May 3, 2013

Shirley Baxter, 80, of 319 Wellness Way, South Strabane Township, formerly of Christy Road, Eighty Four, died Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Strabane Woods Assistant Living.

She was born July 31, 1932, in Manifold, a daughter of John and Anna Hudak Paraska.

Mrs. Baxter graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1950 and Canonsburg School of Nursing in 1953. She also attended the University of Pittsburgh and Maryland University.

She worked as a registered nurse at Canonsburg, Washington, Presbyterian and Mercy hospitals. Her last employment before retiring was Western State Hospital for 24 years and inspecting nursing homes for five years as a health quality examiner.

Mrs. Baxter was a member of Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania Nurses Association and Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees.

On November 11, 1954, she married Nicholas Baxter in West Alexander Methodist Church.

In addition to her husband, surviving are two daughters, Debra Huseman (Jeffrey Sr.) of Houston and Carol Stage (John) of Ormand Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Huseman Jr. (Teresa), Leah, Nicholas and Erika Stage; and a great-granddaughter, Shelby Huseman.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, with the Rev. Douglas Beltzner of Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church officiating.

Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg. Family suggests memorials be made to Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 Route 136, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.

A memorial service will be held for Carolyn D. Campbell, who died April 14, 2013, at noon Thursday, May 9, in First Presbyterian Church, Washington, with the Rev. Steve Smith officiating.

Olga Valeria Gontko, 87, of Fredericktown, Deemston Borough, died Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

She was born October 8, 1925, in Deemston Borough, a daughter of the late Anton and Emma Foltan Gontko.

Ms. Gontko was a graduate of Beallsville High School and for 33 years was employed by Brockway Glass Co. in Washington.

Surviving are several nieces and nephews and their families.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are a sister, Emma Barringer, and four brothers, Tony, Joe, Frank and Emil Gontko.

She was the last of her immediate family.

Services are private and under the direction of John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Anne Elizabeth Bunker Hildreth, 75, of Waynesburg, died at 9:23 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013, in her home.

She was born Tuesday, November 2, 1937, in London, England, a daughter of the late Alfred and Marjorie Dorrell Bunker.

Ms. Hildreth was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 598 of Waynesburg.

She loved gardening, flowers and traveling, while her health permitted. She was a strong, independent woman who lived life on her terms. She loved and was loved by her friends and family.

Surviving are three daughters, Sheri Hathaway of Pittsburgh, Stephanie Stewart of Waynesburg and Lisa Hildreth of Pittsburgh; a son, Curtis Kevin and wife Shannon Hildreth of Manalapan, N.J.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eileen and husband Brian Jones of Ontario, Canada, and Jennifer and husband Bill Hammond and Margaret and Chris Moss, both of England; a brother, Christopher and wife Moria Bunker of England; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a grandson, Rodman Stewart; and a brother, Jimmy Bunker.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. A public memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in Waynesburg Eagles Aerie Club, 58 West High Street, Waynesburg. Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, are in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Veterans Affairs Office, 22 West High Street, Suite 100, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

Walter Leroy Hoffman, 73, of Monongahela, died Wednesday, May 1, 2013. He peacefully and painlessly passed away in his home, surrounded by family, from an extended battle with cancer.

Born August 27, 1939, in Monongahela, he was a son of the late Walter A. and May E. McDonald Hoffman.

He married Carol J. Milligan September 2, 1961, in Mingo Presbyterian Church, Finleyville. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints September 11, 1961.

Mr. Hoffman graduated from Monongahela High School in 1957, attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and served in and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Army National Guard and Air National Guard.

He was retired from CSXT Railroad (formerly known as Baltimore & Ohio Railroad), where he worked as a telegrapher, clerk and yard clerk for 42 years.

Mr. Hoffman was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many positions and organizations including District Missionary, Young Mens Organization, Sunday School Teacher, scouting, counselor in the Bishopric and member of the High Counsel, where, among several other duties, he enjoyed serving as building construction liaison for the Oakland Ward Building. With the permission of the Bishopric of the church, he created and managed “Scream Acres” haunted house. This was instrumental in raising the finances for constructing the addition to the Monongahela Ward building.

He was a professional genealogist. He spent countless hours researching his own family and collecting family stories as well as assisting others in doing their own genealogy. This was very important to him.

Mr. Hoffman loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, who loved to hear him tell stories, and he enjoyed camping, gardening, landscaping, model railroading, hunting and photography.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are brother Donald (Jackie) Hoffman of Charleroi; sister Eileen Schaum of Kentucky; son “Roy” Walter L. (Heidi) Hoffman of Monongahela; daughters Diane C. (Steve) Ader of Charleroi , Mary Jane (Brian) McCombs of New Middletown, Ohio, and Colleen R. (Matthew) Lindley of Prosperity; and 12 grandchildren, Haley, Collin and Benjamin Hoffman, Alecandria, Preston and Lauren Ader, Mikayla, Riley and Paige McCombs and Allison, Leah and Adam Lindley.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, www.marshallmarrafuneralhome.com. An additional viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 136 Sacred Heart Drive, Monongahela, and will be followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. A short graveside service will follow at Monongahela Cemetery. Donations may be made in honor of Mr. Hoffman and checks payable to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family History Center, where he spent many hours of service, in care of Bishop Ron Paul, 101 Alkim Drive, Brownsville, PA 15417.

His family takes solace in Luke 23:43, as Jesus Christ says, “… Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Walter J. Kent, 90, of Washington, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born September 28, 1922, in Brooklyn, N.Y., a son of the late Walter F. and Zoe LaBrec Kent.

Mr. Kent served during World War II with the U.S. Navy as an electrician’s mate second class.

He was self-employed with a cleaning business.

A very socialable person, he enjoyed traveling and going to dances.

Mr. Kent was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 of McMurray.

On October 25, 1942, he married his first wife, Clare Hanna, who passed away in August 1978.

Surviving are a son, Lawrence A. Kent of New Jersey; daughter-in-law, Catharine L. Kent of Canonsburg; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

Deceased, in addition to his parents and wife, are a son, James W. “Jim” Kent, who passed away in 2011; second wife, Ruth Helterbran Kent, who passed away November 4, 2009; and a brother, John Walter “Jack” Kent.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday 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 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 6. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Full military honors will be accorded by the combined honor guards of VFW Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

James E. Lindsey Sr., 78, of Canonsburg, went to be with his Lord Friday, May 3, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington, with his family at his side.

He was born June 11, 1934, in Strabane, a son of Ernest B. and Sarah Morton Lindsey.

Mr. Lindsey was a graduate of Chartiers High School.

He worked 32 years at Jessop Steel, retiring in 1997.

Mr. Lindsey was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Canonsburg, where he had been a Sunday school teacher and member of the deacon board for 50 years. He served as chairman of the deacon board for many years.

He loved his church and family and was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan.

On December 23, 1956, he married Gloria Hagan, who survives.

Also surviving are five children, James E. Lindsey Jr. (Cindy) and Missy Cole (Dennis) of Canonsburg, the Rev. Anita Lovell (Howard II) of Washington and Holly Thomas and Dawn Gallimore of Canonsburg; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty “Mikey” Batch of Canonsburg and Jackie Umphrey of Strabane; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Deceased are five sisters, Nellie Morton-Gallimore, Nancy Horton, Mildred Campbell and Dawn and Molly, who died in infancy, and two brothers, Joseph and Richard Morton.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, in Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Canonsburg, with the Rev. James M. Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

James A. Lopresti, 80, of New Eagle, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

Born February 25, 1933, in Gallatin, he was a son of the late Lena Pasini and James “Sheik” Lopresti.

He graduated from Monongahela High School in 1951 and attended both Wake Forest University and California State College, where he also played football and from where he graduated in 1955. He received his master’s degree from Duquesne University in 1968 and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Beginning in 1955, Mr. Lopresti began his 34-year career in public education. During his tenure, he was a teacher, football coach, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education and retired as the superintendent of schools in Ringgold School District, the same district from where he, his wife and his sons graduated high school.

He served as a past member of New Eagle Sewage Authority and New Eagle Borough Council and current member of the Pennsylvania Retired Teachers Association.

Mr. Lopresti was a member of St. Damien of Molokai Parish (formerly St. Anthony), where he served as an usher.

He most recently donated his time serving Meals on Wheels, and he loved his garden and delighted in sharing his produce with friends and family. He was a great family man who very much loved his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife and high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Garvin Lopresti, to whom he was married for 57 years; children Rick (Debbie) Lopresti of Columbus, Ohio, and Jim (Julie) Lopresti of Cranberry Township; three grandchildren, Michael, Erin and Dan; and many other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, in St. Damien of Molokai Parish, St. Anthony Church, Monongahela, celebrated by Father William R. Terza. Interment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Temple of All Faiths Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Dr. James A. Lopresti Memorial Scholarship Fund at Ringgold High School. Condolences may be shared with his family on the funeral home website, www.marshallmarrafuneralhome.com.

Betty Mae Tournay, 82, of McDonald, died Friday, May 3, 2013, in McMurray Hills Manor.

She was born January 16, 1931, in McDonald, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lyla Mae Nevergall Gardiner.

Mrs. Tournay was a homemaker and a graduate of the former McDonald High School.

In her younger years, she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and Girl Scout leader.

She enjoyed sewing and canning and loved time spent with her grandchildren.

In 1964, she married David J. “Bear” Tournay, who died March 29, 1996.

Surviving are four daughters, Raechael (Roy) Edmonds of Weirton, W.Va., Becky Roedler of Imperial, Lori DiSanti of Carnegie and April Southern of Ohio; a sister, Edna Stevenson of Bridgeville; a brother, Joseph Gardiner of McDonald; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a daughter, Candy DeProspero; a brother, Nelson Gardiner; and a sister, Ruth Ann Gardiner.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of services, Monday, May 6, in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Condolences, photos and additional information are available at www.nationfuneralhome.com.