Obituaries - Star Beacon August, 2003

Friday, August 8, 2003

Barbara J. Powers

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Barbara J. (Stack) Powers, 66, of Shelby Township, MI, formerly of Conneaut, died Thursday, July 10, 2003, at her home.

She was born July 12, 1936, in Greenville, PA, the daughter of Francis and Emma Stack.

Mrs. Powers was a homemaker and an avid golfer. She loved flowers, decorating her home during the Christmas season, and especially spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Pamela (Jeffrey) Jax; grandchildren, Darryn, Justin and Nathan; and sisters, Hanna Williams, Faye Mast and Janet Greer, all of Conneaut.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Helen Cunningham.

A funeral service was held at Fair Lutheran Church, Shelby Road, Shelby Township, MI.

Calling hours were held at WUJEK-CULCATERRA AND SONS, Van Dyke Road, Shelby Township, MI.

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Margaret Byers Loucks Hietanen

WILLIAMSFIELD — Margaret Byers Loucks Hietanen, 85, of Locust Drive, died Wednesday, August 6, 2003, at her home.

She was born December 2, 1917, in McClellandtown, PA, the daughter of Daniel and Nancy Jane (Byers) Snyder and had returned to Ashtabula County in 2001 after living 25 years in Avon Park, FL.

Prior to her retirement, she worked as a bookkeeper for Carlisle's for many years.

She taught ballroom dancing and polkas and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Survivors include her son, Daniel S. Loucks of Ashtabula; her daughter, Gwen Togger of Williamsfield; two stepchildren, Dorothy Upole and Richard Hietanen; 7 grandchildren, Daniel, Robyn, Christopher, Gina, Bryan, Rosemarie, and Lynn; 9 great-grandchildren; and one brother, John Robert Snyder of Ashtabula.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank B. Loucks, Jr.; her second husband, Vaino "Vic" Hietanen; her son, Frank B. Loucks III; her grandson Michael Togger; and her parents.

A Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2003, at the Greenlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 3140 East Center Road, North Kingsville. Reverend Dr. Clyde A. McGee, Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Conneaut, will officiate. Entombment will follow.

Monday, August 11, 2003

Mary V. Marano

CONNEAUT - Mary V. Marano, 82, formerly of Depot Street, Conneaut, OH, died Saturday evening, August 9, at Inn-Conneaut Health Center. She was born Oct. 28, 1920, in Orangeville, PA, a daughter of Archie and Nellie Mae (Green) Emerson.
Mrs. Marano lived in Conneaut most of her life. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed cooking.
Survivors include her sister, Florence Kilfoil of Greenville, PA; her brother, Carl Emerson of Geneva, OH; and a number of nieces, nephews, and more distant relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Nick, in 1990; and two sisters, Clara Emerson and Lillian Jones.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, Aug. 13, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 480 State St., Conneaut, OH, with the Rev. Raymond Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, OH.

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Joseph Gurto

CONNEAUT — Joseph Gurto, age 68, of Conneaut, died early Monday, August 11, 2003, at UHHS Brown Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Gurto was born April 16, 1935, in Conneaut, the son of Peter and Mary (Delvecchio) Gurto He attended Conneaut High and later went to work for the Nickel Plate Railroad.

In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean War and until he was honorably discharged in 1957. He went back to work for the railroad until he retired from the Norfolk & Western Railroad as General Foreman of the section gang for over 30 years.

Joe enjoyed doing yardwork and collecting antique cars, railroad cars and lighthouses. He was the handyman and Mr. Fix-it. Joe also loved to spend time with his family, grandchildren and friends. He loved to watch the Cleveland Browns and Indians. He was a former member of the American Legion.

Mr. Gurto was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Vincent J.; sisters, Rose Speer, Mary Moneypenny, and two infant sisters, Philomena and Mary.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Smith) Gurto, whom he married February 3, 1954; a daughter, Brandy, and Rocky Ulrich, of West Springfield, PA; five sons, Joseph A., and Frances, Gurto of Kings Langley, Australia, Michael P. Gurto of Lorain, OH, Anthony J. Gurto, Mark V., and Brigette, Gurto and Nicholas J. Gurto, all of Conneaut; two sisters, Florence Lewis and Susie Petrovski, both of Conneaut; five brothers, James G. Gurto of Wexford, PA, Christy Gurto of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Anthony Gurto of Montpelier, OH, and Frank Gurto and Pat Gurto, both of Conneaut; 18 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2003, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, with Father Raymond Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Conneaut.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, August 14, 2003, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Howard I. Baker

ASHTABULA — Howard I. Baker, 93, of East Prospect Road, Ashtabula, died Tuesday, August 12, 2003, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.

