Eugene L. Rhoads, age 86, of Shippenville, passed into God’s Kingdom on Thursday afternoon, June 20, 2013.

Born November 19, 1926 in Lamartine, he was a son of the late Milford and Florence Miller Rhoads.

Gene was a born again Christian, who accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and lived his life guided by Christian principles. He always helped those in need and asked for nothing in return and was generous to everyone he came in contact with during every part of his life.

Gene was a 1944 graduate of White Memorial High School in Knox. He graduated from Clarion State Teacher’s College (now Clarion University) in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1961.

His first teaching experience was at Salem Vocational High School from 1948 through 1951, where he taught on an Emergency Teaching Certificate. In 1951, Gene accepted a teaching position at Smethport High School where he taught higher mathematics until 1962. He then accepted a position at Clarion University as an Associate Professor of Mathematics where he remained until retiring in 1984 as Professor Emeritus.

One of his major contributions to the Clarion Mathematics Program was the development and implementation of curriculum for Teachers of Elementary and Secondary Mathematics. During his tenure at Clarion University, Gene continued graduate studies at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, the University of San Jose, San Jose, California and completed doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh. Most of his graduate studies were financed and sponsored through National Science Foundation grants. He was also honored by Clarion University upon receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1998.

Gene served in the United States Navy from 1944 through 1946 on the Hawaiian Islands and the island of Guam. He received the Presidential Unit Citation for his work in Naval Intelligence Cryptographics in FRUPAE (Fleet Radio Unit Pacific) for work in cracking Japanese code during World War II.

After moving to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 1986, he and his wife, Sandy, resided there for seventeen years before returning to the Clarion area in June, 2003.

While on the Grand Strand, Gene walked his beloved beach and made many friends through being a greeter and working in the personnel department at Wal-Mart.

Taking in rescue dogs and giving them forever homes was a true passion. He will be sorely missed by his black Labrador, Kadydid, and his miniature schnauzer, Dooley.

In 1948 Gene married Dorothy Rishell, the mother of his four sons. On April 30, 1976, he married the former Sandra K. Gierlach in the Salem Lutheran Church at Lamartine. They were happily married for 37 years.

Surviving in addition to his wife Sandy are four sons: Bruce and his wife Rose of Bloomsburg; Gary and his wife, Diane, of Mentor, Ohio; Brent and his wife, Gelaine, of Ridgway and Greg and his wife, Teri, of Summerville.

Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Bryan and Heather Rhoads of Ashville, Ohio; Kathleen and Derek Megargell of Spring Mills; Daniel Rhoads of Bloomsburg; Gabriel and Barbara Rhoads of Gates Mills, Ohio; Adam and Karen Rhoads of Melbourne, Florida; Donald Rhoads of Cleveland, Ohio; Timothy Rhoads and his fiancé, Angie, of Ridgway; Mark and Diana Rhoads of Endeavor; Jillian Rhoads of Nashville, TN and Jace Rhoads of Summerville.

Gene is also survived by ten great grandchildren, Austin and Jacob Rhoads, Mikayla and Ty Megargell, Kevin, Natalie and Samantha Rhoads, Adelyn Rhoads and Sophia and Dawon Rhoads.

Also surviving is a sister, Betty McElhattan of Franklin and numerous nieces and nephew in Western Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia and Missouri who loved “Uncle”.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Glenn E. Rhoads, in 1944.

There will be no public visitation per Gene’s request.

A private funeral service will be held for the family at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc. of Knox. Reverend Madison Stringfellow of Lower Burrell will officiate over the service.

A Celebration of Life and Love for family and friends will be held at a later date. The date and time will be announced once available.

Interment will follow at the Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens in Cranberry, Venango County.

Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Eugene L. Rhoads to the Clarion Forest VNA Hopice, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion, PA 16214 (www.cfvna.org/donations.asp) or to any Christian church that deeply believes in the living Christ.

Online condolences may be sent to Gene’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com.

Phyllis “Jean” Reitz, 83, Punxsutawney, died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at McKinley Health Center, Brookville.

She was born November 13, 1929, a daughter of the late Charles R. and Arabell (Enterline) Alcorn.

On June 6, 1953, she married Ray R. Reitz in the Worthville Church. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2000.

She was a member of the Cliff United Methodist Church.
She enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, gardening, canning, sewing, and reading.

She was a member of the Ringgold Ladies Auxiliary and taught Sunday school and the Good News Club.

