Obituaries

Jean L. Fairchild, 94, of Palmer Township, died Wednesday, October 28, 2020 in her home. Born August 8, 1926 in Montandon, PA, she was a daughter of the late Rufus R. and Iona M. (Wolfe) Deppen. Her husband, Angus A. “Hank” Fairchild died in 2001.

Jean retired from the former ITT Electron Technology Division, Palmer Township and was a member of Green Pond United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She loved her family, music, singing, playing the piano and organ, puzzles and the Phillies.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara J. Kichline, her husband, Curt and their son, Joey of Palmer Township; a son, Dale A. Fairchild of Nazareth; two brothers, James Deppen and Donald Deppen; her dearest companion, Vic Dennis and many nieces and nephews. A sister and three bothers died earlier.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 in the Northampton Memoria Shrine, Palmer Township. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Green Pond United Methodist Church, 4411 Green Pond Rd., Easton, PA 18045. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Harry James Heck, 90 of Savannah, GA formerly of Easton, PA and Doylestown, PA passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 24, 2020. He was born on April 24, 1930 in Easton, to the late G. Harris Heck and Lillian (Wesley) Heck. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his bothers G. Harris, Jr. and Robert W. Heck.

Harry was educated in the Easton Public School System, at Lafayette College (where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity) and at Eckels College of Mortuary Science. After college, he joined the family business, the Heck Memorial Home in Easton, but this part of his career was interrupted by the outbreak of the Korean War. Harry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, received his training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and completed Air Force radio training school at Scott Field, IL. Following his training, he was assigned to the occupation forces in Germany. The end of hostilities in Korea coincided with the end of the occupation and after 4 years, Harry returned home to Easton where he met his wife, the former Nancy Moss and they were married in 1955.  Harry returned to the family business, receiving his funeral director’s license in 1956.

Harry left the family business and joined McNeil Laboratories (part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies) in June of 1959 as a territory representative and progressed in multiple managerial positions. He was promoted to Executive Director of Sales in 1976. Harry’s career spanned 33 years with McNeil when he retired in 1992. Harry was active in multiple churches throughout his life including St. John’s Lutheran Church in Easton and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown. Harry and Nancy retired to the Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah. He and Nancy, together, enjoyed a busy retirement. He loved to golf, sail, fish and travel abroad. He and Nancy especially enjoyed exploring North America in their RV with his beloved English Springer Spaniel, Maggie, in tow.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy; three daughters: Amy Gheysens (husband Edward, Jr.) of Pittsgrove NJ, Elizabeth DeMaioribus (husband James, Jr.) of Morristown, NJ, Karen Innes (husband David) of Horsham, PA; and six grandchildren: Katherine, Stephen, Lauren, Nicholas, Samantha, and Christine.

Services for family only will be held 1 PM Monday (Nov. 2) at the Historic Easton Cemetery Chapel, N. 7th St., Easton. Masks and social distancing will be observed. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Operation Homefront, San Antonio TX, the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Savannah. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Doris Elaine Yiaski, 89 of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Friday, October 23, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born August 8, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA she was a daughter of the late Clarence Astle and Ethel (Kester) Astle Kiefer. Her husband of 70 years, Joseph Yiaski died in July. She was a 1949 graduate of Liberty High School and member of the ILGWU. She had been employed by Just Born Candy, NickiLynn Sportswear and Forte Neckwear for many years before retiring. Doris loved gardening, arts and crafts, time at the mountains, holidays and time with her family. 

She is survived by four children: Joseph Yiaski, III of Center Valley, PA, Elaine Pittack of Bethlehem Twp., PA, Robert Yiaski of South Whitehall Twp., PA, Linda Cawley of Stockertown, PA; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Joe and her brother: Robert Kiefer.

Graveside services are 10:30 AM Saturday (October 31) at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Stefanie A. Purvis, 54, of Palmer Township, died Monday, October 19, 2020 in her home. Born October 13, 1966 in Easton, she was a daughter of Robert and Patricia Ann (Lee) Duran of Mt. Bethel.

She was a software specialist for A&H Sportswear for seven years. Prior to that she owned and operated Stefarry’s Restaurant, Palmer Township.

Surviving with her parents, Robert and Patricia are her husband, Scott A. Purvis; two daughters, Brittany Lyons and her husband, Jesse and Kelsey Guthrie and her husband, Dustin; two sons, John Michael Utess and Jacob Utess; a step-son, Cotey Purvis and his wife, Mandy; and five grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.
Private services will be held later at Forks Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Arlene Joy (Carcione) Ashton, 88, of Easton, PA died Thursday, October 1, 2020. Born March 24, 1932 in Easton she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Cortazzo) Carcione. She was a graduate of Easton High School Class of 1950 and received her bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in 1954. She was a first-grade teacher in the Easton School District before following her husband to Alaska where he served as an officer in the Army during the Korean War. Arlene worked side by side with her husband, the late R. Kline Ashton, Sr., as owners of the Ashton Funeral Home in Easton, the family business established in 1847, which continues with their children, the fifth generation.

Arlene was a member and served on the boards of various organizations including: Easton Hospital Board of Trustees, Women’s Board of Easton Hospital, Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation, O.E.S. Wm. Parsons Chapter, Soroptimist Club, Northampton Country Club, Pomfret Club and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her children: Debra Jo Ashton-Chase and Peter of Bethlehem Twp., PA, R. Kline Ashton, Jr. and Amy of Easton, PA, W. Scott Ashton and Sharon of Bethlehem Twp., PA; grandchildren: Sam and Courtney, Julie and Jeff Culpepper, Matthew, Robert, Victoria, Ryan; step-grandchildren: Brian and Shannon, Cody; and great-grand-stepdaughter: Evie.

A Viewing will be held 5 to 7 PM Tuesday (October 6) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (October 7) at the Historic Easton Cemetery, North 7th Street, Easton. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation, 1101 Northampton St., Suite 101, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.