Today's obituaries
Willis Chambers
Masury man had been steel plant furnace operator
Funeral service will be Wednesday for Willis Chambers, 8129 Campbell St., Masury, who died at 7:58 a.m. Thursday (8-31-00) in his home. He was 77.
Mr. Chambers was born March 22, 1923, in Marshville, N.C., to John and Josephine Gaddy Chambers.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Retiring in 1984, he was employed for 40 years as a galvanizing furnace operator at Sharon Steel Corp.’s former Farrell plant.
Mr. Chambers was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Masury, where he was a deacon, trustee and was active in Sunday school.
His wife, the former, Annie M. Willis, whom he married Jan 10, 1953, died May 31, 2000.
Surviving are: two daughters, Carol Harris, Cleveland and Carmella Howell, Masury; two sons, Greg Chambers, Masury, the Rev. Derrick W. Chambers, Palmdale, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Mary F. Curry, Masury; and seven grandchildren including Shayla Chambers, whom he raised.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Louise Covington, Lillie B. Hailey and Marie Hailey; and six brothers, Clyde, Frank, Roy, J.C., John W. and Rufus Chambers.
CHAMBERS
Willis, 77, of 8129 Campbell St., Masury.
Calling hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell and 12 p.m. until time of service on Wednesday (9-6-00) in Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 8148 Ulp St., Masury.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the church with the Rev. Raymond Brown, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Brookfield Cemetery, Ohio.
Ethel Mae Clark
Retired apartment manager had worked in grocery deli
Ethel Mae Clark, 105 Logan Ave., Sharon, died at 12:41 a.m. Saturday (9-2-00) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System due to an extended illness. She was 69.
Mrs. Clark was born April 13, 1931, in Brookfield, to Delbert and Elizabeth Pierson Kidd.
She was a graduate of Sharon High School.
Mrs. Clark worked for the Willow Village Apartments, Sharon, as a manager for 16 years. She retired in 1995.
Previously she worked in the deli at Southside Golden Dawn, Masury, and Golden Dawn, Sharon.
Mrs. Clark was a member of First Baptist Church, Sharon.
A member of the Sharon Elks 103, she enjoyed playing bingo and sewing.
Surviving are: her husband, Kenneth LeRoy Clark Sr., whom she married Nov. 26, 1947; five sons, Kenneth LeRoy Clark Jr., and Brian Todd Clark, both Sharon; Delbert Wayne Clark, Wheatland; David Allen Clark, Hermitage; and Robert Dean Clark, Winter Haven, Fla.; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society of America 2 Gateway Center, 13 North, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222.
CLARK
Mrs. Kenneth (Ethel), 69, of 105 Logan Ave., Sharon.
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday (9-4-00) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com.
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in the funeral home with the Rev. John M. Trojak, pastor of First Baptist Church, Sharon, and the Rev. Robert P. Coval, pastor of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Hermitage, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
William J. Craig Jr.
Mercer man had been retail store manager, in choir
William J. Craig Jr., South Erie Street, Mercer, died Friday (9-1-00) in his residence of an apparent heart attack. He was 53.
Mr. Craig was born July 14, 1947, in Greenville, to William J. Craig Sr. and Eleanor M. Rueckheim Craig.
A 1965 alumnus of Grove City High School, he graduated from Hiram Scott College, Nebraska.
Mr. Craig was a retired retail store manager.
A member of Victory Assembly of God Church, Lowellville, Ohio, he sang in the choir.
Surviving are: a daughter, Amy E. Craig, Punxsutawney; a son, Brian C. Craig, Punxsutawney; and two sisters, Patricia R. Brown, Mercer and Mrs. James (Margaret) Shay, Mercer.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
CRAIG
William J., 53, South Erie Street, Mercer.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in JAMISON FUNERAL HOME, 117 N. Main St., Harrisville.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (9-6-00) in the funeral home with the Rev. Fred Baer, pastor of Victory Assembly of God Church, officiating.
Burial: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.
Alta D. Dixon
Obituary was published 9-2-00
A brother, James W. Bowser, Pittsburgh, survives Alta D. Dixon. Incorrect information was given to The Herald.
