Nov 20, 2012

Helen Gertrude Carter Bennett

Member of Payne AME Church

Helen Gertrude Carter Bennett, 88, of Canonsburg, died Friday, November 16, 2012, in Canonsburg General Hospital.

She was born November 25, 1923, in Baltimore, Md., a daughter of the late Richard and Pauline Jackson Carter.

Mrs. Bennett resided in Baltimore until she moved to Canonsburg in 1945 with her husband, Leonard E. Bennett.

She was a homemaker, and she had been a member of Payne AME Church in Canonsburg. She had also been a member of the La Femme Club and a community volunteer.

Mrs. Bennett enjoyed needlework, reading and raising her children.

On September 4, 1943, she married her husband of 69 years, Leonard, who died October 11, 2012.

Also deceased are a brother, Edward Carter, and sisters Elizabeth Carter, Beatrice Oliver and, more recently, Dorothy Plourde.

Surviving are five children, Dr. Paula D. Bennett-Powell (Gerald) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Lenora E. Lee (Terry Corbin) of Ooltewah, Tenn., Leonard E. Bennett Jr. (Stacy) of Canonsburg, Donald R. Bennett (Brenda) of Washington and Ronald J. Bennett (Robin) of Bentleyville; 13 grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to noon, the hour of service, Saturday, November 24, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, with the Rev. Lance Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your local Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

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Harold O. Byers

U.S. Amry veteran was VFW life member

Harold O. Byers, 92, of Washington, died Tuesday, November 20, 2012, in his home.

He was born May 29, 1920, in Washington, a son of the late Monroe and Essie Pearl Zimmerman Byers.

Mr. Byers worked as a machinist at Precision-Marshall for 30 years.

As a young man, he was involved with the Civilian Conservation Corps. On August 30, 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 1884 Engineering Battalion. For his service, he was awarded the American Defense Ribbon with one bronze star, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars and a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged October 16, 1945, as a Tec 4.

He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and enjoyed working with his hands.

On March 28, 1948, he married Mary P. Newman, who died August 6, 2002.

Surviving are a son, William M. (Mary R.) Byers of Washington; five brothers, Johnny Byers and Art Byers, both of Washington, Russell Byers and Bernard Byers, both of Cleveland, Ohio, and Ed Byers of St. Louis, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Benjamin and Bryan Byers.

Deceased are a son, Harold O. “Maynard” Byers Jr., and numerous brothers and sisters.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of service, Friday, November 23, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com

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Anne Mihalik Malik

Member of Ave Maria Parish

Anne Mihalik Malik, 92, of Bentleyville, died Monday evening, November 19, 2012, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.

She was born April 1, 1920, in Brownsville, a daughter of the late Valent and Anna Kubatko Mihalik.

Mrs. Malik was a member of Ave Maria Parish. She was also a member of Bentleyville Lioness Club, where she was an honorable member for 25 years and served as chaplain, Pioneer Club, Somerset Club, Democratic Women’s Club and American Legion Post 165 Auxiliary in Bentleyville.

A homemaker, she was the center of her family and opened her home to family, friends and neighbors. She passed on her love of cooking, baking and generosity to her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

On October 22, 1943, in the former St. Clement Church in Ellsworth, she married Rudolph M. “Rudy” Malik, who died March 8, 2001.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Bill Jobes of Bentleyville and Nancy and Dean Bogner of Cincinnati, Ohio; five grandchildren, Bill Jobes, Amy Foley (Eric), Jennifer Nugent (Joe), Dean Bogner and Jacquelyn Miller (Jason); nine great-grandchildren, Hannah Clark, Evan Foley, Natalie and Kaitlyn Jobes, Dylan and Ella Nugent and Sienna, Claire and Carson Miller; two brothers, George Mihalik of Warren, Ohio, and Albert Mihalik of Youngstown, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Blanche Malik of West Virginia; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Deceased are her siblings, Jenny Mihalik, Valent Mihalik, John Mihalik, Paul Mihalik, Robert Mihalik, Julia Russell and Mary Gaydosh.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255, where a prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 24, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Ave Maria Church, Bentleyville, with the Rev. Edward L. Yuhas as celebrant. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ave Maria Parish, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville, PA. Visit www.thompson-marodi.com to leave a condolence message, share pictures and order flowers.

