Obituaries - Star Beacon December 1, 2007

SAPULPA, Okla. — Cynthia Ann Gagat, age 34, died tragically in a mobile home fire, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, in Sapulpa, Okla.  Born on March 10, 1973 in Ashtabula, Ohio, Cynthia was the daughter of Chester Gagat and Sharon (Freeman) Kohta. A lifetime resident of Ashtabula County, Cynthia recently moved to Oklahoma in November. In 1991, Cynthia graduated from Harbor High School where she was involved in the band and choir. She then took classes at the ACJVS and graduated from the Cosmetology Program.  She was a member of the East Plymouth Grange, Ashtabula County Pomona Grange, Ashtabula County Rod and Reel Association and Harris Memorial Presbyterian Church. Cynthia enjoyed crafts, making jewelry, crocheting, computers, fishing and loved animals, especially her cat “Spicy”.  She is survived by her two children, Harley and Michelle Chandler, and their parents, David (Lisa) Chandler of Monroe Township; mother, Sharon (Paul) Kohta of Jefferson; father, Chester (Virginia) Gagat of Conneaut; brother, Michael “Hann” (Julie) Freeman of Pierpont; grandmothers, Lucille Freeman of Ashtabula and Hilda Kohta of Williamsfield; step-sisters, Sandra (Joe) Nypaver of Holidaysburg, Pa., and Brenda Kohta of Cincinnati, Ohio; step-brother, Alan Kohta of Sheffield Township; special great-aunt, Laura Ruland of Ashtabula; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.  Cynthia was preceded in death by her grandfather, Irvin “Tex” Freeman.  A gathering will be held for family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at the DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, with a Grange Memorial Service at 8 p.m. Inurnment will be in the Greenlawn Memory Gardens at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the Ohio Grange Charitable Foundation (Friendly Hills Camp), in care of, Jenny Miller, 13076 Williamsburg Ave., Uniontown, Ohio 44685 or the Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Road, Kingsville, Ohio 44048.www.ducro.com
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/1/2007 - 12/3/2007.

ALBION, Pa. — Richard J. “Dick” Kangas, age 64, of Albion, Pa., died unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, of a probable coronary at the home of his mother, Agnes Kangas, in Ft. Pierce, Fla.  He was born Jan. 6, 1943 in Conneaut, Ohio, to Einar and Agnes (Duda) Kangas.  An Albion resident since 1964, he retired as a machine operator from Roger Brothers Corp. in Albion. He also worked for 25 years at various companies in the oil fields as a service rig operator and foreman.  Catholic by faith, he was a member of the Laborers Union #603 of Erie, Pa., the Albion Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2341, the Albion Moose Lodge #381, and the Springboro Fire Hall.  He enjoyed the outdoors: hunting and fishing; Nascar racing; and football: on the high school, college and NFL levels. He also enjoyed meeting friends each morning for coffee, and the companionship of his little dog “Scuffer”.  Survivors include his mother, Agnes Kangas of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; his wife, Rosalie (Kleckner) Kangas, whom he married Dec. 30, 1981; his sister, Joyce Cover of Vero Beach, Fla.; a step-daughter, Laura (Bob) Desin of Woodstock, Ga.; four step-sons, Kenneth Fuller (companion: Sue), Perry (Debbie) Fuller, Shawn (JoAnn) Fuller, and Chris Fuller (companion: Robin), all of Albion, Pa.; step-grandchildren, Kristy (Nick) Drosakis of Canton, Ga., Bobby Desin of Woodstock, Ga., Kaylee Desin of Woodstock, Ga., and Desiree, Brittany, and Tiffany Fuller, all of Albion, Pa., Mandy Fuller (fiancé, Ken) of Meadville, Pa., Bobby Fuller, Shane Fuller, Lacie Fuller, and Alie (Brett) Hall, all of Albion, Pa.; five step-great grandchildren; and a nephew, Scott Cover of Eugene, Ore.  He was preceded in death by his father.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m.. on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, at the MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, Ohio, with the Rev. Fr. Chris Hamlett, pastor of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Albion, officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Albion Food Pantry, 1 Robb and Powell Ave., Albion, Pa. 16401. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.  Condolences at www.marcyfuneralservices.com.
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/1/2007 - 12/3/2007.

