The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Monday, April 8, 2002 newsie
These are the top stories in today's print edition. Pick up a copy on the newsstand or contact us for convenient home delivery.

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.



Today's death record

  • Hanna Olivia Hildebrand Denham, 81, of 57 Columbia Ave., Greenville, formerly of Lexington, Ky.
  • Scott E. Hoag, 43, of 14 W. Lincoln Ave., Lititz, Pa., formerly of Grove City.
  • Michael Andrew Holland, 48, Grove City.
  • Ruth Isabell McBride, 89, Punxsutawney, Pa., formerly of Jackson Center.
  • Nellie T. Sager, 101, of 121 Randy Drive, Butler.
  • Gary N. Spohn, 56, of 2805 Spencer Road, Hermitage.
  • Francis J. Steines, 90, of 844 Spencer Ave., Sharon.


Today's obituaries
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Scott E. Hoag
Nellie T. Sager
Gary N. Spohn
Hanna Olivia Hildebrand Denham
  Michael Andrew Holland
Ruth Isabell McBride
Francis J. Steines
Cecil M. Perrine

Scott E. Hoag
GC native was American Legion member in Lititz

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Scott E. Hoag, 14 W. Lincoln Ave., Lititz, Pa., died at 12:21 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, in Community Hospital of Lancaster of respiratory failure. He was 43.

Mr. Hoag was born Oct. 21, 1958, in Grove City to Edward Eugene Hoag and Mona Lee Miles Hoag.

He graduated in 1977 from Warwick High School and was a member of American Legion Post 56, both Lititz.

Mr. Hoag was a model car collector.

Surviving are: his mother; and two sisters, Rojean L. Reidenbaugh and Sharon Lee Hoag, all Lititz.

Mr. Hoag was preceded in death by his father, who died in 1991.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to time of service Friday (4-12-02) in the chapel of Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township, following by a memorial service at 2 p.m., also in the chapel. The Rev. W. Stephen Morse, associate pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City, will officiate.


Nellie T. Sager
Former teacher was accomplished homemaker

MARS, Pa. -- Nellie T. Sager, 121 Randy Drive, Butler, died at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 7, 2002, in St. John Lutheran Care Center in Mars, Pa, of natural causes after an extended illness. She was 101.

Mrs. Sager was born March 8, 1901, in Brady Township, Butler County, the fourth daughter of John G. Thompson and Martha Ann Moore Thompson.

A homemaker, she was a former member of Slippery Rock United Methodist Church and belonged to First United Methodist Church in Butler.

Mrs. Sager attended a country school in Brady Township for eight years, and for three years following school, worked at home on the farm. Since there were no boys in the family, all the girls helped to do the farm work, including the barn work, and the planting and harvesting of crops.

When she reached 17 years of age, Mrs. Sager attended Slippery Rock State Normal School, now Slippery Rock University, and graduated in 1922. She then taught for two years in Imperial, Pa.

During her lifetime, Mrs. Sager was a very active and accomplished woman. Anyone who knew her well recognized that there was almost nothing reasonable expected of womanhood that she couldn't do if she tried. She could do all the chores around the farm including driving, handling the horses and milking. She learned to drive an automobile early, when it was still thought to be a questionable skill for women.

In the home, she was an accomplished cook and an excellent seamstress.

Her husband, George W. Sager, whom she married July 30, 1924, died Sept. 22, 1981.

Surviving are three children, Dr. John C. Sager, Titusville, Fla.; Effie Sager Young, Butler, with whom Nellie made her home since 1984 until she fell and broke her hip on Feb. 1, 2001; and Mary Anne Burlbaugh, Hermitage.

Nellie is also survived by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and six sisters, Nora Thompson, Etta Peffer, Florence Lindey, Mary Hogue, Betty Mayer and Mina Eppinger.

Nellie was the last living member of this family.

SAGER
    
Mrs. George W. (Nellie T.), 101, of 121 Randy Drive, Butler.
    Calling hours: 3 p.m. to time of service Wednesday (4-10-02) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.
    Service: Funeral service at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. H. Rand Edwards of Slippery Rock United Methodist Church, officiating.
    Interment: Slippery Rock Township Cemetery.


Gary N. Spohn

Gary N. Spohn, 2805 Spencer Road, Hermitage, died at 6:15 p.m. Sunday (4-7-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 56.

Obituary information was incomplete.

SPOHN
    Gary N., 56, of 2805 Spencer Road, Hermitage.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.


Hanna Olivia Hildebrand Denham

Greenville woman served in Army Nursing Corps

Hanna Olivia Hildebrand Denham of 57 Columbia Ave., Greenville, formerly of Lexington, Ky., died at 12:10 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2002, in White-Cliff Nursing Home, Hempfield Township. She was 81.

Born Jan. 28, 1921, in Mercer County, Mrs. Denham was a daughter of the late Charles and Christle Vernon Mitchell Hildebrand, proprietors of Hildebrand Grocery on Columbia Avenue.

