Summaries of the week's news appear in the Sunday edition. These current and past weekly chronologies are online as are day-by-day links to past stories and deaths.

• MERCER COUNTY AREA: Holiday Closings

• David O. Bashline, 51, of 146 E. Pine St., Grove City.
  
• Erva J. Bechtel, 84, of 508 Elm Ave., Sharon.
  
• Mary Elizabeth Hacker, 83, formerly of Standard Avenue, Masury.
  
• Michael Lucas, 91, Sarasota, Fla., formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Sharpsville.
  
• Helen J. Santell, 90, of 2118 Trace St., Hermitage, formerly of Hamilton Avenue, Farrell.
  
• Anna C. Symons, 91, of 65 Symons Road, Lackawannock Township.
  
  

Among survivors are a niece, Mae McCullough, West Middlesex; and a nephew, Robert Patton, California.

Additional information was given to The Herald.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Michael Lucas, Sarasota, formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Sharpsville, died at 6:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in his home. He was 91.

Mr. Lucas was born Feb. 19, 1910, in Sharpsville to Michael and Helen Hromyak Lucas.

He was employed as a foreman with Crucible Steel in Midland, Pa.

Mr. Lucas moved to Sarasota 28 years ago from East Liverpool, Ohio.

He was a 32nd degree Free and Accepted Mason and a member of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Sarasota.

Mr. Lucas was a former member of St. John's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church; and Sokol USA Lodge 341, Sharon.

His wife of 63 years, the former Anna Blanar, whom he married Jan. 21, 1933, died Dec. 7, 1996.

Surviving are: one daughter, Anna M. Hartwell, Sarasota; one son, Michael P. Lucas, Bradenton, Fla.; two sisters, Mary Holiday, Sharpsville; and Helen Vansack, Brookfield; two grandchildren, Don Hartwell and Kimberley Lucas; two great-grandchildren, Don J. Hartwell and Amanda Hartwell; and many nieces and nephews in the Shenango Valley area.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today (12-30-01) in Sarasota, with a Trisagion service set for 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, in St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, Fla. 34243. The Rev. Frank Kalingitis, will be celebrant.

Burial will be held in Sarasota Memorial Park.

Mary Elizabeth Hacker, of O'Brien Memorial Nursing Home, formerly of Standard Avenue, both Masury, passed away at 4:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 83.

Born Jan. 13, 1918 in Sharon, Mrs. Hacker was a daughter of the late Edward A. Walsh Sr. and Emma Burkhart Walsh.

She was a 1936 alumna of Sharon High School and worked prior to her marriage at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Mrs. Hacker was a homemaker and a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Sharon.

An avid bowler, she was a member of the Tuesday Morning Early Birds at Thornton Hall Lanes in Sharon.

Mrs. Hacker was also a member of the Horizon Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and worked in the Farrell campus gift shop for more than 20 years.

On Oct. 11, 1941, she married Paul F. Hacker. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1993.

Survivors include: one daughter, Mrs. Frank C. (Paula F.) Kirila, Masury; two sons, John E. Hacker, Miami, Fla.; and William L. Hacker, Hubbard; three grandchildren, John Hacker Jr., Parma, Ohio; Michael V. Tomek, Sandusky, Ohio; and Allison Tomek, Westfield, N.Y.; and three great-grandchildren, Keegan See, Karlee Tomek and Victoria Hacker.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Hacker was preceded in death by two sisters, Rita Hughes and Helen Rodgers; and four brothers, Neil, Paul J. and Edward A. Walsh; and the Rev. Kevin L. Walsh.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Greater Youngstown Chapter, 3736 Boardman-Canfield Road, Box 321, Canfield, Ohio 44406-0321.

HACKER
    Mrs. Paul F. (Mary Elizabeth), 83, formerly of Standard Avenue, Masury.
    Calling hours: 1 to 4 p.m. today (12-30-01) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. by Ladies of Charity. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Monday (12-31-01) in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Anthony Francis Spilka, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, parochial vicar, as celebrant.
    Interment: Brookfield Township Cemetery.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday for James R. Nehlen of 417 Wilson St. in Sharon, formerly of Wilhelm Road in Hermitage. He passed away unexpectedly at 11:27 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 79.

