Ruth M. Gilbert
FREDERICK, Md. - Ruth M. Gilbert, 83, of Clarke Place, died Saturday, May 31, 1997, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Born Sept. 21, 1913, in Mapleville, Md., she was the daughter of the late Charles William and Fannie Mae Reeder Byrem. Her husband, William E. Gilbert, died in 1973. She was a member of Benevola United Methodist Church, Benevola. She is survived by one son, Lloyd Gilbert of Middletown, Md.; one foster daughter, Catherine Cline of Smithsburg; four grandchildren, Brian Gilbert of Wolfsville, Md., Robert Webb and Melissa Cline, both of Smithsburg, and Cathy Hawse of Cascade; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter. Services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at Grossnickle Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md. The Rev. Ronald A. Beverlin will officiate. Burial will be in Benevola United Methodist Cemetery in Benevola. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ricketts Funeral Home in Myersville.

John J. McCormack Jr.
WILLIAMSPORT - John James McCormack Jr., 78, of 16112 Cloverton Lane, died Saturday, May 31, 1997, at Washington County Hospital. Born Aug. 22, 1918, in Boston, he was the son of the late John James and Elizabeth M. Cunningham McCormack Sr. He attended school in Boston, and graduated from Massachusetts Military Academy with the rank of second lieutenant. He had been employed as an inspector for Fairchild Aircraft Corp. on the A-10 project. He previously was employed by Hughes Aircraft in Long Beach, Calif. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a technical sergeant in 1967, after more than 22 years. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Air Crew Member Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters. He flew 75 combat missions. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Halfway. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Agnes C. Gahan McCormack; one stepdaughter, Myrna E. Fone of Falling Waters, W.Va.; three stepsons, William A. Hyslop and Wayne G. Hyslop, both of Waynesboro, Pa., and Douglas F. Hyslop of Salisbury, Canada; numerous stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; and one stepgreat-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by one sister and one brother. Graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at Osborne Funeral Home, 425 S. Conococheague St., Williamsport, Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family requests the omission of flowers. Memorial donations may be made to Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinsburg, W.Va. 25401.

Elizabeth N. Williams
WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Elizabeth Nicole Williams, infant daughter of Raymond B. Williams III and Kimberly Ann Pentz Williams of Waynesboro, died Friday, May 30, 1997, at Waynesboro Hospital. She was born May 30, 1997, in Waynesboro. In addition to her parents, she is survived by maternal grandparents, Bonita Pentz of Williamsport and George and Christian Pentz of Waynesboro; paternal grandparents, Raymond B. Williams Jr. of Fayetteville, Pa., and Carol Williams of Greencastle, Pa.; and one sister, Kayla A. Barnhart. Graveside services were held Monday at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, Leitersburg. The Rev. Croften Pentz officiated. Arrangements were by Snyder-Lochstampfor Funeral Home of Waynesboro.

Frank A. Landis
LAKELAND, Fla. - Frank Adrian Landis, 57, of 1200 N. Davis Ave., and formerly of Hagerstown, died Friday, May 30, 1997, in LaBelle, Hendry County, Fla., as a result of an auto accident. Born March 15, 1940, in Hagerstown, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Brooke Landis of Hagerstown. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from St. Maria Goretti High School in 1958. He was employed by Millbrook Distributing Service Co., Tampa, Fla. He served in the U.S. Navy. He had been a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, while a resident of Hagerstown, and attended a catholic church in Lakeland. In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Bonnie Lou Moss of Hagerstown; and nieces, nephews and aunts. Services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, 40 E. Antietam St., Hagerstown. The Rev. George A. Limmer will officiate. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services on Thursday.

Irma D. Trexler
Irma Dean Trexler, 60, of 22112 Norway Ave., Hagerstown, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at Washington County Hospital. Born Nov. 1, 1936, in Birmingham, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Grady and Elsie Isabul Patmon. Her husband, James Trexler, preceded her in death. She attended Van Lear Brethren in Christ Church. She is survived by one daughter, Hazel Kegarise of Hagerstown; three sons, Ronald Mullinix of Hancock, and Leroy Patmon and Charles Kegarise, both of Hagerstown; one sister, Phyllis Tucker of Kentucky; and nine grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown. The Rev. Wilbur W. Benner will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 9 p.m.

Raymond Chaney
KEEDYSVILLE - Raymond Chaney, 83, of 19402 Porterstown Road, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at Washington County Hospital. Born May 7, 1914, in Downsville, he was the son of the late Percy and Sadie Chaney. He was a dairy farmer most of his life. A U.S. Army veteran, he served during World War II. He was of the Protestant faith. He is survived by his wife, Bettie L. Chaney; five daughters, Joanne Kendle and Sylvia Knotts, both of Hagerstown, Nellie Edblute and Judy Row, both of Sharpsburg, and Shirley V. Rowe of Maugansville; two sons, Ronald Chaney of Boonsboro and Donald Chaney of Sharpsburg; two sisters, Catherine Brady of Hagerstown and Madaline Kauffman of Smithsburg; two brothers, Henry Chaney of Mt. Airy, Md., and Roy Chaney of Philadelphia; 25 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Raymond "Fred" Chaney Jr., and two grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the chapel of Bast Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro. The Rev. James J. Caldwell will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Williamsport. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services Thursday at the funeral home. There will be no evening visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

G. Ruth Diehl
SOUTH MOUNTAIN, Pa. - G. Ruth Diehl, 65, a resident of South Mountain Restoration Center, and formerly of Mercersburg, Pa., died Tuesday, June 3, 1997, at Chambersburg Hospital, Chambersburg, Pa. Born Jan. 26, 1932, in Valley Falls, Kan., she was the daughter of the late Orval and Verna May Walker. She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. "Ted" Diehl, in 1989. She worked as a clerk in stores in Mercersburg for many years. She also had been employed by the local phone company. She was a member of Mt. Union Methodist Church, Fayetteville, Pa. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Jane Stamler, of Birmingham, Mich. Graveside services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg. The Rev. Richard R. Stuempfle will officiate. There will be no viewing. Arrangements are by Lininger-Fries Funeral Home, Mercersburg.

Peace E. Kerstetter
WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Peace E. Ankeney Kerstetter, 88, of 107 N. Broad St., died Tuesday, June 3, 1997, at ManorCare Nursing Home, Chambersburg, Pa. Born Sept. 17, 1908, in Waynesboro, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Silas Finley and Margaret Solliday Ankeney. She graduated from Waynesboro High School, Class of 1926. She also graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1930, with a major in home economics. She later received her master's degree in home economics in 1933. She was employed by Penn State Extension Services, Hellick Coffee Co., Easton, Pa., and later for Franklin County in the Washington Township School. She was a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waynesboro. She also was a member of the Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association; and the national chapter of AARP. She is survived by her husband, Harry L. Kerstetter, whom she married Feb. 27, 1937; one daughter, Margaret J. "Peg" Spangler of Waynesboro; three grandsons; four great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Catherine Ankeney and Josephine Ankeney. Services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Grove Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro. Richard A. Seaks will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery, Clear Spring. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43 S. Church St., Waynesboro, Pa. 17268.

Ethel C. McDowell
ST. THOMAS, Pa. - Ethel Cook McDowell, 91, formerly of McDowell Road, died Tuesday, June 3, 1997, at Piney Mountain Nursing Home, Fayetteville, Pa. Born May 25, 1906, in Little Cove, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Solomon Helser and Mae Poffenberger Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. McDowell, in 1965. She was a graduate of Beaver College, Philadelphia. She had been a teacher in Waynesboro public schools for a short time. She was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Sylvan, Pa. She also attended Presbyterian Church, Mercersburg, Pa. She was a former member of Farm Women's Group 5, Lemasters, Pa. She is survived by one son, Thomas C. McDowell of Chambersburg, Pa.; two brothers, Calvin Cook of Chambersburg and Robert Cook of Mercersburg; and two grandsons. Services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Presbyterian Church of Mercersburg. The Rev. Michael K. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery, Lemasters. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lininger-Fries Funeral Home, 47 N. Park Avenue, Mercersburg, and one hour prior to the services Saturday in the church. Memorial donations may be made to Presbyterian Church of Mercersburg Building Fund, 34 W. Seminary St., Mercersburg, Pa. 17236.

Bea E. Eikelberger
Bea Ellen Eikelberger, 66, of 17611 Crest Drive, Hagerstown, died Tuesday, June 3, 1997, at Washington County Hospital. Born May 9, 1931, in Funkstown, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Catherine Ridenour Everly. She was employed by Pangborn Corp., and GNC at Valley Mall. She attended Grace Brethren Church, Hagerstown. She is survived by her husband, Richard L. Eikelberger; one daughter, Kristen Eikelberger of Lincoln, Del.; and one brother, Jay R. Everly of Hagerstown. There will be no public visitation or viewing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by Minnich Funeral Home, Hagerstown.

Nelson E. Weller
MERCERSBURG, Pa. - Nelson E. Weller, 69, of 6391 Hillcrest Drive, died Tuesday, June 3, 1997, at Chambersburg Hospital, Chambersburg, Pa. Born Aug. 18, 1927, in Lemasters, Pa., he was the son of the late Ross E. and Elva Atherton Weller. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Jane Nichols Weller, in 1991. They were married on Dec. 27, 1947. He retired in 1993 from the former Loewengart Co., after 47 years of service, as director of product development. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served with the Army of Occupation in Japan. He was a member of the VFW in Hagerstown. He is survived by his wife, Nellie Bowman Baker Weller, whom he married July 18, 1992; two daughters, Darlene E. Landis and Janice L. Burns, both of Mercersburg; one son, Edward L. Weller of McConnellsburg, Pa.; one stepdaughter, Robyn A. Baker of Chambersburg; two stepsons, Dennis R. Baker of Mechanicsburg, Pa. and Allen D. "Chip" Baker of Mercersburg; four sisters, Pauline Arnold of Mercersburg, Patricia Rockwell of Greencastle, Pa., Kathleen Angle of St. Thomas, Pa., and Gladys Cooper of Chambersburg; three grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Arthur Weller. Services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Lininger-Fries Funeral Home, 47 N. Park Ave., Mercersburg. The Rev. Barron P. Barley will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the services Friday.

William L. Murphy
William Lester Murphy, 85, of 932 Rose Hill Ave., Hagerstown, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at Washington County Hospital. Born July 10, 1911, in Flintstone, Md., he was the son of the late William L. and Mary Elizabeth Malloy Murphy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Murphy, in 1984. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Co. and was previously employed by Fairchild in Hagerstown. He was a member of VFW 1936; and American Legion, Funkstown Post 211. He is survived by two sons, William H. Murphy of England and Lester C. Murphy of Hagerstown; one sister, Ethel Rayburn of Cumberland, Md.; and two grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday at 2:45 p.m. at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown. The Rev. George A. Limmer will officiate. Burial will be in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Thomas R. Rhodes
Thomas Richard Rhodes, 52, of 205 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at home. Born March 10, 1945, in Hagerstown, he was the son of Flo A. Geyer Rhodes of Hagerstown, and the late Thomas L. Rhodes. He graduated from Williamsport High School with the class of 1964. He was last employed as an engineering technician by Rohr Industries, Hagerstown. He was a member of Downsville Church of the Brethren, Downsville. He was an amateur radio operator. In addition to his mother, he is survived by one daughter, Karen A. Bryan of Clear Spring; one son, Andrew C. Rhodes of Williamsport; and one grandson, Andrew P. Bryan of Clear Spring. Services will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at Grove Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro, Pa. Roger K. Myers will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Institute for Personal Development, Washington County Hospital, 1198 Kenley Ave., Hagerstown, Md. 21740. Arrangements are by Cumberland Valley Crematorium, Waynesboro.

Paul D. Martin
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Paul Douglas Martin, 76, of Martinsburg, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at City Hospital. Born March 21, 1921, in Augusta, Va., he was the son of the late Walker and Sallie Byram Martin. His wife, Helen T. Martin, died in 1996. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Co. He served with the U.S. Army. He was of the Catholic faith. He was a member of AARP. He is survived by one daughter, Bobbi Martin Crosby of Annapolis; one son, Paul D. Martin Jr. of Baltimore; one stepdaughter, Delores Richards of Inwood, W.Va.; one sister, Lois Rech of Baltimore; three brothers, Bob Martin of Florida, Franklin Martin of Baltimore and Guy Martin of Ocean City, Md.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Les Martin, Elzie Martin and Marshall Martin. Services will be held Thursday at noon at Rosedale Funeral Chapel in Martinsburg. The Rev. Brian Shoda will officiate. Burial will be in Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

John V. Haider
BUTLER, Pa. - John V. Haider, 71, of 116 Larchwood Drive, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at home. Born June 21, 1925, in St. Paul, Minn., he was the son of the late Michael J. and Corrine Miller Haider. He was the husband of Elizabeth "Bette" Day Haider. He was employed in industrial sales at 3M Corp. and Pangborn Corp. in Hagerstown and Pittsburgh; and Metalworking Machinery, Pittsburgh. After retiring, he started his own company, Consulting Sales Co., in Butler, Pa. He was a member of Holy Sepulcher Catholic Church, Butler. He was a longtime member of Butler Country Club and served on the board of directors. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Susan Heverley of Hagerstown; two sons, Michael J. Haider of Ellicott City, Md., and William D. Haider of Nashville, Tenn.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one brother, Stephen R. Haider. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Sepulcher Catholic Church, Butler. The Rev. John Maloney will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, 154 Hindaman Road, Butler, Pa. 16601. Arrangements are by Gerald N. Minnich Funeral Home, Hagerstown.

Marvin L. Keller
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Marvin Lee Keller, 75, of Martinsburg, died Sunday, June 1, 1997, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinsburg. Born Aug. 21, 1921, in Martinsburg, he was the son of the late Hugh E. and Mabel Kingree Keller. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen M. Keller, on Aug. 15, 1990. He retired from Dupont. He was the owner and operator of K's Pastry Shop, Martinsburg, from 1946 to 1949. He was a World War II Navy veteran. He was a 65-year member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. He was a member of Equality Lodge AF&AM 44. He is survived by one stepson, Larry Palmer of Martinsburg; two sisters, Betty L. Itnyre and Barbara Sirbaugh, both of Leesburg, Fla.; two brothers, Edwin H. Keller of Pikeside, W.Va., and Martin S. Keller of Martinsburg; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Rogers. Services will be held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Rosedale Funeral Chapel, Martinsburg. The Rev. Robert T. Wellman will officiate. Burial will be in Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Eva B. Shade
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Eva Brantner Shade, 79, of Martinsburg, died Monday, June 2, 1997, at home. Born April 20, 1918, in Berkeley County, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Browning Brantner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry L. Shade Sr. She was formerly employed by Interwoven Mills. She was a 50-year member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union. She is survived by one son, James Shade of Spotsylvania, Va.; one sister, Marie Foreman of Martinsburg; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara Shade and Geneva Shade Turner; one son, Harry L. Shade Jr., two sisters, Virginia Miller and Mary E. Lewis; and two brothers, Pete Brantner and Robert Brantner. Services and burial will be private. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home, Martinsburg.

Phyllis J. Gray
Phyllis Jane "Aunt Betty" Gray, 66, of 1144 Pope Ave., Hagerstown, died Tuesday, June 3, 1997, at her home. Born April 25, 1931, in Sharpsburg, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Seibert and Mary May Jamison Churchey. Her husband, Roy Allen "RA" Gray Jr., died in 1992. She was employed at Federal Silk Mill in Williamsport, and was a homemaker. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Sharpsburg. She also was a member of American Legion Post 236 Ladies Auxiliary in Sharpsburg. She is survived by five sisters, Ethel V. Semler, Hazel I. Canfield and Margaret P. Hazelton, all of Hagerstown, Louise L. Darner of Middletown, Md., and Altamae F. Crampton of Sharpsburg; three brothers, J. Edgar Churchey Sr. and Clifford S. Churchey, both of Sharpsburg, and Lee E. Churchey of Hagerstown; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy I. Byrd; and two brothers, Charles M. Churchey and Freddie F. Churchey. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Osborne Funeral Home, 425 S. Conococheague St., Williamsport. The Rev. Blaine E. Feightner and the Rev. Richard Hembrock will officiate. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery in Sharpsburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 9 p.m. For the convenience of family and friends, the funeral home will be open at 9 a.m. today. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 E. Main St., Sharpsburg, Md. 21782; or to Hospice of Washington County, 101 E. Baltimore St., Hagerstown, Md. 21740.