He was born on November 9, 1909, in Ashtabula, the son of George I. and Hazel M. (Eaton) Baker, and has been a lifetime area resident.

Mr. Baker was a 1926 graduate of Ashtabula High School. He was employed with the New York Central Railroad until his retirement.

In his younger years, he enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting, and he also enjoyed crossword puzzles.

Survivors include two sisters, Betty Rathbun of Fort Pierce, FL, and Mary Miller of Boardman, OH; and several nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Arthur Baker; and a sister, Erva Scoville.

Graveside Services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2003, at Kelloggsville Cemetery in Monroe Township, with Reverend Stephen Long, of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.

THE ROSS-BILLMAN FUNERAL HOME, 526 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, is in charge of arrangements.

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Saturday, August 16, 2003

Elizabeth E. "Betty" Phillips

CONNEAUT — Elizabeth E. "Betty" Phillips, 61, of Burrington Heights, Conneaut, OH, died Wednesday evening, August 13, 2003, at her home.

She was born on September 16, 1941 in Cleveland, a daughter of Chester Albert and Marian B. (Gollmer) Lowery.

She was a graduate of Conneaut Valley High School in Crawford County, PA. After working for a number of years at the former Webb Manufacturing in Conneaut, she received a year's training in semi truck driving. She then was employed as a long distance truck driver for 15 years by Schneider National Trucking Company until retiring on disability 2 years ago.

She was a member of the Albion Church of the Nazarene in Albion, PA, and Senior Citizens Plus. She enjoyed driving her semi and spending time with her family.

Survivors include four daughters, Beth Ann E. Kean of Edinboro, PA, Brenda Lee Sass, and Beverly M. Lewis of Conneaut, and Bonnie L. Skelton of Cambridge Springs, PA; two sons, Robert R. Phillips of Albion, PA, and Brian K. Phillips of Conneaut; seven sisters, Ruth Connell of Evans City, PA, Carol Bowers of Spartansburg, PA, Jacqlyn McBride, Audrey Frost, Dorothy Mitchell, Elaine Barnum, and Darlene Hicks, all of Conneaut; three brothers, Robert Lowery of Edinboro, PA, John Lowery, and Dale Langdon, both of Conneaut; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Matthew Hebden; and a sister, Barbara J. Fugate.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2003, at the Albion Church of the Nazarene, 9580 Route 6 North, Albion, PA (4 miles south of I-90). The Reverend Wayne Hennon, pastor of the church, will officiate. Following cremation, burial will be in Crossingville Cemetery, Crossingville, PA.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2003, at the MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty Street, Conneaut, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Albion Church of the Nazarene. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church.

John W. Lyubi

CONNEAUT - John W. Lyubi, 77, of Lake Erie Street, Conneaut, died Saturday, August 16, 2003, at his home.
Born in Conneaut, May 3, 1926, the son of the late John and Jennie (Slivar) Lyubi, he had resided here his entire life. Mr. Lyubi was employed by the City of Conneaut Water Department for several years, and retired as Safety Inspector for the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Co.
He was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church, and also served with the U.S. Army. In his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening and especially being with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Lemak, to whom he had been married for 52 years; two daughters, Sharon DeNunzio of Conneaut, and Nancy Lyubi-Williams, of Bremerton, WA; 3 grandchildren, Nicole, Joe and Jessica DeNunzio; 4 sisters, Jennie English and Emma Fowler, both of Conneaut, Mildred Pamfiloff of Erie, PA, and Josephine Chilcott of Wyoming; two half-sisters, Louise Bretcher of Wisconsin, and Marie Hannah of Florida.
Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Anthony, a sister Mary and brother Joseph, both in infancy; and a half-sister, Jean Mares.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2003, at the Thompson-Smith Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Conneaut, with the Rev. Raymond Thomas, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Church, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. The family suggests that memorials be made in his name to Hospice of Ashtabula County. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

Ethel R. Swanson

NORTH KINGSVILLE — Ethel R. Swanson, 86, of North Kingsville died Sunday, August 17, 2003 at her home.

