RSS | 
Twitter
| 
Be a fan!
John Milton Barnes
Owned antiques store, enjoyed traveling
John Milton Barnes, 76, of Washington, formerly of Claysville, died unexpectedly Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in his home.
He was born May 12, 1933, in Beham, a son of Dale Eigenbrod.
Mr. Barnes was a graduate of West Alexander High School.
He was employed by Columbia Gas and later owned and operated an antiques store and a hardwood-floor refinishing business.
He was a member of F&AM Lodge 39 in Wheeling, W.Va.
Mr. Barnes enjoyed traveling and restoring and refinishing antiques.
On December 14, 1957, he married Donna Allison, who survives.
Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Robert (Judy) Allison of Claysville, and seven nieces and nephews, including Belinda Boeshore and Forey Allison.
A brother, Robert Barnes, is deceased.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Michael H. Heinrich Funeral Home, 219 Main Street, Claysville, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 30, with the Rev. Meade Lacock officiating. Interment will be in Claysville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. A guest book is available at www.heinrichfuneralhome.com.
***
A. Wayne Conkle
Owner of A. Wayne Conkle & Son trucking
A. Wayne Conkle, 92, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, of Bentleyville, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in his home.
A lifelong resident of Washington County, he was born March 9, 1917, in Lone Pine, a son of Homer and Hazel Elizabeth Hewitt Conkle.
Mr. Conkle was owner and operator of A. Wayne Conkle and Son Trucking Co., dealing in agricultural lime and fertilizer.
Since 1938, he had been a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Glyde. For many years he attended First Baptist Church in Bentleyville.
On December 24, 1936, in Wellsburg, W.Va., he married Helen S. Huffman, who died February 19, 1999.
Surviving are five children, John W. Conkle (Vera) of Bentleyville, Francis Martin (Elden) of Elyria, Ohio, Dorothy Martin (Oliver) of Amherst, Ohio, Sylvia Foor (the late James M.) of Grindstone and Ocie Conkle of Bentleyville, his beloved caretaker with whom he resided; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Mack Conkle (Lois) of Scenery Hill; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Conkle of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
A brother, Merldean Conkle, is deceased.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville (724-239-2255), where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, with the Rev. Vernon Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. For those unable to attend, condolences can be sent at www.thompson-marodi.com.
***
Deborah J. DeMarco
Canon-McMillan schoolteacher
Deborah J. DeMarco, 58, of Houston, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a brief illness.
She was born May 29, 1951, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Adolph and Sophie Sobolewski Kern of Strabane.
Mrs. DeMarco was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and taught in Canon-McMillan School District for 31 years. She was teaching at First Street Elementary School at the time of her death.
She had lived in Houston since 1976 and was a member of Belmont Christian Church in Canonsburg.
Mrs. DeMarco enjoyed gardening and spending time with her friends and family and was a member of SNPJ, KSKJ St. Jerome Lodge and AFU, all of Strabane.
On July 5, 1974, she married Fortunato (Fred) DeMarco, who died February 8, 2004.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are two daughters, Amie (David) Yacubovich of Las Vegas, Nev., and Toni (David Loch) DeMarco of Penn Hills; a brother, Alan (Cheryl) Kern of Mansfield, Texas; and a nephew, Aaron Kern.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 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, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, with the Rev. Dominick Sgro officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ovarian Cancer Research. To leave condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.
***
Elsie J. Dickey
Elsie J. Dickey, 64, of Dilliner, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in her home.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
***
Rich Dimmack
Sept. 19, 1974 – Oct. 26, 2009
Rich Dimmack died Monday, October 26, 2009.
He was born September 19, 1974.
He lived on the little-league baseball diamonds of Washington, reigning over the outfield or donning the catcher’s mask.
He lived on the early morning smooth-iced hockey rinks of Pittsburgh.
He lived roaming the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, as well as London for a semester and the world aboard a Semester at Sea.
He lived in the dark, frigid forests of deer season.
He lived on the barbecue and catfish of the Mississippi Delta and Ole Miss.
He lived on the back roads of Morgan County, Ind., climbing the steepest hills, rarely rising from his bicycle seat.
