Person Page - 2155

     Viola May Strohecker was born on 10 January 1912, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.² She was the daughter of John Alfred Strohecker and Emma Schweers.¹ Viola May Strohecker was baptized on 18 October 1913, Christ Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.² She married Cyril J. Mahoney on 28 February 1929, Heckscherville, PA.^3,4 Viola May Strohecker and Cyril J. Mahoney were divorced in November 1934 Schuylkill County, PA.^4,5 Viola May Strohecker married Charles Conn Ashman on 23 January 1935, Christ Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.⁶ Viola May Strohecker married Melvin Albert Flail, son of Albert Flail and Florence Kantner, on 10 August 1969, Schuylkill County, PA.⁷ Viola May Strohecker died on 18 March 1972, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 60.⁸
Newspaper obituary:
Viola A. Flail
Mrs. Viola Ashman Flail, 60, wife of Melvin A. Flail, 516 Carbon St., was dead on arrival at Good Samaritan Hospital at 1:30 Saturday morning.
Mrs, Flail was born in Pottsville, daughter of the late John and Emma Schweers Strohecker. Until three years ago she worked at a hearing aid consultant for RX Hearing Service, Hazleton. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Ashman, who died in 1968.
Surviving, in addition to her husband are two sons, William C. Ashman, California; Charles J. Ashman, Reading; three daughters, Dolores, wife of George Wagner; Charlene, wife of Emil Feryo; Mrs. Jo Ann Bonk, all of Pottsville; 16 grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Rose Bowers; Ella, wife of Russell Cook, both of Pottsville; Dorothy, wife of Lee Skrocki, Reading.
Funeral arrangements, in charge of the Morgan Home for Funerals, were incomplete.
Pottsville Republican (Pottsville, Pennsylvania), 18 Mar 1972, Sat, Page 2.⁸

     Russel Cook Jr. was born on 12 November 1930, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.¹ He was the son of Russell H. Cook and Ella Sophia Strohecker.¹ Russel Cook Jr. died on 16 December 1930, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.¹ He was buried on 18 December 1930, at Schuylkill Haven Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.¹

     Emma May Strohecker was born on 8 July 1915.¹ She was baptized on 9 July 1915, Christ Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.² She was the daughter of John Alfred Strohecker and Emma Schweers.¹ Emma May Strohecker died on 24 February 1916, Palo Alto, Schuylkill County, PA.¹ She was buried on 26 February 1916, at Schuylkill Haven Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.^1,3

     Charles Conn Ashman was born on 7 January 1905.² He married Viola May Strohecker, daughter of John Alfred Strohecker and Emma Schweers, on 23 January 1935, Christ Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.¹ Charles Conn Ashman died on 2 April 1968, Pottsville Hospital, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 63.^2,3
Newspaper obituary:
CHARLES ASHMAN
Charles Ashman, 402 Fairview St., Pottsville, husband of Viola Strowhecker Ashman, died Tuesday at the Pottsville Hospital.
His wife operates the RX Hear ing Service on S. Wyoming St., this city.
Also surviving are five children and 15 grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the Morgan Fu neral Home, W. Market St., Pottsville. Viewing will be Friday evening.
Standard-Speaker (Hazleton, Pennsylvania), 04 Apr 1968, Thu, Page 32.³
He was buried on 6 April 1968, at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3

     Melvin Albert Flail was born on 9 May 1911, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.² He was the son of Albert Flail and Florence Kantner.² Melvin Albert Flail married Viola May Strohecker, daughter of John Alfred Strohecker and Emma Schweers, on 10 August 1969, Schuylkill County, PA.¹
Newspaper obituary:
Melvin A. Flail
Melvin A. Flail, 86, formerly of Carbon Street, Pottsville, died Thursday at Schuylkill Manor, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, May 9, 1911, he was a son of the late Albert and Florence Kantner Flail. He was educated in Pottsville schools.
He was service manager at the former Waldorf Motors, former Seltzer Motors, former Walter Reed Motors and former Wayne Motors, all of Pottsville.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, and had 22 years perfect attendance in the Men's Bible class of the church, and was a life member of West End Hose Company, Pottsville.
His wife, the former Viola Strohecker Ashman, died in 1972; a stepson, Charles Ashman Jr., died in 1989.
Surviving are three stepdaughters, Charlene Feryo and Dolores Wagner, both of Pottsville, and Joann Ayre, Orlando, Fla; a stepson, William Ashman, San Diego, Calif; two brothers, Russell, Palm Beach, Fla., and Walter, California; two sisters, Esther Hoffman, Pottsville, and Lillie Bennett, Mechanicsburg; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday from James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. The Rev. Philip S. Bendle HJ will officiate. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Pottsville Republican (Pottsville, Pennsylvania), 16 May 1997, Fri, Page 2.²
Melvin Albert Flail was buried on 19 May 1997, at Schuylkill Haven Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3

