Laura A. (Vernovage) Kishbaugh

Laura A. “Lea” (Vernovage) Kishbaugh, 79, of Wapwallopen, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her beloved family Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at her home.  Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on September 5, 1943, she was a daughter to the late Alexander Vernovage and the late Betty (Jones) Esher.

Following high school graduation in Cape May, NJ, Lea proudly served in the US Army.  She then continued her education at Lackawanna Junior College.  She had been a long-time employee at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.  Lea was very active with the Boy Scouts both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  She had served as committee member, assistant Scout leader and, for a time while living in New Jersey, as a Scoutmaster.  She was proud to have earned her Wood Badge beads.  Lea enjoyed camping, sewing, crafting, and horseback riding.  She was an avid reader and loved watching movies.  Her favorite times, however, were those spent with her family.

Surviving Lea are her children:  Joan Browna of Berwick (daughter in law), Tina Perkins of Orangeville, Alice Cockrille and husband, Pete, of Lily Lake, Ann Schmidt and husband, Chad, of Berwick, Kevin Vernovage of Sunbury, Christy Cragle and husband, Carl, of Nescopeck, Alex Kishbaugh and wife, Alicia, of Orangeville, Kathy Joline and husband, Thomas Kahnle, of Latham, NY, and Joseph Rupinski of Berwick; 18 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Lea was preceded in death by her son, William Kishbaugh, III; sisters:  Pam Rupinski and Daisy Esher; and ex-husband, William Kishbaugh, Jr.

Lea’s services are private.  Memorial contributions in Lea’s name can be made to Columbia-Montour Council, BSA, 5 Audubon Court, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.  The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Kishbaugh family.  Online messages of comfort and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com. 

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