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Vernon Edwin Olson

1941 – 2012

Vernon Edwin Olson, 71, of Bawlf, Alberta, Canada, formerly of Hillsville, Va., passed away Friday, November 16, 2012.

He was born September 9, 1941, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose, Alberta.

Mr. Olson grew up in the Camrose area with his mother, father, four sisters and a brother. Once he left home, he lived in Edmonton, Vermillion and Calgary.

In his early forties, he became a long-haul trucker, and over the next 28 years, he lived in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia.

At the age of 70, he moved home to Canada to reunite with his siblings and spend time getting to know his family.

Surviving are two sons, Daniel (Carrie) Olson of Finleyville and Ken Olson of Zama City, Alberta; three grandchildren, Carlene, Alena and Austin Olson; four sisters, Velma (Tom) Wedgwood of Bawlf, Victoria (Dennis) Stenlund of Bawlf, June Johnson of Stettler, Alberta, and Grace Sawers of Viking, Alberta; and a brother, Roger Olson of Bawlf.

Deceased are his parents, Margaret and Oscar Olson; a sister, Shirley Olson, who died as an infant; a son, Rodrick Olson, who died at 14 months; a sister-in-law, Donna Olson; and two bothers-in-law, Mickey Johnson and Howard Sawers.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, in Burgar Memorial Chapel, Camrose, Alberta, with the Rev. Bill Harder officiating. Interment will take place in Camrose Cemetery. To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke foundation of Alberta or to a charity of one’s choice. Burgar Funeral Home, 4817 51 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 0V4 and Daysland in care of arrangements, 780-672-2121.

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Thelma Loretta Lemasters Richmond

Business owner, 50-year church member

Thelma Loretta Lemasters Richmond, 81, of Moundsville, W.Va., passed away Monday, November 19, 2012, in UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, Pittsburgh, following a short illness.

She was born January 13, 1931, in Reader, W.Va., a daughter of the late Lawrence Lester Lemasters and Ada Belle Bassett Lemasters Richmond.

On September 16, 1950, she married John F. Richmond, who died December 3, 1973.

Mrs. Richmond was a business owner, having owned and operated the Moundsville Yellow and White Cab Co. until her retirement.

She was a 50-year member of Temple Baptist Church in Moundsville. She held a very strong Christian faith.

Mrs. Richmond was an avid sports fan, especially of West Virginia University and the Cleveland Indians. She was a special lady and a dear friend to many. Following heart surgery in 1999, she made exercise a part of her life, spending 13 years with Reynolds Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Group. She was matriarch of the “Pew Packers Club” and loved Sunday dinner after church followed by a movie.

Surviving are her beloved daughter, Sandra Lynn Cypher and husband Steven of Canonsburg, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. to noon, the time of service, Friday, November 23, in Altmeyer Funeral Home, Lutes and Kirby-Vance Chapel, 118 Grant Avenue, Moundsville, with the Rev. Mark Plaugher officiating. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Moundsville.

The family has established a fund to help others continue their heart rehabilitation after insurance programs expire. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thelma’s Rehab Fund, in care of United Bank, 621 7th Street, Moundsville, WV 26041. To leave a condolence, please visit www.altmeyer.com.

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Annabelle Samida

Member of Fairhill Manor Church

Annabelle Samida, 94, of Bellaire, Ohio, formerly of Washington, died Monday, November 19, 2012, in Bellaire Nursing Home. She had been in declining health.

She was born October 14, 1918, in Washington, a daughter of the late William and Christina Soles Bainbridge.

Mrs. Samida was a graduate of Trinity High School and a member of Fairhill Manor Christian Church in Washington.

She was a member of Alpine Bowling Ladies League and Traveling League, Route 19 Bowling and Mixed Couples at Jefferson Lanes.

