Obituaries

Gerald “Jerry” “Hessie” Grossman, 92 died at his home Monday, January 28, 2019 at Saucon Valley Manor surrounded by his children. Known for his affable nature, he touched many with his stories and his good humor. He served proudly on the U.S.S. Woodworth in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and maintained a love and devotion to his ship and its crew as well as all things related to the Navy. He enjoyed history, especially the stories of Easton and was always curious to learn new details about the community he loved. He served as a member of the Easton Police Department and often recounted many memories of those important years in his life. He appreciated nature and had a fondness for all its creatures, especially his pets and the many  animals who often “visited” his yard. He was a strong advocate for the work of St. Jude Hospital and its care for children who suffered from cancer.

He was the father of Gerald, Patti Deutsch (James), Lisa Patti (Jen) and Anthony (Tracey); husband of Susan Binder Grossman; he enjoyed telling people about his five grandchildren, Amy, Sarah, Mark, Emily and Nicholas, nine great-grandchildren; two step-sons and the many people he held close to his heart. He was the foster son of the late Artemis and Myra Hess.

Visiting hours will be held 12 to 1 PM Friday (Feb. 1) at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Green Pond Road, Easton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Rev. Dr. James W. Bowers, 66, of Palmer Township, died Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson.

Born June 11, 1952 in Reading, PA, he was a son of Mary Ann (Daniels) Bowers and the late William Bowers.  He and his wife, Mary F. (O’Donnell) Bowers, were married 43 years.

He was a clinical psychologist in private practice in the Lehigh Valley for 15 years.  He was also the pastor at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus until retiring last year.  Prior to that he was the pastor at St. Paul’s Third Lutheran Church, Palmer Township.  He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown and the former chaplain for the Palmer Township Police and Fire Departments.

Surviving with his wife, Mary, and his mother, Mary Ann, are two daughters, Allison Vovk and her husband, Sergei, and Julia Simko and her husband, Justin; a brother, David Bowers; a sister, Sharon Barnes; and a granddaughter, Katerina.  His sister, Sandra, died earlier.

Services will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 W. Hamilton St., Allentown.  A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until service time on Sunday in the church.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bear Creek Lutheran Camp, www.bearcreekcamp.org.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Anna Ashton Kutzler, 80 of Forks Twp., PA died Friday, January 18, 2019 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem Twp., PA. Born January 20, 1938 in Easton, PA she was the daughter of the late Jean (Melick) and Fred L. Ashton, Sr. Her husband Roger W. Kutzler died in 2012.  She received her Associates Degree from the Bucks County Community College and her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Hahnemann University Hospital. She and her husband owned and operated Kutzler Chevrolet in Kintnersville for many years. A nurse for most of her life at various hospitals, Anna retired as the nurse/office manager for Dr. Rashid Makhdomi in Easton after more than 30 years. She was a member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, Easton and past Worthy Matron, Order of the Eastern Star. Anna had also volunteered at Gracedale.

She is survived by 3 children: Roger Kutzler and his wife Patty of McMichaels, PA, Jean Chubb and her husband Nick of Doylestown, PA, Kevin Kutzler, Sr. of Whitehall, PA; 6 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Roger, brothers: Fred L. Ashton, Jr.,  R. Kline Ashton, Sr., and 3 grandsons.

Services are 10:30 AM Thursday (Jan. 24) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with visitation 6 to 7:30 PM Wednesday in the funeral home. Interment is in Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Sherry L. Phelps, 50, of Bangor, died Thursday, January 17, 2019.  Born March 9, 1968 in Easton, she was a daughter of Neal Setcer and the late
Sandy (Lutz) Setcer.  She and her husband, Carl J. Phelps, were married 34 years.
Sherry was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Surviving with her husband, Carl, are her children, Carl Phelps, Jr., Angela Lytle and Felicia Dorrington; a sister, Lori Cassar and 6 grandchildren.  Her brother, Brian Setcer, and her grandparents, Neal, Sr. and Eva Setcer, died earlier.

Services will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton.  A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until service time.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Thelma E. Wilson, 78, of Palmer Township, died Wednesday, January 9, 2019 in Country Meadows.

Born August 24, 1940 in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Charles R. and Pearl B. (Mills) Ehrie.  Her husband, Reginald M. Wilson, Jr. died in 2003.

Thelma was a teacher’s aide at Palmer Elementary School for over 10 years.  Prior to that she worked at the Bethlehem Vocational-Technical School, Moravian Academy and Easton Area School District.  She graduated from Easton High School in 1958 and was a member of St. John’s Church on Morgan Hill, Easton.

Surviving are two children, Sherri L. McIntyre and her husband, Rusty, of Palmer Township and Reginald M. Wilson, III and his wife, Kerry, of Bethlehem; a brother, Richard Howitt; 5 grandchildren, Jennie McQueen, Kellee McIntyre, Reginald Wilson IV, Rocky Wilson and Kaylee Wilson; and 4 great grandchildren, Connor, James, Rowan and Luke.  Her brother, Floyd Ehrie died earlier.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St., John’s Church on Morgan Hill.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday in the church.  Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Church on Morgan Hill, 2720 Morgan Hill Rd., Easton, PA 18042.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.