Margaret Ellen “Peg” Wagner
Margaret Ellen “Peg” Wagner,
94 of Parker, died Wednesday afternoon,
Aug. 27, 2003, in UPMC
Northwest Franklin, after an illness.
Born Nov. 13, 1908, in Brady’s
Bend, she was the daughter of
Harry and Margaret Seybert
Snyder.
Mrs. Wagner was a longtime
member of Parker United Methodist
Church. She also was a member
of the East Brady Historical
Society and the Parker Historical
Society. She possessed a knowledge
of history.
Mrs. Wagner was an avid reader
and was accomplished in crochet
work. She had been an active
member of the Parker Senior Citizens
while health allowed.
Mrs. Wagner was married Sept.
9, 1929, to Earl E. Wagner, who
died in November 1986.
Surviving are a daughter and
her husband, Gerre and Dick
Slaughenhoupt of Parker; two
granddaughters and their husbands,
Linda and Don Mahood of
Parker and Edith and Larry Adams
of Foxburg; one grandson and his
wife, Alan and Darlene
Slaughenhoupt of Petersburg, Va.
two great grand-daughters, Maggie
Mahood of Parker and Sara
Clinger and husband, Carl, of
Portersville; one great-grandson,
Eric Clinger of Potersville. She is
also survived by one sister, Dorothy
Fross of Parker and a number
of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and
husband, Mrs. Wagner was preceded
in death by three sisters, Lois
Greenawalt, Bessie McCloskey
and Nellie Loose; and five brothers,
Addison, Herbert, Frank,
Donn and James Snyder. Friends
were received from noon to 3pm.
Saturday in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral
Home , Wayne Street, Parker,
Pa. Funeral services were held at
3pm. Saturday in the funeral home.
Interment will be in Parker Presbyterian
Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials
be made to the Foxburg Free Library,
Foxburg, 16303.
Franklin W. Mayer
Franklin W. Mayer, 100, of Allegheny
Township, Parker, died at
1pm. Wednesday, September 3,
2003, at his home of natural causes.
Born Febuary, 19, 1903, in Butler
County, he was the son of Milton
and Ada Wick Mayer.
In early years Mr. Mayer was
employed as a coal miner in Deep
Mine No. 9 in Mercer County and
Filer’s Mine in Brady Township.
He also was involved in road work
in Northern Butler County and
worked for Pullman Standard Shell
Shop. Later he was employed as a
caretaker and maintenance worker
at the Pittsburgh Presbytery
Church Camp Crestview, now
Crestfield near Slippery Rock retiring
after 20 years of service.
Mr. Mayer served for many years
as borough auditor of West Liberty
Borough.
He was married to the late Anna
Burns, who died July 29, 1994.
Surviving are one daughter, Twila
M. Day of Oil City and Foxburg;
and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and
wife, Mr. Mayer was preceded in
death by two brothers, John and
Thomas Mayer.
Friends were received at the
H.Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Eau
Claire.
Services were held Saturday in
the funeral home.
Interment will be in the West
Liberty Cemetery.
Oliver L. Shaffer
Oliver L. Shaffer, 68, of Colts
Foot Road Ernlenton Pa resided
there the last 47 years. Died September
11, 2003 at Clarion hospital
at 8:07 a.m. after a extended illness.
Born January 15, 1935 in
Scrubgrass Township, the son of
Isrel Augustus Shaffer and Dora
“Smith” Shaffer.
Mr. Shaffer attended Lovell Elementary
School of Scrubgrass
Twp. Venango Co. Married Margaret
“Peg” E. Wolford Shaffer
who survives.
Mr. Shaffer was employed at
Witherup Fabrication and Erection,
Kennerdell Pa, as a welder. He
retired in 1984.
He was affiliated with the Rankin
Chapel United Methodist Church.
Mr. Shaffer was a member of the
Cherry Valley Boro VFW, and was
the Boiler Maker President in Venango
County Local 636.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing
farming, owned and operated his
sawmill, cutting timber in Venango
and Butler County Area. He also
enjoyed his family camp owned on
his family farm located in
Scrubgrass Twp.
