St. Mary's Church member taught Sunday school

Stanley F. Bartnick, 53, of Venice, died Friday, February 29, 2008, in the Southview home of his companion and caregiver Jackie Bowland.

He was born Sunday, May 30, 1954, a son of the late Joseph Stanley and Mary Brunner Bartnick.

Mr. Bartnick was a member of St. Mary's Church, Cecil, where he taught Sunday school and formerly worked as maintenance coordinator. He was a 1972 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School. He was also a member of Westland Sportsmen Club and a social member of Cecil American Legion and SNPJ Club in Southview.

He worked most of his life as a self-employed salvage collector.

Surviving, in addition to his companion, are three brothers, Joseph (Angela) Bartnick of Bethel Park, James (Tina) Bartnick of Venice and Thomas (Darlene) Bartnick of Baltimore, Md.; three sisters, Mary Alice Wehlage of Venice, Catherine (Robert) Strnisha of Canonsburg and Becky (Dominic) Alteri of Meadow Lands; 11 nieces and nephews; 13 great-nieces and nephews; and a special niece, Savannah Irwin of Southview.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA 15321, where services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 3, with prayers of transfer followed by funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, with Father Stan Gregorek, officiating.

Interment will follow in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Cecil.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

***

LOUIS BELCASTRO

Louis Belcastro, 85, of Washington, died Friday, February 29, 2008, in Washington Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced in a later edition by Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Washington.

***

FREDERICK J. BRAUN JR.

Member of Peters Creek Historical Society

Frederick J. Braun Jr., 79, of North Strabane Township, died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in Canonsburg General Hospital.

He was born in 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of Frederick J. and Elsa Surber Braun.

Before he retired, Mr. Braun was a lubrication engineer with Ritter Engineering in West Mifflin.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of Peters Creek Historical Society, National Watch and Clock Collectors and the Rolls Royce Owners Club.

Mr. Braun attended Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Upper St. Clair.

His wife, Winifred White Braun, survives.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public viewing. Private interment will be in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions can be made to Great Commission Fund, c/o Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair, 2510 Old Washington Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, Finleyville.

***

LINDA SUE BURSON

Linda Sue Burson, 62 of Allen, Texas, formerly of Waynesburg, died at 11:40 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2008, in the Medical Center of Plano, Texas.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Waynesburg. A complete obituary and arrangements will appear in a later edition.

***

GLOVER D. CRAWFORD

Decorated WWII veteran retired from J&L Steel

Glover D. Crawford, 88, of Washington, died Friday, February 29, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, following a brief illness.

He was born May 23, 1919, in Washington, a son of Raymond and Phoebe Morris Crawford.

Mr. Crawford graduated from Washington High School and attended Washington & Jefferson College for two years.

During World War II, Mr. Crawford served in the Army's Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron. Out of a crew of 11, he was one of three survivors of a bomber crash in Colorado during flight engineering school.

Mr. Crawford was involved in the air offensive in Japan, India, Burma and China. His medals include the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal and Air Medal. He was honorably discharged as a technical sergeant November 18, 1945.

Mr. Crawford retired as a foreman at J&L Steel in Aliquippa after 34 years and three months of service.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175 and Washington Racing Pigeon Club.

On February 19, 1948, he married Martha Lee Smith, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Raymond (Carol) Crawford of Claysville; a daughter, Sandra (Terry) Martin of Washington; a brother, Earl Crawford of Claysville; four grandchildren, Jayme Rae Tuite, Jessie Kate Crawford, Dylan Raymond Crawford and Andrew James Crawford; a stepgrandchild, Christina Ann Singleton; four great-grandchildren, Ashleigh and Emily Tuite and Justin and Jordan Grace Crawford.

Deceased are a stepson, James E. Bright; four brothers, Raymond, William, Clyde and Henry Crawford; and two sisters, Shirley Eastham and Lenore Crawford.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 3, with the Rev. Kenneth Schott officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by James R. Hunt American Legion Post 639. Memorial donations may be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

Additional information and guestbook are online at www.nealfuneralhome.com.

***

GEORGIA B. BRYANT HELMICK

Retired cook enjoyed playing cards

Georgia B. Bryant Helmick, 81, of Mt. Morris, died at 9:07 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va., following a lengthy illness.