     Albert Flail married Florence Kantner.¹

     Florence Kantner married Albert Flail.¹

     Charlene Ashman was born on 1 January 1935, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.¹ She was the daughter of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker.¹ Charlene Ashman married Emil John Feryo Sr. on 4 June 1955.^2,3 Charlene Ashman died on 25 September 2013, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 78.¹
Newspaper obituary:
Charlene Ashman Feryo
September 25, 2013
Charlene Ashman Feryo, 78, of Pottsville, died Wednesday surrounded by her loving family, including her devoted husband of 58 years, Emil J. Feryo Sr., a Navy veteran.
She was born Jan. 1, 1935, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Charles and Viola Strohecker Ashman.
A 1953 graduate of Pottsville High School, Charlene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.
In addition to being a loving wife to Emil, Charlene's greatest joy were her children, grandchildren and extended family members. Her loyalty to her family and friends knew no boundaries and despite battling debilitating arthritis and other serious illnesses for decades, she remained a source of wise counsel and direction to all until her last day on earth.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Melvin Flail; sister, JoAnn Ayre; and brother, Charles "Snookie" Ashman.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are four children, Beth Ann Jones and her husband, Federal Judge John E. III, Pottsville, Emil J. Feryo Jr., USMC veteran, Pottsville, Gary Feryo, Clearwater, Fla., and Amie V. Tobash and her husband, State Representative Michael G., Pottsville: a sister, Dolores Wagner, Pottsville; a brother, William Ashman and his wife, Sylvie, Las Vegas, Nev; brother-in-law, Cdr. Donald Ayre, Pottsville: six grandchildren, Meghan Jones Prock and her husband, Eric, John E. Jones IV and his fiance, Katie Zwiebel, Emil J. Feryo III, Airman 1st Class Dylan Feryo, and Lexi and Mikaela Tobash; nieces and nephews.
Interment in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, had charge of arrangements, www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com.
Published in Republican & Herald on September 27, 2013.²
She was buried at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.²

     Emil John Feryo Sr. was born on 21 March 1928, Saint Clair, Schuylkill County, PA.² He married Charlene Ashman, daughter of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker, on 4 June 1955.^1,3 Emil John Feryo Sr. died on 27 September 2018, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 90.²
Online obituary:
Emil John Feryo, Sr., of Pottsville died peacefully after a brief illness on Thursday surrounded by his loving family.
Emil was born March 21, 1928 in St. Clair, the son of the late John “Butch” and Ella Kudlick Feryo. Despite a humble upbringing in a residence without running water, Emil treasured his St. Clair roots. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of World War II, and saw service shipboard as the war ended. His service instilled in him an indelible sense of patriotism and pride in his country. Taking advantage of that service and the GI Bill that resulted, Emil to return to Pennsylvania after his honorable discharge and attended and graduated from Penn State University with an accounting degree. It was there he met his dear friend Don Davis, who remained his close pal throughout the rest of his life. Upon his graduation from Penn State, Emil obtained employment as an accountant with General Electric Credit Corporation in Harrisburg, where he remained for several years. Subsequently Emil answered the call of his Uncle John Pappas, who convinced him to return to Pottsville to join his hearing aid dispensing business. It was there that Emil found his true calling and life’s work.
Emil remained in the hearing aid business for the remainder of his life, and worked until just weeks prior to his death. Eventually he started his own business, and at the peak of his business had 12 offices throughout Pennsylvania. He loved the vocation of fitting hearing aids to improve the quality people’s lives and was both diligent and dedicated to it. Over the course of his six decades in the business Emil received numerous awards from both hearing aid manufacturers and associations, the most recent being a lifetime award from the Pennsylvania Hearing Aid Association in March on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
Emil’s great passions in his life were his extended family, his catholic faith, Penn State Football, and any topic touching on hearing aids. He lived every day to the fullest, ate and drank fulsomely, and as they say in the sports world, left it all on the field of play. Emil was known to have opinions about practically everything, some of which were expressed in a manner that was unique. While occasionally these views seemed outrageous, to the consternation of his family and particularly his son-in-laws, they frequently proved to be correct. His only regret was that he did not make it to 100 years of age.
Emil married the love of his life, Charlene Ashman Feryo, on June 4, 1955. They enjoyed life together for 58 years, until her death 2013. Theirs was a special and entertaining romance. Despite his tendency to drive her crazy, and her constant and unsuccessful quest to tame him, they adored and worshipped each other. Emil never stopped missing Charlene after her passing Their union produced four children who survive him, Beth, wife of U.S. District Judge John E. Jones, III; Emil J. Feryo, Jr, Gary Feryo, Amie, wife of Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Tobash. He is also survived by loving grandchildren Meghan, wife of Attorney Eric Prock, John E. Jones, IV husband of Katie, Emil J. Feryo III, Dylan Feryo, Alexia Tobash and Mikeala Tobash. Emil also lived long enough to see the birth of great-grandchildren, Carys Bryn and Sophia Elizabeth, who provided great joy to their Pops in his final years.
In addition to his wife Charlene, Emil was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Gerald, who assisted him in his business for many years. He is also survived by sisters, Dolores Karam, Gloria Jelenewicz, sister-in-law Dolores Wagner, brother-in-law William Ashman, godchildren Sharon Wagner Johnson, Dr. David Pillus, Linda Karam, and various nieces and nephews. Emil was member of childhood church to of St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, St. Clair. For the past 20 years Emil attended St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, where he would be seen sitting on the left side of the church for mass.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11AM from St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9-11AM. at the church. There will be no viewing at funeral home. The family would prefer remembrance in the form of contributions be made to Assumption BVM School 112 S 7th St. Pottsville or Pottsville Soup Kitchen c/o 319 Mahantongo St. Pottsville PA, 17901. Interment with military honors will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
Please share your memories and condolences with Emil’s family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.^3,2
He was buried on 2 October 2018, at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3

