Leona B. Dunkle

Leona “Bridget” Dunkle, 87, of Clarion, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, July 9, 2025 at the Clarion Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on January 20, 1938 on the family farm in New Bethlehem to the late Thomas P. and Ruth E. Clinger Dwyer. Bridget was a 1955 graduate of Redbank Valley High School. She married Richard S. Dunkle in November of 1958 at Saint Charles Catholic Church in New Bethlehem. He preceded her in death on April 7, 1991. Bridget worked at numerous places, including Bell Telephone, Northwest Savings Bank as a teller, and retired from Clarion Elementary School as an IU6 teacher’s aide. She was also a dedicated landlord, owning Dunkle Rentals with her husband and sons. Bridget was of the Catholic faith. She was also a member of the Clarion VFW #2145 and enjoyed astrology, bowling, and dancing with her significant other, John Ochs. But most of all, Bridget loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and holiday get-togethers. She is survived by her significant other, John Ochs of Clarion; her daughter, Teresa “Terri” Swyers of Clarion; 3 sons, Mark R. Dunkle of Limestone, David S. Dunkle of Clarion, and Douglas E. Dunkle and his wife, Cindy, of Clarion; 9 grandchildren, Gary Smith and his wife, Vanessa, of Cranberry Township, Bridget Smith of Dubois, Richelle Swyers of New York, Luke Swyers and his wife, Haley, of Brockway, Scott Swyers and his wife, Amber, of Saegertown, Danielle Chamberlain and Jeff of Sugar Grove, Autumn Dunkle and her significant other, Alex, of Erie, Amanda Dunkle of Clarion, and Sara Nichols of Dayton; along with several great grandchildren. Bridget is also survived by her sisters, Eileen Himes of New Bethlehem, Fran Seymore of Ohio, and Helen Reed of Latrobe; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, John Dwyer, Ruth Kemmer, Mary Kennedy, Tom Dwyer, and Jerry Dwyer. Family and friends will be received from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025 at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion, where funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Samuel Bungo presiding. Interment will take place at the Cedarview Memorial Park in Strattanville.

Leona B. Dunkle

January 20, 1938 - July 9, 2025