Velma Rae Tincher, 71, of Rocky Grove, died at 7:10 pm Thursday, March 27, 2014, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.

Born February 6, 1943 in Polk, she was a daughter of the late James A. and Dora I. Black Chambers.

Mrs. Tincher worked as a personal care attendant in Meadville from 1992 to 1995.

She enjoyed fishing, camping and her spending time with her family.

Surviving are two sons, Kenneth J, Knapp and wife Norma of Titusville, and George O. Walters, Jr. and wife Nicole of Cooperstown; three daughters, Laurie B. Snyder of Oil City, Penny S. Harvey and fiancé Elvis Brown of Rocky Grove, and Barbara J. Heigley and husband Lonnie of Oil City; 18 grandchildren, Tina M. Walters, Crystal R. Walters, Erica L. Morgan, Dustin A. Morgan, Brandon J. Morgan, Corrina Crawford, Corissa Knapp, Havin Say, Shannon Knapp, Rainie Stautridge, Richard Walters, Alexis Walters, George Walters III, Kera Walters, Lonnie Heigley Jr., Katrina Heigley, Kyle Heigley and Trinity Ross; 13 great grandchildren, Gavinn Walters, Jannah Brown, Jayden Brown, Regina Brown, Jeanette Brown, Lexis Morgan, Evelin Marsh, Jason Marsh Jr., Brody Morgan, Tevin Morgan, Michael Crawford, Delilah Heigley and Leonidas Walters; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Terrance L. Chambers, Lowell A. Chambers and Edward J. Chambers; a granddaughter, Tina M. Walters; and a great granddaughter, Jeannette R. Brown.

Family and friends may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 12 noon with Edward Chambers, Jr., officiating.

Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery.

Ray “Skip” M. Kriebel, 78, of Parker passed away Saturday morning (03-29-14) at VNA In-patient Hospice at Butler following a period of declining health. His passing came just one day following his 78th birthday.
Born in West Monterey, Pa. on March 28, 1936, he was the son of the late Lee Edgar and Alice Katherine Everett Kriebel.

He was protestant by faith.

“Skip” had been affiliated with a number of insurance companies, and was retired as an insurance consultant with Baltimore Life Insurance.

Ray entered the United States Air Force on Feb. 13, 1958 and was honorably discharged on Feb. 12, 1964 with the rank of Airman First Class. In addition to two Good Conduct Medals, he earned the Air Force Service Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.

Surviving are his wife, “Jeannie” Thompson Kriebel whom he married Jan. 8, 1959 at the Kittanning Church of God. Also surviving are two daughters and husbands: Diane (Jay) Whyte of Parker and Debbie (Randy) Bernard of Dutch Hill; two sons: Ray “Sam” (Diane) Kriebel of Butler and Lt. Col. (USAF) Jamie Kriebel of Jacksonville, FL.; eleven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; one sister: Doretha Rhodes of Lebanon, IN.; two brothers and wives: Terry (Kathy) Kriebel and Rodney (Patty) Kriebel, both of Parker; number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Arvella Horner and three brothers: Junior Lee, N. Bruce, and Bobby Kriebel.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 So. Wayne Ave., Parker, and at the church for an hour preceding the funeral service. Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Wednesday at the Martinsburg Church of Bruin (Bruin, Pa.) with Pastor Jacob Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dutch Hill.

Members of the VFW and American Legion of Parker will conduct a veterans memorial service at 4:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Robert G. Parson, 76, of 158 Maple Grove Circle Franklin, PA. , died at 9:20 P.M.
Sunday March 30, 2014, at his home following an extended illness.

Born Nov. 11, 1937, in Oil City, PA., he was the son of the late James & Catherine Hayes Parson

Robert was a graduate of Oil City High School.

Mr. Parson had served in the United States Navy.

He started his retail career at Weston’s, then working for Jamesway and Ames and retired as manager from the Dollar Tree.

