Virgil L Howard Funeral Home

12/08/2025

Esther Ruth Ray “celebration of life slated”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Esther Ruth Ray, 87, of Shinglehouse, at 11am on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse. Pastor Clint Pearsall will officiate.

Esther passed away on November 4, 2025.

Esther’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

12/08/2025

After feeling a little Grinch-ish after Christmas one year, Dr. Seuss wrote "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to see if he "could rediscover something about Christmas that obviously I'd lost." The book was published in 1957 and the original TV film was released in 1966.

12/07/2025

12/06/2025

The holidays can be hard when you’re missing someone. Download our free grief e-booklet for gentle support. 🎄💛
(Use the link below; no email or registration required)
https://bit.ly/44Ma4nl

12/05/2025

Faye A. Eades “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”

DEL CITY, Oklahoma---Faye A. Eades, 82, of Del City, Oklahoma, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Born on Saturday, August 7, 1943, she was a daughter of Clifford and Marian Swift Hackett.

Faye was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1960, in Shinglehouse, PA. Graduating at the age of 16, Faye went to the former Airline School in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduating from airline school, Faye was employed at the Pentagon for several years. A military wife, she lived in numerous places, finally settling in Oklahoma.

She had a fulfilling career at Tinker Air Force Base working for the Air Force in Oklahoma and later was employed at the Air Force Base by the Department of Defense, from where she retired.

Faye was an active member of her church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outside on her plants and flowers. At one time, Faye considered herself a “gym rat”, having gone to the gym everyday to workout.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, Alan (Melissa) Poe of Choctaw, OK; two sisters, Peggy Askins of Mesa, AZ and Julie Perkins of Shinglehouse; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Ceres, PA.

In lieu flowers, memorials in Faye’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Faye entrusted her local arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Faye, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page.

12/04/2025

Mary B. Contant “beloved wife, mother, and grandmother”

COUDERSPORT, PA---Mary B. Contant, 87, 0f Coudersport, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on Thursday, November 3, 1938 in Longview, Texas, she was a daughter of Kirby and Helen Dunning White. In 1955 in Spokane, WA, she married George W. Wilson, who passed away in 1989. On June 20, 1998 in Coudersport, she married Gilles S. Contant, who survives.

Mary was employed for many years at the former Pure Carbon in Coudersport. She enjoyed spending time at her cabin and tending to her flower beds. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 27 years; three daughters, Suzann L. (Todd) Anderson of Buena, NJ, Elizabeth Jo (John) Wylie of Genesee, and Claudine P. (Joe) Prosser of Maroin, SC; eight grandchildren, Anthony, Amanda (Matthew), Jared, Melissa, John IV, Scott, Jenna and Bella; three great-grandchildren, Svea, Eness, and Asa; a sister, Helen Crescenze of Massillon, OH; a brother, Robert (Marlene) White of Roy, WA; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Mary was predeceased by a daughter, Erika S. Contant; a grandson, Daniel Wylie; and three brothers.

Family and friends may gather from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, December 8, 2025, at God’s Country Ministries, 1237 E. Second Street, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 7pm with Pastors Dan and Sally Brehm, officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Coudersport.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in Mary’s name may be made to God’s Country Ministries Food Share Program, 1237 E. Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Mary’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Mary, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page.

12/04/2025

35 year! Do you still watch Home Alone?

11/30/2025

Donna R. Nickeson “beloved mother and grandmother”

AUSTIN, PA---Donna R. Nickeson, born January 12, 1949, to Margaret Barr and Harold VanWhy, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Donna lived her life with strength, deep love, and unwavering resilience. She faced every hardship with fiery spirit, and her charm touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Philip, and by her grandson, Trevor.

Donna is survived by her cherished children:
Jack (Sue) Judlin of Tennessee, parents of Kailyn and Jordan; Jonell (Terry) Judlin of Austin, PA. Her children are Trevor, Lukas, and Becca; Matthew (Jennifer) Nickeson, parents of Cameron, Katie, Brynn, and Hannah; Lukas (Cerissa) Dynda, parents of Jacelyn and Vayla; Becca Dynda is the mother of Trevor and Nash.

Donna’s family was her greatest joy and angst, and her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will continue to carry her love and spirit forward.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Donna’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Donna, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page.