She was born Sunday, March 21, 1926, in Vindex, Md., a daughter of Roy Bryant and Della Sims Bryant.

Mrs. Helmick was a member of Mt. Morris James T. Maxon American Legion Auxiliary.

She enjoyed playing cards.

Mrs. Helmick worked for several years as a cook for Sundale Nursing Home in Morgantown, retiring in 1980.

Her husband, John Wesley Helmick, whom she married March 28, 1946, died December 10, 1994.

Surviving are four daughters, Faye and husband Gary Thomas of Mooresville, W.Va., Judith and husband Jimmy Vaughn of Ponotoc, Miss., Pamela Candella of Morgantown and Beverly Allen of Maidsville, W.Va.; two sons, Robert E. and wife Cynthia Helmick of Hope Mills, N.C., and David L. Helmick of Mt. Morris; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Ruby Garrett of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a son, J. Stephen Helmick, and two brothers, William Bryant and Richard Bryant.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, corner of Ellsworth Avenue and Route 19, Mt. Morris, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, with the Rev. Fred Tomlinson officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Mt. Morris.

Information is online at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

***

PAUL HLAVAY

Paul Hlavay, 69, of Midway, died unexpectedly Thursday, February 28, 2008, in Canonsburg General Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete and are enrusted to Thomas-Little Funeral Service, 106 St. John Street, Midway (724-796-3301). A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.

***

GUSTAF P. HULTMAN

Gustaf P. Hultman, 88, of Canonsburg, died Thursday, February 28, 2008.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced in a leter edition by Bogan Funeral Home, Canonsburg.

***

GEORGE R. JACKSON JR.

Former employee of Langeloth Metallurgical

George R. Jackson Jr., 56, of Weirton, W.Va., died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in his home.

He was born March 30, 1951, in Steubenville, a son of George R. Jackson Sr. of Steubenville and the late Cecilia "Kitty" Andros Jackson.

Mr. Jackson was a former employee of Langeloth Metallurgical.

He was Catholic.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Hamilton Jackson, whom he married February 23, 1980; four sons, Michael, Jason, Jeffrey and Charles Jackson, all at home; two daughters, Sharon Jackson and Charity Martin, both of South Carolina; a brother, Gary Jackson of Georgia; a sister, Darlene (Albert) Fowler of Wellsburg; and eight grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 9 to 11 a.m., the time of services, Saturday, March 1, in Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Boulevard, Steubenville, Ohio.

Burial will be private in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Steubenville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

Offer condolences at www.mostifuneralhome.com.

***

JACOB LEE KEYES

1997-2008

Jacob Lee Keyes, 10, of Burgettstown, died unexpectedly Thursday, February 28, 2008, from complications of cancer, in Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born April 25, 1997, in Washington, a son of Oreal Lee Keyes and Marci Lynn Preston DePaul, both of Burgettstown.

He attended Burgettstown Elementary School and, at the time of his death, was in fourth grade.

He leaves behind many friends, especially Ryan.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a maternal grandmother, Thelma R. Preston; a paternal grandmother, Donna Keyes of Missouri; several aunts and uncles, including Robert D. Preston and Julie Pinzone, Mark C. and Darlene Preston, Jeff M. and Tammy Preston, Greg A and Misty Preston and Troy D. and Sarah J. Preston; and many great-aunts and uncles and beloved cousins.

Deceased are a maternal grandfather, Robert D. Preston Jr.; and a paternal grandfather, Jim Keyes.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Tuesday, March 4, in Lee & Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Florence.

Memorial donations may be made in his name in care of Lee & Martin Funeral Home.

***

HENRY E. KUHNS

Henry E. Kuhns, 52, of Waynesburg, died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.

Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Behm Funeral Homes Inc., Jefferson. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.

***

RAY ALLEN LYNN SR.

Abundant Life Baptist Church member

Ray Allen Lynn Sr., 82, of Canonsburg, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, in his home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born November 3, 1925, in Perryopolis, a son of Kemp W. and Gladys Chalfont Lynn.

Mr. Lynn attended Centerville schools.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in the South Pacific Battle of Pellieu.

Mr. Lynn worked in Vesta 5 Mine, LaBelle Processing Co. until his retirement in 1984. He was also a self-employed truck driver.

