Johanna Margarete (Greiner) Engle, 92, of Frederick died Sunday afternoon at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.  She was the widow of Herbert O. Engel to whom she was happily married for 62 years.

Mrs. Engle was born in Hindenburg, Germany (now Zabreze, Poland) in 1917.  Youngest of seven children born to Maria (Rack) and Paul Greiner, she immigrated with her husband and three children to the United States in 1952.  She was a resident of Congo for 53 years.

A member of St. Columbkill Church in Boyertown, she actively supported church bazaars and the soup kitchen with her baked delights.  She was also a member of the Altar Rosary Society and the Shawl Ministry.

She was a member of St. John’s Golden Agers and volunteered at the Frederick Community at the Daycare Center and Stitches of Love.

Her life was devoted to caring for her family by lovingly providing nutritious and tasty meals and sewing beautifully crafted items which included wedding dresses and baptismal gowns.  Summers were spent preserving the bounties from the garden grown by her husband.  She enjoyed traveling and classical concerts.

She was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters.  Johanna is survived by three children.  A son, Albrecht P. Engel, husband of Nancy (Willis) of Telford, PA and two daughters.  Ingeborg E., wife of Richard H. Frecon of Boyertown and Anette M. Engel of Stamping Ground, Kentucky.  Also surviving are five grandchildren, Eliza E. (Frecon) Castle, Monika M. (Frecon) Brodsky, Heidi J. (Engel) Murphy, Allison M. Engel and Natalie A. Engel, and great grandchildren Molly Castle and Margaret Brodsky.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Columbkill R.C. Church, 200 Indian Spring Road, Boyertown, PA on Friday, May 1 at 11:00 AM officiated by Fr. Robert McConaghy.  Burial will follow in Most Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Bally, PA.  Relatives and friends may extend their sympathy and respects before mass at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. 

Contributions may be made in Johanna’s memory to The Benevolent Fund at Frederick Community, 2849 Big Road, P.O. Box 498, Frederick, PA  19435.

Betty Lou (Cooper) Channell, age 69, wife of Emmitt T. Channell Jr., of S. Hanover St., North Coventry Twp., died Tuesday in PMMC.

Born in Cleveland Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Rose (Walker) Cooper.

She worked at the former National Liberty Insurance Co., in Malvern Pa.., for many years and was also a Pre-K teacher at Coventry Christian School, in Pottstown.

She was a member of Coventry Hills Church of Christ, in Pottstown, where her husband Emmitt, was a minister since 1978.  She was also very active in teaching Sunday School for many years.

Surviving with her husband of 51 years, are three sons, Dr. John Calvin Channell, husband of Kathryn, of Nashville, Tenn., Steve A. husband of Sheila Channell, of Laverne Tenn., and Brian T. husband of Toni Channell, of Oak Ridge Tenn., along with a daughter, Lucette wife of Frank E. Coughey, of  Jeffersonville Pa. Also surviving are three brothers, James Cooper, of Lebanon Tenn., Sammy Cooper, of Cookville Tenn., and George Cooper, of Decater Alabama, and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday at Coventry Hills Church of Christ, 1339 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, with Mr. Warren Kenney, officiating. Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories.  Friends may call on Friday from 1 to 1:45 PM at the church.

Contributions may be made in her memory to: Coventry Hill Church of Christ, 1339 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, Pa.  19465.

Leona M. (DeBrosse) Mossmann, 100, wife of the late Joseph J. Mossmann, of Pottstown, passed away on Saturday at Manor Care in Pottstown.

Born in Newport, OH, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Johanna (Sherman) DeBrosse.

Surviving is her son Ronald J. Mossmann, husband of Diane, of Pottstown; grandson Marc D. Mossmann of Pottstown and granddaughter Sandra, wife of Stephen Byrne, of NC. Also surviving is great grandson Marc D. Mossmann of Pottstown, great granddaughter Sarah Byrne of NC and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and husband, she is predeceased by brothers Clarence and Alfred DeBrosse and her sister Margaret Swift.