A lifelong educator and humanitarian, Mrs. Denham's early educational background included attendance in Greenville schools, graduating from Penn High School in 1938. Liberally educated, Mrs. Denham earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Thiel College in Greenville in 1942 and a master's in nursing science from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western University in Cleveland in 1945.

Beginning her humanitarian endeavors during World War II, Mrs. Denham served in the Army Nursing Corps, achieving the rank of first lieutenant. She served at both Crile Army Hospital in Cleveland and Halloran Army Hospital in Staten Island, N.Y.

Mrs. Denham completed special training at Henry Settlement House in New York City and served as a visiting nurse. Also in New York, Mrs. Denham served as a staff nurse at Roosevelt Hospital. Taking her humanitarian nature to another level, Mrs. Denham served two tours of duty on the United Nations Relief and Refugee Administration (UNRRA) ships carrying displaced persons to new homes in Africa and Australia.

It was during her tour of duty on the General Alex Patch that she fell in love with a young officer of kindred spirits, Howard Denham. They were married at her home in Greenville on Nov. 4, 1952. Howard died on April 20, 1996, and preceding them in death was their only child, Charles Howard Denham, who died Nov. 16, 1992.

During Mrs. Denham's stay of more than 20 years in Kentucky, she served and taught for the University of Kentucky's School of Nursing; Mayfair Manor Nursing Home; and served in the Neo-natal Unit at the University of Kentucky.

In addition to her community actions, Mrs. Denham was a dedicated member of East Hickman Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky. She also belonged to First Baptist Church in Greenville.

During her 81 years, Hanna lived to make life less difficult for others.

Mrs. Denham is survived by: a sister and brother-in-law, Betheny and William Rautio, Montrose, Colo.; a stepdaughter, Joyce Denham Morrison; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Muncie, Lexington, three grandchildren, Joshua Charles Denham and Mary Betheny Denham, both Lexington; and Carla Michelle Denham, Nashville, Tenn.; six great-grandchildren; a niece, Lesley B. Jacobs, Sea Crest, N.Y.; and several other nieces and nephews.

Also, she leaves many happy memories with numerous precious friends in both Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

In addition to her parents, husband and son, Mrs. Denham was preceded in death by her brother, Carl; and sister, Virginia.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Greenville Baptist Church, 60 Shenango St., Greenville 16125; or to East Hickman Baptist Church, 6418 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40515.

DENHAM
    
Mrs. Howard (Hanna Olivia Hildebrand), 81, of 57 Columbia Ave., Greenville, formerly of Lexington, Ky.
    Calling hours: None.
    Service: Memorial service at 1 p.m. Thursday (4-11-02) IN LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville, with the Rev. Ray Williams, pastor of First Baptist Church, Greenville, and the Rev. Harry Wood, retired minister, officiating.
    Burial: Lexington (Ky.) Cemetery.


Michael Andrew Holland

GC man worked in finance for Fortune 500 companies

Michael Andrew Holland, a resident of Grove City, died of natural causes Wednesday, April 3, 2002, in his home. He was 48.

Mr. Holland was born July 9, 1953, in Hagerstown, Md., a son of John William and Jane Baker Holland. He was also the grandson of C.W. and Grace Murrin Holland of Greenville and Butler; and W.A. and Bertha Davis Baker of Greenville.

He grew up in Slippery Rock, attended Slippery Rock High School and graduated from Massanutten Military Academy in Virginia.

A graduate of Thiel College in Greenville, Mr. Holland spent much of his career working in the finance and accounting arena of two Fortune 500 corporations, Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Whirlpool Corporation. He served as an auditor for Westinghouse Electric Corporation's Credit Corporation subsidiary and was a financial planner for Westinghouse's Pittsburgh-based transmission and distribution business. He later joined Whirlpool Corporation's finance department in Benton Harbor, Mich.

After returning to northwestern Pennsylvania, Mr. Holland launched and grew an independent insurance business, serving individuals and small businesses in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties.

He was a member of Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City.

Mr. Holland was an avid golfer.

He is survived by: his mother, Grove City; his sisters, Mimi Holland Limbach, Washington, D.C.; Ann Holland Baglier, Butler; Ellen Holland Walker, Vero Beach, Fla.; his nieces, Jane Walker and Holland Walker; and his nephew, Camp Walker, all Vero Beach.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions may be made to Michael Holland Memorial Scholarship Fund at Thiel College, 75 College Ave., Greenville 16125; or Grove City YMCA Youth Fund, 543 E. Main St. Extension, Grove City 16127.

HOLLAND
    
Michael Andrew, 48, Grove City.
    Calling hours: None.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday (4-10-02) in Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City, with Monsignor Edward J. Zeitler, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment: Private.
    Arrangements by FICCA FUNERAL HOME, 203 E. Pine St., Grove City.