Surviving with his wife arc: 2
children: Mr. Douglas O. Shaffer
of Grove City and Mr. Terry L. and
wife Shelly R. Shaffer of
Harrisville. 5 stepchildren: stepson-
Mr. Robert C. and wife Ann
L. Aiken of Emlenton, step daughter
Mrs. Dave “Jean” Bishop of
Pittsburgh, step son Mr. Morris
“Pic” Vanistendael of St. Petersburg,
step son Mr. Frederick and
wife Patricia Vanistendacl of
Harrisville, step son Mr. Gary
Vanisledael of Clintonville. 2 sisters
Mrs. Joseph “Lottie” Healey of
Kennerdell, Mrs. Gomer “Mary”
Morgan of Boyers. 2 brothers: Mr.
Charles William Shaffer of
Kennerdell, Mr. Augustus “Bud”
Shaffer of Kennerdell.
13 grandchildren: Ryan, Deriek,
Hayley, Ashley, Lynnsey Shaffer.
Tammy Roberts and husband Rob,
Robin Aiken, Patty Thompson and
husband Dale, Erin and David
Bishop, Matthew, Verick, Chris
Vanistendael. And 6 great children
who all survive.
Proceeded by his parents and one
sister: Mrs. Blenton “Charlotte”
Kagle, 3 brothers: John, Frank and
Robert Shaffer.
Family received friends at the
Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home,
109 Emlenton Street, Clintonville
Pa. on Friday Sept. 12. Funeral service
were held Saturday, September
13, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the
funeral home with the Rev
Stephanie Thompson officiating.
The interment was at the Shaffer
Family Cemetery, Scrubgrass
Twp., Venango County.
M. Grace Blymiller Fry
M. Grace Blymiller Fry, 86, of
Main Street, Emlenton, died at
12:10 p.m. Friday, September 12,
2003, in Beverly Healthcare,
Shippenville, Pa.
Born Jan. 6, 1917, in Foxburg,
she was the daughter of Raymond
Rupert and Waneta LeNoir Ream
Green.
Mrs. Fry was a member of Emlenton
United Methodist Church.
She also was a member of the
Fort Venango Chapter of the
D.A.R., the Kiwanis Club of Allegheny-
Clarion Valley, the Emlenton
Area Chamber of Commerce,
the Emlenton Civic Club,
the Emlenton Area Over 55 Club,
and the auxiliary to the American
Legion Post No. 636 of Foxburg.
Mrs. Fry was a homemaker. She
enjoyed writing poetry and had a
book of her poems published.
She was a volunteer for the Emlenton
Area FISH Food cupboard
and the Books Galore store in the
Crawford Center.
Mrs. Fry first married in
Robinson Chapel on June 1, 1938,
to Glen Blymiller, who died in
1968. She then was married June 7,
1969, to Paul M. Fry Sr., who died
April 5, 1991.
Surviving are a son, R. Glen
Blymiller of Emlenton; three step-daughters, Mrs. Allen (Nancy)
Seltzer of Edgewater, NJ, Mrs.
William (Betty) Lockard of Louisville,
KY, and Mrs. Samuel (Lois
M.) Orton of Emlenton; one stepson,
Jim Fry of Bloomsburg; 21
grandchildren, a number of greatgrandchildren
and great- greatgrandchildren,
a number of nieces
and nephews.
In addition to her parents and two
husbands, she was preceded in
death by a stepson, Paul Fry Jr., and
two step-grandchildren.
Friends called on Sunday, September
14, 2003 in the Christopher
M. Hile Funeral Home, Emlenton.
Funeral services were held at
11:00 a.m. Monday in the funeral
home with the Rev. Kenneth
Duffee, pastor of Emlenton United
Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment was in Allegheny
Cemetery, Allegheny Township,
Butler County.
Memorials may be made to the
Emlenton United Methodist
Church, P.O. Box 712, Emlenton
16373; or the FISH Food cupboard,
P.O. Box 127, Emlenton,
16373.
Guy Bonetti
Guy Bonetti, 79, of Emlenton, Pa.
since and formerly of Boyers’ Pa.
passed away at UPMC Northwest
Monday July 28, 2003 at 9:45 P.M.
after an extended illness.
Born at Boyers, Pa, Marion
Township-Butler County on April
15, 1924 the son of James and
Minnie “Diane’’ Bonetti.
Married to June Witherup on
June 24, 1952 who survives.
Mr. Bonetti was retired from
United States Steel where he
worked out of Boyers, PA. and
later worked for Witherup Fabrication
and Erection out of
Kennerdell, Pa. He also worked at
the National Underground and
Storage facility of Boyers, PA.
He was affiliated with the Grace
United Methodist Church in
Clintonville, PA.
