friends and Family,

We're thrilled to announce that the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home has been nominated for Funeral Home of the Year for 2025! We'd be grateful if you could spare a minute to cast your vote for us. Simply follow the link below and scroll down to the "Funeral Home" category. You should find a green VOTE button next to "Swansons". A tremendous thank you to all those who vote for us and for all of your continued trust and support in our funeral home!

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02/18/2026

Rita Sanders, age 64 of Edwardsville, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at home, following an unexpected house fire.

She was born in Dallas, TX on January 6, 1962 and was the daughter of the late Glenn Gee and Carol Taylor.

Rita had been employed as an accountant for many years. She enjoyed traveling and living in different locations. Rita had a great love of animals, especially cats. This led her to start her own cat rescue service, Second Chance for Strays; she lived and died for them.

In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by her soulmate, Levan.

She is survived by her son, Shawn Joyce of New York; granddaughter, Bella Carol; sisters, Anne Neaus of Berwick and Rose Karasek of Sweet Valley; several nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a GoFundMe fundraiser at https://gofund.me/cee5194cb

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

02/16/2026

Lloyd A. Lamoreaux, Sr., age 64 of Hunlock Creek, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on September 18, 1961 and was the son of the late Sheldon and Audrey Sayre Lamoreaux.

Lloyd graduated from West Side Vo-Tech in 1981, where he focused on upholstery. He worked for Sunshine Market, Phoenix Manufacturing in Nanticoke where he worked in shipping and receiving, and most recently at PAMSCO as an HVAC general laborer. Lloyd was a member of Suskie Bassmasters and various other fishing clubs. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, loved to ride motorcycles and attending classic car and various outdoor sportsman shows. Lloyd loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Lloyd is preceded in death by an infant son; granddaughter, Lexie Lamoreaux; twin sister, Rene Lamoreaux; sister, Sharon Rood.

Lloyd is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathleen; son, Lloyd Lamoreaux, Jr (Amanda) of Hunlock Creek; daughter, Amber Lynn LaBar (David) of Hunlock Creek; brothers, Sheldon “Skip” Lamoreaux (Rosanne) and William “Bill” Lamoreaux (Debra); sister-in-law, Susan Slabinski (Frank); grandchildren, Lillian, Lydia, Olivia and Brody; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Chaplain Gerlin Valencia of Allied Services Hospice, officiating

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Future interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Allied Hospice, 100 Abington Executive Park, Clarks Summit, PA 18411

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Allied Hospice and Medical Oncology Associates in Kingston, specifically Dr. Greenwald, for the love and care given to Lloyd.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

02/15/2026

Virginia Ann Major, age 90, passed away on Tuesday evening February 10, 2026 at The Meadows Nursing Home in Dallas, PA.

‘Ginny’ was born October 26, 1935, in Huntsville, Pa, the youngest of four girls, to Robert John & Erma Grace (Weidner) Culp. She graduated from Lehman High school in 1953, where she was active in the student body, serving as Class Historian, Captain of the girls’ basketball team, and a Majorette with the marching band. Ginny was employed by ACME Markets Warehouse for almost 40 years, eventually being promoted to an Assistant Buyer position. She was a faithful member of the Huntsville Christian Church (later Freedom Hill Church), and served many years as Church
Secretary under several pastors. Ginny was also a Senior Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics- her team was affectionately known as ‘The Major League’.

Ginny was a fierce friend to many and a dedicated worker, but her faith and her family were her most important calling. Even as a single parent, Ginny did it all. She was a Lake Lehman band parent volunteer and chaperone, active member of the Susquehanna Trailers family hiking club, one of her daughter’s official Miss PA chaperones, her son’s most present fan as he excelled in 4 different sports over a 6 year span, and she stepped up to coach her daughter’s team (The Reds) in the Inaugural seasons of girls Little League softball in the United States starting in 1974- even winning the championship in their 2nd season. She was later dubbed ‘Ma Ginny’ by her grandchildren, one of her most prized titles.

A woman of extraordinary resilience, Ginny was not only a breast cancer survivor but also fought her way back to health after a brain aneurysm rupture & stroke at the age of 53, and a severe car accident in her late 60’s, and many other health trials. She only reluctantly gave up driving in 2022- and that independence had shaped in her at an early age. She worked multiple jobs as a young girl to pay for her own bike, new shoes, and clothes, and faithfully walked each day to her one-room schoolhouse, fondly known among her classmates as the “pest house”. Ginny’s positive spirit and content nature never wavered, and she never lost sight of her heavenly purpose. She wished to share one of her favorite scriptures, one that she lived out on a daily basis: “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Ginny was predeceased by her parents Bob & Erma Culp, sisters Alice Ross and Midge Kern, and many of her dearest friends. She is survived by sister Charlotte Ashton, many nieces and nephews, daughters Gina Major Ackerman and Judy Harvey (Jay), son Mark Major; grandchildren Irina Ackerman, Mariya (Tommy) Donelan, Yuri Ackerman, Robert Aloysha Ackerman, Bryn Harvey Fussell (Jamie), Zac Harvey, Tyler Harvey; and great-grandsons Kai and Remy Fussell.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fellowship Church, at a time yet to be determined by the family.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the following: Fellowship Church, 45 Hildebrandt Road, Dallas Pa. 18612, or to The Meadows Nursing Center 4 East Center Hill Road, Dallas PA, 18612.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

02/09/2026

Richard “Rick” Deubler, 76, of Dallas passed away on February 3, 2026. Rick was born on January 31, 1950 to Margaret and Dr. Leonard Pearson Deubler in Harrisburg. He was a graduate of West Chester High School and Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School. Rick also earned a Bachelors Degree in Business from Lycoming College in 1972. After college, Rick worked for Rudebon Company, Luzerne.

