Retired Amtek melter served in U.S. Army
Kenneth Earl Ayres Sr., 72, of Amwell Township, died Saturday, September 27, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family.
He was born February 8, 1936, in Canonsburg, a son of Earl M. and Virginia Foster Ayres.
Mr. Ayres attended Friendship Community Church in Washington.
In addition to spoiling his grandchildren, he enjoyed working on cars and in his yard.
Mr. Ayres served in the U.S. Army for three years in the early 1960s and spent two years out of the country, mainly in Germany, with the 97th Engineering Battalion.
He worked as a melter with Amtek until his retirement.
On May 27, 1961, he married Minerva Joanne Taylor, who survives.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are six children, Kathryn Meer of Langeloth, Kenneth Ayres Jr. of Canonsburg, Bonnie Renforth of Brave, Danny Ayres of Washington, Lisa Mayer of Prosperity and Raymond Ayres of Scenery Hill; five brothers, Howard, James and David Ayres of Houston, Thomas Ayres of Cleveland, Ohio, and Joseph Ayres of Canonsburg; two sisters, Barbara Dolorso of Washington and Nancy Ufolla of Houston; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, William Ayres; and an infant sister, Kathy Ayres.
Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Hummell and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, funeral director, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, with the Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating. Graveside military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 175, Washington. Condolences may be left online at www.hummellandbarnhill.com. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Cancer Society.
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VIRGINIA M. MILLER BAKER
Retired Carmichaels Area School District librarian
Virginia M. (Ginny) Miller Baker, 91 ,of Waynesburg, formerly of Sarasota, Fla., died at 9:09 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2008, in Evergreen Assisted Living, Waynesburg.
She was born Wednesday, February 21, 1917, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Floyd H. Miller and Elizabeth Orndoff Miller.
Following her retirement, she lived in Sarasota for 25 years. In 2004, she moved back to Waynesburg.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Waynesburg and was a former Sunday school teacher.
Mrs. Baker was a former member of University Women's Club and was a member of Pennsylvania Retired Teachers Association and Waynesburg Library Club.
She was a 1935 graduate of Waynesburg High School and a 1939 graduate of Waynesburg College. She did her post-graduate work at Penn State Extension and West Virginia University, receiving a library science degree in 1963 from WVU.
Mrs. Baker was a homemaker until 1956 when she became librarian of the Children's Library that was located on East High Street in Waynesburg and later was librarian for Eva K. Bowlby Library in Waynesburg.
For several years, she had a children's story time on Sunday on WANB Radio.
In 1962, she was chosen as director on Pennsylvania Public Library Board.
In 1963, she became junior/senior high school librarian in Carmichaels Area School District, where she retired in 1979 after 16 years.
Mrs. Baker enjoyed all sports, especially Pittsburgh Pirates baseball and Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football.
Her husband, Michael A. Baker, whom she married June 27, 1941, died October 23, 2004, after 63 years of marriage.
Surviving are two sons, Richard M. and wife Barbara Baker of Port Huron, Mich., and Barry and wife Renee Baker of Waynesburg; four grandchildren, Michael R. and wife Jill Baker of Port Huron, Elizabeth Ann and husband Troy Lutz of Monclova Township, Ohio, and Bryan Baker and Allison Baker, both of Waynesburg; three great-grandchildren, Jacob Lutz, Kate Lutz and Wade Lutz; a sister, Harriett Reed of Waynesburg; a brother, Richard Miller of Parkerburg, W.Va.; and a niece and several nephews.
Deceased are a son, Lee M. Baker, and a sister, Mary Perrin.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, with the Rev. John Phipps officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. Information is online at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.
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CARL F. BOVE
Retired Universal Cyclops electrician
Carl F. Bove, 91, formerly of Scott Township, died Saturday, September 27, 2008.
Mr. Bove retired after more than 40 years from Universal Cyclops as an electrician.
He was the husband of the late Nancy Lee Underwood; loving father of Carl W. (Sylvia) Bove, Judith (Edward) Egan and the late Renee Lackey; father-in-law of Robert Lackey Jr.; proud grandfather of Denise Reed, Debbie Krenzelak, Kimberly McCarthy, Eric Egan and Michele Wood; great-grandfather of nine; and brother of the late Frank Cherry and Geraldine Adams.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday in Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, where services will be held at noon Tuesday, September 30. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Park. Information is online at www.JeffersonMemorial.Biz.
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JOHN DORSEY CLEAVER
U.S. Army WWII veteran owned Cleavers Greenhouse
John Dorsey Cleaver, 89, of Beallsville, died at 3:12 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2008, in his home.