He attended the public schools in
Boyers, PA. Was a member of the
American LegionPost 0852 of
Harrisville, Pa. and was a member
of the Boyers Sportsman Club and
VFW of Harrisville.
Veteran of W.W. II having
served in the United States Army
from 1943 to 1945. Served in
China, Burma and India.
Enjoyed gardening and especially
working in his yard. also
hunting, fishing.
Survived by his wife and 3
daughters’ Mrs. Frank “Kathy”
Cochran of Franklin. Mrs. Ronald
“Beverly” Hovis of Butler, Mrs.
James “Karen” Ashbaugh of Warren.
8 grandchildren: Dana D. and
Lisa R. Cochran, Kristy D. and
Lori N. Hovis, Jessica L. Emily N.,
Olivia M., and Stephen J.
Ashbaugh. 2 sisters: Mrs. Carl
“Virginia” Hockenberry of
Harrisville, Mrs. Carmella
Critchlow and her husband Richard
of Butler. 5 brothers: Joseph
Bonetti of Boyers7 Eugene Bonetti
and wife Shirley of Butler, Furrie
Bonetti and wife Dora Ann of Slippery
Rock, Albert Bonetti and wife
JoAnn of Slippery Rock, James
Bonetti and wife Margie of Boyers.
Also survived by several nieces
and nephews.
In addition to his parents Mr.
Bonetti was proceeded by 3 brothers:
Frank, Andrew, Anthony
Bonetti.
Visitation was Wednesday July
30, 2003 at the Larry E. McKinley
Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton
Street, Clintonville, Pa. Funeral
Service will be Thursday July 31,
2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral
home with the Rev. Lee Thompson
of the
Clintonville Methodist Church
officiating.
Interment was in the Clintonville
Methodist Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial
contributions be sent to V.N.A,
foundation of Venango County.
Neil F. Surrena
Neil F. Surrena, 16, of 431 Hovis
Road, Harrisville died August 2,
2003 from injuries sustained from
an automobile crash.
Born August 9, 1986, he was the
son of James F. Surrena and Terry
L. “Grimes” Surrena who survive.
Mr. Surrena attended Franklin
High School where he was enrolled
in the Vo-Tech program, Heavy
Machine Operations. He would
have been starting the 11th grade.
He attended the Union Presbyterian
Church of Clintonville, where
he was active in the church youth
group.
He also enjoyed a variety of activities
which included helping his
father repair and maintain his
father’s tractor trailer. He liked
cars, trucks, and music. He played
video games. He also was an active
hunter and fisherman and loved
spending time with family.
He was employed at Sheetz gas
station in Harrisville as a cashier
and Matthews Trucking as a general
maintenance man.
Surviving in addition to his parents
are one sister; Natasha L.
Surrena and one brother; Rusty A
Surrena, both at home. His maternal
grandparents; Jerry and Velma
Grimes of Slippery Rock. Paternal
grandparents; Clair “Butch” and
Helen Surrena of Grove City.
Great grand maternal; Althea R.
Grimes of Grove City. Great grand
paternal; Glenn Surrena of
Harrisville. Numerous Aunts,
Uncles, and Cousins. And a very
dear girlfriend, Sarah Grossman of
Harrisville.
Proceeded by; Great grandfather;
Rusty Grimes, Great grandmother;
Mae Surrena, Great grandparents;
James and Ruth Hovis.
There will be no visitation. The
Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home
was in charge of the arrangements.
The family suggest memorial
contributions be sent to the Union
Presbyterian Church Youth Group,
Emlenton Street, Clintonville, PA
16372.
Harry O. Beatty
Harry O. Beatty, 80, of Eau
Claire, died Wednesday morning,
Aug. 6, 2003, in Grove Manor Personal
Care Center, Grove City, following
an illness.
Born Aug. 2, 1923, in Eau Claire,
he was the son of Joseph M. and
Kinder Beatty.
He was a graduate of the former
Eau Claire High School and attended
Grove City College for two
years prior to being drafted into
World War II.
Mr. Beatty was inducted into the
U.S. Army Feb. 13, 1943, serving
with the Eighth Infantry Division
and participated in the initial Battle
of Normandy. Following the
Normandy invasion, he continued
on with the Eighth Infantry through
Northern France, the Rhineland
and Central Europe. He was discharged
Oct. 26, 1945 as a technical
sergeant.
He earned the EAME Service
Medal with four Bronze Stars and
the American Theater Medal.
Following the death of his father
in 1957, Mr. Beatty became the
owner and operator of J.M. Beatty
Grocery and Merchandise in Eau
Claire until his retirement Jan. 1,
1983.