DIXON
Mrs. Woodrow (Alta), 88, East Lackawannock Township.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. until time of service Wednesday (9-6-00) in ANDREW H. OSBORNE III FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73 & 75 Columbia Ave., Greenville.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. W. Jay Gill, pastor of Old Salem United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Committal service Wednesday at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Theresa A. Gula
Former Sharpsville woman was a homemaker
Theresa A. Gula, McMurray, Pa., formerly of Sharpsville, died at 5:55 p.m. Saturday (9-2-00) in Washington Hospital, Pa., after a brief illness.
Mrs. Gula was born March 13, 1919, in Sharpsville, to Louis Conti and Mattia Recine.
A homemaker, she attended Sharpsville High School.
Mrs. Gula was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Sharpsville, and was active in the St. Olivia Society of the church.
Her husband, Michael Gula, whom she married Oct. 11, 1941, died Nov. 30, 1983.
Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. John (Dr. Cynthia G.) West, McMurray, with whom she lived; two sons, Michael A. Gula, Austin, Texas, and the Rev. Richard M. Gula, Berkley, Calif.; three brothers, Sebastian and Frank Conti, both Sharpsville and Anthony Conti, Hermitage; and four grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Rose M. Pacifico and Mary Marriotti.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louise Catholic Church, 312 McMurray Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15241.
GULA
Mrs. Michael (Theresa), 81, McMurray, Pa.
Calling hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Monday (9-4-00) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in St. Bartholomew’s Church, 311 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville. with the Rev. John Lynch, pastor, and Rev. Richard Gula, son of the deceased, as celebrants.
Burial: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.
Raymond N. Horsman
Former equipment operator served in Navy in WWII
Raymond N. Horsman, 190 Ellis Ave., Hermitage, died at 5 a.m. Saturday (9-2-00) in his home due to an extended illness. He was 73.
Mr. Horsman was born May 22, 1927, in Sharon, to John and Grace Hall Horsman.
He attended Sharon schools.
A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Horsman served as escort service aboard the USS Jordan.
He also served aboard the USS Shannon as a mine sweeper.
Mr. Horsman received the American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and the European Theater Ribbon.
A heavy equipment operator, he was employed by Leali Bros. Excavating, Hermitage, until retiring in 1981.
Mr. Horsman attended East Side Baptist Disciples of Christ Church, Sharon.
He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 66, Boardman, Veteran of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage, American Legion Post 299, Sharon and the Mercer County Association for the Retarded.
An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and auto racing.
Surviving are: his wife at home, the former Ruth J. Richards, whom he married May 29, 1948; two daughters, Susan J. Horsman, at home, Mrs. Leonard (Sandra J.) Knight, Hermitage; a son, Scott A. Horsman, Masury; three sisters, Gwendolyn Locke, Jensen Beach, Fla., Mrs. Glen (Thelma) Addicott, Candor, N.Y. and Mrs. John (Paula) Priester, West Middlesex; and two grandsons.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Horsman.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Regional Health System’s Hospice Home Care, 490 N. Kerrwood Drive, Suite 204, Hermitage 16148 or Mercer County Association for the Retarded, 850 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage.
HORSMAN
Raymond, 73, of 190 Ellis Ave., Hermitage.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday (9-6-00) in the funeral home with the Rev. G. Edward Hillard, pastor of East Side Baptist Disciples of Christ, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Full military honors by VFW Hickory Post 6166 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
John G. Sava
John G. Sava, 325 East Judy Lynn Drive, Farrell, died Saturday morning in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System from an apparent heart attack. He was 61.
Obituary information was incomplete.
SAVA
John G., 61, of 325 East Judy Lynn Drive, Farrell.
Arrangements will be announced by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Marjorie S. Stanz
Longtime teacher was Scout leader, active in community
Marjorie S. Stanz, Shenango Inn Personal Care Home, Sharon, formerly of Chicago, Ill. and Fayette County, Pa., died Saturday (9-2-00) in the Kimberly Road home following an extended illness. She was 82.
Mrs. Stanz was born April 3, 1918, in Hopwood Township, Fayette County, to Clifford F. and Margaret E. Hutchinson Shaffer.
An alumnus of Georges Township High School, she did her undergraduate work at Waynesburg College, Pa. and graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. with a master’s degree.
Mrs. Stanz was a teacher for many years in Georges and Moon Townships, Pa. and also taught at East Main High School, Des Plains, Ill.