     Joann Mary Ashman was born on 25 March 1939.¹ She was the daughter of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker.¹ Joann Mary Ashman married Donald Ayre, son of James Ayre and Charlotte Cleveland, circa 1974.² Joann Mary Ashman died on 18 June 2010, Orlando, Orange County, FL, at age 71.^1,2
Newspaper obituary:
JoAnn Mary Ayre
June 18, 2010
JoAnn Mary Ayre, Longwood, Fla., entered into rest Friday at Florida Hospital South, Orlando.
She was a realtor for Re-Max, earning numerous awards such as the 1998 Re-Max Hall of Fame and the 2005 Re-Max Lifetime Achievement Award. She was in the top 100 for six consecutive years.
She was preceded in death by a brother, William Ashman.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Don, a retired Navy commander with whom she enjoyed world traveling and meeting many new friends with whom they kept in touch with to this day.
She is also survived by two sisters, Charlene Feryo and Dolores Wagner, both of Pottsville; and a brother, William Ashman, Orlando.
A gathering of friends and loved ones will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday at Baldwin-Fairchild Lake Ivanhoe Chapel, 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, Fla. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Stephens Lutheran Church, 2140 W State Road 434, Longwood, Fla. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Children's Miracle Network, 611 St. Joseph Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements. Please send your condolences to the family by signing the guest book at jehumphreyfuneralhome. com.
Republican and Herald (Pottsville, Pennsylvania), 21 Jun 2010, Mon, Page A9.²
She was buried on 26 June 2010, at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.²

     Donald Ayre was born on 13 November 1932, Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, PA.³ He was the son of James Ayre and Charlotte Cleveland.² Donald Ayre married Joann Mary Ashman, daughter of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker, circa 1974.¹ Donald Ayre died on 4 December 2013, Schuylkill Center, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 81.³
Newspaper obituary:
Navy Cdr. Donald Ayre, 81, of Pottsville, formerly of Lake Marie, Fla., died Wednesday at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville. Born Nov. 13, 1932, in Tunkhannock, he was a son of the late James and Charlotte Cleveland Ayre. He was a graduate of Tunkhannock High School and East Stroudsburg University.
Don devoted his career to the Navy, serving during the Vietnam War as a surface warfare officer, where he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and numerous other medals and commendations.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the former JoAnn Ashman, June 18, 2010; a son, Stephen; three brothers, Delmar, Kenneth and Robert; two sisters, Dorothy Jaches and Beverly Faux.Surviving are two sons, David and Donald; daughter, Donna Harris; brother, Glen; two sisters, Gladys St. Clair and Gertrude Wise; nieces and nephews.
James E Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville
Pottsville Republican 6 Dec 2013.²
He was buried at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, PA.³

