Aug 19, 2013

Lifelong member of Clarksville Christian Church

Marie E. Baker, 96, of Washington, formerly of Clarksville, died Sunday, August 18, 2013, in Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington.

She was born July 6, 1917, in Republic, a daughter of the late George and Ada Haftman Kalinowsky.

Mrs. Baker was a 1935 graduate of Redstone High School.

For 27 years, she was employed as a cashier at Davis Giant Markets in Dry Tavern. She also served as a union officer representing her fellow employees.

She was a lifelong member of Clarksville Christian Church, serving on the church board and as deaconess emeritus. She was a member of the church choir, Christian Women’s Fellowship and a past secretary/treasurer for the Woman’s Fellowship of the church.

Mrs. Baker was a member of Beth-Center Senior Citizens.

She and was an avid quilter and embroiderer. She enjoyed giving them as gifts to her family and friends. She enjoyed reading and sewing.

With the passing of her parents at an early age, she became the anchor for her family.

On January 16, 1935, she married Rainey Baker, who died June 22, 1987.

Surviving are a daughter, Rita M. Hritz of Washington; two grandsons, Martin J. Hritz (Carla) of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Michael D. Hritz (Tracy) of Washington; four great-grandchildren, Alena, Madison, Sarah and Nathan; a brother, George E. Kalinowsky of Poland, Ohio; a sister, Betty Roth of Bermuda Run, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a great-granddaughter Kelsey, who died in infancy, and a brother, Henry Kalinowsky.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, with Pastor Betty Riecks officiating. Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarksville Christian Church, P.O. Box 705, Clarksville, PA 15322. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

National Guardsman enjoyed fishing

Alan Joseph “AJ” Berry, 30, of Waynesburg, died Friday, August 16, 2013, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born December 31, 1982, in Waynesburg, a son of Michael Sr. and Susan Martin Berry of Clarksville.

Mr. Berry was a graduate of Waynesburg High School. After high school, he served in the Pennsylvania National Guard, B Company of the 1/110th Infantry in Waynesburg, for 13 years. He served two tours overseas in Kosovo and Iraq during his enlistment.

He was employed by GMS, a coal mining contracting company, where he worked mainly at the Crabapple portal.

Mr. Berry enjoyed spending time on the farm of Fred Juskowich and son Eli Juskowich of Waynesburg, whom he looked upon as family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors with his daughter and his fiancee, Bobbie Jo Haring of Jefferson.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Adriana M. Berry of Crucible; a sister, Katrina Sellers of Clarksville; two brothers, Michael Berry Jr. and Jerrod Berry, both of Clarksville; paternal grandfather Glenn Berry of Waynesburg; and paternal grandmother Helen Berry of Washington.

Deceased are maternal grandparents Blaine Martin and Florence Tate Martin Filby.

Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Behm Funeral Home Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, with the Rev. Richard Ritenour officiating. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Jefferson Road, Morgan Township. Military rites will be accorded by Pennsylvania National Guard, B Company, 1/110th Infantry, Waynesburg.

Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.

Wife, mother, grandmother

Colleen Ruth Fisher Boyd, 68, of Canonsburg, passed away at 4:05 p.m. Sunday, August 18, 2013, of pancreatic cancer, with her loving family by her side.

She was born April 14, 1945, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late James and Ruth McClane Fisher.

On February 17, 2013, she celebrated 41 years of marriage to Robert C. “Bubblegum” Boyd.

She also leaves behind her stepson, since he was eight years old, Michael R. Boyd; daughters Tiffany L. Boyd and Beth Ann (Gino) Tatano; grandchildren Theodore “T.J.”, Thomas, Tova and Taliah Fratini and Marissa, Mya and Conner Tatano; and stepgrandson, Brandon Boyd; a brother, James (Lynn) Fisher; and nieces and nephews Pam Czarnecki, Danny Fisher, Wendy Bard, Addy Waters, Terry Buydasz and Melody Berger.

Mrs. Boyd retired from Port Authority of Pittsburgh, when she married to raise her family.

She took great joy in her grandchildren and made many friends over the years around First Street School, while transporting them there. She enjoyed sitting on her patio and working in her flower garden listening to the “oldies.”

Left behind is her beloved golden retriever, Cricket.

During her recent stay at Washington Hospital, she received excellent care from doctors and staff particularly on the 4th and 6th floors. She declined treatment inorder to pass on her own terms and that is what she did. She will be missed.

Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 22, with the Rev. Linda Mankey officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Chartiers Township.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Diabetes Association. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Member of First Lutheran Church

Jessie Kate Crawford, 26, of Washington, died unexpectedly Friday, August 16, 2013.

She was born March 27, 1987, in Washington, a daughter of Terry and Sandra Crawford Martin of Washington.

A graduate of Trinity High School, she worked as a food server at various local restaurants.

Miss Crawford was a member of First Lutheran Church, where she played in the bell choir.

When she was healthy, she enjoyed camping, fishing and hiking. She loved music and riding motorcycles with her father.

She was a Girl Scout and played softball and the violin.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are a son, Justin Michael Crawford; a daughter, Jordan Grace Crawford; two sisters, Jayme Rae (Brian) Tuite of Washington and Christine Ann (Lee) Cunningham of Omaha, Neb.; maternal grandmother Martha Crawford of Washington; paternal grandmother Ruth Gaertner of Brookline; two nieces, Ashleigh Rae and Emily Ryan Tuite; two nephews, Dylan and Andy Crawford; an uncle, Ray (Carol) Crawford of Claysville; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Deceased are maternal grandfather Glover Dorn Crawford; uncle James Bright; and paternal grandfather William Martin.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, with the Rev. Kenneth Schott officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Because of a modified printing schedule, the deadline for submitting an obituary for next-day publication is 7 p.m. The deadline will remain in effect until further notice.

Additional information for the obituary of Joseph R. Duvall, published Monday, was received. Also surviving are two nephews, William L. Kendall and Kenneth Z. Kendall.

Levi Alexander Farrar died Friday, August 16, 2013, in Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was a son of Jennifer Dailey and Terry Farrar of Nemacolin.

Service: 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, in Lesako Funeral Home, Carmichaels.

Lifelong member of St. Patrick Church

Samuel Gilbert Lipari, 60, of Eighty Four, formerly of Canonsburg, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2013, in his sleep.

He was born October 1, 1952, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Samuel and Angeline DeStefano Lipari.

A native of Canonsburg, he was a graduate of Canon-McMillan High School in 1972 and had worked for 35 years at Mayview State Hospital.

Mr. Lipari was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church, where he was head usher for noon Mass. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus.

He loved trains and was an avid collector of them. He also loved his beloved dog, Angel.

Surviving are a sister, Angela Clark and husband Robert of Eighty Four; a brother, Phillip Lipari of Canonsburg; four nieces, Brenda Clark Gibson, Sherry Clark, Kelli Clark Strawn and Becky Clark Tutay; two nephews, Victor and P.J. Lipari; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased are a brother, Victor Lipari, and a niece, Debra Clark McShane.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, where departing prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, August 23, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg. Private entombment in St. Patrick Cemetery mausoleum, Canonsburg.

Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.

Eighty Four homemaker focused on family

Margaret J. “Peggy” Mohney, 75, of Eighty Four, died Sunday, August 18, 2013, in her home.

She was born July 20, 1938, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Wesley and Eleanor Anderson Schmeltz.

Mrs. Mohney was a homemaker and also was employed as a driver for Matthews Bus Co. in Eighty Four.

She was a member of Meadow Lands United Methodist Church in Chartiers Township.

Mrs. Mohney enjoyed making prayer shawls for the residents of Donnell House in Washington.

Her family was the center of her life, and she loved them dearly.

Surviving are her husband, Gerald “Gerry” Mohney; son Gerald “Gerry” Mohney Jr. and wife Cathy of Washington; two daughters, Christi Barney and husband Ernest and Karen Perchinsky, both of Eighty Four; brother Wesley Schmeltz of Finleyville; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 21. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Edwin L. Smith, 71, of McDonald, died Saturday, August 17, 2013, in Florida.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Nation Funeral Home Inc., McDonald, where services will be held Saturday.

The family suggests memorials be made to American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Patriotic veteran, loyal friend, talented craftsman

William “Billy” Smith, 52, of Washington, died suddenly Friday evening, August 16, 2013, after suffering a heart attack.

He was born May 7, 1961, in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, a son of Ted and Norma Smith, and one of five brothers.

Mr. Smith served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Japan and in various stateside locations before being honorably discharged. The brotherhood he shared with other Marines was an area of utmost pride to him, and he was often known to call out loudly to anyone with a USMC bumper sticker, “Semper Fi!” A zealously patriotic man, he was vocal in his support of his country. He spent many Sunday mornings escorting wheelchair-bound veterans to and from church at Heinz Veterans Center in Aspinwall. He loved hearing the wartime stories of the elderly veterans, and he provided an enthusiastic ear and a helpful and consistent presence as a volunteer.

