Nov 14, 2013

Devoted to family and community

Ruth Bungard, 71, of Waynesburg, formerly of Aleppo Township, Greene County, died at 10:07 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013, in UPMC-Shadyside hospital, Pittsburgh, after being in failing health for the past several years.

She was born December 4, 1941, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late Alva Ray and Mary Elsie Moore King, and had resided in Aleppo Township for the past 19 years, only recently moving to Waynesburg.

Mrs. Bungard was a member and secretary/treasurer of Crabapple Community Church at Wind Ridge and was also a member of the church dartball team.

She was a member and current president of West Greene Senior Citizens, a member of Women of the Moose in Waynesburg and formerly served as union president of the Service Employees International Union Local 585 at the former Greene County Memorial Hospital, for several years.

Mrs. Bungard enjoyed playing dartball and was devoted to her family, community and assisting others.

She was employed as a nursing assistant at the former Curry Memorial Home in Franklin Township and was last employed as a nursing assistant, and in housekeeping and laundry, in the former Greene County Memorial Hospital, for more than 45 years prior to retiring in 2004.

On September 3, 1994, she married Howard L. Bungard, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Darlene, wife of Michael Vukmanic, and Christina Shaffer, both of Waynesburg; six grandchildren, Brian Yorko, Glenn, husband of Jennifer Yorko, Michael and Kelly Vukmanic, Tara Shaffer and Joseph Cumberledge; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Michael Vukmanic; two brothers, Charles (Jack), husband of Sandy King, of Rogersville and Ray (Buck), husband of Helen King, of Eastview; a sister, Mary Louise Finch of Waynesburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are two sisters, Martha Faye (Peg) McKahan and Elisabeth Parrack; and two brothers, Harry and Thomas King.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Rush Funeral Home Inc. Rogersville, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 17, with Pastor Don Amon officiating. Interment will follow in Phillips Cemetery, Wayne Township. Family and friends may view the obituary; send flowers and condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.

Corrected information was received for the obituary of Isabella Dawn Campion published Thursday. She died at 4:20 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2013.

Worked for Desmet Lumber in Cecil

Frank Peter Checca, “Uncle Frank,” 95, of Cecil, died Thursday, November 14, 2013, in Broadmore Assisted Living at Lakemont Farms.

He was born April 28, 1918, in Cecil, a son of the late Filomino and Angeline DeFancesco Checca.

Mr.Checca was a member of St. Mary Parish, Men’s Club, Holy Name Society, Hilltoppers of the church, Cecil American Legion Post 793 and the former 13 Run Club and 500 Club.

He was sales manager and estimator for Desmet Lumber in Cecil.

Surviving are many nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Bertha D. Checca, in 2003; a daughter, Daneen Checca; two infant daughters; three brothers, Arsenio “Sen,” Daniel and Gilio Ted Checca; and two sisters, Agnes Tiberi and Quesilda Deliere.

Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, (Rt. 50) Cecil, where Prayers of Transfer will be said at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 18, followed by a Christian Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Cecil, at 10 a.m. with Father Stan Gregorek, officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cecil.

Contributions may be made to Cecil American Legion Post 793, PO Box 93, Cecil PA 15321.

Information is online at colemantaylorfuneralservices.com.

Former McMurray resident

Anna I. DeBlasio, 91, formerly of McMurray, died Thursday, November 14, 2013, in Country Meadows, South Fayette Township.

She was born October 15, 1922, in Canonsburg.

Mrs. DeBlasio enjoyed bingo.

Surviving are two grandchildren, Jessica Hollier and William DeBlasio Jr.; three great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Jane DeBlasio.

She is predeceased by her husband, Anthony DeBlasio; and two sons, Ronald and William DeBlasio Sr.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements have been entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Contractor for Fincham Masonry

Leonard E. Fincham, 71, of Finleyville, died Wednesday, November 13, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born January 20, 1942, in Venetia, a son of Russell and Marie Frew Fincham.

Mr. Fincham was retired as a contractor with the former Fincham Masonry in Washington.

He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 in McMurray.

Mr. Fincham was Methodist.

Surviving is his wife, Karen Bishop Fincham; a son, Donald “DJ” Fincham and his wife Amy of South Strabane; two sisters-in-law, Rosemary Fincham of Washington and Vicki O’Neill and her husband Dan of Venetia; and three grandsons, Rocco, Blaise and Dominick “Bubba”.

