Obituaries

Naomi L. Smith, 107 1/2 of Palmer Twp., PA died peacefully, Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Country Meadows, Forks Twp. with her daughter by her side. Born August 31, 1915 in Reading, PA she was a daughter of the late Ruth (DeTurck) and Frank Lash. She met her soul mate Wendell B. Smith in Texas, and they married on January 31, 1953. They both shared a love of antiques, gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, eating desserts, laughing, music, and serving their community.

In her prime, Naomi could name every flower, tree, bird, butterfly, insect and snake. She shared that knowledge as a Camp Fire leader for girls Grades 2 to 11. Taking great pride in her home and her appearance, she practiced yoga much to the embarrassment of her (then) teenage daughters and made her own yogurt before it was trendy. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton for almost 40 years and spent many hours in the kitchen making soups and pies for fundraisers. Due to her stylish dressing, Naomi was affectionately known as the “hat lady” to her church friends.

She is survived by her daughter: Ruthann S. Arras of Palmer Twp.; son-in-law Sam Conard of Hillsboro, NJ (wife Barb); grandchildren: Shannon Ratkay (husband Chuck) and Marissa Menafro (husband Matthew) and 3 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Levi, and Marshall. She was predeceased by her husband, Wendell; her daughter, Esther Conard; her sister, Esther Lash, and her grandson, Jesse Conard.

The family expresses many thanks to the women of the Naomi Companion Club, who visited her as she aged. Special thanks to Deacon Shirley for her portable tea parties and enthusiastic book reading, friend Candy for her weekly phone calls, and Deacon Susan for her beautiful flute music. Naomi also enjoyed the drive-by birthdays, which included the Big Easy Easton Band performing in front of her house! Pastor Stefanie’s visits were also a highlight for her.

Her last year was spent at Country Meadows of Forks, where she was the oldest resident in the history of the facility and was treated like a Queen, especially on her 107th birthday – thank you Amy! Special thanks to Nurse Emily and Aides Tammy and Lori for their loving care that surpassed all expectations. The Lehigh Valley Hospice also provided unlimited comfort and support – thank you Nelly, who patiently provided personal care for 4 years, and Nurse Amanda.

A Celebration of her Life will be held 3 PM, Saturday, April 1, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, 333 Spring Garden St., Easton, with visitation from 2 to 3 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 333 Spring Garden St., Easton, PA 18042 or to a charity of one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Karen L. Flad, 69, of Easton, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Born September 29, 1953 in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Charles A. Meyers, Sr. and Mildred E. (Randolph) Meyers. She and her husband, Thomas S. Flad were married 45 years. Karen graduated from Easton Area High School in 1971 where she was the captain and pitcher for the softball team and was a member of the swim team. She also served on the student council. She was a graduate of Northampton Community College and Kutztown University and was a member of the Penn State Alumni Association and a former member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church.

Surviving with her husband, Tom, are a son, Stephen M. Flad and his wife, Kelly; two grandchildren, Hendrix and Violet; and a niece, Becca Meyers Blay. Two brothers, Randolph Meyers and Charles “Bummer” Meyers, Jr. died earlier.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Softball Boosters, in memory of Karen Meyers Flad, c/o Easton Athletic Dept., 401 S. 25th St., Easton, PA 18045. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Noel S. Prince, 47 of Easton, PA passed away, Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Noel, affectionately known as Nolie, was born September 25, 1975 in the Bronx. He was one of three sons of the late Charles and Dorothy (Billingy) Prince. Noel was the manager at More Than Q in the Easton Public Market and also started his own bakery business, Dot’s Dream, named after his beloved mother.

Nolie had a passion for cooking and learning new recipes. He loved to joke around and laugh at literally everything, from silly pranks with fake teeth or playing dress up in hair and makeup done by his daughter. Nolie was the type of person to give you the shirt off his back but would also snatch you up by your shirt if you crossed his family. He was a vessel of knowledge and wisdom but couldn’t figure out why his packages kept being delivered to the wrong house or which container was recyclable and which was not.

He is survived by his life partner: Lateefah Gilliam; daughters: Tianna, Taylor and Tamia; his brother: Sean Prince and sister-in-law Adina Jones-Prince. He was predeceased by his brother: Charles Alfred Prince.

Services will be held 11 AM Friday (Feb. 24) at the Greater Shiloh Church, 403 Pastor Fred Davis St, Easton with visitation 10 to 11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Gary A. Sitoski, 65, of Easton, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in his home after a brave battle with cancer. Born April 23, 1957 in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Francis S. and Gertrude (Polenchar) Sitoski. Gary graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1975 and attended Northampton Community College and East Stroudsburg University. He worked as an auto parts salesperson and was an avid bowler at Bar-Don Lanes. He was a member of Avona Volunteer Fire Company. He loved his pets, and his dogs were his world.

Surviving are his sister, Cyndi Ott; his companion, Bev Ross and her daughter, Leeann; and his guardian angel, Kaylee. His brother, Francis Sitoski died earlier.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd, Easton, PA 18042, www.healthyanimalcenter.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

On Sunday, February 12, 2023, Robert A. Nitchkey, Sr., 87 of Palmer Twp., PA passed peacefully from the embrace of his loving family into the open arms of his Savior, in time to spend Valentine’s Day and (on Feb. 20) their 68th wedding anniversary, with his bride, Bertha Mae (Stetler), who preceded him in death in 2016. Born in Wilson Borough, PA, he was a son of the late August and Lillian (Koch) Nitchkey and graduated from Easton High School in 1954.

Bob had a deep love for our country and was proud to have served in the US Air Force from June of 1954 until he was honorably discharged in June of 1962, the latter four years in the Reserves. Toward the end of his Reserves duty, he awoke from an extended coma after surgery for a brain tumor and went on to work as a machinist for 42 years at Harvel Plastics, Forks Twp., until retiring in Oct. of 2006. Bob was a member of the American Legion, Post #9; Junior Order of Mechanics; a Miller Blood Bank donor; and life member of the Sampson Air Force Veteran’s Association. He loved gardening and in between the “occasional” political comment on Facebook, also loved watching his Philadelphia Eagles. However, he most loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in all of whom he constantly expressed boundless pride.

Bob is survived by his son: Robert A. Nitchkey, Jr. (wife Terry) of Forks Twp.; his daughter: Darlene Stahl (husband Roy) of Palmer Twp.; sister: Jean Gertner (husband James); grandsons: Jason Nitchkey (wife Ashley), Justin Nitchkey (wife Maria), Jesse Nitchkey (fiancé Anna); granddaughters: Kaitlyn Stahl, Amanda Stahl Hansley (husband Fred); great-grandson: Grey Hansley; great-granddaughter: Lucy Elizabeth Nitchkey (daughter of Justin and Maria); and countless friends and neighbors who were like family to him. He was predeceased by his brother William Nitchkey.

Services are 10 AM Saturday (Feb. 18) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with visitation 6 to 7:30 PM Friday. Interment with military honors will be in The Historic Easton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veterans. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.