Those we hold most dear never truly leave us... they live on in the kindnesses they showed, the comfort they shared and the loved they brought into our lives.
    Surrounded by her loving family on Sunday morning, June 22, 2008, Yolanda “Yo” Rossi Stickel, 78, of Cooper Street, Waverly, was guided to her heavenly home by the Angels. Yolanda was born on Sept. 6, 1929 in New York City, a daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Agnelli Rossi. On June 30, 1951 she married Walter Stickel and together they have celebrated nearly 57 years of happiness. 
    Yo, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, could be found assisting with the daily operations at Moreton Cleaners. Always willing to lend a hand and willing to do any task for others, Yo and Walt also found time to assist at many functions with the Sons of Italy. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she participated in the church choir, taught Sunday school and was a Luther League Sponsor. Yo enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens, being outdoor and caning. She was an avid collector of elephants, had a great love of horses — she was a graduate of the American Saddle Association of New York State. Her love of horses took her to work at the Jim Eskew Ranch in Lockwood. Yo’s smile and caring ways will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.
    Yo is survived by: her husband, Walter Stickel; brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Evelyn Rossi of Texas, Joseph and Pamela Rossi of South Carolina, Charles and Shirley Rossi of Waverly and Anthony and Linda Rossi of Virginia; a sister and brother-in-law, Wilhelmina and Donald House of Litchfield; brother-in-law, Ken Snyder of South Carolina; her nephews, George (Olympia) Johnson of Venezuela, Jeffrey (Teri) Snyder of South Carolina, John (Teri) Rossi of Texas, Michael (Patricia) Rossi of Pennsylvania, Thomas (Glenda) House of Cicero, N.Y., David (Judy) Snyder of Alaska, Joseph (Lori) Rossi of Waverly, Charles K. Rossi of Waverly, Anthony (Gail) Rossi of North Carolina, Mark Rossi of North Carolina, Joseph Rossi of Texas, Ken (Rose) Winters, Gale (Beth) Winters and Wayne Winters, all of the Owego area; her nieces,   Mina (Lee) Clark of Alabama, Mary (Al) Bert of South Carolina, Rhonda (Craig) Lee of Mansfield, Pa., Marlene (Gary) Bonney of Florida, Anita (Jeff) Siefert of Ohio, Diane (Craig) Brennan of Alabama, Linda (John) Gauss of Sayre, Diane (Robert) Guevara of Texas, Mary Rossi of Texas, Louise (Richard) Allis, Betty Jean Bachman, Linda Charton, and Frances Thomas, all of the Owego area; and numerous cousins, great-nieces and -nephews.
    Yo was predeceased by: her parents, Anthony and Mary (Agnelli) Rossi; a sister, Marie Rossi Snyder; nieces, Marjorie Jean Johnson Brabroski and Paulette Winters Boyle.
    A funeral service and celebration of Yo’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 12:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 207 S. Hopkins Street, Sayre, with her pastor, Pastor Rodney H. Saylor, officiating. Interment will be in the Rossi Family Cemetery, Litchfield. A period of visitation and sharing memories will be held this evening, Tuesday, June 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 South Main St., Nichols, with services conducted by the Sons of Italy at 8:15 p.m. A period of visitation will also be held at the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:30 p.m. Memories and condolences for Yo’s family may also be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com. Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Guthrie Hospice,  RR 1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848 or St. John Lutheran Church, 207 S. Hopkins St., Sayre, PA 18840 in loving memory of Yolanda “Yo” Rossi Stickel.