Today's obituaries
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Mary Esther Carroll Little
Millbrook church member was beautician, homemaker
Mary Esther Carroll Little of Centertown Road, Grove City, died Thursday afternoon, March 13, 2003, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was 86.
Mrs. Little was born May 16, 1916, in Worth Township to James R. and Thelma I. Smith Carroll.
Mrs. Little attended Millbrook School and graduated from Grove City High School. She then attended Feller's Beauty College of Oil City.
She married William E. Little on Oct. 18, 1941.
Mrs. Little was a beautician from 1936 until 1992. She was also a homemaker.
A member of Millbrook Presbyterian Church for more than 75 years, Mrs. Little served as an elder and clerk of sessions, played the piano and sang.
She was a member of Lady Worth Rebekah Lodge and Lakeview Music Club and volunteered for American Cancer Society for 35 years.
Mrs. Little loved gardening, the Pittsburgh Pirates and her favorite daily newspapers.
She is survived by: three daughters, Diane Burkhardt, Wading River, Long Island, N.Y.; Marcia Heinrichs, Scranton, Pa.; and Deborah K. Little, Loveland, Ohio; one brother, the Rev. Dr. James R. Carroll, Lubbock, Texas; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Mrs. Little was preceded in death by her husband and a brother, David G. Carroll.
Memorial contributions may be made to Millbrook Presbyterian Church, Millbrook Road, Jackson Center 16133 or American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Avenue, Sharon 16146.
LITTLE
Mrs. William E. (Mary Esther Carroll), 86, Centertown Road, Grove City.
Calling hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday (3-15-03) in ALEXANDER-McMULLEN FUNERAL HOME, 3236 S. Main St., Sandy Lake.
Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday (3-16-03) in Millbrook Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Terry Greenlee, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Union Home Cemetery, Wolf Creek Township.
Alfred M. Bish
Retired coal miner farmed, worked for Sandy Lake
Alfred M. Bish of 32 Chestnut St., Stoneboro, formerly of Punxsutawney, Pa., died at 2:40 p.m. Thursday (3-13-03) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, after a brief illness. He was 85.
Mr. Bish was born Feb. 26, 1918, in Porter, Pa., to Alfred W. and Anna M. Gahagan Bish.
He attended Porter Schools in Jefferson County.
Mr. Bish worked as a farmer and a coal miner and retired after 35 years as a dragline operator, where he worked for both the Testa and Lucas Coal companies of Mercer County.
He then worked five years for the Sandy Lake borough maintenance department, retiring in 1982.
Mr. Bish was a member of Lakeview Church of God.
He was a dedicated husband and father. He enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed hunting and gardening.
He married Geraldine Shields Oct. 14, 1939, and she survives at Orchard Manor, 20 Orchard Drive, Grove City 16127.
Also surviving are: four daughters, Mrs. Thomas (Donna) Elliott, Sandy Lake; Mrs. Alec (Shirley) Spangler, Sandy Lake; Mrs. Ralph (Helen) Bullman, Stoneboro; and Mrs. John (Doris) Malloy, Bryan's Road, Md.; one sister, Bessie McCurdy, Newton Falls, Ohio; and 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Bish was preceded in death by one son, Richard Merle Bish; one daughter, Kathryn Jean Flaherty; three brothers, Frank, Gary and Clayton Bish; and three sisters, Lula McMillan, Wilda Sherry and Alice Elford.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeview Church of God, 2479 Mercer Road, Stoneboro 16153.
BISH
Alfred M., 85, of 32 Chestnut St., Stoneboro.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (3-16-03) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro, and 10 a.m. to time of service Monday (3-17-03) in Lakeview Church of God, 2479 Mercer Road, Stoneboro.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday in the church with the Rev. Patrick Vance, pastor, officiating.
Interment: With committal service in Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake Township.
Allen Baker
Army vet lived in Farrell, worked at Sharon Steel, WE
A funeral service will be held Tuesday for Allen Baker, 1626 Farrell Terrace, Farrell. He died at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday (3-11-03) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 87.
Mr. Baker was born Aug. 28, 1915, in Sanford, N.C., to Alonzo Baker and Minnie Hooker Baker.
He was employed for 20 years at the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant, where he was a janitor. Mr. Baker also worked at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.; and the former Hurst's Bar & Tavern, Masury.
A U.S. Army veteran, he served from 1942-46.
He was a member of Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Murray-Bell Post 7597, both Farrell.
