8 • Upper Bucks Free Press • March 2023 James Snyder, 54, of Quakertown, passed away on February 19th, 2023, in his home. Born in Quakertown, PA, he was the son of Rosemarie Snyder (Messics) and the late James Snyder. James graduated from Quakertown High School. He enjoyed life, being outdoors, taking drives, and going to the casino. James will be dearly missed by his mother, Rosemarie Snyder; his siblings, Craig Snyder, Kimberly Wierzalis (Edward), Jeffrey Snyder, and Misty Gibson (Bruce); as well as his extended family. All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. 215-536-3343 Mary Alice Stahr, age 94, of Richlandtown, PA, passed away on February 8, 2023 at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center in Richlandtown, PA. She was the spouse of John Stahr, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Quakertown, PA she was a daughter of Elias Durn and Esther Wentz Durn of Quakertown, PA. Mary graduated from Quakertown Senior High in 1946. She later attended cosmetology school. She was a member of Quakertown United Methodist Church. She was a member of Lenape Chapter 339 of the Order of Eastern Star. She was also an artist who enjoyed painting local covered bridges, old barns and historical buildings. She was self-employed as a hairdresser until retiring in 1991. She is survived by John Stahr, Jr. (Son), Susan Ketterer (Daughter), Nicole Ketterer
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(Granddaughter), Kai Blanchard, and Kendall Blanchard (Great-grandchild). A memorial service will be arranged at the family's convenience at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Rajah Shrine, PO Box 40, Blandon, PA 19501. All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA, 18951. 215-536-3343
Delores S. Torr, nee Sutters of Quakertown, formerly of Bedminster Township and beloved wife of the late Edward C. Torr, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. She was 93. Born March 20, 1929, to the late James M. Sutters and Amanda M. Sutters, nee Rankin in Philadelphia. Raised in Jenkintown, Delores graduated from Jenkintown High School. After she graduated started her career in retail working for Strawbridge & Clothier Department Store. Later she worked in the Bill of Lading department of Vicks an overthe-counter drug company in the Philadelphia region. She met Edward at the Willow Grove Roller Rink, and they married in 1949. They moved to Bucks County and restored an 1818 farmhouse, they named Bayberry Farm. Delores enjoyed sewing, knitting, painting, drawing and had a love for animals, even those her children brought home. While her son was in the Boy Scouts of America she volunteered as a den mother. She was a devotee of her family genealogy and was a member of the DeHaven Club and corresponded with many people across the United States and Europe in search
of family information. She embraced technology to give her faster information on her family history. Delores also made hand-poured bayberry taper candles and gave them to family and friends far and wide. A love of history and reading brought her to open a bookstore in Quakertown called Paperbacks Unlimited. When Ed retired, she assisted him in his new found creative business called The Tin Tinker where he made tin Christmas ornaments, they sold at high-end craft markets. She is survived by son Craig S. Torr and fiancé Andrea Kreisher and grandchildren Emily Matuczinski (Markus), Michael Torr (Sarah), Chelsea Torr, (Mitch Berger), Phillip Torr, Jeremy Torr (fiancé Kristen Novak), Daughter Lorrie Clauss (Andrew Clauss). Grandchildren Adam Torr (companion Candice Feldman) Caryn Dotter (Keith), Bill Torr (Edie), Scott Torr, and five great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Her son Edward C. Torr, Jr. and grandchild Andrew Torr predeceased Delores. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.
Mary Ann Windmassinger, 72, of Quakertown died January 24. 2023 in her home. She was the wife of Mark Windmassinger, Sr. They were married 39 years on September 13, 2022. Born in Union Town, PA she was the daughter of the late Wallace E. & Anna C. (Maher) Bierer.
She retired as a Scale Master for Plumstead Quarry. She was a member of the Quakertown American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and a Legion Rider for Riegelsville American Legion. She was a former manager at the Keelersville Club, and a member of the Perkasie Owls. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children Annemarie WindmassingerMarino (Brian Minnes), Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Mark Windmassinger, Jr. (Melissa), and Mitchell Brown (Bryann); six grandchildren Tegen, Casey, Chase, Evelyn, Piper, and Mark III(Tripp). She was predeceased by her brother James. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Semper Fi & Americas Fund www.thefund.org Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.
William E. “Butch” Yerkes, Jr., 57, of Quakertown died February 15, 2023 in his home. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Judith L. (Bossert) Yerkes. William was last employed as a meat cutter for Moyer Packing. He was a graduate of Quakertown Community High School where he enjoyed playing sports. He enjoyed professional wrestling and all Philly Sports Teams. He is survived by a sister Lisa Green (Terry) and a brother Curtis C. Yerkes (Heather Dieterly); three nieces Ashley, Carroll, Kaci, three nephews Donavan, CJ, and Shaun. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.