Surviving relatives include four children, daughters Candy Rager and husband Thomas of Timblin, Cindy Page and husband Mark of North Ridgeville, OH, and Kimberly Kennedy and husband Allen of Brookville, and a son Greg Reitz and wife Valerie of Edmond, OK; Ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three sisters, Shirley Kelly, Donna Early, and Linda Kay Bryan; and two brothers, Charles “Junior” Alcorn, Jr., and Ronald Alcorn.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Shelia Reitz; a granddaughter Shannon Page; Sisters Helen Diem and Delores Heslop; and Brothers Raymond “Bud” Alcorn, Clarence Alcorn, Richard Alcorn, William Alcorn, and Robert “Bob” Alcorn.

Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 23, 2013, at the Cliff United Methodist Church, with Pastor Roger P. Howard officiating.

Interment will be in Cliff Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made, in Mrs. Reitz’s memory, to the Cherry Run Camp.

Kenneth Alexander Wolbert died on June 16, 2013 at Brevillier Village, Harborcreek, Pa. after a long illness.

Ken was born in Oil City, Pa. on November 13, 1914, a son of Jacob J. and Anna E. Snyder Wolbert. His parents and siblings, Eugene E. Wolbert, Ruth W. Hurley, John R. Wolbert, Robert L. Wolbert, and Rita W. Cudzil, have preceded him in death. One sister, Margaret W. Weaver, survives.

Ken, a graduate of Oil City High School, spent all his working years as a pressman at the Oil City newspaper, The Derrick. He enjoyed football, racing, Animal Planet, crossword puzzles and reading newspapers and news magazines. His real vocation, his great pleasure, was music. He loved classical music and opera. He was a cantor, a choir member and an usher at St. Stephen Church in Oil City. He played the saxophone and he whistled – in all intervals – without music – he whistled.

In 1937, Ken married Charlotte Margaret Reed who died in 1975. Their children, Sister Jean Wolbert, OSB, John R. Wolbert both of Erie, and Donald C. Wolbert and his wife, Dorothy Winger Wolbert of North East survive. Ken is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In 1977 Ken married Mary Clare Summerville who died in 2011. Ken is gratefull to friend and neighbor Joe West for his many kindnesses.

Ken’s family are grateful to the staff at Breviller Village for the kindness and thoughtful attention that he received daily and for the excellent professional care they provided for him.

A memorial Mass will be held at Mount St. Benedict Monastery, on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Mt. St. Benedict Monastery, 6101 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511.

Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road.

Ralph D. Hunsberger, 49, of Cranberry, passed away early Friday morning, June 21, 2013, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Born May 23, 1964 in Westfield, New York, he was the son of the late Melvin and Sylvia Brocious Hunsberger.

He was married February 23, 1983 to the former Cathy “Kate” McVay, and she survives. They were childhood sweethearts sharing over 35 years together as best friends.

Also surviving is a son, David McVay of Seneca; a daughter, Gale Hunsberger also of Seneca; two sisters, Anna Witherup and husband Rick of Oil City, Kathy File of Franklin; a brother, John Hunsberger and wife Mary of Seneca; his aunt, Hazel Deloe of Parker; his brothers-in-law: John McVay of Cranberry, Dan McVay of Rockland, Dick Pascorell and wife Jean of Cranberry; sisters-in law: Marcy Johnson of Oil City, Becky Cozad and husband Rick of Gastonia, N.C., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was a long time employee of Anderson Metal Industries, Inc. of Franklin.

Mr. Hunsberger was a well known man on the local demolition derby circuit. In his younger days, he was a driver; and for the past 10 years, a successful builder of many winning cars for his daughter, Gale. He also gave of his car building talents freely and made many long-time friendships helping others. In addition to building Demolition Derby cars, Mr. Hunsberger enjoyed working on all types of automobiles. No matter what the season, he could always be found in his garage.

He shared a special bond with his great niece Brooke Scrivens. They could be found together often and she always knew how to melt his heart. They especially enjoyed working in the garage together.

He also enjoyed the constant companionship of his trusted cat, Midnight and his beloved dog, Lady.

Ralph’s cancer battle was not fought alone, the constant visits from his great friends Joe Dubinsky, Rob Kenniston, Dave Zeigler and many other family members and friends was a true blessing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Thomas Hunsberger.

