Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

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Hunlock Creek, PA
Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

Our family owned funeral home has had the privilege of serving many families in the Back Mountain.

Services Offered
We provide traditional, green, cremation, prearranged, immediate burial and out of town receiving/forwarding services. Traditional Funeral Service: A service where the body is present for visiting hours and a funeral ceremony is conducted either privately or publicly, usually at the funeral home or a church. The visitation can be the same day just prior to the service or the day before the service. Green Funeral: In general terms, this involves holding the deceased's remains without embalming or purchase of a burial vault. Also, the use of a biodegradable casket (designed to return to the elements of the earth) in a designated cemetery, along with a meaningful celebration of life at the graveside. Direct Cremation: When a cremation is preferred it may be immediate with no viewing. With this service, families may want a memorial service either at the funeral home or elsewhere with or without the cremains present. Many families choose to have a visitation and a funeral service with an open casket followed by cremation. Prearranging: More and more people are prearranging their funeral. It gives them to opportunity to express their wishes with family, make informed choices and take the stress and burden off of their family at a most difficult time. It also gives those who have no family to make their arrangements a peace of mind, knowing that their instructions will be carried out. For a personal consultation on prearranging and pre-funding, please contact us. Immediate Burial: This is burial that without visitation or funeral ceremony. A memorial service may be held later, either at the funeral home or elsewhere.

01/31/2026

Joyce Ilene Gross, age 91 of Sweet Valley, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Allied Services Meade Street Hospice Center.

She was born in Roaring Brook on January 28, 1935, and was the daughter of the late Vernard C. and Amber C. Bonham Lamoreaux.

Joyce graduated from Shickshinny High School, Class of 1951. She worked for Charles H. Long Equipment, Sweet Valley. She married her husband, Donald Gross in 1955. Joyce was a former member of the Community Bible Church, Sweet Valley, where she played the organ and piano and sang in the church. She was a current member of Living Word Baptist Church, Sweet Valley. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by an infant brother, Charles Cletus.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 71 years, Donald Gross; children, Jody Gross, Dana Gross, and Alyson Graham; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Cragle; brother, Merlin Lamoreaux; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Raymond D. Purdy, Jr. of Living Word Baptist Church, officiating.

Viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday before the services.

Interment will be in Sorber Cemetery, Reyburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Living Word Baptist Church, 40 Hess Ln, Sweet Valley, PA 18656 or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, P.O. Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090-6105

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/30/2026

Betty J. Newell, age 82 of Noxen, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre on November 23, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Viola and John Kovalick.

Betty graduated from Noxen High School and then the Empire Beauty School. Following graduation, she opened a beauty salon at her home and later moved the business to her personal home in Noxen. She also had a craft business that worked with flowers and wreaths. Betty was a member of the Harveys Lake Women’s Club. She was an avid softball pitcher, loved spending time at her grandkid’s events and traveling with her late husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, LeRoy; brothers, John and Chester; son-in-law, Dean.

Betty is survived by daughters, Lisa Finnegan (Jim) of Noxen, Rhonda Hummel (Edward) of Noxen, Stacie Rae Nulton of Sweet Valley, and Nicole Chipego (Matthew) of Noxen; grandchildren, Alaisha, Tom, Steven, Jimmy, Roy Travis, Sarah, Maverick Dean, and Hannah; great-granddaughter, Annli; brothers, Charles, Ronald, Eugene; twin sister, Barb; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Ben Hubbell of the Noxen Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Dymond Section of Orcutt’s Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Noxen Community Ambulance, 142 Elizabeth St., Noxen, PA 18636.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/27/2026

Terrance “Terry” Alton Shook, 76, a lifelong resident of Noxen, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. Born on January 15, 1950, in Noxen, he was the devoted husband of Dawn Luketic Shook and a loving father to Carl Shook and Amy Shook Wandel.

Terry was a graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and Williamsport Area Community College. He spent his entire career at Procter & Gamble, where he worked as a machinist.

