Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
MELBA K. SHEARER
Melba K. Shearer, 74, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Herminie, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at her home. She was born Dec. 18, 1925, in Herminie, a daughter of the late Theodore Sr. and Hilda Bashforth Kretchek. She was a resident of Mt. Pleasant since 1987 and was a graduate of the former Sewickley Township High School with the class of 1943. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Phillip P. Shearer; her son, Phillip F. Shearer of Columbus, Ohio; two grandchildren, Peter and James Shearer, both of Columbus, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Megan Shearer; two brothers , Louis C. Kretchek and his wife, Emma, of Dayton, Ohio, and Theodore Kretchek Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Irwin; and a sister, Lily Kretchek of Herminie. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Kretchek. At Melba's request there was no viewing or services. Inurnment was in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. Arrangements were under the direction of the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant.
NAOMI B. STEELE
Naomi B. Steele, 87, of Latrobe, died Monday, March 6, 2000, in IHS at Mountain View, Unity Township. She was born June 11, 1912, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Joseph P. and Tillie (Gibson) Bushfield. Naomi was a member of the Latrobe Presbyterian Church. Prior to her retirement, she was the store manager for the former Fulton Piano and Organ Co. She also gave lessons in playing the piano and the organ, and played the organ for the United Presbyterian Church in Latrobe from 1932 to 1946, and for the Latrobe Roller Garden. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters , Florence Kennelty and Suzanne Bushfield. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, John G. Steele; three daughters , Joanne Nicely and husband, Richard, of Fort Myers, Fla., Martha McGinnis and husband, William, of Latrobe, and Nancy Combs and husband, Tommy, of Lexington, Ky.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the HARTMAN-GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 1500 Ligonier St., Latrobe, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in Unity Chapel, Unity Township, with the Rev. Dr. David B. Batchelder officiating. Interment will follow in Unity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Latrobe Presbyterian Church, 428 Main St., Latrobe, PA 15650.
ANDREW G. ULTIS
Andrew G. Ultis, 76, of North Irwin, died Saturday, March 4, 2000, in Monsour Medical Center, Jeannette. He was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Penn Shaft, a son of the late Paul and Sadie (Vargo) Ultis. He was a retired inspector for Fisher Body, Dravosburg, with 32 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, 3937 Quartermaster Gas Supply Unit. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Velma S. (Geiger) Ultis, in 1999; two brothers , Samuel and Paul Ultis; and a sister, Julia Budesky. Survivors include a son, Ronald and wife, Wilma, of North Irwin; four granddaughters; a great-grandson; and a great-granddaughter. Friends were received Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the VINCENT V. RODGERS FUNERAL HOME, 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin. Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Randall Roda officiating.
FERN WALKER
Fern Walker, 83, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, in the Harmon House, Mt. Pleasant. She was born Feb. 16, 1917, in Indian Head, a daughter of the late Jacob Whetsel and Gertrude Miller Whetsel Breakiron. She was a resident of Mt. Pleasant for the past 10 years. She had formerly worked at the Mennonite Publishing House in Scottdale for seven years, and was active in the Scottdale and Everson Senior Citizens. She attended the Pennsville Baptist Church. She is survived by three daughters , Jean Maust of Bradenton, Fla., Sidney Gosnell and her husband, Frank, of Enid, Okla., and Yvonne Millslagle and her husband, Larry, of Mt. Pleasant RD4; six grandchildren, Keith and Kirk Maust, both of Sarasota, Fla., Melissa Koehler of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeff Taylor of Enid, Okla., Kevin Millslagle of Mt. Pleasant and Eric Millslagle of Scottdale; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters , Alverda Davis and her husband, Lloyd, of Mt. Pleasant, and Gwendolyn Longnecker and her husband, William, of Sebring, Fla. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Walker, in 1981; and a grandson, Kent Maust. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Bixel officiating. Interment will follow in the Normalville Cemetery.
CHADWICK F. WESTENFELDER
Chadwick F. Westenfelder, 89, of North Huntingdon, formerly of Pocatello, Idaho, died Monday, March 6, 2000, in the Briarcliff Medical Pavilion, North Huntingdon. He was born April 23, 1910, in Grace, Idaho, a son of the late Harry and Irene Sullivan Westenfelder. He was a retired salesperson for Hills Bros. Coffee. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Irwin, the Portneuf Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Portneuf, Idaho, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Portneuf. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy L. Powell Westenfelder. He is survived by two daughters , Jean Parkinson of Phoenix, Ariz., and Judy Ireland of North Huntingdon; a son, Kirk Westenfelder of Olympia, Wash.; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. There will be no viewing. A memorial service and interment will take place in Pocatello, Idaho. Those wishing may contribute to the Huntingdon Ridge West Activity Fund or the First Presbyterian Church, Irwin. Arrangements by the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin.