Ruth Isabell McBride

Post office retiree formerly lived in Jackson Center

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Ruth Isabell McBride, a guest at Sprankle Personal Care Home, Punxsutawney, formerly of Jackson Center, died early Sunday morning, April 7, 2002, in Punxsutawney Area Hospital. She was 89.

Mrs. McBride was born Sept. 4, 1912, in Homestead, Pa., to Edward P. Clark and Agnes E. Hope Clark.

She retired as a U.S. Postal Service employee in Jackson Center.

She was a member of Jackson Center United Presbyterian Church; Order of the Eastern Star; Jackson Center Fire Company Auxiliary; and the Postal Workers Union.

Mrs. McBride resided in Punxsutawney for the past eight years since moving from Jackson Center.

Her husband, Robert Q. McBride, whom she married on Nov. 2, 1934, died April 24, 1994.

Surviving are: one son, Robert P. McBride and his wife Donna, Punxsutawney; three granddaughters; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mrs. McBride was the last of her family. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Ora Flemming, Mary Davis and Laura Bly; two brothers, William Clark and Howard Clark; and a daughter, Patricia McBride.

The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made in memory of Ruth I. McBride to the American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Ave., Sharon 16146.

McBRIDE
    
Mrs. Robert Q. (Ruth Isabell), 89, Punxsutawney, Pa., formerly of Jackson Center.
    Calling hours: 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (4-9-02) in DEELEY FUNERAL HOME, 113 S. Gilpen St., Punxsutawney.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (4-10-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Kent E. Holmes, pastor of Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney, officiating.
    Burial: Mount Pleasant Cemetery, East Lackawannock Township.


Francis J. Steines

Sharon man was Wheatland Tube retiree; golfed, bowled

Francis J. Steines, 844 Spencer Ave., Sharon, passed away at 2:05 p.m. Sunday (4-7-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 90.

Mr. Steines was born April 2, 1912, in Sharon, a son of Gerhard Steines and Catherine Zimmer Steines.

He was a lifetime area resident and attended St. Joseph's School in Sharon.

Mr. Steines retired in 1976 after 43 years of service from Wheatland Tube Co., where he was a supervisor in the shipping and traffic department.

He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Church in Sharon.

Mr. Steines was an avid golfer and bowler and a former member of Knights of Columbus Council 684 in Sharon.

His wife, the former Margaret B. Turner, whom he married on July 4, 1935, died Feb. 20, 2000.

Surviving are: a daughter, Beverly S. McNeish, Sharon; a son, Robert L. Steines and his wife Jeanne, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; five grandchilden, David, R.J., Devin, Jill and Jan; and eight great-grandchildren, Jill, Eric, Alex, Lindsey, Paige, Patrick,. Maggie and Cassandra.

Besides his wife, Mr. Steines was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mary Letscher, Gertrude Furey and Clara Wiesen; and four brothers, Albert, John, Charles and Frederick Steines.

STEINES
    
Francis J., 90, of 844 Spencer Ave., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (4-9-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Wednesday (4-10-02) in St. Rose Cemetery Chapel, Hermitage, with Monsignor Raymond Meier, retired priest, as celebrant.


    
Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery Mausoleum.

The following obituary is being reprinted to include additional and corrected information given to The Herald.


Cecil M. Perrine

Retired as chief operator from Bell of Pa. Sharon office

Cecil M. Perrine, 48 Clarksville St., Greenville, died at 2:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2002, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. She was 95.

Cecil was born Aug. 14, 1906, in Chelsea, Mich., a daughter of the late Clarence and Pearl Upgraft Perrine.

She retired in 1971 from Bell of Pennsylvania as assistant chief operator from the Sharon office in the Operator Services Department with 46 years of service.

Cecil was a member of First Baptist Church, Greenville.

An avid golfer, she was a member of Greenville County Club for 50 years. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a longtime member of the country club's bridge group. She was a 50-year volunteer with the women's auxiliary to what was formerly known as Greenville Regional Hospital. Cecil also volunteered at St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township, and was a 70-year member of the Business and Professional Women's Association, Greenville.

Surviving are: several nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, Gilger and Cleon Perrine, and a companion, Earl A. Reigelman, preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 60 Shenango St., Greenville 16125.

PERRINE
    
Cecil M., 95, of 48 Clarksville St., Greenville.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (4-10-02) in BAIRD FUNERAL HOME, 14 Louisa Ave., Greenville. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Baird@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday (4-11-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. Ray Williams, pastor of First Baptist Church, Greenville, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


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


BRANDON
    
Mrs. A.D. "Dick" (Eunice J.), 74, Constitution Street, Harrisville, formerly of Branchton, Pa.
    Obituary was published 4-7-02.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (4-9-02) in JAMISON FUNERAL HOME, 117 N. Main St., Harrisville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (4-10-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. John C. McElwain, pastor of Harmony Presbyterian Church, Harrisville, officiating.
    Burial: Harmony Cemetery, Harrisville.



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