Jack L. Staley, 88, of Georgetown (Hanover Twp.), passed Wednesday evening, December 22, 2021, at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Rehab Center; Brighton Twp. Born April 29, 1933, in New Cumberland West Virginia, he was the last surviving son of the late Paul and Olive May (Davidson) Staley. Jack had worked as a steel worker for 32 years, retiring in 1982 with National Steel of Weirton, he served as a CPL. In the US Army during the Korean war, was a member of the New Cumberland West Virginia Lodge#22 F & AM and former member at the Paris Presbyterian Church. Jack enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, gardening and tooling around in his Mustang.

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Esther E. Anderson, 82, of Georgetown (Greene Twp.), passed Wednesday afternoon, December 22, 2021, at the Allegheny General Hospital: Pittsburgh. Born February 18, 1939, in Florence, she was a daughter of the late Ralph L. and Gladys O. (Locke) Cain. A homemaker, Esther was a member of the Mill Creek EPC of Hookstown where she had taught Sunday school. She was a graduate of Burgettstown High School and had also taught swimming at the Thompson Park Pool in East Liverpool.

Surviving are her husband of 64 years, David C. Anderson, her sons Dale Anderson of Ohio and Daniel Anderson of Hookstown and her son-in-law John D. Skidmore. Sister of Geraldine Dorn of Beaver Falls, Darlene Cain of Burgettstown and Elva Jones of Paris. Grandmother of 6, great grandmother of 1.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Patty G. Skidmore on June 19, 2020. Continue reading →

Patricia Mae Kavals, 73, of Hookstown, passed Sunday morning, December 19, 2021, at Trinity West Valley Hospice, Steubenville, Ohio. Born May 30, 1948, in Rochester, she was a daughter of the late Charles Bevington and Mildred Mae (Lutton) Wright. A homemaker, she enjoyed crocheting, but her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren playing sports and her children when they were young. Her whole life revolved around her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Donald Paul Kavals, her son James Wylie and her grandson Trey Kavals.

Surviving are her children and their spouses, Robert (Nicole) Kavals, William (Mara Fairley) Kavals and Michael Kavals. Sister of David Wright and Joyce Wright. Cherished grandmother of Cal Bertram, Austin, Vann, Reagan, Tenley and Guy Kavals. Continue reading →

John Thomas Reed, My Husband, submitted by his wife, Terrie Suica-Reed.

What can I say that I haven’t already said thousands of times. Tom was the kindest, strongest, gentlest, most-decent, forgiving, confident man who I have and will ever know and loved me with all of his being as just as I will always love him.  I was safe and home in his arms.  He used to say I was Christmas to him. He will always be the complete love of my life and I cannot bare to think beyond my next breath.

Tom is the man the Lord blessed me with for 36 years and I wish I had one more day to hold him, to help him, to rest by his side. He was – and is– the wind beneath my wings and remains my strength.  But, on December 17th at noon, the Lord wrapped Tom in His arms, took him from mine, and carried him home to heal from all the physical and emotional pain and suffering he had endured for so long.  Tom passed at home, outside, in my arms. Continue reading →

Matthew Paul (Sonny) Shaffer, 74, of Georgetown (Greene Twp.), passed peacefully Friday afternoon, December 17, 2021, at Heritage Valley Sewickley with family at his side from complications from Guillain Barre Syndrome and pneumonia. Born June 22, 1947, in Rochester, he was a son of the late Matthew and Helen (Belich) Shaffer. Sonny was a retired airline mechanic working for United Airlines, a member of the Mill Creek EPC of Hookstown, he loved going to car shows with his beloved corvette and his wife. He along with his wife were the former owners and operators of Shaffer’s Garage and Market.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Evelyn M. (Soisson) Shaffer, whom he married on June 4, 1966, his children Sandy (Danny) DeBacco, Randy and his fiancée (Rachel Petock) Shaffer and Melinda and her fiancé (German Perez) McLaughlin. Brother of Dale (Toni) Shaffer, Marion Floyd and the late Joann Estel. Brother-in-law of Terry Estel. Grandfather of 7, great grandfather of 7. Continue reading →

Gayle F. Harris Sr., 85, of Hookstown, passed Saturday morning, December 11, 2021, at UPMC Presbyterian. Born June 4, 1936, in Bradford, Pa., he was a son of the late Jess Fred and Erma Zone (Raught) Harris. Gayle was a retired Millwright who enjoyed gardening and working in his yard, an avid fisherman, he also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed organizing the family reunions.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son Billy Joe Harris, two brothers Robert & Doyle Harris and three sisters Virginia Grimes, Louise Morrison and Barbra Gorby. Continue reading →

Lori A. Conkle, 51, of Hookstown (Greene Twp.), passed unexpectedly, Friday evening, December 10, 2021, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. Born February 16, 1970, in Rochester, she was the daughter of Brenda L. (Graham) Conkle and the late George E. Conkle, who passed on January 30, 2018.

A graduate of South Side High School Class of 1988, she received her Bachelors in Liberal Arts at CCBC and her Masters in Special Education from Francescan Community College in Steubenville. She had worked as a special education teacher for Pennsylvania Cyber School. A Rainbow girl, Lori was raised on a farm and had a love for children and animals. Continue reading →