Until recently, he worked as an over-the-road truck driver, a job he coveted since childhood when he accompanied his own father on his truck route. But his avocation and true talent lie in his ability as a craftsman. A self-taught carpenter, roofer, electrician and plumber, he loved working with his hands. He could conceptualize a project and bring it to fruition with speed and precision. He loved to do work that yielded a tangible result in which he could feel satisfied with his labor, as well as the autonomy of working independently. A gifted artist, he painted portraits and still-lifes for a hobby, but also brought his eye for artistry to many construction projects to which he contributed. Another of his many attributes was his patient and gentle mentoring of younger, less experienced men just entering building trades.

A 30-year member of the recovery community, he struggled with his sobriety but valiantly persevered in his commitment to “keep coming back” and trying again. In spite of his difficulties in life, he maintained a generous spirit which often led him to give away his last dollar to someone whom he deemed to need it more than he. He would think nothing of dropping everything he had planned, and foregoing his income, to assist someone with moving furniture or performing a household repair. He was a loyal and empathetic friend to all who had the good fortune of knowing him and was deeply protective of the underdog.

Mr. Smith’s most entertaining attribute was his phenomenal sense of humor, which allowed him to find unique perspectives in the most mundane of situations. He kept those in his orbit constantly laughing, often with self-deprecating stories of his escapades. And there were many escapades, indeed, as he was frequently outspoken, never one to back down from a fight, and indignant with police officers asking him how many beers he had consumed. He loved God, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, all animals, home-grown tomatoes, the Steelers, “Sanford and Son” reruns, casinos, Italian women and food, the first three of the 12 steps, and (sadly) cigarettes.

Surviving are two daughters; two grandchildren; three brothers; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends who will miss him eternally.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in John Murray Funeral Home, 5175 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 21. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.

Army veteran was enthusiastic entrepreneur

Joseph Wesley “Wes” Warne, 44, of Washington, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 17, 2013, in his home in Pittsburgh.

He was born November 9, 1968, in Washington, a son of David Kemp Warne of Washington and the late Martha Jane Hall Warne.

A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, he began his volunteer service March 8, 1988. He was a trained parachutist and rigger. He served in the United States as well as Korea with most of his service as a member of the 1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne). His decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (three awards) and National Defense Service Medal. He also earned the South Korean Parachutist Badge. He received his honorable discharge from the military June 14, 1991.

Mr. Warne was a 1987 graduate of McGuffey High School. He attended Washington & Jefferson College, where he studied business administration through a special entrepreneurship program.

Above all, he was a strong entrepreneur with true visionary talents. He always enjoyed the creative outlet his work as a highly skilled CNC router operator afforded him. His vocation in the signage industry resulted in the creation of signs and displays for such companies as Heinz, Borden, Giant Eagle and Kennywood Park. His last entrepreneurial venture was the formation of the company Creative Carved LLC. This company was to be a springboard for a new art form he created called “Rilievos.”

He was a loving son and brother, a generous friend and favorite uncle, whose infectious smile and hearty laugh will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are two brothers, David K. Warne Jr. (Kim) of Boca Raton, Fla., and Paul D. Warne (Rachel Scott) of Montreal, Canada; a sister, Mary-Rachael Weaver (Mark) of Evansville, Ind.; five nieces, Rachael, Elise, and Karla Weaver and Audrey and Eva Warne; a nephew, Elliot Warne; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the time of service, Friday, August 23, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington County Community Foundation, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301, or www.wccf.net.

1924 – 2013

Twila O. Whipkey, 89, of Cameron, W.Va., formerly of Beallsville, died at 11:50 p.m. Sunday, August 18, 2013, in her home.

She was born March 28, 1924, in Cameron, a daughter of the late Guy and Margaret Marie Hewitt Yoho.

She resided in Beallsville for 38 years, prior to returning to Cameron in 1998.

Mrs. Whipkey was a 1942 graduate of Cameron High School.

She was last employed by the former W.T. Grant store in Portsmouth, Va., and was a former volunteer of the USO.

On January 24, 1942, she married Stoy Kerr Whipkey, who died September 23, 2007.

She was the last of her immediate family.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a son, Ronald S. Whipkey, and two brothers, Guy Yoho Jr. and George Yoho.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, with the Rev. Jack Gray and the Rev. William Parker co-officiating. Interment will follow in Centennial Cemetery, Aleppo Township.

Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences and flowers at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.