Theodore Petrochko, Sr., 86, of Scott Twp., died Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Mid Valley Health Care Center, Blakely, PA following an illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eustelle “Dolly” Kingsley Petrochko, who died September 28, 2017.

Born in Scranton, PA son of the late John D. and Mary Billek Petrochko, he was a graduate of Scranton Central High School, class of 1948, and was an active member of St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Mayfield, PA. Ted was a farmer and longtime cattle hauler who enjoyed spending time with his family and farmer friends.

He is survived by two daughters, Linda Canfield and husband, Dennis of Jackson, PA., and Joan Petrochko of Nicholson; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Petrochko of Kingsley; 8 grandchildren, Chrissy and husband, Tony Gravine; Bill Merritt, Carrie and husband, Clark Reeder, Valerie and husband, Shane Owens, Theodore Petrochko III, Randy Petrochko, Alicia Petrochko, Stacey and husband, Scott Cokely; 13 great-grandchildren, Colyn, Dantay, Wyatt, Wynter, Hunter, Austin, Christina, Garreth, Sadie Mae, Jacklyn, Mackenzie, Christina and Lizzy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also preceding him in death were one son, Theodore Petrochko, Jr.; one daughter, Rita Petrochko, a brother, John Petrochko, and a sister, Mary Petrochko Betress.

The funeral will be Friday at 8:45 a.m. from the John J. Turko & Sons Funeral Home, 402 Boulevard Ave., Dickson City, with a Requiem Service at 9:30 a.m. in St. John’s R.O. Cathedral, Hill St., Mayfield, to be celebrated by Very Rev. Archpriest Daniel Geeza.

Interment will follow in St. John’s R.O. Cemetery, Mayfield. Friends may call Wednesday, February 7, from 6:00 until 8:00  p.m. and Thursday, February 8, 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

There will be a Parastas service on Thursday, at 2:30 p.m.

Surrounded by her devoted family, Doris Elaine Sherk Hall was welcomed home by her dear Savior on the evening of Friday, February 2, 2018.  Doris was born September 11, 1934, in Mishawaka, Indiana.  As the oldest in a family of six children, Doris was known to be an incredible help to her parents in caring for her younger siblings in the post-depression years.  A 1952 graduate of Mishawaka High School, Doris began her career in a clerical role at the Ball-Band Company in South Bend.  Doris met her Prince Charming, Gerald O. Hall, while serving as the Maid of Honor at the wedding of her best friend, Betty Gay. 

In the years of their courtship, Doris traveled by train from northern Indiana to visit her beloved in Northeast Pennsylvania, where she met her soon-to-be family members, the dad, brothers, aunts and uncles, and friends of Gerald (Jerry).  Jerry and Doris married at the Grace Chapel in Mishawaka, Indiana, on May 14, 1955.  In the years following, Doris and Jerry began a family when their first born, Janice Rose arrived, followed by Delinda Sue and Dwight Monroe.  Over the years in which Doris focused on being a wife and mother, she also continued and refined her skills as a cook and seamstress.  Doris’ career as an accomplished seamstress brought much joy to her life and that of her family, as well as the clients who sought her out for her excellence as a seamstress/tailor.  Doris and Jerry moved from northern Indiana to Longview, Texas, in 1968 for Jerry to begin his study of Aviation Maintenance Technology at LeTourneau College, after which East Texas became their lifetime home. 

Doris enjoyed a personal relationship with her Lord Jesus and over the years she faithfully served Him in many capacities at Pine Crest Bible Church in Longview. These included leading the young Cubbies in the Awana program as well as serving as a nursery volunteer.  She was usually wearing her favorite color, purple!She was a faithful friend to many.  She adored her children and their spouses, and as her family grew she supported them in many ways, including by caring for her grandchildren as babies and toddlers to assist her grown children as they began to establish careers.  Doris also enjoyed her work for fifteen years as a transcript clerk in the Registrar’s office at LeTourneau University. Over her lifetime, Doris and Jerry welcomed and graciously hosted countless missionaries and families into their home to offer a warm meal and conversation – many wonderful memories were made around the kitchen table.  In her later years, Doris boldly lived with limited vision by the impact of macular degeneration and faithfully participated in the East Texas Macular Degeneration support group.

