| CONNEAUT, OHIO HISTORY & GENEALOGY |
CONNEAUT - Freda B. Hammond, 85, formerly of Harbor Street, died
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at UHHS Brown Memorial Hospital of Conneaut.
She was born Dec. 13, 1917 in Sheffield Township, the daughter of Albert and
Inez (Weaver) Johnson.
Survivors include two sons, Paul H. Jr. and Robert L. Hammond of Blythedale,
Mo.; and two grandchildren, Angela Kay and Amanda Lynn Hammond.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Paul H. Hammond Sr.
Graveside services will take place at a later date.
No calling hours will be observed.
Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut is
handling arrangements.
ASHTABULA - Delmar Blankenship, 65, of Joseph Avenue, died Tuesday, Jan. 14,
2003, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.
He was born Sept. 13, 1937, in McDowell, Ky., the son of Gobal and Virgie (Gayheart)
Blankenship.
He worked at Koski Construction Co.
Mr. Blankenship enjoyed visiting Markko Vineyard in Conneaut, playing the
lottery, working on cars, sailing the Great Lakes and spending time with his
grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Glennin "Dale" Tackett of Ashtabula; three daughters,
Janice Nesbitt of Jefferson and Debbie Chaplin and Cheryl Blankenship, both of
Ashtabula; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Mull of Florida.
Mr. Blankenship was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Hargis
Blankenship; and four sisters, Marsela Hatfield, Sally Benton, Zola Blankenship
and Vivian Murphy.
There will be no funeral service or
calling hours at Mr. Blankenship's request.
The Donald E. Walker Funeral Home, 828 Sherman St., Geneva, is handling
arrangements.
CONNEAUT - Donald Phillip Matteson, 83, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003,
at the Hospice unit of Ashtabula County Medical Center.
He was born April 26, 1919, in Geneva, the son of Phillip and Pearl (Klingler)
Matteson and had been a lifelong area resident.
A World War II veteran, he worked as a motor assembler at Reliance Electric Co.,
for 33 years, retiring in 1983.
Mr. Matteson was a member of Conneaut's First Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed
reading, drawing, working in the yard and especially spending time with his
grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, the former Violet Gruening; a daughter, Debbie
Picard of Jefferson; and two grandchildren, Cassi and Andy Picard.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert.
Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Potti Lakeside Funeral Home, 1329 Lake Ave.,
Ashtabula. The Rev. Kenneth Roberts and the Rev. Jack Cook will officiate.
Burial will be at North Kingsville's
Eastlake Cemetery.
Calling hours at the funeral home are 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice unit at Ashtabula County
Medical Center.
ASHTABULA - Danny L. Tilson, 57, of North Ridge Road West, died Monday, Jan.
13, 2003, at University Hospital of Cleveland.
He was born June 18, 1945, in Beckley W.Va., to Dewey L. and Helen I. (Lester)
Tilson.
He married Cindy McElroy Sept. 30, 2000.
Mr. Tilson was a foreman at Neff-Perkins in Perry for 16 years.
He was a member of New Life Assembly of God, Geneva.
Mr. Tilson enjoyed fishing, motorcycling and four-wheeling. He was an animal and
nature lover.
Survivors include his wife; daughters Tammy Cantrell of Conneaut, DeNette
Lea Paul of Marietta, Ga., and DeAnna Deanne Zeigler of Waldorf, Md.;
stepdaughters Angela Arnett of Kingsville and Jeanna Arnett of Painesville;
stepson Gilbert Arnett of Buckhannon, W.Va.; grandchildren Tiffany, Sophia,
TeAnna, David, Ayla, Billy, Aryelle and Gabrielle; one great-grandchild;
brothers Rocky of Austinburg, David of Geneva and Michael of Huntington, W.Va.;
and sisters Brenda Lester of LaFayette, Tenn. and Wanda Cagle of Perry.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Friday at the Donald E. Walker Funeral Home, 828 Sherman St.,
Geneva, officiated by the Rev. Harry Pischura of New Life Assembly of God of
Geneva. Burial is in Mechanicsville
Cemetery, Austinburg.
Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes available at the
funeral home.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — Paul Henry Klasen, 83, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002 in a
nursing center. He was born Oct. 12, 1919 in Madison, the son of Henry and
Mildred (Benjamin) Klasen.
Mr. Klasen enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1942 and served until the
end of World War II.
He married Ruby Kinder on May 25, 1945 in San Diego. Mr. Klasen later enlisted
in the U.S. Marine corps Reserves and was called back to active duty during the
Korean Conflict. The Klasens lived in San Diego for 31 years. Mr. Klasen worked
in civil service and retail sales until his retirement in 1986. The Klasens
moved from San Diego to Roseburg in 1986.
Mr. Klasen was a member of the National Milk Glass Association. He was an avid
bowler, fisherman, took long walks, enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and collecting
milk glasses and china.
Survivors include his wife and a sister, Ruth Brunson of Conneaut.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Dorothy; and three brother,
Richard, Ken and Lynn.
At his request, there will be no service. Private inurnment will be in the
Roseburg National Cemetery.
Wilson’s Chapel of the Roses is handling arrangements.