He was married on March 7, 1958, in Meadville to the former Patricia A. Fox , and she survives.

Mr. Parson was a member of the American Legion and a former member of the V.F.W.

He was of the Presbyterian Faith.

Bob enjoyed working outside, woodworking and building things.

He is survived by four children, Danny R. Parson and his wife Sarah of Franklin; Dean L. Parson and his wife Erin of Cape Coral, Fla.; Timothy R. Parson and his wife Tina of Johnsonburg, PA.; Sandra D. Parson and her significant other Jim Greenthaner of St. Mary’s; eight grandchildren, Wayne and Joanna Bloss, Robert and Pearl Wood, Stacey and Shawn Anderson, Jason and Nicki Parson, Jessica Parson, Timothy Parson, Ashley Parson and Michael Parson; three step grandchildren, Sarah, Anna and Brianne; eight great-grandchildren and by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Carol Sutch, Alice Stempin, Colleen Ruhlman and Mary Corbin; and by four brothers Richards, Bill, James and Harry Parson.

Their will be no viewing or visitation.

Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Condolences to the family may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

John William Becker AKA Jim Rutherford ,82, of 1 Sycamore St. Oil City, PA. died at 5:15 A.M. Sunday March 30, 2014, at Sugarcreek Station in Franklin.

Born Oct. 3, 1931, in Oil City, PA., he was the son of the late Sylvester R. Becker Sr. & Winifred E. Rutherford Becker.

Jim served as a Sgt. in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He worked in San Francisco, CA. as a Passport Processor.

Mr. Rutherford was of the Methodist Faith.

He is survived by two brothers, Sylvester R. “Bob” Becker Jr. of Oil City and Raymond E. Becker of Titusville.

In adition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a two-year-old sister Maxine Becker and two sister-in-laws, Donna Becker and Dorothy Becker

Their will be no viewing or visitation.

Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Oil City Salvation Army

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

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Pearl Adams, “Dot”, 92, of Erie, passed away Monday March 31, 2014, at her residence following a brief illness.

A resident of Erie most of her life she was born in Franklin, PA on July 24, 1921, a daughter of the late George A. and Arvilla Pearl Brown Ditzenberger.

Dot owned and operated her own beauty shop in Polk, PA. and was employed for many years at Vivian’s Hairdressers.

She attended the Congress Hill Church of God in Franklin for many years and was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Erie.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters, Irene Manson of Erie and Vivian Shouey of Franklin; two brothers, Robert Ditzenberger of Franklin and her twin brother, Donald Ditzenberger, in infancy .

Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Earl H. Adams; two daughters, Gina Adams of Atlanta, GA and Rita Daub and her husband Michael of Erie; two grandchildren, Laurie Patterson of Mentor, OH and Gary Daub of Fort Collins, CO; and five great grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services there at 10:00 a.m.. Burial will follow in Erie County Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Center for the Visually Impaired, 739 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30308.

Please visit http://www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.

Ardelle E. Marks, 86, of Oil City, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 30, 2014, at UPMC Hamot in Erie, surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 21, 1928 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Lynn Waldo and Elue B. Parker Bankson.

Ardelle graduated in 1945 from Oil City High School and was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Tax Operations & Accounting Department in the Oil City office, retiring after 25 years of service.

She was a member of the Rouseville United Methodist Church, a life member and Past Matron of Morris Chapter # 14 OES, a member of the Belles Lettres Club and a former member of the Wanango Country Club.

Ardelle was a devoted family caregiver for many years, loved cats and enjoyed playing golf and traveling.

On October 1, 1960, she married A.D. “Bud” Marks, who preceded her in death on October 1, 2012.

Surviving are a brother, Jack Bankson and wife Betty; Nephew, Jim Bankson and wife Wendy; niece Jane Byham and husband Mike; great nephews, Nathanael Byham, Jonathan Byham and Timothy Byham; great niece Jocelyn Bankson; and several cousins.