     James Ayre married Charlotte Cleveland.¹

     Charlotte Cleveland married James Ayre.¹

     Charles J. Ashman was born circa 1943, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.² He was the son of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker.¹ Charles J. Ashman died on 27 November 1989, Reading Hospital, Reading, Berks County, PA.²
Newspaper obituary:
Charles J. Ashman Sr.
Charles J. Ashman Sr., 46, of 856 N. 12th St., Reading, died early Monday morning at Reading Hospital where he was admitted Oct 22.
He was born in Pottsville, a son of the late Charles C. Ashman and Viola Strohecker Ashman Flail.
He was a Navy veteran.
Mr. Ashman was a former employee of Prestige Tooling Co. Inc., Reading, and for the last 11/2 years was employed by Alcon Precision Device Facility, Reading.
He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Reading, and was Sunday school treasurer.
Surviving are his wife, the former Virginia L. Valkosak; two sons, Charles J. Jr., Spring City, and Jason C. at home; a brother, William, San Diego, Calif; three sisters, Charlene Feryo and Dolores Wagner, both of Pottsville, and Joanne Ayre, Orlando, Fla.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Sanders Funeral Home Inc., Reading, is in charge of arrangements.
Pottsville Republican (Pottsville, Pennsylvania), 28 Nov 1989, Tue, Page 2.²

     Dolores V. Ashman was born on 28 July 1932, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3 She was the daughter of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker.¹ Dolores V. Ashman married George Joseph Wagner, son of George E. Wagner and Dorothy Guinther, on 1 October 1955, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.⁴ Dolores V. Ashman and George Joseph Wagner were divorced circa November 1980 Schuylkill County, PA.⁵ Dolores V. Ashman died on 27 January 2022, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 89.³
Newspaper obituary:
Dolores V. Wagner
Dolores V. Wagner, 89, of Pottsville, died Thursday at home.
She was born July 28, 1932, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Charles and Viola Strohecker Ashman.
She was a 1951 graduate of Pottsville High School.
She was employed as a housekeeper for 20 years at the former Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic, prior to retiring.
Dolores was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, and Circle 5 of the church, and SCOOP.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard David Wagner; a brother, Charles Ashman; two sisters, Jo Ann Ayre and Charlene Feryo.
Surviving are her children, Sharon Johnson and her partner, Patrick Allard, New Cumberland, George Wagner, Pottsville, Holly Sullivan and her husband, Luke, Gordon, and Doug Wagner, Pottsville; four grandchildren, Heather Sullivan, Cameron and Cody Johnson and Ashley Allard; four great-grandchildren, Brielle and Whalen Johnson, Lily Allard and Aidan Pyle; brother, William Ashman, Las Vegas, Nev; nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with the Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9:30 a.m. until time of the services. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Dolores be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Interment will be in Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
Please share your memories and condolences with Dolores' family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com.⁶
She was buried on 1 February 2022, at Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.⁶

     George Joseph Wagner was born on 15 July 1929, Frackville, Schuylkill County, PA.^2,3 He was the son of George E. Wagner and Dorothy Guinther.² George Joseph Wagner married Dolores V. Ashman, daughter of Charles Conn Ashman and Viola May Strohecker, on 1 October 1955, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA.¹ George Joseph Wagner and Dolores V. Ashman were divorced circa November 1980 Schuylkill County, PA.⁴ George Joseph Wagner died on 13 February 2002, Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, at age 72.²
Newspaper obituary:
George J. Wagner
George J. Wagner, 72, of Frackville, died early Wednesday morning at Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic, where he was a patient since Feb. 4.
Born and raised in Frackville, he was the son of the late George and Dorothy (Guinther) Wagner. Mr. Wagner also resided in Pottsville for over 25 years. He is a 1947 graduate of the former Frackville High School. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was a son, Richard D. Wagner in 1960; and brother, Charles Wagner.
Surviving are daughters, Sharon K. Johnson, New Cumberland; Holly (Wagner) Sullivan, Gordon; sons, Douglas; Pottsville; George C. Wagner, Las Vegas, Nev; and sisters, Shirley Brennan, Jane Wagner, both of Dresher.
Three grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Nice Funeral Home, 9-11 North Lehigh Ave., Frackville.
The Rev. Lynette R. Chapman, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville will officiate.
Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.
There will be no calling hours on Friday evening.
Standard-Speaker (Hazleton, Pennsylvania), 14 Feb 2002, Thu, Page 2.²