Deceased are two brothers, David and Donnie Fincham.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, November 18. Interment will follow in Finleyville Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

Gerald R. “Sonny” Finnegan, 78, of Aleppo Township. died at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013, in his home, after being seriously ill for the past four months.

Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. A complete obituary and funeral notice will be published in a later edition.

Frances M. Galbraith of Canonsburg passed away at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013, on her 79th birthday, in her home, with her family by her side.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service Inc., 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

Retired Chartiers Twp. policeman

James P. “Jamo” Garove, 76, of Meadow Lands, died Thursday, November 14, 2013, in his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born September 5, 1937, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Frank and Mae Berry Garove.

Mr. Garove attended Canonsburg High School.

He worked as a policeman for Chartiers Township for 24 years, retiring in 1995, and Rubber Roles Inc. in Meadow Lands for 40 years, retiring in 2000.

Mr. Garove was a member of Central Assembly of God Church in Houston.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed hunting at the cabin with his sons, son-in-law and grandsons, and babysitting his great-grandchildren.

Mr. Garove was a founding member of Meadow Lands Sportsman Club, life member of Chartiers Township Fire Department, National Rifle Association, National Model Railroad Association, Sinnemahoning Sportsman Club in Cameron County, Canonsburg Sportsman Club, Washington Buckskinners Association, Bears Club, Washington Lodge 164 F&AM and the Fraternal Order of Police.

On November 11, 1957, he married his wife of 56 years, Charlotte Hoffer, who survivies.

Also surviving are four children, Charlotte Strimel of Meadow Lands, James Garove (Kathy) of McDonald, Robert Garove (Lesa) of Washington and Tammy Stewart (Bob) of Norfolk, Va.; 10 grandchildren, Norman Strimel (M.J.), Greg Strimel (Krista), Brittany, Krysta, Jimmy and Tiffany Garove, Robert Garove (Leah), Michael Garove (Holly) and Robert and Samantha Stewart; six great-grandchildren, Lucas and Landon Strimel, Taylor Malie and Peyton, Harlyn and Camdyn Garove; four brothers, Terry Garove (Barb) of Washington, Timothy Garove (Karen) of Canonsburg, Gene Garove (Nadine) of Florida and Francis Garove (Pauline) of Maryland; and a sister, Judy Olson of California.

Deceased are three brothers, Joseph and Roger Garove and Donald Kulsenman; and five sisters, Mary Matrogran, Stella Premick, Doris Blanchard, Pat Zinn and Nelma Littleton.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to p.m. Sunday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where services will held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 18. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Passion for carpentry, woodworking

Carl J. Hamstra, 89, of Eighty Four, formerly of Muskegon, Mich., died Wednesday, November 13, 2013.

He was born May 29, 1924, in Fremont, Mich., a son of the late Jacob and Johanna Clock Hamstra.

Mr. Hamstra was 1948 graduate of Cedar Lake Academy.

He retired in 1987 from Shaw-Walker Company after 37 years of service, where he worked as a punch press operator, a set-up man and later a fixture repairman.

Mr. Hamstra was a lifelong member of Fremont Seventh Day Adventist Church. Most recently, he attended Washington Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He enjoyed gardening, photography, traveling, nature, camping and baseball, and was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers.

His greatest passions were carpentry, construction and woodworking. He spent most of time working with his wood lathe. He enjoyed turning bowls and ink pens. Most of his joy was when he could share his projects as gifts with family and friends.

On August 13, 1950, he married Barbara Nina Whitney Hamstra, who died February 12, 2006.

Surviving are two sons, Thomas (Dulce) Hamstra of Portland, Ore., and Timothy (Cindy) Hamstra of Eighty Four; and two grandchildren, Tyler Hamstra of Bentleyville and Ashley Hamstra of Pittsburgh.

Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, is a brother, Clifford Hamstra.

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, November 16, in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Laurel Lake Camp and Retreat Center, 76 Lodge Road, Rossiter, PA 15772, or a charity of ones choice. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Active First Church of Nazarene member

John H. Humble Jr., 81, of Waynesburg, died of an apparent heart attack at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013, in his home.