Leona was a member of ST. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Pottstown for 60 years. She was a homemaker and loving mother who prayed for a long life.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 12noon at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 214 N. Hanover Str., Pottstown. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 11:15AM to 11:45AM at the church.

Peter P. Starr, age 71, husband of Ann (Sands) Starr, of Sunset Lane Boyertown, died Tuesday at the Southeastern Veteran Center, Spring City.

Born in Shennandoah Pa., he was the son of the late Anthony and Niglena (Karvoise) Gwiazdowski.

He was a graduate of North Carolina State and later he received his master’s degree from Adams State College, in Colorado. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, of the Korean War.

Peter was a retired teacher at Schuylkill Valley High School, where he also coached football,along with teaching and coaching football at Lebanon Catholic High School. He also coached football at Millersville University, in Lancaster.

Surviving with his wife is a son, Peter P.J. Starr Jr., of Boyertown, and a brother, Anthony Starr, of Leesport.

He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, Exeter Twp. 

Peter loved playing and coaching the game of football, and along with teaching will be remembered for his love of working with young people and enjoying competition.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Monday at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Exeter Twp.  Friends may call on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made in his memory to: St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading Pa.  19606.

Libby I. (Powers) Strimpel, 56, wife of Gary H. Strimpel, of Pottstown, formerly of Detroit, MI, passed away on Tuesday at her residence.

Born in Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Beatrice (Marshall) Powers.

Surviving with her husband are sons Joel and James Powers, both of Pottstown; daughter Angela Powers of Pottstown; brothers Howard and Cedric Powers of Detroit, MI and Clyde “Skippy” Powers of CA; sisters Evelyn Taylor and Diane Garner, both of Detroit, MI. Also surviving are grandchildren Danielle Ashford, Donald Gorman, Janet Powers, Courtney Powers and Sincere Strimpel and step-daughter Silver Strimpel. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Nolan and her sister Janet.

Libby was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Pottstown.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 10:30AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 240 Mintzer Road, Pottstown with Pastor William H. Ball III officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call on Monday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the church.

Leila M. (Stowe) Rock, 92, wife of the late James W. Rock, of Lower Pottsgrove Twp., Pottstown, formerly of King of Prussia, passed away on Saturday at her residence.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Harry S. and Alice (Parkes) Stowe.

Surviving is her daughter Linda Loshnowsky, wife of Mark, of Pottstown and her 2 grandsons James Loshnowsky, husband of Anita, of Gilbertsville, and Stephen Loshnowsky of Pottstown. Along with her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her brothers Floyd and John Stowe.

Leila worked as a self employed beautician in Philadelphia with her mother for 15 years.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens, King of Prussia. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30AM to 10:20AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leila’s name to the American Heart Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building A, Suite 100, Conshohocken, PA 19428.

Gary V. DiFerdinand Jr., 24, of Sanatoga, passed away suddenly on Friday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of Gary V. Sr. and Joanne M. (McCann) DiFerdinand of Sanatoga.

Along with his parents, he is survived by his sister Brooke A. DiFerdinand of Pottstown; maternal grandparents Robert and Rose McCann and paternal grandmother Immaculata DiFerdinand; Also surviving is his nephew Raul Jr. and niece Arabella and numerous aunts and uncles. He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather Victor DiFerdinand.

Gary was an avid athlete enjoying both basketball and golf.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, 7PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Rev. Joseph Dietz officiating. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Thursday from 5PM to 6:45PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to Pottsgrove Little League, c/o Heidi Fretz- treasurer, 2357 Noel Circle, Pottstown, PA 19464

Ada R. Sell, 90, wife of the late Stanley Sell, of Boyertown, passed away on Saturday at Manor Care in Pottstown.

Born in Bechtelsville, she was the daughter of the late Clayton and Ellen Estella (Wolfgang) Rhoads.

Surviving is daughter Phyllis Swenson, wife of Lowell, of Boyertown; brother Clayton Rhoads Jr. and sister Vivian Fronheiser, both of Gilbertsville; grandchildren Tamara S. Metka and Todd D. Kulp; great grandsons Charles R. Armstrong and Brandon F. Dech; and step-sister Nancy Weikel, wife of David, and their children Amy and Jonathan, of Bethlehem, PA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by brothers Harrison and Melvin Rhoads; sisters Frances Conrad, Marian Heydt, Myrtle Geschwind, and Sally Mutter; and her companion of 11 years Al Gotta.