Rick founded Great Additions, Inc. in 1988, which he operated with his wife Deborah until their retirement in 2023. He never allowed his success in business to distract him from his true passions: motorcycles and tinkering. Rick’s love of motorcycles began in his early years. He raced motorcycles, sponsored by West Chester Honda during his high school years. He later joined the Back Mountain Enduro Riders in 1985 and served as its vice-president for 25 years. Rick was also a member of the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club. He loved taking weeklong motorcycle trips with his “riding buddies”, with Zack through Colorado, and with Deb through the Alps and lakes of Germany and Austria.

He never let a nice day pass without a motorcycle ride or met an appliance in a state of disrepair that he couldn’t return to working order. These characteristics earned him the nicknames “Doc Motto” and “Mr. Fixit” among those who knew him best. Rick had a passion for learning how things worked and a low tolerance for stagnation. These traits led him to a deep and fulfilling life.

Through Rick was a man of many talents, hobbies, and passions, his true joy came from the moments that he shared with his family and friends. Rick met his wife, Deborah in 1967. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage and raised three wonderful children together who were his pride and joy.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his daughters, Megan Deubler and Emily (Craig) Dolhi; son, Zachary (Artika) Deubler; two grandsons, Henry Richard Dolhi and Pearson Anav Deubler; brothers, Peter Deubler and David (Susan) Deubler; sister, Susan (Brian) Donley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those who were lucky enough to know Rick are better because of it and he will be missed dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM from the Dorranceton United Methodist Church, 549 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704, with Rev. Thomas Swingle, officiating.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM before the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dorranceton United Methodist Church, 549 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704 or the Back Mountain Enduro Riders, C/O Jim Roth, PO Box 520, Dallas, PA 18612.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/31/2026

Joyce Ilene Gross, age 91 of Sweet Valley, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Allied Services Meade Street Hospice Center.

She was born in Roaring Brook on January 28, 1935, and was the daughter of the late Vernard C. and Amber C. Bonham Lamoreaux.

Joyce graduated from Shickshinny High School, Class of 1951. She worked for Charles H. Long Equipment, Sweet Valley. She married her husband, Donald Gross in 1955. Joyce was a former member of the Community Bible Church, Sweet Valley, where she played the organ and piano and sang in the church. She was a current member of Living Word Baptist Church, Sweet Valley. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by an infant brother, Charles Cletus.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 71 years, Donald Gross; children, Jody Gross, Dana Gross, and Alyson Graham; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Cragle; brother, Merlin Lamoreaux; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Raymond D. Purdy, Jr. of Living Word Baptist Church, officiating.

Viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday before the services.

Interment will be in Sorber Cemetery, Reyburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Living Word Baptist Church, 40 Hess Ln, Sweet Valley, PA 18656 or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, P.O. Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090-6105

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/30/2026

Betty J. Newell, age 82 of Noxen, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre on November 23, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Viola and John Kovalick.

Betty graduated from Noxen High School and then the Empire Beauty School. Following graduation, she opened a beauty salon at her home and later moved the business to her personal home in Noxen. She also had a craft business that worked with flowers and wreaths. Betty was a member of the Harveys Lake Women’s Club. She was an avid softball pitcher, loved spending time at her grandkid’s events and traveling with her late husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, LeRoy; brothers, John and Chester; son-in-law, Dean.

Betty is survived by daughters, Lisa Finnegan (Jim) of Noxen, Rhonda Hummel (Edward) of Noxen, Stacie Rae Nulton of Sweet Valley, and Nicole Chipego (Matthew) of Noxen; grandchildren, Alaisha, Tom, Steven, Jimmy, Roy Travis, Sarah, Maverick Dean, and Hannah; great-granddaughter, Annli; brothers, Charles, Ronald, Eugene; twin sister, Barb; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Ben Hubbell of the Noxen Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

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

Interment will be in the Dymond Section of Orcutt’s Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Noxen Community Ambulance, 142 Elizabeth St., Noxen, PA 18636.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/27/2026

Terrance “Terry” Alton Shook, 76, a lifelong resident of Noxen, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. Born on January 15, 1950, in Noxen, he was the devoted husband of Dawn Luketic Shook and a loving father to Carl Shook and Amy Shook Wandel.

Terry was a graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and Williamsport Area Community College. He spent his entire career at Procter & Gamble, where he worked as a machinist.

