Obituaries

Chris S. Parker, 73, of Bethlehem, died Thursday, April 9, 2026 in his home. Born August 29, 1952 in Cranford, NJ, he was the son of the late Richard S. and Jean (Bargos) Parker. He and his wife, Rosemary A. (Hildebrand) Parker were married 51 years. Chris was a regional sales manager for Hubbell Building Automation, Inc., Austin, TX. After retiring, he worked at Golf Galaxy, Whitehall. He attended the University of Wisconsin and he attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hecktown. He was a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society and the Metropolitan Electric League and served on the Energy Cost Savings Council of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. He was also a Cub Scout leader, a Little League coach and an avid golfer.

Surviving with his wife, Rosemary, are a daughter, Lani K. Parker of Palmerton, a brother, Mathew Parker of Cabot, VT, and three grandsons, Hunter Hoever, Evan Parker and Grayson Parker. He was predeceased by his son, Mitchell D. Parker.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Martha Willis, 79 of Frelinghuysen Township, NJ died Monday, March 30, 2026 at Hackettstown Medical Center, Hackettstown, NJ. Born in Easton, PA, she was a graduate of Easton Area High School and Moravian College, where she was a member of Phi Mu Epsilon Sorority.  Martha taught kindergarten and first grade at Littleton Elementary School and Parsippany-Troy Hills Elementary School for 40 years before retiring. 

Martha’s legacy is one of genuine selflessness, defined by a compassion and caring for others that shaped her personal and professional life.  Her smile and laughter will echo in our hearts forever.  

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Mark Willis; her daughter Cara Willis (husband Jonathan Haut), sister Louise Durand (husband Lloyd Featherman), and brother Bernard Genua, Jr. as well as nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard Genua, Sr. and Anna (Holden) Gerspach, and a brother, Michael Genua.

Friends and family may call on Wednesday April 8, 2026 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.  Services will follow at 1:00 pm with interment in Forks Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the nonprofit agency of the one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kathleen Sharon (DeRemer) Gray, 80, of Center Valley, PA passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at home. Born February 6, 1946 in Easton, PA she was the daughter of the late Edward and Katherine (Allen) DeRemer. Sharon worked many jobs in the medical field, including as an EMT, EMT instructor, medical technician and mental health technician. She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Bethlehem, PA. She loved to travel and has visited Europe, Mexico and most of the eastern United States. A very social person, Sharon loved talking to family, friends and people she just met, but her greatest love was her family.

She is survived by her husband Mark; daughters: Ann Mary Swayze of Graceville, FL, Carrie Zeigafuse of Whitehall, PA, Jennifer Sanchez of Emmaus, PA; cousin: Heather Cassidy of Center Valley, PA; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son: Shawn P. Schoenberger and grandson: Shawn E. Schoenberger.

Services will be held 1 PM Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a viewing from 12 PM to 1 PM. Sharon will be cremated and interred with her husband Mark upon his passing. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Sandra Ellen Cates, 71 of Bangor, PA died Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born October 16, 1954 in Durham, NC she was a daughter of the late Clarence Cates and Jewelene (Franklin) Cates Johnson and Larry Johnson. She was the Assistant Manager for Dollar General Stores for many years and previously employed by Piedmont Electric, Guess Road Animal Hospital and Merry Maids.

She is survived by her companion of 22 years: James Nagy; sons: Christopher Sears and Robert Sears; sister: Candace Johnson; and brothers: Clarence Cates and David Johnson. She was predeceased by a brother: Michael Cates.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Aria Isalyse Martinez, the much wished for daughter of Anahi Ariaz and Cesar Martinez passed away before birth on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. In addition to her parents, Anahi and Cesar, she is survived by her brother Eden.

Services will be held 1:30 PM Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with a calling period from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Contributions in Aria’s memory may be made to the family c/o the funeral home. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.