Arthur Murray Cunningham
Arthur Murray Cunningham, age 85, of Homeworth, passed away Wednesday afternoon, July 15, at home surrounded by family. Murray was born in Lowellville, Ohio on August 15, 1934 to Alberta (Callahan) and Arthur M. Cunningham. The family moved to Alliance in 1939, where his father opened a branch of his family's furniture business. A 1952 graduate of Alliance High School, Murray attended Mount Union College where he was a member of the SAE Fraternity. Murray earned his private Pilot's license in 1952, followed up on his love of all things aviation by graduating from Embry - Riddle College of Aviation in Miami, Florida, earning his Airframe and Power plant Certification. Upon his graduation in 1955, Murray married his fellow AHS classmate and partner for the next 64 plus years, Barbara Sue Stoffer, a 1955 graduate of the Aultman school of Nursing. Together they raised three children. Murray worked at Poorman Aviation, in Canton, for several years, eventually joining his father in the family furniture business, becoming president of Cunningham Furniture upon the death of his father in 1965. Murray grew the business over the ensuing years and was an active member of the Alliance Jaycees, Rotary Club and the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Alliance for many years. Murray did not forsake aviation, however, and went on to earn his instrument and commercial pilot ratings, as well as ratings in Seaplanes, Glider, Multi - Engine, and Aerobatic, Flight Instruction, and Inspector certifications.
He loved the freedom he found in the sky and would share it with anyone who wanted a ride in one of the many planes he loved to maintain and restore over the years, as a hobby. From Cubs and Taylorcrafts, Cessnas to two Stearman Bi - Planes. For many years he and other local pilots would give rides to youth dealing with restrictions of Muscular Dystrophy, giving them a chance to trade in their chairs to fly above the clouds for a while. In 1968, he and Barbara moved the family just south of Homeworth to a plot of land where he could have room for a private airstrip, Crosswind Meadows, which is maintained today. In 1998, Murray was awarded the Taylorcraft 'Old Timers Aviation Pioneer of the Year' Award. After nearly 70 years of providing quality home furnishings and flooring to Alliance and the surrounding area, Murray retired in 2005. He maintained the carpeting end of the business until 2018 with the help of installers and partners Robert & Patty Zerby. Murray cared deeply for his employees, his community, and most of all his family, who will always cherish this man who could fix just about anything, laughed easily and often and rarely passed up a chance to get his tractor stuck in the mud - often pushing the envelope while mowing too close to the swamp. Murray is survived by his sister Judith (Harold) Frank.
He was pre-deceased by his wife, Barbara, who passed away on March 1st of this year, and his parents. He is also survived by his three children, Beth Cunningham, Jim (Lois) Cunningham of Homeworth; and Jill (Tim) Swinger of Richmond, VA; three grandsons, Ryan (Jayme) Cunningham of the home, Joshua (Karen) Cunningham of Chagrin Falls, and Clay W. Swinger of Richmond, VA and Clemson SC; great-grandchildren, Arianna, Gavin, Rowan, and Elliott Cunningham. A special thank you to Patty, Kristine, Marilyn and New Franklin United Methodist Church for all their wonderful help, support and friendship. Donations in Murray's name may be made to New Franklin United Methodist Church or plant a tree and take the time to watch the clouds drift across a blue sky. Cremation will be by Cassaday - Turkle - Christian Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held on Monday July 20, 2020, at the Cunningham family home at 6150 Bayard Rd. Minerva, OH 44657 at 6:00 p.m. parking on the Runway - watch for signs and a tent.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday - Turkle - Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601.
Patricia 'Pat' Patterson
Patricia 'Pat' Patterson, age 83, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at her home.
She was born June 25, 1936 in Homeworth to Norwood W. Shidler and Vera (Myers) Shidler - Williams. Pat attended Freeburg One Room School House and Washington Township School, before graduating from Louisville High School. She worked at Colonial Nursing Center for 22 years, in addition to working at the Hartville Flea Market.