After his retirement, he lived in
Brigantine, NJ. from 1983 through
1994. While in New Jersey, he
worked in the various resorts of
Atlantic City as a host and guide
for many tours in that area.
Mr. Beatty enjoyed traveling and
dining in fine restaurants, both in
the United States and abroad.
He was a Protestant.
Surviving are one brother, Cecil
Beatty, and one sister, Jean Magil,
both of Eau Claire; a number of
nieces and nephews and greatnieces
and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr.
Beatty was preceded in death by a
sister, Josephine Beatty Hunter;
and two brothers, James M. Beatty
Sr. and F. Merle Beatty.
Friends were received at the H.
Jack Buzard Funeral Home in Eau
Claire.
Funeral Services were held in the
funeral home with the Rev. Ken.
Hall, Church of God Pastor, officiating.
Interment was in Eau Claire
Cemetery.
Hazel Louise Myers
Hazel Louise Myers, 80, of
Myers Road, Knox, died Wednesday,
Aug. 13, 2003 from injuries
she received in an automobile accident.
Born May 21, 1923, she was the
daughter of Charles J. and Rose
(Aldous) Theiss.
Mrs. Myers was retired from the
Knox Class Co. after 25 years of
service.
She was a member of the Mount
Joy United Methodist Church,
Knox RD, and a member of the Ladies
Auxiliary of the DeHart-
Rossman-Wenner American Legion
Post in Lamartine.
She enjoyed spending time with
her children and grandchildren and
also was an avid gardener.
She married Ralph E. Myers on
Nov. 21, 1942, and they celebrated
their sixtieth wedding anniversary
last year by renewing their vows.
Surviving are her husband; two
sons and their wives, Gary and
Patricia Myers of Smethport, and
Bradley and Karen Myers of
Winfield, W. VA.; three daughters
and their husbands, Mrs. Joseph
(Mary Ellen) Hall of Leeper and
Mrs. Jack (Suzanne) Planker and
Mrs. William (Connie) Long, all of
Emlenton; nine grandsons, Rodney
Deloe, Tad Myers, Clint Myers,
Eddie Hall, Steven Myers, Charles
Planker, David Long, Kevin Long,
and Michael Long; six granddaughters,
Kami Krantz, Marie Hedrick,
Katie Planker, Jennifer Long,
Rachel Myers, and Jessica Myers;
two sisters, Thelma Dehner of
Clarion, and Ellen Mea Miller of
Knox.
She was preceded in death by a
daughter, Sylvia Deloe in 1993; a
brother William Theiss; and two
sisters, Eva Reed and Freda Exley.
Friends called Friday, Aug. 15 in
the William N. Rupert Mortuary,
Knox.
Funeral services were held on
Saturday, Aug. 16 at the funeral
home with the Rev. Dan Myers,
pastor of the Mount Joy United
Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment was in the Mount Joy
Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial
contributions be made to the
American Cancer Society or the
Mount Joy United Methodist
Church, Knox RD.
Harold D. Kuhn Jr.
Harold D. Kuhn Jr., 67,
Clintonville, Pa. for the passed 6
years and formerly of Grove City,
Pa. passed away at the United Community
Hospital-Saturday August
9, 2003 at 6:30 A.M. after a brief
illness. He was admitted there July
28, 2003.
Born in Grove City, Pa on March
12, 1936 the son of Harold D. and
Desire T. Wheeler Kuhn Sr.
Married to Sylvia L. Bell Kuhn
who is employed at the Quaker
State Restaurant in Emlenton on
September 19, 1998 survives.
Mr. Kuhn was previously married
to Janet L. Potter.
Mr. Kuhn was affiliated with the
Barkeyville United Methodist
Church, Barkeyville, Pa.
Mr. Kuhn Attended the Grove
City Public Schools-Grove City,
Pa.
Mr. Kuhn enjoyed car racing, listening
to scanners for local events,
fishing and enjoyed working with
automobiles.
Surviving along with his wife are
three daughters and two sons: Mrs.
Leon “Tammie D”. Estes of
Fowler, Ohio - Mrs. Anthony D.
“Tracie L.” Kuhn of Culver City,
Calif. Mrs. Robert “Sharon L.”
Vernick of Butler, Pa. - Mr. Timothy
M. and wife Rebecca G. Kuhn of Burgh Hill, Ohio - Mr. Joseph P.
and wife Denise L. Coffaro of
Macdonald, Pa.