He was born Monday, November 30, 1931, in Waynesburg, a son of the late John H. Humble Sr. and Janie Marie McNeely Humble.

Mr. Humble was an active member in First Church of the Nazarene in Waynesburg. He had served as a board member and many other positions within the church. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Humble and his wife conducted a prison ministry weekly in the county jail.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1957. During President Eisenhower’s administration, he was stationed at the White House with the White House Signal Corps from 1952 to 1954. From 1954 to 1957 he was Chief Communication Operator at Camp David in Maryland. While at the White House, he received a letter of commendation for outstanding service during President Eisenhower’s heart attack and national security meetings at Camp David. In 1957, he received the White House Service Certificate from the Secretary of the Army, William Bruckner.

In 1958, he founded and directed the first fast pitch women’s softball league and in 1959 the men’s senior county basketball league. In 1972, he was the president of Waynesburg Nazarene Church basketball league. He also coached Legion little league for nine years.

For more than 20 years, Mr. Humble was a member of Gideons International and from 1991 to 1993, he served as Pennsylvania State Scripture Coordinator. He also served as area zone leader, Gideon Church assignment speaker and chairman of the Pittsburgh Bible Blitz.

He was an active member in Waynesburg Lions Club and was named Lion of the Year in 1986. He had more than 20 years of perfect attendance with the Waynesburg Lions Club, where he served three times as president and held several other offices. He has been the motivator in many fundraising projects, and in 1991, organized and was general chairman of the 1st annual Lions Club Fourth of July celebration; he served as chairman many times. Mr. Humble received the International President Certificate of Appreciation Award and was recognized as a Lions Melvin Jones Fellow and Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

Mr. Humble was also honored as the Citizen of the Year by East Franklin Grange 1749 in 1991. In 2004 he was honored as Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen. He was also a member of the Pittsburgh Floor Covering Association.

He served as pastor of the Greensboro Nazarene Church from 1993 to 1997 and was supply pastor for Allison Nazarene Church and others for several years. In 1995, the Pittsburgh District presented him with the Distinguished Service Award. He was active in Children Bible Ministries and was the capital fundraiser for the ministry.

Mr. Humble was employed as route foreman at the former Moore’s Bakery in Waynesburg from 1957 to 1963. He then started a carpet cleaning business and was owner and operator of Humble and Sons Carpet and Decorating in Waynesburg.

His real love was distributing Bibles and visiting shut-ins and nursing home residents to offer encouragement. He taught his children to be self-starters and hard workers and often said as an eighth grade drop out that “going to the highest office in America and positions with the Gideons and Lions as well as having a business is because God directed him through his shortcomings.”

His first wife, Bertha Mae Phillips Humble, whom he married August 1, 1952, died January 13, 1977.

Surviving are his second wife, Norma Jean Mossholder Christopher Humble, whom he married December 28, 1979.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Pamela Sue (Chuck) Beyer of Waynesburg; two sons, Johnny Bill “Weaser” (Becky) Humble and Frederick David “Slugger” (Darlene) Humble, both of Waynesburg; twelve grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three stepdaughters, Karen Toothman of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Diana White of Waynesburg and Melanie Christopher of Carmichaels; three stepsons, Kermit Christopher of Waynesburg, David Christopher of Canonsburg and Shaun Christopher of Carmichaels; 12 stepgrandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren; and a niece, Nancy (William) Humble Smith of Washington.

Deceased are two sons, Danny Ed Humble and Gregory Paul “Pee Wee” Humble; a stepgrandson, Stephen Toothman; two sisters, Elizabeth Humble and Esther Humble; and a brother, Fred Humble.

Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of the going-away party, Monday, November 18, in First Church of the Nazarene, 115 Deerfield Lane, Waynesburg, PA 15370, with the Rev. John Poling officiating. Burial will be in Pine Bank Cemetery, Pine Bank. Graveside military honors will be accorded by James Farrell American Legion Post 330 of Waynesburg and representatives of the U.S. Army. The Waynesburg Lions Club will hold a visitation at 6 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Children’s Bible Ministries, 104 East Greene Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320. Information is online at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

Homemaker enjoyed arts and crafts

Susan C. Bottorff Thompson, 52, of Washington, died Monday, November 12, 2013, in her home.

She was born August 10, 1961, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Ruth A. Perret Bottorff of Cokeburg and the late William J. Bottorff.