His wife, the former Vivian H. Gardner, whom he married June 4, 1960, survives at the residence.
Also surviving are: three daughters, Marcia Scurry, Sharon; Mrs. Ronald (Franny) Brown, Farrell; and Mrs. George (Lenora) Keller, Englewood, Calif.; a granddaughter whom he reared, Hope Gardner, Farrell; a brother, James Baker, also Farrell; five other grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leonard and Jack Baker; four sisters, Alberta Taylor, Daisy Green, Lena McNeal and Julia Dixon; and a grandson, Troy Scurry, whom he reared.
BAKER
Allen, 87, of 1626 Farrell Terrace, Farrell.
Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service Tuesday (3-18-03) in Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, 1825 Roemer Blvd., Farrell.
Service: Funeral service at noon Tuesday in the church with Supt. Wilbert G. Hadden, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors rendered by Veterans of Foreign Wars Murray-Bell Post 7597, Farrell.
Ann Marie DeMay Hines
Sharon native
lived in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ann Marie DeMay Hines, daughter of Ernest H. and Ann Mehler DeMay, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003, in Columbus, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 70.
Ann Marie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose family members helped celebrate her 49th wedding anniversary last September.
Cancer was discovered in November, which caused her death.
Mrs. Hines was born May 1, 1932, in Sharon and spent the last 30 years in Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Columbus.
She was a source of inspiration to everyone who knew her.
She is survived by: her husband, Thomas F. Hines, at home; her children, Lynn and her husband David Kenyon, Jacksonville, Fla.; John Patrick, Columbus; Thomas Nicholas and his wife Theresa, Fostoria, Ohio; Timothy and his wife Susan, Reynoldsburg; and Kyra Ann Keifer, Santee, Calif.; her grandchildren, Michelle Estelle and Nicholas David Kenyon; Cassandra, Nicholas Jr., Shannon, Kristen, Austin; and Eric and his wife Stephanie, Columbus; her great-grandchildren, Breanna and Emma Hines; a brother, Jack E. and his wife Helen DeMay, Omaha; and an aunt, Estelle Mehler Kidson, Laguna Woods, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio State University East Oncology and Radiology in care of Office of Development, 300 W. 10th Ave., Suite 13-4-459, Columbus, OH 43210; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
HINES
Mrs. Thomas F. (Ann Marie DeMay), 70, Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Sharon.
Calling hours: 10:30 a.m. to time of service Saturday (3-15-03) in St. Rose Cemetery Chapel, Hermitage.
Service: Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday (3-15-03) in the cemetery chapel with Monsignor Salvatore P. Mitchell, retired priest, as celebrant.
Burial: St. Rose Cemetery.
Arrangements by COTNER FUNERAL HOME, 7369 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Cecil F. 'Bud' Rodgers
WWII Army medic worked at WE, retired from Reznor
Cecil F. "Bud" Rodgers, 306 Brandy Springs Apartments, Mercer, died at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a brief illness. He was 79.
Mr. Rodgers was born June 24, 1923, in Sharon to Carl Rodgers and Hazel Spitler Rodgers.
He retired as a laborer from Reznor -- a unit of Thomas & Betts Corp., Mercer, and was previously employed by the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.
An Army veteran, Mr. Rodgers served overseas as a medic in the Medical Corps during World War II.
He was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Mercer.
His wife, the former Bessie G. Black, whom he married Aug. 27, 1947, died July 13, 1979.
Surviving are: two daughters, Barbara Jo Jones, Sharon; and Janet, wife of Brian Livenspire, Mercer; three sons, Larry, husband of Sandra Rodgers, Mercer; Thomas Rodgers, Bernardsville, N.J.; and John Rodgers, husband of Donna, Hermitage; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Adam Rodgers-Lindsay, Matthew and Jacob Livenspire, Ian and Sarah Rodgers, Elliot Livenspire, Maria Rodgers, David Livenspire and Michael Rodgers; and one great-grandson, Aiden Tyler Wrobel.
Besides his wife, Mr. Rodgers was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Helen Reiter and Marie Baretta.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 700, Pittsburgh 15235.
RODGERS
Cecil F. "Bud," 79, of 306 Brandy Springs Apartments, Mercer.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-14-03) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (3-15-03) in Bethany Presbyterian Church, Mercer, with the Rev. Dr. F. Stanley Keehlwetter, pastor, officiating.
Interment: Mercer Citizens Cemetery.
