Stuart Willis Slocum, Jackson, PA, died Sunday, March 15, 2015 in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his loving family at the age of 66.  He died after a courageous battle with carcinoid cancer.

Stuart was born on June 13, 1948 in the same family farm in which he died.  He was a 1966 graduate of Blue Ridge and a 1970 graduate of East Stroudsburg University.  He had a lifelong passion for learning and received his Masters degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska at the age of 60.  Stuart will be best remembered for the passion he had working on his family’s farm to ensure it would be a legacy for generations to come.  He was also particularly proud of the many lives he was able to touch as a teacher at Mountain View School District and Luzerne County Community College.

Stuart is survived by his wife Carolee (Peterson) Slocum whom he married in 1970 after a 4 year romance; son and daughter-in-law Jason and Stephanie (Rea); daughter Jill Slocum; five grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Warren and Ann Slocum; brother-in-law and sister Don and Alice (Slocum) Whitney; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Minnie (Ogden) Slocum. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Florence Shelley Preserve, care of Andrew Gardner, 153 Jefferson Ave, Thompson PA, 18465, or the Susquehanna County Forest Landowners Association, 4170 Ridge Road, Montrose PA, 18801.  He was actively involved with both of these organizations and the Susquehanna County Conservation District, which all aligned with his love of nature. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 11 am at the North Jackson United Methodist Church, North Jackson, PA with Rev. Leanne Campbell officiating.

Interment will be held at a later date in the Lambs Cemetery, Jackson, PA.

The family will receive friends at the Hennessey Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA on Thursday, March 19, 2015 from 5 to 8pm.

Mary Jane Verboys, 61, of Hallstead, PA passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 peacefully surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born on November 24, 1953, to the late Lawrence and Betty (Sartell) Rice. Mary is survived by her brother William, Susquehanna, PA; her four children Brett and his wife Chrissy of Thompson, PA, Brian and his wife Kristy, of Hunlock Creek, PA, Sara and her husband Jeff of Susquehanna, PA, and Adam of Philadelphia, PA; eight grandchildren Kaleb, Megan, Jaycie, Kyle, Jocelyn, Tyler, Jordyn and Blake.

Mary Jane accomplished anything she set her mind to. She was an employee of Frito Lay for many years. She was a beloved member of several quilter guilds. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and creating beautiful quilts. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, friend and grandmother who will be dearly missed but forever in our hearts.

A Funeral Service was held at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA, on Saturday, March 21, 2015 with Rev. Joyce Thorn officiating.

Interment will be held in the Ararat Cemetery, Ararat, PA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Mary Jane’s name.

Robert J. Bednarz Sr., 76, of Scott Center Township, passed away after an illness on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the Barnes Kasson Hospital, Susquehanna , PA.

Robert was born in Simpson, PA, son of the late Charles and Anna Bednarz.  He was survived by his three children Daniel and Carrie Bednarz Sr., Robert and Kathy Bednarz Jr., and Connie Rogers and Jim; seven grandchildren Daniel Jr., Nicholas, Chelsea, Aimee, Brian, Kenny and Joseph; great granddaughter Alexis; and very loving extended family.

Robert spent over 50 years as a Union Carpenter, belonging to the Local #1342. He served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Lenox VFW #8488 and the Lincoln Park American Legion. Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman and he also enjoyed gardening. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.

A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA, with Pastor Kevin Setzer officiating.

Interment will be held in the Lamb Cemetery, Jackson, PA, at a later date.