Oct 29, 2012

Melvin Harold Arthur Jr., 54, of Scenery Hill, died Saturday, October 27, 2012, in his home. Arrangements are incomplete and being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

Etta Jean Carroll Beyor, 88, of Bentleyville, formerly of Beallsville and Highgate Center, Vt., died Sunday, October 28, 2012, in her home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, Beallsville. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.

Veronica “Tillie” Durco Dragich, 80, Crucible, died Friday, October 26, 2012, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born in Hannastown, a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Barish Durco. Mrs. Dragich was married to the late George Dragich Sr. She was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Crucible. She was a member of Altar-Rosary Society and Croatian Fraternal Union 354 in Cokeburg. Mrs. Dragich loved to bake, sew and crochet for her family. She was a former employee of Greeneway Sewing Co. in Waynesburg. Surviving are a son, George Dragich Jr. (Annamarie) of Kersey; two daughters, Lisa Robinson (Lincoln) of Carmichaels and Lynn Dulik, with whom she lived; five grandchildren, Monica and Angela Dragich, Marcus Robinson (Samantha), Trevor Robinson and Brianna Dulik; and an aunt, Ann Wojtowicz. Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a son, Michael Dragich, and two brothers, Stephen J. and John Durco. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, 724-966-5100, Paul M. Lesako, owner/director/supervisor, where a prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Crucible. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. www.lesakofuneralhomeinc.com

Myra “Dee” Smith Kulesa, 68, of South Fayette Township, died Friday, October 26, 2012. She was born May 13, 1944, in South Fayette Township, a daughter of the late Adolf and Ruth Heirendt Smith. Mrs. Kulesa was a retired employee of Kane Hospital in Scott Township, where she volunteered after retirement. She was an active and faithful member of South Hills Assembly of God. Mrs. Kulesa loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and enjoyed traveling and serving others. She was the beloved mother of Terri (Dan) Slattery, Crystal McClenathen and Paula (Greg) Colussy; grandmother of Jacob and Hannah Slattery, Caden and Abbigail McClenathen and Rylan and Logan Colussy; and sister of John, Sonny and Ronald Smith, Shirley Weber, Del Poness, Debbie Keehn and the late Tim Smith and Janet Anusewicz. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, 412-221-3333, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31. Interment will follow in Melrose Cemetery, Bridgeville. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgeville Area Food Bank, c/o Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017. View and add condolences at www.warcholfuneralhome.com.

Cassandra Lee Hackney Mikush, 27, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Washington, died Saturday, October 27, 2012, in her home. She was born May 4, 1985, in Washington, a daughter of Brian and Lori Teegarden Hackney of Washington. Mrs. Mikush was a 2003 graduate of McGuffey High School and a 2012 graduate of Penn Commercial. She worked for Bank of America in collections, prior to attending Penn Commercial. Mrs. Mikush loved her dog and spending time with her family. On September 13, 2012, in Washington, she married Victor Mikush, who survives. Surviving, in addition to her parents are, a sister, Breann Hackney of Washington; her maternal grandparents, Howard (Leslee Stock) Teegarden and Norma (Joseph) Bogie of Washington; aunts and uncles Bill Hackney, Beverly Hackney, Brenda and Donnie Bennett, Brad Hackney, Jodi and Mark Phillips, Hiedi and Tim Dempster and Ami Gatts; three stepdaughters, Nadia, Natalya and Melody; and many cousins. Deceased are her paternal grandparents, Raymond and Evelyn Wood Hackney, and an aunt, Bonnie Hackney. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, with Pastor Harry Ankrom officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Garden, McMurray. Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, director.

Woodrow W. “Woody” Mitchell, 85, of New Freeport, died at 8:34 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012, in Golden Living Center, Waynesburg, after being in failing health for the past several years. He was born September 26, 1927, in Jackson Township, Greene County, a son of the late Milton S. and Pearl “Granny” Morris Mitchell. He had resided in the Jackson Township area most of his life. Mr. Mitchell attended Bethany United Methodist Church, as long as his health permitted. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II as a private first class with the 504th Engineer HV Shop Company, where he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army Occupational Medal Japan. He also served with the 63rd Infantry Regiment in Korea. Mr. Mitchell was a former employee of Jackson Township and was last employed by the state Department of Transportation as a laborer for 25 years, prior to retiring in 1990. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. On March 10, 1956, he married Mary Lou Moore, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Rickey, husband of Denise Mitchell of Carmichaels; a daughter, Cora Jean, wife of Gary L. Swartz of New Freeport; four grandchildren, Rickey L. Mitchell Jr., Justin J. Mitchell and Joshua Lee and Ryan L. Swartz; a stepgrandchild, Ashley Jones; two great-grandchildren, Skyler and McKenna Swartz; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Alex Jones and Elizabeth Fonner; a brother, John R. (Bob) husband of Sally Mitchell of New Freeport; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, William E. and George W. Mitchell, and a sister, Anna Mae Tedrow. At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation or service. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 100 West Station Square Drive, Landmarks Building Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.