He lived in the classrooms of Hollandale, Miss., Shortridge Middle School in Indianapolis, Ind., Decatur Discovery Academy in Decatur Township, Ind., and Monrovia Middle School in Monrovia, Ind., teaching kids to shape their interesting experiences into captivating stories.
He lived taking journeys down the road and across the oceans with his wife, Julie Newton.
He lived playing with and wrestling with and singing with and adoring his children, Dorothy, Simon and Beatrix.
His memory lives on in his mother, Patricia Boylan Dimmack; his father, Rick Dimmack; his brothers, Chris and Jim; his sister, Teri; his extended family; his friends; and his students.
Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 31, in Grace Church, 4172 East Allison Road, Mooresville, Ind. A memorial Mass will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. Lincoln Dall and the Rev. William P. Feeney, con-celebrants.
He requested that donations be made to Kidney Cancer Association or to a college fund for his three young children, Dimmack Children Fund, M&I Bank, 46 Springmill Court, Mooresville, IN 46158. He is donating his body to Indiana University Medical School, Department of Anatomy. Condolences and memories may be written on Facebook.
***
Pearl Battistone Gibson
Pearl Battistone Gibson, 89, of Bentleyville, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in West Malden Manor, Calif.
Arrangements by Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Bentleyville, are incomplete.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
***
René M. Relosky
4-H leader was animal lover, horse enthusiast
René M. Relosky, 47, of Bethel Park, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, in Mexico, after a courageous and extended battle with cancer.
She was the cherished mother of Lizzie Coffield; beloved daughter of Ronald and Frances Relosky; loving fiancee of Alex Mervis; loving sister of Ronald A. (Christine) Relosky; adored aunt of Reed and Riley Relosky; and loving niece/goddaughter of Dorothy Tomko.
Miss Relosky graduated from Bethel Park High School in 1980 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. She was an executive with MCI.
She was a longtime 4-H club leader and taught therapeutic riding. It was through horses and teaching others that she found her greatest joy.
Horses were one of her greatest passions, and she was awarded many great titles and grand championship awards. She was responsible for influencing countless children and adults in their own love affairs with horses.
One of her favorite horses was national champion “Minibrook Farms James Bond, AKA Jimmy.”
Miss Relosky will be missed not only by all of her family and students, whose lives she touched, but also by the many animals that she truly loved and cared about so deeply.
Friends will be received from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday in Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, October 30, in St. Gabriel Church, 5200 Greenridge Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Visit online information at www.henneyfuneralhome.com.
***
Allyson A. Simmers
AT&T retiree loved to travel
Allyson Ann Miles Simmers, 63, of Cross Junction, Va., died Monday, October 26, 2009, in Berryville, Va., following a lengthy illness.
She was born in 1946, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Burt Miles of Bridgeton, N.J., and the late Jean W. Miles.
Mrs. Simmers was a graduate of Washington High school.
She was an operator service attendant with AT&T, retiring in 1996 after 30 years of service.
Mrs. Simmers was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, Va. Queen Mum of the Red Hot Flashes, she was a member of the Red Hat Society.
She loved to travel, and her favorite cities were Pittsburgh, London, England, and Deadwood, S.D. She was an avid fan of the Rolling Stones and attended several concerts.
She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking pictures and being a grandma.
She enjoyed writing and published a poem, as well as a story, “Renewal Of Faith,” printed in the book “This We Believe,” essays by 2008 participants in the One Book, One Community project.
On January 30, 1998, in Winchester, she married Edward A. Simmers Sr., who survives.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a daughter, Kiersten L. Walker of Winchester; a son, Paul C. Wolford and wife Michelle of Bluemont, Va.; two stepsons, Edward A. Simmers Jr. and wife Deanna of Gore, Va., and George C. Simmers and wife Elizabeth of Marion; three grandchildren, Linzie Wolford, Jordan Wolford and Brandon Walker; five stepgrandchildren, Amanda, Tucker, Charles, Austin and William Simmers; three sisters, Deidre Hoffman of Hamilton, Va., Val Demarco of Vineland, N.J., and Shelly Miles of Bridgeton, N.J.; and a brother, Kyle Miles of Sacramento, Calif.
