Former teacher coached football, wrestling and track
Charles Eugene Baker, 83, of Freedom, formerly of Waynesburg, died at 11:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2008, in UPMC-Montefiore hospital, Pittsburgh, surrounded by his loving family. He died from a ruptured aneurysm in his brain and had battled heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
He was born Tuesday, March 24, 1925, in Perryopolis, a son of Frederick Baker and Josephine Chambers Baker.
Mr. Baker was a member of St. George Episcopal Church in Waynesburg.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Force, where he flew with the squadron of PB-Y known as the Black Cats in the South Pacific. He was stationed in New Guinea, Australia and the Solomon Islands. He was discharged in 1946.
He studied television technology in Chicago under Dr. Lee DeForest.
Mr. Baker entered Waynesburg College, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics.
He began his teaching career at St. James School in Hagerstown, Md., where he taught mathematics, science and civics. He also coached football and track. After a year at St. James, he moved to the Miller School, located near Crozet, Va. Several years later, he moved again to the Perkiomen School in Montgomery County, where he continued teaching mathematics and science and coaching football, wrestling and track. In 1963, he returned to Waynesburg and began teaching in Central Greene School District. He served as teaching principal at Whiteley Township School until the district was reorganized and the school closed. Following the closing, he began teaching first at Waynesburg High School and then at Margaret Bell Miller School. He retired from teaching in 1993.
In 2007, he and his wife moved to the Cranberry Township area to be closer to their son, Tom.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Margaret Waddell Baker, whom he married January 27, 1954; two daughters, Amanda and husband Charles McBride of Kingwood, N.J., and Ruth Baker of Baltimore, Md.; a son, Thomas and wife Patricia Baker of Economy Borough; two grandchildren, Charles Joseph McBride III and Meaghanne Brittany McBride; three sisters, Kathryn Baker Browning of Holiday, Fla., Ann Baker Tetreault of Montezuma Lake, Ariz., and Margory Baker Clark of Sedona, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are several sisters and brothers.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 N. Maiden Street, Waynesburg. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, in St. George Episcopal Church, Bonar Avenue, Waynesburg, with the Rev. Peter Ostrander officiating. Burial will be in Oakmont Cemetery, Waynesburg. The family suggest memorials be made to Parkinson Foundation/University of Pittsburgh/Department of Neurology, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 811, Kaufmann Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or The Salvation Army, 131 West First Street., Waynesburg, PA 15370. Graveside military honors will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars 4793, James Farrell American Legion Post 330 and Disabled American Veterans 123, all of Waynesburg, and representatives of the U.S. Navy. Information is online at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.
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Betty Jo Bissett
Owner and operator of Betty Jo’s Beauty Shop
Betty Jo Bissett, 80, of Waynesburg, formerly of Centerville, died at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg, after battling a cancer-related illness for the past 18 months.
She was born March 25, 1928, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Thomas Michael and Nanna Belle Reigle Tharp.
Mrs. Bissett resided in the Centerville area for 45 years prior to returning to Greene County in 2000.
She was a member of Centerville United Methodist Church, where she was affiliated with the Friendship Circle Sunday school class, and a member of United Methodist Women. Since returning to Greene County, she had been an associate member of Oak View United Methodist Church in Waynesburg.
Mrs. Bissett was a 1946 graduate of the former Richhill Township High School in Wind Ridge and a 1960 graduate of the former Feuster’s Beauty School in Charleroi.
She was owner and operator of Betty Jo’s Beauty Shop, located in her home, for 22 years in Charleroi, prior to retiring in 1982.
Mrs. Bissett enjoyed the time she was able to spend with her family and grandchildren. She also enjoyed the trips with her husband to Myrtle Beach and Florida for several months during the year, as long as their health permitted.
She enjoyed attending and playing cards at West Greene Senior Citizens Center.
On October 5, 1946, she married Paul Emery Bissett, who died June 30, 2004.