While in Chicago, she was a Girl Scout leader and worked for the YMCA.
After returning to Fayette County, Mrs. Stanz did substitute work at high schools in Uniontown and South Union.
She was active in the Fairchance Presbyterian Church, the American Red Cross, the Route 40 Historical Society, the Home Hospice program, the Women’s Civic League and Theos, all in Fayette County.
Her husband, John Stanz, died in 1973.
Surviving are: two half-sisters, Ina McDowell Frazier and Mrs. Eleanore Lee McDowell Kuhn, both Sharon.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, who was killed in action during World War I; her mother; a step-father, W. Oran McDowell Sr.; a half-sister, Lovina McDowell O’Brien; and a half-brother, W. Oran McDowell Jr.
STANZ
Mrs. John (Marjorie), 82, of 1330 Kimberly Road, Sharon.
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (9-4-00) in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, Hopwood, Pa.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in the funeral home.
Burial: Hopwood Cemetery, Fayette County.
Local arrangements by the J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
John Q. Stranahan
Longtime county judge was active on prison chapel board
John Q. Stranahan, 425 Vogan Drive, Mercer, died at 3:10 p.m. Friday (9-1-00) in Buchanan Commons, Grove City, where he had been a cancer patient for two weeks. He was 79.
Mr. Stranahan was born Aug. 21, 1921, in Mercer, to James Alexander and Elizabeth Quay Stranahan.
A 1939 alumnus of Mercer High School, he graduated early from the College of Wooster, Ohio in 1942 to join the U.S. Navy; he served from 1943 to 1945.
Mr. Stranahan was discharged with the rank of lieutenant and was awarded the Silver Star for safety transporting troops from ship to shore through hostile fire. He spent most of his time in the Pacific.
After graduating from what is now Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, he joined his father, and later his brother, in the law firm of Stranahan and Simpson, Mercer, founded in 1912. The firm eventually became Stranahan and Stranahan.
In 1955, he was elected district attorney of Mercer County and was re-elected four years later.
Mr. Stranahan was elected in 1965 to the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County. Having served two decades on the court, retiring to become a senior judge in 1985, he continued to hear cases until his illness was diagnosed in January and regularly went to work.
He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Mercer.
Mr. Stranahan was a long-time board member of the George W. Wright Student Aid Fund, a philanthropic organization that provides interest-free loans to area students to attend college.
He was director of the Urban League of the Shenango Valley and at the time of his death was serving on the county’s bicentennial committee.
A member of the Mercer County Bar Association for more than 50 years, Mr. Stranahan was president of the Pennsylvania State Trial Judges from 1974 to 1975 and was a board member of the American Judicature Society.
From 1979 to 1989, he was appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Mr. Stranahan had been an early backer of the state Regional Correctional Facility in Findley Township; when the facility opened in 1978, the complex’s education and vocational building was named for him.
A member of the chapel committee at the State Regional Correctional Facility at Mercer, which raised funds to erect a chapel at the prison and offers ongoing financial support for religious programs there, he remained active until his death.
Mr. Stranahan was a member of Great Chebeague Golf Club, Chebeague Island, Maine.
An avid golfer, he spent summers in Maine, where he played daily.
Surviving are: his wife at home, the former Carol Scott, whom he married June 7, 1944; three daughters, Susan Q. Stranahan, Wynnewood, Pa., Patricia Stranahan, Pittsburgh and Kathleen S. Eichner, Gibsonia, Pa.; a sister, Sara Elizabeth Miller, Erie; a brother, James A. Stranahan III, Mercer; and a granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chapel Committee c/o Rev. William Crooks, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 110 E. Market St. Mercer, 16137 or Mercer Area Library, 145 N. Pitt St., Mercer.
STRANAHAN
John Q., 79, of 425 Vogan Drive, Mercer.
Calling hours: None.
Service: Memorial service at 4 p.m. Wednesday (9-6-00) in Trinity Presbyterian Church, 110 East Market St., Mercer, with the Rev. William P. Crooks, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Private.
Arrangements by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
Margaret Abigail Tillia
FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- Margaret Abigail Tillia, Jenning McCall Center, formerly of Volant, died at 11:55 p.m. Friday (9-1-00) in the home after a short illness. She was 93.
