On this day, September 2, 2019, my best friend and husband, James E. Noss passed away. He received his wings this morning. Today would have been his 77th birthday.

Jim married his wife, Ellen (Gereg) Noss, 57 years ago. They raised four daughters, Vicky Haberman (Jim), Kimmy Ware (Keith), Ronni Lynn Floyd (David), and Kelly Seiber (Ernie), and a son, James “Bud” Noss (Patricia), 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Irene (Kircher) Noss, and a brother, David. Continue reading →

Blaine M. McMelleon, 86, of Monaca (Center Twp.) passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon, August 25, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver.

Born May 3, 1933, in Nemacolin, Pa., he was a son of the late Minor W. and Mattie M. (Mason) McMelleon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret E. (Griffith) McMelleon on May 10, 1982, and his second wife, Margaret A. “Peggy” (Strayer) McMelleon on August 15, 2009, whom be married August 23, 2002; his daughters, Karen M. McMelleon in 1970, Faye S. Pettner in 2017 and Janet L. Blair in 2010; a stepson, Shawn M. Bryan and three sisters, Billie Walters, Betty Mason and Boots Thomas. Continue reading →

Allen B. Mixter, 32, of Hookstown, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, August 22, 2019, at his Hookstown residence.

Born June 12, 1987, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of Samuel A. and his wife Sharon Mixter, Hookstown and Kelley Ingram, Moon Township; loving companion of Marcie Culley, Hookstown; his children, Sandra, Elaine, Myra, Samantha, Serena, Vanessa, and Junior; grandfather of Elaysia; and brother of David (Amanda) Mixter, Wampum; Samuel (Cindy) Mixter, Smethport, Pa.; Carol (David) Griffith, Aliquippa; Amanda Garrison, Chester, W.Va.; and Deborah (Jake) Speece, Weirton, W.Va. Continue reading →

William ‘Lee’ Conti, 31, of Hookstown, (Greene Twp), died unexpectedly on Friday, August 16, 2019, in the emergency room at Heritage Valley Beaver.

Born July 10, 1988, in Beaver, he is the beloved son of Curtis L. and Michelle J. (Flamont) Conti.

Lee had worked as a shift manager at Dollar General in Raccoon Twp. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, dirt bikes and anything outdoors. He loved music and being with his family. Continue reading →

Walter A. Collins, 89, formerly of Hookstown, died Wednesday morning, August 7, 2019, in Family Hospice Care, Huntsville, Ala.

Born May 15, 1930, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John Francis and Mary Lucille (Rydzon) Collins. Walter retired from the Duquesne Light Power Plant, working as a Control Operator. A Veteran of the Korean War, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine (Smith) Collins.

He is the beloved father of Kathleen Gittler, Cynthia (Gary) Wiegand and Christine Koosman; brother of John (Margaret) Collins; grandfather of six and great-grandfather of three. Continue reading →

Dorothy Catherine Woodling Lyons, 95, of Hookstown, went home to be with the Lord on July 30, 2019, at Stone Pear Pavilion at The Orchards at Foxcrest, Chester, W.Va. where she has been a resident since April.

Born April 28, 1924, in Sewickley, to Robert Harold and Catherine Margaret (Emmert) Woodling. She moved with her family to the Hookstown Area at the age of 4. She was a graduate of the Class of 1942 from Chester High School in Chester, W.Va. Continue reading →

Phillip Nelson Read Sr., 86, of Hookstown (Hanover Twp.), died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, July 26, 2019, in the comfort of his home.

Born November 21, 1932, in Washington, Pa., he was the last surviving child born to the late Charles L. and Mildred (Frazier) Read.

He was a retired supervisor having worked for Hanover Twp. A veteran of World War II, he had served in the U.S. Navy.  He was a member of the Hookstown American Legion Post #0952 and was an avid supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and many other children’s charities. Continue reading →

William J. Morrow Jr., 74, of Shippingport, died Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in the comfort of his home with his children at his side.

Born April 26, 1945 in East Liverpool, Ohio, he was the only child of the late William J. Sr. and Ila Maud (Nelson) Morrow.

William was a Power Plant Supervisor and retired in 2000 from AES in Monaca. Continue reading →

Robert A. Burris, 92, of Burgettstown (Hanover Twp.), died Friday afternoon, July 12, 2019, at Brighton Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, Brighton Twp.

Born February 2, 1927, in Washington, Pa., son of the late William and Sadie (Allen) Burris, he worked as a farmer in the agricultural industry and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a PFC during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Donald Burris, and a sister, Ruth Reese. Continue reading →

William Thomas ‘Buddy’ Gray, 62, of Georgetown, (Hanover Twp.) died Monday afternoon July 8, 2019, in the Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born February 16, 1957, in Waynesburg, the son of the late William Eugene and Claire (Sweeney) Gray Rogers. Buddy had worked as a taxidermist and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Continue reading →