Faye S. Pettner, 58, of Monaca (Center Twp.), died unexpectedly Sunday, October 29, 2017, in her home.

Born May 27, 1959, in Rochester, she was a daughter of Blaine M. McMelleon of Center Twp. and the late Margaret E. Griffith McMelleon. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Faye was a “doer” helping others even in death being an organ donor. She worked as a computer programmer with Vesuvius USA for 40 plus years.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Margaret Ann Elizabeth (Strayer) McMelleon; her father-in-law, Frank J. Pettner Sr.; an infant sister, Karen M. McMelleon; a sister, Janet L. Blair; a stepbrother, Shawn M. Bryan, and brother-in-law, Terry D. Pettner. Continue reading →

Susan Ann Laughlin Johnson entered eternal glory on October 19, 2017. She was born October 27, 1933, in East Liverpool City Hospital to William Benjamin Laughlin and Ann Hamilton Adams Laughlin (both deceased).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (Jack) Johnson.

Susan was beloved mother of Diane Elizabeth Johnson Brown (Tom) of Dormont, PA, and her son, Robert (Rob) Patrick Johnson (Jill Elizabeth) of Edmond, OK. She was proud “Grandma Susie” to Maureen Brown Koch (Brandon) and Rebecca Brown Dreger (Ryan); adoring “Suey” to Carter Johnson and Catherine (Cassie) Johnson; and smitten great-grandma to Miles Ryan Dreger. Sue is survived by her brother, William Benjamin Laughlin, Jr. (Bonnie), and nephews, David (Tiffani) Laughlin and Tommy Laughlin, all of Vancouver, WA area. Continue reading →

Merle E. Vogus, age 96, passed away on October 12, 2017 in McMurray, Pennsylvania.  Merle was born on June 15, 1921 in Allegheny Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania to Martin Leroy Vogus and Lena Ruth (McGinnis) Vogus. He graduated from Franklin Area High School in 1940. He joined the armed forces shortly after graduation and saw combat in Europe with the 34^th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard. After training in Ireland, Merle, who attained the rank of First Lieutenant, fought in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy and participated in the liberation of Rome. Merle was injured in the Battle of the Volturno River and was hospitalized in Tunisia for four months, after which he was sent back into combat. He was awarded the Purple Heart for this combat injury. The 34^th Infantry Division is credited with seeing the most front-line combat of any US division during the war. Merle rarely spoke about his experiences in the war. Continue reading →

On Oct 4, 2017, H. David Fleming passed away peacefully at Ellwood City Hospital, Ellwood City, Pa. from brain disease. He was 66 years old.

Dave graduated from Hopewell High School in 1969. He became an operating engineer, heavy equipment operator with Local 66, Monroeville, Pa. in 1975, retiring in 2013. He built, owned and operated Fleming Mobile Home Park, Hookstown, Pa. He was one of four founding fathers of the Western Pennsylvania Triumph Association, and had built over 32 sports cars. His love for faith, family and community was paramount in his lifetime. Dave belonged to the Shippingport Voluntary Fire Department. Continue reading →

Eva M. Ramsey, 95, a lifelong resident of Georgetown, died Tuesday evening, October 3, 2017, at Providence Healthcare Center, Beaver Falls.

Born February 12, 1922, in Georgetown, she was a daughter of the late Ennis and Gladys (McKee) Swearingen.  In addition to being a homemaker, she worked on the farm just as hard as any man.

She was a member of the Christian Assembly Church of Ohioville, an avid quilter, and a member of the Peacemaker’s Quilt Club winning numerous blue ribbons at the Hookstown Fair for her efforts. Continue reading →

Harry E. Yokim Sr., 76, of Georgetown (Greene Twp.), died Sunday morning, September 24, 2017, at Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver.

Born July 22, 1941, in Carnegie, he was a son of the late Pete and Florence (Cope) Yokim. Harry had worked as a millwright and welder in the steel industry and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Continue reading →

Susan A. Reckner, 63, of Hookstown (Greene Twp.), died Saturday afternoon, September 9, 2017, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home.

Born July 8, 1954, in Rochester, she was a daughter of the late Paul Sr. and Thelma (Miller) Rambo. A homemaker and an avid crafter, along with her daughter and best friend. Continue reading →

Charles O. Price, 79, of Clinton (Hanover Twp.), died Monday morning, September 4, 2017, in the comfort of his home with his family at his side.

Born December 30, 1937, in Pine Bank (Greene County), the son of the late Woodrow and Thelma (Roberts) Price, he was a retired shipper with the St. Joe Lead Company, Potter Twp. He was Presbyterian by faith and a peacetime veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Continue reading →

Lenora J. Skidmore, 77, formerly of South Beaver Twp., died Sunday evening, September 3, 2017, in Beaver Valley Health and Rehabilitation, Beaver Falls.

Born May 29, 1940, in Bergoo, W. Va., she was a daughter of the late Worick P. and Alice H. (Cummings) Hamrick. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Skidmore Sr., January 19, 2008, and a sister, Lennie Grimes. Continue reading →

Ralph David Mortimer, 62, of Shippingport, died Thursday afternoon, August 3, 2017, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on July 17.

Born July 28, 1955, in Rochester, a son of the late Ralph A. and Marjorie (Russell) Mortimer, he had worked as a truck driver in the hauling industry and was a peacetime veteran.

A long time Shippingport councilman, he also was a member of the Shippingport VFD. He enjoyed gunsmithing and computer repair. Continue reading →