Her first husband, Paul Wolford, died in 2000.
A memorial Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, October 30, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Winchester, with Father Michael Dobbins officiating.
A memorial reception will follow Mass at the church.
Because of her love for traveling, she requested that her ashes be spread over the heather in Scotland.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 2654 Valley Avenue, Suite B, Winchester, VA 22601. Sign the guest book and view obituaries at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.
***
Margaret J. Sowden
Jefferson woman was a homemaker
Margaret J. (Peg) Sowden, 81, of Jefferson, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009, in Washington Hospital.
She was born July 25, 1928, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late James F. and Dorothy M. Antill Morris.
Mrs. Sowden graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1945 and was a homemaker.
She was a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Carmichaels.
On December 14, 1946, she married Robert W. “Whitey” Sowden, who died November 7, 1988.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Guy (Mary) Nyswaner of Stafford Springs, Conn., Mrs. Thomas (Ruth) Sellers of Kittanning and Mrs. Shirl (Jane) Barnhart of Jefferson; seven grandchildren, Shery Champagne, Lisa Sowden, Thomas Sellers Jr., Robert Nyswaner, Rachel Nyswaner, Melissa Barnhart and Rebecca Harris; eight great-grandchildren; and five sisters, Betty Morris of Waynesburg, Beulah Patterson of Interlachen, Fla., Roberta Houston of Niles, Ohio, Judy Evans of the state of California and Glenda Reiner of Plainfield, Conn.
A sister, Jean Deignan, is deceased.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 30, with Ken Knetzer officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
***
Dorothy Green Tyler
1932-2009
Dorothy Green Tyler died Sunday, October 25, 2009.
She was born August 7, 1932, a daughter of Herbert Green and Christine Lee Green. She was one of 11 children.
Mrs. Tyler was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Daisytown.
Surviving are her husband, Johnny Tyler; four children, Valinda, John Jr., Cynthia and Ernest Tyler; grandchildren Darra Tyler Owens, John Tyler III and Nickeya Williamson; great-grandchildren; a brother, Nathaniel Green; a sister, Helen Lucas; sisters Fannie Hawkes, Elsie Hoggans, Arlene Miller and Florence Green; and several nieces and nephews.
***
Oliver G. Ventresca
Brick mason and winemaker
Oliver G. Ventresca, 77, of Cecil Township, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in Allegheny General Hospital Suburban Campus, Bellevue.
He was born Monday, May 2, 1932, in Cecil, a son of the late Oliver and Lillian Monaco Ventresca.
Mr. Ventresca was a sergeant in the Army during the Korean War.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating on his ship, the “Bogy.” He also made his own wine and was a wine connoisseur.
Mr. Ventresca owned and operated, with his son, Ventresca Masonry Inc. for more than 50 years. He was well known for his unique workmanship.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara Ventresca of Cecil Township; a daughter, Gloria (Dennis) Chipps, and a son, Oliver “Yogi” (Mary) Ventresca, both of Cecil; grandchildren Dawn Chipps of Georgia, Adam (fiancee Brittany Bonda) Chipps of Muse and Kim (Rick) Perri of McDonald; great-grandchildren Josh Hubbard of Cecil and Jessica Perri of McDonald; a brother, Gerald (Jackie) Ventresca of Ocala, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 31, with the Rev. Stan Gregorek officiating. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Military honors will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 honor guard. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 241 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1744.
***
Joseph Z. Zaracki Jr.
Carnegie resident
Joseph Z. Zaracki Jr., 66, of Carnegie, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009.
He was the beloved son of Jeanne Stankiewicz and the late Joseph Z. Zaracki; brother of John Zee Zaracki, James Z. Zaracki and Jerry Zaracki Keenan; and half brother of Jodi Campbell, Joe, Jay, Jeff, Jarrett and Johnnie Zaracki and Jana Davis.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., during which a 7:30 p.m. service will occur, Thursday, October 29, in Henney, Bradwell and Nirella Funeral Home, 524 Washington Avenue, Carnegie.
