Obituaries Jan. 31
“An amazing girl, who touched so many people”
Hailee Elizabeth Agnew, 20, of Washington, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, January 28, 2014, in Washington Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born February 16, 1993, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of James K. and Luann Fonte Agnew of Washington.
Miss Agnew attended The Day School at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh where she was scheduled to graduate in June.
She was very proud to have transitioned to the United Cerebral Palsy Class of Pittsburgh.
Miss Agnew was one of the original members of Adaptive Sports Inc., where she played baseball and other sports and enjoyed bowling and other activities.
She was an avid Pirates, Steelers and Penguins fan.
Volunteering at the Veterans Administration Hospital on Wednesdays in Oakland brought her a great deal of satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment.
Miss Agnew also attended Camp Laughalot for more than 15 years. She loved shopping, going out to eat and spending time with her BFFs, Josh and Missy.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her paternal grandmother, Sonna K. Agnew of Washington; her twin sister, Korynn Agnew, at home; a sister, Alyssa (Kelly) Blackburn of Washington; an aunt, Janet Roth of Meadow Lands; and an aunt and uncle, Major Randy (Melany) Agnew of Richmond, Va.
Also surviving are two nephews, Jadyn Edward and Jacob David Blackburn and several great aunts, uncles and cousins.
She had a special place in her heart for her dog, Maddie.
Deceased are her paternal grandfather, Denny Agnew, and her maternal grandparents, Edward and Helen Vito Fonte.
Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in Dale D. DeAngelo Funeral Home, 1290 Jefferson Avenue, Washington. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 1, in Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington. The service will be co-officiated by the Rev. Dr. Stewart Broberg and the Rev. Dr. Donald Austin. If attending the funeral service, please meet at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made directly to the family or to The Day School at the Children’s Institute, www.amazingkids.org.
Cokeburg resident enjoyed debating
Ruth A. Bottorff, 75, of Cokeburg, died Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in her home.
She was born December 1, 1938, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late John and Roma Colville Perret.
Mrs. Bottorff was a 1955 graduate of Dormont High School.
A homemaker, she enjoyed debating, sports, politics and religion. She loved coffee, chocolate, marshmallow fluff, children and animals.
She served as a Cub Scout den mother, a Campfire Girl leader and treasurer of South Fayette Baseball Association.
On June 10, 1955, she married William John Bottorff, who died July 23, 1994.
Surviving are two sons, William Bottorff (Lisa) of South Fayette Township and Randy Bottorff (Julie) of Finleyville; four daughters, Sandy Skiles (Sonny) of Scenery Hill, Malinda Fink (Gary) of South Fayette Township, Margie Dziak (Paul) of Scenery Hill and Pamela DeCesaris (John) of Scenery Hill; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marjorie Jablonski (Walter) of Bridgeville.
Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, is a daughter, Susan Thompson, who died November 12, 2013.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 1, with the Rev. Frances Skarriott officiating. Interment will be in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Brother’s Brother Foundation, 1200 Galvaston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or www.brothersbrother.org or Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330 or www.washingtonpashelter.org. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
Retired Shop ‘n Save manager
Philip L. Bowers, 79, of Gastonville, died Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Jefferson Hills Borough.
He was born October 7, 1934, in Gastonville, a son of Frank and Edith Derryberry Bowers.
Mr. Bowers was retired as manager of the Shop ‘n Save in Elizabeth and also had been employed at the former A&P store in Monongahela.
Surviving are four sons, Philip Bowers Jr. of Clearwater, Fla., Mark Bowers of Boca Raton, Fla., Daniel Bowers of South Park and Dennis Bowers of Gastonville; two daughters, Stephanie Renner of Belle Vernon and Anne Marie Bowers of Gastonville; a sister, Shirley Evans of Point Marion; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Deceased is his wife, Geraldine Volpe Bowers, who died in August 2001.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. Private interment will be in Finleyville Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, in Finleyville.
Steel fabricator loved buying, selling classic cars
Paul M. Colton, 77, of Canonsburg, died Monday, January 27, 2014, in Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Canonsburg.
He was born May 4, 1936, in Oceola, a son of Paul and Margaret Supina Colton.
Mr. Colton was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg.
He enjoyed classic cars and loved buying and selling them.
Mullock Steel Company employed him as a steel fabricator for several decades.
On October 8, 1955, in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, he married Janet L. FeConda, who survives.
Surviving are a daughter, Terri (Tim) Woodhouse of Canonsburg and, three sons, James (Joyce) Colton of Level Green, Ronald Colton of Canonsburg and Scott Colton of Oakdale.
