Obituaries

Katharine Maria “Katie” Natvig, 69, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 9, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Sarah and Johan Natvig. A graduate of Swarthmore High School and Cedar Crest College, she worked for 47 years in the field of social services in the Lehigh Valley. She was a full-time caseworker with the Northampton County Department of Public Assistance until retiring in 2004 and worked part-time up to the present as a crisis intervention counselor in Lehigh, Northampton, and Warren counties.

She is survived by her brother, Martin Natvig of Longmont, Colorado, many loving friends, and her cat Lucy.

A memorial service will be held 1 PM, Saturday, January 14 at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman St., Allentown. Interment will be private. A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Also, in honor of her loving, generous spirit, “pay it forward” to someone in need and cherish your loved ones every day.

William R. McCurdy, 94 died Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, PA. Born September 12, 1922 in Harrisburg, PA he was a son of the late Amy (Smith) and Ralph McCurdy. He had been employed by A T & T in Washington, DC for many years before retiring. He was a WWII Army Veteran who received many decorations including the Bronze Star, Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the American Campaign Medal. He had been a member of Trindle Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg.

He is survived by a daughter: Janet Gruninger and her husband Bob of Forks Twp., PA; a son: Brian McCurdy and his wife Debbie of Kennesaw, GA; and 3 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Harriet (Shipman) McCurdy in 2015.

Services are 11:30 AM Saturday (Jan. 7) in the United Lutheran Church, 167 Seven Points Road, Sunbury, PA with a calling period from 11 to 11:30 AM. Interment will be in the United Lutheran Church Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moravian Hall Square at www.Moravian.com or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert W. Wilson, 86, of Palmer Township, died Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in New Eastwood Healthcare Center.

Born July 26, 1930 in Easton, he was a son of the late Robert L. Wilson and Genevieve (Vogt) Graver.  He and his wife, Margaret M. (Fell) Wilson were married 66 years.

Robert worked for Bethlehem Steel for over 40 years.  He attended Easton High School and was a member of the Palmer Fire House and the auxiliary police.  He was also a volunteer fireman in Palmer Township.

Surviving with his wife, Margaret, are two daughters, Gail Williams and Diane Garis and her husband, Don; a son, Robert Wilson; three sisters, Joyce Weiss, June Poff and Debbie Repsher; seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  Three brothers, Warren Wilson, Richard Wilson and Earl Graver died earlier.

Services will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  A visitation will be 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Monday in the funeral home.  Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Paul K. Martinez, 78 of Easton, PA died Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at home. Born February 22, 1938 in Bethlehem, PA he was a son of the late Catherine (Darby) Wilmore. He and his wife Elizabeth “Liz” (Beck) Martinez shared 49 years together.

He was employed by the City of Easton in the Highway Department for 21 years before retiring. Prior to that he was employed by Strongwear Pants for 25 years. He was a member and Past-President of AFSCME Union Local #447 and a Webelos Leader for Troop 27. He was also a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and the Easton Democratic Committee.

He is survived by his wife Liz; two sons: Keith E. Martinez and his wife ToniAnne of Sharon Hill, PA, Kevin P. Martinez and his significant other Stephanie George of Easton, PA; two brothers: John “Jack” Martinez of Albany, NY, Donald Martinez of Easton; and three grandchildren: Tyler J., Cierra A. and Matthew K. Martinez. He was predeceased brothers: Jimmy, Ricky and George Martinez.

Visitation is 6 PM to 8 PM Thursday, (Dec. 29) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton and 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Friday (Dec. 30) with a service at 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Interment is private in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Luke’s Hospice, 801Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

June E. Hinchcliff, 95, of Easton, died Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Gracedale.

Born June 21, 1921 in Franklin Township, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Frances (Rupp) Burkholder.

Surviving are her children, Sonia Rhea of Nevada City, California and Tomias Hinchcliff of Easton; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Her sister, Bernice Cotter and her brother, Kenneth Burkholder died earlier.  June was grateful for the loving care of her daughter-in-law Stephani-lila Murdoch, who was her faithful friend and advocate for the last 14 years of her life.

Services will be private.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.