KENNETH R. YOWAN
Kenneth R. Yowan, 80, of Greensburg, formerly of White Oak, on Saturday, March 4, 2000, at Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born July 6, 1919, in Collinsburg, a son of the late Joseph and Johanna Krec Yowan. Husband of the late Edith C. Boyd Yowan. Mr. Yowan was a member of the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ in White Oak, a retired electrician for Westinghouse Electric Corp., and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by a son, Kenneth A. Yowan of Westminster, Md.; a daughter, Linda J. Smith of Herminie; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five brothers , John of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., Larry of Belle Vernon, Warren of McKeesport, Frank of Wilkins Township, and Robert of Monongahela; three sisters , Josephine "Jo" Yowan and Fran Yowan, both of West Newton and Ann Barrett of Florida; also nieces and nephews. Friends were received Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the JAYCOX-JAWORSKI FUNERAL HOME, 2703 O'Neil Blvd., McKeesport. Service in the funeral home chapel Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Charles Owston, minister, officiating. Interment in the West Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ, 2901 State St., White Oak, PA 15131.
AMANDA BELL (GRAY) BOYER
Amanda Bell (Gray) Boyer, 83, of Blairsville RD3, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 7, 2000, in Latrobe Area Hospital. She was born May 9, 1916, in Hillside, a daughter of the late Israel and Elsie Shultz Gray. She was a charter member of the Gray Station Community Church. She was a homemaker. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Boyer Sr., on Dec. 27, 1998; two brothers , Joseph and Zane Gray; a sister, Ruth Mitchell; and a great-granddaughter, Hillary Bonn. She is survived by a sister, Eleanor Altimus of Black Lick; a brother, Donald Gray of Millville, N.J.; two daughters , Elsie and her husband, the Rev. Thomas Bonn, of Christiansburg, Va., and Ruthie E. and her husband, the Rev. James R. Henigin, of Blairsville RD3; two sons , James L. Boyer Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Derry RD1 and John I. Boyer and his wife, Nancy, of Blairsville RD3; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Third Ave., Derry, where service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Henigin officiating. Interment Coles Cemetery.
ROBERT A. BUSH
Robert A. Bush, 59, of Delmont, died Monday, March 6, 2000, in the Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. He was born March 15, 1940, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Earl D. and Mary C. Medjimorec Bush. He was employed at the Westmoreland County Blind Association. He was a member of St. John Baptist de La Salle Church in Delmont and a former member of the Delmont Lions Club. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Eileen M. Weber Bush; a daughter, Roberta M. Hillegas and her husband, David, of Boswell; and a brother, Earl D. Bush and his wife, Pat, of Canyon Lake, Texas . Mr. Bush's family will receive friends at the JOHN L. BASH FUNERAL HOME, 152 Abbe Place, Delmont, (724) 468-8381, Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral home hours: Wednesday 2-9 p.m. A parish wake service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John Baptist de La Salle Church Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
MADELINE EDNA (SHUMAR) COPELAND
Madeline "Madge" Edna (Shumar) Copeland, 82, of Scottdale (Upper Tyrone Township), passed away Monday evening, March 6, 2000, in Forbes Regional Medical Center, Monroeville. Madeline was born Sept. 5, 1917, in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late Eber Weldon and Grace Stauffer Shumar, who passed away Dec. 4, 1966, and Sept. 12, 1987, respectively. Madeline was a loving homemaker, mother , grandmother, and sister to her family. She was previously employed at Howard Johnson's Restaurant in New Stanton and years ago worked at Bryce's Glass Factory in Mt. Pleasant. Madeline was a longtime member of the Scottdale Church of Christ and a member of the Joy Class at the church. She was involved for years as a member of the Kingview Ladies Club, where she held various positions. She was also a member and officer of the Everson Senior Citizens, was an active Republican committeewoman and served on the Upper Tyrone Township election board. Madeline is survived by her loving family: her children, Thomas Harold Copeland and his wife, Mary Jane, of Kingview, Carolyn Lee Piper of Kingview and Darlene G. Randolph and her husband, Stephen, of Everson; her grandchildren, Kelly Lynn Copeland of Pittsburgh, Shawn C. Copeland of Kingview, Carrie Lee Copeland of Pittsburgh, George Curtis Piper and his wife, Joan, of Kingview and Stephen Donald Randolph of