Aug 29, 2013

Navy veteran loved farming

James D. Angel, 88, of Claysville, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013.

He was the husband of the late Jeane Cleaveland Angel and Marjorie Gorham Angel; father of Danny H. (Tammie) Angel of Jackson, S.C., George G. (Pam) Angel of Longmont, Colo., Sue (Roy) Strong of Henderson, Texas, and Jeane R. (R. Keith Weaver) Angel of Claysville; and stepfather of Sherlyn Taylor.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gayla Haynes.

Deceased are a great-grandson, Grayson P. Boughman; two brothers; and three sisters.

Mr. Angel was an U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

He retired from Alamo Express at the age of 68 and moved in July 2012 to Claysville, where he loved farming and riding four-wheelers.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to the home of Jeane Angel and Keith Weaver from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 31. For information, please call the funeral home. Arrangements by Griffith Funeral Home Inc., 412-655-4400/4600. www.GriffithFH.com.

Loved his grandchildren

Walter R. Bird Sr., 79, of Washington, went to be with his Lord and the love of his life, Dora C. Bird, Wednesday, August 28, 2013.

He was born January 29, 1934, in Amwell Township, a son of the late John D. and Laura Bedillion Bird.

Mr. Bird attended Trinity High School. He worked as a truck driver for R.G. Johnson Co., Songer Corp., RTL Trucking and Ross Mould.

He was a longtime member of Laboratory Presbyterian Church. He was a member of United Mine Workers of America.

Mr. Bird enjoyed flowers and mowing grass. He loved his grandchildren.

On July 14, 1951, he eloped to Winchester, Va., to marry Dora C. Bird, who passed in February 2000.

Surviving are two sons, Walter R. Bird Jr. (Debbie) and Donald L. Bird (Lynn); a daughter, Trisha D. Ramsey (George); a sister, Patty Lou Robertson (Bob); a brother, Jobe Bird (Shirley); six grandchildren, Jennifer, Megan, Ashlee and Julie Bird, Katie Lawson and Chelsea Steve; three great-grandchildren, Cadyn Porter and Lexi and Macie Ringer; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, are a granddaughter, Jessica Bird Ringer; a sister, Mary Bird; a brother, Ronald Bird, and a brother who died in infancy.

Family and friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, where a memorial service will be held at a later date. A guest book may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.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.

Loved spending time with family

Darwin D. DeVitis Sr., 71, of Eighty Four, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in his home.

He was born December 19, 1941, in West Virginia, a son of the late Salvador and Helen Novich DeVitis.

Mr. DeVitis attended Cecil High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and went on to a life full of challenges and achievements over the years.

He was a very hard and dedicated worker that worked most of his life as a lead mechanic for Forbes Steel in Canonsburg and Atlas Services Corp. of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Mr. DeVitis served as a local president of the United Steel Workers of America, District 15, for several years. After retiring, he came across a job that touched his heart and showed him a look on life that so many never get to see, driving a school bus for children with life challenges for The Watson Institute through the Matthews Bus Co. of McMurray.

He enjoyed talking to friends over Ham radio, flying his airplane, driving a school bus and going to flea markets and swap meets. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and Pugs, whenever he could.

Mr. DeVitis was a member of St. Patrick Parish in Canonsburg.

Surviving are two sons, Darwin D. DeVitis Jr. and wife Sandi of West Hills, Calif., and Charles DeVitis and wife Michelle of Charleroi; two daughters, Jamie DeVitis of Murrysville and Marcie Fircak and companion Eric Cichaski of South Park; a brother, Charles DeVitis and wife Val of California; five grandchildren, Darwin M. DeVitis, Zeke DeVitis, Rayne DeVitis, Michael Fircak and Marissa Fircak; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, is his wife, Donna E. DeVitis.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, where departing prayers will be said at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg.

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

Avid Steelers fan enjoyed time with family

Joan K. Donella, 70, of Washington, passed away peacefully Monday, August 26, 2013, surrounded by her family.

Born April 15, 1943, in Canonsburg, she was a daughter of the late Milford and Edna Hay McElravy.

