Obituaries

Jeffrey A. Johnson, 66 of Easton, PA died Friday, June 7, 2024 at New Eastwood Nursing & Rehab Center. Born November 17, 1957 in Easton, he was a son of the late Albert and Lucretia (Rissmiller) Johnson. He was employed by the Salvation Army, Easton and prior to that by OPT in Philipsburg, NJ for more than 20 years. He was a Marine Corps veteran and member of the Marine Corps League, Northampton County Detachment. He also served as the Commander of Amvets, Post 17, Easton where he was a life member.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Donna (Butler) Johnson; daughters: BobbiJo Naylor and Tanya Johnson (Scotty); 5 grandchildren: Brittany, Krista, Emmalee, Jayme, Jailiannys; a great-grandson: Ethan; a brother: Albert “Bud”; sisters: Carol and Tracey; and godson/nephew: Michael Johnson. He was predeceased by a daughter: Celiann “CC” Brown.

Services will be held 12 PM Monday (June 17) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 11 to Noon. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to Amvets, 682 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

H. Marvin Riddle, III passed away on June 7, 2024. Marvin was born February 13, 1930 in Phillipsburg, NJ, the son of H. Marvin Riddle, Jr. and Margaret Michler Riddle. He grew up in Easton, PA and graduated from Deerfield Academy and Lafayette College with a BS degree in metallurgical engineering. He was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. Upon graduation he joined what was then the Asbury Graphite Co, known today as Asbury Carbons, a company started in 1895 by his grandfather, Harry M. Riddle. In 1965 Marvin became president and in 2016 assumed to role of Chairman of the Board, retiring in 2021.
Marvin was a member of many business associations. He was a member of Young Presidents Organization; active with the United Fund of Northampton County; served on the board of trustees of Warren Hospital; Chairman of the Board of Directors of what was the First National State Bank of Northwest Jersey.
Marvin served in the U. S. Army in the Corp of Engineers at Ft. Belvoir, VA. He was a member of the College Hill Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA; a member of the Forest Lake Club in Hawley, PA; Northampton County Club where he served as President; the Royal Poinciana Golf Club; the Naples Yacht Club; and served as President of the Indies West Association.
In September of 1953, Marvin married his wife, Mary Jane (MJ) with whom he travelled extensively throughout the world, including an epic trip to the Peoples Republic of China in September of 1972.

In addition to his wife of 70 years, he is survived by a son, Stephen and wife Diana; daughters Sheila Riddle and Deborah Bernier; granddaughter, Alexa Riddle; and grandsons, Westbrook Bernier and wife Melinda and Troy Bernier.

Interment will be in Easton Cemetery in Easton, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is assisting with the arrangements. Memorials in Marvin’s name may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Michael Sos, Jr., 85, of Forks Township, formerly of Palmer Township, died Friday, June 7, 2024 in Lehigh Valley Hospital. Born July 28, 1938 in Easton, he was the son of the late Michael and Clara (Bishop) Sos. His wife, Lorraine died in 2015. Michael was a supervisor at Mack Trucks, Allentown and retired in 1998.

Surviving are two daughters, Karen Polgardy and Michele Kolb; two sons, James Sos and Barry Sos; nine grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Noon on Friday, June 14, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until Noon on Friday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, www.healthyanimalcenter.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Young J. Lee, 92, of Bethlehem, passed restfully to heavenly peace Monday, June 3, 2024 in the home of her daughter, Sook Lee Choi, where she was living comfortably, receiving loving care from her daughter’s family. Born April 2, 1932 in Eunyul, Hwanghaedo, Korea, she was the daughter of the late Jin Hyung Hwang and Hak Kyung Yeoh. Her husband, Yong Man Lee died in 2005. Ms. Lee was a member of Korean United Methodist Church for over 30 years and was an avid gardener. Ms. Lee has always had a green thumb. She had a large vegetable garden as well as planting a beautiful floral garden that was often recognized by neighbors. She loved to knit, crochet, sew, making clothing for her grandchildren. She also loved cooking traditional Korean recipes for the family. She has always enjoyed spending time daily with her grandchildren since their births. Her warm smile and caring disposition were felt by everyone she met. Both her grandchildren and great grandchildren experienced the depths of her selfless love and endless care.

Surviving are her four children, Sook Lee Choi and her husband, Hazem F. Tadros, Junggeon Lee and his wife, Mija Oh, Junghoon Lee and his wife, Luz Lee, and Yangsook Lee and her husband Kwangsik Cho; eight grandchildren, Hong Sun Choi, Lola Lee Choi and her fiancé Benjamin Lin, Dongsuk Lee, Dongsun Lee, Michelle Lee and her husband, Kris Preisinger, Jessica Lee and her husband, William Hosier, Yongpyo Cho, and Yongbin Cho and her husband, Yongho Lee; and five great grandchildren, Brandon Lee Preisinger, Cordelia Hosier, Frances Mae Hosier, Chaerin Lee, and Chaeeyn Lee.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Egypt Cemetery. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kitti-Jo Hughes, 53 of Forks Twp., PA died Thursday, May 30, 2024 at home. Born April 23, 1971 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of Gloria (Haycock) Francis, with whom she resided and the late Walter V. Francis, Sr. She was a 1989 graduate of Easton High School where she was an active band member and flag twirler. Kitti was an Eastern PA Girl Scout Leader for many years and previously employed by B. Braun Medical for 22 years and Cigna for 18 years. She was a member of the Avona Fire Company and an avid Chicago Bears and NY Mets fan. Kitti had a heart of gold and always put the needs of others before her own. She was the absolute best mother, wife, daughter and grandma.

