Stevens Family Funeral Homes

05/27/2026

Mary L. Schraff
November 27, 1933-May 27, 2026

Mary L. Schraff, 92, passed away Wednesday morning at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
At Mary’s request there will be no visitation or service.
Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements have been provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc.
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.

05/27/2026

https://www.funeralbasics.org/top-15-bible-verses-celebration-life-service/

05/25/2026

Home, family, freedom—so much of what we cherish today exists because of the sacrifices made by our heroes.

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who served and gave all. ❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

Mary Ann (Kelley) Johnson
April 12, 1941-May 22, 2026
Mary Ann (Kelley) Johnson, 85, of Altoona, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning at UPMC Altoona. She was the daughter of the late Robert B. and Mary V. (O’Hara) Kelley.
Mary Ann married Donald B. Johnson, he preceded her in death on September 8, 2008.
She is survived by her sister, Pauline McKee (James) of Altoona and her brother, Robert D. Kelley (Jean) of Hanover; a nephew, Shawn Strohman (Shannon); two nieces: Kelley Young (Andy) and Suzanne Vuksan (Kyle) and her great-niece and nephews: Audrey Young, Simon Young, Jeffrey Vuksan and Declan Strohman; a brother-in-law, Fred Gigler and previous caregiver, Sue Butterbaugh.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Gigler.
She was a 1959 graduate of Altoona High School.
Mary Ann retired after many faithful years of service with Verizon, beginning as a telephone operator and ending her career in the engineering department.
She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Mary Ann had also been a member of the Legion of Mary, Catholic Daughters of America and the Altoona Women’s Club.
She liked spending her spare-time reading and doing needlework.
Mary Ann was a very generous person, who was blessed with many lifelong friends and neighbors who were very supportive of her through the years.
Friends will be received from 2-5 pm on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 511 20th St., Altoona, PA 16602 with Fr. Lubomir Strecok, celebrant.
Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

05/22/2026

One of the most common things people say after a loss is, “I wish I had known what they wanted.”

Having those conversations ahead of time may feel difficult, but they can bring incredible clarity and comfort later.

05/20/2026

A meaningful service doesn’t come from perfection.
It comes from authenticity — choosing what feels true instead of what feels expected.

05/19/2026

Catherine F. “Chee Chee” Willmerdinger
December 8, 1939-May 16, 2026

Catherine F. “Chee Chee” Willmerdinger, 86, of Rochester, New York, formerly of Altoona, passed away Saturday at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center. She was born in Altoona, the daughter of the late Paul and Anna “Honey” (Letscher) Stehle.
Catherine married Joseph L. Willmerdinger.
She is survived by her loving husband; her two sons: William Willmerdinger (Diane Wamsley) of Henrietta, NY and Robert Willmerdinger (Christine) of Campbello, SC; two granddaughters: Alissa Chester (Chris) of Simpsonville, SC and Corinne Schurman (Connor) of Georgetown, KY; a great-granddaughter, Layla Chester; her brother, David Stehle of Surprise, AZ and her sister, Elizabeth Campbell (Perry) of Vancouver, WA.
Catherine was a graduate of Altoona Catholic High School.
Catherine held many jobs prior to successfully tackling the difficult task of being a stay-at-home Mom for two boys.
For many years she attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Altoona and then Holy Name Catholic Church in Rochester.
Catherine was an avid book reader, could crochet, enjoyed solving word puzzles and she liked to cook and would tackle any culture’s cuisine.
Friends will be received from 4-7 pm, Thursday, May 21, 2026 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1405 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Committal will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Altoona.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

