Daniel Anthony “Spook” Molitoris, 77, of Tionesta, died Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at SouthWoods Assisted Living in Titusville following an extended illness.

Born Jan. 26, 1937, in Fredericktown, he was the son of the late Anthony “Tony” and Margaret Miller Molitoris.

Dan graduated May 25, 1955, from Bethlehem Joint High School in Fredericktown.
He enlisted May 31, 1955, in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of airman second class. Dan trained at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, earning a certificate of proficiency May 15, 1956, as a fire control systems mechanic (E-4, E-5, and E-6 series). He served the majority of his military tenure in England, France, and Tripoli. Dan was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge March 13, 1959.

He enlisted Dec. 1, 1960, as a cadet in the Pennsylvania State Police, graduating May 4, 1961, from the state police academy in Hershey after being promoted to the rank of trooper. Dan served his entire career at the former state police barracks in Tionesta, retiring in July 1992.
As a boy in Washington County, he developed a love of the outdoors and became an avid fisherman and hunter. He often recounted time spent with his Uncle Dan Molitoris fishing in the Monongahela River. Dan said he was drawn to Tionesta because of his love of the outdoors. It was there that he met his future bride, the former Donna Haller, at her mother and father’s store, Haller’s sporting goods and general merchandise.

Following his retirement from the state police, Dan worked several years as the Forest County director of Veterans Affairs.
He was an active member of the McCluskey-Roynan Memorial Lodge #61 of the Fraternal Order of Police. Dan also was an active member of the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 113 in Tionesta.
Dan spent his life in Tionesta involved in a variety of local service organizations. He was a member of the Tionesta Lions Club, having been involved with a variety of community improvement projects including the construction of the club’s Tionesta river walk and as a volunteer for the club’s chicken barbecue during the Tionesta Indian Festival. In later years, he joined the Tidioute Lions Club where he enjoyed his involvement with the club’s recycling program. Dan also was a former member of the Tionesta Recreation Board.
Throughout his life, Dan was known throughout the community as a gifted craftsman and woodworker. He was known to build extensive and large pieces of furniture for the family home and for friends. During recent Christmases, Dan would create dozens of intricate ornaments for friends and family members.

Dan was an avid reader, having been a faithful patron of the Sarah Stewart Bovard Memorial Library in Tionesta.

He was of the protestant faith, having been a member of the Tionesta Presbyterian Church.

Dan was married April 30, 1963, to the former Donna Jean Haller in the Washington Methodist Church at Frills Corners. The Rev. Sheridan T. Buck officiated. The couple celebrated 51 years of marriage this year with a renewal of their wedding vows at SouthWoods Assisted Living in Titusville.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of Titusville, are three sons: David Daniel Molitoris of Tionesta, John Ludwig Molitoris and his fiancée, Charlotte Sampson, of Mountainville, N.Y., and Michael Robert Molitoris of Houston. Also surviving are his sister- and brother-in-law, Kathy Stahlman of Tionesta, and Jack Haller of Hudson, Fla.

Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home in Tionesta.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, with the Rev. Randy Evans, chaplain of the Clarion-Forest VNA, officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Sarah Stewart Bovard Memorial Library, P.O. Box 127, Tionesta, 16353; to the Tionesta Lions Club, P.O. Box 535, Tionesta, 16353; or to the Tidioute Lions Club, P.O. Box 112, Tidioute, 16351.

Dan’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff members of Hospice of Crawford County and SouthWoods Assisted Living in Titusville.

Denton C. “Doc” Ashbaugh, 86, a well-known St. Petersburg resident, passed away at home at 4:30 a .m. Thursday morning, May 29, 2014.

Denton was born in St. Petersburg on September 3, 1927. He was the son of Paul C. and Myrna M. Master Ashbaugh. He was an active member of the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church and had served the church as a trustee for many years. For more than half a century Denton served on the board of directors and as sexton of the St. Petersburg Cemetery Association, and had been the association’s president since 1987. He had also served on the St. Petersburg water authority, had been a crew member for the former A-C Valley Ambulance Service, and was a long time member of the St. Petersburg Fire Department. Doc especially enjoyed helping the fire department with its annual picnic. Denton enjoyed the company of his family, horseshoes, western square dancing, bowling, and helping out at his family’s bowling alley, Bruin Lanes. He was a 1945 graduate of St. Petersburg – Richland Township High School. He had been employed for many years at the Parker Glass Plant, and later as a meat cutter at Linnon’s Foodland in Mariasville. He retired in 1990 from Thompson’s Market in Eau Claire.