He was born April 12, 1919, in Burlington, Iowa, a son of Harry and Marjorie Dorsey Cleaver.
Mr. Cleaver was a graduate of Centerville High School and a veteran of World War II, serving as a corporal in the U.S. Army.
He was a member of Beallsville United Methodist Church, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 237 of Beallsville, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection and Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705 of Centerville. He was a former member of Deemston Grange.
Mr. Cleaver received his degree in agriculture from Penn State University and, after graduating, worked with his family in their apple orchards. He then established Cleavers Greenhouse in Richeyville, which he and his wife operated for 45 years.
He was well known for his poinsettias, his favorite flower, that he supplied to many florists and wholesalers throughout Western Pennsylvania. He also was known for his garden plants.
Even after working long hours in the greenhouse, he still enjoyed working in his own yard.
Mr. Cleaver was particularly proud of his role in providing the land for Centerville Clinic, now Yablonski Memorial Clinic. He was honored for that role in 2005, during the clinic's 50-year celebration.
Surviving are a sister, Marjorie Barr of Mesa, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind his caregiver of many years, Mary Swarrow.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is his wife, Anne Olshock Cleaver, who died March 4, 2003.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, with the Rev. Gary Gregg officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705 of Centerville. Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery. Online register book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
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ROBERT COEN JR.
Robert "Spank" Coen Jr., 49, of Avella, died Sunday, September 28, 2008, in his home.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Coleman Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA 15321 (724-745-9510). A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
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GRAYSON H. DAVENPORT
Retired steelworker served with U.S. Marine Corps
Grayson H. Davenport, 74, of Washington, died at 11:36 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2008, in his home after a 10-year illness.
He was born January 28, 1934, in Monongahela, a son of Herschel and Myrtle Phillips Davenport.
Mr. Davenport worked for 33 years as a steelworker for Washington Steel Corp.
He was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church and previously was a member of Donora American Legion.
He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Mr. Davenport served with the U.S. Marine Corps from July 24, 1953, until his honorable discharge July 23, 1956, with a rank of sergeant. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
On August 30, 1975, he married Corinne Adams, who survives.
Also surviving are eight sons, Wray Adams of Washington, Michael (Faye) Davenport of Raleigh, N.C., Ramsey (Carol) Price of Washington, Grayson (Laverne) Davenport of Pittsburgh, Adam (Janet) Price of Canonsburg, Vincent Davenport of Pittsburgh, Jerred Price of Washington and Christopher (Lisa) Davenport of Carnegie; five daughters, Char Lee Williams of Washington, Robyn Hutchinson of Pittsburgh, Faith (Michael) Franklin of Washington and Cheryl Boswell and Patria Davenport, both of Pittsburgh; a brother, Charles (Carolyn) Davenport of Washington; five sisters, Janis Jones of Linden, N.J., Hazel Bolling of Columbus, Ohio, Norma Collins of Edison, N.J., Florence (Frank) Thomas of Dover, Del., and Sylvia Davenport of East Orange, N.J.; a host of grandchildren, including Robert Hunter, with whom he lived; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Georgette Nichols; and a brother, Kenneth Davenport.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m., the hour of service, Saturday, October 4, in St. Paul AME Church, Washington, with the Rev. Michael Franklin officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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ELIZABETH MARTHA EWIG
Corrected information was received for the obituary of Elizabeth Martha Ewig, published Sunday. Deceased is a granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Ewig.
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LAURA WELSCH FAULK
Finleyville resident
Laura Welsch Faulk, 44, of Finleyville, died Sunday, September 28, 2008, in her home.
She was born December 29, 1963, in Washington, a daughter of the late Martin and Margaret Lelak Welsch.
Mrs. Faulk was Catholic.
Surviving are her husband, Edward "Chip" Faulk; and a brother, Mark Welsch of Venetia.
There will be no public visitation. Private interment will be held at a later date in Finleyville Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel supervisor, Finleyville.
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HOWARD HENDERSON
Hazel Atlas, Continental Can and Brockway worker
Howard Henderson, 94, of Washington, died Saturday, September 27, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington.
He was born September 8, 1914, in Washington, a son of Clyde G. and Mary Buchanan Henderson.
From 1933 until 1957, he worked as an inspector for Hazel Atlas.
From 1957 until 1963, he worked as a supervisor in quality control for Continental Can, and from 1963 until 1983, he worked in quality control for Brockway.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and softball for city leagues.
He enjoyed fishing.