In accordance with Mr. Hunsberger’s wishes, the family invites you to wear your favorite jeans and t-shirt and join them in celebrating his life at the visitation held from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday (June 25) in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township. A jeans and t-shirt funeral service will be held Wednesday (June 26) at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. T. Christopher Hill, pastor of the Oil City Free Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in Rockland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Mr. Hunsberger realized the struggle with cancer was great for all, but even greater for children, and he was a long-time supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Condolences to the family may be submitted online by visiting www.hilebest.com.

Ruth B. Gricks, 86, a resident of the Golden Living Center in Oil City, formerly of Reno, died at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013 at the Golden Living Center.

Funeral arrangements will be completed by the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc. in Seneca, Cranberry Township.

A full obituary will be published next week.

For additional information or to leave condolences to the family, please visit www.hilebest.com.

Gloria C. Nelson, wife of James J. Nelson, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at their home in Queensbury, NY.

Gloria was born June 1, 1932, in Oil City, PA. Gloria was the daughter of Henry and Vivian Pleger of Oil City.

At an early age Gloria was interested in helping people and trained and became an RN and within a few years became night supervisor at the Oil City Hospital.

She and Jim were married and had over 57 years of enjoying and living in various places in the world. She worked as a nurse in the VA hospital in Chicago, an ER nurse in Hartford, CN and she was the nurse for several years at the Million Dollar Beach in Lake George while her sons were young.

Gloria and Jim with their two sons, Mike and Jimmy lived and worked on a rubber plantation owned by Firestone in the African country of Liberia for six years in the early 60’s. Gloria moved to Queensbury in 1966 and in the late 70’s got her brokers license in real estate and for 25 years worked with Leavitt Real Estate mainly in the Lake George area. In that period of her life, in addition to real estate, she met and took care of a lot of older people.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents and her son, Jimmy.

She is survived by her loving son, Michael and his wife, Ellen and their two sons, Jeffrey and Gregory who live in Virginia. She is also survived by her sister, Eunice Lehrbach of Queensbury; her nephews Jeffrey Lehrbach of Hartford, CT and Charles Lehrbach and his wife, Melissa of Queensbury; her brother, Louis Pleger of Oil City and sister-in-law Mary Pleger of Durham, NC.

Friends may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Wednesday from 10 am to noon.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at noon on Wednesday.

Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation in her memory to High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 79 Glenwood Ave., Suite 2, Queensbury, NY 12804.

Please visit the Tribute Wall at www.morrisonhome.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.

Mathew J. Hynes, 77, of 1200 West First St, Oil City, died at 10:40 am Friday, June 21, 2013, at Sugar Creek Station.

Born June 24, 1935 in West Carthage NY, he was a son of the late Mathew J. and Edith Hynes.

Mr. Hynes retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service.

He was a devoted member of St. Stephen Church, and a life time member of the VFW and Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Hynes always had a smile on his face and an infectious laugh.

He was married to the former Pamela Gribble, who survives.

Also surviving are four children, Mathew Hynes, Mark Anderson, David Anderson and Malissa Hynes Zatlokowicz and husband Jon; and six grandchildren, Patricia Jackabsen, Volana Suttivan, Mathew Hynes, Krista Anderson, Kaitlyn Anderson, Rebecca Hathaway, Gracie Rose Sturm and Alexis Zatlokowicz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three children, Elizabeth Hager, Patricia Sturm and Donald Hynes.

There will be no visitation.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Friday in St. Stephen Church with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor, presiding.

The Morrison Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Northeast Association of the Blind at Albany, 301 Washington Ave, Albany NY 12206.

Please visit the Tribute Wall at www.morrisonhome.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.

David James Schill, 31, of Strattanville passed away suddenly June 22, 2013.

Born on January 23, 1982 in Oil City, PA he was the son of Thomas A. and Debra Dinger Schill.

David was a 2001 graduate of North Clarion High School and a 2002 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania Culinary Arts Program.

David was employed locally by Wayside Inn, Clarion River Lodge, Sweet Basil, O&I Glass Plant in Clarion, CRI, and also was delivering the Derrick.

He enjoyed cooking, hunting with his son, and spending time with his children, family and his dog Daine.

David is survived by his parents, a brother Jason Schill and wife Korrina of Lucinda, his fiancé and companion of over 10 years Anna Marie Clever.  Also surviving is a son David Jr. and a daughter Tatum.  Grandparents Herman and Esther Dinger of Tionesta also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Lois Schill, an uncle David Schill, and his aunt and uncle Barb and Clint Stumpner.