Ada was a member of Hill Church in Bechtelsville. She was also a member of Twin Ponds Golf Club and was an avid golfer, playing up till the age of 83. Ada worked at Boyertown Casket Company for 15 years in the sewing department.

A funeral service will be Thursday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville with Pastor Eugene Zaiser officiating. Burial will follow in Niantic Union Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the funeral home.

Lawrence C. Hobbs, 84, husband of Beatrice E. (white) Hobbs, of Pottstown, passed away on Sunday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Monocacy, PA, he was the son of the late Clarence and Myrtle (Gallion) Hobbs.

Surviving with his wife are daughters Joan Madden, wife of Bruce, and June Tiley, wife of Michael, both of Pottstown; brother Herbert Hobbs, husband of Nancy, of Pottstown; and granddaughters Heather Murdoch, wife of Gregory, of Perkiomen and Brittney Tiley of Pottstown. He will be missed by his feline friend Daffney. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by 2 brothers and one sister.

Lawrence was a member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Pottstown. He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 34 years as a template maker and at Sanatoga Metal Corp. for 20 years. He was a life member of Friendship Fire Company in Royersford, enjoyed going to the beach and casinos and loved to fish.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in ST. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 9:30AM to 10:15AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to the American Lung Association, 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017-2100.

Antoinette R. “Scotty” (Romano) DeAngelis, age 95, widow of Paul DeAngelis, of Manatawny Manor Nursing Home, E. Coventry Twp., and formerly of Blue Bell, Pa., died Sunday in the Manor.

Born in Plymouth Twp., Pa., she was the daughter of the late Pat and Maggie (Lenzi) Romano.

She was a member of St. Helena R.C. Church, Blue Bell Pa.

Surviving are two sons,  Anthony DeAngelis, of  Md., Paul J. DeAngelis, husband of Barbara, of Pottstown, along with six grandchildren, Terry Sukalski, Carolyn Hopwood, James DeAngelis, Paul J. DeAngelis, and Thomas A. DeAngelis, and five great grandchildren.  . Also surviving are 3 brothers, Albert Romano, of East Norriton, Raymond Romano, of Deleware, and William Romano, of Audubon. She was pre-deceased by two daughters, Carolyn Woolfenden, and Mary Ann Hurst, and a grandson, Anthony DeAngelis

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Wednesday in St. Helena R.C. Church, 1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pa., with the Rev. Joseph J. Nocolo, officiating.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Norristown.  Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church.

Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: The American Cancer S

Paul R. Foley, age 86, husband of Anges M. (Kovach) Foley, of South St., Pottstown, died Sunday evening at his residence.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Mary (Christman) Foley.

Paul worked at Dana Corp., in Pottstown, for 38 years. He later worked for Wanish Limousine service in Pottstown, and for Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, in Pottstown, for fifteen years.

He was U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II.  He was a member of St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Pottstown, where he ran the Bingo at the church for 36 years, and was a member of the St. Aloysius Senior Citizen Group. He is also a member of the Pottstown V.F.W. post #780. Paul was very involved, at one time, with little league, and American Legion baseball, and softball, in the Pottstown area.

Surviving with his wife of 63 years, is a son, Paul R., Jr. husband of Jill Foley, of Leesburg Va., and a daughter, Jan Marie Foley, and friend, David Knoll, both of Mertztown Pa., along with a sister, Lucille Schirl, of Monocacy.  He is also survived by two grandchildren, Matthew and Christopher Foley, in addition to, two great grandchildren, Braden and Landon Foley, and a step grandson, Tristan.

A prayer service will be held at 9:15 AM on Thursday, at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Hanover & Beech Sts., Pottstown, with the Rev. Angelo Hernandez, officiating. Burial will be in St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Lower Pottsgrove Twp. Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 P M, and also on Thursday from 8:30 to 9:15 AM, at the funeral home.