Mr. Nehlen was born Sept. 1, 1922, in Brookfield, a son of Theodore and Hannah Williams Nehlen.

A 1940 alumnus of Brookfield High School, he worked at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where he was an inspector in the plant's A-40 building. Mr. Nehlen also was employed for a number of years at the former Westinghouse Specialty Transformer Division in Camp Reynolds.

Some of his interests included golfing, bowling and gardening.

Mr. Nehlen also loved to sing and was a charter member and deacon of New Life Baptist Church in New Wilmington.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Pacific theater of operations.

His first wife, the former Betty Jane McClish, whom he married Jan. 20, 1943, passed away Jan. 1, 1991.

Mr. Nehlen is survived at home by his second wife, the former Shirley F. Cain, whom he married on April 7, 1995.

He also leaves: three daughters, Sandra L. Bowser and her husband Paul, Hartland, Wis.; Donna Wright and her husband Tim, Wadsworth, Ohio; and Jeanne Romig and her husband David, Hermitage; one stepdaughter, Lori Marshall and her husband Greg, New Wilmington; one stepson, Walter Lorentzen, Corydon, Ind.; one sister, Helen Hope, Poland, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Besides his first wife, Mr. Nehlen was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Dorothy Winner, Mary Orndorff and his twin, Gertrude Nehlen; and three brothers, Paul and John Nehlen; and an infant.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Baptist Church, state Route 208, New Wilmington, 16142.

NEHLEN
    James R., 79, of 417 Wilson St., Sharon, formerly of Wilhelm Road, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday (12-31-01); and 11 a.m. to time of service Tuesday (1-1-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at noon Tuesday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. John R. Bailey, pastor of New Life Baptist Church, New Wilmington, officiating.
    Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

Obituary information was incomplete.

SYMONS
    Anna C., 91, of 65 Symons Road, Lackawannock Township.
    Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Erva J. Bechtel of 508 Elm Ave., Sharon, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Friday (12-28-01) in Clepper Manor in Sharon. She was 84.

Mrs. Bechtel was born Jan. 24, 1917, in Bessemer, Pa., a daughter of Frank and Rachel Wible Wike.

She was an alumna of Sharpsville High School Class of 1935.

Mrs. Bechtel was employed for 20 years at Troutman's Department Store in New Castle, where she worked in the fabric department until she retired in 1974.

She was a member and past officer of White Shrine of Jerusalem Shrine #8 in Sharon.

Her first husband, William H. McKinley, whom she married on April 6, 1940, passed away Nov. 5, 1971. Her second husband, Raymond C. Bechtel, whom she married Nov. 2, 1974, passed away May 18, 1992.

Mrs. Bechtel is survived by: four stepdaughters, Charlotte Vranich, Mercer; Merna Horos and her husband Fred, Florida; Ruth Kurelko and her husband Steve, Jefferson Township; and Regina Charles and her husband John, Delaware Township; four stepsons, Raymond Bechtel Jr. and his wife Terri, Jefferson Township; Allen Bechtel, Florida; Todd Bechtel and his wife Tammy, Sharon; and Gregory Bechtel and his wife Kelley, also Jefferson Township; one sister, Helen Beggs, Woodland Place, Coolspring Township; and two brothers, Silas Wike, Erie County, Pa.; and Kenneth Wike, Wesley, Pa.

Three sisters, Hazel Himes, Anna Kelly and Florence Lindbert; and four brothers, Lawrence and Francis Wike; and twins, Wilmer and William Wike, preceded her in death.

BECHTEL
    Mrs. Raymond C. (Erva J.), 84, of 508 Elm Ave., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 2 p.m. to time of service Monday (12-31-01) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline. net
    Service: Funeral service at 3 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
    Interment: Graceland Cemetery, New Castle.

Helen J. Santell of 2118 Trace St., Hermitage, formerly of Hamilton Avenue in Farrell, passed away at 7:35 a.m. Saturday (12-29-01) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness. She was 90.

Mrs. Santell was born Nov. 29, 1911, in Campbell, Ohio, a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Spak Dulovich.

She was a graduate of Campbell High School.

