Virgil L Howard Funeral Home

03/29/2026

Today we remember and honor Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice. We are thankful for the strength you showed and the legacy you leave behind.
It is our privilege to serve those who have served our country.

03/28/2026

03/27/2026

James A. Babcock “beloved”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---James A. “Jamie” Babcock, 92, of Shinglehouse, passed away suddenly with his loving family by his side on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born on Tuesday, November 21, 1933 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of Lloyd and Emma Babcock. He was married to Dolores M. Brown, who passed away on November 7, 2000. He later married Nancy A. Hyde, who survives.

Jamie was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, Class of 1952. He enlisted in the US Army where he served in Germany. In his early years, Jamie was employed in the logging industry. For over 40 years, he was an over the road truck driver, owning his own truck.

He was a member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530. Anyone who knew Jamie knew him as a hard worker, retiring at age 78.

Jamie was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife; three daughters, Kimberly H. “Kim” Petrosewitz of Chardon, OH, twins, Lisa B. (Peter) Chouinard and Laura M. Davis, both of Shinglehouse; a son, James F. (Eleanor) Babcock of Kersey; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; a sister, Eloise Plants of Ceres, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Jamie was predeceased by a son, Michael Babcock; a granddaughter, Lauren Petrosewitz; a sister, Eva Bell; and three brothers, Clarence “Bab” Babcock, Ed Babcock, and Don Babcock.

In keeping with Jamie’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Private funeral services will be held in the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, with Jaime’s son-in-law, Peter Chouinard, officiating. Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

A celebration of Jamie’s life will be held on a date and place to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jamie’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Jamie’s family entrusted his care 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 Jamie, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page.

03/26/2026

Today we honor strength, resilience, and awareness on Purple Day. 💜

03/19/2026

Arlene J. Ayers “best mother and grandmother ever”

WESTFIELD, PA--- Arlene Joyce Ayers, 91, of Westfield, formerly of Coudersport and Austin, passed away at the home of her daughter, Susan Plumstead, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with her loving family by her side, after a brief illness.

Born on Tuesday, July 24, 1934 in Austin, she was a daughter of Maynard D. and Pauline Frost Robinson. On July 14, 1949 in Odin, she married Francis T. Ayers, who passed away on April 5, 2012.

Arlene was employed for over 31 years at the former Pure Carbon in Coudersport, where she became a chief inspector. After retiring from Pure Carbon, Arlene was employed by Adelphia in Coudersport for a number of years.

Arlene enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, and reading. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are four sons, Edward (Debbie) Ayers of Coudersport, Ralph (Nancy Rathbun) Ayers of Eldred, Dennis (Nancy) Ayers of Shinglehouse, and Kenneth (Susana) Ayers of Colorado; three daughters, Cheryl Furman of Austin, Gloria (Greg) Frable of Schaefferstown, and Susan (Terry) Plumstead of Westfield; twenty-four grandchildren; fifty great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; a brother, William Robinson of Roulette; a half sister, Nancy Kudlow of South Carolina; several nieces and nephews; a loving friend, Mary Plumstead; and her loving companions, Socks and Shelby.

In addition to her parents and husband, Arlene was predeceased by two grandsons, Aaron Arthur Ayers and Christian Michael Parrish; one great-grandson, Blake Alan Ayers; a great-great-grandson, Carver Michael Parrish; a sister, Mary Nolan; a brother, Jack Robinson; and a half brother, Robert Robinson.

Family and friends may gather from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Gospel Tabernacle, Rt 6 W, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 11am, with Pastor John Minor, officiating. Burial will be in Ayers Hill Cemetery, Coudersport.

Memorials in Arlene’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arlene entrusted her care 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 Arlene, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home page.