Survivors include: daughter Sheri Anne; son David; grandchildren Lisa (Michael), Brandon; great-granddaughters Autumn, Zoey, and Madison; step-children, Jack Jr., Joey, and Michael; special friends Cliff and Bertha; many other friends and relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and step-daughter, Donna. A memorial service will take place at Freeburg Church of the Brethren on Tuesday June 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday - Turkle - Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601. Thursday June 25, 2020
Rhonda Roene Pidgeon
SALEM - Rhonda Roene Pidgeon, age 74, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, June 5, 2020. Deeply loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great - grandmother, Rhonda was born June 25, 1946 in Salem, daughter of Eugene 'Gene' and Roene (Woolman) Brown.
She was a 1964 graduate of West Branch High School and attended Kent State University. Rhonda had previously worked at First National Bank in Salem before becoming a lifelong employee at Church Budget Inc, in Salem. She also was the COO at Damascus Livestock. Rhonda enjoyed spending time watching the grandchildren play sports and show cattle.
She was loving, kind, supportive, and generous to all who knew her. In addition to her family, her other passion were horses. Rhonda was a member of Damascus Friends Church. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Barry Pidgeon of Salem; son, Tarry Pidgeon, daughter-in-law Sharon Pidgeon of Salem, son, Brooke Pidgeon, daughter-in-law Brandy Pidgeon of Homeworth, OH; a brother, Todd Brown of Canfield; six grandchildren, Taylor, Tyler, Travis, Madison, Nicklaus, and Jillian; one great-grandchild, Giavonni.
She was preceded in death by her parents. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Stark Memorial with Pastor John Ryser officiating. Burial will be at East Goshen Cemetery. Friends and family will be received Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. For the safety of the Pidgeon family and visitors, please adhere to social distancing, bring your own mask, and do not linger.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Damascus Friends Church, P.O. Box 205, Damascus, OH 44619.
Sunday June 07, 2020
Helen Gott
Helen Gott, 97, of Homeworth, passed away at 10:04 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring.
She was born October 7, 1922, in Johnson City, NY, to John and Maria Sedlacek. Helen was a homemaker, devoting her life to her family.
Survivors include daughters; Joan (Dennis) Pugleise of Amherst, Mary Lou Gott of Columbus, Kim Shepherd of Homeworth; sons, Neil Gott of Colorado, Tim (Connie) Gott of Homeworth; 7 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 1 step-great-grandson. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband Howard Gott, whom she married January 24, 1942 and who died June 30, 1997; sisters, Sophie Roberts, and Marge Stanko; and brother, Louie Sedlacek.
A private family service will be held Tuesday May 19, 2020. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park.
Arrangements entrusted to Cassaday - Turkle - Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.
John W. 'Bill' Hoover
John W. 'Bill' Hoover, age 81, of Homeworth, passed away at 6:58 p.m. Friday May 1, 2020 at Aultman/Alliance Community Hospital.
He was born November 30, 1938 in Canton, Ohio to John C. and June (Carman) Hoover. A 1957 graduate of Louisville High School, Bill was formerly employed by Alliance Machine as a Machinist until his retirement in 2000. He later worked at Circle Machine in Sebring for three years. Mr. Hoover was a member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. He liked working in the yard and spending time with family. A U.S. Army veteran, Bill was a dedicated volunteer at Alliance Community Hospital for 16 years, volunteering more than 4000 hours.
Survivors include sons, Gregory A. (Connie) Hoover of Alliance, Jeffrey J. (Paula) Hoover of Collinsville OK; grandchildren Cory Hoover, Tyler Hoover, and Abigail Hoover; great-grand daughter, Payton; brother, Robert (Mary Ann) Hoover, of Alliance; sister, Judy Searfoss of Alliance; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Barbara A. Hoover, whom he married July 30, 1960, and who passed away three days prior. A memorial mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Minerva at a later date. Interment will be at Salem Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 400 W. High St. Minerva, OH 44657, The Lymphoma Society, 5700 Brecksville Rd. Suite 202 Independence, OH 44131, or Aultman/Alliance Hospice 2461 W. State St. Alliance OH 44601.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday - Turkle - Christian Funeral Home, Alliance, Ohio.
