Stevens Family Funeral Homes

01/08/2026

If today feels heavy, you’re not failing. You’re grieving. Be patient with yourself.

01/07/2026

Terry F. Merritts
December 1, 1941-January 5, 2026

Terry F. Merritts, 84, of Altoona, passed away Monday at UPMC after an extended illness, surrounded by his loving family at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Howard and Mary (O’Flaherty) Merritts.
Terry married Marian S. Willis on December 2, 1967 in Dudley, Penn.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years; his son, Terry C. Merritts of Altoona and his daughter, Samantha Merritts (Scott) of Wi******er, VA and his brother, Mark Merritts (Joan) of Mifflintown.
Terry was a graduate of Altoona High School and a graduate of Penn State University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
He had served as a member of the PA Army National Guard for six years.
Terry retired from the Altoona Area School District with over 30 years of service as an English Teacher. He taught at Logan Jr. High, Keith Jr. High and finally at Altoona Area High School.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
Terry had been a member with Pennsylvania State Education Association and the National Education Association. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. Terry enjoyed time outdoors walking his 3 dogs, Henry, Murphy and Gus.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 806 11th St., Altoona, PA 16602 by the Franciscan Fathers.
Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in Terry’s memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105/ www.stjude.org/memorial.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

01/06/2026

Grief reminds us of something beautiful: we only hurt this deeply because we loved that deeply. Let yourself feel it. Let yourself remember. Love doesn’t disappear — it just finds new ways to stay.

01/06/2026

Philip M. “Skillet” Dellinger
March 25, 1939 - January 3, 2026

Philip M. “Skillet” Dellinger, 86, Duncansville, passed away Saturday afternoon at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center after an extended illness.
He was born in Queen, son of the late Harry and Gladys (Claar) Dellinger. On October 31, 1964, he married Sue Forsht at Hicks United Methodist Church, Duncansville.
He is survived by his wife; three sons: Mark of Duncansville, Ty (Tammy) of Altoona, and Keith of Duncansville; and three grandchildren: Sophia of San Antonio, Gus of Duncansville, and Lila of Duncansville.
Philip was a 1957 graduate of Claysburg High School and had attended Lock Haven University.
He retired from Norfolk Southern as a car inspector after 25 years of service.
Philip was a member of Claysburg Bible Church. He loved sports, especially football and baseball.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Claysburg Bible Church, where a funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Keith Showalter officiating.
The family requests that donations in memory of Philip, be made to Claysburg Bible Church, 11751 William Penn Road, Imler, PA 16655.
Arrangements by Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg, PA.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

01/05/2026

Nellie Rudasill
September 11, 1923-January 4, 2026

Nellie Rudasill, 102, of Altoona, formerly of Juniata, passed away Sunday at UPMC. She was born in Glen Campbell, the daughter of the late Frank and Agnes (Andrew) North.
She married Merle T. Rudasill on April 18, 1970; they were married for 38 years before his passing in 2008.
Nellie is survived by a stepdaughter, Sherry Pearsall of Florida; nieces: Judy Frontz of Williamsburg, Donna Rudasill of Hollidaysburg, Randy and Dave Schellenbarger of West Chester, Kim Darnell of Altoona and nephew, Glenn and wife, Eleanor Rudasill of Altoona; a step-grandson, Derek Rudasill and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her stepson, Edwin Rudasill in July of 2023; her two sisters: Jeanie Bland and Henrietta Gray and two brothers: Robert and John North.
Nellie gradated from Altoona High School, class of 1941. She retired from Penelec/First Energy after 43 years of service.
She enjoyed participating with Penelec employees in the Penelec Weekly Bowling League at Pleasant Valley Bowl and Holiday Bowl, along with belonging to the Penelec retirees’ group, The Penelec Omega Club and Alpha Iota Alumnae Chapter.
Nellie loved to square dance and participate in water aerobics at the pool at Penn State Altoona. She also, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, and touring European countries. Since moving to the Graystone, Nellie has enjoyed Wii Bowling with her friends and being captain of a team.
Friends will be received from 3-6 pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, 2309 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601. A funeral service will be held at 10 am, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the funeral home with Pastor Alexander Hildebrand.
Interment will be held at Logan Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to: First Church of Christ, 113 Good Shepherd Road, Altoona, PA 16601.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