Doris is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Gerald O. Hall. She is also survived by her children:  Janice (Ray) Laurent of Panola, Texas; Dr. Delinda Hall of Longview, Texas; and Dwight (Angela) Hall of Longview, Texas.  Doris is survived by her sisters: Pat Weaver of Nappanee, Indiana; Sandra Edwards and Marsha (Uri) Castillo of South Bend, Indiana; and brothers, Jerry (Carol) Sherk of Liberty City, Texas; and Tom (Eileen) Sherk of Bremen, Indiana.  Her best friend and sister-in-law, Betty Gay Hall, and her husband, Dr. Donald Hall, of Sebring, Florida; and her brother-in-law and his wife, David and Geraldine Hall of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. 

Her grandchildren are:  Monica (Chris) Chmiel; Ray “Trey” (Jennifer) Laurent III; Lauren (Doyle) Laurent-Parker; Savannah (Brandon) Henderson; Drs. Jacob (Kelly) Hall; Sarah (Jack) Buttram; Jesse Hall; and Wendi Medley.  A multitude of great-grandchildren adored their Grandma Doris including: Melody, Tyler, and Kyle Chmiel; Elijah, Ethan, Josiah, Jeremiah, and Awesome Laurent; Cain Parker; Kaden, Sophia, Lillian, Bella, and Bentley Henderson; Lindsey and Katelyn Hall; and Henry and Lucienne Buttram. 

Doris is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who enjoyed her loving and generous spirit and beautiful smile. 

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Georgia Sherk, and brother, Robert Owen Sherk.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff of Panola Nursing & Rehabilitation, and Heartsway Hospice, both located in Carthage, Texas, for the compassionate and professional care of Mrs. Doris over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Awana ministry or Heartsway Hospice of Carthage.  The Awana ministry’s purpose is to equip leaders to reach kids with the gospel of Christ and engage them in long-term discipleship.

Services are under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home of Carthage, Texas.  Visitation with family will be Sunday, February 18, from 2-5 p.m. at the Hawthorn Funeral Home.  The funeral and remembrance service, with Pastor Rob Young officiating, will be held at 3:30 p.m., Monday, February 19, at Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel.The family will be wearing purple to honor Doris and invites attendees to do so as well. 

Interment and a graveside service will take place at a later date at Maple Ridge Cemetery near Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, under the direction of Tuttle-Yiesley Funeral Home, Hallstead, Pennsylvania.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com.

Forrest H. VanCott, 62, of New Milford, PA went home to be with the Lord on February 4, 2018.  He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Nancy.

Forrest is also survived by three cherished daughters, Sara VanCott, Laura and Andrew Nichols, and Naomi and Omar Stoltzfus; a brother, W. Cooper VanCott; a sister, Ardith Stepniak; and many loving extended family members and close friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, Kermit and Ruth Cooper VanCott and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, H. Eastburn and Sara L. Smith.

Forrest grew up working in the family business, VanCott’s Nursery and Landscaping with his father and brother.  He was employed with IBM in Endicott, NY for 27 years, retiring in 2004.  Following his brief retirement, he was employed by his good friend, Joe Hunt for several years at JHA Companies, Montrose, PA.  He also served on the Pratt Memorial Library Board.

Forrest was an active member of South New Milford Baptist Church, serving in various roles, including as a Trustee, on the Missions Committee, and Building Committee.  He had a heart for missions, supporting missionaries, and also going into the mission field himself, including many trips to Bancroft Bible Camp, TN, and also Paraguay, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Liberia, Colombia, Papua New Guinea, and the Yukon.  His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31.

Forrest loved nature and being out in the woods, especially hiking on the Appalachian Trail.  He took great pleasure in his John Deere tractors.  Forrest was mechanically talented and possessed the ability to fix anything.  He was generous with his time, skills, and resources, always willing to lend a hand.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling with them, most recently on a 40th anniversary trip to Alaska with his wife.  Forrest created many special memories spending quality time with his beloved daughters.

A memorial service was held Sunday, February 11, 2018 at South New Milford Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to: South New Milford Baptist Church, Missions Fund, 2967 Harford Road, New Milford, PA 18834; or The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807.

Arrangements by the Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA.