Jul 30, 2013

Loved to travel

Susan H. Batson, 70, of Sparrows Point, Md., passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2013.

She was born in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late John and Ruth Rakar.

Mrs. Batson graduated from Canon-McMillan High School in 1961.

In 1962, she married Officer Michael Batson of the Baltimore County Police Department, who is deceased.

She had a rich and varied life spanning several decades in the savings and loan business, real estate sales and most recently as a bus driver for students with special needs for the local school district. She loved to travel and was only five states short of completing a tour of the entire United States.

Surviving are her life partner, LeRoy Jefferson; daughters Lorrie Schoettler of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and Michele Batson of Baltimore, Md.; grandchildren Sarah and Zachary Schoettler; sisters Ruth Prince, Sarah Chadwick, Frances Curdie and Nancy Heavens; and a brother, John Rakar Jr.

A celebration of her life will be held in the near future.

50-year member of Sunset Lodge

Glenn Davidson Bennington Jr., 88, of Washington, died Monday, July 29, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born September 27, 1924, in Washington, a son of Glenn Davidson Bennington Sr. and Grace Kellerman Davidson.

Mr. Bennington graduated from Chartiers Township High School and recently celebrated his 70th class reunion.

For 32 years, he worked as a mechanic for an Oldsmobile-Cadillac dealership and for 15 years, worked at Oak Spring Market.

Mr. Bennington was a member of Avery United Methodist Church and American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. In addition, he was a 50-year member of Sunset Lodge 623, having served as worship master in 1959; a member of Coudersport Consistory; WaChaGree Forest 149 Tall Cedars of Lebanon, where he was Grand Tall Cedar in 1971, served as preceptor for 15 years and was a member of the Ranger Unit; Syria Temple; Syria Deputy Unit; Washington-Greene Caravan 2, where he served as president in 1989, as well as chaplain for several years and deputy for one year; and Association of Masonic Veterans.

He twice served his country during wartime. On July 6, 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy and served until his honorable discharge on March 6, 1946, with a rank of quartermaster, second class. He was awarded the American Area Camp Medal and World War II Victory Medal. On October 23, 1951, he again entered active duty service with the Navy and served until his honorable discharge December 18, 1952.

On October 16, 1946, he married Hazel Mitchell, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, William Edward Bennington of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; a daughter, Mary Irene Thorn (Patrick) of Kingwood, W.Va.; and a sister, Helen Rohm of York.

Deceased are a brother, Joseph W. Bennington, and a sister, Elizabeth Hennen.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Friday, August 2, in Avery United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ruth Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. Masonic services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avery United Methodist Church, 1100 Gabby Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Retired miner

Henry W. Fischer, 82, of Waynesburg, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.

He was born May 11, 1931, in Greene County, a son of the late Henry W. and Vernice Litten Fischer.

Mr. Fischer worked in Mather Mine, RCA and retired from Emerald Mine in 1994.

He resided most of his life in Waynesburg, where he was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church.

Mr. Fischer was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Air Force. He was a member of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Loyal Order of Moose, National Rifle Association and United Mine Workers of America.

He enjoyed playing golf, exercising at Cameron Wellness Center and deer hunting. He was a former Little League baseball coach.

On November 22, 1955, he married Barbara J. Yoders, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Mark W. (Tammy) Fischer; a granddaughter, Stephanie K. (Josh) Sifuentes, all of Waynesburg; three brothers, Robert H. (Betty) Fischer of Punxsutawney, Carl E. (Estella) Fischer of Streetsboro, Ohio, and Thomas L. Fischer of Thomasville; several nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 2, with the Rev. William Parker officiating, followed by interment in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047, or www.lbda.org, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.

Loving son, caring brother, uncle

Alan D. Gardner, 58, of Ebensburg, passed away Monday, July 29, 2013.

He was a loving son of the late John and Lorraine Fisher Gardner; caring brother of Jill (Ron) Pezzino of Southview, Jayme (Paula) Gardner of Carnegie and Jennifer and the late Jack Gardner of Hummelstown; and uncle of Lauren “Baby,” Ian, Alicia, Amanda, Jared, Emma and the late Zack.

Mr. Gardner enjoyed parties, especially birthday parties. His favorite dessert was strawberry ice cream.

His hobbies included gardening and being outdoors.

Services and interment are private. Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauer-Fryer, Bridgeville, 412-221-3800. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to CORE, 204 Sigma Drive, RIDC Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.

Army vet, St. Paul AME member enjoyed cooking

Aubrey D. “Hick” Higginbotham, 59, of Erie, formerly of Washington, died unexpectedly in Erie, Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 8:55 a.m.

He was born February 9, 1954, in Washington, a son of the late Aubrey D. Higginbotham Sr. and Regina E. Thomas Higginbotham of Washington.

Mr. Higginbotham was a member of St. Paul AME Church.

He had been formerly employed in maintenance for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in Washington for many years. After moving to Erie, he was employed in the maintenance department at a day care center until his retirement.

Mr. Higginbotham was a graduate of Washington High School.

He enjoyed gardening, repairing cars and had a passion for cooking.

Mr. Higginbotham served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.