There will be no public visitation.  Faller Funeral Home, Inc. in Fryburg will be caring for the family.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Faller Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses.

Please visit www.fallerfuneralhome.com to share your memories and photos and offer your condolences.

Jerry Cussins, 66, of Marienville, died, Friday, June 21, 2013.

Ronald Mcdonald Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

A complete obituary is not available at this time.

Dennis W. Dailey, 71, of Franklin, died on June 21, 2013.

Read more: http://www.hartlefuneralhome.com/obituaries/dailey.htm

Harold Dean Isaacs Jr. of Laury Lane, New Wilmington, died Friday evening (6-21-13) in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. He was 41.

Mr. Isaacs was born Nov. 10, 1971, in Charlotte, Mich., a son of Harold Dean Isaacs Sr. and Evelyn Louise Howell Isaacs.

Dean was a member of New Life Baptist Church, New Wilmington.

He retired as a staff sergeant, having served in the Army with two tours of duty in Iraq, and was involved with the Wounded Warrior Project.

He was currently attending the Shenango campus of Penn State University, Sharon.

He was an avid outdoorsman and a deputy wildlife conservation officer.

He married the former Leigh Ann Tribby in Sept. 9, 2007; she survives at home.

Also surviving are a daughter, Chloe Grace Isaacs, also at home in New Wilmington; two sons, Tristan Lance and Newman Dean, both Pensacola, Fla.; his mother, Clarion; and a brother, James Marion Isaacs, Temecula, Calif.

Dean was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family through New Life Baptist Church, Box 258, New Wilmington, PA 16142.

Helen Elizabeth Exley, 105, a longtime resident of Van, Cranberry Township, and most recently of The Caring Place in Franklin, made her final journey on June 17, 2013.

Born September 5, 1907 she was a daughter of John and Anna Haggerty Exley.

She taught girls’ Sunday School class and was a team leader for many years where she took youth camping at Cherry Run Methodist Campground.

Helen taught with the Cranberry School District for forty-five years.

Her hobbies included reading, flower gardening, acrylic painting, caring for children, her family, and her beloved dogs. She enjoyed making and providing floral arrangements for the Van Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Tom, Jim, and John Exley; and her sister, Grace Exley Ziegler. Helen was like a second mother to Grace’s children throughout their lives, Eloise and Marshall, Nyle and June, Bob, and Don and Audrey.

She is survived by Dora and many nieces and nephews. Helen was a ‘mother’, aunt, and best friend to all.

A memorial service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced when those arrangements are completed.

The Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc. in Seneca, Cranberry Township is completing funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Venango County Humane Society, PO Box 1045, Oil City, PA 16301; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.hilebest.com

Mrs. Dianne M. “Sis” Harroun, 64, of 130 Wood St., Grand Valley died at 9:10 AM on Friday, June 21, 2013, at her residence.

Mrs. Harroun was born on June 19, 1949 in Jamestown, NY to the late Elmer and Edith Gebhart Johnson.

Dianne was a graduate of Eisenhower High School, class of 1967.

She was a member of the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, Tidioute Post 8803 VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and the Grand Valley Vol. Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Mrs. Harroun enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and watching birds.

She is survived by her two daughters, Christy Masiker and husband Bruce of Youngsville, Jodi Harroun of Sanford, FL; her fiancé and longtime companion, Charles E. Hollabaugh of Grand Valley; four grandchildren, Evan Masiker, Ethan Masiker, Emily Schultz, Lauren Schultz; two brothers, Daniel Johnson of Russell, David Johnson and wife Kris of Warren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dianne was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Harroun whom she married on October 23, 1970 in Warren. He died on October 17, 1984 and a daughter, Carrie R. Harroun who died in infancy.

Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St., Titusville on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral services will be conducted from the Grand Valley United Methodist Church on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ralph Culp, pastor of the church, officiating.

Interment will be in Maultby Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tidioute VFW Post 8803, 93 Main St., Tidioute, PA 16351, Hospice of Warren County, P.O. Box 68, Warren, PA 16365 or your local American Cancer Society.

Ruth Berdina Gricks, 86, formerly of Reno, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, June 21, 2013 with her nieces by her side, at the Golden Living Center in Oil City.

Born December 20, 1926, in Dempseytown, she was the daughter of the late Forrest E. and Lotta Turner Hill.

Ruth attended Oakland Township High School and graduated from Oil City High School in 1944. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Clarion State College in 1948.

