Ronald L. Larimore, 67, a well known Emlenton resident and respected deputy fire chief, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in Emlenton Sunday morning, March 9, 2014.

Ron was born in Oil City on June 15, 1946. He was the son of Harry William and Margaret Haas Larimore.

He was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Emlenton. He had served the church for many years as treasurer and lector. He was a life member of the Emlenton Volunteer Fire Dept. and began his career as a fireman at the age of six months as the fire department’s mascot. He later served the fire department as a member of the board of directors and he was assistant and deputy fire chief for many years. He was long time member of the board of directors of the Emlenton Cemetery Company at the time of his passing Ron was president of the board of directors. Ron had been honored as Emlenton’s Citizen of the Year by the Emlenton Area Chamber of Commerce. Ron had been active in the local Boy Scouts. Ron was deputy tax collector of Emlenton Borough and had served as the secretary to Emlenton Borough Council and had been a member of borough council. In his earlier years had played for the Emlenton Team of the Hayrake Baseball League. Ron was the master of ceremonies at many community events and veteran’s services, and participated in Emlenton Civic Club’s variety show, “Show Boat” for many years. He was the treasurer of the A-C Valley Alumni Association. Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren at their sporting events. He was an avid Steelers, Pirates, and Pitt basketball fan. He enjoyed the company of his dog, Boomer.

Ron was a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam, and had attained the rank of Spec. 5 and was a bronze star recipient.

Ron was a grateful cancer survivor and courageously inspired others. When Ron was well enough, he fulfilled one of his greatest wishes when he traveled to Disney World with his grandchildren.

He was employed in his early years at Hillcrest Dairy in Foxburg and was employed for more than a quarter century at Farmer’s National Bank in Emlenton. Later he was an office manager and insurance agent for The Siegel Insurance Agency in Emlenton and was the manager of the Dollar General in Emlenton. He was a 1964 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School. He attended Thiel College and graduated with a degree in business and accounting from Clarion College. He also attended various banking schools.

Ron is survived by his wife, Susan E. Findlay Larimore, whom he married at the Emlenton Presbyterian Church on December 2, 1967. Also surviving is a son , Lane A. Larimore and his wife, Dawn of Emlenton; two grandchildren, Erin N. Larimore at Kent State and Lucas A. Larimore of Emlenton; four nephews, a niece, and several great nieces and nephews; a half brother, Dean Larimore of Petrolia, and a brother-in-law, Doug Findlay and his wife, Cindi of South Carolina, as well as many good friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Larimore and a sister, Caroline Irwin, a half brother, Herbert Larimore, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Mary Findlay.

Friends will be received at Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Wednesday. A celebration of life service will be held from the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. Deborah K. Jacobson, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Emlenton, officiating. Interment with full military and fire department honors will be in the Emlenton Cemetery. The Emlenton Fire Dept. will conduct a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Emlenton Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 371, Emlenton, PA 16373. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Judy Ann Finland, age 66, of Knox, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Clarion Hospital following a sudden illness.

Born October 11, 1947 in Alleghany, New York, she was a daughter of the late William and Margaret Bickel Buchanan.

She married Joseph M. Finland on July 24, 1965 at the St. Bonaventure Church in Alleghany, New York. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2009.

Judy enjoyed knitting and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include three sons: Joseph M. Finland, Jr. and his fiancé’, Dawn, of Knox; William W. Finland and his wife, Staci, of Bradford and Merle J. Finland and his wife, Valerie, of Tionesta; two daughters: June M. Hunsberger and her companion, Donald Brace, of Syracuse, Indiana and Amy Jo Cary and her husband, Chris, of Sligo; 11 grandchildren: Justin Finland, Ronald Cary, John Hunsberger, Jennifer, Brace, Anthony Finland, Autom Finland, Dallas Finland, Ashley Finland, Jessie Finland, Tyler Finland and Breanna Hale; three great grandchildren: Jesi Finland, Hunter Finland and Zachery Ruffner; three brothers: William Buchanan and his wife, Cindy, of Knox; Leroy Buchanan and his wife, Ellen, of North Carolina and Carl Buchanan and his wife, Julie, of Limestone, New York and five sisters: Rose Bailey of Kane, Barbara Montori of Bradford, Sandra Buchanan of Mt. Jewett, Regina Steir of Seneca and Nancy Moreth of Bradford.

Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, in the funeral home, with the Reverend Dan Myers officiating over the service.

Interment will follow in the Mt. Joy Cemetery, Beaver Township, Clarion County.

Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Judy Ann Finland to UPMC Northwest Cancer Center, 100 Fairfield Drive, Seneca, PA 16346.

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

John Larry Crawford, 74, of New Bethlehem, passed away Sunday evening, March 9, 2014.

A complete obituary is not yet complete, check back soon.

Lois McGuire, 67, of Limestone, died Monday, March 10, 2014.

A complete obituary is not yet complete, check back soon.

Louise Eaton Hogg of Hermitage went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 7, 2014.

Louise was born Aug. 26, 1922, in Titusville, the daughter of Harry James Eaton and Alliene Harrison Eaton.

She graduated in 1940 from Warren Area High School and Hoff Business College in Warren in 1941.

She was married May 24, 1942, to John H. Hogg, in Warren, at her parents’ home before John’s departure for World War II. They remained devoted to each other until John’s death in 2004.

The couple built their dream home in Oil City after John’s return from World War II. There they raised five children: Kathryn Thompson (Tom) of Shenandoah Junction, W.Va., Rebecca Pierce-Ruhland (Fred) of Kingsville, Ohio, Nancy Roddy (David) of Beaver Falls, Robert Hogg (Cecilia) of Oil City and Jeffrey Hogg (Patricia) of Butler.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Louise was the last survivor of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Frances Larson, Alliene Correll, and her youngest sister Dixie Weldon, who passed away just seven weeks ago.

Louise spent her life as a loving mother and a proud homemaker. While living in Oil City, they were active members of Oil City Grace United Methodist Church.

A quote from Louise’s journal (written in 1999): “The most wonderful gift I could receive? The gift of love from each of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Love comes from the heart.” She loved the Lord Jesus Christ. This love for God was evident in her always cheerful attitude, the gracious and kind manner she showed to everyone, her devotion and unwavering loyalty to her husband, and the way she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her whole heart.
Louise loved music and enjoyed playing the piano by ear.

Her favorite songs were the old gospel hymns. She also loved animals and wildlife. For many years, she delighted in feeding the birds. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes during warm months of the year, and flowers frequently graced her home. Her home was always a place of warmth, good food and laughter. One of Louise’s other passions was her continual support to build the World

War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which she had the privilege to visit in 2005.

John and Louise relocated to Grove City in 1978, and were members of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City until Louise moved to Hermitage in 2006.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 10 at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Grove City. Her son-in-law, the Rev. David C. Roddy of Beaver Falls, conducted the service. Many of her family members shared memories and songs.
She was laid to rest at Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery next to her beloved husband. John and Louise are now gloriously reunited in Heaven.
Contributions in memory of Louise can be made to The Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org.

Thomas G. Owens Jr., 68, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Thomas Owens Sr.; sister, Judy Owens; and son-in-law, Drew Yanishak.

He is survived by his six children, Mandy Hidalgo (Scott), Thomas Owens III (Angie), Brandon Owens (Wendy), Charity Yanishak, Shannon Cahill (Dave) and Robin Kampf (Mike); 18 grandchildren; four siblings, Dan Owens (Karen), Carl Owens, Mara Lou Owens and Sharon Davis (Jack); the mother of his children, Mary Ann Owens; his devoted friend, Connie Gaddy; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Tom had a wonderful sense of humor, loved life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He loved his family and was very supportive in his children’s athletic endeavors but more importantly in their academic achievements.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday (today) at the West Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2014 at St. Bridget Catholic Church.

Interment Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, Va. 23060.