Terry found great joy in spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed playing cards, hunting, traveling, and attending any and all sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Shook of Noxen, PA; daughter, Amy Wandel and her husband, S. Ray, of Dallas, PA; son, Carl Shook and his wife, Elizabeth, of Noxen, PA; brothers, Carl Shook of Palmer, AK, and Kurt Shook and his wife, Christine, of Noxen, PA; grandchildren, Chad Wandel and his wife, Rebecca, of Noxen, PA; Korri Wright and her husband, James, of Dallas, PA; Kasey Shook of Noxen, PA; and Kolby Shook of Noxen, PA; and great-grandchildren, Piper, Emersyn, Penelope, and Alton, all of whom brought great joy to his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Shook, and his mother, Betty Klopko Shook.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/16/2026

Peter A. Isbitski, age 93 of Dallas, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas.

He was born in Plains on February 28, 1932, and was the son of the late Peter and Agnes Rompola Isbitski

Peter graduated from Plains High School, Class of 1950 and went on to become an auto mechanic for various garages in the area. He played accordion for the Kryger Brothers Orchestra and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Peter was a member of the Dupont VFW.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leonard, James, and Robert; and sister, Florence Hadakowski.

Peter is survived by wife, Eleanor Robshaw; son, Peter; daughter, Linda Whitney; step-daughter, Sharon Williams.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Dennis Gray, Chaplain of Compassionate Care Hospice, officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600 - Doylestown, PA 18901.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/14/2026

Richard Brady Engelman, age 77 of Sweet Valley, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 under hospice care at the Embassy of East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Kingston on May 13, 1948 and was the son of the late Richard Engelman and Alberta Dymond Fanini.

Richard attended Lake-Lehman High School and was raised in Noxen and later moved to Sweet Valley. He retired from the Boilermakers Union Local Lodge #13, after many years of service. Richard served for 14 months in US Army during the Vietnam Era with the 11th Armored Cavalry. He was a member of the South Mountain Land Association where he hunted and spent many weekends with friends at the cabin in his younger years. Richard was also a member of the Harveys Lake American Legion Post 967 where everyday was “Docs” birthday. You would often see Richard driving his quad on the dirt road with his fur babies, Bunny and Presley.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Gary and Loren; sister, Valerie.

Richard is survived by son, Richard Peiffer (Deana) of Sweet Valley; daughter, Terri Massey (Drew) of West Chester; partner, Janice; brother, Robin Fanini (Teresa); grandchildren, Delaney, Addisyn, Austin, Carter and Sloane.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 74 Lockville Rd, Dallas, PA 18612 or the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

01/02/2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth A. Sutton, 89, announces his passing on December 26, 2025 at the Allied Hospice Center Meade Street Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Kenny, as he was affectionately known, was born in Lehman, PA to the late Lanceford and Beulah Mae Sutton. He was a graduate of Lehman High School, Class of 1954, in which he proudly remembers being on the football team when they beat Dallas in 1953 for the first time, winning game for the “Old Shoe” Trophy.

Shortly upon graduation, Kenny met his beloved wife, Judith who preceded him in death on August 19, 2017, also following his graduation he joined the military and became a very proud Army Veteran who also loved his wife as well. It was truly a whirlwind year for him, having married twice that year: first to the love of his life, and then to his country! Kenny was shortly thereafter sent to Germany and also had been in Holland; he shared many stories of his training and experiences such as being on howitzer guns and all the fascinating things while abroad. His wife, Judith also recounted having many wonderful experiences with him when she visited him in Germany.

Upon Kenny’s honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as a prison guard at SCI Dallas and was a school bus driver for many years. He always kept the prison safe and ensured that every child got home safely each day until his retirement. He had a strong work ethic, was devoted to his family, and took pride in providing, supporting, and showing unconditional love and devotion through good times and bad. Dad was always there!