11 Grandchildren survive along
with one sister: Mrs. James “Rose
Mary” Brady of Greenville, Pa.
Preceded by his parents, one sister:
Mrs. Russell “Twila Mac”
Bower and two brothers: Lee E.
and Guy F. Kuhn.
Services were held at Barkeyville
United Methodist Church,
Barkeyville, Pa. on Tuesday August
12, 2003. Interment was in the
Woodlawn Cemetery, Pine Township,
Mercer County, Pa.
Rose Marie Morris
Rose Marie Morris, 66, of North
Tunnel Road, Kennerdell,
Rockland Township, Venango
County, died at 12:01 p.m. Thursday,
Aug. 14, 2003, at Clarion
Hospital following an extended illness.
Born Jan. 18, 1937, in Eau
Claire, Butler County, she was a
daughter of John and Florence Thompson
Hughes.
She was a 1954 graduate of Emlenton
High School.
Mrs. Morris was employed for
more than 10 years as a psychiatric
technician at the Oil City Hospital
Psychiatric Center. She retired
from the Clarion Psychiatric Center
in 2002 and had been employed
there since the center opened.
During her working career she
took various continuing education
classes in the psychiatric field at
Clarion University.
She was a member of the
Clintonville TOPS and attended
Rockland United Methodist
Church.
Mrs. Morris enjoyed the company
of her grandchildren and
great-granddaughter, and she was
especially proud of her grandson’s
military service and enjoyed visiting with the Marines he served
with.
She enjoyed feeding birds and
playing slot machines.
She was married Feb. 19, 1955,
in Parker to Donald L. Morris, who
survives.
Also surviving are two daughters,
Cindy McCoy of Knox and
Susan L. Morris Collingwood of
Kennerdell; three grandchildren,
Matthew McCoy of Kennerdell
and David McCoy and Kristin
McCoy, both of Knox; and a greatgranddaughter,
Kendra Rose McCoy of Kennerdell.
Also surviving are a brother, W.
Bruce “Butch” Hughes of Clarion;
a sister, Judy Bigelow of Eagle
River, Alaska; and a number of
nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she
was preceded in death by a brother,
John E. Hughes.
Friends were called from 2 to 4
and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, August
16, 2003 at the Christopher M. Hile
Funeral Home, Emlenton, Cleo A.
Hawk, supervisor.
Funeral services were held at 2
p.m. Sunday, August 17, 2003 in
the funeral home with the Rev.
Shawn L. Goodwin, pastor of
Rockland United Methodist
Church, officiating.
Committal services and interment
were at Eau Claire Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial
donations be made to the
Kennerdell or Rockland Township
volunteer fire departments.
Genevieve M. Hetzler
Genevieve M. Hetzler, 92, of
Russell Road, Emlenton, Richland
Township, Venango County, died
at 6:53 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21,
2003, in the Caring Place,
Franklin, where she had resided for
the past six years.
Born Nov. 28, 1910 in Rockland
Township, Venango County, she
was the daughter of John S. and
Catherine Beach Hart.
Mrs. Hetzler was a member of
New Zion Evangelical Congregational
Church, Emlenton.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed
crocheting, gardening and
growing flowers.
Mrs. Hetzler was married May
29, 1928 in Franklin to Clarence
H. “Dusty” Hetzler, who died Jan.
25, 1973.
Surviving are three sons and their
wives, John C. and Dolores
Hetzler of Emlenton, Glenn B. and
Irene Hetzler of Polk and Robert
B. and Yvonne Hetzler of Emlenton,
two daughters, Mrs. Kathryn
Campbell and her husband, Jerold
of Titusville, and Mrs. Judy
Borland of Emlenton, 13 grandchildren
and 25 great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by a brother
Raymond Hart of Van; four sisters,
Dorothy Young of Chula Vista,
Calif; Etta Jean Mahle of Venus,
Sarah Stephens of Cleveland, Ohio
and Mary Smouse of Franklin; and
a number of nieces, nephews and
cousins.
Mrs. Hetzler was preceded in
death by a son; five sisters, Maude
Hart, Grace Repman, Iva Norris,
Florence Androwsky and Lois
Hart; two brothers, David Hart and
Paul Hart; and a son in-law, John
M. Borland.
Friends were received on Friday
Aug. 22, at the Chris M. Hile Funeral
Home, Emlenton, Cleo A.
Hawk, supervisor.