***
John Milton Barnes, 76, of Washington, formerly of Claysville, died unexpectedly Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in his home.
He was born May 12, 1933, in Beham, a son of Dale Eigenbrod.
Mr. Barnes was a graduate of West Alexander High School.
He was employed by Columbia Gas and later owned and operated an antiques store and a hardwood-floor refinishing business.
He was a member of F&AM Lodge 39 in Wheeling, W.Va.
Mr. Barnes enjoyed traveling and restoring and refinishing antiques.
On December 14, 1957, he married Donna Allison, who survives.
Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Robert (Judy) Allison of Claysville, and seven nieces and nephews, including Belinda Boeshore and Forey Allison.
A brother, Robert Barnes, is deceased.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Michael H. Heinrich Funeral Home, 219 Main Street, Claysville, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 30, with the Rev. Meade Lacock officiating. Interment will be in Claysville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. A guest book is available at www.heinrichfuneralhome.com.
***
A. Wayne Conkle
Owner of A. Wayne Conkle & Son trucking
A. Wayne Conkle, 92, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, of Bentleyville, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in his home.
A lifelong resident of Washington County, he was born March 9, 1917, in Lone Pine, a son of Homer and Hazel Elizabeth Hewitt Conkle.
Mr. Conkle was owner and operator of A. Wayne Conkle and Son Trucking Co., dealing in agricultural lime and fertilizer.
Since 1938, he had been a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Glyde. For many years he attended First Baptist Church in Bentleyville.
On December 24, 1936, in Wellsburg, W.Va., he married Helen S. Huffman, who died February 19, 1999.
Surviving are five children, John W. Conkle (Vera) of Bentleyville, Francis Martin (Elden) of Elyria, Ohio, Dorothy Martin (Oliver) of Amherst, Ohio, Sylvia Foor (the late James M.) of Grindstone and Ocie Conkle of Bentleyville, his beloved caretaker with whom he resided; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Mack Conkle (Lois) of Scenery Hill; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Conkle of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
A brother, Merldean Conkle, is deceased.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville (724-239-2255), where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, with the Rev. Vernon Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. For those unable to attend, condolences can be sent at www.thompson-marodi.com.
***
Deborah J. DeMarco
Canon-McMillan schoolteacher
Deborah J. DeMarco, 58, of Houston, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a brief illness.
She was born May 29, 1951, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Adolph and Sophie Sobolewski Kern of Strabane.
Mrs. DeMarco was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and taught in Canon-McMillan School District for 31 years. She was teaching at First Street Elementary School at the time of her death.
She had lived in Houston since 1976 and was a member of Belmont Christian Church in Canonsburg.
Mrs. DeMarco enjoyed gardening and spending time with her friends and family and was a member of SNPJ, KSKJ St. Jerome Lodge and AFU, all of Strabane.
On July 5, 1974, she married Fortunato (Fred) DeMarco, who died February 8, 2004.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are two daughters, Amie (David) Yacubovich of Las Vegas, Nev., and Toni (David Loch) DeMarco of Penn Hills; a brother, Alan (Cheryl) Kern of Mansfield, Texas; and a nephew, Aaron Kern.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 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, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, with the Rev. Dominick Sgro officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ovarian Cancer Research. To leave condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.
***
Elsie J. Dickey
Elsie J. Dickey, 64, of Dilliner, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in her home.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
***
Rich Dimmack
Sept. 19, 1974 – Oct. 26, 2009
Rich Dimmack died Monday, October 26, 2009.
He was born September 19, 1974.
He lived on the little-league baseball diamonds of Washington, reigning over the outfield or donning the catcher’s mask.
He lived on the early morning smooth-iced hockey rinks of Pittsburgh.
He lived roaming the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, as well as London for a semester and the world aboard a Semester at Sea.
He lived in the dark, frigid forests of deer season.
He lived on the barbecue and catfish of the Mississippi Delta and Ole Miss.
He lived on the back roads of Morgan County, Ind., climbing the steepest hills, rarely rising from his bicycle seat.