Since 1941, he was a member of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, now know as Washington Alliance Church, where he served as a trustee and head usher.
On June 17, 1936, he married Gladys M. Mounts, who died in August 1990.
Surviving are a daughter, Carol (John) Cunning of Washington; a daughter-in-law, Dolly Henderson of Washington; five grandchildren, Kevin and Warren Henderson, Camille Layton and Brandon and Bryan Cunning; and four great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, James Howard Henderson Jr.; two brothers, Donald and Raymond Henderson; and five sisters, Edna, Virginia, Mildred, Leona and Helen.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the hour of service, Tuesday, September 30, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with the Rev. Jim Newman officiating. Burial will follow in Claysville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 777 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 200, Pittsburgh PA 15235.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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JAMES C. HOSTUTLER
Aleppo man was North Shore Oil retiree
James C. Hostutler, 71, of Aleppo, died at 8:30 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2008, in Washington Hospital.
He was born June 11, 1937, in Hundred, W.Va., a son of Frank and Georgia Helen Jones Hostutler.
Mr. Hostutler resided in Greene County since 1971 and was a member of Fountain of Life Church, Washington. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Henry and Martha Jane Hostutler, and enjoyed his family farm.
He retired from North Shore Oil Co. of Chicago, Ill.
He was a "little man" but was a "rock" for his family.
Surviving are a companion, Joyce E. Wright, with whom he made his home; four grandchildren, Tonya A. Wright of Pittsburgh, Harley "Skippy" Wise Jr., Hayden Owen "Howddy" Wise and Hudson Maddox "Maddie" Wise; two brothers, John F. Hostutler of Chicago and Thomas R. Hostutler of Littleton, W.Va.; a sister, Barbara Jean Hostutler-Wagner of Hundred; a half brother, Terry W. Bogard of Chicago; a son-in-law, Harley H. Wise of Aleppo; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Teresa L. Wise; a sister, Betty Lee Hostutler-Watson; and a half brother, Frank Nelson Bogard.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the hour of services, Wednesday, October 1, in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, with Pastor Todd Crouch officiating. Interment will follow in Anderson Bethel Cemetery, Littleton. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences and flowers online at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
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JACK MANNING
Longtime city fire chief, councilman
By Amanda Gillooly
Staff writer
agillooly@observer-reporter.com
Washington firefighters could set their watches by Jack Manning. Even after his second retirement from the department in 2004, the guys knew the former chief would pull in close to 2 p.m. each day, climb the stairs to make a pot of coffee and then sit down to chat.
For Washington County Treasurer Francis King, those chats remain among the most cherished memories of his longtime friend.
"He would be screaming and yelling and pounding the table with his fists, and then a minute later he would be laughing right along with you," he said with a somber laugh.
Manning died Sunday, September 28, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, following a brief illness.
He was born July 10, 1928, a son of Nellie Manning and grandson of Michael and Susan Manning.
On April 9, 1950, he married the former Wilma Reese of Bentleyville. In addition to his wife, Manning is survived by four children, John A. (Penny) Manning of Canonsburg, Mary Ellen Manning of South Strabane Township, Sid (Lisa) Manning of Washington and Joe (Lynn) Manning of Washington; four beloved grandchildren, John Interval of Lincoln, Neb., Maggie Manning, Caitlin Manning and Lauren Manning; an uncle, Alex (Nela) Manning; and several close cousins.
He served with the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge.
At the city fire department Sunday, members already had erected a memorial to their longtime leader. A black-and-white picture of the man sits on an easel near a board chronicling his time there.
Manning joined Washington Fire Department in 1959 and rose through the ranks, serving as its mechanic, platoon captain and deputy chief. He retired in January 1980, only to return in 1989, serving as chief until his second retirement in 2004.
Nick Blumer said it didn't matter that Manning was retired. When he arrived at the station, everyone still referred to him as "chief."
"The fire service was in his blood," he said.
And so was politics. Manning served two terms as a Washington city councilman and was heavily involved in Democratic politics in the county. Having lent his support to races for Washington City Council and mayor, Manning was once a candidate for the state House of Representatives.
In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and trap shooter who raised beagle hunting dogs. A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish, he also belonged to Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Keystone Club.
Manning helped campaign for many of his friends, including former county commissioner and judge David Gilmore, former county commissioner and congressman Frank Mascara and King.
He first helped campaign for King when he ran for city controller. In fact, Manning is the one who talked him into running in the first place.
"Jack convinced me to put my name on the ballot," he said. "I think he worked just as hard to get me elected as he did to get himself elected."