CONNEAUT — Former Monroe Township resident, Max C. Rossiter, age 84, of Keystone Heights, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, in Starke, Fla.  He was born Oct. 3, 1923 in Albion, Pa., and was the son of John E. and Laura (Campbell) Rossiter.  A graduate of West Springfield High School, Max was a self-employed dairy farmer in Monroe Township, Ohio, for 45 years. He married Lena Jane Ross on July 28, 1946 and together they worked the farm and raised three sons. Following her death in 1996, he relocated to Florida.  Max was formerly an active member of East Conneaut United Methodist Church, the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, and was master of Monroe Grange. He volunteered at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home and enjoyed bowling and hunting. While in Florida, he volunteered at the Keystone Heights Senior Center where he passed out milk at meal time and became fondly known as ‘the milkman”.  Survivors include his wife, Helen (Wilson) Novinski Rossiter, whom he married June 18, 2000; three sons, Frank (RoxieAnn) Rossiter of Hiram, Ohio, Philip (Lynda) Rossiter of Madison, Ohio, and Keith (Galynn) Rossiter of Conneaut, Ohio; two step-children, Tom (Mary) Swalley of Kingsville, Ohio, and Sandra Poole of Conneaut, Ohio; a step son-in-law, Robert Reed of Conneaut, Ohio; eleven grandchildren, Michael (MaryAnn) Rossiter, David Rossiter, Joseph (Melody) Rossiter, Janet Rossiter, Faith Rossiter, Jaynie Rossiter, Tamara Rossiter, Hillard Rossiter, Zachary Rossiter, Malachai Rossiter, and Breanna Rossiter; and three great-grandchildren, Maxwell Rossiter, Gabriel Rossiter, and Amanda Rossiter. He will be deeply missed by them all. Max was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lena Jane; a sister, Marian Grate; a brother, Warren Rossiter; and a step-daughter, Sue Reed.  Friends may call at the MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, Ohio, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 4, 2007, from 6 to 9 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 480 State St., Conneaut, Ohio, with the Rev. Raymond Thomas as celebrant. Burial will be in East Conneaut Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  A reception for friends and family will be held at the East Conneaut United Methodist Church, 809 Furnace Road, following the Funeral Service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home and at the Church.Condolences at www.marcyfuneralservices.com.
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/1/2007 - 12/3/2007.

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 2, 2007

ANDOVER — Letha Ann DiBell, age 73, died on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007.She was born on Dec. 19, 1933 in Diana, W. Va., to Hubert and Lillie (Tanner) Cochran.  An Andover, Ohio, resident for the past forty years, Mrs. DiBell was employed by K.D. of Orwell, Ohio, and retired in 1999. Mrs. DiBell was a member of the Cherry Valley Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed camping, doing crossword puzzles and embroidery and spending time with her family.  On Jan. 10, 1953, she married Richard E. DiBell. He died on Sept. 24, 2007. Also preceded her in death are her parents, and a brother, Hugie Cochran.  Survivors include a daughter, Cheryl A. (Randy) Schulz of Ripley, Tenn.; five sons, Richard P. (Janice) DiBell of Ripley, Tenn., Wayne H. DiBell of Andover, Ohio, Timothy L. DiBell of Conneaut, Ohio, Daniel F. (Stacy) DiBell of Howland, Ohio, and Joseph N. (DeAnna) DiBell of Andover, Ohio; 15 grandchildren, Shawn, Angel, Jamie, Richard, Heather, Keith, Cory, Clinton, Brandon, Nathan, Zachary, Eric, Alex, Gerald and Jennifer; and 10 great-grandchildren.  A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at BAUMGARDNER FUNERAL HOME, 134 Prospect St., Andover, Ohio, with Pastor Buck Traylor officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.  Calling Hours will be held on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Guestbook available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com
Published in The Star Beacon from 11/30/2007 - 12/2/2007.