He was a member of American Legion Post 175 in Washington and Veterans of Foreign Wars in McMurray.

Mr. Lynn was a member of Abundant Life Baptist Church, South Strabane Township, where his membership gave him a firm faith in God that got him through many illnesses.

On July 19, 1997, in Washington, he married Doris Beeler Jones, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Ray A. Lynn Jr. and wife Kathy of Elderton and Larry E. Lynn and wife Bonnie of Brownsville; a stepson, David K. Jones and wife Mary of Johnstown; two stepdaughters, Cheryl Jones Hayden of Washington and Pamela Jones Schleicher and husband Joseph of Washington; a brother, Kemp W. Lynn (JR) and wife Mary of Scenery Hill; a sister, Laura B. Debski and husband Steven of Richeyville; two brothers-in-law, William Beeler and wife Evelyn of Canonsburg and Normal Beeler and wife Rheeta of Ohio; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Beeler Myatt of Houston, Beverly Beeler Carawan of Virginia and Sally Beeler Keeler and husband Robert of Florida; five grandchildren, David, Gregory, Jeremy, Michael and Matthew Lynn; seven stepgrandchildren, Mackenzie Hayden, Joseph Schleicher and Keely, Steven, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Rachel Jones; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are his first wife, Mabel King Lynn, who died September 23, 1984, and a sister, Agnes Geller.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, and from 1 to 2 p.m., the hour of service, Monday, March 3, in Abundant Life Baptist Church, with Pastor George Garancosky officiating.

Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery with full military rites accorded by American Legion Post 175 of Washington and Marine Corps honor guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Abundant Life Baptist Church Building Fund, 269 Cameron Road, Washington, PA 15301.

***

MILLICENT SKOKUT NEHREBECKI

Devoted wife and mother

Millicent Skokut Nehrebecki, 88, of Bentleyville, Somerset Township, died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a brief illness.

She was born June 14, 1919, on Skokut farm, Carroll Township, to Gregory (Frank) and Millie Radjsavic Skokut.

Mrs. Nehrebecki was married for nearly 56 years to Paul Nehrebecki, who survives.

She was Christian, having accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and savior.

Mrs. Nehrebecki was raised on the family farm in Carroll Township, later moving to a farm in Somerset Township to raise her own family.

She loved the country and was ahead of the ecology movement in that she revered the environment and utilized organic and low-impact farming and gardening methods on her own property.

She attended Taylor Run, a one-room school, and Victory Hill schools, as well as Douglas Business College in Charleroi.

Mrs. Nehrebecki worked in Pittsburgh at Gimbels, Kaufmann's and Lane Bryant, where she was manager of its hosiery department, traveling into the city each day by bus from Monongahela.

She sold vegetables for many years at Farmer's Night Market in Pittsburgh with her parents and siblings and later with her husband and children.

Mrs. Nehrebecki later discovered the joys of flea markets and loved searching yard and garage sales for treasures.

Her main vocation, however, was her family. She completely devoted her entire life to the welfare of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandson, all a source of great pride and joy to her.

Surviving are her husband, Paul; a son, Myron P. (Laura D.) of Washington; a daughter, Nadine A. (Mike) Murtaugh of Landenburg; three grandchildren, Lynne M. (Robert F.) Getz of Charlotte, N.C., Michael P. Murtaugh of New Delhi, India, and Jody Anna M. Murtaugh of Landenburg; and a great-grandson, Robert F. Getz IV, whom she affectionately called "Little Bobby Getz."

Also surviving are five brothers, Miller of Independence, Ohio, Nick of Carroll Township, Louie of Apple Valley, Calif., Louis of Scenery Hill and Samuel of Ruffsdale.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are two sisters, Bernice and Elizabeth, and a brother, Adam.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 10 until 11 a.m., the time of services, Monday, March 3, in Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Donnell House, c/o Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

***

BETTY JANE HORNER PALMER

Homemaker was co-owner of Palmer Beverage

Betty Jane Horner Palmer, 87, of Washington, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, in Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington.

She was born January 6, 1921, in Amity, a daughter of John Oliver and Blanche Rush Horner.

Mrs. Palmer graduated from Washington High School in 1941.