05/19/2026

James P. “Jimmy” Arthurs
October 14, 1945-May 16, 2026
James P. “Jimmy” Arthurs, 80, of Altoona, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Kenneth and Edith (Clapper) Arthurs.
He lived a life marked by hard work, humor, friendship, and a love for the outdoors.
Jimmy was first married to Gail Zimmerman with whom he shared his daughter, Tamara, she preceded him in death. He later married Jill Brubaker, who passed away in April of 2013.
Surviving Jimmy are his daughter, Tamara Thompson of Port St. Lucie, Fl; his sons: Sean Brubaker of Lehighton and Jason Brubaker (Julie) of Altoona; a daughter-in-law, Kristee Brubaker; nine grandchildren: Leah, Aubrey, Kevin, Karly, Paige, Dylyn, Chelsea, Tyler and Willa; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Jimmy is also survived by his sister, Delores “Buttercup” Donelson (Tom) of Blairsville. His faithful dog, Goldy, remained by his side and brought him comfort throughout his later years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith Clapper and Kenneth Arthurs, Sr.; brothers: Roy and Kenneth Arthurs, Jr.; his beloved son, Robbie Brubaker and his special companion, Sandra McGinnis.
Jimmy spent most of his working years in construction before later working at CCOR Electronics. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and playing cards with family and friends. One of his favorite places to be was at fishing camp with “the guys”.
He was known for his strong opinions, and unique sense of humor. He could always be counted on to crack a joke, share some deer meat or any local finds from the Amish Store.
Jimmy’s family finds comfort in knowing he was surrounded by love in his final moments and takes peace in believing he is now at rest. He leaves behind memories, laughter, and stories that will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him.
At the request of the family there will be no visitation or services.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

05/18/2026

Beth A. Fockler
November 24, 1962-May 16, 2026

Beth A. Fockler, 63, of Altoona, passed away Saturday at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Johnstown, the daughter of Thomas and Gertrude (Bennett) Maurer.
Beth married Scott R. Fockler on October 8, 1983.
She is survived by her loving husband and parents; three daughters: Kelli A. Burns (Matthew) of Mechanicsburg, Kara A. Fockler of Altoona and Kaitlyn E. Danzey (Alex) of Hummelstown; four grandchildren: Landon, Liam, Reese and Owen; seven siblings: Thomas Maurer (Denise) of Richmond, VA, Michael Maurer (Kristen), Michele Budman (Jan), Edward Maurer and Melissa Maurer all of Mechanicsburg, Mary Ann Franklin (Bobby) of Arkansas and Julie Krupa (John) of Altoona. Also surviving are, her in-laws: Brenda Shrefler (Bob) of Richland, Wendy Rex (Art) of Johnstown, Carol Manges Williams of Martinsburg and Todd Fockler (Dorice) of Windber; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Beth was preceded in death by her grandparents; mother and father-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bobbi Fockler and Patti Stayrook.
She was a graduate of Johnstown Vo-Tech for Nursing and was an LPN retiring after 43 years of service.
Beth was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She enjoyed gardening, was a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, liked spending time at Deep Creek Lake and taking care of her dog, Sully and cat, Geno. Beth loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 4-7 pm, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 511 20th St., Altoona, PA 16602.
Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The family kindly requests that contributions be made in Beth’s memory to: Skills of Central PA, Inc., 341 Science Park Rd., State College, PA 16803.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

05/18/2026

Carol L. Caldwell
July 22, 1939 – May 15, 2026

Carol L. Caldwell, 86, of Duncansville, died unexpectedly Friday at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center. She was born in Hollidaysburg, daughter of the late Harold and Dessa (Garman) Neely. She married Gary G. Caldwell and he preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 2014.
Surviving are two daughters, Debra Caldwell and Patty Caldwell, both of Duncansville; four sisters: Margaret Oakes, Cora Hileman, Betty Butler and Patricia Woomer; and special family friends, David George of Fredericksburg and John George of Hollidaysburg.
Carol was preceded in death by a son, George M. Caldwell; a sister, Eva Keller; and six brothers: Harold, Bill, Joseph, Jack, Donald and Robert Neely.
Carol was a graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School in 1957. She enjoyed spending time with children, crocheting, working puzzles, cooking and baking.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Plank, Stitt and Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg. There will be no funeral service. Interment will be at Carson Valley Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes page.

05/18/2026

Not all veterans talk about their service — but their families carry those stories.
Honoring them often means listening, sharing, and preserving those pieces of history for the next generation.