Edward J. “Eddie” Dennis, 78, husband of the late Valeria J. (Gurski) Dennis, of Shamokin, passed away at Friendly Nursing Home in Pitman, PA on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Born in Brady, he was the son of the late Florian and Victoria (Saladonis) Dennis. He raised his family in Pottstown while serving for 30 years as a welder with Bethlehem Steel. He retired to Shamokin.

Surviving are children David J. Dennis of Pottstown, Edward S. and Jeffrey J. Dennis both of Valdosta, GA, and Christine Hinkle of Fleetwood; brothers Donald and Florian Dennis; sister Dorothy Corbicz; grandchildren Ryan and Tyler Hinkle, and Stephen, Kory, Christopher and Victoria Dennis. Along with his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister Adrienne Bowman.

Edward was a former member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Pottstown. He was an Army veteran serving with the 82nd Airborne. Baseball was his passion. He had a brief minor league career with the Philadelphia Athletics in the late 1940’s.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 4PM at Catagnus Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3PM to 3:45PM at the funeral home.

Joseph R. Mirenda III, age 68, husband of the late Margaret E. (Reese) Mirenda, of Old Swede Rd., Douglassville, Pa., died Thursday at his residence of natural causes.

Born in the Bronx N.Y., he was the son of the late Joseph Mirenda Jr., and Josephine (Fischelli) Mirenda.

He worked for over 25 years, at Venezia Trucking, in Limerick, as a Sr. mechanic.

Joseph was a U.S. Navy Veteran. While in the Navy, Joe played on the All Navy softball team, who played other branches of the service at that time. He also was an avid skier, making a number of trips to Europe over the past number of years. In addition to skiing, he was an avid bicyclist, Kayaker, and outdoorsman.

Surviving are three sons, Joseph Mirenda IV, of Las Vegas Nev., Michael T. Mirenda, of Exeter Twp., and Jamie P. Mirenda, of Birdsboro, Pa., along with two daughters, Joleen Mirenda-Alaniz, of Greensburg, Pa., and Christine A. Strocen, of Birdsboro Pa.  Also surviving is a brother, Robert Mirenda, of Altoona Pa., and 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville, Pa., with Deacon Joseph Paschall, officiating.  Burial will be in Fort Indiantown Gap Nat’l Cemetery, Annville, Pa. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the funeral home.

Lynne (McNelly) Witte, age 66, wife of Martin Witte, of W. Cherry Lane, Limerick Pa., passed away at her residence on Friday,  after a long struggle with breast cancer.

Born in Coatesville, she was the daughter of Ruth H. (Walker) McNelly, of Royersford, and the late Robert  H. “Coach” McNelly.

She was a 1960 graduate of Spring Ford High School, and a 1964 graduate of West Chester University, with a BS in Elementary Education.  She taught 3rd grade at Limerick Elementary School, from 1964 to 1969, and later served as a substitute teacher for the Spring Ford Elementary Schools, for many years.

She enjoyed gardening,cooking,needle crafts, scrapbooking, and genealogy research. She also volunteered in the Limerick Elementary Home & School League back in the 1970’s, along with volunteering at St. James Lutheran Church in Limerick.  Lynne led a team of church members who made two quilts to commemorate the congregation’s 175th anniversary. She also made a Mission Statement quilt wall hanging. She has created numerous quilts, wall decorations and other needle work pieces for family and friends.

Since 1987 Lynne has been the primary caregiver for her son Michael.  For the past ten years, she has researched her family history, traveling to many libraries, courthouses, historical societies, and cemeteries to find information about her ancestors. She also created historic scrapbooks about her family.

Surviving with her husband of 41 years, son,  and her mother, are her brothers children, Robert J. McNelly Esq., Elizabeth McNelly, and the spouses.  Also she has three sister in-laws and additional neices and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was pre-deceased by a brother, Robert Glenn McNelly.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 PM, at St. James Lutheran Church, 93 Kugler Rd., Limerick, with the Rev. Stuart Luce, officiating.  Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, at the church.  Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Lynne (McNelly) Witte Scholarship Fund, c/o Spring-Ford Area School District, 199 Bechtel Rd., Collegeville, Pa.  19426.