Funeral Services were held in the
Funeral Home with the Rev.
Charles J. Campbell, Pastor of New
Zion Evangelical Congregational
Church, officiating.
Internment was in the Rockland
Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to New
Zion Evangelical Church, Emlenton,
16373, or The Caring Place,
103. N. 13th St., Franklin, 16323.
Carol M. Hosey
Carol M. Hosey, 57, of Turnip
Hole, Emlenton; passed away at her
residence of natural causes on Friday
morning of August 8, 2003.
Born to John and Mildred Thompson
Hudson on April 22, 1946
in Parker Township of Butler
County. She was protestant by
faith.
Surviving her is daughter Robin
L. Ealy: with whom she lived,
grandson: William J. Mansberger
of Turnip Hole; sister: Mrs. Glenn
(Deloris) Stant of Sligo; half sister:
Cecile Nunamaker of St. Petersburg,
Pa. and numerous nieces and
nephews.
In addition to her parents, she
was preceded in death by her husband;
Albert Samuel Hosey and
niece; Tammy Stants, on December
16th, 1981.
Funeral services were held at
Jack Buzard Funeral Home on
Monday, August 11, 2003. Interment
was the following day in New
Salem Cemetery, Annisville, Butler
County.
Lois Jean Elder
Lois Jean Elder, the daughter of
William and Florence Noel, was 73
years young when she passed away
on June 6, 2003. She was born in
Emlenton, PA and spent 40 years
as a resident of Bloomington, California.
Both of her parents preceded
her in death. She is survived
by her husband of 57 years, Edward
Elder; a sister, Helen Fitgerald of
PA; two daughters, Cindy Seip and
Melody Dunn; two grandchildren,
Andrew Stutzman and Brandi Herring;
and Two great grandchildren,
Chris and Madison.
Charlotte Marie Wheeler
Charlotte Marie Wheeler, 59, of
Emlenton, died Sunday afternoon,
June 22, 2003, in UPMC Northwest
Franklin, of injuries sustained
in a three-vehicle accident in Venango
County.
Mrs. Wheeler had resided at the
Snyder Rest Home in Emlenton
since 1989.
Born May 24, 1944, in Grove
City, she was the daughter of Henry
and Grace Slater Dye. She was a
Protestant.
Surviving are one daughter and
an aunt, Carrie Sharp.
Friends called at the funeral
home on Thursday, June 26, 2003
in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral
Home, Main Street, Eau Claire.
Funeral services were held at 11
a.m. Thursday in the funeral home.
Internment was in the Emlenton
Cemetery.
Richard M. “Dick” Ryberg
Richard M. “Dick” Ryberg, 84,
of Keating Street, St. Petersburg,
died unexpectedly late Friday night,
June 20, 2003, at his residence.
Born June 14, 1919, in St. Petersburg,
he was the son of Morris
Ryberg and Florence Ashbaugh
Ryberg Shingledecker. Mr. Ryberg
was a graduate of St. Petersburg-
Richland High School. He was a
U.S. Navy vetern of World War II.
Mr. Ryberg had been employed in
his early years by the Pennsylvania
Railroad, working in Parker and
Foxburg. He spent most of his
working life as a welder at J&L
Steel in Oil City. He had been a
member of St. Peter Evangelical
Reformed Church in St. Petersburg
and later attended Emlenton Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Ryberg was a
32nd degree Mason and was a
member for more the 50 years of
Canby Masonic Lodge No. 520, F.
& A.M. of St. Petersburg, and was
a member of Consistory, Valley of
New Castle. He enjoyed being with
his family, hunting, fishing, and
woodworking. Mr. Ryberg was married in St. Petersburg, June 29,
1940, to Helen Dee Ryberg, who
died Oct. 22, 1997. Surviving are
two daughters and their husbands,
Rebecca R. and John C. Beham of
Erie and Carole J. and Larry Lentz
of Greenville; four grandchildren,
Joshua C. Lentz and wife, Michelle,
of Butler, Lee R. Lentz and wife,
Aryn, of Camp Hill, Jenny R.
Kanoza and Sarah E. Beham, both
of Erie; and three great-grandsons,
Owen and Emmett Lentz of Camp
Hill and Jonah Lentz of Butler.
Friends called from 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, June 23, 2003 and from
10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24th
in the Christopher M. Hile Funeral
Home, St. Petersburg. Funeral services
were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday,
June 24, 2003 in the funeral home
with the Rev. Phillip Chalfant, pastor
of the Coolspring Presbyterian
Church, officiating. Interment was
in St. Petersburg Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be made to
the St. Petersburg Volunteer Fire
Co., P.O. Box 81, St. Petersburg,
16054.