He lived in the classrooms of Hollandale, Miss., Shortridge Middle School in Indianapolis, Ind., Decatur Discovery Academy in Decatur Township, Ind., and Monrovia Middle School in Monrovia, Ind., teaching kids to shape their interesting experiences into captivating stories.
He lived taking journeys down the road and across the oceans with his wife, Julie Newton.
He lived playing with and wrestling with and singing with and adoring his children, Dorothy, Simon and Beatrix.
His memory lives on in his mother, Patricia Boylan Dimmack; his father, Rick Dimmack; his brothers, Chris and Jim; his sister, Teri; his extended family; his friends; and his students.
Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 31, in Grace Church, 4172 East Allison Road, Mooresville, Ind. A memorial Mass will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. Lincoln Dall and the Rev. William P. Feeney, con-celebrants.
He requested that donations be made to Kidney Cancer Association or to a college fund for his three young children, Dimmack Children Fund, M&I Bank, 46 Springmill Court, Mooresville, IN 46158. He is donating his body to Indiana University Medical School, Department of Anatomy. Condolences and memories may be written on Facebook.
***
Pearl Battistone Gibson
Pearl Battistone Gibson, 89, of Bentleyville, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in West Malden Manor, Calif.
Arrangements by Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Bentleyville, are incomplete.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
***
René M. Relosky
4-H leader was animal lover, horse enthusiast
René M. Relosky, 47, of Bethel Park, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, in Mexico, after a courageous and extended battle with cancer.
She was the cherished mother of Lizzie Coffield; beloved daughter of Ronald and Frances Relosky; loving fiancee of Alex Mervis; loving sister of Ronald A. (Christine) Relosky; adored aunt of Reed and Riley Relosky; and loving niece/goddaughter of Dorothy Tomko.
Miss Relosky graduated from Bethel Park High School in 1980 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. She was an executive with MCI.
She was a longtime 4-H club leader and taught therapeutic riding. It was through horses and teaching others that she found her greatest joy.
Horses were one of her greatest passions, and she was awarded many great titles and grand championship awards. She was responsible for influencing countless children and adults in their own love affairs with horses.
One of her favorite horses was national champion “Minibrook Farms James Bond, AKA Jimmy.”
Miss Relosky will be missed not only by all of her family and students, whose lives she touched, but also by the many animals that she truly loved and cared about so deeply.
Friends will be received from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday in Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, October 30, in St. Gabriel Church, 5200 Greenridge Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Visit online information at www.henneyfuneralhome.com.
***
Allyson A. Simmers
AT&T retiree loved to travel
Allyson Ann Miles Simmers, 63, of Cross Junction, Va., died Monday, October 26, 2009, in Berryville, Va., following a lengthy illness.
She was born in 1946, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Burt Miles of Bridgeton, N.J., and the late Jean W. Miles.
Mrs. Simmers was a graduate of Washington High school.
She was an operator service attendant with AT&T, retiring in 1996 after 30 years of service.
Mrs. Simmers was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, Va. Queen Mum of the Red Hot Flashes, she was a member of the Red Hat Society.
She loved to travel, and her favorite cities were Pittsburgh, London, England, and Deadwood, S.D. She was an avid fan of the Rolling Stones and attended several concerts.
She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking pictures and being a grandma.
She enjoyed writing and published a poem, as well as a story, “Renewal Of Faith,” printed in the book “This We Believe,” essays by 2008 participants in the One Book, One Community project.
On January 30, 1998, in Winchester, she married Edward A. Simmers Sr., who survives.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a daughter, Kiersten L. Walker of Winchester; a son, Paul C. Wolford and wife Michelle of Bluemont, Va.; two stepsons, Edward A. Simmers Jr. and wife Deanna of Gore, Va., and George C. Simmers and wife Elizabeth of Marion; three grandchildren, Linzie Wolford, Jordan Wolford and Brandon Walker; five stepgrandchildren, Amanda, Tucker, Charles, Austin and William Simmers; three sisters, Deidre Hoffman of Hamilton, Va., Val Demarco of Vineland, N.J., and Shelly Miles of Bridgeton, N.J.; and a brother, Kyle Miles of Sacramento, Calif.