Barbara A. Hoover
Barbara A. Hoover, age 78, of Homeworth, passed away at 5:14 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Mercy Medical Center.
She was born May 20, 1941 in Alliance, Ohio to John W. and Ann (Bright) Miller. A graduate of Alliance High School, class of 1959, Barbara was formerly employed by Dr. Lawrence Mitchell and later retired from Alliance Obstetrics in 2014 after 31 years of service as Office Manager. Mrs. Hoover was a member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading and gardening, and most of all spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband, John William Hoover, whom she married July 30, 1960; sons, Gregory A. (Connie) Hoover of Alliance, Jeffrey J. (Paula) Hoover of Collinsville, OK; grandchildren Cory Hoover, Tyler Hoover, and Abigail Hoover; great-grand daughter, Payton; sisters, Alice (Larry) Allen of Louisville, and Betty (Donald) Bistrow of Austintown; also several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Minerva at a later date. Interment will be at Salem Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church 400 W. High St. Minerva, OH 44657, The Lymphoma Society 5700 Brecksville Rd. Suite 202 Independence, OH 44131, and Aultman Alliance Hospice 2461 W. State St. Alliance OH 44601
Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday - Turkle - Christian Funeral Home, Alliance, Ohio. Wednesday April 29, 2020
Joseph Allen Hall, Sr.
Salem - Joseph Allen Hall, Sr., age 83, formerly of Green Township, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Salem Regional Medical Center from complications due to COVID - 19. Prior to going to the hospital, Joe had been a resident at Courtyard at Lexington in Salem. Joe was born December 28, 1936 in Marion County, West Virginia.
He was the son of the late Paul Milton Hall and the late Jean Haley Hall.
He was a 1955 graduate of Orville High School and a veteran of the United States Army. Joe moved to the Mahoning Valley to work for The Standard Slag Company and then began his career at General Motors, Lordstown Complex in 1966, retiring in 1997. Joe was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Leetonia Sportsman Club. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He enjoyed may hours in his garage building dune buggies and rail buggies out of VW's and Corvairs, as well as working on many other projects. He very much enjoyed watching his grandchildren's school and sports events. Joe especially loved and appreciated his wife for her love and care throughout their life together. He also loved and enjoyed their two Maltese companions, Sissy and Scout. Joe is survived by his wife Kathy Sheely Hall, whom he married on May 27, 2006. Other survivors include his children: Elizabeth Ann (David) Goerig of Leetonia, Joseph Allen (Veronica) Hall, Jr. of Leetonia, and Jeanne Ann (Scott) Workinger of Westlake Village, CA; his sister, Betty Bernstein of Graham, WA; grandchildren, Jason Allen (Melissa) Goerig of Waxhaw, NC, Valerie (Nicholas) D'Eramo of Columbus, OH, Emily Laurel Goerig of Leetonia, Phillip Goerig of Leetonia, Brandon Workinger of Westlake Village, CA, Justin Workinger of Westlake Village, CA, Joseph Dexter Hall of Leetonia, and Abigail Hall of Leetonia; three great grandchildren; Olivia, Dexter and Logan Goerig of Waxhaw, NC; two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Lee) Sheely of Lisbon, and Brian Sheely of Leetonia, as well as numerous nephews and a niece. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph Milton and Susanna Wilson Hall and Leonard Allen and Alice Anderson Haley, as well as a brother-in-law, Robert Bernstein. Joe's wife would like to express her sincere thanks to Joe's care givers for all the special care given to Joe at home and then at the Courtyard. Special thanks to Joe's brother-in-law, Jerry, Jerry's family, special care giver and friend, Donna, neighbors and friends for their love, support and prayers during Joe's extended illness. To honor and respect his final wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Donations may be made in Joe's memory to the Leetonia Sportsman Club, 'Kids Day'.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Woods - Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia. Tuesday June 23, 2020
Jerry Lee Hanna Jr.
