Breaking News

Obituaries

Emogene Cross ‘Jessie’ James

Emogene Cross “Jessie” James, 100, of Altoona, died in the early hours of Oct. 8, 2025, at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Altoona. She was born in Corning, N.Y., a daughter of the late Harold Thomas and Ila Agnes (Andrews) Cross. She married Kenneth M. James, who preceded her in death Jan. 7, 2002. Surviving are three children: son, Donald James (Rose) in Alabama; daughter, Bonnie Spencer of Nelson; daughter, Constance George (Anthony) of Altoona; three grandchildren: Jason George (Ashley), Joey George and Jeff George (Kendra); eight great-grandchildren: ...

Betty J. ‘Betty Boop’ Kelley

Betty J. “Betty Boop” Kelley, 90, of Altoona, died Tuesday afternoon at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Altoona. She was born in Altoona, a daughter of the late John Andrew and Leah Emma (Cherry) Melhorn. Surviving are three children: son, Bill Kelley (Edie), and ...

Eugene Edward ‘Ed’ Kensinger

Eugene Edward “Ed” Kensinger, 85, of Duncansville, passed away Thursday morning at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Kittanning, son of the late Jacob Albert and Inez Isabelle (Bowser) Kensinger. He married Mary Eileen Dick on June 19, 1965, and she died Feb. 17, 2002. Ed is survived by three children: Edward Wayne Kensinger, Jennifer Eileen Kensinger and Michelle Lynne Monahan and her husband, Bon; four grandchildren: Kellen, Justin, Carson and Jenna; and a sister, Joyce Romberger, and husband, Harry. He was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers: Donna Jean Smith, Kenneth ...

Carl G. Krajec

Carl G. Krajec, 90, passed away Monday. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., raised in Johnstown, and resided in Reston, Va., and then Rehoboth Beach, Del. Surviving are his daughter, Cheryl Morgan; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Carl was a graduate of Johnstown Catholic High School, ...

William D. ‘Bill’ Mentch

William D. “Bill” Mentch, 81, Altoona, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at his home. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. A complete obituary will appear in Monday’s Mirror.

Ronnie G. Stahl

Ronnie G. Stahl, 54, Altoona, died unexpectedly on Tuesday. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Ronnie G. Stahl and Sharon N. Goodman. Surviving is a brother, David C. Goodman (Stephanie); a half-sister, Shaney Conigliaro; an uncle, John Mowery (Dara); and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Bryant Stahl; an uncle, James Mowery Sr.; and his stepfather, David F. Goodman. Ronnie was a 1989 graduate of Altoona High School. He was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home ...