Friends may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm and on Wednesday from 10 to 11 am.

Funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11 am Wednesday with the Rev. Gale Boocks, officiating.

Interment will be in Rynd Farm Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Rouseville United Methodist Church, the Venango County Humane Society or to a charity of one’s choice.

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

Rachel E. Miller, 97, of 1004 Alfred St., Meadville, passed away Sunday, March 30th, 2014 at Wesbury United Methodist Community.

John “Jack” Lepley, Jr., 62, of Cooperstown, passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Hamot in Erie, at 7:38 a.m. on Monday, March 31.

Born August 15, 1951, in Franklin, Jack was the son of John R. and Gloria J. Hoovler Lepley, Sr. He was married to the former Dorothy J. Beebe on October 30, 1971, and she survives.

Jack was a Rocky Grove High School graduate who was self-employed. He was a member of and attended the Cooperstown United Methodist Church. Jack was a Mason and a Cooperstown Borough Councilman. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his close friends at the garage. He especially cherished spending time with this granddaughter.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his son, John R. Lepley, III; his daughter, Shelly Baker and her husband, Jesse, of Franklin; and his “wonderful, amazing and talented” granddaughter, Aliseia Nichole Baker, of Franklin. Jack is also survived by his two sisters; several nieces and nephews; his extra-special niece and nephew, Rick Eakin of Cochranton, and Monica Eakin of Cooperstown; and his best companion, Crickett.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Charlene Tarr.

Visitation for Jack will be private and will be held at the convenience of his family. Graveside funeral services for Jack will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 3 at the Cooperstown Cemetery. The Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, will be in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Jack to the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department and/or the Cooperstown Public Library.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com to send cards, flowers, on-line condolences, or for further information.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of John “Jack” Lepley, Jr. please visit Gardinier Funeral Home’s Tribute Store.

Helen “Lucille” Moyer, 83, passed away of natural causes March, 20, 2014 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. She was the oldest of eight children born to Foster & Esther Voorhies Wilkinson in Polk PA.

She married Edward C. Moyer in 1950 and made their home in Collins Center, NY. They had one son, Daniel. They moved to Lake Havasu after she retired in 1985.Lucille graduated from Franklin High School , Franklin, PA and retired from Gowanda Psychiatric Center in Helmuth, NY after 35 years of service.

She was well known for her sewing capabilities including sewing, knitting, crochet, cross stitch and quilting. She also enjoyed ceramics, bowling, golf, square dancing and crossword puzzles. Due to her gradual loss of sight and failing health she had not been able to enjoy these hobbies for several years.

She and Al enjoyed traveling throughout the states in his RV during the summer for several years while square dancing as much as possible. She was a member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church and Elks Lodge of Lake Havasu.

Lucille is survived by her significant other Alan “AL” Lampman, Lake Havasu City, son Daniel (Kathy) Moyer, Bozeman MT, grandsons Adam, Seattle, WA, Kevin, Bozeman, MT, brothers Floyd (Gloria), Polk, PA, William (Jo), Lake Havasu City, AZ, Frank (Deborah), Polk, PA, Lewis (Joanie), Utica, PA and sister Janet (Michael) Sebzda, Whittman, AZ. Sister-in-laws Carleen Wilkinson, Conneaut Lake PA and Peg Moyer, Polk, PA. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and also survived by a very caring friend of the past few years, Esther Thayer. She was preceded in death by parents, husband and two siblings, Robert and George. There were 5 sisters-in-laws who preceded her.

She requested no memorial services; please make donations in her memory to Hospice of Havasu.

Mary Helen Ames, 85, of Gresham Road, Titusville, died at 6:05 am, Monday, March 31, 2014, at the Titusville Area Hospital.

Born October 15, 1928 in Marble, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Helen Baughman Hargenrader.

Mrs. Ames graduated from Shippenville High School in 1947, where she was a cheerleader.

