Obituaries May 16
Chief Master Sgt. (retired) William E. “Bill” Amos, 81, died May 15, 2013, in Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, Maine.
He was born August 11, 1931, in Donegal Township, a son of John and Mabel Sprowls Amos.
Mr. Amos served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, culminating his career as sergeant major, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. His decorations include the Bronze Star for his actions during the Vietnam War.
He was a 50-year member of Abner Wade Masonic Lodge in Sangerville, Maine, Almeda Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star and First Congregational Church of Zephyhills, Fla. Active in local affairs, including the Abbot Historical Society and local government, he also was an avid artist.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Brown Amos of Abbot and Zephyrhills; three children, Bobbi-Jo, Jeff and Beth and their families; and two sisters, Mary Belle Chess of Fairmont, W.Va., and Rebecca Zullo and husband Nick of Prosperity.
For a complete obituary and guest register, visit www.CrosbyNeal.com.
Robert T. Crothers of Peters Township died Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
He was born March 28, 1948, a son of the late Robert W. and Betsy Tovell Crothers.
Mr. Crothers resided in Peters Township most of his adult life.
He was the beloved husband of Donna C. Crothers for 37 years; loving father of Margaret Elizabeth Crothers of Canonsburg, Robert W. (Devon Zahn) Crothers of Newark, N.J., and Michael C. Crothers of McMurray; grandfather of Spencer Ashton, Connor Michael and Gaven Ryan; and a brother of Lynne C. (Gene) Beautz of Binghamton, N.Y., and Kathryn T. Crothers of Annapolis, Md.
Mr. Crothers attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Peters Township.
He was a 1966 graduate of Mercersburg Academy, a 1970 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and a 1973 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind.
Mr. Crothers was a partner in the firm of Peacock, Keller, Yohe, Day, Ecker & Crothers for 23 years. He served as president of the Pennsylvania School Boards Solicitors Association, was an active member of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, serving as its president from 1986 through 1989, and past president of LCETA.
He was involved in several noteworthy cases, including In Re: “Baby Girl D.”, Cowden v. Moon Area School District, and he served as Amicus Curiae in the United States Supreme Court case of Richard Thornburg et al. v. ACOG, et al.
Mr. Crothers represented numerous automobile dealerships and other corporations, sewage authorities and school districts, including, in particular, Fort Cherry School District, Elizabeth Forward School District and Moon Area School District. He was particularly noted as an expert in the area of Federal and State Family Planning Organizations, having been involved on a national level including drafting Title X and testimony in front of Congressional committees and meetings with Sen. Kennedy and others. He conducted seminars and represented clients in the area of categorical grants for health care programs throughout the United States, which included an expertise in self-insurance programs for medical malpractice insurance under the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 and under the Medicaid Managed Care Programs.
He also served as a member and president of the board of directors of United Methodist Services for the Aging at Asbury Health Center in Mt. Lebanon.
In his younger years, Mr. Crothers enjoyed racing cars and skiing.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211, where a remembrance service will be held at 7 p.m. Following the service, the Crothers family invites everyone to join them in the community rooms for a celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, remembrances or words of comfort may be sent to the family. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Ruth E. Flanagan, 90, of McMurray, formerly of Canton, Ohio, died Monday, May 13, 2013.
She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas E. Flanagan; loving mother of Carol (the late Scott A.) Weida; grandmother of Scott A. (Donna) Weida II and Sean T. (Virginia) Weida; and great-grandmother of Kayla, Tori, Jillian and Natalie.
Mrs. Flanagan was a member of Shady Hollow Country Club in North Canton, Ohio, and was an avid golfer.
At the request of Mrs. Flanagan, all services and interment are private. Arrangements are entrusted to Beinhauers, 724-941-3211. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Allen E. Grim, 63, of Beaver, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
He was a son of the late Wilfred and Helena Grim, formally of Greene County.
Surviving are his wife, Pat, and five children.
Harold E. Johnson, 87, of Hanover Township, Burgettstown, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013.