Surviving are a daughter, Valerie B., wife of Dennis Dague of Flinton; a son, Paul H., husband of Susan Bissett of Lansdale; a brother, Thomas R., husband of Mabel Tharp of Keisterville.; six grandchildren, Jessica Dague Withrow, Kyle and Nathan Dague and Erica, Lauren and Derek Bissett; three great-grandchildren, J.T. and Lucas Paul Withrow and Noah Matthew Dague; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, with the Rev. Jerrad Peterman of Oakview U.M. Church officiating. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Oak View U.M. Church, 160 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370, or Centerville U.M. Church, 823 Old National Pike Road, Brownsville, PA 15417.
Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences and flowers at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
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Raymond Matthew Gill
Former Pittsburgh resident
Raymond Matthew Gill, 74, of Leesburg, Fla., formerly of Pittsburgh, died Tuesday, December 16, 2008.
Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, is in charge of arrangements.
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Edward Harris
Avid gardener
Edward Harris, 87, of Washington, formerly of Burgettstown, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in Consulate Health Care, North Strabane Township.
He was born September 21, 1921, on his family’s farm in Burgettstown, a son of George and Mary Harris.
After graduating from Union High School in Burgettstown, he studied music at Duquesne University.
Mr. Harris worked on his family’s farm for most of his life and retired from Weirton Steel, where he was a diesel mechanic.
He was a member of Independent Steelworkers Union.
Mr. Harris was an avid gardener and woodworker. He enjoyed growing and canning vegetables, converting antique Singer sewing machines into furniture and building birdhouses.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Burgettstown and St. Hilary’s Roman Catholic Church in Washington.
Mr. Harris was a member of Burgettstown Area Senior Citizens Association and enjoyed ballroom dancing.
His wife, Mary Rose Eannace Harris, died October 23, 1989.
Surviving are a son, Edward J. Harris and wife Mary Sprowls-Harris of Washington; a daughter, Roselle Rochow and husband Christian of Boardman, Ohio; two grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew Furbee; a sister, Helen Hill of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a grandson, Scott Furbee; and four brothers, John, Michael, George and Amel Harris.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Lee and Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, where services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Burgettstown, with the Rev. Robert Connolly as celebrant. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Burgettstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Harris’ memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 100 West Station Square Drive, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
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Jane C. Harvey
Former Washington resident
Jane C. Harvey, 63, of Florence, S.C., formerly of Washington, died Saturday, December 6, 2008.
She was born September 7, 1945, in Crabapple, Greene County, a daughter of the late James and Mabel Clutter.
Mrs. Harvey was a 1963 graduate of West Greene High School.
She worked for Superior Valve Co. for 14 years, where she became team leader in valve testing.
In 1973, Mrs. Harvey married Robert Harvey of Pittsburgh, who survives, and they made their residence near Taylorstown.
In addition to her husband of 35 years, Mrs. Harvey is survived by a son, Brian of Florence; a sister, Sylvia Stoneking of Greene County; a brother, Roger Clutter of Greene County; and an eight-month-old granddaughter, Addison.
Mrs. Harvey was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.
There will be no visitation or services. A condolences page is available at www.cainfh.com.
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Anna T. Hegedus
Lifelong member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Church
Anna Thomas Hegedus, 95, of Richeyville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in Mon Valley Hospital.
She was born March 14, 1913, in Linn, a daughter of George and Anna Kidora Thomas.
Mrs. Hegedus was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Brownsville and was an active member of the ladies guild.
She enjoyed cooking and baking for church functions and spending time with her family.
Surviving are a son, George Stephen Hegedus and wife Diana Friend Hegedus of Bel Air, Md.; granddaughters Beth Ann Hegedus Pelegan and husband Stewart of Laurel, Md., and Leigh Ann Hegedus Lake and husband Barry of Ellicott City, Md; great-grandsons Alexander Pelegan, Justin Lake and Brandon Lake; and six sisters, Mary Burns of Forked River, N.J., Juliana Tears of Cranford, N.J., Theresa Mihalina of Monroeville, Margaret Thomas of Richeyville, Helen Beveridge of Richeyville and Olga Tears of Hampstead, Md.
