Obituaries

Charles Thomas Mitchell, 76, of Palmer Twp., PA died Monday, February 23, 2026 at home. Born July 26, 1949 in Bethlehem, PA, he was a son of the late Mary A. (Ruth) and George W. Mitchell, Sr. He was an army veteran serving his country for 22 years during Vietnam and Desert Storm and in the National Guard. He enjoyed the casino, bingo, and playing pinochle with friends at the Chrin Center. Charles also enjoyed making crafts with his wife and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Corine (Vetter) Mitchell; his son: Charles Mitchell, Jr.; stepdaughter: Dorrine Kalinchock & fiancé Larry, step-grandsons: Kyle and Jake Kalinchock. Charles was one of nine children, including: brother George Mitchell, sister Jennifer Roth & husband Larry.

A graveside service with military honors will be held 1 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery, 1851 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Contributions in his memory may be made to any veteran’s organization. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kristine Elizabeth Hunt, 67, of Forks Township, Pennsylvania, died bravely in St. Luke’s Anderson Hospital on February 21, 2026. Kris was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Lawrence Hunt and Margaret (Daley).

A graduate of Easton Area High School in 1976 Kris would then earn a BA in Art at Penn State University in 1980. Kris had a successful career at Crayola LLC, formerly Binney and Smith, and after 36 1/2 years. She would end her career as a Demand Product Manager.

Kris’s volunteer work included representing Binney and Smith at Musikfest, Brownie troop assistant, scorekeeper for the Forks Phillies little league baseball team, and even taking on child care for the grand niece and nephews during the pandemic. Kris loved to cook, entertain family, and crochet. Vacationing with the family was a tradition at Long Beach Island, New Jersey, Stowe, Vermont, Williamsburg, Virginia along with many numerous cruises.

Kris is survived by her mother, Margeret, sister Susanne Hornbake (William), brother Thomas Hunt (Polly), nieces and nephews: Brandon Hunt, William Hornbake (Alice), Elizabeth Hunt, Caroline Brewer (Jason), Margaret Hornbake (fiance John Palermo), grand nieces and nephews: Eleanor Hornbake, Jack, Nora and Maclin Brewer, and her well loved cats Big Boy and Little Boy.

She is preceded in death by her father Lawrence Hunt.

A memorial service will be held at Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton Street, Easton, PA on Monday March 2, 2026. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 -11:30 am with memorial service to follow at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org and The Center for Animal Health & Welfare, www.healthyanimalcenter.org.

Shirley M. Datesman, 94, of Bethlehem Township, died Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Sacred Heart Senior Living. Born April 22, 1931 in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Eva (Correll) Keiser. Her husband, Dyle L. Datesman died in 2002. Shirley graduated from Bangor High School in 1949 and earned her nursing degree from Easton Hospital School of Nursing. She was a pediatric nurse and an orthopedic nurse at Easton Hospital. Shirley was a member of the former First Evangelical Congregational Church, Easton and attended the Bethlehem Township Community Center.

Surviving are three daughters, Becky Houser, Sherry Walker, and Deana Sewald; a sister, Madge Ackerman; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her stepmother, Ruth Keiser; a brother, Paul Keiser; and a sister, Brenda Sue Rice.

Services will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Tuesday in the funeral home. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jerry Ralph Baker, 81 of Palmer Twp., PA died Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem, PA. Born April 25, 1944 in Phillipsburg, NJ he was a son of the late Estella (Woodring) and Joseph A. Baker. He was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and served in the Navy Reserve. He was employed by Witco Corp. in Harmony, NJ for 28 years before retiring. Jerry was a member of the Conchordia Maennerchor, Easton and a member of several quoit leagues and Bel-Pike Lane’s bowling leagues.  

He is survived by his wife of almost 39 years: Janice M. (Cosper) Baker; his sons: Dana Baker (Lisa Compton) of Phillipsburg, NJ, Terry Baker (Claudia) of Palmer Twp., PA; stepdaughters: Denise Diehl (Randy), Bath, PA, Tammy Haas of Easton, PA; a brother: Joseph Baker (Michelle) of Las Vegas, NV; 5 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother: David Baker (Marie).

Services are private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Margaret “Peggy” Cochran, 66 of Easton, PA died Monday, February 9, 2026 following a brief illness. Born February 9, 1960 in Easton, she was the third daughter of four, of the late James and Barbara (Dickenshied) Hemstreet. She was a graduate of Easton High School and Cedar Crest College. Peggy was employed by Bixler’s Jewelers in Easton as an appraiser in her early years, then spent 20 years teaching aerobics at the Easton YMCA. 

She is survived by her husband of 34 years: Peter Cochran; her two sons: Douglas and Henry Cochran; a grandson: Justin; and her sisters: Gretchen Fegley, Kathy Weber and Heidi Jurgens.

A calling period will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, 41 N. 3^rd Street, Easton, PA 18042 (thirdstreetalliance.org). Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Gail A. Sailer, 80, of Harmony Township, died Monday, February 9, 2026 in her home. Born September 22, 1945 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Ethel (Tompson) Adkin. She and her husband, James R. Sailer were married 61 years. They co-owned Sailer’s Florist and Gifts in Easton and Belvidere. Gail graduated from Belvidere High School in 1964. She was a member of Harmony Presbyterian Church, the Harmony Township Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, the Harmony Township Lions Club and she loved playing with her grandchildren.

Surviving with her loving husband, Jim, are a son, Raymond F. Sailer and his wife, Judy; a daughter, Sandra L. Wilson and her husband, Doug; grandchildren, Ryan Sailer-Taynor, Drew Wilson, Jade Lewis, and Skylar Wilson; and great grandchildren, Ivy Rose, Ezra, Elijah, Ezekiel, Oliver, Jayla, Ryland, and Brian and great granddaughter on the way. She was predeceased by her sister, Margie Hajcak

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Harmony Presbyterian Church, 2727 Belvidere Rd., Phillipsburg. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Presbyterian Church, Harmony Township Lions Club, or Harmony Township Fire Co. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Keisha Kidada Fredericks aka Butta, 48 of Easton, PA passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 surrounded by her loving family at St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill, PA. Born April 1, 1977 in Easton, she was a daughter of Charlene Fredericks of Easton.

She is survived by her mother: Charlene, with whom she resided; her son: Zymece of Easton; her loving sister and “bestie”: Aleaha Fredericks of Bath, PA and her 3 sons; her brother: Joseph Boyer (Annette) of Bethlehem and their 7 children; her brother: Abdullah Boyer of Philadelphia, PA; her companion of 10 years: Eddie Laney; many aunts, uncles and a host of cousins.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM Monday, February 16, 2026 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA followed by a service at 11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.