Mrs. Tillia was born April 24, 1907, in Volant, to William J. and Martha Book Allen.
A homemaker, she graduated from Volant High School.
Surviving are: two sons, Frank W. Tillia, Tigard, Ore. and John L. Tillia, Debary, Fla.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Paul Louis Tillia, she was preceded in death by a sister and three brothers.
Obituary information was incomplete.
TILLIA
Mrs. Paul (Margaret), 93, of 2221 Oak St., Forest Grove, Ore.
Arrangements will be announced by SMITH FUNERAL HOME OF LEESBURG, 1778 Perry Highway, Springfield Township.
Theora M. Wilcox
Native ceramic artist taught Sunday school in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Funeral service will be Wednesday for Theora M. Wilcox, formerly of 210 S. Myers Ave., Sharon, who died at 4:10 a.m. Friday (9-1-00) in Our Place Adult Care Center, Tucson. She was 92.
Mrs. Wilcox was born June 24, 1908, in Ellicottville, N.Y., to Elmer B. and Lana B. Lorch Weishan.
A 1926 alumnus of Ellicottville High School, N.Y., she graduated from Alfred University with a degree in ceramic art.
A 60-year member of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, Mrs. Wilcox was active in the Mary Wood’s Class, Wishart Circle and was a bazaar worker and chairman.
She also was known for helping the former pastor, Dr. Wishart, with dinners in the church.
A member of the women’s association, Mrs. Wilcox was involved with the Junior Golden Workers, the Mariner’s Sunday school class and taught Sunday school for 14 years.
Mrs. Wilcox participated in the Knox Missionary work.
She was a member of the Music Club of Sharon; the Beauceant Club, Youngstown and Sharon; Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem Shrine 8, Sharon; and the Women’s Club of Sharon.
Mrs. Wilcox was also a member of the College Club of Sharon, Rebecca Commandry 50, Knight’s Templar Auxiliary, the 32nd Degree Ladies Auxiliary, Youngstown, WAMADASA of New Castle and American Association of Retired Persons of the Shenango Valley.
She was an avid painter and artist of fine china.
Her husband, Marion C. Wilcox, whom she married June 24, 1930, died Dec. 20, 1988.
Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. William (Joyce) Baxter, Rowlett, Texas; two sons, Dr. Lyle S. Wilcox, Vail, Ariz. and Dale A. Wilcox, Sharon; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State St., Sharon.
WILCOX
Mrs. Marion (Theora), 92, Tucson, Ariz.
Calling hours: Noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday (9-6-00) in SAMPLE-O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net.
Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Willis F. Kearns Jr., interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Wendy Woods
Hermitage woman taught at Reynolds for 23 years
Wendy Woods, 2280 Haun Drive, Hermitage, died at 1 a.m. Saturday (9-2-00) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a brief illness. She was 46.
Mrs. Woods was born Aug. 12, 1954, in Pittsburgh, to Harris Wachter and Mary Sproat Wachter.
A 1972 alumnus of Moon Township High School, she graduated from Slippery Rock University with an elementary education degree.
Mrs. Woods taught fourth grade at Reynolds Elementary School for 23 years.
A member of Faith United Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, she served as a deacon and elder, sang in the choir and participated in the Christian Endeavor Youth Group.
Surviving are: her husband, Mark Woods, whom she married June 18, 1983, at home; two daughters, Jaclyn and Christina, both at home; her parents, Moon Township; and a brother, Rick Wachter, Beaver, Pa.
WOODS
Mrs. Mark (Wendy), 46, of 2280 Haun Drive, Hermitage.
Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday (9-3-00) and 12 to 2 p.m. Monday (9-4-00) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com.
Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Stephen Stelle, pastor of Faith United Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Burial: Cremation.
PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days’ obituary files to find the full obituaries
BAUGHER
Mrs. Walter (Martha), Coolspring Township.
Obituary was published 9-2-00
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
Service: Funeral and committal service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (9-6-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin A. Orndorff, relative of the deceased, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
MATOVIC
Joseph, 87, of Hempfield Township.
Obituary was published 9-2-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (9-4-00) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday (9-5-00) in St. Michael’s Church, 85 N. High St., Greenville, with Monsignor Andrew H. Karg, pastor, as celebrant.
Burial: St. Michael’s Cemetery, Greenville.
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