Kenny was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and liked watching races. He was also, years ago, a fan of open wheel racing. Kenny was a USAC mechanic and worked at the pits at Pocono Raceway. He loved going to breakfast most mornings at the Skillet, and loved meeting all his friends there. Kenny would travel to Lancaster several times a year as he and Judith always did; even up until a mere 2 months before his passing, bringing back apple bread and the stuffed pork chops from the Amish. He was fiercely and stubbornly independent, which made him a person of great character, who was funny, had strong values, and was an all-around good-natured man.

Kenny is survived by daughter, Cynthia Sutton of Dallas; son, Kyle and wife Kim of Harveys Lake; brother, Richard and wife Esther of Lehman; several nieces; and a nephew.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lanning Anselmi for years of loving care, Dr. A. Michell and the entire cardiac care team at General Hospital 2nd Floor, and a very special thank you to Allied Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre, whose doctors, nurses, and staff went above and beyond!

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends at a date to be announced.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

In Kenny’s memory, family asks that donations be made to Allied Hospice Center, the SPCA/Human Society, St. Jude’s, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Kenny lived a long life of meaningfulness, and his passing left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him! Nothing that is loved is ever lost! Think of Kenny with a smile in your heart!

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

12/23/2025

Patricia E. Copper, age 80 of Ridley Twp., passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Highland Park, Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Upland, PA on June 8, 1945 and was the daughter of the late Clarence and Alice Levis Copper.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 1 sister.

She is survived by sister, Ginny Rogers; nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at the Idetown Cemetery, Lehman, with Pastor John Whitehead of the Lehman-Idetown United Methodist Church, officiating.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Highland Park Senior Living and Traditional Hospice for the compassionate care given to their sister.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

12/23/2025

George F. Anderson, age 84 of Nanticoke, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Edenbrook at Hampton, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Lake Township on August 31, 1941 and was the son of the late Cleveland and Ada Schooley Anderson.

George loved to color and watch the old western TV programs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Gladys Anderson Reed and her husband, Robert J. Reed, Sr.; niece, Donna Swire; and nephew, Robert J. Reed, Jr.

George is survived by sister, Rose Shiner of California; numerous nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania and California, including Patricia Reed Wolfe and her son, Derrick, with whom he lived for many years; several great nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania and California; and his beloved pets, Brownie the dog and Bella the cat.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

12/12/2025

Ronald Gregus, 77, of Hunlock Creek, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Highland Manor Nursing Center in Exeter.

Born in Kingston on August 7, 1948, Ronald was the son of the late Leonard Sr. and Genevieve Terkoski Gregus. He was a proud graduate of Larksville High School and faithfully served his country in the United States Army.

Ronald dedicated his career to CertainTeed Fiberglass in Mountain Top, where he worked throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lake Silkworth, where he especially enjoyed helping at the annual church bazaar. An avid outdoorsman, Ronald loved hunting and fishing, and he was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He cherished traveling—especially his trips to Canada and the many cruises he enjoyed with his beloved late wife, Sue, having sailed on more than 50 together.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; his brothers, Leonard, Martin, and Paul; his sisters, Eleanore Buzink and Gerri Gregus; and his first wife, Milly Kohl.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever hold his memory close.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 10, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2011 State Route 29, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Rev. Brian Van Fossen officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., located at the corner of Routes 29 and 118 in Pikes Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

12/12/2025

Dora Ruth Harris, age 87 of Trucksville, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Mahoning Twp. on November 10, 1938 and was the daughter of the late Sumner and Martha Phillips.

Dora was a member of the Luzerne United Methodist Church. She loved her cats, cooking, baking and crocheting.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Harris; 2 brothers.

Dora is survived by children, Cindy Smith and her husband Gary of Shavertown, Jacob Harris and his wife Linda of Jackson Twp. and David Harris and his wife Dorothy of Shavertown; siblings, Pearl, Christy and Clarence; grandchildren, Lindsay, Brittney, Breann, Michael and Melissa; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Kaitlin and Kylie; great-great granddaughter, Ariyah; numerous nieces and nephews.

