Owner and operator of Shirley’s Variety, Waynesburg
Shirley A. Baker, 74, of Jefferson, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
She was born October 20, 1934, in Jefferson, a daughter of James L. and Pearle Lauderback Steinmiller.
Mrs. Baker was a graduate of Jefferson High School and Robert Morris School of Business.
On March 3, 1956, she married Ervin Baker, who died September 14, 2008.
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Baker also owned and operated Shirley’s Variety in Waynesburg for seven years. For many years, she and her husband enjoyed flea markets.
She was a member of Jefferson Church of the Nazarene.
Mrs. Baker also was a member of American Legion Auxiliary in Jefferson and an honorary member of Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Melodie (Tom) Hodnik of Dunbar and Michele (Joe) Baker of Jefferson; four grandsons, Matthew (Kelly) Maple and Jesse, James and Jeremy Baker; and three great-grandchildren, Brian, Sarah and Julia.
Deceased is a brother, Ronald L. Steinmiller, who died December 26, 1966.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 29, with the Rev. Carl Kibler officiating, followed by interment in Jefferson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Jefferson Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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Jeanne E. Ball
Enjoyed baby-sitting, reading and writing poetry
Jeanne E. Ball, 80, of Indiana, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana.
She was born July 26, 1928, in Marianna, a daughter of Wray Allen and Cecil Bridget Moore Barr.
Mrs. Ball was a homemaker.
She was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, Indiana.
Mrs. Ball was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed baby-sitting, sewing, baking, gardening, crocheting, reading and writing poetry.
Surviving are five children, Luanne Clark of Indiana, Sherry Manning and husband Jeff of Pittsburgh, Timothy M. Ball and wife Loretta of Rochester Mills, Barbara Edwards and husband Robert of Meridan, Idaho, and Michael J. Ball and wife of Clymer; two brothers, Robert Barr and A. Jack Barr, both of Marianna; a sister, Mary Louise Lucatorto of Washington; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her husband, David E. Ball, who died in 1990; a son, David E. Ball Jr.; and a grandson, Benjamin Clark.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Robinson-Lytle Inc., Indiana. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 28, in St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Indiana, with Father William Kiel as celebrant. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Indiana. Visit www.robinsonlytleinc.com.
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Isabelle Barnhart
Isabelle Barnhart, 88, formerly of Graysville and Waynesburg, died at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, after being in failing health for the past two years. 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.
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Michael Belski
U.S. Army veteran and Consol Energy retiree
Michael Belski, 63, of Bentleyville, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in Washington Hospital.
He was born March 28, 1945, in Charleroi, a son of the late Andrew and Mary Sckrobacs Belski.
In 1962, he was the Golden Gloves Boxing champion, and he enjoyed training boxers along with his friend “Buzz” Garnic.
Mr. Belski was a 1963 graduate of Charleroi High School.
A veteran, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era in Germany.
In May 2007, Mr. Belski retired from Consol Energy. He then worked in Eighty Four mine as a longwall shielder.
He was a member of American Legion Post 165, Bentleyville.
Mr. Belski will be sadly missed by his family and friends, his dog Britney and cat Hermaine.
On November 8, 1987, in Monongahela, he married Toni McClay Bloom, who survives.
Also surviving are four children, Michael Belski (Elle) of Wellington, Fla., Brian J. Belski of Bentleyville, Lori A. Bloom (Timothy Langsdorf) of New York, N.Y., and Sigmund M. Bloom (Kim) of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, Alexis, Luke and Michael Belski; his first wife, Nancy Rosemeier of Bentleyville; father-in-law Robert C. McClay; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Michelle and Dan Wrubleski; two sisters, Dolly Chiodo of Camp Hill and Mary Ann Muckle of Florida; a brother, Andrew Belski (Nancy) of Florida; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind special friends Andrew “Buzz” and Patty Garnic of Roscoe.
A brother, Edward Belski, is deceased.
Friends will be received from 2 to 7:30 p.m., the time of a military prayer service, Friday, November 28, in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville (724-239-2255). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department, 900 Main Street, Bentleyville, PA 15314, or Bentleyville Public Library, 931 Main Street, Bentleyville, PA 15314. For those unable to attend, condolences can be sent at www.thompson-marodi.com.
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Norma Jean Bowman
McDonald area resident
Norma Jean Bowman, 66, of McDonald, South Fayette Township, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008, in Canonsburg General Hospital.
She was born September 18, 1942, in Uniontown, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Friskey Metro.
Mrs. Bowman was a graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and worked in Southwestern Veterans Center.
Surviving are her husband of 41 years, Harold L. Bowman; a son, Harold Wes (Nancy) Bowman of Center; a daughter, Mary Ann (Peter) Allen of Greensboro, N.C.; and three grandchildren, Alex Bowman, Joshua Allen and Sarah Allen.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, are two brothers, Andrew and Regis Metro.
At the request of the deceased, all arrangements are private and entrusted to Thomas-Little Funeral Service Inc., 5000 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, 724-693-2800, Patrick Konieczny, director. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Please sign the guest book at thomas-littlefuneralservice.com.