Also surviving are five grandchildren, Makenzie Colton, Kaighlee Colton, Natalie Colton, Allison Woodhouse and Jamie Benjamin Woodhouse.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori A. Colton.
A memorial gathering will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of a memorial service, Saturday, February 1, in Mario L. DeAngelo Funeral Home, 194 East College Street, Canonsburg.
Lifelong member of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church
Pauline Ruth Workman Friend went home to be with her Lord Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.
She was born November 19, 1913, in the homestead of Emmor M. Ames and Louisa Gundlach Ames, in West Beth Township, a daughter of Ezra Franklin Workman and Elsa Pearl Ames Workman of Markleysburg.
Mrs. Friend was 100 years of age, which was celebrated with family, friends and neighbors. She loved getting people together for many occasions and reunions. She was the past president of the Friend and Ames reunions.
She attended Highland Brethren School and West Beth High School in West Bethlehem Township and graduated 1933 from Peabody High School in Pittsburgh.
On December 18, 1933, in Wellsburg, W.Va., she married Ralph William Friend, who passed away December 21, 1984.
Mrs. Friend was a dedicated homemaker all her life, and since 1982, she has lived with her daughter and caretaker, Carol Brewer.
She was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Beth Township, a longtime Sunday school teacher and superintendent. She was also a member of the church council and president of WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) and was instrumental in developing church history documentation. Mrs. Friend was a lifetime member of Daughters of American Revolution and a sixth-degree member of Laurel Grange and participated in degree team and Chaplaincy.
Mrs. Friend was well known for her homemade noodles at the yearly church festival, until she was unable to make them. Her recipe continues with her daughter, Carol.
Genealogy was a love of her life until her passing. She was a member of Genealogy Society of Southwestern Pennsylvania, which met at the Citizens Library in Washington.
She and her husband, Ralph, until his death, were involved in genealogy research for many years and she compiled vast genealogy records of the Friend, Workman and Kinder families.
Her family tree includes five children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Her immediate family of five children are Shirley Jean Gallik (Albert), Richard Guy Friend, Edward Franklin Friend (Phyllis), Carol Louise Brewer (Lee) and John Workman Friend (Marge); grandchildren, Cheryl Rockovich (Stanley), Paula K. Hall (Eric), Douglas Gallik (Tammy), Eugene Michael Gallik, Jeff Friend, Paulajo Easterly (Bruce), Jason Friend (Kristen), Jeaneen Ritchey-Thieroff (Walter), Denise Brewer DeJohn (Chris), Edward Brewer (Janis) and Kiley Iams (Josh); great-grandchildren, Jenifer Mayes (Chris), Elizabeth “Kibby”Austin, Hanna Friend, Janelle Brewer, Jorden Brewer, Jeanna Brewer, Ashley Ritchey, Linda Thieroff, Lee Michael Thieroff (Lauren), Emily Brewer, Randy Baughman (Beth), Jonathan Balsamo, Christian Gallik, Hanna Gallik, Katy Gallik, Olivia Gallik, Sophia Gallik and Issac Gallik; and great-great-grandchildren, Lily Mayes, Max Mayes, Levi Purdy and Lincoln Baughman.
She is also survived by a brother, John Workman, San Diego, Calif.
Deceased from her family tree are her parents; husband; a brother, Raymond Eugene Workman; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Humberson Workman and Rosalind Silva Workman; a son-in-law, Albert Gallik; and grandsons, Douglas Gallik and Eugene Michael Gallik.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301. Additional viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Monday, February 3, in Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Scenery Hill, with the Rev. Peter D. Asplin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Capital Campaign Fund, c/o Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 21 Church Road, Scenery Hill, PA 15360. A family guestbook and personal condolences can be accessed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com.
U.S. Army veteran
Michael Thomas Gavala, 71, of Brownsville, passed away Friday, January 24, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.
He was born June 14, 1942, in Brownsville, a son of the late Michael T. Gavala and Ethel DeForty Gavala.
Mr. Gavala attended New Salem Presbyterian Church and was a member of Brownsville Young Men’s Club. He was a Vietnam veteran who served with the U.S. Army. He was an employee of American Red Ball, a moving and storage company. During his more than 43 years of over-the-road driving, he received two Driver of the Year awards and many other long-haul driving awards.
Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Doris Maronde Gavala; a daughter, Tracey Brown and her husband, David, of Woodbridge, Va.; a granddaughter, Heather Brown; a grandson, Jeffery Kozbial; a great-granddaughter, Ava Brown; a great-grandson, Anthony Majewski; two brothers and three sisters, John Gavala and Paul Gavala, both of Brownsville, Mary Ann Fulton and her husband, Paul, Shirley Klink and her husband, William, and Linda Rogers, all of Niles, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 2, in New Salem Presbyterian Church, New Salem, with the Rev. Norma P. Murphy officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Salem Presbyterian Church Food Bank, P.O. Box 455, New Salem, PA 15468, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Mr. Gavala’s family shared the following quote: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Co-owner of Hair We Are Beauty Salon
Marilyn Lee Haspel, 66, of Eldersville, died Tuesday, January 28, 2014, in her home, surrounded by family, after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born June 6, 1947, in Wheeling, W.Va., a daughter of the late Edward “Tuck” and Val Jean Leona Davidson Jackson.
Mrs. Haspel was co-owner of Hair We Are Beauty Salon in Weirton, W.Va.
She enjoyed going to concerts, tailgating, playing cards with her card club and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
She is survived by a daughter, BilliJo (Randy) Stephens and a son, Michael J. (Lisa) Haspel, both of Burgettstown; a brother, Edward Duane (Debbie) Jackson of Toronto, Ohio; two sisters, Deborah (Edward) Slopek of Washington and Gloria Cosenza of New Cumberland, W.Va.; three grandchildren, Amanda Strope, Jarrett and Cody Haspel, all of Burgettstown; and several nieces and nephews.
In celebration of Mrs. Haspel’s life, a memorial service will be held for family and friends at 2 p.m. February 9, at the Pepsi Cola Roadhouse, Burgettstown.
Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Hospital Hospice, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 or to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Penn Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122.
Arrangements are in the care of Taucher Funeral Home, Burgettstown. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.taucherfuneralhome.com.
Former Washington resident
Former Washington resident, Carrie Estelle Schipps Holmstrom, 79, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2014, in Lawton, Okla.
She was born to the late George and Alberta Seik Schipps March 7, 1934, and grew up in Washington and Erie.
Mrs. Holmstrom graduated from Washington High School and soon after went to work for TWA Airlines in Pittsburgh.
She married the love of her life, Ronald J. Holmstrom, July 20, 1957. After many years of military service, the Holmstrom’s retired in Lawton.
Mr. and Mrs. Holmstrom would take up golf and play often. Her most favorite times were poolside with her husband at sunset. She was kind, caring, witty and generous to a fault, and will be missed by those that loved her.
Surviving are her husband; a son and daughter-in-law, Steven Holmstrom (Amy Ewing-Holmstrom); two grandsons, Scott Holmstrom (Brittany) and Todd Holmstrom (Lacey); sisters Clea Bailey Camus and Viola Fawn Montgomery; nieces Joan Pitre (Paul), Tacy Ross (Ron), Beth Ann Elzer (John), Anita Alwardt (Clift) and Kay Alwardt (Craig); and a nephew, Donnie Schipps (Susan).
She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Frances Crawford; and a brother Donsell Schipps.
Additional information was received for the obituary of George C. Kott, published Thursday.
Deceased is a daughter, Michelle Kott, who passed away in 2008.
Services for Antoinette Kozloff, who died Wednesday, January 29, 2014, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 1, in Nichol Funeral Home, 1728 Main Street, Marianna.
Played football for Chicago Bears
John Kreamcheck, 88, of McHenry, Ill., passed away peacefully January 28, 2014, after a brief illness.
Mr. Kreamcheck was born January 7, 1926, in Vestaburg.
He served with the U.S. Marine Corps for five years and was a veteran of World War II. After his service, he attended the College of William & Mary, where he played football and won All-Southern Honors. After college, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears, where he played under George Halas from 1953 to 1955. Mr. Kreamcheck was regarded as one of the toughest defensive lineman of his time. After his football career, he served as a Chicago policeman until he retired in 1984. During his retirement years, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, watching the stock market and spending time at the bowling alley where he enjoyed having a good debate among good friends.
Mr. Kreamcheck was a big man with an even bigger heart towards family and friends. He will be forever remembered and missed by many people who loved him.
Surviving are a sister-in-law, Ann (the late Edward “Midge”) Kreamcheck; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents, Joseph and Mary (Lemonski) Kreamcheck; brothers, Alec, Stanley, Peter, Walter “Buggs” and Edward “Midge” Kreamcheck; and sisters, Frances (Fritz) Santo, Estelle Kennedy and Margaret Prescott.
A celebration of his life will be held in the near future.
If you would like to be notified when there are more details, please contact Steve and Lisa Kuna at johnk58info@gmail.com.
Arrangements were handled by Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry, 815-385-0063.
McGuffey School District retiree
Jean L. Lyons, 84, of Claysville, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in Hayes, Va., while under the care of her daughter, Connie Rienke, and her family, following a short illness.