Denton is survived by his wife Elizabeth A. “Betty” Linnon Ashbaugh, whom he married in St. Petersburg on September 21, 1949. Three children survive, Vickie L. Persic and her husband, Daniel A. of St. Petersburg, Dennis E. Ashbaugh and his companion, Cindy R. Dick of St. Petersburg, and Jeffery P. Ashbaugh and his wife, Rhonda L. of Butler; six grandchildren, Barry S. Barger and his wife, Renae of Sarver, Kayla N. and Joshua P. Ashbaugh, both of Butler, Angela M. Cardimona and her husband, Nick of Wilks-Barre, Mychael L. Davis and her husband, Bill of San Diego, CA, Danelle M. Persic and her companion, Jason Russell of Grove City; three great grandchildren, Michael, Olivia, and Bayley; four brothers, Paul D. Ashbaugh and his wife, Kathryn of St. Petersburg, James O. Ashbaugh and his wife, Rachel of Franklin, Larry “Butch” Ashbaugh and his wife, Mary Lynn of Bristolville, OH, Richard Ashbaugh and his wife, Carol of Faulkner, NY; two sisters-in-law, Mary Margaret Ashbaugh of Boardman, OH, and Margaret Hoover and her husband, Daryl of Lancaster, SC, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ashbaugh was preceded in death by a brother, Keith; two sisters and their husbands, Madelyn and Sheldon Morrison and Norma and Eugene McHenry, and a brother-in-law, William Linnon and his wife, Fern.

Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church, Church St., St. Petersburg. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. from the church with the Rev. Dan Myers, church pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Petersburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Mr. Ashbaugh’s name may be made to the St. Petersburg U.M.C., P.O. Box 281, St. Petersburg, PA 16054 or to the St. Petersburg Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 225, St. Petersburg, PA 16054. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home Inc. of St. Petersburg. To send a condolence, please visit hilefh.com

Beverly A. Burns, 91, of Beaver Falls, formerly of Clintonville, passed away May 26, 2014 at Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls.

Born May 9, 1923 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of Harry H. Becker and Margaret A. (St. John) Becker. Mrs. Burns was a graduate of Oliver High School in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Academy for Secretarial Training. She was employed by Pennsylvania Railroad and Allegheny Airlines. Upon moving to Clintonville, Beverly worked for the Venango Training Center in Franklin as a secretary. Beverly was a longtime member of Clintonville United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent. In later years she attended the First Presbyterian Church in Darlington, Pa. “Her favorite activities were playing cards and sharing meals with her friends in Clintonville and, more recently, in Beaver Falls.”

Mrs. Burns was pre- deceased by husbands William Riddle and Robert Burns, and step- granddaughter Tanya Eddy.

She is survived by her children: Barry W. Riddle and wife Terrie of Clintonville, Robert B. Riddle and wife Deb of Beaver Falls, Bruce W. Riddle and wife Kim of South Carolina, step children Norma Kehr and husband Raymond of Beaver and Marsha Benetti and husband Joseph of Darlington, PA. Also surviving are grandchildren: BJ, Skylar, Audrey, Christina, Sarah and step-grandchildren: Tina ,Trisha, Tracy and Jason.

Funeral Service will take place at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton Street, Clintonville Pa on Monday June 2, 2014, at noon.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:30 till time of service at noon.

Burial will take place at the Clintonville Methodist Cemetery, Clintonville Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Rd, Monaca, PA 15061. Condolences may also be left for the family by visiting mckinleyfuneralhome.net.

Shannon O’Laughlin, 47, of Oil City, died on May 22, 2014.

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

Irene A. Sedwick, 89, of Tionesta, died late Sunday afternoon at Golden LivingCenter in Shippenville. Born February 3, 1925 in McKees Rocks, she was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Podsiadley.

She was married to Chester C. Sedwick and he preceded her in death on February 14, 1999.

Mrs. Sedwick was a teacher who taught 1st through 6th grade at St. Columbkille School in Imperial, PA from 1963 – 1969.

She enjoyed baking and ran a successful business making specialty cakes in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. Mrs. Sedwick moved to Tionesta in 1991 after retiring as head baker at Carnegie-Mellon University.
Baking was her life for many years and she also taught adult education courses in cake decorating for 10 years. She loved animals of all kinds.

The Sedwick’s moved to Tionesta in 1992, after retiring.

Mrs. Sedwick was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Imperial and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Tionesta.

Mrs. Sedwick is survived by a son, John Sedwick and his wife, Lisa, of Walla Walla, Washington. She is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Alleah & Bridger Sedwick.

In addition to her parents and husband, Irene was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda L. Sedwick and a brother, Stanley Podsiadley.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Christopher Charles Fry, 41, an innocent soul, died at 6:40 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2014 at Polk Center, where he had resided for the past 25 years.

A son of Edwin and Betsy Illar Fry he was born in Indiana, PA on April 7, 1973.

Chris was athletic, graceful in movement and had an amazing sense of balance. He enjoyed skiing and riding anything with wheels. He was well-known for pirouetting while walking.

He is survived by his parents of Indiana, PA and a brother Douglas at Polk Center.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Everyday Café at Polk Center on Tuesday June 3, 2014 at 2:45 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Manning presiding.

Interment will be made in the Oakland Cemetery, Indiana, PA.

Memorial donations if desired may be sent to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, 4371 Northern Pike, Monroeville PA 15146.

Timothy Mark Simpson, age 55, of Bloomsburg, PA, formerly of East Brady, PA, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2014.

He was born on January 16, 1959, in Butler, PA, the son of Junior B. and Vivian B. (Walmer) Simpson.

Tim was born and raised in East Brady and was a 1977 graduate of East Brady High School. He was employed by Kawneer Corporation, a division of Alcoa Aluminum.

Among Tim’s circle of friends and family he was known for his outgoing personality, his love of life and Facebook, and staying connected with people. His life was blessed by many steadfast friendships. Everyone knew him as an excellent athlete who enjoyed playing sports as much as he did watching them. He loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and faithful follower of the Pittsburgh sports teams. Tim was, above all else, a man who loved his family. He had a special place in his heart for his main man, Monster, his daughter’s Labrador retriever. Tim was a loving husband, caring father and good friend, and will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he has touched.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 26 years, Jami (Elder) Simpson, whom he married October 17, 1987; daughter, Stephanie Zeiber and husband, Jeffrey, of Virginia Beach, VA; mother, Vivian Simpson, of Brookville; brothers, Lanny Simpson and wife, Sharyn, of Williamsburg, VA, Richard Simpson and wife, Marsha, of Sligo, and Randy Simpson and wife, Sheryl, of Williamsburg, VA; special nephew who was like a son and best friend to him, Jeff Simpson, of Strattanville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tim was preceded in death by his father; brother, Gary Simpson; infant brothers, Jack and Joseph Simpson; sister, Shari Simpson; and infant sister, Karen Simpson.

Relatives and friends may visit from 2-8 PM on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 758 Main Street, Rimersburg.

Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at the Grace Community Church, Curllsville, PA, with Pastor Dan George officiating.

Burial will immediately follow in Rimersburg Cemetery, Rimersburg, PA.

A memorial service will also be held honoring Tim’s life on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 2 PM at the Bloomsburg Christian Church, 107 Deussen Drive, Bloomsburg, PA. A small reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s honor to Hunter’s Hope Foundation, PO Box 643, 6368 West Quaker Street, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

Helen T. Yarnell, 96, of Keely Road, Franklin, passed away Monday, June 2, 2014.

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

Mr. James Lloyd Wheeling, 41, of Chicago, IL, passed away suddenly Sunday, June 1, 2014, from a massive heart attack while in route to the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

James was born on September 13, 1972, at the Franklin Hospital to Michael A. Sr. and Sandra K. Uber Wheeling.

He was a graduate of Maplewood High School, class of 1991. Following graduation James entered the US Marine Corp. where he served for 6 years as a mechanic during desert storm from September 1991 to September of 1997. After being honorably discharged he moved to Detroit, MI and attended Davenport University. In May of 2008, Jim graduated with high honors and a degree in business management.

James was hired by the Secret Service Department and assigned the counterfeiting department and also served on protection details for the Chicago field office where he has been an agent for the past 5 years.

He enjoyed working on cars, rooting for his Detroit Tigers, and reading.

James is survived by his parents of Titusville; his wife Laura Kosh Wheeling of Chicago, IL, whom he married on March 2, 2013; two sons, Nickolas and Austin Wheeling of Detroit, MI; a step-son, Darius Airo of Chicago; a brother, Michael “Andy” Wheeling and his wife Kim of Townville; two sisters, Kelly Peters and husband Earl of Townville, Beth Proper and husband Mike of Titusville; 4 nephews, 3 nieces, the mother of his sons, Annetta Wheeling of Detroit, MI; several aunts and uncles, and his dogs, Fawn and Star.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clinton and Sara Uber, and Lloyd and Irene Wheeling.

Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St., Titusville on Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and attend the funeral service from the funeral home on Thursday at 11:00 AM with Mrs. Jacqueline Wagner, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite military organization.

Wilfred H. “Willie” Guth 75, a well-known Franklin business man and avid golfer passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 1, 2014.

Born September 6, 1938 in Oil City, he was a son of the late Irvin and Mary Dechant Guth.

He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Oil City.

Willie was a true self-made man. He began working in the automotive industry over 50 years ago, starting out as a wash boy at the former Howard Voit Chevrolet and worked his way up to general manager and eventual owner of the dealership.

In 1977 he opened Allegheny Toyota in Franklin and had continued to be active in the daily operations of the business until his passing.

Mr. Guth was very active in the community serving on the board of directors at VNA of Venango County, VARHA and many other community organizations over the years.

Willie loved to golf, and could frequently be seen playing at Wanango Golf Club. He traveled throughout the United States playing golf with family and friends at some of the most landmark golf courses including Pebble Beach.

He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, wildlife, working on his farm. Willie and his wife Nancy shared a strong passion for horses.

He proudly served his country with the United States Army Reserves.

Mr. Guth was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church in Franklin.

On December 31, 1960 he married the love his life the former Nancy McFadden at St. Venantius Church in Rouseville, and she survives.

Also surviving are three children; Stephen S. Guth and his wife Robyn of Franklin, Michael P. Guth and his wife Sarah of Franklin and Michelle L. Blass and her husband Guy of Pittsburgh; three sisters; Marietta Brumbaugh and her husband Bud, Deleen Foy and her husband Joseph, and Ardelle Leonard and her husband Gerald; four brothers, Donald Guth, Dwight Guth and his wife Nancy, Calvin Guth and his wife Sue Ann and Kurt Guth and his wife Karen.

Additionally surviving are seven grandchildren; Joshua Guth, Ryan Guth, Danielle Guth, Alexander Guth, Andrew Guth, William Blass and Michael Blass.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Samantha Guth.

Family and friends welcome Thursday from 12:00 – 4:00 P.M. & 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.

A vigil service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home with Deacon Richard O’Polka of St. Patrick Church, officiating.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church on Friday June 6, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Msgr. John Herbein as Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, 4371 Northern Pike, Monroeville PA 15146 or VARHA 150 Wagner Drive Franklin PA 16323.

Frank B. Clark, 60, of 305 1/2 Central Avenue ,Oil City died at 7:00 AM , Sunday, June 01, 2014.

Born January 16, 1954 in Franklin, Frank was the son of the late James and Shirley (Kelley) Clark.

He attended Cranberry High School and graduated from Oil City High School in 1972.

Frank retired in 2013 after working for 40 years for GTE-Verizon.

He was a member of the Franklin Eagles #328 and Oil City Aeries Eagles #283, the PNA Club, the Franklin VFW Jesse Greer Post # 1835 and the Franklin Moose Lodge #83.

Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, playing pool, Blue Grass & Country music, singing Karaoke, and spending time with his friends.

Frank is survived by his sons, Jonathan Clark & his wife, Christina, of State College, and Matthew Clark and his wife, Gracie, of Oil City; his daughter, Kristen Beers and her husband, David, of Franklin; his brother, Mitch Clark and his wife, Linda, of Franklin; his sister, Leslie Clark of Franklin; and his sweet-heart, Carol Davis of Utica, and her grandchildren, Gage and Alicia Hawke of Utica .

He is additionally survived by his grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kiley Clark of Oil City, Abigail and Hannah Clark of State College, Tenley and Alaina Beers of Franklin, and a long anticipated grandson due in June ; his nephew, J. Devon Clark and his wife Sarah of Sandy Lake; and his nieces, Kelly Clark of Franklin and Shannon Anderson and her husband, Jeff.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, J. Daniel Clark.

Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Thursday, June 5th, 2014, from 3:00PM – 7:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, June 6th, 2014 at Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., with Rev. Bruce Davis pastor of the Calvary United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery.

In Frank ‘s memory, memorial donations may be made to Easter Seals PO Box 231, Franklin, PA 16323 and/or the Salvation Army, 8th Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

Mary Margaret Kleck Pilewski, 73, passed away peacefully after an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 2 at 2:40 a.m. at Oakwood Heights, a Presbyterian Homes Community, Oil City, PA.

Mary was born January 16th 1941 in Rouseville, Pa, the daughter of Bernard John and Genevieve Karg Kleck.

She attended Saint Stephen Grade School and was a 1958 graduate of Saint Joseph High School, Oil City, PA. After graduating from high school, she held a position at Barr’s Insurance, worked at First Seneca Bank, and later was a Teacher’s Aide for the Oil City School District. For nearly 10 years Mary functioned as the Tax Assessor for the City of Oil City. She then chose to pursue her greatest passion, giving her full time and attention to love, nurture and care for her children and grandchildren.

A lifelong member of Saint Stephen Parish, she was an active member of the Altar Rosary Society. She participated in many parish activities: Prayer Chain, the “Welcome Home Ministry”, and BINGO. She volunteered her help at numerous church festivals and fundraisers for Saint Stephen & Venango Christian High School.

On July 27, 1977, Mary wed her devoted and loving husband, Victor James Pilewski, who survives. She is also survived by six children: Joe Schwab and wife Linda, Oil City; Rachael Myers and husband Joe of Granger, IN; Liz Brewer and husband Dan of Erie, PA; Marj Kalamajka and husband Jerry, Oil City; Doug Schwab and Cindy of Gibsonia, PA.; and Victor John Pilewski, MD, Lexington, KY. She is also survived by her sisters: Judy Huefner and husband Rich, Spartanburg SC; Catherine Gates, Oil City; and Patricia Bates, Meadville, PA. She is also survived by two brothers: John Kleck and wife Juana, North Hills, PA; David Kleck, Beaver Falls, PA; two sisters-in-law: Paula Kleck., Grove City, PA, and Karen Kleck, Erie, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents Bernard John Kleck and Genevieve Karg Kleck Weaver and step-father Lester Weaver, two brother’s; William Kleck and Michael Kleck, and brother-in-law Robert Gates.

Mary will be dearly missed by her husband Vic, her six children and seventeen grandchildren: Emily, Taylor, and Hillary Schwab, Erin, Sean, Sarah, and Kathryn Myers, Danielle Vascovich, Meagan White, Ashley Brewer, John and Robynn Milewski, Ethan Brewer, Ryan and Sadie Kalamajka, Katrina and Lauren Schwab, and great-grandson Connor Vascovich. She loved and was loved by many nieces and nephews who knew her as Aunt “Sis”.

Mary had many interests including flower and vegetable gardening, canning, interior decorating, sewing and baking. She was also an avid bird watcher and enjoyed playing the piano. Known for her generous hospitality, Mary always provided an open and welcome home for family and friends. The family’s most fond and cherished memories with Mary are countless family celebrations and family vacations at Onchiota, in the New York Adirondacks.

Visitations will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Reinsel Funeral Home and Crematory, 116 Bissell Ave, Oil City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Thursday in St. Stephen Church, 21 State Street, Oil City with Fr. Matthew Ruyechan and Msgr. Andrew Karg, Cousin of Mary’s Concelebrating.

Memorials can be made to St. Stephen Church; Second Century Fund, 210 Reed Street, Oil City; National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33131 or Oakwood Heights, 10 Vo-Tech Drive Oil City.

William Wayne Singleton, 72, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Franklin, passed away on May 23, 2014, after a short illness.

Lloyd F. Leadbetter, 83, of Kittanning, formerly of Strattanville, died on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at the Concordia Health and Human Care in Cabot.

Born on February 26, 1931 in Corsica; he was the son of John A. and Pearl M. Ambill Leadbetter.

He was married on June 28, 1986 to the former Patsy Hidinger, and she survives.

Lloyd worked as an Iron Worker Field Supervisor for Adams Steel Erection and retired after 40 years.

He was a member of the Good Shepard Church in Leeper. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #342 of Coudersport and Iron Workers Local #3 of Pittsburgh.

Lloyd enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He loved his family and spending time with his 39 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Gary Leadbetter and his wife, Mary, of Freeport; two daughters, Marsha Walker and her husband, Larry, of Kittanning, and Diane Renshaw of St. Petersburg, FL; two stepsons, Donald Atwood Jr. of Kittanning and Terry Atwood of York; and a stepdaughter, Sharon Clark of Euclid, OH.
Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. John Goldie Chittester of Day City and Mrs. Patsy Hileman and her husband, William, of Day City; and two brothers, Leroy Leadbetter and his wife, Jean, of Mayport and Wayne Leadbetter and his wife, Judy, of Kossuth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Raymond Leadbetter, Melvin Leadbetter, and Clarence Leadbetter; and two sisters, Clara Luther and Ethel Champion.

A private visitation and funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at the Asbury Methodist Church with Rev. Sam Wagner, Associate Pastor of the Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, officiating.

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

Interment will be held in the Asbury Cemetery in Day City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations can be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.

Mary K. Flickinger, formerly of Limestone, passed away on June 3, 2014 at the Saxony Health Center in Saxonburg PA. She was 91 years old.

Born on July 5, 1922, in Limestone, Clarion County, she was the daughter of the late James and Hazel (George) Edder. After graduating from Clarion-Limestone High School, she married Homer C. Flickinger on June 5, 1942. They were married for 62 years before he preceded her in death in 2004.

Mary was a homemaker and mother who devoted her life to her family and community. She was a member of the Limestone Township Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, the Tellstar Radio Club and the New Rehoboth – Greenville Presbyterian Church.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Donald, and his wife Brenda, of Missouri, Duane, and his wife Betsy, of Bairdford PA, and John, of State College; her five grandchildren, Colleen Ogg, Nathan Flickinger, Shawn Flickinger, Shannon Flickinger, and Amy Flickinger; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a sister, Helen Cramer.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion where Mary’s family will have visitation from 6-8pm on Thursday, June 5 and 10-11am on Friday, June 6. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on the same day at the funeral home with Rev. James Dietrich, pastor of New Rehoboth – Greenville Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will be in the New Rehoboth Cemetery.

Friends and family may send online condolences, share memories, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory website at www.goblefh.net.

Mary Christine Scott, age 64, of Strattanville, PA. passed away on June 3, 2014 in the Clarion Hospital.

She was born in Saginaw, MI on April 8, 1950 to the late William Addison Kendrick, who died March 3, 2014, and H. Jane (Brackney) Kendrick who survives.

Mary worked as a visiting nurses aide for 15 years and a teacher’s aide for 20 years. She was of the Methodist faith.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her daughters, Marianne Riley (Jim) of Jefferson Hills, PA, and Miranda Scott of Strattanville; and her sister, Nancy Kendrick of Cincinnati, OH.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion where visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 10:00 AM till time of services at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ray Peters of Kirkman Church of Brookville, officiating. Interment will be in the Clarion Cemetery.

Friends and family may send online condolences, share memories, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory website at www.goblefh.net.

Timothy Patrick Carson, of Oil City, the attentive and adored father of Nicholas Patrick and Logan Louis Carson of Tampa, Florida, died in Pittsburgh on June 3, 2014 in the constant company of his family and his much beloved partner and friend, Paula Johnson.

Tim was born at Franklin on October 24, 1964, the fourth child of Lawrence B. Carson and the late Kathryn Heher Carson. He attended Franklin High School, where he excelled at basketball, football and baseball, and graduated in 1983. Tim attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business in 1987.

He initially worked with his brother John and brother-in-law Deron Farina for The Prudential Insurance Company in Pittsburgh for 8 years before returning to Venango County in 1995 to manage and own Seneca Bowling Lanes and raise his sons at their home on West First Street in Oil City. In 2012, Tim made the decision to sell Seneca Lanes and joined the sales team at AlturnaMATS, Inc., where he worked as an Account Manager.

Tim was an avid outdoorsman and skilled fisherman who greatly enjoyed the many streams, rivers and lakes in the Allegheny watershed, and he spent many memorable hours with Paula on his boat surrounded by their wonderful friends and neighbors. Tim was a steadfast coach and role model for his sons in a time where such examples are increasingly scarce, and selflessly gave his time, teaching and talent to his 13 nieces and nephews scattered around the Western Pennsylvania region. He lived well and lived for his family, and was never happier than in his time on the Allegheny River, Chautauqua Lake and the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to his sons Tim ia survived by his father, Larry and his wife Susan of Seneca; his faithful sister, Julie Farina of Murrysville; and three brothers who willsorely miss him for the rest of their lives: Chris, John and Mark (all of Pittsburgh).

Paula and the family will hold a private memorial service later in the summer.

Ronald J. Knauf, 49, of 132 Apricot Drive ,Cranberry died at 9:00 PM Tuesday ,June 3, 2014 at UPMC-Presbyterian.

Born October 13, 1964 in Greenville, Ronald was the son of Robert Evans and Lois Kerr both of Oil City.

Ronald was a truck Driver.

He was a member of the Franklin VFW Jesse Greer Post #1835.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, NASCAR, fishing, hunting, camping, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ronald is survived by his sons, Nicholas J. Knauf and his fiancee Brenda McVay of Franklin, Tyler L. Knauf of New York, New York, and Kyle L. Knauf of Boyers; and his grandchildren, Diamond Rose Knauf and Cyrus James Knauf of Franklin and Jenna McVay, Jessey McVay and Joel Shreffler of Cranberry.

He was preceded in death by his cousin James Mast.

Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 3:00-4:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home following visitation at 4:00 PM, with Rev. Roger Overmyer, officiating.

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

Rita A. Aaron, 86, died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday June 4, 2014 at Sugar Creek Station where she had been residing.

A daughter of Alfred and Irene Deslinger Weaver she was born in Clarion County on July 19, 1927. She was a graduate of Shippenville High School.

A homemaker and full time mother Mrs. Aaron had also worked in the bakery department of the Franklin Riverside and BI-LO markets.

She was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church. She took special care to launder the altar linens.

“Grammy”, as she was known to many, was always ready to baby sit or care for youngsters after school until their parents came home from work and always seemed to have a cookie available. She served as a Brownie leader for many years aided by her quick wit and sense of humor. She particularly enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren.

On July 28, 1948 she married Walter A. Aaron; he preceded her in death on January 5, 1975. Surviving are six daughters, Mary Jane Craig and her husband John, Candy Miller and her husband Kris, Betty Lingler and her husband Ed all of Franklin, Connie Cunningham and her husband Glenn, Rita Leopard and her husband David of FL, and Kathy Lafon and her husband Bob of Saxonburg; 11 grandchildren; Jonelle Shipley and her husband Mark, Jessica Carty and her husband Jamie, Lindsey Smith and her husband Dean, K. C. Miller and his wife Natalie, Chase Miller and his wife Leigh, E. J. Lingler, Nicholas Lingler and his wife Katy, Amanda Haag and her husband Brad, Chelsey Meade and her husband Dave, Morgan Leopard and Michael leopard, 5 great-grandchildren; Julia and Ellie Shipley, Easton and Nolan Miller and Joey Holroyd. Also surviving are a brother Leo Weaver and his wife Kay and a sister-in-law Rosemary Weaver.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a daughter Virginia Marie Aaron, a son Steven P. Aaron, a sister Alice Shreffler and two brothers Willis and Merle Weaver.

Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 W.Park St. from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday. A vigil service will be held at 3:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church at 11 a.m. Saturday with Monsignor John J. Herbein presiding.

Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.

Her family is grateful for the care and loving support Rita received from the staff at Sugar Creek Station.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Patrick Church Building Fund, 949 Liberty St.,Franklin PA 16323.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rita A. Aaron please visit www.huffchapel.com.

Gerald Thomas Sawatsky, 82, of Pittsfield, died Sunday, June 1, 2014, at his home.

Born December 22, 1931 in Oil City, he was a son of the late Ferdinand J. and Sarah A. Moyer Sawatsky.

He served in the US Army, with the Sixth Armored Division stationed at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri.

Mr. Sawatsky retired from National Forge in Erie.

He is survived by four siblings, Mary Marvin of Anderson IN, Janet Miller of Butler, Donald Sawatsky of Erie and Shirley Carson of Oil City; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Fred E. Sawatsky and a sister Dorothy M. Reisinger.

At his request there will be no visitation and services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Morrison Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a charity of one’s choice.

To send online condolences please visit www.morrisonhome.com.