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Obituaries Aug. 11

Air Force veteran loved fishing, hunting, camping

Kermit R. Blaker, 85, of Washington, formerly of Richeyville, died Wednesday, August 7, 2013, in his home.

He was born July 8, 1928, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Harold Randolph and Idamary Rose Blaker.

Mr. Blaker was employed for many years as a meat cutter for Giant Eagle stores, until his retirement.

He loved fishing, hunting, shooting and camping and was an avid reader and outdoorsman.

Mr. Blaker served in the U.S. Air Force from 1945 to 1957.

He was a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, National Rifle Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

On January 8, 1957, he married Janet Matthies, who died in 1988. 

Surviving are his children, daughter Kathryn Blaker of Washington, daughter Deborah (William) Daufenbach of McMurray, daughter Christine Dennis of Denver, Colo., son Randolph Blaker of Baldwinsville, N.Y., daughter Sandra Martinez of Denver and daughter Saundra (Mac Durbin) Blaker of Washington; a sister, Roseleta Taylor of Washington; and two grandchildren, Adam Dennis and Kurt Daufenbach. 

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. Burial will be private. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

Charles Richard Coen, 83, of Washington, died Saturday, August 10, 2013, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.

Mr. Coen was the chief executive officer of Coen Oil Co. until his retirement.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., Washington.

Navy veteran had love for the fair

David Lee Johnston, 76, of Mt. Pleasant Township, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 8, 2013, in ManorCare, McMurray.

He was born February 17, 1937, at home in Mt. Pleasant Township, a son of Wayne and Ruth Clarke Johnston.

Raised on the family farm, he was a 1955 graduate of Hickory High School.

Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard and for two years as a mechanic, touring with the Pensacola, Fla.-based Blue Angels flight team.

Mr. Johnston worked for Hankison International for 36 years, retiring as quality control supervisor.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cutting cord wood, family vacations and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He volunteered at the Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department fish fries and annual Hickory Apple Festival and as one of the superintendents of the fruit and vegetable exhibit hall at the Washington County Agricultural Fair.

For more than 40 years, he showed and displayed his fruits and vegetables at the fair, winning many blue ribbons, most notably for his potatoes. His participation and love for the fair continues through his grandchildren.

On June 27, 1964, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Yanosik, his wife of 49 years.

Also surviving are two children, Michael David Johnston (Tammy) of Baldwin Borough and Rhonda Lucas (Dennis) of Mt. Pleasant Township; six grandchildren, Amanda, Victoria, David and Heidi Johnston and Emily and Colton David Lucas; a sister, Diane Rossero (Gerard) of Mt. Pleasant Township; a sister-in-law, Gloria McConnell (Donald) of Washington; a brother-in-law, Steve Yanosik of Southview; and several nieces and nephews.

A brother, W. Darrel Johnston, is deceased.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, with the Rev. Thomas Bellhy officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Full military rites will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston, combined honor guard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Served PT School District for more than 60 years

Evelyn C. Jozefkowicz, 91, of Peters Township, died Saturday, August 10, 2013.

She was the beloved wife of the late Theodore Jozefkowicz and loving sister of Leona Lemke. She leaves three generations of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jozefkowicz served Peters Township School District for more than 60 years, beginning her career as a playground supervisor at Venetia School in the early 1950s, serving in the original high school cafeteria and working as a crossing guard for more than 26 years.

She was very active in St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211. A Mass of Christian Burial will held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, in St. Francis of Assisi Church. Interment will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 3609 Washington Avenue, Finleyville PA 15332. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.

Nurse enjoyed family, friends

Diana Chambers Kramer, 48, of Waynesburg, and formerly of Cameron, W.Va., died unexpectedly at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2013, in UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, Pittsburgh.

She was born April 29, 1965, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late William James and Shirley Jean Mickey Courtwright.

Mrs. Kramer resided in the Cameron area for several years prior to moving to Waynesburg in 1991.

She was a 1983 graduate of Cameron High School.

Mrs. Kramer attended First Christian Church in Waynesburg. She was a member of Women of the Moose and a former member of American Legion Post 330 Auxiliary, both in Waynesburg.

Mrs. Kramer enjoyed gardening, family, friends and her pet dog, Megan.

She graduated from the B.M. Spurr School of Practical Nursing in 1988 with a certification as a licensed practical nurse and was formerly employed at Cameron Health Care Center. She was the owner and operator of the former Chambers Personal Care Home in Waynesburg for 13 years. She last worked as a private duty pediatric nurse for Continuum Pediatric Nursing.

In summer 2006, she married Kurt Wayne Kramer, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Jodi Chambers of Waynesburg; four stepdaughters, Erica Phillips of Sycamore, Billy Joe Lemasters of Moundsville, W.Va., Heidi Kramer of Hundred, W.Va., and Jessica Moore of Waynesburg; seven stepgrandchildren; a sister, Sharon, wife of Danny Allen of Shippensburg; three brothers, William, husband of Diane Courtwright of New Martinsville, W.Va., David Lee Courtwright of Waynesburg and James Michael Courtwright of Shippensburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are a sister, Marilyn Louise Courtwright, who died in infancy; and a brother, Harry Linley Courtwright.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m., the time of funeral and committal services, Monday, August 12, in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Interment will be private. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather

James O. Martin, 86, of Washington, formerly of Detroit, Mich., died at 2:49 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born May 6, 1927, in Chicago, Ill., a son of the late James H. and Margaret Marshall Martin.