Judith Lynn “Judy” Repoff McLaughlin, age 50, of Mayport, passed away on March 10 at her home following a short illness.

She was born on November 12, 1963 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the daughter of Nicholas and Ruth Watkins Repoff. Judy graduated from Clarion-Limestone High School in 1982. She was formerly employed by Structural Modulars in Strattanville and worked as a server in restaurants. Judy was a great Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved cheering them on. She loved to cook and everyone raved about her food.

Judy is survived her daughter, Kali McLaughlin of Summerville; her son, Sean McLaughlin of DuBois; her grand-daughter, Harmony Rose; her parents, Nicholas and Ruth Repoff of Clarion; and her special friend Jerry Campbell.

Judy is also survived by three sisters, Wanda Sue Daugherty and her husband Bob of Oak Ridge, Rhonda Ann Brown and her husband Ted of Limestone, Pa, Jill Louise Schmader and her husband Paul of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; three brothers, Russell Repoff of Franklin, Thomas Repoff of Greenville, SC, and Jeffrey Repoff of Johnston, SC; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her cat, Lucy.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion, where a memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 13 at 11:00am. Rev. Dr. Deryl K. Larsen, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Clarion will officiate.

John Arnold Lee Lewis, age 78, of Pine City, passed away Monday morning, March 10, 2014 at the Meadville Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Born June 21, 1935 in Pine City, he was a son of the late Howard W. and Mae Bashline Lewis.

John attended the Independent Assembly of God Church in Knox and enjoyed riding his bicycle, attending the Autumn Leaf Festival Autorama and Horsethief Car Shows and was a collector of Matchbox cars.

He will be fondly remembered by his family for his ability to remember the age and birthdate of every family member.

John is survived by two brothers: Dean W. Lewis and his wife, Althea, of Cranberry and James B. Lewis and his longtime companion, Darlene McElhattan, of Knox; two sisters: Ruth V. Confer of Lancaster and Winnie Mae Hook and her husband, Willis, of Knox.

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by three brothers: Stephen DeWayne Lewis, Howard L. Lewis and E. Paul Lewis. He was also preceded in death by a sister, E. Pauline Lewis Kapp.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Reverend Lila Kulp, pastor of the Independent Assembly of God, officiating over the service.

Interment will take place in the Perry Chapel Cemetery in Pine City.

Memorial contributions may be given in the name of John Arnold Lee Lewis to the Pine City Hall, c/o Keith Rex, 1495 Pine City Road, Shippenville, PA 16254 or Knox Public Library, 620 Main Street, Knox, PA 16232.

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

Lois Jane McGuire, age 66 and a resident of Summerville for almost forty years, was taken into the arms of Jesus Monday, March 10, 2014.

Born December 4, 1947 in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late William L. and Roberta D. Pease McGiffin.

Lois graduated from Keystone High School.

She married Timothy K. McGuire on October 29, 1967. He preceded her in death on March 9, 1999.

Lois was an Avon representative for over 20 years. She also previously worked at Watson’s Dry Cleaners and Reinsel’s Country Store in Frogtown.

She was a member of the Limestone Fire Department Ladies Auxillary. She was also involved with Girl Scouts, 4H and C-L School Parent Boosters while her girls were growing up.

She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Clarion.

Lois enjoyed watching the birds and wildlife, Western movies, fireworks, and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates play. She also enjoyed visiting with her brothers and sisters and her best friend Peggy over a pot of coffee. She loved flowers, quilting and doing Crypto Quotes, but anyone who knew her knew that what she loved the most in life were her grandchildren, who lovingly refer to her as “Meme”.

