Elva L. French Guynn
Elva L. French Guynn, 97, formerly of 10 Pinoak Drive, Seneca, died at 4:40 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2002, in Sugar Creek Station where she had resided for the past 13 months. Born April 17, 1905, in Helen Furnace, Clarion County, she was the daughter of Arnold and Mary Bittenbender Gilmore. She attended schools in the Knox area. Mrs. Guynn was of the Methodist faith. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, knitting and crocheting. Mrs. Guynn first was married to Arthur French, who preceded her in death. She then was married in Franklin March 28, 1968, to Wilbur H. Guynn, who died Aug. 7, 1999. Surviving are three sons, John French of Cambridge Springs, Ronald French and his wife, Rosemary, of Oil City, and James French and his wife, Susan, of Chicago, Ill.; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn French of Charlotte, N.C.; 20 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She also is survived by two sisters, Tressa Kennemuth of Knox and Betty Bigley of Maryland; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Guynn was preceded in death by one son, William French, and a daughter-in-law, Rose French; five brothers, Vaughn Gilmore, Don Gilmore, David Gilmore, Lee Gilmore and Floyd Gilmore; and two sisters, Mildred McMullen and Emma Gilmore. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Reinsel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. W. Dale Rhome officiating. Interment will follow in Brandon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Venango-Forest Unit of the American Cancer Society, 10 W. Front St., Oil City, 16301.

John F. Yargar
John F. Yargar, 88, of 113 Martin St., Oil City, died at 3:25 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2001, in Northwest Medical Center at Franklin. Born Sept. 12, 1912, at Emlenton RD, he was a son of Samuel F. and Mary T. Hanel Yargar. Mr. Yargar served in the U.S. Army during World War II, with duty in the European Theater of Operations. He retired from National Fuel Gas after 31 years of service. Mr. Yargar was a life member of Hiram Lodge No. 105, F. & A.M. in Amherst, N.Y. He also belonged to Old Zion United Methodist Church at Emlenton RD 1 and the DeHart-Wenner-Rossman American Legion Post. No. 997 in Lamartine. Mr. Yargar enjoyed hunting, gardening and reading. He was married April 12, 1941, to M. Eleanor Dreibelbis, who survives. Mr. and Mrs. Yargar celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past April. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son and his wife, John S. and Mary Joan Yargar of DuBois; a daughter and her husband, Margaret E. "Peggy" and Robert Ament of Murrysville; five granddaughters, Lisa Yargar Given of Flemington, N.J., Deborah Yargar Reed of Gettysburg, Gretchen Yargar Caruso of DuBois, Rachel Yargar Stickle of North Huntingdon and Jennifer E. Ament of Murrysville; two grandsons, Robert S. Ament of Pickington, Ohio, and John W. Ament of Murrysville; four great-granddaughters, Kayla Given and Kristen Given of Flemington, N.J., Gabrielle Caruso of DuBois and Madison Ament of Pickington, Ohio; a great-grandson, Joel S. Given of Flemington, N.J.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Yargar was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Bamberg; and two brothers, Nelson W. Yargar, who died in the Korean Conflict, and Orland C. Yargar. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the David C. McEntire Funeral Home, Knox, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the Old Zion United Methodist Church, Emlenton RD 1. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the church with the Rev. Ralph Tanner, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Union Cemetery at Emlenton RD 1. The family suggests memorials be made to Old Zion United Methodist Church, RD 1, Emlenton, 16373.

Chester Greenawalt
Chester Greenawalt, 81, of New Bethlehem, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2001, in Clarion Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born Jan. 9, 1920, in New Bethlehem, he was a son of Thomas and Pearle Shick Greenawalt. Mr. Greenawalt was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was a longtime employee of the former Willison Chevrolet in New Bethlehem and continued to work for Redbank Chevy until his retirement. Mr. Greenawalt was a member of the Presbyterian Church of New Bethlehem where he served as a member of session. He was a 32nd Degree Mason out of Masonic Lodge No. 522 in New Bethlehem. Mr. Greenawalt was a lifelong member of the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Co. where he once served as fire chief. He was a member of the Walter Craig American Legion Post in New Bethlehem. Mr. Greenawalt was married Nov. 27, 1947, to the former Audrey Miller, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Sidney L. Greenawalt of Moline, Ill.; a daughter, Mrs. Eugene (Linda) Lerch of Helen Furnace; a sister-in-law, Helen Greenawalt of Cleveland, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Greenawalt was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Greenawalt; and two sisters, Dorothy Hanlin and Lucille Warner. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Rupert Funeral Home in New Bethlehem. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. T. Donald Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in the Shannondale Union Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Co., 425 Arch St., New Bethlehem, 16242, or to the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 403 Penn St., New Bethlehem, 16242.

