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Obituaries

Stephen R. Garman

Stephen R. Garman, 74, of Williamsburg, passed away Thursday. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Harvey and Helen (Socie) Garman. He married Bonnie Tate in 1976; she preceded him in death in 2025 after sharing 49 years of marriage. Surviving are a daughter, Christina Miller and husband, Matthew in Virginia, four sisters: Betty (Bernie), Nora (Mike, deceased), Judy (Gordon), and Kathy (Tim); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by four siblings: Harry (Donna), Don (Marie), Roger (Linda, surviving), and Bev (Fred). Steve graduated from Hollidaysburg ...

Lee Douglas Swinsburg

Lee Douglas Swinsburg, 79, of Harrisburg, formerly of Williamsburg, passed away in his sleep on June 17, 2026, at home. He was born Feb. 28, 1947, in Hazleton, son of the late Howard and Ann (Marsch) Swinsburg and was raised in Easton. Lee lived a life exemplary of servant-leadership. He ...

Richie E. Ashburn

Richie E. Ashburn, 77, of Indian Land, S.C., died the evening of May 28, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Altoona, a son of the late John R. Ashburn and Anna Harriett (Lindsey) Ashburn Ferguson. He married Deborah Faith Ocker on May 11, 1974, in ...

Jeffrey Wayne ‘Jeff’ Bookhammer

Jeffrey Wayne “Jeff” Bookhammer, 58, of Roaring Spring, passed away Thursday. He was born in Altoona, the son of Nancy (Edwards) Shoenfelt and the late James “Andy” Bookhammer. He was preceded in death by his father; stepfather, Paul Shoenfelt; and a brother, Wesley. Surviving are his wife, Michelle; daughter, Elizabeth; mother, Nancy; sisters, Sandy Hughes and Catherine “Catie” Vasas; and his nieces and nephews. Jeff was a U.S. Army veteran. At the request of the deceased, no services will be held. Arrangements are by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., ...

Kenneth E. Cox Sr.

Kenneth E. Cox Sr., 80, of Aberdeen, Md., formerly of Altoona, died early in the afternoon on April 24, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Harry Edward and Elizabeth Mary (Servello) Cox. He married Donna June Berkheimer on July 11, 1964, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. She preceded him in death Nov. 18, 2008. Surviving are two brothers, Jack L. (Karen) Cox of Altoona and Daniel J. Cox (Patricia) of Ashville; a sister, Deborah K. Smith of Claysburg; and numerous extended family members. Kenny was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth E. Cox ...

Ronald Lee Ecker Sr.

Ronald Lee Ecker Sr., 88, of Altoona, peacefully entered the presence of our Lord on June 11, 2026. Born in Hollidaysburg, to Paul and Grace Ecker, Ron lived a life defined by faith, loyalty and hard work; with a sense of humor and smile that could light up any room. Ron graduated from ...