Obituaries

Bertha Mae Nitchkey, 81 of Palmer Twp., PA passed peacefully from the embrace of her family into the open arms of her Saviour on Monday, July 18, 2016 at Manor Care, Palmer Twp.  Born May 17, 1935 in Wilson, PA she was a daughter of the late Archie and Alma (Frick) Stetler. She and her husband Robert A. Nitchkey, Sr. celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Feb. 20th.

A 1955 graduate of Philipsburg High School, she had been employed by Mary MacIntosh Dry Cleaning, Easton and Ingersoll-Rand in NJ. She was a member of the SPCA for many years and an avid pet lover who raised cats and dogs for her children. She also cared for stray cats, adopting the last one for her last pet. Bertha enjoyed shopping, QVC, spending time with her family and friends and collecting dolls. She was a former member of St. Peter’s UCC, Easton.

She is survived by her husband Robert; son: Robert A. Nitchkey, Jr. and his wife Terry of Forks Twp., PA; daughter: Darlene L. Stahl and her husband Roy of Palmer Twp.; brother Henry C. Stetler and his wife Judy of Palmer Twp.; sister: Laureen L. Steiner and her husband Larry of Gloucester, VA; 5 grandchildren; 2 nieces and 3 nephews.

Services are 10:30 AM Friday, July 22 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with visitation 9:30 to 10:30 AM.  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.

Lee R. Mason, 63 of formerly of Palmer Twp., PA died Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Gracedale.  Born February 28, 1953 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Robert L. Mason and Mary Louise (Rau) Mason Morrison.  A 1971 graduate of Easton High School, he worked in the automotive service field for several years. He was a member of the former Olivet Presbyterian Church, Easton and was an avid sports fan.

He is survived by brothers: Jonathan and his wife Lisa of Tamaqua, PA, Timothy and his wife Diane of Bethlehem, PA; sister: Mary Sue Wasser of Wilson Borough, PA; step-sister: Diane Buskirk of E. Stroudsburg, PA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers: Thomas in Aug. of 2011 and R. Christopher in Feb. of this year.

A Memorial Service will be held 12 PM Wednesday (July 20) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 11 AM to Noon.  Interment will be private in Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 3897 Adler Place, Building C, Suite 180, Bethlehem, PA  18017..

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kody W. Kutzler, 23, of Wind Gap, died Saturday, July 2, 2016 at his home.

Born January 7, 1993 in Easton, he was a son of Lisa D. (Nunemaker) Kutzler with whom he resided and Kevin W. Kutzler, Sr. of Easton.

Kody owned K & K Vinyl Works, Wind Gap and was a landscaper for Image Landscape and Design.  He was a Volkswagen enthusiast and a student at Northampton Community College.

Surviving with his parents are his partner, Selina Turtzo and their son, Kole Kutzler; three brothers, Kevin Kutzler, Jr. and his wife, Jessica, Kory Kutzler and his wife, Kim, and Kyler Kutzler and his girlfriend, Emily; his grandparents, Anna Kutzler and Lee and Bernice Nunemaker; and his niece and nephew, Mackenzy and Chase.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 7, 2016 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kole’s college fund, c/o his family.

Joyce Beverly Freeman, 93, of Easton passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Westminster Village. Born July 14, 1922 in Williams Township at the home of her grandparents Forrest and Caroline Hahn, she was the daughter of the late George Styers and Martha “Molly” Hahn Styers.  Following graduation from Wilson High School in 1940, she worked in the office of Baker Chemical and went on to be the bookkeeper at the Circlon restaurant in Allentown.  In February of 1952 she married Jacob B. Freeman. They resided in Easton and had four sons, one of whom died at child birth in 1954. In May of 1965 her husband passed away and Joyce raised her three sons Alan, Robert and Steven on her own. She went to work as a bookkeeper in Dr. Feinberg’s office where she developed an interest in nursing. She enrolled in nursing school and became an LPN. She also took nursing classes at Northampton Community College. She worked the night shift at Easton Hospital from 1972 until her retirement in 1990. She loved nursing and working with her fellow nurses and aides.

Joyce was of the Jewish faith and a member of Temple Covenant of Peace in Easton. She spent many hours campaigning with her son, State Representative Robert Freeman and also enjoyed reading, staying on top of current events, spending time on her back porch, gazing up at the moon and the stars, taking walks, rides in the country and spending time with friends and family. An upbeat, resilient individual with a good sense of humor, Joyce spread sunshine wherever she went.

She is survived by her sons: Alan and Robert and his wife Terri of Easton; two step-grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to her heart. She was predeceased by her husband, Jacob and son, Steven.

Services are 10 AM Wednesday (July 6) in the Temple Covenant of Peace,  1451 Northampton St., Easton with viewing hours from 5 to 7 PM Tuesday (July 5) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment is in Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Area Public Library or the Freeman Fund at the Temple Covenant of Peace.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.