Richard J. Gatesman
Richard J. Gatesman, 82, of West Wood Street, Clarion, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Clarion Hospital. Born March 8, 1919, in Lucinda, he was a son of Andrew J. and Philomena Schill Gatesman. Mr. Gatesman enlisted in the Army Air Corps Jan. 22, 1941, serving with the 96th Bomb Group in England. He was shot down over Germany in January 1944 and captured. He was a prisoner of war until the war ended. He was a mechanic for 22 years, working at Owens-Illinois Glass Plant, retiring in 1980. Mr. Gatesman was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion and the Knights of Saint George. He was married June 25, 1945, to Jeanne M. Miller, who died April 4, 1984. He then was married Nov. 17, 1989, to Maxine Beers, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Richard J. Gatesman and his wife, Cindy, of California; two daughters, Deborah Johnston and Patricia Stewart and her husband, Kevin, all of Clarion; three stepdaughters, Cindy Morrison and her husband, Dennis, of California, Robin Roberts and her husband, John, of Cambridge Springs, and Beth Snapp of Utah; two grandchildren, Kelly Barns and her husband, Howard, and Chad Johnston; eight stepgrandchildren; and one step-great-grandson. He also is survived by a brother, Omer Gatesman of Lucinda; and a sister, Alice Schmader of California. In addition to his parents and first wife, Mr. Gatesman was preceded in death by seven brothers, Walter, Arthur, Robert, Leo, Lawrence, Roy and Albinus; and two sisters, Mary Gallagher and Irene Carloni. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Goble Funeral Home of Clarion. A wake service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion, with Msgr. Joseph J. Riccardo, pastor, presiding. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Charlotte S. Reagle
Charlotte S. Reagle, 76, formerly of Jamestown, N.Y., died at 2:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, 2001, in Sugar Creek Station, Franklin RD 3. Born Dec. 26, 1924, in Sutton Mills, she was a daughter of Floyd B. and Jennie Lovell Sutton. She was a 1941 graduate of Franklin High School. Mrs. Reagle was a secretary for the former Printz Clothing and TRW Manufacturing. She was a member of the Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Reagle was married to Ralph Reagle, who died in 1987. Surviving are a brother and his wife, Floyd B. "Mike" and Pat Sutton of Franklin; and two nieces, Mrs. Charles (Nancy) Harmon of Franklin and Mrs. Robert (Wendy) Reed of Clover, S.C. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Reagle was preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen Osborne. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday in the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Callahan, pastor of the Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery.

MARIAN M. CIHON
Marian M. Cihon, 79, of Dover, Ohio, a former resident of Oil City, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001, at Country Club Retirement Center in Dover following a sudden illness. Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Harvey W. and Helen Albaugh Kaiser. Mrs. Cihon was a 1939 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. She had been a cafeteria manager for St. Stephen School in Oil City before her retirement. Mrs. Cihon was a member of Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia and a former member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Oil City. She was married to John E. Cihon, who preceded her in death in March 1981. Mrs. Cihon is survived by two daughters, Judi Adams and her husband Graydon of Canton, Ohio, and Frances Cihon of Cincinnati, Ohio; three sons, John A. Cihon of North Canton, Ohio, James J. Cihon of Meadville, and Patrick J. Cihon of Skaneateles, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Nellie Cihon of Canal Fulton, Ohio; 20 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are four sisters, Marjorie Crossman of Canton, Martha Grimm of New Philadelphia, Joann Yosick of New Philadelphia, and Mollie Taylor of West Chicago, Ill. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Cihon was preceded in death by a daughter, a son, a granddaughter, a brother and a sister. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, 116 Second St. N.E., New Philadelphia. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia with Msgr. George J. Schlegel officiating. Interment will be Friday, Nov. 23, in Calvary Cemetery in Oil City. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third St. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663, or St. Stephen Church, 210 Reed St., Oil City. To express condolences or sign the online guest register book, visit www.linnhertgeib.com.