Timothy Runyon Brennan, age 51, of Gilbertsville, Pa., a mechanical engineer, died April 14, 2009.  Beloved husband of Karen (Fullam) Brennan, and devoted father of son Matthew, Tim is survived by three brothers, James, Christopher, and his twin, William Brennan, and one sister, Margaret Cobb, a devoted mother-in-law, Adele Fullman, five nieces and six nephews. He was the son of the late James A. and Margaret (Doig) Brennan.

A graduate of Villanova University, Tim earned a BS in mechanical Engineering. In addition to being an avid golfer, he was an active member of the Boyertown YMCA sports program, and a member of the New Hanover Twp. Environmental Board.

Prayers will be said at 10 AM Saturday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1020 E. Phila. Ave. Gilbertsville. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM in St. Columbkill R.C. Church, 200 Indian Spring Rd., Boyertown, with the Rev. Robert Quinn, officiating. Friends may call on Friday evening from 6 to 9 PM and also on Saturday from 9 to 10 AM, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to:  The Wyndcroft School, 1395 Wilson St., Pottstown Pa.  19464.

Lucille K. “Lucy” Brown, 96, of Sanatoga Center, passed away on Saturday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Sarah King.

She is survived by her son Augustus King, companion of Annette Granahan, of Pottstown; her grandchildren Collene Smith, Veronica Scott, Ernestine Dabney, Julius Flynn, Collette Saunders, Mona Flynn, Eric Carr, Ira Carr, Marie Deeds, and Monica L. King. She is also survived by 27 great grandchildren, 36 great-great grandchildren and 7 great great great grandchildren, spanning 5 generations. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her daughter Ethel Clementine Flynn and a granddaughter Hope Mathias.

Lucille was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Pottstown where she was a missionary, sang in the church choir and was a Mother of the Church. She also loved to cook and enjoyed singing.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 11AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in Birdsboro Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 10AM to 10:45AM at the funeral home.

John J. Torpey, age 47, of Manatawny Rd., Boyertown, died Sunday in PMMC.

Born in Phila. Pa., he was the son of Adeline M. (Juliano) Grady, of Pottstown, and the late John J. Torpey.

He was a 1979 graduate of Boyertown High School, and worked as a supervisor for Yaculak Concrete Co., in Pottstown.  He also served in the U.A. Air Force.

John was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Club, Pottstown, along with St. Gabriel’s Lodge, in Stowe, and the Brookside Country Club. He also belonged to the Boyertown American Legion Post #471. He enjoyed fishing, particularly deep sea fishing, and was a big Phillies fan. John was so loved and will be greatly missed.

Surviving with his mother, is a good friend, Wendy Bass, and his maternal grandmother, Eleanor (Madell) Juliano, of Boyertown, along with a brother, Robert Torpey, of Boyertown, and a sister, Linda Shaffer, of Pottstown.  He is also survived by a neice, Amanda Marie Hoffman, and two nephews, Anthony M. Shaffer, and John A. Shaffer.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 AM in St. Columbkill R.C. Church, 200 Indian Spring Rd., with the Rev. Robert Quinn, officiating. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Phila.  Friends may call on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM, at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, and also on Friday from 9:45 to 10:15 AM at the church.

Contributions may be made in his memory to:  St. Columbkill R.C. Church, 200 Indian Spring Rd., Boyertown, Pa.  19512.

Audrey M. (Kern) Seltmann, 68, wife of Robert R. Seltmann of Boyertown, Colebrookdale Twp., passed away at her residence after a battle with cancer; her family by her side.

Born in Maxatawny Twp., PA, she was the daughter of the late Warren D. and Clardine (Knappenberger) Kern.

Surviving with her husband is her son John E. Keim of Allentown; daughters Pamela C. Keim of Orlando, FL; brothers Donald of Topton, John of Longswamp, Billy of Lenhartsville, and Dennis of Kutztown; sister Betty Bartholomew of Nazareth and grandson Matthew Keim. Also surviving is her step-son Robert R. Seltmann Jr., husband of Valesia of Oahu, HI; step-daughter Estelle M. wife of Thomas Reichel of Arlington Heights, Ill; 5 step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Along with her parents, she is predeceased by two sisters Doris Leiby and Joanne Zettle.