ASHTABULA - William T. Hodgkinson Sr., 69, of West 48th Street, died
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, at Ashtabula County Medical Center.
He was born Jan. 5, 1934, in Ashtabula, the son of William A. and Bernice
(Walton) Hodgkinson and had been an area resident most of his life.
Prior to his retirement, he worked more than 20 years as a welder for CEI.
A Marine veteran, he served in the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed hunting, camping,
fishing, baseball, playing with his grandchildren and a good cup of coffee.
His survivors include his wife, Shirley (Sutton); three children, Rhonda Manniko
of Conneaut, Valerie Kennedy of Lady Lake, Fla. and William Thomas Jr. of
Ashtabula; six grandchildren, Heather, Adrianna, Kimberly, Kayla, Tabitha and
Nicole; three great-grandchildren; five brothers, Walter, Edgar and Dale, all of
Ashtabula and Roy of Pineville, Mo. and Timothy of Pierpont; three sisters,
Margaret Drum of Port Bolivar, Texas, Gale Hodgkinson of Ashtabula and Joyce
Bogar of Conneaut.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, John, Ronald and David
in infancy, Willard and Paul; and one stepbrother, Frederick.
A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Sunday, at Zaback-Czup Funeral Home, 500 West
Prospect, Ashtabula, with Elder Bill Daywalt of Prospect Presbyterian Church
officiating. No calling hours will be
observed. Memorials may be made to the family.
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - Betty J. Butcher, 80, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, at
Ashtabula County Medical Center following a brief illness.
She was born Aug. 15, 1922, in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of George and Edna
(McNutt) Foster, and has been a lifelong Ashtabula resident.
Mrs. Butcher was employed by the former Yoder Bros. Greenhouses of Ashtabula.
She was a former member of Prospect Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed cooking and
being with her family.
Survivors include four daughters, Bobbie Brindley, Susan Peggs, Beth Yost and
Joni Hapach, all of Ashtabula; a son, Jerry Butcher of Conneaut; 16
grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Pellone of
Ashtabula.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers, Laurence,
George and James Foster and Donald Whittenberger.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Childs and Williams Family Funeral Home, 1440
W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, with the Rev. Joe Ernspiker of Living Water Baptist
Church of North Kingsville officiating. Burial will follow in
Saybrook Cemetery, Saybrook Township.
Calling hours will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home. Memorial
contributions may be made to the charity of ones choice. Envelopes will be
available at the funeral home.
COLUMBUS- Michael Joseph Simpson, 75, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2003, at Kobacker
House after a lengthy illness.
He was born Nov. 2, 1927 in Ashtabula, the son Michael and Marion Simpson.
After graduating from Conneaut High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air
Force where he enjoyed a 28 year career.
He was given numerous awards for distinguished service to his country, including
an award bestowed by President Richard M. Nixon.
He served his country at bases in Spokane, Wash., Dover, Del., Naples, Italy,
Thailand, Sumter, S.C., Wiesbaden, Germany, Austin, Texas, and Syracuse, N.Y.
After retiring from the Air Force, he attended Kent State University.
Mr. Simpson held other positions at various corporations and finished his
working career as a purchasing agent for Doctor's Hospital in Columbus.
He was a resident of Powell for the past 17 years and was an avid sports fan.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Patricia of Columbus; sons, Michael of
Springfield, Va., Mark of Stow, Douglas of Powell, and Patrick of Jacksonville,
Fla.; grandchildren, Kyle, Brooke, Sarah and Erin; three brothers and two
sisters.
Preceding him in death were his parents; Michael and Marion; and a brother,
Tommy.
At Mr. Simpson's request no calling
hours or service will take place.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kobacker House Hospice at Riverside
and Grant in Columbus.
The Rodman Funeral Service, 5464 N. High St., Columbus is handling arrangements.
EAST SPRINGFIELD, Pa. - Matthew D. Bartosek, 19, died Friday, Jan. 3, 2003,
while competing in the ATV Winter Olympics in Gainesville, Fla.
He was born Sept. 17, 1983, in Conneaut, the son of Edward and Debi
Bartosek.
He had been active in Little League and Little Gridders, playing on All-Star
teams for both. He also had been a member of the Trail Blazer 4-H Club.
Mr. Bartosek was a 2002 graduate of Northwestern High School and was employed as
a service technician at Baldwin Motorsports in Ashtabula.
His memberships included: West Springfield United Methodist Church; American
Motorcycle Association (AMA); All Terrain Vehicle Association; and the
Competition Riders Association.
In 1998 and 1999, he was the overall youth champion of the AMA GNC racing
series. In 1999, he received the ATV Sports People's Choice "Most Feared Youth
Rider" award. In 2000, Mr. Bartosek was presented the Randy Howard Memorial
Award, in recognition of his professionalism, sportsmanship and winning attitude
throughout the 2000 ATV Grand National series.
He finished 11th nationally in his rookie year in Pro class.
