Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - Sinking Spring

05/08/2026

Donna J. Shaner

Donna Jean (Stapleton) Shaner

May 17, 1963 – May 6, 2026

Donna Jean (Stapleton) Shaner, 62, of Reading, passed away peacefully in her daughter's home on May 6, 2026. She courageously battled breast cancer for nearly four years. She was preceded in death by her husband David D. Shaner Jr. who passed away in March 2007.

Donna was born on May 17, 1963 to the late Elwood Stapleton and Dianne (Cerniglia) Millisock. She dedicated her life to caring for others as a certified nursing assistant for over 43 years, first working for Genesis HealthCare and then Berks Heim where she retired 2 years ago. After retirement she took on her favorite role of being a full time Gram.

She is survived by her loving family – daughter Kathryn (Shaner) Gilbert, son-in-law Troy Gilbert Jr. and grandsons Lincoln and Spencer Gilbert of Reading; brother Randy Stapleton of Denver; aunt Sandra Lengel of Leesport; aunt Nancy (Stapleton) (Yeich) Hartman of Birdsboro; and a close knit extended family who loved her deeply – Andrea Stephens of Middletown, Robert and Sherri Shaner of Mohnton, Olivia Shaner and fiancé Alyssa Undheim of Shillington, Josephine Kopcik of Reading, and Brian Harris of Bernville.

She was predeceased by her brother Barry Stapleton, sister Brenda (Stapleton) Heck and step-daughter Lisa (Shaner) Harris.

Her daughter wants to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Nick Leasure at the McGlinn Cancer Institute for everything that he has done since her initial diagnosis, especially for providing treatment to allow Donna to meet and spend three months with her new grandson Spencer. Also, a big thank you to the Infusion Center nurses and staff who became our second family.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 129 East Lancaster Ave. Shillington, Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Amy S. Landis, Celebrant, will officiate. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Saturday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Reading Hospital Foundation in support of the McGlinn Cancer Institute. Donations may be sent to Reading Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 16052, Reading, PA 19612 or online at https://towerhealth.org/locations/reading-hospital/reading-hospital-foundation/make-gift.

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05/06/2026

Serving our community is at the center of everything we do at Bean Funeral Homes. This is where we’ve made our homes and built our lives. For the dedicated members of our team, this is more than a job. It’s a calling and a way to help our neighbors during some of life’s most difficult times.

05/05/2026

Merrill E. Renninger

Merrill E. Renninger, 91, of Shillington, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband to Gail Jeanette (Unger) Renninger for over 64 years of marriage. Born in Pottstown, Merrill was the son of the late, Merrill W. Renninger and Violet (Linsinbigler).

A graduate of Pottstown High School where he played football, basketball and baseball, earning him a spot in Cooperstown Baseball Hall of fame for a record of 48 straight Team wins. Merrill loved waking up to check his Facebook and wish his friends a happy birthday to start the day, he also served on the GGML Community Days Board for over 41 Years, earning him the title of “Mr. Community Days”. He enjoyed his job at Reading Foundry and Supply, where he worked for over 40 years. Merrill loved cruises with his friends and family, Notre Dame Football games in South Bend, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, and New York Yankees. He will be remembered by all for his friendly, kind, caring demeanor and loving his family.

In addition to his wife, Merrill is survived by his son, David M. Renninger of Shillington, and daughter, Diane E. Renninger, of Shillington.

A memorial service for Merrill will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 30 Liberty Street, Shillington, PA 19607. The family will receive relatives and guests in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Thursday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Merrill’s honor to The Reading Hot Stovers, Inc. P.0. Box 6371, Reading, PA 19610. Bean Funeral Home, Shillington has been entrusted with arrangements, online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

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05/03/2026

Linda M. Althouse

Linda M. Althouse, 78, of South Heidelberg Township, passed away Thursday April 30, 2026 at 10:25 pm at Laureldale Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of Richard L. Althouse. Born in West Reading, Mrs. Althouse was the daughter of the late Harry M. and Mada M. (Baver) Kauffman. She was employed as a caregiver at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville for 20 years until her retirement. In addition to her husband Mrs. Althouse is survived by her children Melissa J. Williams of Wernersville; Matthew R. Althouse of Sinking Spring; Thomas R. Althouse of South Heidelberg Township and her 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her siblings Mary Ann Cherrybon, Betty Henderson, James Kauffman, Harry M. Kauffman, Jr., Allen Kauffman , Fred Kauffman and Lewis Kauffman.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bean Funeral Home 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00 am. Amy S. Landis, Celebrant, will officiate. Interment will follow at Laureldale Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

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05/01/2026

Elisa Laura Plancarte

Elisa Laura Plancarte, 38, of Blandon, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at The Reading Hospital surrounded by her loving friends and family. Born in Lindsay, California, Elisa was the daughter of Javier Plancarte and Maria Guadalupe (Lemus) Bedolla. Elisa worked as a Scheduler for Grafika Print in Sinking Spring for over 15 years.

Elisa will be remembered for her kind, caring, and compassionate attitude towards life; she lit up every room she walked into and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was her son’s #1 supporter with his football, cheering on her very own #20 for The Oley Valley Lynxs. She enjoyed dancing and concerts, especially Eduin Caz, just having a great time, and being the life of any party.