Helen B. Lange
Retiree, St. John's member was active in water sports
Helen B. Lange, 550 Fairbrook Way, Sharpsville, died Wednesday evening, March 12, 2003, in Countryside Convalescent Home, East Lackawannock Township, after a lengthy illness. She was 89.
Mrs. Lange was born Jan. 6, 1914, in what was Hickory Township to Franc L. Bitenz and Helena Peterca Bitenz.
She attended Patagonia School and Hickory High School and graduated from Sharon High School in 1931. She was a standout basketball player with the Sharon High girls' championship team of 1930-31.
She married Frederick R. Lange on March 4, 1935. He passed away Dec. 14, 1980.
During World War II, Mrs. Lange served as a volunteer Civil Defense Air Raid warden and Red Cross first-aid instructor.
She was a member of Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) and had served as an assistant den mother for Pack 14 of the Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts of America).
An active water-sports enthusiast, Mrs. Lange learned to water ski at the age of 40. Her first love was sailing; she had been a member of the International Lightning Class Association and the Pymatuning Yacht Club, where she was noted for her competitive sailing spirit. She was a permanent member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as a flotilla staff officer, vessel examiner and public education instructor.
Mrs. Lange was a member of the Pennsylvania Boating Association and served by appointment of then-Gov. Thornburg on the Boating Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.
Bowling was another part of her sports activity; she participated in leagues sponsored by the SNPJ and AARP, a retired persons organization.
In her husband's business, Shenango Pattern Works, Mrs. Lange worked as a bookkeeper, receptionist, finish technician and delivery driver. Her other employers included Philadelphia Confectionery, Shenango Valley Water Co., Planned Interiors Inc., Abcor Inc., Jennings Manufacturing and Western Reserve Metals Inc.
Mrs. Lange was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon, where she had been both a Sunday school teacher and an advisor for Young People's Fellowship. In her earlier years, she was a member of Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, and for a time, was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Hermitage.
Mrs. Lange is survived by: a daughter, Theda Heinzkill, Eugene, Ore.; a son, Frank, Honolulu, Hawaii; and two grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents and her brothers, Frank, Rudolph and Stanley Bitenz.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Fund of St. John's Episcopal Church, 226 W. State St., Sharon 16146.
LANGE
Mrs. Frederick R. (Helen B.), 89, of 550 Fairbrook Way, Sharpsville.
Calling hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday (3-16-03) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (3-17-03) in St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Douglas K. Dayton, rector, officiating.
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Arrangements by JOSEPH P. BRASHEN FUNERAL SERVICES, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
Louise H. Martin
Formerly of area, retiree worked for Pa. government
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. -- Louise H. Martin, Mechanicsburg, formerly of the Shenango Valley, died at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (3-12-03) in The Bridges at Bent Creek. She was 88.
Mrs. Martin was born Nov. 15, 1914, in New Castle to J. Edward and Nancy Catterson Hoover.
Louise retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Treasury, where she was assistant to the press secretary. She had begun her career working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania Senate and a local government commission.
Louise was the widow of Jackson A. Martin.
Surviving are: one daughter, Jeanne M. Robson, wife of Robert J. Robson, Lewisberry, Pa.; one son, J. Robert and his wife Bonnie S. Martin, Mechanicsburg; and a grandson, Michael J. Robson, also Mechanicsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pinnacle Health Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg 17110.
MARTIN
Mrs. Jackson A. (Louise H.), 88, Mechanicsburg, Pa., formerly of the Shenango Valley.
Service: Graveside services at noon Monday (3-17-03) in Fair Oaks Cemetery, New Wilmington, with the Rev. Dr. Donald C. Hoagland, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
Burial: Fair Oaks Cemetery.
Arrangements by MYERS-HARNER FUNERAL HOME, 1903 Market St., Camp Hill, Pa.
Patrick Michael 'Rusty' Harton
Former Mercer man had sisters, brothers living here
NAPLES, Fla. -- Patrick Michael "Rusty" Harton, Naples, formerly of Mercer, died of natural causes at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2003, in his residence. He was 51.
Mr. Harton was born May 24, 1951, in Mercer to John William Harton and Wilma Brophy Harton.
He attended Mercer schools.
Mr. Harton was an independent construction worker, specializing in masonry work in Naples.
