LebTown

Maria M. Rivas, 73, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Cedar Haven Nursing Home. Born in Puerto Rico on April 25, 1953, Maria was a daughter of the late Rafael Rivas and Maria T. Delgado. She loved listening to music, having her nails painted, and spending time coloring. Her warm smile and love for people brightened the lives of everyone she met. Maria is survived by her sister, Luz M. Rosario; brother, Abraham Gonzalez; and nieces, Maruja and Victoria.

Robert J. Barr, 61, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital. He was the husband of Melissa A. (Scipioni) Barr. Born in Lebanon, PA, on July 9, 1965, Robert was a son of the late Larry Barr and Carol (Lineaweaver) McKosky. He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, and was an avid 49ers fan. In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his children, Dezaray Barr and Cheyenne Martinez; three grandchildren; and sisters, Lisa Barr and Kim Kapp.

A restored Victorian stable and carriage house, a conservatory, walking trails and amphitheater—these are among possible features of an ambitious project to preserve a 198-acre farm in the center of Cornwall and provide new recreational, educational and cultural activities for the public. More than 100 Cornwall borough residents turned out and tuned in recently for the first of two presentations by the Cornwall Historical Alliance about its Freeman Farm Project.

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project. Lebanon County Commissioners unanimously agreed Thursday, July 16, to provide a letter of support for a federal highway grant that’s designed to reduce motor vehicle accidents in the Lebanon Valley. In a short meeting, commissioners also took two actions concerning several contracts held by the Lebanon County Department of Aging with its providers.

Here are the latest real estate transfers recorded in Lebanon County. 462 Maple Street John H. Hinshaw to Tyler F. Pappalardo for $350,000. 208 Elm Street Matthew Torrenti to Twyla Star Alvarado-Cali and Tito Cesario Alvarado-Cali for $225,000. 430 West Main Street Scott R. Groy and Margaret L. Groy to J. Shay Rentals LLC for $225,000. 135-A South Chestnut Street Edward R. Aguggia and Queena B. Aguggia to Shane Wertz for $180,000. 117 North Lancaster Street Anthony Brandt to Megan E. Brandt for $150,000.

Missing person – At 11:11 a.m. July 3, police received a report that a female was missing and could be having a medical emergency. Burglary – Police are investigating a burglary July 6 on 2nd Street when someone entered a 70-year-old Lebanon man’s garage and applied grease to his bike. Criminal trespass – At around 4:46 p.m. July 6, police responded to the Lebanon County Livestock Auction’s back parking lot for an unauthorized encampment.

Once a week we share the most recent obituaries in a post like this, but you’ll find the full list of Lebanon County obituaries in the Obituaries section.

Bonnie L. Stewart, 78, of Jonestown, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Dean Stewart, who passed away in December 2016. Born in Hershey on Aug. 3, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Harold E. and Helen L. (Barto) Flocken. Bonnie graduated from Northern Lebanon High School with the Class of 1965. She was a member of Ono United Methodist Church.

Lihua Xu, 79, of Palmyra, passed away at Spring Creek Rehab and Nursing Facility on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. She was the wife of Fuzhen Wang, with whom she celebrated 53 years of marriage. Lihua was born in China on Sept. 2, 1946, to the late Guangwu Xu and Donglian Zheng. She was a medical doctor who contributed to integrative pain medicine through acupuncture. Her colleagues and patients loved her for her dedication to patient care. She enjoyed watching television, gardening, and flowers.

Brenda L. Smith, 81, of Annville, PA, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Thornwald Home in Carlisle, PA. Born on Oct. 19, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Betty (Ayers) Rutter. Brenda was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. She was a chocolate lover and enjoyed word search puzzles. Brenda is survived by her daughter, Kelly J. Schroeder, wife of William, of Hollywood, MD; and grandchildren, Jacob, Hannah, and Emma. She was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Rutter.