He was the beloved husband of the late Luella Peebles Johnson, who passed May 14, 2011; beloved father of Richard Johnson and wife Sharon, Andrew Johnson and Dale Johnson and wife Carol; cherished grandfather of William Johnson, Amanda Hartzell and husband Michael, Bryan Johnson, Alexandra Johnson, Sawyer Johnson and Cole Johnson; adored great-grandfather of Tyler Hartzell; and a brother of Marge Graham and the late Carl Johnson, Dorothy Davis, Margaret “Peg” Johnson, Astrid Werner, Emma Brest, John Johnson, George Johnson and Robert Johnson.
Mr. Johnson was the former owner/operator of Johnson Farm & Home Service, also known as Agway, in Imperial.
He served his country in the U.S. Army.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of service, Thursday, May 16, in Wharton-Herrick Funeral Home, Edward M. Herrick, funeral director/owner, 951 Cliff Mine Road, North Fayette Township, Imperial, PA, 724-695-7332. It is respectfully requested memorial donations be sent to one’s favorite charity.
Mary A. Kubichar Knizner, 98, of California, died Tuesday afternoon, May 14, 2013, in Washington Hospital.
She was born September 18, 1914, in Czechoslovakia, a daughter of Joseph and Ann Kubichar.
Mrs. Knizner was formerly of Marianna, where she was a member of Saints Mary and Ann Church, St. Oliver Plunkett Parish.
Her husband, John A. Knizner, died in 1972.
Surviving are four children, Catherine Hickman and John Knizner (Joyce), both of Ohio, Joseph Knizner (Lynn) of Marianna and Frank Knizner (Vickie) of Fredericktown; 23 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, John Kubichar (Joann) of Lone Pine; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three children, Edward Knizner, Marion Harris and Joan Decarangelo; a granddaughter, Desiree Sivie; brothers Frank and Joe; and sisters Margaret and Ann.
Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in Saints Mary and Ann Church, Marianna, with the Rev. Paul Grunebach as celebrant. Those attending the Mass are to meet at the church. Interment will follow in Horn Cemetery, Marianna. Visit www.thompson-marodi.com to leave a condolence message, order flowers and share photos.
Catherine M. Lazorchak, 88, of Chartiers Township, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.
She was born August 23, 1924, in Hendersonville, a daughter of Frank F. and Fannie Ayres Bell.
Mrs. Lazorchak attended Chartiers High School and was a member of First United Presbyterian Church of Houston.
She enjoyed bowling, bingo, cards, gardening and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Lazorchak lived for many years in the Heritage House in Houston, where she was on the residence council and active with their activities.
On February 22, 1947, she married Paul F. “Jack” Lazorchak, who died February 24, 1978.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Kay Martinez (Neal Isiminger) of Washington; a son, Thomas F. Lazorchak (Christine) of Canonsburg; four grandchildren, Bethany C. Day (Todd), Katie M. Jones (Sam) and Jack T. and Anne C. Lazorchak; two great-grandchildren, Leo C. Carder and Violet S. Day; a brother, Donald Bell (Martha) of Scenery Hill; four sisters, Jane Hnat and Thelma Balsama (Anthony) both of Houston, and Alice Ducsay and Shirley Bell, both of Canonsburg; and many special nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her husband, are five brothers, Frank, William, James, Fred and Robert Bell; four sisters, Laura Dove, Florence Dilkes, Pearl Wentz and Dorothy Bell; a son-in-law, Charles A. Martinez; and a grandson-in-law, Eric M. Carder.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 17, with the Rev. Clarejean Haury officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Chartiers Township. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.
Genevieve Little, 84, of McDonald, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born January 22, 1929, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Toohey Malone.
Mrs. Little, for the majority of her life, was a homemaker. However, at different times in her life, she worked for short periods with a few different companies. She worked as a waitress at the former Fort Pitt Restaurant, Oakdale, as an inspector at RCA assembly plant, Meadow Lands, and as a clerk at the former Eleanor’s Dress Shop, McDonald.
She was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, McDonald.
On July 26, 1952, she married Prosper “Scotty” Little, who died July 18, 2007.
Surviving are two sisters, Margaret Paul of Warren and Ann Verbanic of Huber Heights, Ohio; a brother, John “Jack” Malone of McDonald; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Edward Malone.
Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, McDonald, with the Rev. Gary Oehmler, celebrant. Burial will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery, McDonald. Memorials are suggested to St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, 219 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057. Condolences, photos and additional information are available at www.nationfuneralhome.com.