Bretton E. “Brett” Dittman
Bretton E. “Brett” Dittman, 29, of
St. Petersburg, died unexpectedly,
Sunday, June 29, 2003.
Born on July 3, 1973 in Grove
City, he was the son of Lewis
Clifford Dittman Jr. and Beverly A .
Butler.
He graduated from Allegheny
Clarion Valley High School in Foxburg
in 1991. He then served with
the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1991-
1993.
He was employed in the construction
industry most of his working
career.
He was a member of the United
Methodist church. He had been a
social member of VFW Post 7073 at
Parker.
He was married on Nov. 13, 1992
to Brenda L.(Burrell) Dittman, who
survives.
Also surviving are a daughter and
son, Kathryn and Bryce, both at
home; his mother and stepfather,
Beverly A. and Butch Pipher of
Parker; his father Lewis C. Dittman
Jr.of Knox; his paternal grandfather,
Lewis Dittman Sr., and his wife Ruth
of Emlenton; and two brothers,
Brian Lewis Dittman of St. Petersburg
and Brad Dittman of Parker.
Friends called on Wednesday, July
2, 2003 at the H. Jack Buzard Funeral
Home in Parker.
Funeral Services were held Thursday,
July 12, 2003 at the Funeral
Home.
Interment was in the St. Petersburg
Cemetery.
Donald F. Whitmer
Donald F. Whitmer, 67, of Grove
City, died Friday, June 27, 2003, at
his residence following an illness.
Born June 16, 1936, in Licking
Township, Clarion County, he was
the son of Roy and Elsie Shoffner
Whitmer.
He attended Keystone schools at
Knox. He had served with the U.S.
Army Reserves and was a member
of Canby Lodge No. 520, F. &
A.M of St. Petersburg.
Mr. Whitmer was a retired millwright
with Cooper-Bessemer,
now Cooper Energy of Grove City,
where he had worked nearly 40
years.
He was a Protestant.
He enjoyed collecting arrowheads
and collecting and repairing
watches. He enjoyed owning and
restoring a Ford Model-A and was
quite versed in the history and ownership
of Ford Thunderbirds.
Mr. Whitmer was married March
12, 1960, to Janet Miller Whitmer,
who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters,
Mrs. Mark (Crystal Marie)
McFeely of Grove City, and Mrs.
Steve (Leslie) Dubanevich of Virginia
Beach, VA; two grandchildren;
three brothers, Roy “Bud”
Whitmer of Callensburg, William
“Bill” Whitmer of East Butler, and
Ray Whitmer of Licking Township;
and a number of nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by a
daughter, Dawn Leslie Whitmer,
and a brother, Richard “Dick”
Whitmer.
Friends called from 2 to 4 and 7
to 9 pm Monday June 30, 2003 at
H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home in
Eau Claire.
Funeral services were held at 1
pm Tuesday July 1, 2003 at the funeral
home. Burial will be private
at the convenience of the family.
Myrtle M. Shirey
Myrtle M. Shirey, 98, of Foxburg,
died at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday,
July 8, 2003, in Clarview Nursing
& Rehabilitation Center, Sligo.
Born May13, 1905 in Sarah Furnace,
she was the daughter of Benjamin
Clyde and Cordelia Jordon
Smith.
Mrs. Shirey was a member of the
Church of Our Father, Episcopal,
in Foxburg and was a member and
past president of the Church Guild.
She was an avid bridge player
and was a 50-year member of the
Foxburg Country Club.
Mrs. Shirey was a member of the
Rowdey Jaudies Square Dance
Group, the Maccabees and the
IOOF.
She had served many years representing
her district as a Republican
committeewoman.
Mrs. Shirey was a homemaker
and was known for her delicious
apple dumplings.
She was married in Foxburg on
Aug. 25, 1928 to John E. Shirey,
who died Nov. 19, 1966.
Surviving are three daughters and
their husbands, Patricia and David
Dearolph of Winter Springs, Fla.,
Bonnie and Jim Bowen of
Oceanside, Calif., and Beverly and
Ralph Passaro of Butler; 14 grandchildren
and 30 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by a brother,
Richard Smith of Kittanning; and a
number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and
husband, Mrs. Shirey was preceded
in death by seven brothers, two sisters
and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation was at the Christopher
M. Hile Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
Funeral Services were on June
13, 2003 in the Church of Our Father,
Episcopal, Foxburg, with the
Rev. Edward S. Lowrey, vicar officiating.