Survivors include his father and stepmother, Edward Bartosek and Ann (English)
of West Springfield, Pa.; mother, Debi Bartosek, and her companion, Jody Bateman
of East Springfield, Pa.; two brothers, John Bartosek of East Springfield, Pa.
and Steve English of West Springfield, Pa.; sister, Stephanie English of West
Springfield, Pa.; girlfriend, Rachel Furman of Jefferson; maternal grandparents,
Fred and Charon Wilkin of Fort Myers, Fla.; and paternal grandmother, Louise
Carmella Bartosek of Edinboro, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Frank Bartosek.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at West Springfield United Methodist Church,
with the Rev. Robert K. Klinger officiating.
Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery,
Albion, Pa.
Calling hours will be 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday at Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. E., Girard, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West Springfield United Methodist
Church; or Caring for Life, c/o Presbyterian Homes, 2816 Elmwood Ave., Erie, Pa.
16508.
CONNEAUT - Robert Mitchell, 75, of State Street, died Monday, Jan. 6,
2003, at UHHS Brown Memorial Hospital of a probable coronary.
He was born Sept. 2, 1927, in Cudahy, Wis. He moved to Conneaut in 1948.
Mr. Mitchell was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Navy in the
Pacific.
He was a member and former governor of the Conneaut Moose Lodge and was a
member, officer and former manager of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Club in
Conneaut. At one time, he managed a CLYO baseball team, as well as a slow-pitch
softball team.
Mr. Mitchell had been employed as a meat cutter at area grocery stores and
retired as head custodian at Conneaut High School. For the past two years, he
was employed in the security department at Millennium Chemicals in Ashtabula.
He enjoyed golfing, carpentry, his family and his pet dog, Wesley.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Louise (Kuhn); four daughters, Linda Lucas and
Susan Kelley, both of Conneaut, Joann Smith of North Kingsville, and Barbara
Sinderly of Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada; two sons, Robert of Conneaut, and
Wayne Mitchell of Lakewood; two sisters, Virginia Brown of Madison, and
Geralding Bartlett of McKane, Pa.; ten grandchildren, Gloria Liocano, Michele
McVoy, Greg Lucas Jr., Kelly Greaves, Shannon Kulyk, Corey Smith, Christina
Smith, Kayla and Sarah Mitchell, and Dakoda Sinderly; and four
great-grandchildren.
Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Sonoski, and three
sisters, Gladys Knitter, Dolores Schimelemin and Beatrice Safrano.
At Mr. Mitchell's request, there are
no calling hours or services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Conneaut Rescue Squad or the
CLYO. Envelopes are available at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center,
208 Liberty St., Conneaut.
UPPER DARBY, Pa. - Suzanne Church Wright, 41, formerly of Conneaut, died
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003, at her home following a long battle with cancer.
She was born April 21, 1961, in Conneaut, to Anthony "TC" and Frances (Libera)
Church.
She attended Conneaut High School.
Survivors include two sons, Clifford and David Wright, of Upper Darby, Pa.; her
mother, Frances Church of Kawkawlin, Mich.; two brothers, John Church of
Fayetteville, N.C., and Nic Church of Conneaut; and a sister, Nanci
Church of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Linda Church.
Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Cyril's Church on East Penn Boulevard
in Lansdowne, Pa.
Arrangements are being handled by the O'Leary Funeral Home, Springfield, Pa.
DORSET TOWNSHIP - Ruth E. Boggs, 85, of Route 307 died Saturday, Jan. 4,
2003, at the home of her daughter in Medina.
Mrs. Boggs was born Oct. 3, 1917, in Lenox Township, the daughter of Kline H.
and Nellie M. (Evans) Spencer. She had been a lifelong Dorset Township resident,
but lived with her daughter in Medina for the past three years for medical
reasons.
She was a 1935 graduate and salutatorian of Dorset High School.
She was married to Ross Boggs Sr. on Jan. 23, 1937, at the Dorset Methodist
Church parsonage. Before her husband's death, they wintered in Sebring, Fla.,
for several years.
Her working career began with the General Electric Plant in Jefferson, then
Andover Industries and Pymatuning State Park. She then co-owned Boggs' Service
Station in Williamsfield Township with her husband from 1968-88.
Mrs. Boggs was a member of the Dorset United Methodist Church, a charter member
of Dorset United Methodist Women and a young adult leader at the church.
She was a star athlete in high school and a competitive bowler. When her
children were growing up, she was a leader in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts,
Boy Scouts and 4-H. Mrs. Boggs loved reading, traveling, sewing, quilting,
gardening, playing cards and being with her family.
Survivors include her four children, Ross A. Boggs Jr. of Andover, Barbara E.
Liczert of Medina, Robert J. Boggs of Roaming Shores and Ronald K. Boggs of
Dorset Township; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three brothers,
Victor Spencer of Westfork, Ark., John Spencer of Dorset Township and David
Spencer of Easly, S.C.; and four sisters, Claudia Jewell of Dorset Township,
Janet Smith of Conneaut, Joan Burns of Albion, Pa., and Sandra Hill of
Andover.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1999; son, Richard L.
Boggs, at age 4 in 1946; two sisters, Patty in infancy and Jean Brockett; and
brother, Robert Spencer.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Fleming Funeral Home Inc., 49 W. Jefferson
St., Jefferson, with the Rev. David T. Hill of the First Congregational United
Church of Christ officiating.
Burial will be in Dorset Cemetery.
Calling hours will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ross Boggs Scholarship Fund, c/o Jefferson
High School, 125 S. Poplar St., Jefferson, 44047; or to Dorset United Methodist
Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 76, Dorset, 44032. Envelopes will be available at
the funeral home.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Pa. - Robert A. Lahnan Sr., 66, died Friday, Jan. 3, 2003,
at his home.
He was born July 22, 1936, in Conneaut, a son of Laurie A. and Mary A. Gruzosky
Lahnan.
Mr. Lahnan was part-owner of Springfield Plastics Inc. and worked at the former
Parker White Metal Co. in Fairview, Pa., for 29 years.
He attended Springfield High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a
military police officer.
Mr. Lahnan was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Girard,
Pa., and charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council.
He was an avid sportsman and loved hunting and fishing. He also was a devout
Cleveland Browns and Indians fan and was a supporter of high school athletics.
Survivors include his wife, Erika Prem Lahnan, whom he married Aug. 24, 1957, in
Girard, Pa.; two daughters, Linda A. Lahnan of Baltimore and Lisa M. Sertz of
West Springfield, Pa.; three sons, Robert A. Lahnan Jr. of East Springfield,
Pa., Eric A. Lahnan of Cocoa, Fla., and Michael A. Lahnan of Conneaut;
two sisters, Judith Diehl of West Springfield, Pa., and Mary Laureen "Connie" of
Accra, Ghana, West Africa; two brothers, Lawrence Lahnan of Jefferson and Gerald
Lahnan of West Springfield, Pa.; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald Lahnan.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home, 309
Main St. E., Girard, Pa.
Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 101
Olin Ave., Girard, Pa. The Rev. Glenn Whitman will officiate.
Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Tuesday at the funeral
home.
Burial will be in Springfield
Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 500 Shady Ave.,
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206-4438; Make-A-Wish Foundation of Pennsylvania, 2022 W. 38th
St., Erie, Pa. 16508; or the Northwestern School district football and
basketball boosters clubs.
ASHTABULA — Grace K. Mook, 87, of Ashtabula died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002 in
Madison Health Care, Madison.
She was born May 20, 1915 in Warren, the daughter of Charles and Gertrude Bowen.
Mrs. Mook was a lifelong resident and had worked in the accounting department of
Carlisle-Allen Department Store for 25 years, retiring in 1980.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Conneaut.
Survivors include her daughters, Jane Bortz of Rome, and Kenna Carty of
Clarence, Iowa; a son, Jack Mook of Florida; eight grandchildren; and 11
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Helen Neuhofs and Doris
Shears.
Services to be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Blessing Cremation Center, 9340 Pinecone
Drive, Mentor.
COCOA, FLA. Clair I. Bunnell, 75, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002, at Wuesthoff
Hospital in Rockledge, Fla.
He was born July 9, 1927, in Conneaut, the son of James F. and Charlotte
(Lewis) Bunnell. He came to Brevard County, Fla., from Tampa in 1963.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a life member of the Order of the
Moose in Cocoa, Fla. He was a two-term past president of the Brevard County Home
Builder's Association, and was instrumental in building a majority of homes in
Cocoa Beach, Fla.
An accomplished cabinet maker, Mr. Bunnell was an avid fisherman, hunter, camper
and boater.
He is survived by his children, Catherine Bunnell of Orlando, Fla., Clair
Michael Bunnell of Apopka, Fla., Robert Harry Bunnell of Melbourne, Fla., Cyndi
Troutman of Snellville, Ga.; five grandsons; two brothers, Richard and Jim, of
Conneaut; and loving companion, Ione York of Rockledge.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Central Community Church, Tucker
Lane, Cocoa, Fla. Brevard Memorial Funeral Home, 5475 N. U.S. Highway 1, Cocoa,
Fla., is handling arrangements.
BEECH CREEK, W.Va. William W. Cline, 78, of Beech Creek, W.Va., died
Sunday, Dec. 29, 2002, at his home.
He was born Dec. 3, 1924, in Wharncliffe, W.Va., the son of Henry Madison and
Mary (Hatfield) Cline.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in World War II, Mr. Cline was retired
from Elkem Metals. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
Survivors include his wife, Alice Bannister Cline; three daughters, Brenda
Curran of Sumterville, Fla., Thelma Sheppard of Danielson, Conn., Mary Ann
Fortsch of Lake Pann, Fla.; two sons, William Cline Jr. of New Jersey and Kyle
Cline of Bushnell, Fla.; three stepdaughters, Janice DiGiamco of Kingsville,
Wendy Garnett of Conneaut and Bonnie Parks of Pennsylvania; five
stepsons, Danny Garnett of Conneaut, Howard W. Bannister of Michigan,
Everette "Rusty" Bannister of Georgia, Kirby Bannister of Alabama and Gregory
Bannister of Delbarton, W.Va.; 35 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Bertha Maynard of Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Sylvia Kurtz Cline, his
second wife, Pauline Cline, three brothers, Herbert Ferrell, Kyle Cline and
Watkins Blankenship; two sisters, Bettie Evans and Dorothy Linkenhoker; and one
stepdaughter, Linda Noble.
Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Fundamental Christian
Church of Varney, W.Va., with the Rev. Okey Varney, the Rev. Ervin Francis and
Elder Jimmy Maynard officiating.
Calling hours will be 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Chafin Funeral Home,
Delbarton, W.Va.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Pa. - Ralph O. Mundkowsky, 83, of Ridge Road, died Tuesday,
Dec. 31, 2002 at Fairview Manor, Pa., following a brief illness. He was born
March 4, 1919 in Erie, Pa., a son of Julius and Blanche (Schaffer) Mundkowsky.
A West Springfield resident since age 4, he attended West Springfield High
School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the European Theater
during World War II with the Second Armored Division "Hell on Wheels," which was
the first Army unit to enter Berlin.
He was employed for 17 years as a brakeman with the New York Central Railroad
and was a self-employed over the road truck driver for Town Square Foods. In the
10 years before he retired, his wife, Pearl, drove with him.
Mr. Mundkowsky was a member of West Springfield United Methodist Church. He was
an avid gardener and enjoyed woodworking, traveling, camping and his family.
Survivors include his wife, Pearl E. (Wilcox), whom he married Dec. 18, 1940,;
two daughters, Nancy Shorts of Townville, Pa. and Becky Connors of San Mateo,
Fla.; two sons, David of West Springfield, Pa. and Ralph of Whittier, N.C.; his
sister, Myrtle Thompson of Denison, Texas, 14 grandchildren, 24
great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Clarence and Duane, and
Cleon in infancy; a grandson, Justin, and twin great-granddaughters, Jane and
Ivah Benjamin.
Service is 4 p.m. Saturday at the West Springfield United Methodist Church with
the Rev. Robert Klinger, officiating.
Family calling hours will be Friday at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation
Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut.
Burial will be in East Springfield Cemetery, East Springfield, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Rescue Squad or to the
West County Paramedics. Envelopes will be available at the church and funeral
home.
JEFFERSON - Sally A. Wagner, 74, of West Ashtabula Street, died Tuesday, Dec.
31, 2002, at the home of her daughter in Jefferson Township following a short
illness.
She was born Aug. 27, 1928 in Manhattan, N.Y., the daughter of Joseph and Ellen
(Grant) Harkins, and moved to Ohio in 1954 from Queens, N.Y. and to Jefferson in
1968 from the Mentor area.
For more than 20 years, Mrs. Wagner has been a self-employed independent title
examiner. She previously worked as a secretary for nine years for W. J. Pecsok
Associates. She was a member of St. Joseph Calasanctius Church, the Altar and
Rosary Society and the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars. She enjoyed
baking, cooking and being with her family and friends.
Survivors include one daughter, Sally V. "Roni" Cotton; three sons, Henry W.
Wagner, Steven E. Wagner and Daniel J. Wagner, all of Jefferson; two
stepdaughters, Donna Witt of Conneaut and Debra Vincent of Lincolnton,
N.C.; 11 grandchildren, one sister, Mary Paton of Charlottesville, Va.; two
brothers, J. Steven Harkins of Wellslee, Mass. and John L. Harkins of
Hicksville, N.Y.; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Henry E. Wagner in 1976, a sister, Evelyn Killeen and three brothers, Patrick, William and Edward Harkins.
The funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Calasanctius Church, 32 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with retired pastor, the Rev. Fr. Arthur King and the Rev. Fr. Stephen Wassie, officiating.
Calling hours are 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Fleming Funeral Home, Inc., 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with a prayer service at 8:45 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Calasanctius Church Memorial Fund, 32 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson OH 44047. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.
FAIRVIEW, Pa. - Viola Mallory Meeder, 93, of Fairview Manor Nursing Home and
formerly of 11 South Park Row, Girard, Pa., died Monday, Dec. 30, 2002, at her
residence.
She was born Oct. 21, 1909, in Conneaut, to Clayton and Minnie Day
Mallory.
Mrs. Meeder was the retired owner of H.J. Meeder General Electric TV and
Appliance Store in Lake City, Pa.
She was a member of Lake City United Methodist Church where she was a member of
the Women's Society. She was also a member of the Girard Chapter 84 Order of the
Eastern Star and the West County Historical Association. She was active at the
Erie Senior Day Center, the West County 65'ers and the XYZ Club.
Survivors include sons Robert Meeder of Lake City, Pa., Richard Meeder of
Girard, Pa. and Donald Meeder of Waterford, Pa.; 15 grandchildren; and nine
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband Hallam J. Meeder, sister Nina Woodworth and
brothers Frank Mallory, Francis Mallory and Loren Mallory.
Service is at the family's convenience Friday at the Burton Funeral Home, 525
Main St. East, Girard, Pa. Burial is in Girard Cemetery.
Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7to 9 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Lake City United Methodist Church, 10087
Sampson Ave., Lake City, Pa. 16423.
EDINBORO, Pa. — William Ralph Ramey Sr., 63, of Route 98, died Friday, Jan,
24, 2003 at his home. He was born Aug. 21, 1939 in Sudith, Ky., the son of Hiram
and Sissie Ramey.