LEETONIA - Jerry Lee Hanna Jr., age 54, of Leetonia, died on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Youngstown due to complication from COVID - 19.
He was born on May 29, 1966 in Salem, OH, son of Jerry and Rose Cross Hanna, Sr. Jerry had worked as a Machinist and was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Leetonia. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting guns and playing darts. Jerry belonged to the Columbiana County Dart League where he served as captain.
He was a proud CCW license holder and was a member of the American Legion Post 131, VFW, and Leetonia Sportsman Club. Jerry had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his father and best friend, Jerry Hanna, Sr., and mother Rose Ann Cross Hanna of Leetonia; sister, Marla (Donald) Edmonds of Harlem Springs, OH; brother, Tim (Nancy) Hanna of Leetonia; Close Friend and Companion, Christy Deffenbaugh - Griffin of Leetonia and by several nieces and nephews. Due to the COVID - 19 pandemic, a private family services will be held. A public celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help offset funeral expenses.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Woods - Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia. Wednesday June 03, 2020
Patricia Ann Wilde
SALEM - Patricia Ann Wilde, age 91 died Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the Courtyard at Lexington.
She was born August 23, 1928 in Salem, Ohio, daughter of the late Leo and Mona (Sloan) Stoffer. Patricia was a graduate of Leetonia High School. She worked as a traffic manager for 33 years and previously at Salem China Company. Patricia was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Church Council, Altar Guild, Communion Assistant, and Charity Circle. She also managed Canteen for the American Red Cross blood drives, was president of Church Women United and was Church Women United Woman of the Year. Patricia visited shut - ins and served at the Memorial Building.
She loved cooking and collecting different memorabilia. Her husband, Bud Wilde whom she married June 9, 1951 preceded her in death in 1987.
Survivors include a daughter, Debra (Mike) Easton of Debary, FL; brother Don (Verna) Stoffer of Salem; grandson, Jason (Kristy) Bell; great-grandsons, Connor and Corey; two nieces, Becky (Ron) Craig and Christina (Dale) Sweeney; four nephews, Doug (Shelley) Stoffer, Buster (Martha) Rogowsky, Myron and Robert (Joyce) Stallsmith.
Besides her parents and husband, two brothers, Earl and Danny Stoffer, and a niece, Nancy Stallsmith also preceded her in death. A private graveside services will be held at North Georgetown Cemetery with Pastor Aimee Raymond officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church memorial fund or bereavement ministry, 1089 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460. You are now able to share their respects and memories with the family with a recorded video message at https://www.starkmemorial.com/virtualhugs.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Bonnie Bingham Geary
LEETONIA - Bonnie Bingham Geary, 74, of Leetonia, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at her home following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born on April 10, 1946 in Salem, OH, daughter of the late William and Wilma Stokes Bingham and had lived in this area all of her life. Bonnie had been an owner and dispatcher for Geary's 24 Hour Towing Service in Leetonia with her husband Ed for many years.
She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed shopping and going to casinos. Her husband, Edwin E. Geary, preceded her in death, November 16, 2014. Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Kim (Lee) Chestnut of Middleburg, FL; her son, Paul V. Calabrese, Jr. of Leetonia, OH; two sisters, JoAnn Ferry of Leetonia, Lois Boswell of Leetonia; three grandchildren, Patrick (Jenna) Chestnut, Nicholas Chestnut and Rebecca Calabrese; and three great-grandchildren, Killian Chestnut, Ava Chestnut and Herbert DeWitt.
She was preceded in death by a brother, William Bingham and a granddaughter, Hayley Calabrese.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Woods - Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia. Due to the COVID - 19 pandemic, social distancing will be followed as we ask people to pass through the funeral home using mask protocol. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 1:00 pm at the Woods - Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia, with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating. Burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Leetonia.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box1848 Longmont, CO 80502.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Woods - Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia. Thursday May 21, 2020