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Lorma Grace Dickey
Enjoyed taking care of plants, cooking and baking
Lorma Grace Dickey, 83, of Richeyville, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, following a lengthy illness.
She was born June 28, 1925, in Fayette City, a daughter of William F. Rogers and Jessie E. Sethman Rogers.
Mrs. Dickey, as well as being a homemaker, was a waitress at Trotters Restaurant and Carlton Country Kitchen. She also worked in Betty White’s Personal Care Home in Fredericktown.
She enjoyed working with flowers, planting them, taking care of them and nourishing them back to health. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and, when time permitted, crocheting.
Surviving are three sons, Henry F. Dickey of LaVerne, Calif., Robert L. Dickey of Carmichaels and Ken W. Dickey of Fredericktown; two sisters, Bettymae Wilcox of Carmichaels and Joanne Younghans of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 29, with Pastor John M. Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Horn Cemetery, Marianna.
An online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
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William George Dicks
The Rev. William George Dicks, 73, of Washington, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008, in Sarasota, Fla. Arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.
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Incorrect information appeared in the obituary of Paul E. Dye, published Tuesday. A daughter, Julie (Doug) Lindom of Bristol, Wis., was misidentified.
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Warren Knowles Killen Sr.
WWII Army veteran
Warren Knowles Killen Sr., 88, of Washington, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, following a brief illness.
He was born February 18, 1920, in Washington, a son of Harry Edward Killen Sr. and Alma Robena Knowles Killen.
Mr. Killen graduated from Washington High School in January 1939 and then attended Washington & Jefferson College.
On May 14, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a teletypewriter installer and repairman. He participated in five major battles, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Northern Appennines and Po Valley. Mr. Killen was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with five bronze service stars, the Meritorious Unit Emblem and the World War II Victory Medal. He was discharged on October 16, 1945, with a rank of staff sergeant.
For 34 years, Mr. Killen worked for Bell Telephone Co., first as an installer and then as an instructor in the plant training center. He retired in 1975.
Mr. Killen was a member of Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church, where he had served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, chairman of the Official Board, chairman of the Administrative Board, church treasurer and church historian.
He was a Boy Scout leader for many years.
Mr. Killen belonged to Telephone Pioneers of America, Genealogical Society of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Sunset Lodge 623 F&AM.
On May 12, 1946, he married Mary Etta Kinder, who died March 7, 2001.
Surviving are a daughter, Janice L. (Frank) Baker of Washington; twin granddaughters Dr. Janna E. Baker of Washington, D.C., and Julia A. (Tom) Dickinson of East Hampton, Conn.; a brother, Jack Killen; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Warren K. Killen Jr.; two brothers, Harry E. Killen Jr. and Bernard O. Killen; and two sisters, Edith Dorothy Killen Wilkinson and Nellie Ruth Killen Kiger.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 29. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. There will be no visitation on Thanksgiving Day. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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Peter Paul Midler
U.S. Army WWII veteran
Peter Paul Midler, 93, died Thursday, November 20, 2008, in Bakersfield, Calif.
He was born June 28, 1915, in Ohio, a son of Joseph and Cecilia Kurik Midler.
Mr. Midler was raised in Avella and spent his married life in Bethel Park before moving to California to be with his daughter in 2007.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Midler worked at U.S. Steel, Irwin Works, for more than 49 years.
He was a farmer at heart and enjoyed raising and selling corn and tomatoes on Horning Road, where he was known by many friends.
Mr. Midler also enjoyed hunting with his nephews, traveling to California and deep sea fishing trips with his wife, Mary, and his grandson.
He never met a stranger, had a generous heart and a sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Midler was the beloved husband, for 57 years, of the late Mary Jias Midler.
He was the father of Barbara (Al) Sandrini of Bakersfield; grandfather of Richard C. Sandrini of Wausau, Wis.; great-grandfather of Richard P. Sandrini of Austin, Texas, Keith and Mary Margaret Sandrini, both of Wausau, and Kaitlin Sandrini of Lawton, Okla.; great-great-grandfather of Kayden Sandrini of Austin; brother of Paul (Josephine) Midler of Avella and the late Margaret (Paul) Jias and Joe, Mike and John Midler; brother-in-law of Mary Midler of Avella and Louise Midler of San Antonio, Texas; uncle of the late Robert Jias and Michael Midler; and great-uncle of the late Robert Jias Jr.
Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews throughout the United States.
Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of a Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, November 28, in St. Michael Church, 95 Highland Avenue, Avella. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Assistance League of Bakersfield, 1924 Q Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Arrangements are by Griffith Mortuary Inc., 724-655-4400.
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Corrected information has been received for the obituary of Flora Nettle, published Tuesday. Contributions should be made to First United Presbyterian Church, 34 West Wheeling Street, Washington.
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Kathleen S. Robinson
Homemaker and Sears employee
Kathleen S. Robinson, 80, of Ridgeview Terrace, Carroll Township, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in Fosnight Assisted Living Home in Valencia.
Mrs. Robinson was born December 15, 1927, in Carroll Township, a daughter of Grant and Nora Bradbury Sampson.
She was a resident of the Mon Valley her entire life.