Mr. Martin was employed as an accountant for Westinghouse Credit Corp. until his retirement.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and Knights of Columbus Council 1083.

Mr. Martin enjoyed woodworking, picture framing, creating music and history.

He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, receiving the Victory Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and the American Area Ribbon. 

On May 21, 1949, he married Concetta Giannosa, who survives.

Also surviving are their 10 children, son Michael Martin of Seattle, Wash., daughter Mary Papich of Northridge, Calif., daughter Sue (Bill) Swart of Washington, daughter Diane Kita of Washington, daughter Donna (Bill) Kelly of Bethel Park, son James O. (Terri) Martin III of Washington, daughter Nancy (Joey) Ogburn of Hickory, daughter Laura (Don) Ross of Washington, daughter Carol (Rob) Parris of Naples, Fla., and daughter Angie (Jim) McCarty of McMurray; 22 grandchildren; Annie Papich, Billy (Hannah) Swart, Lauren Swart, Mike (Jackie) Kita, Billy Kelly, Sean Kelly, Jimmy Martin, Chase (Sarah) Ogburn, Andrew Ogburn, Hannah Ogburn, Matthew Ross, Maria Ross, Angie Ross, John Paul Ross, Katie Ross, Thomas Ross, Emma Ross, Elizabeth Ross, Leah Ross, Jake Kirschler, Meghan McCarty and Ryan McCarty; two stepgrandchildren, Glen Parris and Kyle Parris; six great-grandchildren, Danny Kita, Abbey Kita, Anthony Kita, Annie Kita, Gabe Kita and Mary Grace Kita; and several nieces and nephews. 

Deceased are a brother, William F. Martin; a sister, Joan M. Provencher; and sons-in-law, Mimo Papich and Frank Kita. 

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington. Everyone is asked to meet at the church for the funeral Mass. Burial will be private. A rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Washington-Greene County Blind Association, 566 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301, or Immaculate Conception Church, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

Active at Mingo Presbyterian Church

Sarah I. “Sally” Mountain, 90, of New Eagle, died Saturday, August 10, 2013, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.

She was born December 11, 1922, in Webster, a daughter of John D. Sr. and Elizabeth Dunn Hughes.

A homemaker, she was a 1941 graduate of the former Rostraver High School.

Mrs. Mountain was an active member of Mingo Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed singing in its choir and working spaghetti dinners on Election Day, when she was able to. When she was younger, with her husband Howard, she belonged to several bowling leagues and Washington Metal Detectors Club. She held the highest degree in the Women of the Moose, Finleyville Lodge.

Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Howard R. Jr. and Gloria Mountain and David R. and Patricia Mountain of Monongahela and Thomas E. and Karen Mountain of New Eagle; eight grandchildren, Tammy (Wayne) Yancey, Kimberly (Greg) Carey, Robert A. (Heather) Mountain, Sheri Lynn (Chuck) Browning, Dana Cannon, Deanna (John) Felix, Saundra (Mark) Bobnar and John R. (Vivian) Mountain; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deceased are her husband, Howard R. Mountain Sr., who died February 21, 1992; three brothers, John D. Jr., James M. and Robert H. Hughes; and two sisters, Gertrude May Chadwick and Betty Bailey.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, marshallmarrafuneralhome.com. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, in Mingo Presbyterian Church, Finleyville, with Pastor Glenn McClelland officiating. Interment will follow in Mingo Cemetery, Finleyville.

Active member in First U.M. Church of Waynesburg

Katherine Douglas Smith, 96, of Waynesburg, died Saturday, August 3, 2013, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown W.Va., after a brief illness.

She was born October 29, 1916, in Providence, R.I., a daughter of the late Samuel Tobey Douglas and Helen Kurtz Douglas.

On May 24, 1941, she married David McKenzie Smith, who died January 27, 2011.

She attended Wheelock School, now Wheelock College, from 1934 to 1937, and received a degree in early childhood education. She was a member of one of the first Brownie troops, remained a Girl Scout into adulthood and was awarded Girl Scouts’ highest honor, the Girl Scout Gold award. She later became a Boy Scout leader as she raised her sons.

While living in Pittsburgh, she volunteered at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for nine years and as a tutor at Miller Elementary School in Pittsburgh. She was a frequent blood donor.

Mrs. Smith and her husband retired to a small farm in Carmichaels, where they resided for several years before moving to Waynesburg.

She was a member and officer of AARP and Warrior Trail Association. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Waynesburg and a former Sunday school teacher. She loved sewing, gardening and baking.

