Obituaries

Margaret A. Ronn, 90, formerly of Palmer Township, died Friday, June 19, 2026 in Country Meadows. Born August 28 1935 in Summit, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Sven and Esther (Olson) Thomason. Her husband, Robert G. Ronn died in 2020. Margaret was a member of St. Paul’s Third Lutheran Church, Palmer Township and a former member of Faith Lutheran Church, New Providence, NJ. She was a graduate of Glassboro State College and a member of the Vasa Order of America.

Surviving are her children, Gary Ronn of Manhattan, Lisa Roberts and her husband, Jeff of Nazareth and Bruce Ronn of Easton; and five grandchildren, Sean, Krista, Alison, David and Kathryn. She was predeceased by her brother, Sven Thomason.

Private services will be held at the Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Garden. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health & Welfare, www.healthyanimalcenter.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kenneth Vail Sr., 92, formerly of Forks Twp., PA died June 16, 2026 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem. Born in New Rochelle, NY he was the son of the late James and Sylvia Vail. Ken’s wife of 65 years, June Vail, passed away before him. Ken’s brothers, Edward and Robert, also passed earlier.

Ken was a graduate of RCA Institutes and New Rochelle High School. He served honorably in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve. Ken was formerly employed in the electrical engineering and materials handling fields with Eastern Engineering Associates, SI Handling Systems, and AMF/Thermatool Corporation.

He is survived by his son: Kenneth T. Vail (Pam) of Bethlehem, PA; two granddaughters: Allison Vail (Ron King) and Dr. Caroline Vail (Austin Emmons); and two great-granddaughters: Kailie King and Emmy Emmons, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lafayette College.

Nancy Shetenhelm Marshall, 81, of Easton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, at home surrounded by family and loved ones.

She was born on December 16, 1944 in Orange, California, United States. She was the daughter of Philip and Blanche (Archer) Shetenhelm.

Nancy received a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1966 and a Master of Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University in 1994.

Nancy lived and worked in New York City from 1967 – 1986 as a painter, an advertising designer and film animator. After moving to Easton, PA in 1986, she had second career as a counselor. She first worked for organizations and agencies, including Northampton County Children and Youth, KidsPeace, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center, and Pinebrook Family Answers. In time, she entered private practice and became one of the region’s first practitioners of EMDR, work she continued until very shortly before her death. One of her proudest legacies was her work over the years helping hundreds of clients address and resolve trauma and reclaim their lives.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Walp, son-in-law David, her granddaughter Cynthia, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Maria, and former husband, Norman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Nancy’s honor to the Lehigh Valley Chorale (www.lvchorale.org). Condolences may be shared with the family at elizabeth.marshall.walp@gmail.com.

On Sunday, July 12, Connexions Gallery will host an event celebrating Nancy’s life and work, including a retrospective featuring a wide selection of her artwork from over the decades. All who knew and loved Nancy are welcome to attend. For details and to RSVP, please contact Betty at elizabeth.marshall.walp@gmail.com.

Herbert G. Emsweller, Jr., 91, of Palmer Township and Fort Pierce, FL, died Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Country Meadows, Forks Township. Born February 2, 1935 in Milton, PA, he was the son of the late Herbert G. Emsweller, Sr. and Della (Beacham) Emsweller. His wife, Lois A. (Dallmer) Emsweller died in 2024. Herb was a sales engineer for Ingersoll Rand, Phillipsburg and retired in 2000. He served in the Army National Guard and enjoyed going to pipe organ concerts. He also enjoyed trips to Lake Wallenpaupack.

Surviving are a son, Todd Emsweller and his wife, Nancy of Easton; a daughter, Dawn Sandie and her husband, Kent of California; a brother, Harold Emsweller and his wife, Arlene of Sanborn, NY; a sister, Adele Reid and her partner, Jimmy of Dallas, TX; five grandchildren, Michael, Melissa, Shane, Adam and Andrew; and six great grandchildren, Charlotte, George, Calvary, Ella, Emma and Lila.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Donald J. Bennett, Jr., 84, of West Easton, died Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Lehigh Valley Hospital. Born January 18, 1942 in Easton, he was the son of the late Donald J. Bennett, Sr. and Elizabeth Viola (Hank) Bennett. He served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War and was a service technician for Moore Business Forms.

Surviving are two children, Amy Baranowski and her husband, Michael, and Jason Bennett; a sister, Anne Smith; five grandchildren, Ava, David, Reese, Ellyana and Madelina; and his former wife, Nancy Bennett. He was predeceased by two brothers, William Bennett and Lloyd Bennett and a sister, Grace Bennett.

Military Funeral Honors will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, June 19, 2026 in the funeral home. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Barton G. “Bart” Smith, Jr., 74, of Martins Creek, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Patricia Elizabeth Smith. They were married 55 years. He was employed by S I Handling Systems for 30 years as an electrical technician. Born in Easton, he was the son of the late Barton G. Smith, Sr. and Ruth Mae (Derr) Smith. Bart served in the New Jersey Army National Guard for 12 years. He was a member of Nazareth Moravian Church, a member of the Easton Gun Club and life member of the Order of Fleas. He also played in the S I Handling softball league.

Surviving are two sons, Barton G. Smith, III of Phillipsburg, NJ and Stephen F. Smith of Bethlehem Township; a sister, Sharon Ann Smith-Lutzi of Florida; a brother-in-law, Stanley E. Smith, III and his wife, Joan; a sister-in-law, Sandra Karr and her husband, Mike of Arizona; a brother-in-law, Daniel Bean; a grandson, Robert Brotzman-Smith and his wife, Brittany; and two great grandsons, William and Chase.

A graveside service will be held at Noon on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Hays Cemetery, Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

John Charles Werkheiser, 60 of Easton, PA died Sunday, May 31, 2026 at his home. Born April 17, 1966 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Mary (Tiger) and Stanley Werkheiser.  He was a 1985 graduate of Easton High School.  John was employed by Lafayette College for many years and the Bethlehem School District, Korte Meats and the Express Times.  John loved to hunt and had been a member of the Fleas, the Rice-Ebner Post 588 and the Citizen’s Hose Company.

He is survived by his twin daughters: RoseMary and Allie both of Wilson Borough, PA; his brothers: Stanley, Jr. of Mechanicsburg, PA, Lester and Barry of Easton; a sister: Jennie of Allentown and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings: Donald Werkheiser, Barbara Haydt and Judy Diehl.

Services are 10:30 AM Friday, June 5, 2026 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, with a calling period from 10 to 10:30. Interment is in Hays Cemetery.  Contributions in his memory may be made to his daughters in care of the funeral home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Sydna G. Armstrong, 90, of Bethlehem, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Kirkland Village from an illness that incapacitated her physically, yet did not dilute her indomitable spirit and love for life. Born September 8, 1935 in Malone, NY, she was the daughter of the late Dr. William Gaspar and Erma (Musser) Gaspar. Her husband, David F. Armstrong died in 2024. She was a high school English teacher in Horseheads, NY and an English tutor at Northampton Community College. Sydna graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a minor in History. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem where she sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Junior League of Bethlehem and AAUW and was a volunteer for St. Luke’s Hospital and the Allentown State Hospital.

Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly A. Breslin of Philadelphia; a son, Brett W. Armstrong of Bethlehem; a daughter-in-law, April Armstrong; five grandchildren, Emily Markos, Tyler Breslin, Alyssa Armstrong, Ashley Rampulla, and David Armstrong; and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Todd B. Armstrong and her brother, Robert W. Gaspar.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org or St. Luke’s Hospice, www.SLHN.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.