Surviving are: four sisters, Sandra, wife of Robert Nelson, Santa Monica, Calif.; Gwen Hughes, Conneaut Lake; Kathy, wife of Emil Koledin, Hermitage; and Margaret Gargasz, Sharon; seven brothers, Richard Harton, Erie; Donald Harton, Laredo, Texas; Edward Harton and his wife Connie, Mercer; Raymond Harton and his wife Jean, Carrollton, Ga.; Robert Harton, Meadville; David Harton, Sharon; and Timothy Harton and his wife Jamie, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepfather, John Yarian; and a brother, John William Harton.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 11, in Naples.
Debra Gay Leavens
Woman was born,
lived in Sharon
Debra Gay Leavens, 220 Logan Ave., Sharon, passed away at 10:45 p.m. last Friday, March 7, 2003, in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 51.
Mrs. Leavens was born Dec. 27, 1951, in Sharon to Arthur F. Likens and Lauretha C. Cameron Likens.
LEAVENS
Debra Gay, 51, of 220 Logan Ave., Sharon.
Burial: Graveside service at 1 p.m. Wednesday (3-19-03) in Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex. Cremation service by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Martha M. Rufener
Retired waitress belonged to Orangeville U.M. church
Martha M. Rufener, 5642 Youngstown Conneaut Road, Kinsman, died at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday (3-12-03) in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. She was 86.
Mrs. Rufener was born Feb. 7, 1917, in Burghill to Richard P. Miller and Margaret Bernhard Miller.
A 1935 graduate of the former Vernon (Ohio) High School, she retired in 1981 after working 35 years as a waitress at Fiores' El Rio Restaurant in Warren, Ohio.
Mrs. Rufener was a member of Orangeville United Methodist Church.
She enjoyed watching basketball and football. She greatly enjoyed watching her great-granddaughters' participation in sports events and liked being with her family.
Surviving are: one son, Richard Rufener and his wife Mary Beth, Orangeville; a grandson and his wife, "R.J." and Lisa Rufener, Burghill; and two great-granddaughters, Katie and Marcy Rufener.
Mrs. Rufener was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Margaret Boyd; and one brother, Paul Miller.
RUFENER
Martha M., 86, of 5642 Youngstown Conneaut Road, Kinsman.
Calling hours: 3 p.m. to time of service Saturday (3-15-03) in GALLOWAY-ONSTOTT FUNERAL HOME, 3451 state Route 7, Hartford.
Service: Funeral service at 4 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Erwin Urschitz, pastor of Orangeville United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Crown Hill Burial Park, Vienna.
Andrew Tomko
Andrew Tomko, 3945 Esther Lane, Hermitage, died at 3:37 p.m. Thursday (3-13-03) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 77.
Obituary information was incomplete.
TOMKO
Andrew, 77, of 3945 Esther Lane, Hermitage.
Arrangements will be announced by STEVENSON-WEBB FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1142 Ridge Ave., Sharpsville.
PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries
CRAVEN
Vivian, 54, of 75 Mercer Road, Wheatland.
Incomplete obituary was published 3-12-03
Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service today (3-14-03) in Triumph Christian Center, Farrell.
Service: Funeral service at noon today in the center.
Arrangements by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.
RICHARDSON
Robert Lee, 74, of 3533 Sharon Road, West Middlesex.
Obituary was published 3-12-03
Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (3-13-03) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex, formerly W. Wayne Cunningham Funeral Home.
Service: Funeral service at 1:30 p.m. today (3-14-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. John Kees, pastor of West Middlesex United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.
SIPE
Kenneth W. Sr., 69, Volant RD3.
Obituary was published 3-13-03
Calling hours: Family only were at 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (3-13-03) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.
Service: Funeral service for family at 11 a.m. today (3-14-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. David Bell, pastor of First United Brethren Church, New Castle, officiating.
Interment: Fair Oaks Cemetery, New Wilmington, with full military honors by New Castle Area Honor Guard.
SUMP
Mrs. Harry R. (Hallie G.), 87, of 1527 Rutledge Road, South Pymatuning Township.
Obituary was published 3-13-03
Calling hours: 4 to 6 p.m. today (3-14-03) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday (3-15-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Erwin Urschitz, pastor of Orangeville United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
WILKINS
Thomas L., 47, of 632 E. State St., Sharon.
Obituary was published 3-13-03
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. today (3-14-03) in First Baptist Church, Darr Avenue, Farrell. Fraternal rites at 6:30 p.m. by Twin City Elks (Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World) Lodge 187, Farrell. Condolences may be sent by fax to (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to ShannonFHLtd@netscape.net
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (3-15-03) in the church with the Rev. Sidney B. Walker Sr., pastor, officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.
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