Mr. Ramey had lived in Edinboro for the past 23 years, having moved there from
Lake City, Pa. He was employed at Engineer Plastics as a press operator. He
enjoyed spending time with relatives and drag racing.
Survivors include two daughters, Denise and Sylvia Ramey, both of Edinboro; two
sons, William Ralph Ramey, Jr. and Paul Ramey, both of Edinboro; two sisters,
Essie Webber and Bessie Lago, both of West Springfield, Pa.; a brother, Kenneth
Ramey of Conneaut; and several grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Edward, Rex and Harold
Ramey; and a sister, Lucille.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center,
208 Liberty St., Conneaut, with the Rev. Raymond L. Lamb, pastor of the
Conneaut Church of God, officiating.
Calling hours are 10 a.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Mr.
Ramey requested memorial contributions be made to the family. Envelopes will be
available at the funeral home.
Burial will be in East Springfield Cemetery in East Springfield, Pa..
VERO BEACH, Fla. - Donald M. Hicks, 90, formerly of Conneaut, died
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Integrated Health Services after a prolonged
illness.
Mr. Hicks was born Aug. 26, 1912, in Conneaut, the son of Henry and Grace
(Dowd) Hicks. He moved to Vero Beach in 1986.
He retired from Allied Resinous and the Astatic Corp. in Conneaut. An
accomplished musician, he was a lifetime member of the American Federation of
Musicians.
Survivors include his two sons, John and Darryl Hicks; two grandsons, Craig
Hicks of New Kensington, Pa., and Brian Hicks of Hilliard; and five
great-grandchildren, Logan, Ariel and Chelsea Hicks of New Kensington, Pa., and
Hannah and Jacob Hicks of Hilliard; and a sister, Thelma Bushnell of Butler, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Zelma, in January 2000; four
sisters; three brothers; and his parents.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family, with the Rev.
Norman Pavey of the Community Church officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest
Cemetery in Fort Pierce, Fla.
Arrangements are being handled by the Cox-Gifford Funeral Home and Cremation
Service, 1950 20th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960.
At the family's request, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
CONNEAUT - Vernon N. Jarvi Sr., 76, of High Street, died Saturday,
Jan. 25, 2003, in Hamot Medical Center, in Erie, Pa.
Mr. Jarvi was born May 25, 1926, in Conneaut, the son of Antti and Hilda
(Kauppi) Ranianjarvi. He lived in Conneaut and the Monroe Township area
for most of his life. He also lived in East Springfield, Pa., for 10 years.
Mr. Jarvi was employed by the former Nickel Plate and N&W railroads for 20
years, as a surveyor with the Division of Engineers. He retired from the
Conneaut Base Plant, General Electric Co., as a machine operator after 20 years
of service.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He also was a member of
American Legion Cowle Post 151, where he served as former vice commander and was
active on the drill squad.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving with the 4th Infantry Division during
World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart, which he received for his service
in the Black Forest in Prum, Germany.
Mr. Jarvi received a football scholarship to Miami University (Ohio) and played
for Coach Sid Gilman. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing, swimming, fishing
and gardening. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball for the Harold
Shiley Springfield baseball team.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane (Patterson), to whom he had been married
for 53 years; a daughter, Margaret R. Jarvi of Conneaut; three sons,
Vernon N. Jarvi Jr. of Klamath Falls, Ore., Eric H. Jarvi of Marionville, Pa.,
and Matthew M. Jarvi of West Springfield, Pa.; two grandsons, Benjamin and
Michael Jarvi; three sisters, Viola Twichell of Ashtabula, Ruth Linwood of
Sandusky, and Leah Kliemo of Conneaut.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Ralph, Oliver, Fred and
Edward; three sisters, Sylvia Kantola, Martha Roboeski and Katherine Schlaich.
Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Thompson-Smith Funeral Home, 345 Main St.,
Conneaut, with the Rev. Raymond Thomas officiating.
His remains will be cremated and buried at a later date.
Calling are 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Conneaut Local Youth
Organization. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
ROME, Italy - Sister Mary Augustina Cagnazzo, 79, of the Oblate Sisters of
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, in Rome.
She was born July 19, 1923, in Foggia, Italy, the daughter of Paolo and Concetta
(DelliCari) Cagnazzo.
She entered the Oblate Sisters Oct. 12, 1942, and professed her final vows Jan.
24, 1950. She served more than 60 years in religious life.
Sister Augustina came to the United States in 1949. She taught at Our Lady of
Perpetual Help School in McDonald from 1952 to 1954; St. Edward School in
Youngstown from 1955 to 1959; St. Anthony School in Youngstown, both as
principal and teacher, from 1959 to 1972, St. Frances Cabrini School in
Conneaut from 1972 to 1973. She was stationed in Toronto, both as a local
superior and administrator of a day-care center, from 1973 to 1975.
In July 1975, Sister Augustina was elected general superior of her order, whose
headquarters is in Rome. She was elected for a second term in 1981.
After completing her term, Sister Augustina returned to the Youngstown Diocese,
where she was both principal and teacher of St. Frances Cabrini School in
Conneaut from 1987 to 1990. She was assigned to Emmaus House, the diocesan
priests' retirement home, from 1990 to 1993.