On March 17, 2000, he married Robin Loomis, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Zachary Hackney and Kyle Hackney, both of Washington; two grandchildren, Kaden Reed and Gabe Hackney; a longtime friend, Rodney “Slush” Barry of Washington; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in St. Paul AME Church, 16 Ridge Avenue, Washington, where a homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 3, with the Rev. Arthur E. Doctor Jr. officiating. Interment will be private. All floral arrangements should be delivered to the church Friday. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul AME Church, 16 Ridge Avenue Washington, PA 15301. Arrangements have been entrusted to 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. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

Postal Service retiree, Navy vet was woodworker

James Jackson King, 76, of Washington, died Sunday, July 28, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born September 20, 1936, in Washington, a son of William E. King and Mary Wolfe King, who are deceased.

Mr. King was a 1954 graduate of Washington High School.

He served in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. King was employed as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years.

He was a member of First Baptist Church and was on many church committees.

Mr. King was an avid woodworker and bowler.

On January 22, 1959, he married Nancy Keenan, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Jeffrey A. (Cathy) King of Loretto; a daughter, Stacy (Patrick) Rush of Avella; a brother, Harold E. King of Washington; two sisters, Shirley A. Gradert and Linda L. Crouser, both of Washington; and four grandchildren, Shannon and Daniel King and Michael and Emily Rush.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Saturday, August 3, in First Baptist Church, 101 College Street, Washington, with Pastor Steve Dunlap officiating. Please meet at the church. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Longtime Boy Scout leader

Donald E. McElroy, 82, of Washington, died Wednesday, July 24, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born September 25, 1930, in Washington, a son of the late Kenneth A. and Wilda McElroy Spragg.

Mr. McElroy worked the gas lines for Chartiers Natural Gas Co.

He was highly active in Boy Scouts of America and he volunteered at the food pantry, enjoyed going to Trader Jack’s and loved spending time with his family.

On March 11, 1967, he married Eoline Wright Marshall, who died January 19, 2008.

Surviving are three sons, Larry (Maryjane) Marshall, Raymond (Debi) Marshall, both of Washington, and William (Paula) McElroy of Claysville; three daughters, Brenda Swart of Washington, Debbie (Richard) Horn of Lone Pine and Donna (Randy) Haught of Washington; two brothers, Kenneth (Denise) Spragg of Southview and Kevin (Kathy) Spragg of Canonsburg; two sisters, Luetta Jones and Barbara (Robert) Paxton, both of Washington; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased is a sister, Kim A. McCarty.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at noon, Saturday, August 3, in North Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 711 Rural Valley Road, Claysville, PA 15323, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. All other services will be private. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director.

Retired truck driver

Anne Louise Pratt, 56, of Pratts Fork Road, Alma, W.Va., departed this life Monday, July 29, 2013, in her home.

She was born April 10, 1957, in Greene County, a daughter of the late James and Esta Yoho Hennen.

Mrs. Pratt was a retired truck driver, having driven for Schneider National.

She was a Baptist.

Surviving are her husband, Roger Pratt; a daughter, Heather Hennen; a stepson, Allen Pratt; three brothers, Jimmy, Clark and Cecil Hennen; four sisters, Mary Davis, Judy Howard, Helene Muetzel and Karen Gray; two grandchildren, Jonathan and Hailey Muncy; and four stepgrandchildren, Allen, Jasmine, Jeremy and Julia Pratt.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Furbee Funeral Home, Route 18, Tyler, W.Va., where services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 1, with Pastor Duane Gray officiating. Interment will be in Shirley (W.Va.) Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to United Hospital Cancer Center, in care of Roger Pratt, 89 Pratts Fork Road, Alma, WV 26320. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at www.furbeefuneralhome.com.

Washington Alliance Church member

Gayle Kiger Tarr, 97, of Washington, died Monday, July 29, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

She was born May 12, 1916, in New Freeport, a daughter of Morgan Francis Kiger and Anna A. Kinnan Kiger.

Mrs. Tarr graduated from Aleppo High School in 1933 and was employed at Hazel Atlas as a glass worker.

She was a member of Washington Alliance Church.

Mrs. Tarr enjoyed reading, crocheting and gardening.

On August 23, 1941, she married Chester Tarr, who died October 13, 1998.

Surviving are a son, Gary M. (Gayle) Tarr of Washington; two grandchildren, J. Gregory Tarr and Brian M. Tarr.

Deceased are two brothers, Robert E. Kiger and Philip E. Kiger; and a sister, Inez Hall.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington, where services will held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 3, with the Rev. James Newman officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Worked in McElroy Coal Mine

Donald Allen Whipkey, 59, of Moundsville, W.Va., died Saturday, July 27, 2013, in his home.

He was born August 8, 1953, in Graysville, a son of Madalyn Clutter of West Finley and the late Robert “Bob” Whipkey of Graysville.

Mr. Whipkey attended West Greene High School.

He had 35 years of service in McElroy Mine in Moundsville. He also served in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Whipkey was a member of Cameron Moose and American Legion Post 18 in Cameron, W.Va.

He enjoyed riding his Harley and spending time with his grandchildren.

On May 11, 2001, he married Janine Blue, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Phoebe (Walter) Harmon; grandchildren Meleigh, Walter and Coby Harmon of Cameron; two stepsons, Charlie and Glen Donley; a stepgranddaughter, Jessi Lynn Donley of Moundsville; three brothers, Gary (Donna) Whipkey of Graysville, David (Beth) Whipkey of Waynesburg and Kevin (Tammy) Whipkey of West Finley; two sisters, Crystal (Kevin) Campbell of Wind Ridge and Teresa (John) Davis of West Finley; and eight nieces and nephews.

Deceased is a nephew.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1109 Second Street, Moundsville.