Mrs. Thompson was a 1979 graduate of Bentworth High School.

A homemaker, she enjoyed arts and crafts, and loved her grandson, Mason, as well as her dogs, Poodles, BooBoo and Dukie.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, are two daughters, April and Lori Thompson, both of Washington; a grandson, Mason Allen; two brothers, William Bottorff (Lisa) of South Fayette and Randy Bottorff (Julie) of West Elizabeth; four sisters, Sandy Skiles (Sonny) of Scenery Hill, Malinda Fink (Gary) of South Fayette, Margie Dziak (Paul) of Scenery Hill and Pamela DeCesaris (John) of Scenery Hill; several nieces and nephews; and Jack Evans, the love of her life for more than 19 years.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 15, in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, with Pastor Peter Asplin. Interment will be in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Thompson Family, c/o Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, PA 15314. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Retired Hopewell teacher

Eleanor Spence Wiley, 91, passed from this life October 28, 2013, in Suncoast Hospice’s Palm Harbor Care Center, Florida, after a brief illness.

She was born May 31, 1922, in Washington, a daughter of Roy Spence and Mabel Hutchison Spence.

Mrs. Wiley graduated from Waynesburg College in 1943 and taught school for 25 years, retiring in 1980 from the Hopewell School District in Beaver County.

Mrs. Wiley was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William G. Wiley and her parents.

Surviving are two sons, James P. Wiley (Susan) and William G. Wiley, Jr. (Susan), and a grandson Scott R. Wiley.

Mrs. Wiley will be missed by family and friends. She will be honored at a memorial service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 20, in North Dunedin Baptist Church, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760.

Loved working in her rose gardens

Mildred Florence Jane Bedilion Wilson, 87, of Peters Township and formerly of Graysville, died unexpectedly at 6:44 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2013, in Canonsburg Hospital.

She was born January 13, 1926, in Jefferson Township, Greene County, a daughter of the late Andrew Clark and Iva Mae Brownlee Bedilion. She had resided in the Graysville area from 1954 until moving to Washington County in 2003.

Mrs. Wilson was a member and former Sunday school teacher in Unity Presbyterian Church, Graysville, and was a 1944 graduate of the former Waynesburg High School.

She loved working in her rose gardens.

Mrs. Wilson was a former Democratic chairperson for Gray Township, a member of the former Emerald Star Chapter 135, Order of the Eastern Star in Waynesburg, an active member of the former Harvey’s Grange, a member of Women of the Moose Lodge in Waynesburg, a member of the former Waynesburg Elks, a member and past president of the former Ross Hill Garden Club and a Girl Scout leader in Graysville.

She also served on the Board of Directors of Greene County Red Cross, was a chairperson for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, both in Gray Township and was an active volunteer at the Jacktown Fair for many years.

Mrs. Wilson was a partner and secretary of the former DVM Services in New Freeport, a manager of The Bank restaurant in Littleton, W.Va., and assisted her late husband, as the secretary for the former W.A. Wilson Construction Company and Wilson Stave Mill, both in Graysville. She also operated a large Hereford cattle farm in Graysville area, served as the manager of the former Graysville Lawn and Farm Supply, the manager of the former Wilson’s Western Wear in Waynesburg, and was last employed as the secretary for her son at Wilson Ashland Oil of Washington for 10 years, prior to retiring in 1999.

She was married to the late William Arvin Wilson, who died May 15, 1974.

Surviving are a son, Dana A., husband of Billie Wilson of Washington; a daughter, Sue W., wife of James H. Porter of Roanoke, Va.; a stepdaughter, Nancy, wife of Hershel Wilks of Cardington, Ohio; six grandchildren, Ella, wife of Troy Ivey, James Porter II, husband of Kendra, Erin, wife of Josh Nikle, Carrie, wife of Lucas Moore, Sheryl, wife of Fred Sorrel and Rick, husband of Amy Ward; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen, wife of William Gump of Waynesburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are nine brothers, Reed, Cecil, Donald, Arthur, Lloyd, Vaughn, Willard, Calvin and Clyde Bedilion.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in Rush Funeral Home Inc. Rogersville, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, with Pastor Walter Stevenson officiating. Interment will follow in Braddock Cemetery, Graysville. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your local chapter of the Salvation Army. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.