Obituaries

John S. “Jack” Helt, 92, formerly of Easton, died Sunday, June 21, 2020 in his home in Walnutport. Born February 19, 1928 in Berwick, PA, he was a son of the late John S. and Jennie (Whitmire) Helt. He and his wife, Maybelle (Buckman) Helt were married 23 years.

Jack graduated from Berwick High School in 1946 and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1947. He worked for Smith Wilbert Vault for 11 years and retired in 1991. He also worked for the Shillinger Funeral Home and the Ashton Funeral Home. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church and Easton Lodge #152, F&AM and was a volunteer for Lehigh Valley Hospice.

Surviving with his wife, Maybelle, are two daughters, Rebecca ”Becky” Lincoln and Michele Litchfield; eight step-children, Wayne Zimmerman, Karen Lance, Charlotte Snyder, Robert Pilz, William Pilz, Edward Pilz, Janis Pilz, Sandra Ernst; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 33 step-grandchildren; 17 step-great grandchildren. Two sisters, Margaret Harris and Eloise Schuyler died earlier.

A visitation will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2020 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 1067 Blue Mountain Dr., Danielsville, PA 18038, or Lehigh Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 1883, Allentown, PA 18105. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Matilda Malan, 97, of Ft. Lee, NJ, formerly of Easton, PA died Friday, June 19, 2020 at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey. Born September 16, 1922 in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Mary (Ostody) and James Horvath. She was employed by the Englewood Hospital for 35 years before retiring.

She is survived by her sister Mabel Metzger of Palmer Twp., PA, her niece Rochelle Pritz and great-nephew Jason Pritz. Her husband William Malan and brother Emil Horvath died earlier.

A graveside service will be held 11:30 AM Thursday (June 25) at the Northampton Memorial Shrine, Palmer Twp. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Celia Gelbart, 88, of Alpha, NJ died Thursday, June 18, 2020 at ManorCare, Bethlehem, PA. Born May 18, 1932 in Buenos Aires, Argentina she was a daughter of the late Teresa (Boverman) and Gregory Glusman. She was a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires. Her husband Moises Gelbart died in 1989. She is survived by her daughter: Silvia Camelo and her husband Curtis, with whom she resided; son: Felix Gelbart of Tampa, FL and 3 grandchildren: Michael, Melissa and Lori Camelo.

Services are private. Interment is in Easton Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Anne W. Alster, 81 of Lakewood Ranch, FL formerly of Easton, PA died Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at home. Born March 29, 1939 in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Elizabeth (Stevens) and Nathan B. Williams, Jr. She was a 1957 graduate of Moravian Academy and received her bachelor’s degree from Randolph Macon Women’s College. She had been employed by the C.I.A from 1961 to 1966 and 1980. She was a 48-year life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, DC and Sarasota, FL and a docent at their headquarters in DC. Anne was also a 20-year member of the P.E.O. (national women’s organization for continuing education for women), a member of the Fairfax Co., VA Republican Party from 1982 -2000 and a volunteer at Grace Episcopal Day School from 1973 to 1979.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years: Lawrence J. Alster and her son : Jonathan S. Alster. Services are private. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine, Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Gloria J. Burd, 96, of Palmer Township, died Sunday, June 14, 2020 in Westminster Village.

Born February 20, 1924 in Somerton, PA, she was a daughter of the late John and Lela (Stauffer) Unangst. She and her husband, William W. Burd, were married 52 years.

Gloria was a member of the former First United Methodist Church, Easton where she sang in the choir. She was an animal lover and an avid bridge player.

Surviving with her husband, William, are her children, Nancy Stoelzl and her husband, Pete; Karen Gasda and her husband, Jerry; and George Bertolet and his wife, Maureen; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Her first husband, Clayton Heller died earlier.

Private graveside services will be held at Forks Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, www.healthyanimalcenter.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Juan Ortiz-Ruiz, 68 of Mt. Bethel, PA died Thursday, June 11, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Monroe Campus. Born September 1, 1951 in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Jumberto Ortiz and Gloria Ruiz. He had been a foreman for Lipton Tea in New Jersey for many years.

He is survived by his fiancé of 23 years: May Castillo; 6 children: Gloria, Luis, Jose, Jason, Miguel and Carlos; brothers: Orlando (wife Bertha), Carlos, Angelo, Nelson, Antonio, Bernito; sister: Carmen; 11 grandchildren; and step-children: Lovey (Holly) and Emery (Lynette). Siblings: David, Fernando and Nererta died earlier.

Services were private. Contributions may be made to the family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042.

Patricia Ann Collins, 91, formerly of Easton, died Sunday, June 7, 2020 in Wilmington, NC. Born March 4, 1929 in New York City, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Miniter) Johnson. Her husband, Haydn B. Collins, MD died in 1985.

Patricia was a teacher’s aide for Colonial I.U. 20 from 1968 to 1993. She was also an associate teacher with special education children for Northampton County public schools and was recognized as Associate Teacher of the Year. She was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church.

Surviving are her children, Janice Deysher; Diane Campbell and her husband, Charles; Mark Collins and his wife, Donna; and Brian Collins; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Her sister, Clare Coane died earlier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2020 in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton. Interment will be in Easton Heights Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Northampton County Special Olympics, 6 Danforth Dr., Easton, PA 18045.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Marilyn Ann Russo, 82 of Forks Twp., PA died Saturday, June 6, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born January 18, 1938 in Easton, PA she was the daughter of the late Olive E. (Fox) and George W. Diehl. A 1955 graduate of Easton High School, she was employed by J.T. Baker Chemical Co. for 38 years before retiring in 2000. Prior to that she was employed by Blue Ridge Winkler. Marilyn enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles and she loved to read. She was “mom” to all her daughter’s friends and a joy to all her neighbors. She will be missed.

She is survived by her daughter: Annette Russo with whom she resided; a brother: Wayne A. Diehl of Greenville, SC and her grand puppy: Besse Mae.

A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society; a pet rescue of one’s choice or an environmental preservation organization of one’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.