Experiences in Nursing BY PALMA MOYER, RN Looking back on the changes in health care over the past 60 years it is amazing how much the prenatal care for pregnant women and the care of newborns has progressed. We now have amazing ICUs for premature and sick babies with fantastic care. Fifty years ago I was pregnant and had a complication called polylhydramnios, a condition causing excessive amniotic fluid accompanied by excessive drooling. This condition happens if you are having twins or a birth defect. Most people had difficulty being around me at times. I had frequent bouts of projectile vomiting. My doctor was a very kind man and was as supportive as he could be, but at that time there was no ultra sound, and x-rays were not done readily. I was working 11 to 7, helping my husband through collage and had no insurance. My pre natal visits consisted of blood pressure checks and weight gain. I went into labor around my 7th month of pregnancy. At that time my doctor told me that
I was going to have a child with birth defects since he could hear only one heartbeat. I worked at that hospital so I tried to prepare my coworkers on what to expect. “D day” arrived and I delivered a beautiful tiny baby boy. I asked what was wrong with him. I was told nothing except he is small, just one pound 13 ounces and he was taken to the nursery. It was a small hospital and the delivery room nurse was also the nursery nurse. I asked the cleaning lady to please call the doctor and nurse back to the delivery room where I delivered another tiny, but perfect baby. They were both perfect but small. They both died within one day of each other. Had this happened today I would be the mother of adult twins. When I see pregnant women today I am so thankful for the medical progress that gives us happy, healthy moms and babies for We Are Fearfully And Wonderfully Made. ~ Palma Moyer, RN class of 1957 TUH Palma will be sharing more of her experiences and perspectives on nursing. She can be reached at donthelpmemoyer@aol.com.
New Chapter of Military Order of The Purple Heart Formed
My name is Bob Lord and I am the Commander of the newly formed Rich Quinn Chapter 004 Military Order of The Purple Heart for Combat Wounded Veterans in the region. The chapter has been revitalized with the specific intent of helping needy Veterans and their families. Our previous membership has been scattered throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware for quite some time. Our goal is to reunite, strengthen and increase the Chapter's membership. We strongly believe that there is strength in numbers. Thus far however, it has been at best a challenging task with sadly disappointing results. Apparently, there are no current and accurate sources from which to draw the information needed to reach out. Those few sources are ten years old and obsolete. Your assistance is requested in identifying
any member of your organization who may also be eligible for membership in Rich Quinn Chapter 004 or any individual who is currently a member of The Military Order of The Purple Heart but unassigned to any specific chapter. Membership in more than one Veteran organization is commonplace. Most of our Chapter 004 members belong to other organizations such as yours. We certainly support and encourage such diversity of efforts. One can never know where a great idea will be found. As an added inducement, The Department of Pennsylvania has agreed to cover any costs associated with any such enrollment or transfer. There is no cost to enroll or transfer. In as much as we share the goal of service to our Veteran members, I thank you in advance for your attention to this important effort.
Think Local. Give Local. Serve Local. American Legion Post 242 Update BY DICK HELM As we watched the opening introductions and excitement of the teams as they entered the stadium as well as the playing of our National, my wife and I were enjoying the hoagies we picked up at the Post. The Ladies of our Post had a special hoagie sale with the proceeds to help pay our new sign. Not only were the hoagies fresh, meaty, and totally delicious-- the hoagies were very reasonably priced. As we waited for our preorder we noticed a special “wings” sales probably held by the sons and purchased a plate full to enjoy during our special Super Bowl meal! My wife and I wish to thank all involved for a great economical meal. It is a shame the Eagles failed to deliver a wonderful dessert! As I mentioned before, the new roof is on and looking great. The cement pad is ready for our new electronic sign. (Within days of being delivered and hooked up.) The Post’s Friday night, open to the public, special meals are becoming known and attendance has been picking up. So make it a point to check for what is on the menu. (As I write this on a Friday, I am anticipating tonight’s Fish and Chips and my wife is planning on having their Pot Roast with all the trimmings. Both priced $10.00 and under!) Where else can you enjoy a meal such as these in a smoke free environment! Charlie Wismer told me we are at 88% renewal for membership. Let’s make it 3 years in a row that we reach 100%. Remember our Post has many ways that you can be a member including the obvious being a veteran or on active duty, being a son of someone who served or a lady helping in our Ladies support branch. A certain regulated amount of persons can be “Honorary Members.” So when you stop on to enjoy a Friday night meal, or Cheese Steak night, or Sons monthly breakfast, ask us how you to can be a member of this worthy organization that
is ON THE MOVE! March is going to be a special period for those who served during what is known as the Vietnam period (I believe the date are 19551975) either in the war zone or on active duty in any service branch elsewhere in the world.) Our Post is having a special event on Sunday, March 26th including a buffet (free to the veteran) between the times of 11:00 – 20:00 hours. Come mingle with fellow vets and enjoy the special items and programs being offered for that special welcome back. Look for more information on our new sign as the date approaches. Also in March on March 29th at 11:00 AM, DeSales University in affiliation with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council will host a program entitled National Vietnam War Veterans Day at the University located in Center Valley. Special Vietnam Commemoration metals will be given to former members of our Armed Services during the Vietnam War era as outlined above. A special guest speaker is lined up for this ceremony. After the ceremony they plan to offer refreshment to attendees. To be part of those called forth for presentation of the Commemorative Medal, we ask you to contact Director, Wendy Badman, at 610-2821100 extension 2075. The address of DeSales University is 2765 Station Avenue, Center Valley, Pa 18034. Our local color guard will be there as part of this important “Welcome Home” on this 50+ year celebration of those who came forth to protect freedom and liberty throughout the world. As a veteran of that period I welcome all the gestures of thankfulness for service we receive today that were seriously overlooked as we returned home from overseas. I thank all those who in the past few decades who have stepped forward to heal that wound inflicted back in the 50’s through the 70’s as we transitioned back to civilian life after we were ready to give our all for our country. ~ For God & Country, Dick Helm