She was the beloved mother of Gayle Dewolf of Claysville, Teresa (husband Lorne) Emery of Washington and Charles (fiancée Debbie) Donella Jr. of Hermitage; cherished grandmother of Kristie Ledbetter, Matthew Stilwell, Ian Dewolf, Zacari Teagarden and Ryan and Rachel Donella; great-gradmother of six; and sister of Patricia Young, Marilyn Dixon, Carol Gomski-Whitacre, Cheryl Glass and the late Russ McElravy Jr. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Ms. Donella was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She loved playing bingo and enjoyed reading. She also looked forward to weekly lunches and outings with her sisters. Above all, she was very proud of her children and enjoyed spending her time with her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday in Washington Church of Christ. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.

Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Church of Christ, 700 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, and/or Donnell House, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301.

Private inurnment will be held at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.

Please view and sign the family’s guest book at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.

Deacon, elder of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Fay Kendall Eakin Jr., 86, of High Point, N.C., died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in Shannon Gray Rehabilitation Center, Jamestown, N.C.

He was born August 31, 1926, in Washington, a son of the late Leota Rettinger and Fay Kendall Eakin Sr.

Mr. Eakin served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania.

He was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Washington, where he was a deacon and an elder.

Mr. Eakin was an aviation enthusiast, and his hobbies included model airplanes, painting and wood carving.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret Z. Eakin; children Wesley Fay Eakin and wife Shelia of Hardinsburg, Ky., Jill Eakin DeYoung and husband Scott of Asheboro, N.C., and Bruce Kendall Eakin and wife Karen of Hanover; grandchildren Jordan, Rebecca, Sarah, Kalie, Brian and Elizabeth; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a sister, Dolores Eakin Clark of Washington.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 31, in New Hope Memorial Gardens, 3448 New Hope Church Road, Asheboro, with military honors provided by Randolph County Honor Guard.

The family request memorials be made to Fourth Presbyterian Church, 1000 Jefferson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro, is assisting the family. Remembrances and condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.

1956 – 2013

Cathy Glendenning, 57, of Hamilton, N.J., died Saturday, August 24, 2013, in her home, following a battle with breast cancer.

She was born August 1, 1956, in Washington, a daughter of Charles Fulton of Washington and the late Anna Marie Glendenning.

Ms. Glendenning earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

She worked as an independent consultant to the pharmaceutical industry.

Surviving, in addition to her father, is her spouse, Deborah Guydish of Hamilton.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 31, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Pastor Mary Ann Trifaro officiating. Inurnment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.

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

Devoted housewife enjoyed reading

Barbara A. Greenwood, 70, of Mt. Morris, formerly of Kirby, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013, in her home, with her loving family by her side.

She was born October 16, 1942, in Morristown, Tenn., a daughter of the late William Sawyer and Willie Mae Atkins Sawyer Rice.

Mrs. Greenwood was a devoted housewife. She enjoyed watching TV, reading, working crossword puzzles and especially looking after the needs of her family.

In 1961, she married her husband of 52 years, Frank R. Greenwood, who survives.

Also surviving are her stepfather, James Rice of Canton, Ohio; three children and their spouses, Frank R. and Jill Greenwood of Bobtown, Tricia and Michael Black of Kirby and Rachel and Tracy McCormick of Bobtown; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Peterson of Nashville, Tenn., and Aileen Casteel and husband Carol of Atwater, Ohio; and a brother, William Sawyer Jr. of Parma, Ohio.

Deceased are an infant son, Ryan Edward Greenwood; two infant grandchildren, Emily and Daniel McCormick; and a brother-in-law, Fred Peterson.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and until 1 p.m., the time of service, Sunday, September 1, in Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion, with the Rev. John Poling officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Geneva.

Life member of Canton VFD

Gaylord Willis Haines, 83, of Washington, formerly of Prosperity, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in his home.

He was born November 13, 1929, in Washington, a son of the late Willis Blaine and Ruby Dague Haines.

Mr. Haines was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church.

