DUE TO CURRENT COVID-19 HEALTH CONCERNS SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATE. A PUBLIC MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.

Russell M. Schade, 91, of Valley View, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Providence Place, Pottsville. He was born March 6, 1929 in Fearnot, son of the late Earl Mayer Sr. and the late Hulda (Dieter) Mayer. He was raised by William and Edna (Harner) Schade of Valley View, and the Harner family of Sacramento.

Russell was preceded in death by his birth parents Earl and Hulda (Deiter) Mayer; the parents who raised him William and Edna (Harner) Schade; and the beloved Harner family, Mildred, Allen, Irene, Clayton, and Grandparents Harvey and Clara; his wife Elda (Bixler) Schade; his sisters Sylvia Stutzman, Corrine Wolfgang, and Gloria Stoudt; half sister Mary Stehr; brother Earl Mayer Jr.; and a step brother Robert Mayer.

He is survived by his three children, April Lucas (partner George Koscianski) of Endwell, NY, Russell A Schade (Amy), Birdsboro, and Virginia Murray (Jack), St. Clair, his grandchildren D. Matthew Lucas, Michael Lucas, Kim Lucas, Megan Pugh, Kami Barr, Margeaux Gray, Genevieve Schade; his 8 great grandchildren; two half sisters Violet Harris and Joyce Wolfe; many nieces and nephews and his loving and caring companion Alice Snyder.

Russell attended the former Hegins Township High School. He married the late Elda (Bixler) Schade and they owned and operated Russell Schade Plumbing and Heating in Valley View where the business served many people in the Hegins Valley and surrounding areas. A regular quote from Russell was "I can fix it!" He was a master of all trades!

In his younger days "Russ" loved to ride motor scooters with his buddies. He and Elda traveled much of our country with their camper and dear friends, finally parking it at the Juniata River site, where they enjoyed time with friends and family and relaxed from the stress of their business. He loved taking his snowmobiles to the Harner farm and watching his kids and grandkids drive them with lots of vigor! In his later years he and Alice enjoyed eating out and visiting friends, Alice's farm and family, family picnics and holidays at Ginny's, and trips to Atlanta and Dallas.

He was a member and Past Master of F&AM Valley Lodge 797 Valley View and the Royal Arch Chapter of Valley Lodge; Valley View Fire Company, and the Hegins Ambulance Association. He was a former member of the Harrisburg Consistory, Rajah Shrine of Reading, Zembo Shrine of Harrisburg, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Millersburg Forest 125.

As a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Valley View, he sang in the Chancel Choir and the Men's Chorus. He served as the church custodian and caretaker of the cemetery for many years.

Russell was a giving and caring man who loved his family and would do anything for them. No amount of time, effort or sacrifice was too much for him to give. He will always be missed and forever loved.

Our sincere thanks to the staff of the Connections Unit of the Pottsville Providence Place for their amazing care and love for Russell and his family.

Due to current COVID-19 health concerns services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 221, Valley View, PA 17983.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .