Local news for Mercer County, Pa., and the Shenango Valley (2024)

Mr. Achenbach retired after 47 years as a carpenter, employed by Local 268 of the Carpenters union, Sharon. Additional information was given to The Herald.

ACHENBACH
Kenneth K., 69, of 3531 Tamara Trail, Hermitage.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-11-00) in HAROLD W. STEVEN- SON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Faye Barca, pastor of Clark Trinity United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.

Obituary information was incomplete.

CURTIS
George W., 74, Crestview Drive, Pymatuning Township.
Arrangements will be announced by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.

Charles W. Dixon, Fellowship Manor, Grove City, formerly of Baldwin, Allegheny County, died at 10:15 p.m. Saturday (12-9-00) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, following a 4½-month illness. He was 80.

Mr. Dixon was born Sept. 3, 1920, in Whitehaven, England, to Joseph and Mary Wilson Dixon.

He retired after more than 42 years from Mesta Machine Co., West Homestead, Pa., where he was a pattern shop assistant.

An Army veteran, Mr. Dixon served during World War II.

He was a member of Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Anna Mae Pahler, whom he married Feb. 14, 1942; two sons, Ronald, Aiken, S.C.; and Thomas, Grove City; two sisters, Josephine Robinson and Catherine Wintruba, both Munhall, Pa.; two brothers, John, Hernando, Fla.; and James, Chandler, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

DIXON
Charles W., 80, Grove City, formerly of Baldwin, Allegheny County.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City, with the Rev. James A. Wiley, senior associate pastor, as celebrant.
Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.

BEAVER -- Steven P. Fister, Passavant Memorial Group Homes, Ellwood City, formerly of 313 Patt Drive, Farrell, died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday (12-10-00) in The Medical Center following an extended illness. He was 50.

Mr. Fister was born Sept. 20, 1950, in Sharon to Steve and Armenia DePascal Fister.

He attended Farrell area schools.

Mr. Fister was a Catholic and a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 126, Farrell.

Surviving are: his parents, Farrell; and a sister, Mrs. Michael (Francine) Sheil, Canton, Ohio.

FISTER
Steven P., 50, Ellwood City, formerly of 313 Patt Drive, Farrell.
Calling hours: 3 p.m. to time of service Tuesday (12-12-00) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.
Service: Funeral service at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Victor Maksimowicz, Order of Friars Minor, pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICE, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.

Obituary information was incomplete.

HUBBARD
Bernice, 69, of 16700 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, formerly of Masury.
Arrangements will be announced by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.

DAVIE, Fla. -- William J. Morris, Davie, formerly of Grove City, died Friday morning (12-8-00) at home. He was 54.

Mr. Morris was born May 15, 1946, in Camden, N.J., to William and Mildred Morris Morris.

He was vice president of treatment for 23 years at George Junior Republic, Pine Township.

Recently, he was recipient of an honorary degree from Vermont Law School.

Surviving are: two sons, William J. III, Waterbury, Vt.; and Sean Shultz; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Law School, Attention: Kinvin Wroth, Box 96, South Royalton, Vt. 05068.

MORRIS
William J., 54, Davie, Fla., formerly of Grove City.
Calling hours: 9 a.m. to time of service Tuesday (12-12-00) in GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE, 126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, N.J.
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Local memorial service at 7 p.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in the chapel of George Junior Republic, Pine Township.
Entombment: Calvary Mausoleum, Cherry Hill, N.J.

Terrence Patrick McGowan, 415 Baldwin Ave., Sharon, died unexpectedly at 12:15 a.m. Sunday (12-10-00) at home. He was 51.

Mr. McGowan was born July 30, 1949, in Sharon to Edward P. and Mona LaRue Milliron McGowan.

The 1967 alumnus of Sharon High School graduated in 1971 from Thiel College, Greenville.

A standout football player in high school and college, Mr. McGowan also played for the original Shenango Valley Blasters semi-pro team.

He was a partner for four years at Future Building of America, Farrell; and previously for three years was a partner in Ski Brothers Construction Co., Brookfield.

Mr. McGowan was owner for 30 years of the former T.P. McGowan Construction Co., Sharon; and was a longtime member and senior official of Natural Strength Association.

His hobbies included watching football, weightlifting and photography.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Cynthia "Cyndie" Vuich, whom he married July 30, 1983; his father, Transfer; a sister, Linda Baldwin, Columbus, Ohio; and a brother, Brian, Transfer.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and two brothers, Jack, who died in 1997; and Kevin, who died earlier this year.

McGOWAN
Terrence Patrick, 51, of 415 Baldwin Ave., Sharon.
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.
Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICE, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.

Elizabeth N. Murdock, formerly of 294 Donation Road, Hempfield Township; and Ligonier, Pa., died at 3:35 a.m. Sunday (12-10-00) in White-Cliff Nursing Home, Hempfield Township. She was 98.

Mrs. Murdock was born Sept. 20, 1902, in Westmoreland County to Victor and Hulda Osterberg Nordstrom.

She attended the New England Conservatory of Music and for more than 60 years taught piano out of her home.

Mrs. Murdock was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Greenville; and Order of the Eastern Star, Ligonier.

Her husband, Charles M. Murdock, whom she married in September 1923, died Feb. 17, 1957.

Surviving are: a son, Rodney F., Greenville; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Charles E.; and three brothers, Roy Edgar and Cecil Nordstrom.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 101 Donation Road, Greenville 16125; or the American Heart Association, 3168 E. State St., Hermitage 16148.

MURDOCK
Mrs. Charles M. (Elizabeth N.), 98, formerly of 294 Donation Road, Hempfield Township; and Ligonier, Pa.
Calling hours: 12:30 p.m. to time of service Tuesday (12-12-00) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
Service: Funeral service at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Donald Johnson, Greenville, officiating.
Burial: Ligonier Valley Cemetery.

Mary S. Shields Urey, 440 White Lane, Findley Township, formerly of Wolf Creek Township, died at 4:53 p.m. Saturday (12-9-00) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, following a brief illness. She was 80.

Mrs. Urey was born July 25, 1920, in Armstrong County to John Francis and Dora Barnhart Shields.

She retired as a baker in the food service department of Slippery Rock University.

Mrs. Urey was affiliated with First Church of God, Grove City; and enjoyed yard sales and collectibles.

Her husband, Clyde M. "Shorty" Urey, whom she married Jan. 20, 1937, died June 14, 1978.

Surviving are: two sisters, Mrs. Gaylord (Marge) Adams, Hubbard; and Betty Shields, Mercer; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Donald L. and Wayne C. Sr.; three sisters, Esther Redmond, Olive Thompson and Florence Shields; and three brothers, William, Clarence and Earl Shields.

UREY
Mrs. Clyde M. "Shorty" (Mary S. Shields), 80, of 440 White Lane, Findley Township, formerly of Wolf Creek Township.
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Carl Nicklas, pastor of North Hills Church of God, Pittsburgh, officiating.
Burial: South Plain Grove (Township) Cemetery, Lawrence County.

Donald L. Wilt, 110 Bush Road, Otter Creek Township, died at 12:15 p.m. Sunday (12-10-00) at home following an extended illness. He was 64.

Mr. Wilt was born May 22, 1936, in Franklin to Helen Baylan.

He was owner and operator of the former Wilt's Coffee Service, which he operated out of his home.

A Protestant, Mr. Wilt was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Surviving are: his wife, the former June M. Swartzlander, at home; a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Carol) Miller, Jamestown; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Brad (Mary) Campbell, North Richland Hills, Texas; and Mrs. Ted (Brenda) Bonanno, Transfer; a stepson, Carl Leroy, Oil City; two grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Regional Health System's Hospice Home Care, 490 N. Kerrwood Drive, Suite 204, Hermitage 16148.

WILT
Donald L., 64, of 110 Bush Road, Otter Creek Township.
Calling hours: Private.
Service: Private, with the Revs. Jeff and Robin Sterling, pastors of Atlantic Congregational Church, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Arrangements by ANDREW H. OSBORNE III FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73 & 75 Columbia Ave., Greenville.

WARREN, Ohio -- Gerald E. Yersky, 250 Tod Ave. NW, Warren, formerly of Brookfield, died at 7:05 a.m. Sunday (12-10-00) in St. Joseph Health Center following an extended illness. He was 50.

Mr. Yersky was born March 13, 1950, in Sharon to Donald R. and Arlene Diefenderfer Yersky.

He was an alumnus of Brookfield High School.

A Catholic, Mr. Yersky was a member of Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

Surviving are: a sister, Mrs. Doug (Barb) Boyd, West Middlesex; and a brother, Dell, Masury.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

YERSKY
Gerald E., 50, of 250 Tod Ave. NW, Warren, Ohio, formerly of Brookfield.
Calling hours: Private in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
Service: Funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.

NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. -- Mike Yourema, New Kensington, formerly of Sharon, died Sunday evening (12-10-00) in Allegheny General Hospital. He was 83.

Mr. Yourema was born Sept. 10, 1917, in New Kensington to Wassil and Pearl Kowal Yarema.

An autobody repairman, he worked prior to retirement for McKean Olds, Pittsburgh.

The Army veteran served as a staff sergeant during World War II.

Mr. Yourema was a member of St. Joseph's Church; and Fraternal Order of Eagles, both New Kensington.

He also belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars, for which he served as a past post commander; and the American Legion, both Lower Burrell.

Mr. Yourema enjoyed golf and camping.

His wife, the former Betty Jayne Weston, is deceased.

Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Charles (Susan B.) Allias, with whom he lived; and Mrs. Dale (Michelle Lynn) Bayne; and a son, Michael, all New Kensington; two brothers, Walter, Hermitage; and John, Greenville; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Yarema; and a sister, Mary Phillips.

YOUREMA
Mike, 83, New Kensington, formerly of Sharon.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in RUSIEWICZ FUNERAL HOMES Inc., 1400 Fifth Ave., Arnold, Pa. Memorial services are at 3 p.m. by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lower Burrell; and 7 p.m. by Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Service: Christian funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in St. Joseph's Church, New Kensington, with the Rev. George Swast, pastor, as celebrant. Prayers of transfer at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Lower Burrell, Pa., with full military honors by Vandergrift (Pa.) Joint Veterans Group.PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries

ABERNATHY
Jack E., 78, of 155 Smith Ave., Sharon.
Obituary was published 12-10-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-11-00) in SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net.

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in the funeral home with the Rev. Myles T. Bradley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

ANDERSON
Mrs. Orvis (Ila H.), 94, Sharon.
Obituary was published 12-10-00
Calling hours: 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in the funeral home with the Rev. Lee Weber, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Sharpsville, officiating.

Burial: Mount Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township.

BELL
James Leroy, 75, of 51 Pine Grove Mobile Home Court, Coolspring Township.
Obituary was published 12-9-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-11-00) in CUNNINGHAM FU- NERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Byron Harvey, pastor of Fellowship Community Church, Mercer, officiating.

Burial: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.

BOYD
James Barber, 83, of 6417 Harbor Drive N.W., Canton, Ohio, formerly of 3459 Hadley Road, Hadley.
Obituary was published 12-9-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-11-00) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Masonic service at 9 p.m.

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard K. Horn, pastor of Stoneboro Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake Township.

COOK
Frank, 76, of 935 Warren Ave., New Castle.
Obituary was published 12-10-00
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-11-00) and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in ED & DON DeCARBO FUNERAL HOME, 941 S. Mill St., New Castle.

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1111 S. Cascade, New Castle, with the Rev. Robert Schweitzer, pastor, as celebrant. Procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. for the church.
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, New Castle.

GATEWOOD
Mrs. John (Ophelia), 81, of 943 Emerson Ave., Farrell.
Obituary was published 12-8-00
Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service today (12-11-00) in WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland. Friends also may call in the home of Olivia DeBerry, 326 Wallis Ave., Farrell. Condolences may be sent by fax at (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to: shannonfhltd@netscape.net
Service: Funeral service at noon Monday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert E. Chavers, pastor of Community Baptist Church, Farrell, officiating.
Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.GILL
Mrs. Frank (Verla Grace), 84, New Castle Road, Slippery Rock.
Obituary was published 12-10-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (12-13-00) in Highland Presbyterian Church, 310 Franklin St., Slippery Rock, with the Rev. Timothy Bauler, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Slippery Rock Cemetery.PODLEYON
John T., 82, of 2820 Miller Road, Hermitage.
Obituary was published 12-10-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (12-11-00) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage. Prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday (12-12-00) in St. Anthony's Church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, Order of Friars Minor, pastor, as celebrant. Preceded by a brief service at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
Burial: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICES, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.SCOTT
Streater Sr., 78, of 1157 Fruit Ave., Farrell.
Obituary was published 12-8-00
Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service Tuesday (12-12-00) in Second Baptist Church, 1138 Spearman Ave., Farrell. Condolences may be sent by fax at (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to: shannonfhltd@netscape.net
Service: Funeral service at noon Tuesday in the church, with the Rev. Thomas J. Bolling, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Murray Bell Post 7597, Farrell.
Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.