She played softball as a pitcher for a local team in Marble.

Prior to her marriage, she worked for Farmer Mutual Insurance Company in Marble.

Mrs. Ames loved to square dance and called dances.

She was a very good seamstress and made lots of clothes for her 3 boys and daughter. She also made fancy sweatshirts and other clothes, did crafts, and helped her son Dan build a 2 story garage. She loved birthdays, anniversaries and had her school class in for dinner and played games and visited.

Mrs. Ames went to Ontario every August on a fishing trip and usually caught the largest fish.

She retired from the Oil City School District in 1991.

They had a cottage at Henrys Bend when the children were young where they had parties, mostly relatives for swimming, card games and horseshoe pitching. She especially enjoyed 500, canasta and pinochle.

On September 25, 1954 she married Charles J. Ames in St. Michael Church in Fryburg by Msgr. Theobold.

In addition to her husband, surviving are four children, Kirby Ames and wife Tammy, Linda McBride and husband Joe, Jeff Ames and wife Elizabeth, and Dan Ames and wife Leslie; 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are a sister, Germaine Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold Hargenrader, Edward Hargenrader, Paul Hargenrader and Henry (Hank) Hargenrader; and a sister Dolores Weaver.

Friends may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 pm Saturday in St. Venantius Church in Rouseville, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, presiding.

Interment will be in the Dempseytown Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the social area of St. Venantius Church

The family suggests memorials be made to the St. Stephen Second Century Fund or to a charity of one’s choice.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Helen Ames please visit our Sympathy Store.

Marjorie A. Williams, 89, passed away at 11:13 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at her daughter’s home in Abington, PA.

Born Marjorie Adele Polley on March 27, 1925, she was the daughter of Raymond Seymour and Mabel Pauline Polley. Marjorie and her siblings were raised by their maternal grandparents; Jesse L. and Mable K. Polley, whom she spoke of often. Marjorie was a 1943 graduate of Oil City High School. After graduation, Marjorie did day-work and was a caregiver for her grandmother. Throughout the years she held various positions and in 1987 she retired as the Managing Teller at the Hasson Heights Mellon Bank Drive-thru. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oil City where she sang in the choir. She served on the Oil City Salvation Army Board of Directors and was an Eastern Star in the Abigail Lodge Chapter 22, Meadville, PA.

Marjorie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved cross word puzzles and gardening. She was an excellent homemaker and hostess and was known to many as a wise and compassionate mentor.

She is survived by her five children: Sandy Lawrence of Abington, PA; Beverly-Lawrence Collins and her husband Rick Collins of Abington, PA; Yvette Carter and her husband Terry of Youngstown, OH; Denise Jones and her husband Russell of Franklin, PA; and David Williams and his wife Jewell of Oil City PA; Thirteen grandchildren: Elu Lawrence II, Nicole D. Carter, Terry Carter, Jr., Benjamin Carter, Charles Owens III, Michelle Jones-Simon, Benjamin McDay, Julius Mc Day, Tiffany Williams, Dallas Williams, Andrew Williams, Miranda Williams, and Cyrus Williams; and 8 great grandchildren: Nichole I. Carter, Myles Carter, Ethan Carter, Elias Carter, Zoe Lawrence, Kara McDay, Camilla McDay, and Maddox McDay.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George L. Williams, her three brothers Raymond, Wallace and James Polley and one sister Dorothy Polley Matthews.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 am Saturday April 5, at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 East Bissell Avenue, Oil City, PA, viewing hours will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday evening, April 4th and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 am on Saturday, April 5th prior to the funeral service.

Interment will be at the Grove Hill Cemetery in Oil City.

The Morrison Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in our mother’s name to TWFCF (The George & Marjorie Williams Family Caregivers Support Foundation), at 625 12th Street, Franklin, PA, which supports caregivers of dementia victims.

George (Tim) Hartzell, 76 of Knox passed away Tuesday April 1, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Shippenville.

Born March 12, 1938 in Clintonville, he was the son of the late George and Mary Hartzell. On April 28 1962 Tim married Judy Deitz at the Callensbury Methodist Church. Tim graduated from Keystone High School in 1956 and then served in the Army from 1957 till 1959. After serving in the Army Tim worked for Universal Cyclops (Cytemp) in Titusville, PA for 32 years and owned and operated the Oak Grove Bar & Restaurant, Shippenville, PA.

Tim enjoyed spending time with his family, deer hunting, watching NASCAR, cheering for the Steelers and caring for his favorite dogs Lady and Buddy. Tim was a member of St. Marks Memorial Chapel, Kossuth, PA.

Along with his wife Tim is survived by a son Tim Hartzell and his wife Samantha of Elkhart IN, and a daughter Peggy Alsop and her husband Ken of Kossuth, seven grandchildren, Jeremy Hartzell, Shelby Hartzell, August Hartzell, Reagan Hartzell, Rori Hartzell, Dan Brosius with special friend Kim, Nathan Brosius and his wife Jill. Also surviving are a great grandchild Peyton Brosius, two sisters Shirley Moyer, Jeane Stahlman, three special nieces Michelle (Nut), Tina & Brenda and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents Tim was preceded in death by an infant grandson Jacob, and two brothers Chester Hartzell and John (Butch) Hartzell.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday April 3, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home, 504 East Penn Ave., Knox. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ron Hunsberger officiating. Interment will follow at St Marks Cemetery in Kossuth. Knox American Legion Post No. 720 will perform full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made in Tim’s honor to the St. Marks Memorial Chapel, 539 St. Marks Road, Knox, PA16232.

Karen Truitt, 68, of Franklin, died on March 30, 2014.

Hartle Funeral Home in Franklin is handling arrangements.

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

C. Burton Karns , 91, of 19 South Park Ave. Oil City, PA. died at 2:10 P.M. on Wednesday April 2, 2014 at UPMC-Northwest in Seneca after an extended illness.

Born Sept. 29, 1922 in Oil City, he was the son of the late Lawrence James Karns & Sylvia Goodman Karns

Mr. Karns was a 1940 graduate of Oil City High School.

He had served in the United States Army as a Corporal in the China Burma India Theatre during World War II ,as a Airplane & Engine Mechanic.

Mr. Karns was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal World War II.

Burt was married to the former Eula Mae Weckerly on July 17, 1948 and she survives.

He had been self employed for many years as a building contractor and had built more than a 100 homes in the Oil City Area.

Mr. Karns was a member of the Hasson Heights Community Church.

He enjoyed singing and was a founding member of the Venango Barbertones.

In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling.

He also enjoyed reading , gardening and was a tremendous Pittsburgh Pirates Fan and enjoyed traveling.

He and his wife spent their winters for many years in Harlingen, TX.

He is survived by three children, Theodore Karns & his wife Cindy of Oil City, Barbara Dudzic & her husband Bill of Oil City, Thomas Burton Karns & his wife Lee of Singapore.

He is survived by 8 grandchildren, Jeffrey & Hind Karns of Abu Dhabi, Samuel Burton Karns of Oil City, Kimberly Johns of Oil City, Casandra Motter & her husband Andy of South Carolina, Jamie & Tomie Karns of Singapore

Gerritt Michael Rex & his wife Lacy of Oil City, Kathryn Ann Rex of Oil City, 4 Great Grandchildren, Alexander Karns, Ryker & Cohen Motter and Jayleigh Rex, And by several nieces and nephews.

Burt was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Darlene Karns, three brothers, James Karns Calvin Karns and Thomas Karns

Friends will be received from 2-4 P.M. Saturday in the Hasson Heights Community Church.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 P.M. in the Church with Rev Jamie Fowler, Presiding.

Military Honors will be performed by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard

Interment will be in Lamey Cemetery

Memorials may be made to the Hasson Heights Community Church

Reatha J. Monarch, 88, of Franklin died peacefully at 7 AM Monday, March 31, 2014 in The Caring Place of Franklin with her family by her side following a period of declining health.

She was born March 4, 1926 in Franklin, a beloved daughter of the late: Rollie John Mong and Louise D. Harkless Mong.

Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial contributiuons, if desired, may be directed to either: The Venango County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1045, Oil City, PA 16301 or to The Christian Loving Fund of The Caring Place, 103 N. 13 St. Franklin, PA 16323.

To read the full obituary visit hartlefuneralhome.com.

Patricia A. Milliron, 73, of Bruin, died Friday evening, March 28, 2014.

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

Rick E. Vogan, age 45, of Millcreek Township, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2014, at his residence. Born in Erie on July 15, 1968, he was a son of the late Carl and Joann (McCool) Vogan.

He had been a contractor with several construction companies in the area.

During his years at Franklin High School, Rick was a leader and standout athlete in football, basketball and track for the Franklin Knights. After high school, Rick continued to play flag football and softball for many years. His love of sports lead him to refereeing and coaching. He coached various levels of football with the Erie and Harborcreek Youth Football programs.

His greatest pleasure came when he was coaching his own son on the football field. Rick also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and hiking with his son. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and football community. Rick touched many children’s lives on the football field, and will always be remembered as “Coach Rick.” He also made a great impact on his coaching staff.

Survivors include his wife, Traci Hoffman Vogan; his son, who was his pride and joy, Nicholas Vogan; one brother, Raymond Vogan, wife Esther; one sister, Kimberly O’Dell, all of Erie; nieces and nephews, Crystal, Richelle, Summer and Michael; and several great-nieces and nephews; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ken and Marty Hoffman, of Franklin; and two brothers-in-law, Douglas and Gregory Hoffman.

No calling hours will be observed. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Rick’s Life on Saturday April 12, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., at the Luther Memorial Fellowship Hall, 225 West 10th St, Erie, Pa.

Rick’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all his family and friends who helped him during his brief but courageous battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, an Education Fund for Nicholas has been established at Widget Financial Credit Union, 1595 West 26th St., Erie, PA 16508. Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, is handling arrangements.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/erietimesnews/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=170471348#sthash.IBpK5Ncg.dpuf

Mrs. Betty A. Howard, 81, of Titusville, PA, passed away April 4, 2014 at the Golden LivingCenter in Titusville surrounded by her family. She had resided there since 2009.

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Seitz was born on September 25, 1932 in Bradford, PA, daughter of the late James Seitz and Alice Smith. She was most recently married to Larry Howard, who preceded her in death in 1995.

Mrs. Howard was a graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1950. She worked for the Bradford Era as a bookkeeper following graduation and later resided in Philadelphia, PA, Lakewood, NY, and Ashville, NY. She moved to Titusville in 1974 and in the late 1970s she was the proprietor of the Central Avenue Restaurant in Titusville and later founded Betty’s Cuckoo House, a successful ceramics studio she ran out of her home for several years.

She was a warm, loving person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also an avid gardener, loved dogs, was very fond of spending time at the New Jersey shore, and her wit and sense of humor brought joy to all those around her. In 1992, she relocated to Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey, where she resided for several years before suffering a stroke in May 2003. In 2004, she returned to Titusville, residing initially with her daughter and then at the South Woods assisted living facility.

She is survived by three children: Michael J. Rich and wife, Amy Tozer, of Atlanta, GA; Suzanne Pattison and husband Alan Pattison, of Franklin, PA; and Douglas Scott and wife Missy Scott, of Cape May Courthouse, NJ; six grandchildren, Aaron Tozer-Rich, Grace Tozer-Rich, Cara Schweizer and husband Chris, Tyler Sampson and wife Laura, Matt Sampson and wife Sarah, and Doug Scott; and nine great grandchildren—Christian, Carlie, and Courtney Schweizer, Tyler, Mason, and Savannah Sampson, and Jack, Emelia, and Chase Sampson.

Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington Street, Titusville, on Sunday from 2 to 4pm, followed by a service at 4pm with Fr. Walter E. Packard and Rev. Mark Rusnak officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or to AseraCare Hospice-Erie 1600 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505.

Gerald E. Meier, 89 of Knox passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at his residence.

Born May 1, 1924 in Knox, he was the son of Ernest and Margaret Meier. On June 17, 1946 Gerald married Melba Huffman who preceded him in death and on July 27, 1982 he married Freda Yargar who also preceded him in death. Gerald graduated from White Memorial High School. Out of high school he joined the Army Air Force where he served in Africa during WWII. After serving in the Army Air Force he worked for Penelec for 36 years working his way up to chief linesman. Gerald was a member of the American Legion and the Knox United Methodist Church. He served on the school board as the president of the board.

Gerald is survived by four children, Robert (Tami) Meier of Virginia, Rick (Alynda) Meier of Virginia, Jeffery (Tini) Meier of Hawaii, Amanda (Derek) Altman of St. Petersburg, four step children Dave (Jean) Yargar, of Murryville, Robert (Linda) Benner of Emlenton, Doug (Cindy) Yargar of Emlenton, and Patti Marshall of Knox, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, and 15 step great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters Nancy (Wray) Elder of Knox and Linda (Dick) Wagner of Knox, two sisters in law Sue Meier of Knox and Jo Ann Rowe of Knox and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his wives and parents Gerald was preceded in death by a son Jerry Meier, a stepson Robert Yargar, a granddaughter Sara Marie Altman, three brothers Don Meier, Robert Meier, Kenneth Meier, a sister Dorothy Dittman, a brother in law Neil Dittman and a sister in law Betty Meier.

There will be a memorial service at 2 P.M., Saturday April 12, 2014 at the Knox United Methodist Church with the pastor Dave Coul officiating.

The McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home Inc., 504 East Penn St., Knox is in charge of arrangements.

James E. Urey, 96, of Titusville, PA and formerly of Warren, PA died of a brief illness, Wednesday morning, April 2, 2014 at Titusville Hospital, Titusville, PA.

He was born August 8, 1917 in Franklin, PA. He was the son of the late James F. and Anna Stasis Hazlett Urey. James was a 1935 graduate of Corsica High School and served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II, serving with the 694th Medical Ambulance Corp as a Technician 5th Grade. He had resided in Warren for 43 years and was employed as a truck driver with Crossett Trucking, Inc. for 23 years and then was their dispatcher for 20 years retiring in 1983. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Warren American Legion Post 135, Joseph Warren Masonic Lodge where he was a 32nd degree member, Coudersport Consistory, Erie Shrine Club, Zem Zem Shrine. He was an avid hunter.

He is survived by his 2 daughters – Carol Lopez and husband, Jim of Warren, PA., Mary Anderson and husband, Larry of Mayville, N.Y., 1 Sister – Maxine Siers of Franklin, PA., 6 Grandchildren, 9 Step Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lucy Graham Urey whom he married March 31, 1939 in Oil City, PA. who died December 21, 2004, 1 Daughter – Patricia Urey Nelson, 1 Son – James R. Urey, 3 Sisters – Jenny Rodgers, Mary Eleanor Urey, Zeldean Urey Foster, 4 Brothers – Carl Robert Urey, William John Urey, Lyle “Pete” Urey, Frank Urey.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. Friday, April 4, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. where a funeral and committal service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 5, 2014 with Rev. Kevin Haley, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W. Funeral Detail and the U.S. Army personnel. Interment will be in Maultby Cemetery, Grand Valley, PA.

Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Disabled American Veterans, VA Regional Office, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Room 1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or the Warren Unit of the American Cancer Society, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com