Audrey was a member of the Boyertown Area Center on Spring Street. She enjoyed playing cards, listing to country music and loved to cook.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, 2:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Friday from 1:30PM to 2:20PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Audrey’s name to the Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604.

Ernest L. Schultz, age 78, husband of the late Nancy L. (Seasholtz) Schultz, of Sanatoga, passed away Saturday in PMMC.

Born in Gilbertsville, he was the son of the late Percy and Emma (Simmons) Schultz.

He worked at the former Boyertown Casket Co., in Boyertown for over 40 years, while also working at the Gilbertsville Golf Course for many years during that same time.  In addition to that he also worked at the former Williams Pontiac in Gilbertsville, now known as Patriot Buick, GMC, and most recently Ernie worked at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, in Pottstown, Boyertown, and Royersford, taking care of all the lawns, flower beds and all outdoor needs, for the past 12 years.  He truly loved his job, and loved to maintain these properties in his meticulous, fussy way.  He was that way no matter what job he was doing. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Pottstown.

Ernie also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and in his younger days, playing baseball well into his 30’s in the Pottstown and Boyertown area’s. In addition, he also loved hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends at a hunting camp in the mountains, known as “Chipmunk Lodge”.  Ernie was also known as a big Phillies fan his entire life. Nothing could stand in the way of him watching the Phillies play ball. His wish came true when the Phillies won the 2008 World Series.

Surviving are three daughters, Linda wife of Terry Neiman, of Pottstown, Cindy wife of David Bush, of Gilbertsville, and Mindy wife of Gregg S. Catagnus, of Gilbertsville, along with a sister, Beaulah Gamler, of Gilbertsville.  Also surviving are five grandchildren, Brad and Bret Neiman, Ashley Bush, and Gregory and Danielle Catagnus, in addition to a great grandson, Hunter Scott Neiman.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, with the Rev. Peter Hutchinson, officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown.  Friends may call on Thursday from 9 to 10:15 AM at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in his memory to:  St. James Lutheran Church, 1101 High St., Pottstown, Pa.  19464.

Brian A. “Balljoint” Lawhorne, 42, of Stowe, passed away suddenly on Friday at Reading Hospital.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of  Beatrice (Weaver) Lawhorne and the late Biney Lawhorne Sr.

Surviving with his mother is his sister Barbara Lawhorne of Stowe; his brothers Biney “Bud” Lawhorne Jr., husband of Debi, of Boyertown, and Barry Lawhorne, husband of Brenda, of Pottstown. Also surviving are 4 nephews, 1 niece, 5 great nephews, and 3 great nieces.

Brian was an avid drag racing fan and driver at Maple Grove Raceway. He also enjoyed working on his race car. Brian worked for Lucianna Custom Kitchens and Bath, Topos, and DMS. He was a graduate of Pottsgrove High School in 1985.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 4PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Thursday from 2PM to 3:45PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s name to the charity of ones choice.

Shannon Ashley Yoder, 23, of Schwenksville, passed away on Friday after a battle with cancer; her family and friends by her side.

Born in Sellersville, PA, she was the beloved daughter of Steven L. and Joanne M. (Wells) Yoder.

Along with her parents, Shannon is survived by her brother Steven Jr. and sister Krystle R. both of Royersford; her maternal grandmother Joanne M. Wells; paternal grandparents Raymond and Marian Yoder; paternal great grandmother Dorothy Shelly; step-mother Bonnie Yoder; step-father Al Letchak; step-brother Benjamin Alteri and step-sister Ali Altieri, both of Schwenksville. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be sadly missed by Walter “Woody” Schank.

Shannon was a 2003 graduate of North Penn High School and a 2007 graduate from Lansdale School of Cosmetology. She was a member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Phoenixville.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11AM at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, 502 S. main Street, Phoenixville, with Fr. John Newns officiating. Entombment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery Mausoleum, Norristown. Friends may call on Wednesday, from 8Am to 10Am at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford.