CONNEAUT — John A. Lowery, age 61, of Conneaut, Ohio, died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, as the result of a fire at his home.  Mr. Lowery was born March 21, 1946 in West Springfield, Pa., a son of the late Chester A. and Marian (Gollmer) Lowery and was a lifelong area resident.  Before taking disability, Mr. Lowery was employed by the former Emco-Wheaton Corp. and drove truck.  He was a member of the Lakeview United Methodist Church, and also attended the Kingsville Baptist church. He was a member of the Iwo Jima Association having served with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Iwo Jima. His family, traveling, bird watching, and home projects were important to him.  Survivors include his wife, Ann E. (Shackle) Lowery, whom he married on Oct. 17, 1969; two daughters, Kristina (David) Rackham of Milton Keynes, England, and Jennifer Lowery (Theodore Burdette) of Conneaut; and three sons, Charles (Brenda) Lowery of Pierpont, John (Sheila) Bird of Vallejo, Calif., and Barrett (Sherry) Lowery of Conneaut. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; five sisters, Ruth Connell of Evans City, Pa., Jacqulyn McBride, Dorothy Mitchell and Darlene Hicks, all of Conneaut, and Elaine Barnum of Pierpont. Two brothers also survive, Robert Lowery of Crossingville, Pa., and Dale Langdon of Monroe Township.  Mr. Lowery was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Audrey Frost, Barbara Fugate and Betty Phillips.  Funeral Services will be Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, with the Revs. David Miller of Lakeview United Methodist, David Hines of Kingsville First Baptist Church and Dan Evans of Living Waters Baptist Church, CO-officiating. Burial will be in Crossingville Cemetery.  Calling Hours will be on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at the Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the family and may be made to the Lowery Family Account at any First Merit Bank.
Published in The Star Beacon from 11/30/2007 - 12/2/2007.

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 3, 2007

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 4, 2007

CONNEAUT — William “Bill” M. Norton, Sr., age 94, of Conneaut, Ohio, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center. Bill was born June 17, 1913 in Springfield, Pa., the son of Albert and Lillian (Veith) Norton. He attended high school and went on to work as a mechanic for the former Milt Miller Dodge in Conneaut and also Dean Wible Oldsmobile. Bill was a truck driver, delivering Kohler beer and later 7-up soda pop. He also worked for several years ,in production, at the former Allied Resinous plant, until his retirement. He was the owner/operator of the Pure Oil Service Station, on the corner of Mill and Main Streets in Conneaut for many years. Bill enjoyed spending time fixing cars and selling them. He was a really good mechanic and loved tinkering with cars. He also enjoyed his yardwork and riding his lawn mower. Bill had a special gift with music. He played both the fiddle and the guitar. He is survived by one son, William M., Jr. and Joanie Norton of Conneaut; two daughters, Diana and Chuck Anderson of Ashtabula, Ohio, and Janet and Dick Speer of Conneaut; grandchildren, William Norton III, Chuck Anderson Jr., Greg Anderson, Amy Anderson, Rick Speer and Mary, Mark Speer, Shari Powell, Jodi Schaefer, Mitch Todaro, Eddie Todaro, Jean Butts, and Jade Hale; and 14 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn Schumacher Norton, whom he married May 8, 1938; and twin brothers, Art and Albert Norton.Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut, with Father Raymond Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, N. Kingsville, Ohio.Calling Hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League of Ashtabula County. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/2/2007 - 12/4/2007.

ASHTABULA — Wendy K. Weaver-Salazar, age 55, of Jefferson Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in the Hospice Unit at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.Born Feb. 16, 1952, in Wolfelake, Ind., she was the daughter of Earl and Beverly (Wolf) Weaver.She enjoyed playing cards, shopping on QVC, gardening, cooking, sewing, baking, crafts and her dog, “Daisy May.”A wonderful mother and grandmother, she loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.Surviving are her children, Jill (John) Ramey, David (Hollie) Swartzfager and Dale Swartzfager, all of Ashtabula; five grandchildren, Steven, Kyle, Lilli Ann, Sadi and Alli; one great-grandson, Michael; two sisters, Nancy Cassidy of Warren, Pa., and Sue Ann Weaver of Ashtabula; and a brother, Victor Weaver of Ashtabula.She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Terry Weaver.Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at the Ash ta bula Home of FLEMING and BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., 526 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, with the Rev. David Hines, of the Kingsville First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens in N. Kingsville.Calling Hours will be Today, Dec. 4, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.Memorials can be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.Guest book and obituary at fleming-billman.com.
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/2/2007 - 12/4/2007.