In addition to her parents, Elisa is survived by her Children, Yarilynn Pantoja, Angela Pantoja, and Francisco Jr. She is also survived by her siblings, Maria Plancarte, fiancé of Juan Taveras, Patricia Y. Plancarte – Arizaga, wife of Ricardo Arizaga Cervantes, Estela Anabel Plancarte, and her godchildren, Johana, Alexa, Jayla, RJ, Adalynn, (Zaza), Karina, Beto, Cataleya, Liz, Dom, Sebas, Darrian, JJ, Yasleen, Naya, Jr., Kaeli, and Michie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM in St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church. Interment to follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. Funeral Procession will depart Bean Funeral Home, Sinking Spring on Monday at 10:30 AM. The Family will receive relatives and guests in Bean Funeral Home, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Online guest book and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

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05/01/2026

Congratulations to our Funeral Intern Meredith Feeney! This past week Meredith completed her funeral internship and received her funeral director license. Join all of us at Bean Funeral Home in congratulating Meredith on her accomplishment!

04/30/2026

Have you considered preplanning? Could it be right for you? Are you interested but don’t know where to start? We’ve got answers. Register for our lunch and learn on May 13 at Anthony’s Trattoria. David Burawski, our preplanning director, will be presenting. He will be assisted by Beth Harp (administrative assistant) and Amy Landis (certified celebrant). They will guide you through the process and benefits of preplanning. We’ll cover planning options, documenting your plan, contingency plans, securing benefits, and more. Join us in a low pressure environment with plenty of time for questions and delicious food.

📍Location: Anthony’s Trattoria (900 Byram St, Reading, PA 19606)
📅Date: May 13, 2026
🕛Time: 12:00

Register: RSVP online at https://www.beanfuneralhomes.com/events/details/lunch-and-learn-8 or call us (610) 376-1129.

04/28/2026

Did you know that you can use a motorcycle hearse for your funeral at Bean Funeral Homes and Crematory? The exclusive Farewell Ride provides a fitting final journey for the motorcycle enthusiast. It’s also great for anyone who wants to add a unique element to their funeral.

04/28/2026

Todd J. Frasso

Todd J. Frasso, 69, of West Lawn, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. He was the devoted husband of Marilyn A. Frasso (Hohl), with whom he shared 45 years of matrimony. Born on April 23, 1956, in Reading, to Robert and Louise (Hullinger) Frasso, Todd graduated from Muhlenberg High School in 1974 and subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree from Albright College in 1979. Throughout his career, he worked in sales and customer service, most recently at Fortna in West Reading, until his retirement in 2021. Todd was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church and dedicated his time to the Wilson Area Food Pantry and Boy Scouts.

Todd is survived by his wife Marilyn, West Lawn; son, Matthew A. Frasso, husband of Megan, Spring Township; daughter, Laura A. Bartolomucci, wife of Michael, South Heidelberg Township; three grandchildren, Beckham Scornavacchi, Ethan Bartolomucci, Allison Bartolomucci; and a sister, Beth Frasso Cornelison, husband of Paul, Plymouth, MA.

He was predeceased by his brother Kip Frasso.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4125 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00am. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 10:00am-11:00am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Wilson Area Food Pantry, 4125 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608. Bean Funeral Homes, Sinking Spring oversees arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

View Todd J. Frasso's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/25/2026

Lorraine Ann Breiding

Lorraine Ann Breiding (Ristau),63, of Muhlenberg, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife to John Charles Breiding for over 36 years of marriage. Born in St. Albans, Queens, New York, Lorraine was the daughter of the late, Edgar Ristau and Patricia (Lennon) Ristau.

Lorraine loved watching True Crime documentaries, riding roller coasters, Winnie the Pooh, listening to Aerosmith and other classic rock groups. She was always the life of the party and loved to have a good time, never wanting the party to end. Most importantly, she will be remembered for how deeply she loved her children.

In addition to her husband John, Lorraine is survived by her children Debra E. Breiding, fiancé of Jonathan J. Hernandez - Acosta, of Reading, and Daniel M. Breiding, fiancé of Paige A. Clayton, of Reading. She is also survived by her grandson Julian, and siblings, Suzanne M.T. Ristau, Joanne H. Ristau, and Raymond E. Ristau.

Funeral service for Lorraine will be held privately. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Lorraine to, The American Cancer Society, American Alzheimer’s Association, or AA.org. Bean Funeral Home, Sinking Spring, has been entrusted with arrangements, online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

“Sleep With The Angels”

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04/24/2026

Meet David J. Burawski! David is a licensed funeral director and pre-planning specialist at Bean Funeral Homes. He’s been with us for 14 years. David grew up in the Pocono Mountains and has lived in Cumru Township since 2013. He has a B.S. in economics from Penn State and a degree in mortuary science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. After beginning his career in life insurance, he transitioned into his current work as the pre-arrangement director at Bean Funeral Homes. There was a personal reason for this. Several of his family members did not plan ahead, and he saw the burden this placed on his parents. David uses this personal experience to guide the families he works with and to ease their burden at the time of need. A true Civil War buff, David has toured dozens of battlefields (including more than 50 visits to Gettysburg) and has given many tours to families and friends over the years. His son Dylan shares his passion for history, and now they enjoy visiting battlefields and historical sites together.