Terry found great joy in spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed playing cards, hunting, traveling, and attending any and all sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Shook of Noxen, PA; daughter, Amy Wandel and her husband, S. Ray, of Dallas, PA; son, Carl Shook and his wife, Elizabeth, of Noxen, PA; brothers, Carl Shook of Palmer, AK, and Kurt Shook and his wife, Christine, of Noxen, PA; grandchildren, Chad Wandel and his wife, Rebecca, of Noxen, PA; Korri Wright and her husband, James, of Dallas, PA; Kasey Shook of Noxen, PA; and Kolby Shook of Noxen, PA; and great-grandchildren, Piper, Emersyn, Penelope, and Alton, all of whom brought great joy to his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Shook, and his mother, Betty Klopko Shook.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/16/2026

Peter A. Isbitski, age 93 of Dallas, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas.

He was born in Plains on February 28, 1932, and was the son of the late Peter and Agnes Rompola Isbitski

Peter graduated from Plains High School, Class of 1950 and went on to become an auto mechanic for various garages in the area. He played accordion for the Kryger Brothers Orchestra and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Peter was a member of the Dupont VFW.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leonard, James, and Robert; and sister, Florence Hadakowski.

Peter is survived by wife, Eleanor Robshaw; son, Peter; daughter, Linda Whitney; step-daughter, Sharon Williams.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Dennis Gray, Chaplain of Compassionate Care Hospice, officiating.

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

Interment will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600 - Doylestown, PA 18901.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/14/2026

Richard Brady Engelman, age 77 of Sweet Valley, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 under hospice care at the Embassy of East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Kingston on May 13, 1948 and was the son of the late Richard Engelman and Alberta Dymond Fanini.

Richard attended Lake-Lehman High School and was raised in Noxen and later moved to Sweet Valley. He retired from the Boilermakers Union Local Lodge #13, after many years of service. Richard served for 14 months in US Army during the Vietnam Era with the 11th Armored Cavalry. He was a member of the South Mountain Land Association where he hunted and spent many weekends with friends at the cabin in his younger years. Richard was also a member of the Harveys Lake American Legion Post 967 where everyday was “Docs” birthday. You would often see Richard driving his quad on the dirt road with his fur babies, Bunny and Presley.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Gary and Loren; sister, Valerie.

Richard is survived by son, Richard Peiffer (Deana) of Sweet Valley; daughter, Terri Massey (Drew) of West Chester; partner, Janice; brother, Robin Fanini (Teresa); grandchildren, Delaney, Addisyn, Austin, Carter and Sloane.

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

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

Memorial donations can be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 74 Lockville Rd, Dallas, PA 18612 or the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/02/2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth A. Sutton, 89, announces his passing on December 26, 2025 at the Allied Hospice Center Meade Street Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Kenny, as he was affectionately known, was born in Lehman, PA to the late Lanceford and Beulah Mae Sutton. He was a graduate of Lehman High School, Class of 1954, in which he proudly remembers being on the football team when they beat Dallas in 1953 for the first time, winning game for the “Old Shoe” Trophy.

Shortly upon graduation, Kenny met his beloved wife, Judith who preceded him in death on August 19, 2017, also following his graduation he joined the military and became a very proud Army Veteran who also loved his wife as well. It was truly a whirlwind year for him, having married twice that year: first to the love of his life, and then to his country! Kenny was shortly thereafter sent to Germany and also had been in Holland; he shared many stories of his training and experiences such as being on howitzer guns and all the fascinating things while abroad. His wife, Judith also recounted having many wonderful experiences with him when she visited him in Germany.

Upon Kenny’s honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as a prison guard at SCI Dallas and was a school bus driver for many years. He always kept the prison safe and ensured that every child got home safely each day until his retirement. He had a strong work ethic, was devoted to his family, and took pride in providing, supporting, and showing unconditional love and devotion through good times and bad. Dad was always there!

Kenny was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and liked watching races. He was also, years ago, a fan of open wheel racing. Kenny was a USAC mechanic and worked at the pits at Pocono Raceway. He loved going to breakfast most mornings at the Skillet, and loved meeting all his friends there. Kenny would travel to Lancaster several times a year as he and Judith always did; even up until a mere 2 months before his passing, bringing back apple bread and the stuffed pork chops from the Amish. He was fiercely and stubbornly independent, which made him a person of great character, who was funny, had strong values, and was an all-around good-natured man.

Kenny is survived by daughter, Cynthia Sutton of Dallas; son, Kyle and wife Kim of Harveys Lake; brother, Richard and wife Esther of Lehman; several nieces; and a nephew.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lanning Anselmi for years of loving care, Dr. A. Michell and the entire cardiac care team at General Hospital 2nd Floor, and a very special thank you to Allied Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre, whose doctors, nurses, and staff went above and beyond!

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends at a date to be announced.

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

In Kenny’s memory, family asks that donations be made to Allied Hospice Center, the SPCA/Human Society, St. Jude’s, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Kenny lived a long life of meaningfulness, and his passing left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him! Nothing that is loved is ever lost! Think of Kenny with a smile in your heart!

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com