Born on May 21, 1917 in Joliet, IL, she is the daughter of the late Frank and Julia Kutrich. She had resided in Ashtabula and North Kingsville most of her life.

She was a lifetime member of the Sheffield Grange. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening and seeing the animals and birds. She especially loved being with her grandchildren and eating at Bob Evans.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol McClintic (Dan) of Ashtabula; a son, Melvyn Swanson (Rita) of North Kingsville; three grandchildren, Amy McClintic, Angela McCrory (John), and Matthew Swanson; one sister, Pearl Nurminen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin L. Swanson in 1994, whom she had been married to for 57 years; two sisters, Helen Gunritz and Elizabeth Pal; a brother, Steve Kutrich; two grandchildren, Rebecca McClintic and Eric Swanson; and two half sisters.

A Graveside Service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at the Eastlake Cemetery in North Kingsville. Reverend donna VanTrees of Saybrook United Methodist Church will officiate.

There will be no calling hours.

The family suggests memorials be made in her name to the Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004.

The THOMPSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 345 Main Street, Conneaut will be in charge of arrangements.

David J. Cadmes, Jr.

CONNEAUT — David J. Cadmes, Jr., 34, of Madison Street, died Sunday, August 17, 2003, at his residence.

Born on October 16, 1968 in Ashtabula, he was the son of David J. Cadmes and the late Karen (Wilpula) Cadmes.

He had resided in the area his entire life and graduated from the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School in 1987.

He is survived by his wife, Debora of Conneaut; a daughter, Destiny and a son, Nick, both of Jefferson; three step-children, Bart, Megan, and Travis Bender; his father; his grandmother, Jane Wilpula of Ashtabula; and a sister, Shelli Cadmes of Ashtabula.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2003, in Evergreen Cemetery, Pierpont, with Tim Kraus, Pastor of the Church of Christ, officiating. There will be no calling hours.

The THOMPSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME is in charge of the arrangements.

Saturday, August 23, 2003

Burton H. Ellis

ASHTABULA — Burton H. Ellis, 90, of Arlene Drive in North Kingsville, died Thursday, August 21, 2003, in the Ashtabula County Medical Center.

Born on September 18, 1912 in Newark, NY, he was the son of the late Dwight and Edith (Pallister) and had been a resident of the Conneaut and North Kingsville area since 1960.

Mr. Ellis was employed by the Greenlawn Memory Gardens as a Sales Representative for 9 years, and was also an ordained minister. He was a nature lover and also enjoyed doing remodeling jobs.

Survivors include his wife, Marian (Harley), whom he'd been married to for the past 65 years; two daughters, Joanne Nasrallah of Waxhaw, NC, and Loraine Hay of Gastonia, NC; a son, Dayle Ellis of Plano, TX; ten grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Maude Ellis, and Dorothy Jackson; and two brothers, Harold, and Edward Ellis.

Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2003, at the THOMPSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 345 Main Street, Conneaut, OH, with his close friend, Reverend Arnold Hashman officiating. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, August 25, 2003, from noon until the time of the service.

Family suggest memorials be made to Samaritans Purse of Boone NC, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Monday, August 25, 2003

Death notices

Hazel Marie Hrabe

HUTCHINSON, KS - Hazel Marie Hrabe, 78, a former Conneaut resident, died Saturday, August 23, 2003, in Hutchinson, KS. She resided in Hickory, NC, before moving to Hutchinson in 1991. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2003, in Eastside Cemetery in Hutchinson, KS. ELLIOT MORTUARY, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, is in charge of the arrangements.

Saturday, August 30, 2003

Edna E. Partee

OCALA, FL — Edna E. Partee, 89, formerly of the Ashtabula/Conneaut area, died on March 18, 2003 in Ocala, FL where she resided with her daughter, Rose. A Graveside Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2003 at the Glenwood Cemetery in Conneaut. Pastor Brenda Loucks, niece of Mrs. Partee, will officiate. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Road, Mentor, OH 44060. Arrangements were handled by THE RAISIAN FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.