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Obituaries

Suzanne G. Stehley

Suzanne G. Stehley, 81, formerly of Bellwood, died early Monday morning at Embassy of Hearthside, State College. She was born in Altoona, a daughter of the late George A. and Lorna (Riley) Woomer. She married Dale A. Stehley Sr. on Sept. 9, 1963, at Altoona First Church of the Brethren. He preceded her in death in 2016. Surviving are three children: son, Dale A. Stehley II (Felicia) of Bellefonte; daughter, Dawn M. Mills (Mark) of Tipton; and son, Patrick G. Stehley (Pam) of Pittsburgh; four grand-children: Ciara Stehley, Caelan Mills, Daman Mills and Eliza Stehley; and a sister, Alma ...

Tracy Kidder, Pulitzer-winning author, dies at 80

Tracy Kidder, an award-winning narrative nonfiction writer who turned everything from computer engineering to life in a nursing home into unexpected bestsellers, has died. He was 80. Kidder’s longtime publisher Random House confirmed his death in a statement Wednesday: “Tracy’s gifts for storytelling and tireless reporting are an enduring reflection of the empathy, integrity, and endless curiosity he brought to everything he did.” Kidder won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his 1981 work “The Soul of a New Machine,” which delved into the work of a ...

John R. Balliet Sr.

John R. Balliet Sr., 68, Portage, formerly of Altoona, died Monday. He was born in Altoona, son of John A. and Mary (Brogden) Balliet. Surviving are a son, John Jr.; four daughters: Nichole, Christa, Erin and Denyel; 15 grandchildren; a brother, Raymond; a sister, Mary; and his longtime girlfriend, Peggy. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Mickey and Gary. Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Bavarian Aid Society, Altoona. Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc.

Barbara Ann (Stenger) Mingle

Barbara Mingle, 96, Havertown, died Saturday. She was born in Millville, daughter of the Rev. Harry C. and Mildred (Mason) Stenger. She was the mother of three sons: David, Daniel and Douglas with her former husband, the late Donald Mingle. Surviving are her sons; and many grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her six siblings; and four infant children. Friends will be received from 3 until the 4 p.m. memorial service Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Roaring Spring. Arrangements are by Fink and Stone Funeral Home, Martinsburg.

Ronald P. ‘Butch’ Noel

Ronald P. “Butch” Noel, 79, Houtzdale, passed away Monday at the Embassy of Hearth­side. He was born in Fallentimber, son of Joseph and Cressie (Bender) Noel. He is survived by children, Stephanie (Mark) Wilk and Ronald J. Noel; grandchildren, Marc (Colby) Wilk and Tiffani (Brendon) ...

Janis P. Thompson

Janis P. Thompson, 82, Roaring Spring, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026. She was born in Roaring Spring, daughter of Ray and Pearl (Burket) McNally. She married Thomas R. Thompson, who survives, along with her children, Heidi and Cornell; and many grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, D. Eileen. Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Bice Memorial Chapel at Homewood Living. Arrangements are by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Martinsburg.