She was born July 11, 1929, in Dormont, a daughter of the late Thomas Charles and Anne Marrow McDermott and resided in the Washington area prior to moving to McGuffey School District in 1953, and then to Claysville, where she resided since 1964.
Mrs. Lyons was a member of Claysville United Methodist Church, where she was a member of United Methodist Women and a volunteer with the church truckstop ministry.
She was also an active volunteer with her late husband at Camp Variety for handicapped children in Marshall Township.
Mrs. Lyons was a member of Claysville Ladies Card Club and American Legion Auxiliary.
She enjoyed camping, traveling across the country with her family and visiting Mt. Rushmore.
Mrs. Lyons was a 1947 graduate of the former Dormont High School and graduated from Penn State University in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in dietary education.
She began her involvement with McGuffey School District as a volunteer at the former Blaine-Buffalo Elementary School assisting her handicapped son, who became the first handicapped child to graduate from McGuffey High School in 1980. She continued as an employee of the school district as an assistant to the dietician, and later became the cafeteria manager for a total of 12 years prior to retiring in 1985.
On December 23, 1950, she married Richard Duane Lyons, who died May 27, 2013.
Surviving are three daughters, Kathy Shaner, companion of Larry Grimm of Washington, Deborah, wife of Bill Kennedy of New Cumberland, and Connie Rienke of Yorktown, Va.; a son, Richard D. Lyons Jr., husband of Beverly Lyons of Cambridge, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, Jeremy, Sabrina, Joshua and Zachariah Shaner, Diana Simmons, Jean McFarland, Mandy Lyons, Jackie Diggs, Stephanie McGowan, Jonna Watlet and Sarah Kennedy; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a son, John T. Lyons, who died in 1993; a brother, Thomas C. McDermott Jr.; two sisters, her twin sister, Anne Stottlemyer and Margaret Hutchison.
Friends will be received from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Claysville United Methodist Church, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, with the Rev. Ricco Vespa officiating and the Rev. G.M. Sayer (Ret.) assisting. Interment will follow in Claysville Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Claysville United Methodist Church or Spina Bifida Association. 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.
Truck driver for Russell Brothers
Kenneth W. “Big Ken” Pattison, 69, of Washington, died Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at 3:20 p.m., in his home, following a brief illness
He was born July 2, 1944, in Washington, a son of the late Russell Dean and Erma Houston Pattison.
Mr. Pattison was employed for 26 years as a truck driver for Russell Brothers, until his retirement.
He enjoyed building cars and trucks and spending time with his family. Beside his family and friends, his loyal companion dog, Bo, will miss him dearly.
On September 3, 1965, he married Mary Ann Kolano, who is deceased.
Surviving are his sons, Kenneth Pattison II of Washington and Brian (Julie) Pattison of Washington; a daughter, Kristy (Tom) Harris of Washington; a brother, Robert (Elaine) Pattison of Washington; a sister, Janet (Jack) Rohaly of Eighty Four; eight grandchildren, Michael, Kayla, Kendra, Kenny III, Amanda, Brian II, Daniel and James; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James R. Pattison and a sister, Donna Supler.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Burial will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc. Wilson at E. Katherine avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. Memorial contributions can be made to American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington PA 15301. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
Brownsville resident
Connie Maslanka Tretter of Brownsville, and formerly of Nemacolin, died at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born in Nemacolin, a daughter of the late John and Veronica Squarek Maslanka.
Mrs. Tretter was Roman Catholic.
She worked at Carmine’s Appliance in Masontown before working as a timekeeper during the construction of the Hatfield’s Ferry, Mitchell and Duke energy power stations.
Mrs. Tretter was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Surviving are her husband, Alex C. Tretter; two sons, Joe Hudock and his wife Phyllis of Ronco and David Hudock and his wife Sarah of Bridgeville; nine grandchildren, Michael Hudock, Sabrina Kumor, Brianna Hudock, David Hudock, Bryce Hudock, Seth Hudock, Madelynn Hudock, Aaron Hudock and Elise Hudock; a brother, Frank Maslanka of Rotunda Circle, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are four brothers, John Maslanka, Ted Maslanka, Tony Maslanka and Bobby Maslanka; and a sister, Libby Nagle.
Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the hour of a blessing service, Saturday, February 1, in Yoskovich Funeral Home, 724-966-5500, Martin J. Yoskovich, funeral director, 300 South Vine Street, Route 88, Carmichaels, with the Rev. John M. Bauer officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
For additional information and to sign the online guest book, please visit www.YoskovichFH.com.