Jack A. Okorn, 78, of Weirton, W.Va., formerly of Washington, died Sunday, October 28, 2012, in Carriage Inn, Steubenville, Ohio. He was born January 26, 1934, in Roscoe, a son of the late Lawrence and Beatrice Kenny Okorn. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Federal Paper Board, Washington. Mr. Okorn enjoyed hunting and fishing. Surviving are three children, Deborah (James Antonich) Zupkow of Burgettstown, Jack (Mary) Okorn of Atlasburg and Barbara (Pete) Error of Weirton and their mother, Evelyn Barnhart; five grandchildren, Brandon, Brent and Brody Evans, Zachary Okorn and Dejanira Okorn; two stepgrandchildren, Jordan and Rachel Charlier; two great-grandchildren, Neelah and Damian Evans; a sister, Irma Kiger of Washington; and his longtime companion, Linda Crowe. Deceased are a brother, Lawrence Okorn, and three sisters, Edith Kramer, Kathryn Troop and Marcella Gibson. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m., the time of service, Wednesday, October 31, in Taucher Funeral Home, 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory. For further information and condolences, please visit www.taucherfuneralhome.com.

George W. Plutch, 70, of Marianna, died Sunday, October 28, 2012, in Washington Hospital. He was born April 15, 1942, in Marianna, a son of the late Peter F. and Helen Bercosky Plutch. Mr. Plutch served as township supervisor for West Bethlehem Township. He was a member of Marianna Christian Church. Mr. Plutch loved to hunt, watch football and racing. In the 70s, he drove racecars at Motordrome Speedway. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He shared more than 50 years of marriage with Ellen Moore Plutch, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Wanda L. (Keith) Bell, Anita M. (Mark) Knight and Colleen F. (Floyd) Donahoo; a sister, Patricia H. Silver; a brother, Raymond P. “Butch” Plutch; seven grandchildren, Deanna R. Evans, John D. Secilia Jr., Edward T. Sawicky III, Kristina M. Secilia, Jessica L. Secilia, Joel A. Donahoo and Janelle M. Donahoo; five stepgrandchildren, Bryan K. Bell, Brandon K. Bell, Kayla S. Bell, Matthew D. Knight and Marissa C. Knight; three great-grandchildren; Paige, Bella and Lily; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Floyd M. Plutch Sr. and Robert L. Plutch Sr., and a nephew, Floyd M. Plutch Jr. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1728 Main Street, Marianna, PA 15345, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, with the Rev. Tim Lindsay and the Rev. Brian Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Brethren Church Cemetery, Marianna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Highland Brethren Church, 450 Highland Ridge Road, Marianna, PA 15345. Condolences may be made at www.nicholfuneralhome.com.

Anne M. Sobolewski, 94, of Strabane, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012. She was born October 28, 1918, in Coral, a daughter of the late John Joseph and Julia G. Stelmach Pecharka. Mrs. Sobolewski was a homemaker and a member of St. Patrick Church. On November 15, 1936, she married John L. Sobolewski, who passed away March 15, 1950. Surviving are four daughters, Joanne (David) Bier of Washington, Patricia Sobolewski, with whom she made her home, and Judith A. (Dennis) Danko and Mary Margaret (Alfred) Falleroni, both of Washington; a brother, George Pecharka of Canonsburg; seven grandchildren, Christine Proto, Joseph Danko, Catherine Danko, John Falleroni, Julianne Wolfe, Sara Falleroni and Daniel Falleroni; four great-grandchildren, Elias Wolfe, Henry Wolfe, Linnea Wolfe and Anna Proto; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are two sisters, Rose Potocnak and Margaret Pecharka, who died in infancy, and three brothers, John, Paul and Edward Pecharka. Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where a blessing service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Canonsburg. To view or add condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Ellen D. Dornberger Turney, 87, of Hartford City, Ind., formerly of Washington, died peacefully Wednesday, October 17, 2012, after a lengthy illness. She was born February 19, 1925, in Washington, a daughter of the late Joseph J. Sr. and Clara Doty Dornberger. Mrs. Turney attended Immaculate Conception High School in Washington. She was employed at The George Washington hotel, in Washington, for many years as the lead front-desk clerk and S.A. Meyers as an office manager. Mrs. Turney moved to Hartford City in 1962 to work for 3M Co., where she retired in 1990. She was a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, where she was involved in its Altar-Rosary Society and its New To You second-hand shop. She was a charter member of Blackford Community Hospital Volunteer Association (Ladies in Pink) and a life member of American Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Turney was a wonderful cook, loved trying out new recipes and had a cookbook collection any library would be proud of. She loved going places in her car and would often have friends ride along to help her navigate when she got lost. She always found time for others and would go out of her way to cheer someone up. Her laugh was infectious, and her smile and beautiful blue eyes made her stand out from all others. She was truly a joy to be around and will be deeply missed. Surviving are a daughter, Rebecca Turney Sherer (Jim) of Newburgh, Ind.; a brother, Joseph J. Dornberger Jr. of Sarasota, Fla.; a grandson, whom she fondly called “peaches and cream,” James Jr. of Newburgh; a nephew, whom she dearly loved and who held a very special place in her heart, Leonard J. Dornberger Jr. (Maria) of Dover, Del.; two nieces, goddaughter Andrea Dornberger Williams and Michele Dornberger, both of Lover, Del.; sister-in-law Felicia Dornberger of Dunkirk, Ind.; and a godson, A.J. Dornberger (Phyllis) of Muncie, Ind. Deceased, in addition to her parents, are a son, Timothy E. Turney, and a brother, Leonard J. Dornberger Sr. At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation and burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

Charles W. VanDruff, 88, of Waynesburg, died Sunday, October 28, 2012, in Golden Living Center, Canonsburg. Arrangements are incomplete and being handled by Behm Funeral Homes Inc., Waynesburg.