Her first husband, Paul Wolford, died in 2000.
A memorial Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, October 30, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Winchester, with Father Michael Dobbins officiating.
A memorial reception will follow Mass at the church.
Because of her love for traveling, she requested that her ashes be spread over the heather in Scotland.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 2654 Valley Avenue, Suite B, Winchester, VA 22601. Sign the guest book and view obituaries at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.
***
Margaret J. Sowden
Jefferson woman was a homemaker
Margaret J. (Peg) Sowden, 81, of Jefferson, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009, in Washington Hospital.
She was born July 25, 1928, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late James F. and Dorothy M. Antill Morris.
Mrs. Sowden graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1945 and was a homemaker.
She was a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Carmichaels.
On December 14, 1946, she married Robert W. “Whitey” Sowden, who died November 7, 1988.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Guy (Mary) Nyswaner of Stafford Springs, Conn., Mrs. Thomas (Ruth) Sellers of Kittanning and Mrs. Shirl (Jane) Barnhart of Jefferson; seven grandchildren, Shery Champagne, Lisa Sowden, Thomas Sellers Jr., Robert Nyswaner, Rachel Nyswaner, Melissa Barnhart and Rebecca Harris; eight great-grandchildren; and five sisters, Betty Morris of Waynesburg, Beulah Patterson of Interlachen, Fla., Roberta Houston of Niles, Ohio, Judy Evans of the state of California and Glenda Reiner of Plainfield, Conn.
A sister, Jean Deignan, is deceased.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 30, with Ken Knetzer officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
***
Dorothy Green Tyler
1932-2009
Dorothy Green Tyler died Sunday, October 25, 2009.
She was born August 7, 1932, a daughter of Herbert Green and Christine Lee Green. She was one of 11 children.
Mrs. Tyler was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Daisytown.
Surviving are her husband, Johnny Tyler; four children, Valinda, John Jr., Cynthia and Ernest Tyler; grandchildren Darra Tyler Owens, John Tyler III and Nickeya Williamson; great-grandchildren; a brother, Nathaniel Green; a sister, Helen Lucas; sisters Fannie Hawkes, Elsie Hoggans, Arlene Miller and Florence Green; and several nieces and nephews.
***
Oliver G. Ventresca
Brick mason and winemaker
Oliver G. Ventresca, 77, of Cecil Township, died Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in Allegheny General Hospital Suburban Campus, Bellevue.
He was born Monday, May 2, 1932, in Cecil, a son of the late Oliver and Lillian Monaco Ventresca.
Mr. Ventresca was a sergeant in the Army during the Korean War.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating on his ship, the “Bogy.” He also made his own wine and was a wine connoisseur.
Mr. Ventresca owned and operated, with his son, Ventresca Masonry Inc. for more than 50 years. He was well known for his unique workmanship.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara Ventresca of Cecil Township; a daughter, Gloria (Dennis) Chipps, and a son, Oliver “Yogi” (Mary) Ventresca, both of Cecil; grandchildren Dawn Chipps of Georgia, Adam (fiancee Brittany Bonda) Chipps of Muse and Kim (Rick) Perri of McDonald; great-grandchildren Josh Hubbard of Cecil and Jessica Perri of McDonald; a brother, Gerald (Jackie) Ventresca of Ocala, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 31, with the Rev. Stan Gregorek officiating. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Military honors will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 honor guard. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 241 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1744.
***
Joseph Z. Zaracki Jr.
Carnegie resident
Joseph Z. Zaracki Jr., 66, of Carnegie, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009.
He was the beloved son of Jeanne Stankiewicz and the late Joseph Z. Zaracki; brother of John Zee Zaracki, James Z. Zaracki and Jerry Zaracki Keenan; and half brother of Jodi Campbell, Joe, Jay, Jeff, Jarrett and Johnnie Zaracki and Jana Davis.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., during which a 7:30 p.m. service will occur, Thursday, October 29, in Henney, Bradwell and Nirella Funeral Home, 524 Washington Avenue, Carnegie.
*** Home