Everson; a great-granddaughter, Melissa Smalley of Kingview; her sister and friend, Charlotte Slonecker of Mt. Pleasant; her sister, Doris Annaballi and her husband, Rick, of Hershey; her six brothers , George Shumar of Elon College, N.C., Jack Shumar and his wife, Genevieve, Richard Shumar and his wife, Pearl Ann, Herbert Shumar and his wife, Delores, Kenneth Shumar and his wife, Renee, all of Mt. Pleasant, Eugene Shumar and his wife, Marge, of Everson; and numerous nieces and nephews from both the Shumar and Copeland families. In addition to her parents, Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, George William Copeland, on May 22, 1972; two sisters , Margaret and Emma Jean Shumar; four brothers , Clair Shumar, William Shumar Sr., Alfred Shumar and James Shumar; an infant brother; and a special sister-in-law and friend, Mary Ellen Shumar, who passed away in January. Madeline was a special friend to many and loved by all who knew her! Family and friends will be received at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, (724) 887-5300, Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 12-4 and 7-9 p.m. Parting prayers will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. in the Scottdale Church of Christ with Pastor Bob Chambers officiating. Graveside committal services and interment will take place in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery next to her late husband.
GEORGE T. DUEZ
George T. "Boots" Duez, 84, of Jeannette, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at home. He was born Sept. 17, 1915, in Jeannette, a son of the late Henry and Eugenie Gerard Duez. Prior to retirement, he was employed at the former American St. Gobain in Jeannette. He was also a member of the Jeannette Pigeon Club, F.O.E. 844 of Jeannette, a charter member of the High Park Volunteer Fire Department, a charter member of the Jeannette Ambulance Service, the Salvation Army Band, and was an avid golfer and bowler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers , Frank Duez and Henry Duez Jr.; and two sisters , Marie Wall and Jean Masters. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Goldie Wolfe Duez; three sons , Ronald and his wife, Barbara Evans Duez, of Canfield, Ohio, Dennis and his wife, Catherine Sticca Duez, of Jeannette and Terry Sr. and his wife, Frances Mangus Duez, of Irwin; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha "Kye" Steiner of Grapeville; and a brother, Edward "Bill" Duez and his wife, Joan, of Jeannette; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, where funeral services will be held Friday at 12:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dale W. Roddy officiating. Entombment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park.
JAMES H. GRACIE SR.
James H. Gracie Sr., 71, of Latrobe, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at the Veteran's Administration Hospital, Aspinwall. He was born Dec. 11, 1928, in Bradenville, a son of the late James Gracie and Elsie Stemmler Gracie Schott. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Derry. He was retired from Vraco Co., Latrobe, and had also been employed by Pohland Lumber Co. and George Danko Construction Co., both of Latrobe. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict, having served in the U.S. Army. Also, he was a member of the American Legion #515, Latrobe; St. Joseph's Beneficial Society; Frontier Club, Latrobe; American Greek Beneficial Society; and Goodwill #1 Firemen's Club. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Corda Gracie; a son, James H. Gracie Jr. of Latrobe; and two brothers , Gilbert Gracie of Derry and Thomas Gracie of Bradenville. There are no public visitations. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Derry, with the Rev. Ronald Brown officiating. The JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe, is in charge of arrangements.
ROBERT RAYMOND HARVEY
Robert Raymond Harvey, 89, of West Newton, died Monday, March 6, 2000, at Hempfield Manor. He was born Oct. 29, 1910, in West Newton, a son of the late Charles W. and Agnes Shank Harvey. He was a retired steelworker, employed by Pittsburgh Steel in Monessen. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, West Newton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Pollo Harvey in 1968; and 11 brothers and sisters . He was the last of 12 children. He is survived by his wife, Ocie M. Knopp Harvey; two daughters , Linda Harvey Page and her husband, David, of Morgantown, W.Va., and Mary Harvey Hermann and her husband, Ronald, of Belle Vernon; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the RICHARD F. DODSON FUNERAL HOME, 213 Main St., West Newton, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Milinovich officiating. Interment will follow in the West Newton Cemetery.