She was superior of Villa Maria Teresa convent in Hubbard from 1993 to 1999, as
well as principal of St. Anthony School, Youngstown, a second time, from 1994 to
1996. She returned to Rome in 1999 and served in the hospitality ministry of the
congregation.
Survivors include her three brothers, Giuseppe, Luigi and Salvatore; and two
sisters, Michelina and Assunta, all of Foggia, Italy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Felicita.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Frances Cabrini
Church in Conneaut, with the Rev. Raymond Thomas officiating.
She was buried Jan. 16 in Rome.
Memorial contributions may be made to Priest Retirement Fund of Villa Maria
Teresa, 50 Warner Road, Hubbard, 44425.
Envelopes are available at St. Frances Cabrini Church or the Raisian Family
Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.
DORSET - Bryan Anthony Rood was stillborn Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at UPMC
Horizon Hospital in Greenville, Pa.
He was the son of Robert C. Rood and Kalley M. Cotton.
Survivors include his parents; grandparents, Donald Rood of Conneaut and
Patricia Mampel of Ashtabula, and David and Carla Cotton of Dorset;
great-grandparents, Clark and Barbara Rood of Sheffield, Robert Patterson of
Jefferson and Mary Patterson of Dorset, Harry Longenecker of Cherry Valley
Township, Kenneth Cotton of Cherry Valley Township; and great-great-grandmother,
Mary Ratliff of Ashtabula.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Elizabeth Cotton and
Elizabeth Longenecker.
Private services will take place at the family's convenience.
Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial
Gardens in Meadville, Pa.
Arrangements were handled by Baumgardner Funeral Home, 134 Prospect St.,
Andover.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family
PIERPONT TOWNSHIP - Marlyn E. "Nick" Best, 65, of Route 167 West, died
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at home.
Born July 26, 1937, in Clarion, Pa., he was the son of Edward and Frances
(Swartz) Best and has been a resident of Pierpont for the past 30 years, having
moved from Conneaut.
Mr. Best was employed by Molded Fiber Glass of Ashtabula for more than 25 years,
retiring in 2002.
He was a member of East Side Presbyterian Church of Ashtabula. He enjoyed
hunting, fishing, country and western music, watching football, stock car
racing, collecting hats and steins and being with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Charlotte V. (Cobb) of Pierpont, whom he married
Aug. 23, 1975, in Pierpont; 12 children, Marlyn Best Jr., Frances Gibbons,
William Wrisley, Fawn Nagle, all of Conneaut; Carol Hutzell, Dina
Cockrell, both of Kingsville; Mona Roerdanz of Ashtabula, David Best of Gilbert,
S.C., Cheryl Durden of Swansea, S.C., Holly Postupack of West Springfield, Pa.,
Dale Best of Cayce, S.C., and Sue Penulaz of San Antonio, Texas; 22
grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Karen of Ripley, N.Y.,
Kathy of California, and Silvia of Essex, Md.; seven brothers, Keith of
Pennsylvania, Lloyd and Gayland, both of North East, Pa., Bob and Roland, both
of Ripley, N.Y., Paul of Waterford, Pa. and Reggie of Buffalo, N.Y.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; son, Edward Wrisley; sister, Linda;
brothers, Clide and Larry in infancy and one grandson, Terry Moore.
Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Childs & Williams Family Funeral Home,
96 Route 7, Pierpont. Burial will be
in Evergreen Cemetery, Pierpont
at the convenience of the family.
No service will take place at Mr. Best's request.
Memorials may be made to the family and envelopes will be available at the
funeral home.
FREDERICK, Md. - Pauline (Rumpf) Hartman, 91, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, at
Frederick Memorial Hospital.
She was born Dec. 22, 1911, in Pine Grove, Pa., the daughter of Peter C. and
Annie V. (Wenrich) Rumpf.
Mrs. Hartman was educated in the Derry Township (Hershey, Pa.) school system and
graduated with honors in 1929. She worked in Pennsylvania as a licensed
practical nurse and as a children's librarian.
She and her husband, Merle H. Hartman, owned and operated Hartman's CutRate
Variety and Fountain Store in Palmyra, Pa., for 20 years. After retirement and
moving to Maryland, she was active in the Rainbow Bells Senior Center quilting
groups and 4-H.
She traveled with bus groups across the country. Mrs. Hartman was a member of
the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 79; Mount Pleasant Evangelical Reformed
United Church of Christ; and was former member of the United Fire Company
Auxiliary.
She loved flowers and gardening.
Survivors include her son, Robert M. Hartman of Frederick, Md.; six
grandchildren, Ann Marie Hartman of New Orleans, Joy E. Hartman of Medford, Jon
P. Hartman of North Carolina, Michael P. Hartman of Rochester, N.Y., Peter J.
Hartman of Ashland, Va., and Maryann E. Hartman of Ranson, W.Va.; six
great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a brother, Leonard J. Rumpf of
Hummelstown, Pa., and a daughter-in-law, Virginia Hartman of Conneaut.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, in 1968; a son, Frederic
L. Hartman; a sister, Gladys Drawbaugh; and a brother, Karl R. Hartman.
Service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Robert E. Dailey and Son Funeral Homes, 1201 N.