She is survived by her mother, Gloria; her husband of 19 years: Ronald E. Hughes, Jr.; her daughter: Sara Billiard of Easton; 2 granddaughters: Kensleigh and Eliana; a brother: Walter Francis, Jr. (Jennie) of Easton; a sister: Kelli Schiraldi (Erich) of Quakertown, PA; sister-in-law: Yvonne Beers (Chris) of Wind Gap; brother-in-law: Scott Hughes (Jenn) of Nazareth and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held 12 PM Thursday (June 6) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, with visitation from 11 AM to 12 PM. Interment is in Arndts Cemetery, Forks Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com. 

Richard A. “Peachy” Zimmerman, 90, of Palmer Township, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Born June 10, 1933 in Easton, he was the son of the late William R. Zimmerman, Sr. and Anna (Brotzman) Zimmerman. He and his wife, Nancy (Miller) Zimmerman were married 63 years. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and was an electrician for Met-Ed for 33 years retiring in 2003. Richard played softball in the Palmer Township league and was an avid bowler and golfer.

Surviving with his wife, Nancy, are three sons, David Zimmerman, Dale Zimmerman, and Doug Zimmerman; a daughter, Debra Zimmerman; seven grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren. Three brothers, William Zimmerman, Robert Zimmerman, and Frederick Zimmerman, and a sister, Virginia Edwards died earlier.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday in the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Staci A. Beamer, 50, of Allentown, formerly of Easton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Lehigh Valley Hospice. Born March 5, 1974 in Batavia, NY, she was the daughter of the late Gary L. and Patricia A. “Trish” (Camp) Beamer. She was an assistant manager for BJ’s Restaurant and Brew House, Allentown. Prior to that she worked for Corporate Cuisine, Allentown, H.W. Crossings, Palmer Township, and V-7, Bethlehem Township. She was also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. She was a definite foodie and enjoyed traveling and exploring. If there was a line drawn in the sand, Staci was sure to cross it!

Surviving are her sister, Terri L. Plimpton and her husband, Ron of Palmer Township; her long time partner, Jon Zimmerman; two nieces, Blake and Taylor; and her beloved dogs, Leroy and Roxy.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice Fund, www.lvhn.org/giving. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joyce Eileen Saul was born during a cold winter day on January 5, 1942. The daughter of Hester Romaine Wineka and Thomas Nelson Saul, she grew up with brothers John and Jim and sisters Joanne and Jayne (all now deceased) in the Lightners section of York, PA, graduating from Central High School in 1959. After meeting the future love of her life at a Friday-night YWCA dance in York in July, 1962, she and Guy Hovis would go on to be married on September 5th, 1964. Eventually, they would have two children, Kristin (Hovis) and Julie (now Ackerman-Hovis), both of whom Joyce was so very proud. In addition to her daughters Joyce is survived by her son-in-law Patrick Ackerman-Hovis along with grandchildren Izak Hovis, and Jesse, Miles, Alli, and Jonas Ackerman-Hovis. In the early years of her marriage Joyce helped support her husband as a secretary at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and later in the office of the Secretary of the Corporation at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During her life Joyce was an immeasurable support to her husband as a source of encouragement during his graduate education at Harvard, typist of his doctoral dissertation, proof-reader of his scientific papers, nurturer of their children, manager of the household, payer of bills, elevator of family spirits during tough times, and manager of her own child-care service to help pay for the educations of daughters Kristin and Julie at Swarthmore College. Joyce contributed greatly to the welfare, happiness, and success of her family in countless and immeasurable ways that included gifts of candy, baked goods, blankets, and toys to her grandchildren, loving and substantial generosity to both her daughters during the births of their children, and immeasurable support of her husband. Indeed, Joyce’s contributions to her husband’s success are recognized in Van Wickle Hall at Lafayette College on a plaque citing the conamed Guy and Joyce Hovis Award, an annual prize for academic distinction given to a student majoring in Geology and Environmental Geosciences. To her husband, children, and grandchildren Joyce/Mom/Nanna is irreplaceable. We love you more than we can express in words. May you rest in peace. We shall not forget your happy demeanor, positive attitude, and sincere love and caring for us all. May we all be together again one day.

A remembrance of Joyce will be held at Lafayette College in Van Wickle Hall, Room 108, on Saturday, June 15, starting at 11:00 am. Visitors may also enjoy seeing the minerals and fossils in the Van Wickle museum. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a luncheon on the Lafayette College campus following the remembrance. If you expect to attend the luncheon, please indicate such intentions to Joyce’s husband, Guy, at hovisguy@lafayette.edu.