Surviving are three sons, Douglas Kent Smith (Kathleen Stratton Smith) of Canonsburg, Donald McKenzie Smith of Cuenca, Ecuador, and Malcolm Blake Smith (Clemmie Hannigan Smith) of Carmichaels; three granddaughters, Lauren Katherine Smith Farah (Michael), Samantha Smith Carter (Mike) and Jennifer Smith Ross (Jared); six great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Katherine Farah, Trenton, Sophia and Joselyn Carter and Jameson Ross; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three brothers, John Kurtz Douglas, Samuel Tobey Douglas Jr. and Stewart Nicholas Douglas.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, in First United Methodist Church in Waynesburg, with Pastor Gary Grau presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 112 North Richhill Street, Waynesburg PA 15370, or Warrior Trail Association, P.O. Box 103, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.

Washington School District secretary

Mary Ann Stephens, 78, of Washington, died Friday, August 9, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

She was born February 12, 1935, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Ann Dezack Gray. She was raised by Chellise Gray. 

Mrs. Stephens was a graduate of Cecil High School and worked as a secretary in Washington School District for 30 years.  

She was very active in midget league football and Band Aids at Washington High School. 

Mrs. Stephens adored her grandchildren and enjoyed eating out with family and friends as well as retirement lunches with former co-workers.

Her hobbies included baking, especially cookies, and attending the theater. 

Mrs. Stephens was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. 

On July 7, 1956, she married Clair Campbell “Took” Stephens, who died February 21, 2009. 

Surviving are two sons, Mark Keith Stephens (Linda) of Burke, Va., and Scot “Took” Stephens of Washington; a daughter, Lynn Stephens Watson (Jeff) of Claysville; three brothers, William Nofsker (Dolores) of Raymond, Maine, Ralph Gray (LuAnn) of Akron, Ohio, and John Gray of Los Angeles, Calif.; a sister, Carol Gray Yasko (David) of Sewickley; five grandchildren, Melissa Stephens, Casey Stephens, Zachary Stephens, Annie Stephens and Matthew Watson; an uncle, William Dezack (Joan) of McMurray; and several nieces and nephews. 

Deceased is a daughter-in-law, Nancy. 

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington. Burial will be held at a later date in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of Washington Health System, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Former Pa. department commander of American Legion

John E. Titus, 91, of Carmichaels, formerly of Jefferson, died Friday, August 9, 2013, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.

He was born November 2, 1921, in Jefferson, a son of the late Dr. Scott J. and Maud Dulany Titus.

Mr. Titus was a 1940 graduate of Jefferson High School, 1949 graduate of Waynesburg College and a 1969 graduate of West Virginia University.

He had first worked for American Viscose Corp. in Meadville as a textile worker.

Mr. Titus began a long career in education in 1950 in Jefferson-Morgan School District, where he was a classroom teacher for 14 years and a guidance counselor for 20 years, before retiring in 1984. He was also active in school activities as a basketball coach, baseball coach, student council sponsor and the State Student Council Leadership Workshop instructor. He was a member of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and Greene County Retired Teachers Association.

He had served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was very active in the American Legion. Mr. Titus joined the Legion in 1945 and continued as a life member. He helped form Filer-Sadlek Post 954 in Jefferson in 1946 and served as post commander from 1956 to 1957. He served as American Legion 25th district commander from 1959 to 1961, western vice commander from 1970 to 1971 and elected Pennsylvania department commander from 1975 to 1976 at the 57th Convention of American Legion in Pittsburgh. He also served on the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council and as president from 1975 to 1976. He was a member of the board of trustees of Scotland School for Veterans’ Children and was president from 1986 for several years. In 2010, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion for his many years of service.

He was also a life member of Disabled American Veterans, a member of Greene County Voiture 10-20 of the 40-8 and an honorary life member of the Army Navy and Air Force veterans in Canada.

His community activities included Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company, Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority, Southwestern Pennsylvania Sewage Authority and Greene County Planning Commission.

Mr. Titus enjoyed belonging to Jefferson Football Club, which traveled around the country to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play.

On December 27, 1952, he married Helen Stagon Titus, who died August 18, 2004.

Surviving are two daughters, Cyndee Scott and husband Ken of Mars and Jeanne Hockenberry and husband David of Carmichaels, with whom he made his home; two granddaughters, Tori Scott and Rachel Hockenberry; and two great-grandchildren, Jayden Kerley and Ava Hockenberry.

Deceased are a brother, Robert E. Titus, and three sisters, Ruth Titus, C. Jane Titus and Margarette Titus Brewer.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, with the Rev. Donald P. Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. Graveside military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 954, Jefferson. The 25th District of the American Legion will hold a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to American Legion Scholarship Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 2324, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2324.Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.

Lifelong Washington resident

Shirley E. Wolfe, 71, of Washington, passed away Friday, August 9, 2013, in Greenery Specialty Care, Canonsburg.

She was born February 27, 1942, in Washington, a daughter of Helen Lane Bush of Washington and the late Ralph Bush.

Mrs. Wolfe lived in Washington her entire life and, prior to her retirement, was employed in the housekeeping department of Washington Hospital.

Her husband, John Wolfe Jr., passed away in 2002.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a son, John (Bryna) Wolfe of Houston; six brothers and sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation or services.

Funeral arrangements are private and are entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. Memorial contributions in Mrs. Wolfe’s name can be made to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

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