He attended Trinity High School and retired from Brockway Glass 7.

Mr. Haines was a life member of Canton Township Volunteer Fire Department, a member of Bethel Sportsman Club and a former Scout leader and youth football coach.

On June 10, 1950, in Washington, he married Dorothy Pallett, who died December 16, 2012.

Surviving are a son, G.W. (Helen) Haines of Prosperity; a daughter, Bonnie (Jay) Haines Anderson of Prosperity; four grandchildren, Billy (Amy) Haines, Shannon (Matt) Book and Kelli and Kristin Anderson; a half brother, Robert Haines of Washington; and two half sisters, Nancy Haines of Washington and Carmen Chadwick of Washington.

Deceased are a daughter, Rebecca Jane Haines, and two brothers, Stewart Haines and one who died in infancy.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, with the Rev. Joshua Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Amedisys Hospice, 2215 Hill Church Houston Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317, www.amedisys.com, or Bethel Presbyterian Church, 3905 Park Avenue, Prosperity, PA 15323. Condolences may be expressed at www.familyremembers.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, director

Clarence K. Hess Jr., 82, of Beallsville, died Thursday, August 29, 2013, in his home.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, Beallsville. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.

Member of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall

Alta E. “Louise” Hodgson, 88, of Monongahela, died Thursday, August 29, 2013, in her home.

She was born January 21, 1925, in Washington, a daughter of John M. and Jesse B. Phillips Thomas.

Mrs. Hodgson was a homemaker and a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Monessen.

Surviving are four sons and three daughters-in-law, Robert A. and Bonnie E. Hodgson of Harrisburg, Jack S. Hodgson of Carroll Township, James E. and Nancy Hodgson of Pleasant Hills and Samuel K. and Roxine Hodgson of West Mifflin; a daughter, Mary Jane Hodgson of Carroll Township; eight grandchildren, Kelley Giannetti and Dennis, Robert J., Rhonda, Debra, Michael, Ryan and Troy Hodgson; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are her husband, Clifford Hodgson, who died June 8, 2006, and four brothers, Chuck, Denver, Fred “Ace” and Jim Thomas.

Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, www.marshallmarrafuneralhome.com. Friends and family are asked to go directly to Monongahela Cemetery chapel, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, with Thomas Dahl officiating. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.

Member of St. Patrick Church

Margaret M. Kurnal, 80, of Canonsburg, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013, in Country Meadows, South Fayette Township, following an extended illness.

She was born January 31, 1933, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Vincent James and Catherine L. Cimino Graff.

Mrs. Kurnal lived her entire life in Canonsburg, where she was a homemaker and member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of the Christian Mothers and Guild.

She loved her grandchildren, cooking and baking for her family and enjoyed keeping her house clean and gardening.

On September 3, 1933, she married Joseph E. “Jake” Kurnal, who died July 11, 2004.

Surviving are two sons, Greg Kurnal (Linda Kavka) of McDonald and Vincent Kurnal of Sewickley; a daughter, Melissa (J. Gregory Jr.) Sulc of Canonsburg; five grandchildren, Jessica (Rob) Schulenberg, Joseph (Molly) Kurnal, Darla Kurnal and Emily and Liam Sulc; two great-grandchildren, Blake and Leo Schulenberg; a sister, Anna Marie (Jacques) Bertoni of Bethel Park; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her husband and parents, are two brothers, Joseph John and Vincent James Graff, and a sister, Joanne White.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31, in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg. Interment will be private.

Arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Member of Dutch Fork Church enjoyed reading

Patty Lee Maxwell, 69, of West Alexander, went to be with her Lord Tuesday, August 27, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 3, 1943, in McDonald, a daughter of the late Samuel Oliver Pattison and Velma Byers Pattison.

Ms. Maxwell was employed at Washington County Health Center for 23 years as a certified nursing assistant. She was previously employed at Amherst Hospital in Lorain, Ohio. After retiring, she worked part time at Donut Connection.

She was a member of Dutch Fork Christian Church and attended West Alexander Christian Church.

