Obituaries

George (Nipper) Addison Parsons peacefully passed away on May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness from the heart-wrenching loss of his beloved wife, Loreen. He will be laid to rest with her on June 20, just two days after celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary.

He was also predeceased by his parents, Carl and Rose Parsons; brothers, Nelson (Marion) Parsons, Charlie Parsons; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws.

George is survived by his four children, Tammy (Tom), Michelle (Conrad), Carl (Roxanne), Steven (Jennifer); grandchildren, Ben (Michelle), Melissa, Emily, TJ, Hillary, Jackson, Tiffany (Jason), Jessica (Alex), Alexis (Nico), Addison (Miranda), Harrison (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Brayden, Casey, Isaiah, Vivian, Tessa, CJ, Hailey, Aria, Lunara.

George was born and raised in Great Bend where he built a life with his wife and together they created a beautiful family. He had a knack for storytelling, weaving tales of the past and sharing his rich experiences, growing up in this small town. He especially cherished recounting his time working in the mill at the tender age of 14, along with helping out at the local garage where he honed his mechanical skills.

For over 35 years, George dedicated his life to Sears and Robuck, repairing anything with a motor. He had a passion for cars and tractors, often having a few around to rebuild, which he would transform into “brand new” machines. A true jack of all trades, he could fix anything, and if he didn’t have the parts, he would “Parsons rig” it, ensuring it ran smoothly for years. This skill, passed down to the next generation, is a testament to his ingenuity. He was happy to help anyone with something that needed fixing.

George’s love for his family was evident in his eyes, especially when he spoke of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He loved to dance, particularly the polka, and he and his wife could twirl around the floor with grace, even in their 80s. Back in the day, they would square dance at the fire station, a cherished tradition.

He was a devoted husband throughout their long marriage. In the last 8 years, he dedicated his time to caring for his wife during her illness and being her constant companion. Our family takes great comfort in knowing they are together again dancing the polka like they are 22.

Rest in peace, our dear father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend. You are loved and already missed.

At the request of Nipper, there will be no services; he will be having a family burial along with his wife, Loreen.

Although he loved to grow a garden and was proud of his flowers, please feel free to donate to the local Great Bend Fire Company, PO Box 201, Great Bend, PA 18821, in his name in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements by the Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, Inc., 25 Susquehanna Avenue, Hallstead.

James H. Shaw, 85, the beloved Barber of New Milford for 54 years, entered into rest on May 24, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Jim is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of almost 64 years, Mary Shaw; two children, James H. (Nancy) Shaw II, Laura M. (Richard) Pascucci; grandchildren, Corey (Kate), Dustin (Sarah), Cullen, Mollie, Danny, Bailey (Rob), Josh (Marie); twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Jean-Marc) Gobinet; brother-in-law, George Burdick; two nieces, Lorraine and Julie (Fabrice).

He was predeceased by his parents, James “Millard” and Dorothy Shaw; brother-in-law, James Burdick.

Jim was the local barber and also very active in the community. He was a member of the Hallstead Presbyterian Church for fifty years, serving in various positions, including being an Elder. He was a member of the Columbia Hose Company since 1966. Jim was also a member and past Worshipful Master of the Bluestone Lodge F&AM #338. Jim was a Cub Scout leader for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, cross country skiing and hiking. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Jim was known for his warmth, ready smile, wealth of information and friendship. Jim will be greatly missed by the entire community.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Kathy Wages, Mary Pat Freitag, Freddie Wages, Wendy Dudley, Carrie and Tom Drake, Tracy Grennel and Dr. Jerome Mikloucich for their diligence and compassionate care.

A funeral service was held Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, Inc., Hallstead. Interment will be made in Lakeview Cemetery.

Please consider memorial contributions to: Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church, 400 Franklin Hill Road, Hallstead, PA 18822; or Columbia Hose Company No. 1, PO Box 599, New Milford, PA 18834.

John Henry Sholtiss, 83, of Susquehanna, passed peacefully at home under the care of his step-daughter, Ashley and aides.

Born January 31, 1943 in Flemington, NJ, John attended New York Institute of Photography, an experience he used throughout his life to capture memorable moments.

John started a fledgling landscaping business in Flemington, selling mums and pumpkins and making good use of a simple bulldozer. He moved to the Susquehanna area in the early 1970’s and worked on a local farm for a short time until he purchased his homestead in Susquehanna and opened his well known J&J Landscaping business, which expanded regularly for 50 plus years. His prowess with landscape design and ample supply of materials was appreciated by countless clients for generations. John was an avid hunter and loved being out on a golf course to take out his frustration “on the links.” He took countless trophy game on many guided hunts, including a record Brown Bear taken in Kodiak, Alaska on October 28, 1989 scoring third largest in the world and occupying a prominent position in his “den” of trophies which would drop-the-law of any hunter or taxidermist. John was a founding board member of the Susquehanna Community Development Association (SCDA) for over 25 years, offering countless hours of expertise, labor and materials to assist in the beautification of downtown Susquehanna. His biggest “vise” was a true addiction to Pepsi Cola, which was the very last thing he enjoyed before he submitted.

John was predeceased by his second wife, Cindy (Lee); third wife, Darleen (Lee); daughter, Lacey Sholtiss; step-daughter, Natalie Mayle.

He is survived by his caregiver and step-daughter, Ashley Eleen Mayle; grandson, Kai Thompson, of Susquehanna; first wife, Joanne.

At John’s request there will be no services. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements were provided by Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Avenue, Susquehanna.