All Obituaries

Pastor Robert H. Ransom, 56, of Hollidaysburg, passed away Tuesday at Garvey Manor from complications with Alzheimer's. He was born in El Paso, Texas, the son of Jerry and Rita (Fry) Ransom. Rob married Grace Marie York in Roseville, Pa. in 2002. Surviving are: his wife of 17 years; a daughter, Lena; a son, Elijah; his parents of Churubusco, Ind.; three sisters: Valerie Coffey and husband, Jeff, in Ohio, Jerilyn Ransom in Indiana, and Richelle Bock and husband, Matt, in Indiana; nieces:...

Harold R. "Sonny" Neely, 89, of Altoona, died Wednesday at UPMC Altoona. He was born at home in Hollidaysburg, son of the late Harold M. and Dessa (Garman) Neely. He married Jean A. Clark in 1951. Surviving are: his loving wife of 68 years; children: Pat Clark and wife Eleanor, Connie Conroy, Barbara Helsel, Cheryl Saltsgiver and husband Jim, and Sharon Merritts and husband Tim; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters: Margaret Oakes, Carol Caldwell, Joann Hileman, Betty...

David C. Cassidy, 57, Duncansville, died Tuesday at UPMC Altoona.  He was born in Williamsport, son of the late John and Janet (Humes) Cassidy. He married Lisa Kephart in 1990.  Surviving are his wife of 29 years; a daughter, Chelsea of Tyrone; two sons: Christopher Gearhart in Nevada and Matthew of Altoona; three grandchildren:  Bentley, Kinslee and Maverick; and a sister, Nancy Lockard in South Carolina.  David graduated from Altoona Area High School in 1980. He...

Helen P. (Blazevich) Billotte, 88, Altoona, died Monday at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She was born at home in Williamsburg, daughter of the late James Cox and Veronica Blazevich. She married Regis D. Billotte Sr. in 1949, and he preceded her in death in 2003. Surviving are three daughters: Deborah and Brenda, both of Claysburg, and Amy of East Freedom; three sons: Regis Jr., Michael and wife, Cynthia, and Matthew, all of Hollidaysburg; 15 grandchildren; 18...

June M. (Ratchford) Steele, 95, Hollidaysburg, died Sunday at her residence. She was born at home in Cresson, daughter of the late Leo and Mary (Troxell) Ratchford. She married Joseph C. Steele in 1941, and he preceded her in death in 2004. Surviving are two daughters: Frances Jolene Piper and husband, Kenneth, of Duncansville, and Linda S. Gresham and husband, Charles, of Hollidaysburg; two sons: Joseph Jr. and wife, Carol, and Lester "Rusty" and wife, Terri, all of Arizona;...

William L. Reed Sr., 68, of Altoona, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Leo D. and Marian C. (Williams) Reed. Surviving are: his partner, Mary Ochoa; a daughter, Louella Beltz; two sons: William L. Jr. and Scott A.; seven grandchildren; three sisters: Mary Miller, Helen Barr and Barbara Lake; and a brother: Leo D. Jr.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.,...

Lee H. Merritts, 83, Altoona, died Wednesday at UPMC Altoona. He was born at home in Hollidaysburg, son of the late Clystis and Ethel (McKee) Merritts. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Inez Farrell; a daughter, Colleen Eckman and husband, Darryl of Hollidaysburg; a sister, Marlene Lightner of Hollidaysburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two children: Christopher and Malenda. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from Conrail as a welder. He was a member...

Herbert F. Shoenfelt, 98, Duncansville, died Wednesday at The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg. He was born in Fredericksburg, son of the late Homer W. and Blanche E. (Fouse) Shoenfelt. He married Dorothy Fonner in 1949, and she preceded him in death in 1995. Surviving are a daughter, Donna M. Launtz and husband, Gary, of Hollidaysburg; a son, Mark L. of Duncansville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott, in 1990. Herb graduated from Altoona High School...

Diana M. (Johnston) Colabrese, 82, Hollidaysburg, passed away Wednesday at her residence surrounded by family.  She was born in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late John and Mercedes (Michel) Johnston. Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Fred J. Colabrese; two daughters: Donna M. Gagnon and husband, Rick, in Virginia and Jill Hileman and husband, Dan, of Hollidaysburg; two sons: Ron and wife, Lisa, of Pittsburgh and Dan and wife, Michele in Alabama; 11 grandchildren: Megan,...

James H. Royer, 73, Hollidaysburg, died Wednesday. He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late Clarence W. and Lydia F. (Cogan) Royer. He married Debrah F. Porta in 1986. Surviving are his wife of 33 years; two daughters: Jolinda Mock and Tiffany Noonan; four sons: William, Brandon Buskohl, Benjamin and Nicolas; 14 grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Morningstar. Friends will be received from noon until 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2019, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.,...