Obituaries

Marilyn Ann Russo, 82 of Forks Twp., PA died Saturday, June 6, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born January 18, 1938 in Easton, PA she was the daughter of the late Olive E. (Fox) and George W. Diehl. A 1955 graduate of Easton High School, she was employed by J.T. Baker Chemical Co. for 38 years before retiring in 2000. Prior to that she was employed by Blue Ridge Winkler. Marilyn enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles and she loved to read. She was “mom” to all her daughter’s friends and a joy to all her neighbors. She will be missed.

She is survived by her daughter: Annette Russo with whom she resided; a brother: Wayne A. Diehl of Greenville, SC and her grand puppy: Besse Mae.

A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society; a pet rescue of one’s choice or an environmental preservation organization of one’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Beverly S. Flad, 87, of Saucon Valley Manor, formerly of Easton, died Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in her home.

Born May 4, 1933 in Phillipsburg, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Jeannette (McAvoy) Strohl. Her husband, Donald C. Flad, Sr., died in March.

Beverly worked as an operator for Bell Telephone, Easton and she also worked at the Northampton County Courthouse. She graduated from Easton High School in 1951 and was a member of First United Church of Christ, Easton.

Surviving are three children, Jeannette Orso and her husband, Steve, of Easton, Donald Flad, Jr. and his partner, Earl Bethel, of Bethlehem, and Chris Flad of Allentown; a brother, Jerry Strohl; a granddaughter; and six great grandchildren. A granddaughter, Devin, and three sisters, Shirley Ollendyke, Natalie Balliet and Nada Strohl died earlier.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, Steeple Fund, 229 Church St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Lila Godown, 64 of Palmer Twp., PA died Saturday, May 30, 2020 at home. Born April 13, 1956 in Charleston, SC she was a daughter of the late Dorothy (Free) and Marshall R. Huffstutler. A 1974 graduate of Easton High School, she had worked in the service industry and as a caretaker for many years. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Easton.

She is survived by her daughter: Alison White of Bethlehem Twp., PA; sisters: Beverly Wagner and Terri Piro of Easton, PA, Shirley Sharp of Bluffton, SC; brothers: Robert Huffstutler of Easton and Richard Weatherby of Pitman, NJ; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her husband: Henry John “Hank” Godown, Jr. and her sister: Marshell Durnin.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry St., Easton, PA 18042 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Merle S. Rissmiller, Sr., 97, of Easton, died Monday, May 25, 2020 in ManorCare, Old Orchard. Born December 8, 1922 in Stockertown, he was a son of the late Samuel and Florence (Messinger) Rissmiller. His wife, Shirley (Paul) Rissmiller, died in 2011.

Merle served in the Army during WWII and was a self employed mason contractor in the Lehigh Valley. He was a member of St. John’s Church on Morgan Hill.

Surviving are two sons, Merle Rissmiller and his wife, Deborah, and Samuel Rissmiller and his wife, Barbara; a daughter, Sheri Lyons; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Services will be private with interment in Raubsville Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Colleen Mary Altimare, 71, of Wilson Borough, PA, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. She was the wife of Paul J. Altimare, with whom she celebrated 43 years of marriage in January. Born October 6, 1948, in Lebanon, PA, she was the daughter of the late Blanche (Slingwine) and Lawrence Mullen. Colleen was a 1966 graduate of Easton Area High School. She went on to work for the Architectural Studio in Easton and served as the Executive Director of the Northampton County Housing Authority for many years before her retirement in 2014. Colleen enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends, especially her granddaughters.

She will always be lovingly remembered for her kind heart. Over the years Colleen welcomed into her home and cared for both her mother and in-laws and always kept the door open for her many “sons” – friends of her own son, Paul Adam. Family and friends alike will always treasure the memories of her cherished tradition of hosting elaborate Christmas Eve gatherings at her house.

A beloved wife, mother, “Lolly”, sister, and aunt, Colleen will be deeply missed by: her husband; her son: Paul A. Altimare and his wife, Kristen, of Easton, PA; her sister: LuRae Zehnder of Peoria, IL; two granddaughters: Gabriella and Ellianna; nieces: Julia and Ashlee; and a foster son: Lamont Dodson.

Friends are invited to drive by the Chapel at Easton Cemetery on N. 7th St., Easton, to greet the family between 10 to 11 AM on Monday, June 1st. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment will be in Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.