THOMAS W. ‘TOAD’ DIVINS
Thomas W. "Toad" Divins, 63, of Bald Eagle Street, Sligo, died at 12:50 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2001, at Clarion Hospital following a brief illness. Born March 27, 1938, in Rimersburg, he was the son of the late Thomas Woodrow and June Pauline Simpson Divins. Mr. Divins attended Sligo schools. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1962 to 1966. Mr. Divins had been employed by A.P. Weaver Coal Co. and Sligo Borough. He was a member of the Sligo Chapel and Sligo Volunteer Fire Department. He was married Nov. 3, 1962, in Sligo, to Shala B. Murray, who survives. Mr. Divins is also survived by a son, Thomas B. Divins of Sligo; a daughter, Kimberly J. Hinderliter of Sligo; and four grandchildren, Tiffany and Brick Divins, and Tearia and Tunnell Hinderliter, all of Sligo. Also surviving are two brothers, Richard Divins and his wife Pat, of Sligo, and Dennis Divins and his wife Bridgett, of Clarion; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Divins was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa L. Divins, on Feb. 28, 2001. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home in Rimersburg and from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Sligo Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Sligo Chapel with the pastor, the Rev. Larry C. Piper, officiating. Interment will follow in West Freedom Cemetery.

HARVEY LEE DUNKLE
Harvey Lee Dunkle, 64, of Marienville died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, at the Brookville Hospital after a lingering illness. Born July 22, 1937, in Farmington Township, Clarion County, he was the son of Clyde R. and Margaret E. Fiscus Dunkle. Mr. Dunkle graduated from East Forest High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army, artillery division and retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Highways. Mr. Dunkle was a member of the Masonic Lodge #633 in Marienville, the Coudersport Consistory and the Erie Shrine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and traveling. Mr. Dunkle was married to the former Joyce Ann Taylor, who survives. Also surviving are one nephew, Gary Hogan Dunkle, and two nieces, Kimberly Margaret McKenzie and Marie Renee Dunkle. In addition to his parents, Mr. Dunkle was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Edward Dunkle. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Ronald McDonald Funeral Home in Marienville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Boyd Edmondson presiding. Interment will follow in North Forest Cemetery, Marienville. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Clarion Hospital Ambulance Service or the Marienville Area Library.

JOAN HODGSON HAWKES
Joan Hodgson Hawkes, 84, of 205 W. Windridge Road, Hempfield Township, Greenville, died at 7:50 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, at UPMC Horizon Hospital, Greenville. Born Feb. 20, 1917, in Franklin, she was raised by John and Elizabeth Hodgson and George and Elizabeth Wolfkiel. She was a 1934 graduate of Franklin High School. Mrs. Hawkes worked for Cooper and Reiber Inc. of Greenville for 35 years as a secretary. Before that, she worked as a secretary at Greenville Steel Car Co. for 15 years. She was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Greenville and also was active in the Greenville Civic League for many years. Mrs. Hawkes also was an avid bridge player. She was married in 1952 to William P. Hawkes. He preceded her in death in 1969. Mrs. Hawkes is survived by her companion, Vincent Gryscka of Steubenville, Ohio; and one nephew, Donald Wolfkiel of Franklin. She was preceded in death by her husband. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Loutzenhiser-Jordan Colonial Funeral Home, 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church with the Msgr. Andrew H. Karg, pastor of the church, as celebrant. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Michael School endowment fund, 85 N. High St., Greenville, 16125.

LINDA LEE SHERRETTS KELLY
Linda Lee Sherretts Kelly, 53, of Houston, Texas, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2001, in Houston. A native of Franklin, she is survived by a brother, George Sherretts of Oil City; a sister, Lucille Beggs of Kent, Ohio; twin 16-year-old sons, Shane and Raygan Kelly of Huston; and her husband, Peter Bryne Kelly.