Ms. Maxwell was a 1961 graduate of Avella Junior-Senior High School, where she was head majorette in her senior year.

She enjoyed reading, ceramics and loved her grandchildren.

Surviving are a son, Jack (Jennifer) W. Niskey of San Diego, Calif.; a daughter, Andrea Lynn Niskey of West Alexander; two brothers, Robert (Cheryl) Pattison of Avella and Gerald (Dorothy) Pattison of West Alexander; three sisters, Lois (Eli) Dille of Prosperity, Christine Bradbury of Claysville and Dorothy Miller of Augusta, Ga.; three grandchildren, Jacob, Malcom and Sarah Niskey; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a son, Dale Glen Niskey; two brothers, Samuel Oliver Pattison Jr. and Glenn Pattison; and a sister, Ellen Bentrum.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31, in West Alexander Christian Church, 124 Main Street, West Alexander, with the Rev. Bruce Graff officiating. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Donnell House, c/o Washington Health Systems Hospice Care, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, or to the family in care of Wm. G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Member of Upper Ten Mile Church

John C. May, 74, of Washington, died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born October 26, 1938, in Greensboro, a son of the late George R. May and Gertrude R. Ewart May.

Mr. May served in the U.S. Army from February 29, 1956, until his honorable discharge September 8, 1959, with a rank of specialist 4th class. He then served in the Army Reserves until 1964.

He was a member of Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church. He was a strong believer in his Lord and was surrounded by many strong Christian friends of Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church, which helped see him through this trying time. His faith was so great with his Lord it gave him total peace with the closure of this life and to move to his eternal life.

Mr. May was a Teamsters retiree from Southern Pacific and an owner/operator in the trucking industry for many years.

He enjoyed his family and was a big fan of football, especially the Steelers. He also loved fishing and had a passion for cars.

On April 18, 2009, he married Dorothea Charlene “Char” Medlen, who died March 13, 2012.

Mr. May was a wonderful father. Surviving are three children, John May, Kerry (Greg) Dickinson and Pamela May; stepchildren Donnie Toward and Cheryl Drake; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; a stepgreat-grandchild; a brother, Bill May; and a sister, Estella Fisher.

Deceased are a brother, George May, and a great-grandchild, Addison Draszt.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 31, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Pastor Larry Deemer officiating.

Donations may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Elizabeth “Libby” Moninger, 90, of Washington, formerly of Waynesburg, died at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington, following a brief illness.

She was born Monday, April 30, 1923, in Woodruff, W.Va., a daughter of the late Samuel Masters and Lillian Cooper Masters.

Mrs. Moninger was a member of Church of the Covenant in Washington and was a former member of First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg.

She enjoyed reading, playing cards, knitting and crocheting. She loved spending her winters in Florida.

Mrs. Moninger had worked as a sales associate at Rikes Department Store in Dayton, Ohio, and was a homemaker.

Her husband, Robert G. Moninger, whom she married September 7, 1940, died April 3, 1995.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda (David) Cosgray of Waynesburg and Diane Meek of Washington; a granddaughter, Erin (Chris) Kuhns; two great-grandchildren, Makenna Kuhns and Paige Kuhns; a stepgrandson, Terry R. Meek II; a stepgreat-granddaughter, Brooke Meek; four sisters, Genie King of Monongahela, Phyllis Dezois of Greensburg, Annah Mae Wade of Delmont and Millie Eakin of Hundred, W.Va.; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased is a son-in-law, Terry R. Meek.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 to 11 a.m., the time of the service, Saturday, August 31, in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, with the Rev. William Sukolsky and the Rev. Janet Scott-Mace officiating. Burial will be in Centennial Cemetery, Aleppo Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Church of the Covenant, Operation Christmas Child, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301, or a charity of one’s choice. Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

Mary Jane Osso, 77, of Waynesburg, died Thursday, August 28, 2013, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.

Arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Behm Funeral Homes Inc., Waynesburg. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

Edward “Bud” Ritzer, 89, of Fallowfield Township, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013.

Arrangements are incomplete and are entrusted to Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Charleroi. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.