Deceased are her beloved husband of 44 years, Steve Hegedus, who died December 25, 1984; and three brothers, George, Mike and John Thomas.
Mrs. Hegedus was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where a prayer service will be held at 9:15 a.m. Friday, December 19, followed by a Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. in St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Brownsville, with the Rev. Jerome Botsko as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mount St. Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown. A Parastas Service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. An online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
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Moses Jacobs
Moses Jacobs, 92, of Washington, died Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc. A full obituary will appear in a later edition.
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Michelle Kimberly Kott
Worked forMcMurray Dry Cleaners
Michelle Kimberly Kott, 36, of Ellsworth, formerly of Muse, died Monday, December 15, 2008, as a result of a car accident.
She was born February 28, 1972, in St. Clair Hospital, a daughter of George C. Kott Sr. and the late Irene “Tootsie” Yamka Kott.
Miss Kott was a 1990 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School.
She worked for McMurray Dry Cleaners in Canonsburg as a presser.
Miss Kott was Catholic.
She lived most of her life in Muse.
Miss Kott enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and two dogs, Dameon and Toby.
Surviving are a sister, Diana (Patrick) Moody of Muse; a brother, George C. Kott Jr. of West Finley; her boyfriend, with whom she made her home, James R. “J” Donahue Jr. of Ellsworth; two nieces, Dana Work and Chelsey Moody; a great-niece, Alexis Work; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Deceased are her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg (724-745-8120), where a blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, with Father George DeVille officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.
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Sharon A. Kubinec
Member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Sharon A. Kubinec, 50, of Canonsburg, formerly of Greensburg, died Sunday, December 14, 2008, in Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg.
She was born October 7, 1958, in Greensburg, a daughter Joyce Smolcic Kubinec of Greensburg and the late Richard Kubinec.
Prior to retirement, she had been employed by Sears in Robinson and Washington as the south regional auto center manager.
Miss Kubinec was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Greensburg.
She also was a member of Sears Retirees Club and Quilt Company East.
Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a sister, Donna Steele of Greensburg; beloved nephews Michael and Matthew Steele, both of Greensburg; two aunts, Sara Jane Kubinec and Gene Kubinec, both of Greensburg; and several cousins.
She also leaves a special friend, Melissa Easter of Greensburg.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1001 Mt. Pleasant Road, Greensburg, with the Rev. Raymond E. Riffle as celebrant. Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Greensburg. Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home Inc., 516 Stanton at Green Streets, Greensburg, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to Greensburg-Hempfield Library, 237 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601, or Quilt Company East, P.O. Box 837, Monroeville, PA 15146.
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William B. Lesko
William B. Lesko, 80, of Houston, formerly of Strabane, died Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington. Arrangements are incomplete and are entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg. A complete obituary will be appear in a later edition.
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Irene B. Minnick
Member of Holy Family Catholic Church
Irene B. Minnick, 88, of Johnstown, formerly of Greensboro, died at 10:25 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in Allegheny Lutheran Home, Johnstown.
She was born July 3, 1920, in Martin, Fayette County, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Barbara Stancik Bogozi.
Mrs. Minnick was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church of Greensboro and a former member of the church’s rosary society.
She moved to Johnstown in November 1995 to reside with her daughter, Ruth Ann Ficco.
On October 7, 1939, she married Michael J. Minnick, who died August 30, 1993.
Surviving are a daughter, Ruth Ann Ficco and husband Don of Johnstown; three grandchildren, Michael Ficco and wife Angie, Matthew Ficco and wife Danni and Ann Dastur and husband Norm; six great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Agnes Bogozi of Masontown; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Joseph Bogozi; and three sisters, Margaret Mogush, Elizabeth Phillips and Helen B. Shaffer.
Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Yoskovich Funeral Home, (724-966-5500), Martin J. Yoskovich, funeral director, 300 South Vine Street (Route 88), Carmichaels, where a blessing service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, December 20, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. in Holy Family Worship Site of the St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Greensboro, with the Rev. Lawrence V. Holpp as celebrant. Entombment will follow at the mausoleum at Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. A vigil service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. For additional information and to sign the online guest book, please visit www.YoskovichFH.com.
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Wilda Jereb Morrison
Active volunteer enjoyed gardening, cooking
Wilda Jereb Morrison, 82, of Washington, died Saturday, December 13, 2008, in Presbyterian Medical Center, Washington.
She was born December 29, 1925, in Washington, a daughter of John and Mary Jereb.
Mrs. Morrison was a 1943 graduate of Trinity High School, where she recently attended her 65th class reunion.
She was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church.
For many years, she was employed by Langs store on North Main Street in Washington.
Mrs. Morrison was involved with the teenage program at the YWCA.
She was very active as a volunteer with Washington Hospital Auxiliary and Brownson House, and she was a long-time member of Current Events Club and Symphony South.
Mrs. Morrison enjoyed gardening, cooking, antique shopping and needle work. She also loved to read.
On December 31, 1946, she married Robert Morrison, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Jane M. Yeuroukis of Yardley; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the last of her immediate family.
Deceased are two brothers, Joseph and Rudolph Chehovin; and two sisters, Mary Ashbaugh and Milena Campbell.
Friends will be received from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the time of service, Saturday, December 20, in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenue, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Library, 55 South College Street, Washington, PA 15301. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
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Karen Faye Naraskivitch
Foreman at Grief Brothers for 33 years
Karen Faye Naraskivitch, 69, of Washington, died Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in her home, following a four-week illness.
She was born November 10, 1939, in Washington, a daughter of Leroy R. and Elizabeth Harvoth Harris.
Mrs. Naraskivitch attended Trinity High School.
She was a foreman at Grief Brothers for 33 years.
Mrs. Naraskivitch was baptized Protestant.
She loved playing bingo at the Alpine.
In 1956, she married Joseph Kenneth Naraskivitch, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Richard (Brenda) Stienstraw and Royce Stienstraw, both of Washington; a sister, Hope Ann Guzzo of Florida; seven grandchildren, Cherie Bonus, Aaron Naraskivitch, Adam Naraskivitch, Joshua D. Naraskivitch, Ryan Martin, Matthew Aiden and Roy Michael Finchan; and a great-grandson, Jacob.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the hour of service, Saturday, December 20, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional information and a guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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Dennis K. Odgers
Former California resident
Dennis K. Odgers, 55, of Hanahan, S.C., husband of 35 years to Melissa Bell Odgers, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in his home.
He was born February 2, 1953, in Johnstown.
After graduating from California Area High School, Mr. Odgers served in the U.S. Navy from 1971 to 1982. He retired from Roper Hospital in August 2008, where he worked for more than 30 years, retiring as diagnostic imaging manager.
Surviving are his wife, Melissa; his parents, the Rev. Norman and Judith Hunt of California; a son, Jason K. Odgers (Jennifer) of Goose Creek, S.C.; a daughter, Jenny M. Hathorne (Kevin) of Elgin, S.C.; three grandchildren, Alyssa Driggers-Hathorne, Tyler Odgers and “Baby” Odgers; a twin sister, Deborah Enterline (Gary); two sisters, Carrie Kennedy (Mark) and Lisa Buday (Jeff); and a grandmother, Belle Brutout.
Deceased are his mother, Judy Brutout Hunt, and a brother, Farley Hunt.
Mr. Odgers always considered California his hometown.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m Thursday in McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, S.C. 29445, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 19. A memorial service for his friends and family in Western Pennsylvania will be held at the convenience of the family. His ashes will be returned to Camp Laurelview, where he began his life with the Hunt family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Laurelview, c/o The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 900, New Stanton, PA 15672; The California Area School District Foundation, P.O. Box 531, California, PA 15419; Hospice of Charleston; or American Cancer Society.