AGNES RODE
Agnes Rode, 64, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Oil City, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001, in Pittsburgh. She was married to Richard R. Rode who survives. Mrs. Rode was a former sales associate at the JC Penney store in the Monroeville Mall. Surviving in addition to her husband are two children, Cynthia Arndt of Swissvale and Richard Rode Jr. of Forest Hills; four grandchildren, Stephen and Emily Arndt of Swissvale and Mitchell and Kevin Rode of Forest Hills; four sisters, Ima Hackett of Oil City, Mary Haniwalt of Oil City, Ella Stone of Oil City and Jessie Stover of Titusville; and three sisters-in-law, Doris Nagel of Oil City, Delores Bell of Oil City and Rose Bell of Oil City. Preceding her in death were her parents and three brothers. Friends were received at the Nied Funeral Home in Swissvale. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Braddock Catholic Cemetery.

GRACE M. SLOAN
Grace M. Sloan, 99, of Sun City, Ariz., died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, in Sun City. Born in August 1902 in Dayton, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Charles and Minnie Elwinger McCalmont. A former resident of Clarion County, she still maintained a summer home there and was the first female state treasurer in Pennsylvania, having served 12 years. She also served four years as auditor general of Pennsylvania. A life-long Democrat, she held several party offices on the state and local levels. She also was active in the work of the Democratic Women’s Club and served as a Democratic state committeewoman in Clarion County for 16 years. She was married to John F. Sloan, a former federal marshal and former Clarion County sheriff. Mrs. Sloan is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline Lewis of Northville, Mich.; and six grandsons, William D. Buckley of Cooksburg, Michael J. Buckley of Montana, William A. Ketner of Florida, John M. Ketner of Michigan, Christopher D. Ketner of Washington and Phillip Ketner of Virginia. Also surviving are five nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Sloan was preceded in death by a daughter, Mrs. Mary Kay Meyer. A memorial service will be held in Clarion at a later date and at the convenience of the family.

George J. Daniels III
George J. Daniels III, 52, of 7 E. Second St., Oil City, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2001, in Oil City. Born Dec. 26, 1948, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of George J. Daniels Jr. and Lucille Viehbeck Daniels. He attended North Hills High School. Mr. Daniels was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he attained the rank of sergeant. He served with the Franklin 298th Transportation Unit of the Army Reserves. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Daniels was employed as a mechanic for 25 years by the Department of Defense under the Department of Army at ECS 103 in Franklin. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Surviving are his father, George J. Daniels, Jr. of Tionesta; his mother, Mrs. Donald (Lucille) Weber of Cranberry, Butler County; a son, George J. Daniels IV of North Carolina; and a grandson, Hayden Daniels of North Carolina. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Rod (Anita) Adams of Polk and Luann Daw of Franklin; a brother, Karl Daniels of Georgia; two nephews, Jesse Daw of Franklin and Jason Gibson of Butler; and a niece, Audra Gibson of Washington, D.C. Mr. Daniels was preceded in death by a brother, David Daniels. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Fox Street Church of God, 229 Fox St., Franklin, with the Rev. Philip R. Conklin officiating. Interment will be in the Most Holy Name Cemetery, Pittsburgh. The Huff Chapel in Franklin is in charge of arrangements.

Michelle Lee Kohler
Michelle Lee Kohler, 32, of Apache Junction, Ariz., formerly of Knox, died at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002, in Lutheran Medical Center, Mesa, Ariz. Born April 28, 1969, in Oil City Hospital, she was the daughter of Lynn and Sherri Kohler of Knox. Miss Kohler was a graduate of Keystone High School, Knox. She was attending college, pursuing a degree in psychology, at the time of her death. She worked as an appraisal mediator for a banking company in Tempe, Ariz. She also shared a catalog business called GiftRealm with a friend, Denice Clark. Miss Kohler enjoyed animals, sports and the beach. Surviving, in addition to her parents of Knox, are a brother and his wife, Jeffery and LeeAnn Kohler of Sigel; one niece, Ashlynn Isabella Kohler of Sigel; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Miss Kohler was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Darrell Kohler and Ruth McCleary; and her maternal grandparents, Eledrith "Lee" Heckathorne and Fredrick Heckathorn. Services will be private and will be held at the convenience of the family.