01/02/2026

Elsie B. Della
May 14, 1941-December 29, 2025

Elsie B. Della, 84, of Hollidaysburg, passed away Monday evening at Conemaugh Nason Hospital following an extended illness.
She was born in Nashville, Tenn., the daughter of the late Harry W. and Elizabeth (Martin) Hall. Elsie was thrice married, they all preceded her in death.
She is survived by her son, Jim Swanner, Jr. (Holly) of York; two daughters: Virginia A. Campbell (William) of Altoona and Rose M. Della-Price (Greg) of Virginia; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and two sisters: Barbara Jean Stone of Virginia and Elizabeth Moore of Sewickley.
Elsie was preceded in death by two sisters: Shirley Hall and Sylvia B. Hasson.
She was a high school graduate and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Elsie retired as the office manager for Dr. Larry Levinson.
She was of the Catholic faith and had previously attended the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Elsie was a member of the VFW Auxillary James Noble Post and previously had been with the Mount Union VFW.
She was an avid reader.
Friends will be received from 10-noon, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. A funeral service will immediately follow at noon in the Stevens Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Douglas McGaffin. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Elsie’s name to: Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

01/01/2026

🎉 New Year, New Energy, New Blessings! May your 2026 be filled with laughter, peace, and unforgettable moments. Let’s make it amazing! ✨

12/31/2025

Whether it’s a playlist of favorite songs, a slideshow of family adventures, or a table filled with handwritten notes — personalization turns a service into something that feels deeply theirs. Because a goodbye should reflect the life that inspired it.

12/29/2025

Whether through burial or cremation, what matters most is how we honor a life. The ceremony, the memories, and the love shared — those are what turn goodbye into something meaningful.

12/26/2025

As we step into a new year, our hearts carry both the weight of loss and the beauty of remembrance. The love we have for those who’ve passed doesn’t belong to any year—it lives within us, timeless and true.

12/25/2025

Wishing you a Christmas wrapped in warmth, love, and beautiful memories.

12/24/2025

Paul J. “Hubcap” Hrubochak
Jan. 21, 1935 – December 22, 2025
Paul J. “Hubcap” Hrubochak, 90, St. Benedict Manor, formerly of Patton, passed away, Monday
at the manor.
Paul was born in Cymbria, PA, son of the late John and Mary (Divorsik) Hrubochak. On June 28,
1958 he married Jane Louise (Rudolph) who preceded him in death on April 1, 2024.
He is survived by 3 sons: Gary (Pamela) Hrubochak of Lewistown, PA; Joseph Hrubochak of
Shermansdale, PA; and Daniel Hrubochak of Denver, PA; a daughter, Linda Baker (George Finui)
of Elmora; 10 grandchildren: Bethany (Jake), Tyler (Brittney), David, Rachel, Joey, Sierra, Dylan
(Becca), Cody (Marissa), Hunter (Jenna), and Jenna (Nick); 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-
great-grandchild; and 2 sisters: Helen and Catherine.
He was preceded in death by brothers: John and Mike Hrubochak; and sisters: Ann, Mary,
Betty, Pauline, Vera, and Margaret.
Paul was a US Army Veteran.
He retired from Greenwich Collieries and previously worked in the Van Heusen Shirt Factory.
He was a member of Queen of Peach Catholic Church. He was also a member of United Mine
Workers, Patton Moose, Patton Sportsman’s Club and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates,
and Penguins fan.
Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to camp with his grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of St. Benedict Manor and 365 Hospice
for the wonderful care that Paul received.
Friends will be received from 9am until an 11am funeral service on Monday, December 29,
2025 at Stevens Funeral Home, 1004 Fifth Avenue, Patton, PA 16668 by the Benedictine
Fathers. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Patton with military honors.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Paul’s memory to: Alzheimer’s
Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

For 130+ years, Stevens Family Funeral Homes has provided meaningful funeral services, guidance, & support for the families of Altoona.