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 5, 2007

CONNEAUT — Thomas J. Rouge', age 73, of Conneaut, Ohio, died unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at University Hospitals of Cleveland.Tom was born July 4, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Carl and Lillian (Primosh) Rouge'. He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in Cleveland and then went to work for the State of Ohio, Highway Department. Tom entered the Unites States Army and served his country proudly during the Korean War. Tom was also a radio announcer for the Army. Following an Honorable discharge in 1959, Tom went to work on the railroad. During that time, he also attended Youngstown State and Finn University working towards an Industrial Engineer Degree. Tom retired from the Bessemer Railroad following a 30-year career in management and various supervisory positions in the mechanical departments. Tom also worked at the former Hills and Ames Department Stores in Ashtabula.Tom was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church. He enjoyed fishing and house boating. Tom also had a "Captain's License" and skippered the paddle boat "Barbara J" at Conneaut Lake, Pa. He enjoyed reading and loved to play his bass. He worked and volunteered many hours at St. Frances Cabrini and St. Mary Churches as well as “Safety Town”.He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, David Andrew Rouge'.Tom is survived by his wife, Mary (Raynak) Rouge', whom he married June 4, 1960 at St. Mark's Church, Cleveland; two daughters, Alice and Bobby Sabo of Cleveland, Ohio, and Laura and Shawn McCombs of Springfield, Ohio; a son, Daniel Anthony Rouge'; two brothers, Carl Rouge' of Cleveland and Gerald Rouge' of Burton, Ohio; a sister, Linda Rouge' of Lakewood, Ohio; and seven grandchildren, Leah, LIndsey ,Tory, Megan, Kristy, Colton and Michael.Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, Mill St., Conneaut, with Father Raymond Thomas as celebrant. Burial will take place at Twinvalley Cemetery, Delmont, Pa., at a later date.Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice in Tom's memory. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/4/2007 - 12/5/2007.

NORTH KINGSVILLE — John W. Whitford, age 62, of Holiday Village, N. Kingsville, Ohio, passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at UH Conneaut Medical Center following a lengthy illness.  He was the son of William and Renae (Reynolds) Whitford, born Dec. 12, 1944, in Watertown, N.Y. John was a member of the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977 and had served in Vietnam.  He worked at Atkins Diversified in Conneaut, Ohio, and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved Nascar racing and fishing.  Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Violet M. (Roush) Whitford; his son, John C. (Allie) Whitford of Arlington, Wash.; and step-children, Christina Butner, William E. (Heather) Smith, Michael A. (Kristen) Braden and Richard C. Braden, all of Conneaut, Donald L. (Maureen) Braden of West Jorden, Utah, and John P. Braden of Superior, N.Y. Also surviving are his brothers, Dan A. Whitford of Watertown, N.Y., Larry T. Whitford of Brownville, N.Y., Terry F. Whitford of Jamesville, N.Y., Tommy D. Whitford of Oswego, N.Y. and Steven J. Whitford of Ellisburg, N.Y.; a sister, Bonnie Whitford of Arizona; and 15 grandchildren.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Richard, William R. Jr., and Joseph Whitford Jr.; and sisters, Carol Sue and Viola.Memorial Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, at the MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, Ohio, with the Rev. Ed Huntley, pastor of East Springfield Federated Church, officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery with Full Military Honors.  Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.
Published in The Star Beacon from 12/3/2007 - 12/5/2007.

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 6, 2007

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 7, 2007

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 8, 2007

Obituaries - Star Beacon December 9, 2007

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Obituaries - Star Beacon December 31, 2007