Ruth taught elementary school full time for 13 years. She taught in Oil City, Ashland School in Kossuth, the Rocky Grove School, and Sugar Creek Elementary school; also taught kindergarten one year in Hialeah, Florida.

Ruth was married in Rocky Grove on June 15, 1962, to Virgil Gricks, who preceded her in death on February 28, 1999.

Ruth and Virgil were devout Christians, who continually followed the call of the Lord, pastoring at churches and ministering to the sick and elderly. Ruth assisted her husband in the ministry for 23 years, serving as pianist or organist and Sunday School teacher at each of the churches, including Marienville Church of God, Everybody’s Mission, later known as the Community Chapel in Franklin, Kaneville Independent Chapel and the Uniontown Church in Franklin. In addition for 10 years, Ruth and Virgil conducted a Sunday afternoon service at the Grandview Nursing Home and regularly visited patients in local hospitals. In recent years, Ruth attended the Fox Street Church of God in Franklin.

Ruth was an accomplished pianist, who started playing in church and school, at a very young age. She continued to play regularly for churches until age 69. After moving to Golden Living Center, Ruth played for church services and sing-alongs at the home, until age 84.

Ruth loved photography and loved to travel. After retiring from full time ministry, Ruth and Virgil spent their summers at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Campgrounds in Mahaffey and Whitehall Church of God Campgrounds in Emlenton. They also spent winters in South Lake Wales, Florida.

Ruth was a delightful, sweet and doting aunt to her nieces and nephews, always sending a card for Christmas and birthdays. Surviving are 3 nieces Connie Boyer of Richmond, Virginia, Shelly Newsome of Reno, Pennsylvania, Suzanna Hill of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three nephews Ronald Boyer of Kettering, Ohio, Donald Boyer of Severn, Maryland, and Vaughn Boyer of Tampa, Florida; numerous great nieces and nephews. Ruth is also survived by 3 stepchildren who were grown and left home before Ruth and Virgil were married; Ralph Gricks of Harker Height, Texas; David Gricks of Lebanon, Oregon and Ruth Christopher of South Bend, Indiana. Finally Ruth is survived by her loving and supportive neighbor and friend Nellie Haupt, who she called everyday.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a niece, Janice Brown; her sisters, Bernice Martino and Marilyn Boyer. Her brother Forrest Hill passed away one week ago, on June 13, 2013.

Friends will be received on Friday (June 28) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township. Friends may also call on Saturday (June 29) from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Fox Street Church of God, 229 Fox Street in Franklin (Rocky Grove). Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Phil Conklin officiating.

Interment and graveside services will follow in Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry Township, Venango County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God, 11 E 8th Street, Franklin, PA 16301; Fox Street Church of God, 229 Fox Street, Franklin, PA 16323; or to your favorite charity.

Condolences may be submitted online by visiting www.hilebest.com

Vivian Hook, 91, formerly of Franklin, died on Monday, June 24, 2013.

Huff Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Albert S. Johnston, 75, of New Bethlehem, died on Monday, June 24, 2013.

Alcorn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

John Ray Hayes, 60, former pressman and longtime resident of Fort Worth, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, June 23, 2013.

John was born on May 22, 1953, to John and Viola Hayes. He was raised in Franklin, Pa., but he got to Texas and settled in Fort Worth as fast as he could. Fortunate were those who were able to share John’s humor while working at Allen & Co. Printing, playing his drums, cruising with his motorcycle club, camping (with Pam by his side), and earning a reputation for smoking the best ribs and brisket.

Survivors: His beloved wife, Pam; daughters, Amy Watson of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Deeann McQueen and husband, Nathaniel, of Vienna, Va.; six grandchildren, Dante Watson, Domonique Watson, Devin Watson, Molly McQueen, Ian McQueen and Ryan McQueen; three sisters Jane McCarty and husband, Terry, Margaret McDonald, and Georgie Walbourn and husband, Ed, all of Franklin, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carol I. Phillips, 78, of 584 LeBoeuf Trail Rd. Titusville, passed away Friday, June 21, 2013 at the Titusville Area Hospital.

Carol was born on April 2, 1935 at Spartansburg, PA, a daughter of the late Jay and Irene Stover Morton. She was married to William R. “Bill” Phillips on July 25, 1953 at Spartansburg. He preceded her in death on Jan. 23, 2010.

Carol was a graduate of the Spartansburg High School, class of 1953. She had been employed for a number of years at Joy Manufacturing in Franklin from where she retired.