She was a homemaker and co-owner of Palmer Beverage. During World War II, she worked in a defense plant.

She was member of First Christian Church, Washington, for 69 years.

On July 29, 1947, she married Nicholas R. Palmer, who died in December 1988.

A sister, Jeanetta Ruth Maust of Washington, survives.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 2, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington. Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Additional information and guest book are online at www.nealfuneralhome.com.

***

EMILY A. STOTKA

Past Centerville 6th precinct Democratic committeewoman

Emily A. Stotka, 81, of Brownsville (Low Hill), died Thursday, February 28, 2008, surrounded by her family, in Adams Personal Care Home, Brownsville.

She was born September 14, 1926, in Vestaburg, a daughter of Peter and Mary Gercuite Kallis.

Mrs. Stotka was a 1944 graduate of East Bethlehem Township High School.

She was a lifelong member of St. Michael Archangel Church of St. Oliver Plunkett Parish, Fredericktown, where she was a lector, choir member, member and past officer of Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild and a member of Ladies of Charity. She enjoyed being the organizational leader for the church's vacation club and a participant in the monthly birthday club.

Mrs. Stotka was very active in local politics. She served as the Democratic committeewoman for Centerville Borough's sixth precinct, a constable on the election board and a member of Washington County Recount Committee.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a recent great-grandmother. She served as a past member and officer of Low Hill Parent Teacher Organization, Beth-Center Band Boosters and Beth-Center Kickoff Club.

On August 3, 1946, she married Walter M. Stotka, who died August 6, 1989. Also deceased is a son, Roger William Stotka, who died September 6, 1970; a sister, Ann Drotos; and a brother, Thomas Kallis.

Surviving are two daughters, Anna Marie Stotka of Edison, N.J., and Janet Day (Bill) of Fredericktown; three sons, Richard Stotka (Sharon) of Brownsville (Low Hill), Robert Stotka of Edison, N.J., and Walter A. (Wally) Stotka (Tianne) of Marianna; six grandchildren, Jayme, Chad and Jeremy Stotka, Lindsay Learn (Ryan), Courtney Day and Chelsea Stotka; a great-granddaughter, Ava Learn; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 42 Bank Street at Crawford Road, Fredericktown, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3, followed at 10:30 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Oliver Plunkett Parish, Fredericktown, with the Rev. Paul Grunebach as celebrant. Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park Cemetery, Brier Hill. Christian Mothers of the church will recite the rosary at 4 p.m. Sunday, and a parish vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

***

ANDREW JOHN ZAHRANSKY

Owned Pepsi-Cola distributorship

Andrew John "Whitey" Zahransky, 86, of State College, formerly of Burgettstown, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, in State College.

He was born July 7, 1921, in Mingo Junction, Ohio, a son of Mary and John Dolyak.

Mr. Zahransky enlisted in the Marines immediately after Pearl Harbor and proudly served in World War II as a mapmaker in the South Pacific Islands. He attained the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was very proud to be a Marine, and he embodied the fierce loyalty, discipline and integrity of the Corps throughout his life.

In April 1944, he married Mary Kosovec, shortly before his unexpected second tour of duty.

After the war, he and his wife settled in Burgettstown, where he worked as a delivery driver for Delfrate Meats. He and his wife relocated for a time to Rochester, where they owned a service station/restaurant. In 1958, they returned to Burgettstown, where he became the proprietor of Burgettstown Pepsi-Cola Distributorship, which he owned until his retirement in 1973. In July 2007, they relocated to State College.

Mr. Zahransky enjoyed driving (with his keen sense of direction and knowledge of shortcuts), playing tennis, watching Steelers football, studying geography and history, reading, listening to and playing Croatian tamburitza music and spending time with his family, especially his three granddaughters.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Burgettstown, and served for many years in the Knights of Columbus and as bingo captain. His kind heart made him a loyal friend to all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Mary Kosovec Zahransky, and a daughter, Lou Ann Zahransky Shafer and husband Timothy Shafer, and three granddaughters, Sarah, Elisabeth and Grace Shafer, all of State College.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Taucher Funeral Home, 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown, where a blessing service will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, March 3. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Burgettstown, where full military rites will be accorded by the Slovan and Burgettstown Veterans of Foreign Wars.