Survivors include two daughters: Joanne Schruers and her husband, Gene, of Knox and Angie Sarvey and her husband, Brian, of Summerville; six grandchildren: Nichole Corbett, Krystin Corbett, Brianna Sarvey, Garret Schruers, Christian Sarvey and Jerod Schruers; two brothers: Vernon McGiffin and his wife, Barb of Knox and Jim McGiffin and his wife, Connie of Knox; two sisters: Phyllis Heeter of Emlenton and Roberta Sherman and her husband, Larry of Seneca; and numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly refer to her as “Aunt Chooch”.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Lois was preceded in death by two brothers: Robert and William H. McGiffin and her best friend, Peggy Lutz.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014 and 10-11 a.m. Friday at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 in the funeral home with Pastor Jay Bucci of Pleasant Hill Church officiating.

Interment will take place in the St. Mark’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Lois Jane McGuire to Charitable Deeds and Services, 98 Hickory Nut Lane, Knox, PA 16232 or Knox Public Library, 620 Main Street, Knox, PA 16232.

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

John Larry Crawford, age 74, of New Bethlehem, passed away Sunday evening, March 9, 2014 at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh following an illness.

Born November 29, 1939 in New Bethlehem, he was a son of the late Roy E. and Bernice Shick Crawford.

He was a 1957 graduate of Redbank Valley High School and was a veteran, serving as an airplane mechanic in the United States Navy.

Larry retired as the branch manager of the New Bethlehem branch of National City Bank.

He married the former Linda Doverspike in May of 1962 and she preceded him in death on July 16, 1995.

Larry was a member of the MOOSE Lodge of New Bethlehem and the American Legion of Clarion. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing.

He looked forward to winters spent in Naples, Florida and just enjoyed going to the beach no matter where it might be. He also enjoyed traveling with his significant other, Rowena “Renny” Tosh, of New Bethlehem. He would often say that he had never been here or there and off they’d go.

Larry is survived by his children: John L. Crawford and his wife, Melissa, of New Bethlehem; Jeff L. Crawford of Burlington, Vermont; Julie L. Richardson and her husband, William, of Vincent, Ohio and Jill L. Crawford of Chattanooga, Tennessee; four grandchildren: Lucas P. Crawford and Kathryn L. Crawford, both of New Bethlehem and Owen L. Richardson and Grace E. Richardson, both of Vincent, Ohio; a brother, Howard E. Crawford and his wife, Jackie, of Pleasant Hills and a nephew, Mike Crawford, also of Pleasant Hills.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service Chapel, 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the chapel with the Reverend Doug Henry officiating over the service.

Immediately following the service, military honors will be accorded by the Walter Craig Post #354 of the American Legion.

Interment will take place in the Mt. Zion Cemetery on Beautiful Lookout, Armstrong County.

Memorial contributions may be given in the name of John Larry Crawford to the Redbank Valley Public Library, 720 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242.

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

Jack Claude Laughlin, 68, of Sligo, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Clarion Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on May 5, 1945, in Rimersburg, PA, he was the son of the late Robert and Valjean (Mortimer) Laughlin.

Jack graduated from Union High School in 1963. While in school, he was a member of the 1962 undefeated championship football team.

He married Anna Marie Wiser at Sligo United Methodist Church on November 6, 1965. Jack was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was devoted to his brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. His hobbies included golfing and vacationing with his family.

Jack was an over-the-road truck driver for over 50 years. He never met a person that he came in contact with that he did not share his faith in the Lord.

He was a member of the Canby St. Petersburg Masonic Lodge, the US Army Engineer Reserve Unit in Brookville and a life-long member of the Rimersburg United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife Anna Marie; a son Robert and his wife DeAnn of Rimbersburg; daughter Amy Shirey and her husband Brent of Macedonia, Ohio; and grandchildren Kelsey Shirey and Kambry Shirey of Macedonia, Ohio; and Mackenzie Divins and Zander Laughlin of Rimersburg.

He is also survived by siblings Rich Laughlin and his wife Cheryl of Corry, PA; Susan Davis and her husband Dave of Shippenville, PA; Denny Laughlin and his wife Deb of Shippenville, PA; Deb Johnson and her husband Bob of Rimbersburg, PA; Beaser Laughlin and his wife Sherry of Sligo, PA; and Donna Hawk and her husband Gordon of Rimersburg, PA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his godson Dustin Laughlin of Rimersburg, PA.

Family and friends will be received from 6 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday and 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday at the Varner Funeral Home of Rimersburg at 583 Main Street.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday at the Rimbersburg United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dennis Fetters officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Jack Laughlin to the Clarion Forest VNA or the Rimersburg United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Online Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.varnerfuneralhome.com

Jesse J. Boyles, of Hamburg, NY. and formerly of Oil City, died on February 16,2014, Beloved husband of Margaret (nee Brogan).

Dear father of Cheryl (Joseph) Zawistowski and Raymond (Sue) Boyles. Cherished grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 25 great- grandchildren. Brother of Audene (late Norman) Nellis and the late Harry Boyles and Evelyn Copley. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on WEDNESDAY from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LAKESIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME INC. 4199 Lake Shore Rd. (Cor Rt 5 and Camp Rd) 716-627-2919 where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00AM. If desired contributions may be made to the Alzheimer??s Assn. Online condolences may be shared at www.lakesidefuneralhome.com.

Mr. Kenneth G. Neely, 66, of 5315 State Route 417 Titusville left this earth peacefully for his heavenly home at 8:40 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2014, following a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Neely was born on January 30, 1948, in Oil City to the late Joseph M. and Eleanor “Sis” (Karns) Neely. He married Olive Lamey on August 20, 1966, at the Cherrytree Independent Baptist Church.

He was formerly employed by, Arnold Graphics of Franklin, Oil Well Supply in Oil City, Boise Cascade in Oil City, Pennzoil Refinery of Rouseville, The Derrick Publishing Co. in Oil City, and the Titusville Area School District.

Ken was an outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting and golfing with his sons and grandchildren. He was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan. He was extremely proud of his sons and loved being surrounded by his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

He is survived by his wife Olive Neely of Titusville; two sons, Kenny Neely, Kasey Neely and wife Jill of Titusville; five grandchildren, Marissa Neely, Kennedy Neely, Katie Neely, Bailey Neely, Kasen Neely all of Titusville; a sister, Sally Rodgers of Cooperstown, a brother, Rick Neely of Titusville; an aunt, Betty Rodgers of Cooperstown; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a daughter, Summer Lee who died in infancy; a brother, Joseph M. Neely, Jr.; and his grandmother, Orletta Karns.

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 PM. Funeral services will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. William Maher, officiating.
Interment will be in Cherrytree Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Crawford Co. 310 N. Monroe St., Titusville, PA 16354, the Cherrytree Vol. Fire Department, or the John Kanzius Cancer Research Center, Suite 216, 130 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16501.
If you would like to leave a condolence for the family go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com.

Carl William Leyerle, 74, of Chestnut Street, Franklin, went to be with the Lord, on Tuesday, March 11th.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 22, 1939, Carl was the son of the late Otto William and Mildred Meyer Leyerle. He was a Peacetime Army Veteran having served from 1962 to 1968. Carl worked as a machinist polishing metal for Super Finishers in Macadonia, OH from 1992 to 2003.

Carl was a member of and attended the Congress Hill Church of God. He loved to spend time outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Carl was a loving and loyal father and friend – a hardworking individual who overcame alot of adversity throughout his life.

Carl is survived by his son, Carl Leyerle and his wife, Andrea, of Livingston, LA; and his two daughters, Dawn Deeter and her husband, Harold, of Franklin, and Jennifer Deeter and her husband, Matthew, of Guys Mills. Carl is also survived by his grandchildren, Lois, Asher and Evangeline Leyerle, of Livingston, LA, Carissa, Casey, Cammi and Chloe Deeter, of Franklin, and Amelia Scott of Guys Mills; and his great-grandson Chase Graham. He is additionally survived by his sister, Janet Biggs and her husband, Daniel, of Northfield, OH; and his special pal – his cat, Vinnie.

Family and friends of Carl will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Tuesday, March 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home following visitation at 5 p.m. with Pastor Johnny Pennington, pastor of the Congress Hill Church of God, officiating.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in loving memory to the Venango County Humane Society – PO Box 1045, Oil City, PA 16301, and/or The Caring Place – 103 North 13th Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.

John Christopher Neal, 74, of Evington, Virginia, formerly of Oil City, died at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2014 in Evington, Virginia.

Born December 26, 1939 in Oil City, he was the son of the late Lester Starling and Dorothea Elizabeth Heckathorn Neal.

Mr. Neal was a graduate of Cranberry High School.

He attended Church Rock Pike Baptist Church in Virginia.

John enjoyed bowling, going fishing, and researching family genealogy.

Mr. Neal spent most of his working years as a manager for a retail shoe store in Virginia.

He is survived by two daughters, Brenda Ervin and her husband Curtis of Madison Heights, Virginia and Elizabeth Campbell and her husband Douglas of Evington, Virginia; three grandsons, Boyd Ervin and wife Jennifer of Lynchburg, Va., Drew Grant and wife Ashley of Evington, Va., and Kevin Ervin and wife Arielle of Madison Heights, Va.; and his great-grandchildren include Boyd, Jr., Luke, and Levi Ervin of Lynchburg, and Kaydance, Drew, Jr., and Tabitha Grant of Evington, and Baby “E” Ervin, due in August.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Lester Neal, Jr. and his wife Jean, Clyde Neal and wife Alberta, Laura Carson and husband Paul, and Fred Neal, all of Oil City, and Darlene Wilson of Seneca; a special aunt, Margaret Rosalie Spence of Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends will be received Thursday (March 13) from 6-9 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township. A funeral service will be held Friday (March 14) at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, with the Rev. David Oester, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Oil City, officiating.

Interment will follow in Heckathorn Cemetery in Seneca.

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

Donald “Turk” Lee Norris, 75, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 12, 2014, at his home following a brief illness.

Born February 14, 1939, in Huntingdon,Pa.; he was the son of Clarence F. and Edith Morningstar Norris.

Turk was married on April 20, 1957, to the former Janet E. Maines, and she survives.

A veteran, he served in the Navy for 20 years, retiring honorably in 1976.

Turk was a previous member of the Zion Baptist Church and was a member of the Liberty Street Church of God in Clarion.
He was also a member of the American Legion Post 66 of Clarion and the National Rifle Association.

Turk enjoyed farming and going to farm sales and spending time with his grandchildren. He also volunteered for the income tax preparation for seniors.

In addition to his wife, Janet, he is survived by four children, Deb E. Ochs and her friend, Barry “Bear” Williams of Miola, James M. Norris and his wife, Kim, of DuBois, Jen L. Graham and her husband, Larry, of Seneca, and Jerry M. Norris and his wife, Jeannine, of Conway; ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Helen Norris of Petersburg and Betty Norris of Huntingdon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence Norris and Richard Norris; two sisters, Betty Isenberg and Helen Norris; a son, Donald L. Norris Jr.; a grandson, Jared L.Ochs; and a granddaughter-in-law, Erica Ochs.

Family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2014, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion, and from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2014, at the Robert E. Peters Funeral Home, 1106 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014, at the Robert E. Peters Funeral Home in Huntingdon with Rev. Bruce Wilson, pastor of the Liberty Street Church of God, officiating.
Interment will be held in the Huntingdon Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Charitable Deeds or Liberty Street Church of God, c/o building fund, 240 Liberty Street, Clarion PA 16214.
Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.

Wells B. Stockwell, 84, of Hydetown, passed away Tuesday afternoon March 11, 2014, at the Titusville Area Hospital.

Wells was born on May 19, 1929, in Wesleyville, PA, a son of the late William Claude and Carina Clark Stockwell. He was raised as the foster son by his uncle and aunt the late George and Daisy Stockwell Shorts of Titusville. He married Faye Stearns on Nov. 3, 1973 at the First Presbyterian Church in Titusville.

He graduated from Colestock High School in 1947, where he played trumpet in the band. He was also a member of the choir and dance band.

Following high school graduation, he enrolled at Clarion State Teachers College where he graduated in 1952, with his teaching degree. He first taught 6th grade at Emlenton, PA. He also taught 6th grade in Washington, PA for two years. He returned to the Titusville area and taught for one year in a one room school at East Titusville. He taught 6th grade at Union Street School from 1955 to 1957. During these years he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh and earned his master’s degree. He became principal at Main Street School from 1957 to 1960. He also acquired the principal’s position at Hydetown until 1968, at which time he became Elementary supervisor. In 1970, he was principal of Hydetown and Cherrytree schools, as well as Elementary supervisor. He retired in 1986, from the Titusville school district.

Following retirement, Wells sold cars for Northwest Motors in Titusville for one year. He taught two years at Titusville High School for the GED program for adults. He taught study skills at the Harry Kerr Skill Center. He also taught remedial math at the Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High levels. Wells worked at Cross Creek Resort as the beverage manager from 1999 until 2000, and was a ranger at the golf course for four years. His last employment following retirement was with H & R Block. He fully retired in 2007.

In 1962 Wells was one of the beginning founders of the Wilderness Quest program for 6th grade students at Tionesta Pioneer Ranch. He was involved with the Summer Theatre and was the lead in “Kiss Me Kate”. He sang in the barbershop quartet “The Highway Men” with Vic Kinnunen, Bill Stumpf, and Barney Lewis, and was a member of the Connawango Clippers.

Wells enjoyed playing the trumpet, banjo, harmonica, and base horn, as well as singing and harmonizing. During college he was a member of the band and choir; and played on the varsity tennis team. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer with his sons throughout the years. Wells was known for his fun loving personality and wit. He loved listening to and telling stories and could keep all those around him on their toes and laughing with his humor.

He was a former member of the Titusville First Presbyterian Church. Following his marriage he attended the Hydetown Baptist Church.

Wells is survived by his wife Faye of Hydetown; six children, Cristine Fellows and husband Mark of Youngstown, OH, Vicki Pugliese and husband Jerry of El Dorado Hills, CA, Suzette Nelson and husband Jeff of Grants Pass, Oregon, William Stockwell and wife Laura of Orlando, FL, Brian Stockwell and wife Nancy of Akron, OH, and Julie DeRose and husband Keith of Titusville; 17 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his foster parents; a son, Joel Stockwell; a brother, Gilbert Stockwell; three sisters, Carolyn Carner, Viola Burr, and Josephine Seimer; a foster brother, Bruce Shorts; and two foster sisters, M. Jeanne Anderson and Ellen O’Neill.

Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville, PA on Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

The funeral service will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Hydetown Baptist Church 12749 Main St. Hydetown, PA with Rev. Larry Hellein officiating.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Titusville High School Alumni Association 302 E. Walnut St. Titusville, PA 16354; to the Renal Care of Oil City 6945 US Route 322 #510 Cranberry, PA 16319; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Deborah F. Layden, 58, of 432 Doerr Road ,Franklin died at 3:15 PM ,Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at UPMC-Northwest Seneca.

Born June 15, 1955 in Homestead, Deborah was the daughter of the late Frank and Lois A. (Franklin) Bucko.

Deborah retired from Polk Center in 2008, where she was a Licensed Practical Nurse for 18 years.

She loved her goldfish, and was an avid animal rescuer who adopted many dogs, especially beagles.

She enjoyed gardening, flowers, wildlife, yard sales and going to the casinos with her friends.

Deborah was an artist. She often gave her art away as gifts. She also annually donated her hair to “Locks of Love”.

Like her father, she loved her Harley Davidson Motorcycles.

Deborah is survived by her brother, Frank R. Bucko Jr., of Franklin; her sister, Lynnette Emerick and her husband, Gene, of Greensburg; her God-Mother and aunt, Patricia Dulay of Pleasant Hills; her nephew, Justin Emerick of Churchill; her great-nephew, Andrius Emrick of Churchill; her Best Friend and cousin, Katherine Uhar of Star Junction; and several other cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Friday, March 14, 2014, from 2:00PM – 4:00PM.

In Deborah’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Venango County Humane Society, PO Box 1045, Oil City, PA 16301.

To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit Gardinier Funeral Home.

Alice Westlake, 88 of 1344 Franklin Avenue, Franklin died at 6:36 A.M. on March 12, 2014 in her home.

She was born in Three Forks, Kentucky on September 27, 1925, a daughter of Floyd and Annabelle Westlake.

Her family later moved to Franklin where Alice attended local schools, graduating from Franklin High School in 1943. In 1944 her family moved to a farm in Humphrey, New York. Although Alice continued to live in Franklin, she made frequent visits to the farm, vacationed there regularly and for a time made it her home. The farm was a source of great enjoyment for her, and it remained in the family until 2013.

Alice was employed for several years as a personal assistant to Kathryn Kuhlman, a traveling evangelist and faith healer well-known throughout the country in the mid-twentieth century. She devoted her life to caring for her parents and grandparents and sister Mary during their lives, and she derived great satisfaction from doing so. She later served as a private home caregiver for a number of Franklin residents, a position she held for the remainder of her working life.

Alice enjoyed traveling abroad, especially with her friend Susan Miller. She was a voracious reader and an avid student of the stock market. She was very strong in her Christian faith.

Alice is survived by a half-brother, Warren Westlake of Gravois Mills, Missouri as well as by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Westlake and Maebelle Scott, of Humphrey, New York.

There will be no visitation.

A graveside burial service will be held next Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at noon in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, New York.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Kay Schlappe, age 70 of Clarion died 3/10/14 in the Golden Living in Clarion.

Born February 17, 1944, in Pine Island, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Arnold and Virginia (Greer) Schlappe. She grew up in Delta Colorado and graduated from Delta High School in 1962.

She earned a BA degree in social science from Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) and an MA degree in social psychology from Michigan State University.

Kay taught at Clarion University of Pennsylvania after graduating from Michigan State University.

She began her work with Clarion County in the early 1980s. Clarion County was beginning to create a coordinated human services system and Kay’s early work was in the Drug and Alcohol Program.

Her attention to detail was invaluable as the County built its system. She became the Personnel Analyst for the Clarion County Human Resources Office where she served for more than a decade and later worked as the Clarion County Human Services Planner until her retirement in 2007.

Kay was an active member of the League of Women Voters since the 1970′s and has served in many capacities. She did many of the jobs that are long on work and aggravation and short on rewards, but all of us knew that if Kay said she would take on a project, it would be done and done well.

At the 2009 LWVPA Convention held here in Clarion, Kay was named to the Anna Estes Strawbridge Honor Roll which honors members who have demonstrated commitment to the ideals, principles and support for the League.
She served three terms as Clarion League president, 2001-2003, 2005-2007, and 2009-2011. She has also served as secretary and has been a long-time board member.

Kay was a founding member of Clarion’s domestic violence response organization, SAFE–Stop Abuse for Everyone– and has served on its board.

She is survived by a brother Bob Schlappe and his wife Brenda of Fort Worth Texas, a brother Russel Schlappe and his wife Rita of Austin Colorado, and a sister-in-law Mildred Schlappe of Delta Colorado. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces and great-great nephews and nieces.

Preceded in death by her parents, a brother Harry Schlappe of Delta Colorado and a sister Bonnie Schlappe of Pomona California.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2014 at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St, Clarion, PA from 10:00 AM till time of services at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Deryl K. Larsen, of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow in the Clarion Cemetery.

She is known for her fondness for pets and her advocacy on behalf of animal welfare.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tri-County Animal Rescue Center, Inc, 9562 Rt 322, Shippenville PA 16254 or the League of Women Voters of Clarion County.

On line condolences may be sent to the family by going the Goble Funeral Home