It wasn't just city politics that enamored him. It was the city itself. He spent more than 40 years serving the community he loved.
Mayor Sonny Spossey said Manning will be remembered not only for his public service but for his love for the city he grew up in and knew intimately.
But just as much as he loved the city and its history, he loved the people, too.
"Jack was one who really believed in helping the people, and I mean that," King said. "If he believed in something, he fought to make sure it was done and done properly."
And no matter what hat he wore - that of family man, fireman or city councilman - he was always a gentleman.
"He always had his coat and tie on when he came to City Hall. And I'd see him tipping his hat to ladies," King said. "He was just a wonderful man."
Friends of Manning will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 2, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. William Feeney and the Rev. John Bauer as celebrants. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Donations also may be made to Washington Fire Department, 45 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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MARY J. NIST
Washington centenarian was First UP Church member
Mary J. Nist, 100, of Washington, died Saturday, September 27, 2008, in Washington Hospital.
She was born October 13, 1907, in Washington a daughter of David and Ida Bedillion Crosbie.
Mrs. Nist was a member of First United Presbyterian Church, Washington, where she served as an elder and a member of the session and was past president and secretary of Federation Missionary Society. She had not missed sabbath school for more than 66 years.
She was a 1925 graduate of Trinity High School, which was the first class to graduate from the new building.
Mrs. Nist was tax collector in North Franklin Township for 20 years as well as being involved in the family piano business.
On May 28, 1942, in Washington, she married Everett J. Nist, who died February 9, 1975. Her first husband, William C. Paden, died April 25, 1931.
A granddaughter, Robin L. Roberts (Keith) Palli of Hagerstown, Md., survives.
Deceased are daughter Frances Ann "Booty" Paden Roberts; a brother, Francis L. Crosbie; and a sister, Helen Ellerton.
Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, with the Rev. Roger Raymond Fischer officiating. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director.
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ANGELO F. PORCO
WWII Army veteran was electrician in Mathies Mine
Angelo F. Porco, 88, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, September 21, 2008.
He was born Tuesday, May 4, 1920, in Largo, Italy, a son of Carmen and Philomena Porco.
Mr. Porco served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Prior to retiring in 1980, he was an electrician in Mathies Mine.
He was a member of St. Patrick Church, United Mine Workers of America and American Legion.
Mr. Porco always was ready to pitch in to remodel homes. He enjoyed serving home-cooked meals for his family. He was the first person they would go to when in need of sound advice or counseling.
He loved gardening, and the family always enjoyed the fruit from his fig trees and garden vegetables. He was a fan of World Wrestling Federation, and, in retirement, he lovingly baby-sat for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Porco was very much loved, and his family will miss him deeply in their daily lives.
On November 21, 1942, in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg, he married Esther Martillotti, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Carmen Porco (Carol) of Knoxville, Tenn., and Frank Porco (Donna) of Canonsburg; three daughters, Phyllis Reynolds (Bill) and Linda Flood (Ken), both of Canonsburg, and Joanne Alderson of Washington; 10 grandchildren, Scott Porco, William Reynolds, Kimberly and David DeLuca, Colbi and Kelsey Flood, Jason and Brandi Alderson, Timothy Porco and Lynette Miller; four great-grandchildren, Dominick Angelo and Gabriella Rose DeLuca, Nicholas Porco and Michaelene Rozanc; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, John Porco.
At the request of the deceased, there was no public visitation. A funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick Church, and entombment was in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Peters Township. Arrangements were entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor. Visit www.sollon.com to view and leave online condolences.
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HELEN C. ROLLER
Additional information was received for the obituary of Helen C. Roller, published Saturday. Also deceased is a brother, Joe Lewandowsky.
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DUANE R. WARD
Corrected information was received for the obituary of Duane R. Ward, published Saturday. Surviving are four nephews, Terry, Ted, Kelly, Gary and wife Tracey Ward.
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JOHN W. YOUNG JR.
Florida resident was native of Washington
John W. (Bill) Young Jr., 77, of Sun City, Fla., a native of Washington, died Tuesday, September 23, 2008.
He was born January 16, 1931.
Mr. Young will be remembered for his love of life, his kindness to everyone he met, his passion for wanting to learn and grow with the times and, most importantly, his endless love and admiration for his family.
To all that knew him, know that he cherished those relationships and will forever hold them in his heart.
Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Harriet P. Young; two sons, John W. Young III (Kip) and Gary A. Young; a daughter, Sherrie L. Young; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a .m., the hour of services, Tuesday, September 30, in Jefferson Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh.