Edward (“Eddie”) James Kee, 5, of Bowman Road, Franklin and Cooperstown Road, Cooperstown, got his wings at 6:20 p.m., on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

Born August 14, 2008 in Seneca, PA, Eddie was the son of Frank P. Kee, Jr. of Cooperstown and Carrie M. (Freer) Kee of Franklin.

Eddie was a preschool student at the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren in Christ Church, where he loved learning. He was overly excited to start Kindergarten this fall.

He was baptized at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and attended the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren in Christ Church.

Eddie had a love for life. He had a wonderful sense of humor and liked to tell his own silly jokes. He took care of his mom, was her “little man,” and always told her she was beautiful. Eddie liked to go hunting, fishing, and spotting deer with his dad. He loved riding 4-wheelers, tractors and his John Deere bike. He also enjoyed crafts, singing, dancing, picking fresh flowers, cooking, walking in the woods, and pinatas (“Pin-ya-yas”). Eddie also played T-Ball.

He was a “little worker,” caring and sympathetic and brought joy to everyone’s life. Eddie was an organ donor through CORE.

Everybody had a story of the “Eddie Factor.” He loved spending time with his family and his cousins. He especially loved and cared for his brothers.

In addition to his parents, listed above, Eddie is survived by his brothers, Frankie P. Kee, III and Bennie W. Kee; maternal grandparents, Ed and JoAnn Freer; paternal grandparents, Frank, Sr. and Stella Kee; uncles, Daniel Freer and his wife, Erin, Dennis Freer and his wife, Michelle, Doug Freer and his wife, Beth, and Jason Kee; and his aunts, Christine Allen, Cathy O’Haver her husband, Patrick, and Melissa Konetsky and her husband, Tom.

He is additionally survived and loved by his cousins, Cody Allen, Dylan Allen, Levi Freer, Anthony Freer, Derek Freer, Lane Freer, Jacob O’Haver, Gabi O’Haver, Grace Freer, Hannah Freer, Jalynne Konetsky, Juliana Konetsky, Jenna Konestsky, Shayla Kee, and Spencer Kee; and many special friends and classmates.

Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, from 3-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren In Christ Church, 160 Atlantic Avenue, Franklin, on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Small pastor of the church officiating.

Interment will be in Lamey Cemetery.

In Eddie’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County, c/o Camp Good Grief Programming, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323 and/or the Cooperstown and Oakland Volunteer Fire Departments.

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

John R. Rupert, Jr., 81, of Seneca, died at 3:50 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014 in the Clarion Hospital.

He was born in Oil City on October 1, 1932, to the late John Reuben and Wealtha Smoyer Rupert.

He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Venus.

John enjoyed the companionship of his pet dog.

Mr. Rupert was employed by the Pennzoil Refinery in Rouseville for over forty years.

He married Patricia M. Paup on June 9, 1962, and they were married almost 52 years.

At the time of Mr. Rupert’s death, he was survived by his wife, Patricia. Also surviving is a sister, Evelyn (Rupert) Heath of Rock Hill, S. Carolina; a brother, Dr. David A. Rupert and his wife Lois of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Paul H. Rupert and Glenn A. Rupert.

A memorial service to celebrate John and Patricia’s lives will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday (April 26th) at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1759 County Line Road in Venus, with the Rev. John Wood, church pastor, officiating.

Interment will follow in Venus Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1759 County Line Rd., Venus, PA 16364; or to a charity of one’s choice.

The Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca is completing funeral arrangements, and condolences may be submitted to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com

Patricia M. (Paup) Rupert, 80, of Seneca, died at 10:58 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2014 at UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie following a brief illness.

She was born on February 5, 1934 in Venus to the late John Arnold and Hazel Korb Paup.

She graduated from Shippenville High School and attended the Welsh Business School in Oil City.

Patricia was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Venus.

In her earlier years, she enjoyed bowling.

Mrs. Rupert was employed in the offices of Wolf’s Head Refining and Pennzoil in Oil City for many years.

She was married on June 9, 1962, to John R. Rupert, and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2014.

Surviving is a sister, Marian Dunkle of Huntington Beach, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Paup; and six sisters, Genevieve Morrison, Dorothy Bodnar, Wilma Jacobs, Elsie Miller, Betty Bean, and an infant sister, Ruby.

A memorial service to celebrate John and Patricia’s lives will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday (April 26th) at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1759 County Line Road in Venus, with the Rev. John Wood, church pastor, officiating.

Interment will follow in Venus Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1759 County Line Rd., Venus, PA 16364; or to a charity of one’s choice.

The Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca is completing funeral arrangements, and condolences may be submitted to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com

Betty R. Culbertson, 85, of Seneca, died Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Oil City.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc. in Seneca, Cranberry Township.

A complete obituary will be published as soon as it becomes available.

Ruby V. Harkless, 90, of Callensburg passed away at 3:00 PM Thursday afternoon (04-24-14) at her residence surrounded by her loving and caring family.

Born in Perry Township, Clarion Co. on May 29, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Jesse O. and Jenny Cope Best.
She was a longtime and devoted member of the Callensburg Church of God.

A graduate of the former Sligo High School, she spent many years with Sarah Coventry Jewelry Sales and later as a supervisor for Christmas Around the World. Ruby also had worked for the former Glass Containers Corp. of Parker, and retired after seven years in the dietary department of Clarview Home at Sligo.

She is survived by one daughter and husband, Regina and Larry Bowser of Callensburg with whom she made her home; one son and wife, James B. and Mary Harkless of Corsica; five grandchildren: Chloe and Afton Bowser, Brandon Breghenti, Brian and John Harkless; five great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five siblings: Loretta, Byron (Barney), Benjamin, Ed, and Eugene Best.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Saturday at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 So. Wayne Avenue, Parker, and from 1:30 to 2:30 PM Sunday at the Callensburg Church of God. Funeral services at 2:30 PM from the Church with Pastor Larry Rapp officiating. Burial will be at 9:00 AM Monday in the Callensburg Cemetery.

Betty Ruth Culbertson, 85, of Seneca, died at 10:40 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Oil City following an extended illness.

She was born in Bradford, McKean County, on April 14, 1929 to the late Lester E. Glass, Sr. and Julia H. (McCauley) Glass.

Mrs. Culbertson was of the protestant faith.

Betty enjoyed the company of her family and grandchildren, her outdoor flower gardens, taking trips to Benezette to see the elk, and playing card games with friends.

Mrs. Culbertson was employed at the Grandview Convalescent Home, now Golden Living Center, and worked in the housekeeping and kitchen departments for more than twenty years.

She was married in Erie on December 18, 1948 to Lee R. Culbertson, and he preceded her in death on January 9, 2010.

Surviving are three children, Robert L. Culbertson and his wife Mary Jo of Cranberry, Doris Manross and her husband Robert of Knox, and Patricia Ann Lawrence and her husband Terry of Mercer; six grandchildren, Julia Lefkovitz and husband Allen of Englewood, Ohio, Brian Culbertson and wife Kelly of Telford, Betty McDonnell and husband Joseph of Clarion, Bobbie Heller and husband Marcus of Knox, Jason Lawrence and wife Bree of Dawsonville, Georgia, and Jesse Lawrence of Rockland, Maine; three step-grandchildren, T.J. Jakubowski and wife Christy, Elizabeth Winters and husband Matt, and Laura White and husband Cody; and her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Kate, Joseph Aaron, and Amanda Jane Lefkovitz, Benjamin Elliot, Parker Joshua, and Sean William Culbertson, Kyle Anthony and Dylan James Ehrhart, Nathaniel Alexander and Ethan Joseph McDonnell, Samantha Lee, Cody Joseph, and Mareah Grace Heller, Joel Clifter, Grant Calvin, and Ivy Alyssa Lawrence, Bethany and Izzy Friel, and Alexander Joseph Jakubowski and Kylie Ann White.

Also surviving are two sisters, Jennie Morrison of Jackson, S. Carolina and Marjorie Gifford of Oil City; five brothers, Paul Glass and wife Mary, Robert Glass and wife Dorothy, Leroy Glass, Richard Glass and wife Mary, and Roger Glass and wife Barbara, all of Venus. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Esther Beck and Ethel Osborn; and four brothers, Charles, Lester, Lawrence, and James Glass.

Friends will be received Saturday (Apr. 26) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and also on Sunday (Apr. 27) from noon – 2 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township,

A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Sunday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Burdett, a retired Church of God pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Brandon Cemetery in Cranberry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, P.O. Box 96648, Washington, D.C. 20009-6648.

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

June M. O’Polka, 88, of Franklin, died on April 25, 2014.

Hartle Funeral Home in Franklin is handling arrangements.

Read full obituary: http://www.hartlefuneralhome.com/obituaries/opolka2.htm

William Donald Wilkinson, 75, of Lake Havasu City, died April 13. Born May 13, 1938 in Polk, Pa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Ester Wilkinson; first wife of 18 years, Barbara Matlock Wilkinson and his second wife of 25 years, Helen Lorraine McKissick.

He retired with more than 25 years of service at the U.S. Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg.

He was well known for his skilled carpentry and he was often found working on home improvements. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, traveling, dancing and he was an avid reader.

He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #2399 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Lake Havasu City.

William is survived by his significant other, Josephine Paight of Lake Havasu City; four children, Deborah Fritchey of Lake Havasu City, John McKissick (Carol) of Ellicott City, Md., Kim Wilkinson Shindle (Perry) of Mechanicsburg, Pa. and Constance Wilkinson Omo (Jerry) of Mililani, Hawaii; eight grandchildren, Derick Fritchey (Melissa) of Harrisburg, Pa., Ryan Fritchey of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Sean McKissick of Ellicott City, Md., Meredith McKissick of Ellicott City, Md., Kai Omo of Mililani, Hawaii, Kekoa Omo of Mililani, Hawaii, Virginia Johnson of Maryville, Tenn. and Katherine Shindle of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; two great-grandsons, Carson Etshied and Mac Mulroy; three brothers, Floyd Wilkinson (Gloria) of Polk, Pa., Frank Wilkinson (Deborah) of Polk, Pa. and Lewis Wilkinson (Joanie) of Utica, Pa.; sister, Janet Sebzda (Michael) of Whittman, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Carleen Wilkinson of Conneaut Lake, Pa., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and George Wilkinson and a sister, Lucille Moyer.

Thoughts and condolences can be sent to William’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.

Glenn M. “Dodie” Bailey, 81 of Hawthorn, died Thursday afternoon, April 24, at the Clarion Hospital.

He was born on October 6, 1932 in Oak Ridge and son of Mervin Charles and Lillian Mae (Minerd) Bailey. He was married on May 4, 1957 to Leoda B. (Wadding).

Glenn served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army. He worked for Hawthorn Manufacturing Company for 18 years and as a janitor for Hawthorn Elementary School for eleven years. He was a Little League coach for 12 years and a Boy Scout leader. He attended the First Church of God in New Bethlehem and was active as a Sunday School teacher for boys class ages 9 – 12 and an adult class. He was also a Pastor Prayer partner. He was a member of the Walter W. Craig Post # 354 American Legion of New Bethlehem. He enjoyed golfing and ballgames.

He is survived by his wife, Leoda B. Bailey of Hawthorn, a stepson, William Dinger of Hawthorn, a step granddaughter, Brenda Scott and her husband Charles, five step grandsons; Greg Troutman and his wife LuNeda, Bill Dinger and his wife Tammy, Kevin Dinger and his wife Laura, Todd Dinger and his wife Pam, and Jeremy Dinger and his wife Cindy, fifteen great grandchildren, and a brother, William “Husky” Bailey of Warren, Ohio, and numerous neices and nephews

Glenn was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers, Clifford Schritchfield and Jack Bailey, two sisters, Velma Hetzer and Donna Belle Davis, a step daughter-in-law, Gail Dinger and a step grandson, Dustin Dinger.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 27, from 4 – 8 at the Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 28, from the funeral home at 11:00 am with Pastor John Phillips officiating. Immediately following the funeral service, the Walter W. Craig Post # 354 American Legion of New Bethlehem will honor their fallen comrade. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Distant.

Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.alcornfuneralhome.com.

Linda Lee Davis, 64 of Tionesta, PA formerly of Hopewell Twp. passed away on April 24, 2014 with her loving family at her side.

She was born May 22, 1949 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late James and Sarah (Wright) Podmore.

Linda was a retired employee of Hopewell School District.

She is survived by her loving husband, Edward Davis two sons and two daughters-in-law: Edward and Rachel Davis Jr., Freedom, Noah and Jill Davis, Monaca, a cherished granddaughter, Mia Davis, a brother and sister-in-law Dan and Glenda
Podmore and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 28, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, Pa.

An additional visitation will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at SCOTH HILL UNION CEMETERY CHAPEL.

Interment will follow at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 3500 Brooktree Road, Suite 320, Wexford, PA 15090.

Kevin Harry Nosker, 58, of Crawford Ave., Polk, died at 12:09 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.

Born July 02, 1955 in Franklin, PA, Kevin was the son of the late Harry A. and Ellen Jane (Gordon) Nosker. At the age of 10, he began living with his father and stepmother, Alice Jean Brandt-Nosker.

On May 19, 1990 he married the former, Pamela K. Smouse-Heasley, who survives.

Mr. Nosker was a Vietnam War Era Veteran serving in the United States Navy, where he received the National Defense Service Medal.

Kevin was employed as an R.S.A. at Polk Center, retiring there after 18 years of service. He had also worked as an independent truck driver for five years

He attended the Polk United Methodist Church. Kevin was a member of the Polk Volunteer Fire Department for 46 years. He began volunteering at the age of 12 as a Junior Fireman.

Kevin enjoyed yard sales and flea markets, especially having his own and selling a carpet scrubber that he borrowed from his big sister, and also going to Sheetz for his morning coffee. He also enjoyed watching wrestling on television and his St. Bernards, Sampson and Sebastian. He took great pride in his truck, keeping it spotless and clean and washing it every three days.

In addition to his wife, Pamela K. Nosker of Polk, he is survived by children, Anthony Charles Heasley and his fiancee, Misty Monaco of Franklin, Brad Nosker of Lake City, PA, and Bobbie Jo Herrlich and her husband, Doug of Rouseville,; his sisters, Dotte Brooks and her husband, Gaylord of Polk, Sheila Sherman and her husband, Tom of Polk, and Cheryl Brouillette of Longanville, GA; and his grandchildren, Aiden Heasley of Franklin, who will miss his “Pop-Pop” and Ethan Herrlich of Rouseville.

He is additionally survived by lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who will miss “Unkie Kevin.”

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, listed above; his stepmother, Alice Jean Brandt-Nosker; stepson, Robert W. Heasley; granddaughter, Makenzie Herrlich; and brother-in-law, Dennis Brouillette.

Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Sunday, April 27, 2014 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Galloway United Methodist Church, 196 Seysler Road, Franklin, with the Rev. Roy Gearhart, pastor of the Church, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.

Interment will be in Old Sandy Cemetery .

In Mr. Nosker’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Polk Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Larry D. Boocks, 75, of Fertigs, died Saturday, April 26, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born November 6, 1938 at home in Fertigs, he was a son of the late Frank and Dorothy Oakes Boocks.

Larry was a truck driver for Pennzoil.

He enjoyed spending time with his companion Dottie Dunmire, collecting antiques, and playing music with his family.

Larry was one of the school children who was able to see Charles Lindbergh when he landed in Fertigs.

On September 14, 1957 he married the former Patricia Swartz, who preceded him in death on April 3, 2002.

Surviving are his loving companion, Dottie Dunmire; a son, David Boocks and his wife Debbie of Rocky Grove; a daughter, Julie Ann Boocks of Oil City; five grandchildren, Larry Boocks III, Alicia Boocks, Anna Buckley, Broock Winger, and Joseph Winger; and three great grandchildren.

Also surviving are his twin brother, Gary; three other brothers, Tom, William “Butch,” and Terry; and three sisters, Shirley Bupp, Jean Rodgers, and Elaine Stover.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Justin Boocks; a brother, Howard Boocks; and three sisters, Carol Keffer, Kathleen Rowan, and Doris Rancatore.

Family and friends may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11 am Wednesday with the Rev. Larry Bell, pastor of Messiah Baptist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Fertigs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Kirtland Foundation, PO Box 108, Franklin PA 16323 or to AseraCare Hospice, 1600 Penninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505.

Maxine Freer, 89, of Franklin, passed away at 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Hospice House in Meadville.

Born December 20, 1924 in Oil City, Maxine was the daughter of the late Warren Vern and Mabel Elizabeth Dille Titus. She was married May 13, 1944 to James E. Freer, who preceded her in death on March 21, 2008.

Mrs. Freer was a 1943 graduate of Oil City High School. She worked throughout her life at various jobs. She was a laborer at Morco, as secretary for Culligan Water Company, and worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove.

Mrs. Freer is survived by her 2 sons, Edward “Pete” Freer and his wife, JoAnn, of Franklin, and John “Jack” Freer and his wife, Patti, of Bigler, PA; her daughter, Sue Bavas of Edinboro; her 9 grandchildren, Christine Allen, Catherine O’Haver and her husband, Patrick, Daniel Freer and his wife, Erin, Dennis Freer and his wife, Michelle, Douglas Freer and his wife, Beth, Carrie Kee, Chelsee Bavas, Amanda Emm and Lucas Bavas; and her 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Beatrice Lake of Pittsburgh; her half-brother, Richard Titus; and her brother-in-law, Richard Morgan of Franklin.

In addition to her parents and husband, Maxine was preceded in death by her step-mother, Virginia Titus; her sisters, Lois Marvin, Hazel Popeski, and “Ike” Morgan; 2 infant brothers; and her great-grandson, Edward “Eddie” Kee.

Family and friends of Maxine will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Tuesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home following visitation with Rev. Ed Gresick, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove, presiding. Interment will be in Lamey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Marquette Hospice House – 13465 North Wayland Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

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

John W. Skehan, 62, of Marienville, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2014, with his loving wife at his side. He was married to Shelley Harris and she survives.

He was born November 9, 1951 in DuBois, PA, the son of the late William and Laura Skehan of Falls Creek, PA.

John earned degrees from Pennsylvania State University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock University. He worked with adjudicated youth in Marienville and Harrisburg, PA.

John was proud to serve his country as a Marine. He was a Vietnam Veteran.

In addition to his wife, Shelley, John is survived by Shelley’s son, Jedediah (JJ) Turton and his wife, Syndi, and their infant son, Andre William.

Also surviving are three sisters and their husbands; Patricia and Ricardo Chaves of Vacaville, CA; Catherine and Robert Soklowski of Treasure Lake, PA; and Jacqueline and Michael Jones of Danville, VA.

At John’s direction, there will be no public viewing. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials in John’s name may be directed to the Clarion County Ambulance Service, the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ronald McDonald Funeral Home in Marienville.

Robert E. Galbraith, 50, of New Bethlehem, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in West Palm Beach, FL.

He was born July 18, 1963 in Kittanning, PA, the son of Robert F. and Helen J. (Smeltzer) Galbraith.

Robert lived in the area for most of his life and was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church. He previously worked as a farmer and for years worked as a welder; he recently began working in the construction field. Robert enjoyed being outdoors, either mowing his lawn or working in his gardens, and also enjoyed hunting, fishing and many other sports.

He will be deeply missed by his mother, Helen J. Galbraith, of New Bethlehem; sister, Brenda Bollinger and husband, William, of Summerville, PA; niece, Nicole Bollinger; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Angus Rd., New Bethlehem, PA 16242.

Burial will be at Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery, New Bethlehem, PA.

Ella Mae Stone, 82, of Oil City, died following an extended illness on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Shippenville on November 13, 1931 to the late John Quincy Adam Bell and Amelia Agnes Cohlhepp Bell.

She was a 1949 graduate of Oil City High School.

Mrs. Stone was a member of the Oil City Moose Lodge and the Military Order of the Cooties -VFW Ladies Auxiliary, where she held various positions throughout the years.

She was a member of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Oil City.

Ella was a talented seamstress, enjoyed baking and making candy, playing card games, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She and her husband owned and operated the East End Upholstery Shop in Oil City for nearly thirty years.

She was married on September 23, 1950 to Richard Thomas Stone, and he preceded her in death on July 6, 1992.

She has three surviving daughters: Patricia McClellan and her husband Robert, Deborah Burgdorfer, and Cathy Lynn Voit and her husband David, all of Oil City; eight grandchildren, Bill Schell and wife Tisha, Melissa Burgdorfer, Robert McClellan, Catherine Detrich and husband Ezekiel, Mark Burgdorfer, Jr., Sara Guerra and husband Tyler, Anna Voit and Mary Voit; and eight great-grandchildren, Madison, Mya, Liam, Morgan, Jaidyn, Caleb, Ahren, and Brady.

Also surviving is her sister, Jessie Stover and husband Donald of Titusville; two brothers-in-law, Jim Wice and Robert Rode; and four sisters-in-law, Doris and Rose Bell and Charlotte and Bonnie Stone; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Peter and Katie Cohlhepp; paternal grandparents, George and Mary Bell; five sisters, Ima Hackett, Margie Findlay, Mary Haniwalt, Ada Wice and Agnes Rode; four brothers, George, Chester “Jim”, Robert “Deitz”, and John Bell; eight brothers-in-law, John, Jim, Edward, and Pat Stone, Red Hackett, Mutt Cropp, Howard Findlay, and Waldo Haniwalt; and six sisters-in-law, Isabel, Jessie, Mary Margaret, and Teresa Stone, Ann Thomas, and Delores Bell.

Friends will be received Wednesday (April 30) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Thursday (May 1) at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor of St. Stephen Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718

Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to the Venango County VNA Hospice, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin PA 16323.

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

Edward Daniel Fegert, age 79, of Callensburg, passed away Sunday evening, April 27, 2014 at the Grove City Hospital, after suddenly taking ill.

Born March 27, 1935 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Daniel and Ruth Thompson Fegert.

Ed was a graduate of Penn State and was involved in ROTC throughout his college years.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Ed held various jobs throughout his life including General Motors and Penn DOT and was a very active Republican since high school. He even shook hands with President Nixon.

Ed enjoyed target shooting and was a member and treasurer of the Pennsylvania Gun Owners and a member of the Berlin Bowser American Legion Post #720 of Knox.

He is survived by special friends, Barbara Songer, of Clarion and Jack Best and family of Callensburg.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2014 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014 in the funeral home with Ed’s close and longtime friend, Jack Best, speaking.

Military honors will be accorded by the Berlin Bowser American Legion Post #720 of Knox at the start of the service.

Interment will follow in the Callensburg Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to Ed’s friends at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

Marian S. Miller, 92, of Rouseville, died at 12:20 pm Monday, April 28, 2014, at Titusville Area Hospital.

Born June 22, 1921 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Reed A. and Bessie Campbell Simpson.

Mrs. Miller was a 1940 graduate of Oil City High School.

On August 10, 1940 she married LeRoy W. Miller, who preceded her in death on December 29, 1977.

Mrs. Miller ran the kitchen and volunteered for the Rouseville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and was an honorary member of the Rouseville Volunteer Fire Department.

She enjoyed bowling in the Ladybird League in Seneca.

Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Linda Miller of Oil City; three grandchildren, MariJo Merwin and husband Denton of Oil City; Robert Miller and wife Rachel of Valdosta GA, and Traci Goodman and husband Scott of Seneca; and 6 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are a nephew, Joseph Simpson and wife Ellen of Oil City; and three nieces, Margaret Simpson Daugherty of Oil City, Barbara Dunlap and Husband Richard of Oil City, and Sandra Lee Hutchison and friend Dick of Delavan NY.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert (Moose) Miller, 2 nieces, Joan McGinty and Mary Kay Villar; and a nephew, Charles R. Simpson.

At Marian’s direction, there will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of her family.

Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery.

The Morrison Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elaine A. Wensel, 84, of Sligo, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2014, at her daughter’s home in New Bethlehem.

Born June 30, 1929 in Clarington; she was the daughter of Russell and Gussie Dunkle Rex.

She was married to Samuel E. Wensel, and he preceded her in death.

Elaine was a homemaker and a loving mother.

She enjoyed needle work and spending time with her family and grandchildren.  She loved her pets, especially her bird, Charlie.

Surviving are four children, Susan A. Greenawalt and her husband, Dennis, of Clarion, Kathy Myers and her husband, John, of Sligo, Doris Thompson of New Bethlehem, and Samuel A. Wensel and his wife, Kendal, of Arkansas; eleven grandchildren; and a number of great grandchildren.

Also surviving is a sister, Doris Kapo of Monroeville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister, Marie Johnston.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral services will be held at later date.

Mary Ann Bennett, 80, of 2 Greeves Street, Kane, formerly of DeYoung, died unexpectedly Monday evening, April 28, 2014 at the Kane Community Hospital.

Born December 17, 1933 in Muzette, Forest County, she was the daughter of Lias and Gertrude Finlaw Irwin. She had been married to Samuel E. “Bud” Maze, who died in 1960. On July 31, 1965 in Kane, she married William Bennett, who survives.

Mary Ann had worked at Stackpole in Kane for over 26 years.

She was active in the community and in the First Baptist Church, where she had been secretary, treasurer, served on various boards, and belonged to the Church Women United. She also belonged to the Kane Senior Center.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are three daughters, Lois (Robert) Miller of Panorama City, Calif., Toni (John) Agens of Kane and Amy (Ken) Beers of DeYoung; two sisters, Jesse “Peg” Hoover of Lucinda and Genevieve “Midge” Confer of Kane; and her twin brother, James Irwin of Salamanca, N.Y. Two grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive.

Preceding her in death, besides her first husband and parents, are a son David Bennett, a granddaughter Heidi Agens, and five brothers and four sisters.

Friends may call at the Ronald McDonald II Funeral Home on Thursday from 10:00 until 11:30, and may attend a service at the First Baptist Church in Kane at noon with the rev. Bruce Kumher, pastor, and the rev. Bob Lynch, retired pastor there, co-officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 257, Kane, PA 16735.