A homemaker, Mrs. Santell was a member of St. Adalbert's Church in Farrell, where she helped with their pirogi projects and belonged to the church Infant Jesus of Prague Society.

She was an avid bowler and belonged to the church bowling league and the Senior Bowling leagues at Sunset Lanes in Farrell, Thornton Hall Lanes in Sharon, and in years past, the former White Star Bowling Lanes in Farrell.

Mrs. Santell enjoyed music, dancing and playing cards.

She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their baseball and softball games.

Her husband, Norbert F. Santell, whom she married on Sept. 2, 1940, survives at home.

Mrs. Santell also leaves: two sons, N. Richard Santell and his wife Kathleen, Hermitage; and Robert M. Santell and his wife Terri, West Middlesex; two sisters, Margaret Barile and Cecelia Dulovich, both Campbell; one brother, Emil "Tim" Dulovich, Youngstown; and four grandchildren, Christopher R., Robert J., Richard K. and Jenna E. Santell.

Her parents; a brother, Martin "Marty" Dulovich; and a sister, Mary Dulovich, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Adalbert's Church, 1035 Fruit Ave., Farrell 16121.

SANTELL
    Mrs. Norbert F. (Helen J.), 90, of 2118 Trace St., Hermitage, formerly of Hamilton Avenue, Farrell.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (1-1-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Rosary service at 4:30 p.m. by St. Adalbert's Prayer Group. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday (1-2-02) in St. Adalbert's Church, Farrell, with time and clergy to be announced.
    Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage.

David O. Bashline, a resident since 1977 of 146 E. Pine St., Grove City, died at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, in the emergency room of United Community Hospital, Pine Township, after suffering an apparent heart attack at home. He was 51.

A lifetime Grove City resident, Mr. Bashline was born March 20, 1950, in Grove City, a son of Dr. Don L. Bashline and Patricia Reber Bashline.

A 1968 alumnus of Grove City High School, he graduated from Youngstown State University and attended Kent (Ohio) State University. Mr. Bashline also attended Southampton University in England.

He was owner since 1983 of Youngs Printers of Grove City, and was also an art instructor at Grove City College.

Mr. Bashline was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City; and Mercer County Model Railroad Association.

He enjoyed gardening, model railroading, his family, his printing work and art.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Sherry D. Petrikis, whom he married July 29, 1972; and a son, David D.L. Bashline, both at the residence; and two brothers, Don L. Bashline Jr., Allison Park, Pa.; and Douglas R. Bashline, Grove City.

Mr. Bashline was preceded in death by his parents and one niece, Alta Bashline Kleysteuber.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 59 N. Crescent Drive, Hermitage 16148.

BASHLINE
    David O., 51, of 146 E. Pine St., Grove City.
    Calling hours: Public from 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-30-01) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Private family funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (12-31-01) in the funeral home, with the Rev. John K. Jefferis, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City, officiating.
    Interment: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.

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PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries

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JENKINS
    Clarence W. "Jake," 83, of 234 Hosack Road, Jackson Township.
    Obituary was published 12-27-01.
    Calling hours: Were Saturday (12-29-01) and are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-30-01) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (12-31-01) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Terry L. Greenlee, pastor of Jackson Center Presbyterian Church, officiating.
    Interment and committal service: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.

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PATTON
    Logan, 92, formerly of 4225 Morefield Road, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 12-29-01.
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. until time of service Monday (12-31-01) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to: www.flynnfuneralhome.com
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. David J. Henderson, pastor of Wheatland-Farrell United Methodist Church, Wheatland, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

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PORTERFIELD
    Mrs. William E. (Pearl), 64, of 473 Sherman Ave., Sharon.
    Obituary was published 12-28-01
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-30-01) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (12-31-01) in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. C. Charles Eckles, pastor of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Hermitage, officiating.

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RAPP
    Robert L., 62, of 2604 Shadow Drive, South Pymatuning Township.
    Obituary was published 12-28-01
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (12-30-01) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday (12-31-01) in St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. John S. Lynch, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage.

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TAYLOR
    Mrs. Russell J. (Alice M.), 94, of 2664 S. Neshannock Road, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 12-29-01.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-30-01) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
    Service: Funeral and committal services at 11 a.m. Monday (12-31-01) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.