William B. Tremel Jr., 71, of Eighty Four, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Washington Hospital.
He was born August 16, 1941, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late William B. Tremel Sr. and Ruth E. Mares Tremel of Pittsburgh, who survives.
Mr. Tremel was a 1959 graduate of Connelly High School.
From 1968 to 1974, he served with the 405th heavy equipment maintenance company of the Army National Guard.
In 1987, after 28 years of service, he retired from Ryan Homes Inc., where he worked as a building plant manager. He later was employed by The Woods Cabinetry of Eighty Four and also RAS Industries of Belle Vernon, for a total of 20 years.
Mr. Tremel was a member of Ave Maria Parish of Bentleyville and a member of the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association since 1980.
He enjoyed woodworking and collecting Lionel trains and antique cars. He was always working on restoring antique engines, cars and farm equipment. Spending time with his grandchildren brought him special enjoyment.
On May 22, 1970, he married Patricia Schrader Tremel, who survives.
Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are a son, William B. Tremel III (Andrea) of Claysville; two daughters, Stacey Steckler (Rob) of Palm Bay Fla., and Sharon Schultz (Kris) of Eighty Four; two sisters, Judith Daniels of Indian Land, S.C., and Donna Grudowski of Mercer; three brothers, James Tremel, John “Jack” Tremel and Thomas Tremel, all of Pittsburgh; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his father, is a sister, Sally Tremel.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, with the Rev. Edward Yuhas officiating. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Faith Christian School, 524 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301, or National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association, 255 Conti Road, Brownsville, PA 15417. A guest book and personal condolence may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
Robert Stanley Weishner, 80, of Washington, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born July 8, 1932, in Canonsburg.
On June 8, 1969, he married Marie Wigner, who survives.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg, with the Rev. John Batykefer as celebrant. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
Violet W. “Jake” Wendell, 87, of Waynesburg (Eastview), and formerly of Wind Ridge, died at 5:41 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Ewing Manor-West Personal Care Home, Rogersville, after being in failing health for the past five months.
She was born February 15, 1926, in Cameron, W.Va., a daughter of the late Lewis Edwin and Ruby Nevada Bonar Weekly.
Mrs. Wendell had been a resident of Wind Ridge for 52 years prior to moving to Eastview in 2003.
She was a member and former Sunday school teacher in Valley Chapel United Methodist Church at Holbrook and lived and enjoyed a Christian life.
Mrs. Wendell attended Cameron (W.Va.) High School.
She enjoyed her time with family and grandchildren, traveling on cruises and bus tours, relaxing on her front porch and the many community picnics held at her home.
On January 1, 1946, she married James Rex “Bun” Wendell, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, James, husband of Darlene Wendell of Holbrook, and Rich, husband of Gwen Wendell of Eastview; four grandchildren, Jennifer Preteroti and Timothy, Chad and Kendra Wendell; two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Cameron Wendell; a sister; and two brothers.
At the request of the deceased, all arrangements will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either American Heart Association or Amedysis Hospice. All arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
Molly Wilson, 54, of Bentleyville, died Thursday, November 1, 2012, in her home.
She was born May 31, 1958, in New Eagle, a daughter of the late Warren B. and Louise Yardis Wilson.
Ms. Wilson was a 1976 graduate of Bentworth High School and attended California University of Pennsylvania.
For more than 25 years, she worked in the deli department for Foodland and Jet’s Food Center in Bentleyville, where she was known as the “Deli Princess”.
She was a loyal and caring friend who had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She enjoyed her friends and was never at a loss for words. She will be missed by all.
Surviving are a sister, Terry Jean Eiduke (Bart) of Lakemoor, Ill.; a brother, Michael W. Wilson of Carmel, Ind.; a niece, Amy Eiduke; a nephew, John B. Eiduke; and cousins Bob Marcini, Teddi Ann Stevenson, Beartice Hasbrouck, David McGraw, Lynne Goroncy, Francis “Fuzzy” Lobodinsky and Cammi York.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in Beallsville Cemetery, Beallsville. Friends are invited to a reception following the service at the Knights of Columbus social hall in Bentleyville. Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, is in charge of arrangements. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.