In addition to being a homemaker, she worked for Sears and Roebuck Co. for 25 years in Monessen and Century III Mall.
Mrs. Robinson was a member of Fells United Methodist Church and a former member of First United Methodist Church of Donora. She had been a member of Sampson Star School PTA and the Order of the Eastern Star, 108 Monongahela Chapter.
Her favorite activities were sharing time with family and friends, playing cards, particularly bridge, and traveling.
Surviving are a daughter, Lynda K Robinson of Ridgeview Terrace; two sons, John G. (Jack) Robinson of Hickory and Robert R. Robinson (Judy) of Gibsonia; five grandchildren, Susan Bolin (Todd) and Tracy, Britney, Adam and Brad Robinson; and two great-granddaughters, Rachael and Caileigh Bolin.
Deceased are her husband, John R Robinson, who died in 1997, and a brother, Elmer Sampson.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in James A. Rabe Funeral Home Inc., 701 Thompson Avenue, Donora, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 28, with the Rev. R. Scott Berkley officiating. There will be no visitation on Thanksgiving Day. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the music department of Fells United Methodist Church or Parkinson’s Disease Research at www.pdf.org.
Family and friends may view the obituary and offer online condolences at www.rabefuneralhome.com.
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Susan Nowlin Sawyer
Enjoyed reading, cooking and gardening
Susan Nowlin Sawyer, 57, of Avella, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington.
Mrs. Sawyer was born March 17, 1951, in Washington, Mo., a daughter of the late Maurice and Marie L. Nowlin.
She graduated from Trinity High School in 1969, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, West Virginia Northern College and West Liberty State College in 1996.
Mrs. Sawyer enjoyed reading, cooking and gardening.
She served as president of West Middletown Garden Club and Martha Washington Garden Club, where she planned several garden trips for the club.
Mrs. Sawyer was an active member in Fairhill Manor Christian Church.
In 1985, she married George F. Sawyer, who died in 2001.
Surviving are a brother, James N. (Suzanne) Nowlin of West Chester; two stepdaughters, Elizabeth (Lawrence) Johnson of Louisville, Ky., and Anne D. Sawyer of Jacksonville, Fla.; a stepson, Michael Sawyer of Fort Collins, Colo.; two grandsons, Alec Johnson (Rachel Grimes) of Louisville, Ky., and David (Alyson) Johnson of Chandler, Ariz.; and a granddaughter, Christine E. Sawyer of Jacksonville.
Deceased are a stepson, Alexander Sawyer, and a stepdaughter, Mary Hausch.
A memorial service will be held in Fairhill Manor Christian Church with the Rev. David Mansfield officiating at a date and time to be announced. Burial will be held in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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Lance A. Undereiner
Brentwood resident
Lance A. Undereiner, 41, of Brentwood, died Sunday, November 23, 2008.
He was the beloved son of Wayne and Leilani Liff Undereiner of Washington.
Mr. Undereiner was a brother of Shawn Undereiner and his wife Dokrak of Scottsdale, Ariz; an uncle of Panida and Rattikorn Undereiner; and a nephew of Jean Stevenson, Robert Schwotzer, Patricia Oparnica, Leah Schwotzer-Petchal, JoAnne Warren and Glenn Undereiner.
Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of services, Friday, November 28, in Griffith Mortuary Inc., 5636 Brownsville Road, Broughton-Curry, South Park Township. There will be no visitation on Thanksgiving Day.
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Robert M. Vujanovich
Member of Barbarians Motorcycle Club
Robert M. (Bob) Vujanovich, 54, of Bulger, died Monday, November 24, 2008.
He was born November 9, 1954, in East Liverpool, Ohio, a son of George and Agnes McNeal Vujanovich.
Mr. Vujanovich graduated from East Liverpool High School, Class of 1974.
He was employed by Matthews Bronze in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Vujanovich was a member of Barbarians Motorcycle Club for more than 25 years. He loved riding, Steelers games and football.
On March 31, 1996, he married Joyce L. Chase, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Ryan M. Vujanovich of Cherry Valley; a daughter, Haylee E. Vujanovich of Cherry Valley; four brothers, Pete Vujanovich of Toronto, Ohio, Joe Vujanovich of Libson, Ohio, Rick Ball of New Alexander, Ohio, and Everett Ball of Wintersville, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Autumn E. Vujanovich, and a brother, Charles Ball.
Friends will be received from noon to 8 p.m. Friday in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 29. Interment will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery, McDonald.
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Geneva J. Ware
Former RCA employee
Geneva J. Ware, 84, of Washington, died Monday, November 24, 2008, in her home.
She was born October 20, 1924, in Putnam, Tenn., a daughter of Lester and Ethel Swafford Johnson.
Mrs. Ware had worked as an expediter for RCA-Washington for 20 years.
She was Protestant.
Mrs. Ware enjoyed her family.
On May 29, 1943, she married Gordon L. Ware, who died June 27, 1985.
Surviving are a son, Earl “Butch” Ware, and a sister, Patricia Holmes, both of Washington; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Gordon L. Ware Jr.; a brother, Roy Johnson; and two sisters, Mildred Eggerston and Juanita Kiser Judge.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation or services. William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.