A private interment will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

11/26/2025

William R. Ayers, Jr. age 65 of Falls, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at home, surrounded by his loving dogs.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on August 12, 1960 and was the son of the late William Ayers, Sr. and Shirley Patton Ayers.

Bill attended Lake-Lehman High School and worked for several landscaping companies, pursuing his love of the outdoors. He also worked in several warehouses. Bill loved traveling with his wife on day trips and was an avid outdoorsman, including hunting and fishing. He was well known for his smile and spreading cheer among people. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter, Lisa Ayers; grandson, Ralph William Goble; sisters, Charlene Yurko, Rae Ayers, and Cindy Ayers; brothers, Jack and Joe Ayers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Brenda Keller Ayers; daughters, Kim Goble of Wilkes-Barre, Jennifer Smith of Tunkhannock, and Julie Jesso and husband Greg of Loyalville; siblings, Dan Ayers and his wife Lori, Holly Malinowski and her husband Rich, Kelly Johnson and her husband Marc, and Todd Ayers and his wife Kim; grandchildren, Thomas, Andrew, Garrett, Cody, Brandon, William, Lacey, Edward and Raymond; great-grandchildren, Corline, Maelee, and Scarlett; numerous nieces and nephews; his precious dogs, Sam, Delilah, Nola and Buddy Blue.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corners of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Ben Hubbell of the Noxen Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to go fund me page, https://gofund.me/7c14b3f33.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Dr. Saidman and Dr. Pernikoff’s offices, as well as the Radiation Offices at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, and the Allied Hospice staff for their kind and loving care.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

11/19/2025

Michael Francis Prater, age 36 of Jackson Township, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at his home.

He was born in Kingston, PA on October 10, 1989 and was the son of Scott Prater, residing in Ft. Myers, FL, and the late Catherine McHale Prater.

Michael graduated from Lake-Lehman High School in 2008, where he found his stride on the baseball field. As a talented third baseman, he played a key role in many of the team’s victories.

He was most recently employed as a roller operator with American Asphalt, a role in which he was not only skilled, but truly essential. Michael was also a volunteer with the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department in Shavertown, PA. For years during the holiday season he loved heading down to the Fire Hall and spreading Christmas cheer the way he knew how, by embodying the Grinch, and letting his heart grow three sizes that day.

To know Michael was to know what a character he was—someone who showed his love through nicknames, humor, and constant laughter. Fiercely loyal and always dependable, he was the friend who showed up at a moment’s notice, ready to help however he could. And not a day would go by without him telling you how much he “appreciated ya.”

The oldest of three brothers, Michael cared deeply about his family and one of the greatest moments of his life was the birth of his daughter, Kaylee.

Outside of work, Michael found joy spending time in his garage; it was always a pretty good okay day when he was watching the Price is Right and Jeopardy with Dad. During football season, you could find him there cheering on the Eagles, and in the summer, he’d open the garage doors wide and blast his favorite music. Even though he always had a lot of irons in the fire, Sunday mornings were reserved for early tee times and rounds of golf with his buddies. Michael’s favorite holiday was the Fourth of July—celebrated with more fireworks than anyone could count—and he loved stepping back to watch the faces of his family and friends light up during the grand finale.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Rev. John S. Prater; and maternal grandparents, William J. and Ann Marie McHale.

In addition to his father, Michael is survived by wife, Carol Manzoni Prater; daughter, Kaylee; brothers, Chris (Amanda) Prater of Shavertown and Jeremy (Kayla) Prater of LaBelle, FL; and paternal grandmother, Ingrid Prater.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Route 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Back Mountain Little League, P.O. Box 22, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612. Email: info@bmtll.com

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

Address

2386 State Route 118
Hunlock Creek, PA
18621

Telephone

+15704772500

Website

http://clswansonfuneralhome.com/

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