At one time, she worked at the RCA plant in Arden.

On February 22, 1939, she married Joseph Francis Samida, who died October 29, 1998.

Surviving are a son, John J. Samida of Shadyside, Ohio; a daughter, Arleen Malarkey of Washington; two sisters, Eleanor McConnell of Shirley, Mass., and Alice Cokeley of Washington; two granddaughters, Cheryl Samida and Donna Schuler; and three great-grandchildren, Ashley Watson, Victoria Klejka and Kimberly Klejka.

Deceased are two brothers, Clyde Bainbridge and Bill Bainbridge Jr., and a sister, Mary Jane Davidson.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and noon to 1:30 p.m., the hour of service, Friday, November 23, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Services will end at the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

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Edward D. Susa

Retired music teacher, avid hunter

Edward D. Susa, 67, of Oakdale, died Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

He was born October 18, 1945, in Pittsburgh, a son of Michael and Eva Alisesky Susa.

On June 21, 1969, he married Diana Vingiquerra, who survives.

Mr. Susa was a retired music teacher for Burgettstown School District.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Toni Lynn Susa-Woodring; two brothers, Robert (Mildred) Susa and Donald (Nancy) Susa; his mother-in-law, Thelma (the late Anthony) Vingiquerra; two nieces; and other family members.

Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday in Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, 412-221-3333, where a blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 24, with the Rev. Robert Meyer officiating. Interment will follow in Melrose Cemetery, Bridgeville. Memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203. View and add condolences at www.warcholfuneralhome.com.

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Frances Helen Vitmeyer

Served in U.S. Marines during World War II

Frances Helen Vitmeyer, 102, of Oceanside, Calif., died Friday, November 16, 2012, in Olivenhain Guest Home, Encinitas, Calif.

She was born October 4, 1910, in Carnegie, a daughter of the late Vincent and Karoline Penar Sincek. She was a daughter of a coal miner, she was the oldest and she often helped to raise her siblings.

Mrs. Vitmeyer was a graduate of Allegheny High School. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was stationed in Hawaii.

In 1948, she married Samuel P. Glenn, who died in 1952. Following the death of her sister, she moved to California to help her brother raise two boys, and then, in 1967, she married Samuel A. Vitmeyer, who died in 1981.

Surviving are four nephews, Vincent J. Sincek of San Diego, Calif., Walter Sincek of Alpharetta, Ga., John Sincek of Canonsburg and Walter “Babe” Michalak of Crafton; a niece, Kerry Jo Krajewski of Boyers; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased are five brothers, John, William, Walter, Edward and Theodore Sincek, and two sisters, Mary Mlinac and Josephine Sincek.

Family and friends will gather graveside for a blessing service at 11 a.m. Friday, November 23, in Robinson Run Cemetery, McDonald, with the Rev. Gary Oehmler, pastor of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330. Condolences, photos and additional information are available at www.nationfuneralhome.com.

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Michael Wyland Jr.

Bentworth High School graduate

Michael Wyland Jr., 39, of Claysville, died unexpectedly Sunday, November 18, 2012, in his home.

He was born July 14, 1973, in Washington, a son of Susan A. Barney Wyland of Ontario, Eighty Four, and the late Michael A. Wyland Sr., who died October 21, 2012.

Mr. Wyland was a graduate of Bentworth High School.

He worked as a carpet and tile installer and enjoyed playing the guitar.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his girlfriend, Amy Parson of Claysville; a sister, Roxann Wyland of Ontario; maternal grandmother June L. Barney of Ontario; two nieces, Summer Kelley and Autumn Orgovan; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Deceased are his maternal grandfather, Alvie Merle Barney Sr., and an uncle, Alvie “Butch” Barney.

There will be no visitation or services. Arrangements are in care of Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255. Condolences can be sent at www.thompson-marodi.com.

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Early deadline

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the deadline for submitting an obituary for publication Nov. 22 is 2 p.m. today.

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Correction

Corrected information was received for the obituary of Thomas Trovato, published Monday.

To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.