Obituaries

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.

Beverly S. Flad, 87, of Saucon Valley Manor, formerly of Easton, died Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in her home.

Born May 4, 1933 in Phillipsburg, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Jeannette (McAvoy) Strohl. Her husband, Donald C. Flad, Sr., died in March.

Beverly worked as an operator for Bell Telephone, Easton and she also worked at the Northampton County Courthouse. She graduated from Easton High School in 1951 and was a member of First United Church of Christ, Easton.

Surviving are three children, Jeannette Orso and her husband, Steve, of Easton, Donald Flad, Jr. and his partner, Earl Bethel, of Bethlehem, and Chris Flad of Allentown; a brother, Jerry Strohl; a granddaughter; and six great grandchildren. A granddaughter, Devin, and three sisters, Shirley Ollendyke, Natalie Balliet and Nada Strohl died earlier.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, Steeple Fund, 229 Church St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.