Interment was in the Foxburg
Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be
made to the Memorial Fund of the
Church of Our Father, Episcopal,
Foxburg, 16036.
Betty Jean Milford Milliren
Betty Jean Milford Milliren, 79,
of LaBelle, Fla., and formerly of
Emlenton, died at 4:15 p.m. Friday
July 4, 2003, at Clarview Nursing
and Rehabilitation Center, Sligo,
after an illness.
Born Oct. 29, 1923, in Scrubgrass
Township, Venango County, she
was the daughter of Arthur and
Anna Haggerty Milford.
She was a member of Carlson
United Methodist Church in
LaBelle. She was well-known for
expertise in quilting.
She was married to Robert
Milliren, who preceded her in death
in 1995.
Surviving are three daughters,
Mrs. Craig (Sue) Schruers of
Nickleville, near Emlenton, Mrs.
Charles (Kathy) Mc Duffie of
Lorida, Fla., and Mrs. Greg
(Roberta) Williamson- Dionne of
Cape Coral, Fla.; a son, Thomas
Milliren of Naples, Fla.; three sisters,
Mrs. Charles (Sara) McNany
and Georgianna Thompson, both of
Emlenton, and Margaret
McGinnins of Parker; two brothers,
Arthur Kenneth Milford of Emlenton,
and David William Milford of
Knox; 11 grandchildren; and a
number of nieces and nephews.
Friends called Mon. July 11 at H.
Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Eau
Claire.
Funeral Services were held at 11
a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Rev. Charles Campbell officiated.
Graveside services and burial were
held Wednesday in Lee Memorial
Park, Fort Myers, Fla.
Derek L. Crisman
Derek L. Crisman, 12, of R.D. #1
Ellwood City, PA (Slippery Rock
Twp) died on Tuesday, July 22,
2003 at Ellwood City Hospital following
an accident.
He was born on August 16, 1990
in Franklin, PA. He was the Son of
Terry L. Miller and Cindy Crisman
Miller. They both survive.
He would have been a 6th grader
at Laurel Elementary School,
where he was a member of the
school band, concert, and jazz
band. He was also a member of the
youth group at the House of Jubilee.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing,
and camping.
Also surviving are Darin, his
brother at home; his grandmother,
Edna Miller of Ellwood Rd., New
Castle; Barbara & Harry Alcorn of
Emlenton, his grandmother and
step grandfather; Dick and wife,
Nancy Crisman of Emlenton, his
grandfather & step grandmother; a
number of Aunts, Uncles, and
cousins; and two Great-Grandmothers,
Leora Crisman of
Clintonville and Mabel Woods of
Emlenton.
He was preceded in death by his
grandfather, Orville Ray Miller.
Visiting hours were held Thursday
and Friday, July 24 & 25, 2003
at the Marshall Funeral Home, Inc.
200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City,
PA.
Services were held at the
Marshall Funeral Home, Inc. on
Friday, July 25, 2003 at 11:00
A.M. with Pastor Craig Smallwood
of Lighthouse Assembly of God
and Wade Smith, Youth Pastor at
the House of Jubilee officiating.
Interment was at Harmony Baptist
Cemetery, Slippery Rock Twp,
Pennsylvania.
Edith “Pearl” Myers
Edith “Pearl” Myers, 58, 404
East Adam St., Green Springs,
Ohio, passed away on Tuesday
July 15, 2003 at Bellevue Hospital.
Born in Parker, she was the
daughter of the late Bob and Mary
(Edwards) Hackbarth. She graduated
with the class of 1962 at Karns
City High School. She worked for
several years at General Motors in
Mansfield, Ohio. She was a member
of Green Springs United Methodist
Church, Daughters of the
VFW, Clyde, Ohio and the Moose
Auxiliary.
Surviving are her husband, Gordon
Myers, whom she married July
12, 1963 in Sligo, PA.; two sons,
Mike Myers of Clyde, Ohio and
Greg Myers of Little Rock, Arkansas;
her brother, Doug Hackbarth
of Bruin; and two sisters, Joyce
Rupert of West Freedom and
Delores Hackbarth of Butler.
Funeral services were held Sat.
July 19, 2003 at Engle - Young
Funeral Home, Green Springs,
Ohio. The burial was held at
Bakerstown Cemetery.
