Obituaries

Suzanne Brose Hemmerick, 92, of New York City, formerly of Easton, died Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Country Meadows. Born February 14, 1933 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late James V. and Helen (Edenburn) Spatola. She and her husband, Tom Hemmerick were married 38 years. Suzanne had a long career in Real Estate. Spanning 60 years, she loved building companies (she built 3 of them ) and helping people find their homes. Suzanne was still working until January 2025 as a Broker with Weichert Properties. She was a graduate of The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, PA and received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University. As an astute business woman, she was elected Easton’s first woman on the board of chamber of commerce. Unstoppable, in her 70’s she realized her dream to study and sing jazz, enchanting us with her unique style and beautiful voice.

Surviving with her husband, Tom are a daughter, Karen Harrod and her husband, Dave; two sons, Johns “Chip” Hopkins, III and James Brose; a step-daughter, Leah Murray and her husband, Ken; and four grandchildren, Justin, Andrew, Julie, and Regan. She was predeceased by a step-son, William Hemmerick.

Services will be held at 12:00 pm (Noon) on Thursday, May 22, 2025 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time on Thursday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Averte/Merry Meadow Farm who merged with Trivium Life Services (501c3) in June of 2022. Averte continues to provide mental health support in New England while Trivium Life Services provides developmental disability support in Iowa and substance abuse support in Idaho. Averte has been providing care for 45 years while Trivium Life Services is in its 50th year; https://www.triviumlifeservices.org/donate. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Shirley Ann Prugh, 99, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at her apartment at Traditions of Hanover in Bethlehem. Born December 19, 1925 in Easton, PA, she was the daughter of the late C. Stewart Hedden and Mabel H. (Hoadley) Dutt. She was a graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1944 and after high school she was a World War II volunteer at Ingersoll Rand- who contributed to the war effort by producing equipment for the military and allied nations. Shirley then went to work for the Boys Scouts of America and later became a telephone switchboard operator. In the 1960s and early 1970s, she was the secretary at Calvary United Methodist Church in Easton before joining the Proofreading and Production team at the College Placement Council in Bethlehem in 1972 and staying 20 years until her retirement in 1992. Post retirement Shirley worked as a part-time secretary for several years at First Baptist Church in Bethlehem, where she was a member.

Shirley’s passions included cooking, baking, painting, sewing, watching her son play baseball and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. She was a dog lover and raised multiple dogs (Pug, Muffin & Buster) over the years. She loved making Christmas cookies with her grandkids and for several years, she enjoyed making beautiful wedding cakes.

Shirley is survived by her son: Gary and his wife Betty of Broomall, PA; daughter-in-law: Toni Prugh of Bethlehem; grandchildren: Jennifer Prugh Perez (Miguel) of Huntersville, NC, Robert Prugh (Joni) of Enterprise, AL, Alex Prugh of Washington, DC, Christopher Prugh of Media, PA; and great-grandchildren: Andrew, Ashlyn and Aidan Perez of Huntersville, NC and Carter and Grayson Prugh of Enterprise, AL. She was predeceased by her parents, her stepmother: Gladys Hedden (1995), her ex-husband: William H. Prugh, Sr, (1968), her son: William H. Prugh Jr. (1997), her great-grandchild: Jacob Perez (2006) and her brother: Stewart Hedden (2012).

A calling period will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a short service at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or CHOP or the ASPCA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Marlene Marie Moulds, 71 of Forks Twp., PA passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born June 8, 1953 in Council Grove, KS, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Margaret (Swisher) Shubert. She was a graduate of Emporia State College and taught at Elementary and Montessori schools for many years and later as a math specialist before retiring. Marlene both lived and taught in Montana, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, moving every four years, wherever her husband was called as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force. But she loved Pennsylvania because of its four seasons and the vibrant fall colors.

Marlene was a member of First United Church of Christ, Easton and loved helping others. She volunteered at the Easton Middle School for school and sporting events, and for the Sean Morris Golf Charity. She had a passion and skill for bringing people together, especially her family and friends. She loved watching Penn State football, the Kansas City Chiefs and Liverpool soccer, a passion of both of her sons. Marlene was kind, compassionate, driven by her faith and touched the lives of everyone she met. She often seemed called upon by God to be a listener to family, friends, and even strangers she met through her life.

Marlene is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, LTC Robert D. Moulds; sons: Robb W. Moulds and wife Krista of Warrington, PA, Allan L. Moulds and wife Seneca of West Chester, PA; brothers: Jerry and Larry Shubert; and 4 grandchildren: Harrison, Madelyn, Caroline, and Addison.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM, Saturday (May 17) at First United Church of Christ, 27 N. 3rd St., Easton with a calling period from 10 to 11 AM in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in Marlene’s name to the church, 27 N. 3rd St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Patricia L. Nitchkey, 95, formerly of Wilson Borough, died Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Country Meadows, Forks Township. Born March 17, 1930 in Wilson Borough, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Clara (LaFevre) Laubach. Her husband, William A. Nitchkey died in 2011. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1948 and owned and operated Patty’s Play School from 1981 to 1991. She was a member of First United Church of Christ, Easton where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Phillipsburg Chapter.

Surviving are three daughters, Cynthia Caplin and her husband, Noah, Nancy Medlar and her husband, Jay, and Laurie Reichert and her husband, Kirby Jr.; a son, David Nitchkey and his wife, Kimberly; a sister, Nancy Lou Crouse; six grandchildren, Sabrina Reichert and her husband, Chris Leipert, Sarah Nitchkey and her husband, Steve, Ryan Medlar, Evan Medlar and his wife, Tania, Kirby Reichert III, and Kristopher Reichert and his fiancée, Jennifer Snyder; four great grandchildren, Marsie, Kirby IV, Alyssa, and Meghan; a great great grandson, Mahlon; Patricia’s extended family, Lisa Ott, wife of the late David Ott; their daughter, Jennifer Ott and her children, Isabele, Isaac and Cali. She was predeceased by a brother, Hugh Lee Laubach and two sisters, Glenn Cobb and C. Jeanette Call-Haslet.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time on Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lifesong Hospice, www.lifesonghospice.com. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Daniel Lars Grinager 73, passed away peacefully Friday, April 25, 2025 in Lehigh Valley Hospital Hospice, Allentown, PA. Born August 24, 1951 in Fountain Hill, PA he was a son of the late Norman and Mary Grinager. He graduated from Freedom High School in 1969 and attended Penn State.

Dan was employed for over 30 years by the former Ice Palace Skating Rink as a night manager, and then by several cleaning companies. He had a passion for PSU football, the Eagles and 60’s music.
He will be remembered for his love of family, especially his sister, Mary Anna Schlicher.

Dan is survived by Mary Anna and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; stepparents: Lonnie Grinager and Milt Adams; and siblings: Norman, Gwendolyn, Pamela and Barbara.

Services are private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements.  Memorials may be made to LVHN Hospice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.