In lieu of flowers, doantions may be made in Shannon's name to: CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, Development Office, 4600 East West Highway, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD, 20814. See curesearch.org for donation form.

Patrick E. Johnson, 60, of Boyertown, husband of Linda Johnson, passed away on Friday at Manor Care in Pottstown.

Born in Japan, he was the son of the late Oscar and Joyce (Christianson) Johnson.

Surviving is step son Paul Maloney, husband of Sandra, of Washington DC and step daughter Jennifer Stouch, wife of Josh, of Pottstown; grandson Dominic Maloney; sisters Lois Barkasi and Susan Johnson; and brothers David Johnson, Peter Johnson, and Mark Johnson.

Patrick was a member of St. Andrews Methodist Church in New Berlinville. He was an assistant troop leader with Boyscout Pack #367 at New Hanover Lutheran Church. Patrick also worked at Spring City Electrical for 22 years before retiring.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25th, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Philadelphia Ave., Gilbertville with Chaplin John Boyce officiating. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Saturday, April 25, from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Patrick’s name to Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Headquarters, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718 or Heartland Hospice, 4 Park Road, Park Plaza, Suite 105, Wyomissing, PA 19610.

George Welsh, age 96, husband of the late Carrie M. (Phillips) Welsh, of Chestnut Knoll, Boyertown, and formerly of Pottstown, died Saturday in Chestnut Knoll.

Born in Allegheny Co., Pa. he was the son of the late James and Emily (Rogers) Welsh.

He worked for many years at the former Bethlehem Steel Corp, in Pottstown.

Mr. Welsh founded the George Welsh Orchestra, which played at many places, such as the Pottstown Elks Lodge, and around the Pottstown area for many years. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling, and particularly spending time in Florida.

Surviving are two daughters, Claudette Ross, of Easton Md., and Gladys L. Anderson, of South Coventry Twp., along with a step-son, Richard Burkhart, of Arnold Md., and a sister, Emily Lederach, of Souderton.  He also has 7 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.  He was pre-deceased by a son, George Welsh Jr.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday April 18, 2009, at 11 AM, in the Highland Memorial Park, Mausoleum, Farmington & Reynolds Ave’s., Pottstown, with the Rev. Donald B.Eisenhauer, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to:  Home Care Hospice, 13 Armand Hammer Blvd., Suite 201, Pottstown, Pa.  19464.

Eleanor C. “Ellie” (McDevitt) Robinson, 82, of Roxborough, passed away on Sunday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Francis and May (Fox) McDevitt.

Surviving are sons Brian Robinson of Limerick and Glenn Robinson, husband of Eileen, of Abington; daughter Anne Falcone, wife of Joseph, of Limerick; sisters Rita Sarver and Dory McDaniels, both of CA.; grandchildren Christopher, Matthew and Gillian Robinson, Amanda Buffington and Dominick Falcone; and great grandchildren Faith, Hope, Charity, Alexis and Adler Robinson. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her brothers Frank and Mike McDevitt.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, 11AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Thursday from 10AM to 11AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s name to the American Lung Association, 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Erna (Schmierer) Davidheiser, 63, of Boyertown, passed away on Friday at the home of her sister after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Ostholtz, German on June 12, 1945, and came to America in 1951 with her family, she was the daughter of Emma (Dickoff) Schmierer and the late Johann Schmierer.

She was the loving mother of Eric and Brian Landry, both of Gilbertsville; beloved sister of Martha Beekman of Boyertown and Frieda Schmierer of Colorado Springs, CO. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her father, she is predeceased by her brother Otto Schmierer and her sister Hildegard Schmierer.

Erna was a former member of ST. John’s Lutheran Church in Boyertown. She enjoyed reading, cooking, music and going to the beach in Florida. Erna attended Boyertown High School. She worked for Drug Plastic for 20 years, locally in Boyertown for 4 years and in Florida at Publics and various stores for 8 years.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 2:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Wednesday from 1:30PM to 2:30PM at the funeral home.