She was a member of the Chapmanville Community Church where she was a choir member and also was involved with the Ladies Missions of the Church.

She enjoyed traveling, gardening, golfing, and cooking. She loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Carol is survived by three children, Bradley Phillips and his wife Belinda of Hollywood, MD, Rex Phillips and his wife Cathy of Titusville, and Jodi Mihailoff and husband Nick of Townville; grandchildren, Kane Phillips and wife Kim, Renee Ledebur and husband Dan, Isaac Phillips and wife Andrea, Maegan Kuehner and husband Adam, Rex Phillips II, Tessa Phillips, Zack Mihailoff, Adrianne Burrows and husband Micky, and Sydney Mihailoff; great grandchildren, Brady and Jeremiah Ledebur, Lauren and William Phillps, Micaiah, Frederick, and Duncan Kuehner, Hunter Burrows, and also awaiting the new arrival of great grandchild Burrows.

Also surviving are two brothers, Clifford Morton and wife Joan of Bethel Park, and William Morton and wife Connie of Spartansburg; two sisters, Willa “Mike” Ponce of Erie and Linda Watson and husband Frank of Wampum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Kloey Burrows.

No public viewing will be observed. The family will receive friends today (Monday) from 5 to 8 PM at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville. Further visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1 to 2 PM at the Chapmanville Community Church at which time the memorial service will be conducted with Rev. Glen Van Cise, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Chapmanville Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials be made to the Chapmanville Community Church 1043 LeBoeuf Trail Rd. Titusville, PA 16354.

If you would like to leave a condolence for the family, go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com.

Kathleen L. Black, 63, of 1840 Creek Rd. Cooperstown, PA. died unexpectedly at 12:19 p.m. on Monday June 24, 2013, at her home.

Born Feb. 8, 1950 in Oil City, PA., she was the daughter of the late Wayne & Louise Hughes Bickel.

Kathleen graduated from Rocky Grove High School and the Oil City Business School.

She had worked at Foster Forbes Glass Plant, Cytemp and later for BMI.

Kathleen was married on Sept. 7, 1974 in the Hasson Heights Presbyterian Church to William B. Black, and he survives.

Mrs. Black enjoyed reading, working on her computer and watching movies.

She had been a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters, Amanda Krepp & her husband Brian of Cooperstown, Megan Black of Erie, two grandchildren, Aidan and Tanner.

She is also survived by one sister, Norma Jean McClelland, of Reno, Pa., one niece, Erica Difrangia, two uncles and their wives, Gerald Bickel and his wife Sandy of Reno, and Gordon Bickel and his wife Pat of Seneca.

Their will be no viewing or visitation.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.

Bruce B. Meabon, 94, formerly of 426 Merrick St. Pleasantville, died Monday, June 24, 2013, at Homewood Rockefeller Gardens in Cleveland Heights, OH, his residence for the past year.

Bruce was born on Sept. 21, 1918 at Sanford, PA, a son of the late James and Bessie Brown Meabon.  He was married to Arlene Burleigh on Nov. 14, 1937, at Mayville, NY.  She preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 1997.

Bruce, and his wife Arlene, owned and operated Meabon Mobile Service for 30 years. Prior to operating the business, he had worked in the local oil fields monitoring production. He returned to that industry upon the sale of Meabon’s Mobile to work for private investors.

Bruce was a longtime member of the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church.  He was a 33rd degree mason; a member of the Titusville Lodge No. 754 F.&A.M.; a member of the Oil City Lodge of Perfection; a member of the New Castle Consistory, both York and Scottish Rites.  He was also a member of the Pleasantville Lions Club.  He enjoyed golfing.

Bruce is survived by two daughters, Mona Meabon Kolesar and her husband Robert of Cleveland Heights, OH and Betsy Meabon and her companion Edward Weiss of New York City; a granddaughter, Allison Kolesar Bale; two great grandchildren, Joshua and Kaylin Bale; a sister-in-law, Nancy Walters of Youngsville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Merritt Meabon; and two sisters, Benita Okesson and Evelyn Crippen.

Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and attend the funeral service on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

A masonic service will be conducted Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m. at the funeral home with officers and members of the Titusville Lodge No. 754 officiating.

Interment will be in Sanford Cemetery.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church, 155 E. State St., Pleasantville, PA 16341.

If you would like to leave a condolence for the family, go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com.