Market St., Frederick, Md. The Rev. Donna Sharp of Mount Pleasant Evangelical
Reformed United Church of Christ will officiate.
Calling hours are 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Gravel Hill
Cemetery, Palmyra, Pa.
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - Dorothy A. Lehto, 79, of Sanborn Road, died Wednesday,
Feb. 5, 2003, at her home.
She was born Nov., 19, 1923 in Ashtabula, the daughter of Capt. James and Selma
(Herttua) Diamond.
Mrs. Lehto was a lifelong resident of Ashtabula and graduated from Harbor High
School in 1941.
She married Oliver E. Jan. 28, 1943 and was a homemaker.
Mrs. Lehto was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and enjoyed baking, cooking
and getting together with her high school classmates.
She enjoyed taking care of others, including the animals.
Survivors include her husband, Oliver; and three children, Barry of Salt Lake
City, Michael of Cleveland and Kathleen Kister of Conneaut.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, James Diamond.
Services will be 3 p.m. today at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave.,
Ashtabula, with the Rev. Richard Bowen officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church or to Hospice
of Ashtabula County.
Envelopes will be available at the church.
The Ross-Billman Funeral Home, 526 Prospect Road, Ashtabula is handling
arrangements.
Danny L. Tilson
ASHTABULA - Danny L. Tilson, 57, of North Ridge Road West, died Monday, Jan.
13, 2003, at University Hospital of Cleveland.
He was born June 18, 1945, in Beckley W.Va., to Dewey L. and Helen I. (Lester)
Tilson.
He married Cindy McElroy Sept. 30, 2000.
Mr. Tilson was a foreman at Neff-Perkins in Perry for 16 years.
He was a member of New Life Assembly of God, Geneva.
Mr. Tilson enjoyed fishing, motorcycling and four-wheeling. He was an animal and
nature lover.
Survivors include his wife; daughters Tammy Cantrell of Conneaut, DeNette
Lea Paul of Marietta, Ga., and DeAnna Deanne Zeigler of Waldorf, Md.;
stepdaughters Angela Arnett of Kingsville and Jeanna Arnett of Painesville;
stepson Gilbert Arnett of Buckhannon, W.Va.; grandchildren Tiffany, Sophia,
TeAnna, David, Ayla, Billy, Aryelle and Gabrielle; one great-grandchild;
brothers Rocky of Austinburg, David of Geneva and Michael of Huntington, W.Va.;
and sisters Brenda Lester of LaFayette, Tenn. and Wanda Cagle of Perry.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral is 11 a.m. Friday at the Donald E. Walker Funeral Home, 828 Sherman St.,
Geneva, officiated by the Rev. Harry Pischura of New Life Assembly of God of
Geneva. Burial is in Mechanicsville
Cemetery, Austinburg.
Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes available at the
funeral home.
ASHTABULA - Delmar Blankenship, 65, of Joseph Avenue, died Tuesday, Jan. 14,
2003, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.
He was born Sept. 13, 1937, in McDowell, Ky., the son of Gobal and Virgie (Gayheart)
Blankenship.
He worked at Koski Construction Co.
Mr. Blankenship enjoyed visiting Markko Vineyard in Conneaut, playing the
lottery, working on cars, sailing the Great Lakes and spending time with his
grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Glennin "Dale" Tackett of Ashtabula; three daughters,
Janice Nesbitt of Jefferson and Debbie Chaplin and Cheryl Blankenship, both of
Ashtabula; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Mull of Florida.
Mr. Blankenship was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Hargis
Blankenship; and four sisters, Marsela Hatfield, Sally Benton, Zola Blankenship
and Vivian Murphy.
There will be no funeral service or calling hours at Mr. Blankenship's request.
The Donald E. Walker Funeral Home, 828 Sherman St., Geneva, is handling
arrangements.
MADISON — Norman J. Reynolds, 50, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003 at his
residence. He was born June 24, 1952 in Painesville, the son of Rolland and Ida
(Belfi) Reynolds.
He lived in Madison for three months, moving from Painesville.
Mr. Reynolds was a dye maker at Pilot Run Stamping in Mentor. He belonged to
Painesville Assembly of God Church, North America Hunts Club and the National
Rifle Association.
He had served in the United States Marine Corps.
Survivors include his wife, Susan (Todd) Reynolds; four daughters, Laura Reho,
Sharon Reynolds, Denise Reynolds and Michele Reynolds, all of Madison; a son
Norman J. Reynolds, Jr. of Madison, two stepdaughters, Stacy Dezendorf of
Andover and Vicky Cameron of Painesville; five stepsons, Bradley Cameron of
Conneaut, David Cameron of Ashtabula, Jeff Cameron of Ashtabula, Steven
Cameron of North Carolina and Greg Cameron of Jefferson; a brother, Jerry
Reynolds of Painesville; a half brother, Roland Reynolds of West Virginia; two
sisters, Beverly Ede of Painesville and Hazel Stone of Perry; and 23
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Painesville Assembly of God Church, 10949
Johnnycake Ridge Road, Painesville.
Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Potty Funeral Home, 1009
Mentor Ave., Painesville.
Burial will be in Perry Cemetery.