DOROETHA L. BEST
Doroetha L. Best, 76, of Route 58, Sligo, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 14, 2001, in Clarion Hospital following a short illness. The Varner Funeral Home in Sligo is in charge of arrangements.

SANDRA EDWARDS
Sandra Edwards, 55, of Rosemont Farm, Franklin, died suddenly Monday, Nov. 12, 2001. Born Dec. 10, 1945, in Bologna, Italy, she was a daughter of Fiorentino and Lia Dalle Olle DiMotta. She received a degree in education from the University of Bologna. Mrs. Edwards enjoyed using the computer, reading, cooking and gardening. She was of the Catholic faith. Mrs. Edward was married June 7, 1977, to Dr. William P. Edwards, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Eric Edwards, who attends medical school at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., and Daniel Edwards at home. She also is survived by her mother, Lia DiMotta of Bologna, Italy; a sister and her husband, Silvano and Piero Rotondo of Bologna, Italy; and several nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father. Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. William O'Brien officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 300, Bethesda, Md. 20814-3067.

SYLVA A. MCCONNELL
Sylva A. McConnell, 87, formerly of 16 High St., Stoneboro, died at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, in Countryside Convalescent Home, Mercer, after an extended illness. Born April 20, 1914, in Stoneboro, she was a daughter of Henry H. and Sylvia Belle Wright McClearn. She was a graduate of the former Stoneboro High School, where she played on the basketball team. Mrs. McConnell was the tax collector in Stoneboro for more than 35 years. She was a member of Lakeview Church of God. Mrs. McConnell was well-known in the area as a musician, playing piano and organ. She also was a vocalist and played with a local group known as the "Ding-a-lings." As a young woman, Mrs. McConnell played in the dance halls that existed many years ago in Stoneboro. In her early years, she had been active in the Stoneboro Lions Club, playing for many of their programs. She also was very active in the Lions Club minstrel shows. Mrs. McConnell had been a member of the Stoneboro Music Club, Stoneboro Women's Club and the Stoneboro Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary. She was married April 30, 1936, to James R. McConnell, who died March 27, 1975. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Michael F. (Sylva Ann) Ferry of Monroeville; three sons and their wives, James H. and Pat McConnell of Salem, Ohio, William L. and Kathy McConnell of Santa Maria, Calif., and John E. and Susie McConnell of Franklin; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. McConnell was preceded in death by six sisters and four brothers. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Scott A. Black Funeral Home, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Funeral and committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Patrick Vance, pastor of the Lakeview Church of God, officiating. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township, Grove City. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeview Church of God, P.O. Box 457, Stoneboro, 16153.

BIRD EUGENE MOORE
Bird Eugene Moore, 80, of 2079 Jeffrey Drive, Bullhead City, Ariz., died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, in Bullhead City. Born May 1, 1921, near Roseville, Jefferson County, he was a son of Bird and Ida Wayland Moore. He was a graduate of Corsica Union High School. Mr. Moore was a veteran of World War II, with two years of his service time spent in the Aleutian Islands. Prior to moving to Fontana, Calif., Mr. Moore was employed at the Pittsburgh & Shawmut Railroad and the Sylvania Plant in Brookville. Following his retirement from FMC in Riverside, Calif., they moved to Bullhead City, Ariz. While living in the area, Mr. Moore was a member of the Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Corsica. Mr. Moore was married Feb. 7, 1947, to Lois Key in the Corsica Presbyterian parsonage by the Rev. Gerald Palmer. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Larry of Riverside, Calif., and Kris of Fontana, Calif.; and three grandsons, David, Michael and Jacob. He also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Paul (Josephine) Whitehill of Clarion; two brothers and their wives, Robert and Kelly of Indiana, Pa., and Donald and Barbara of Shelburne, Vt.; a nephew Franklin Dinger and wife, Barbara, of Rancho Cuanmonga, Calif., who was reared by his grandparents. Several other nephews and nieces survive. Preceding him in death were an infant brother, Arthur; and a sister, Margaret "Margie" Dinger. A memorial service will be held Monday, Nov. 19, in the Pisgah Presbyterian Church, Corsica, with the Rev. James Dietrich, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Corsica Pisgah Cemetery, Jefferson County. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. The McKinney Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville, is in charge of arrangements.

BETTY JANE TOLLEY
Betty Jane Tolley, 80, of Cooksburg, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001, in Jefferson Manor, Brookville, after an extended illness. Born Oct. 21, 1921, in Tarentum, she was a daughter of Charles E. and Stella Yeagley Pfeiffer. Mrs. Tolley was married in Springdale on Feb. 14, 1940, to Gilbert Tolley, who survives. Also surviving are a brother and his wife, Kenneth and Dorothy Pfeiffer of Harwick. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Tolley was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Pfeiffer; and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Couch. The Borland Funeral Home Inc. in Leeper is in charge of arrangements. Interment will be in Cooksburg Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Greenwood Memorial Church.

Elizabeth "Bettie" Young
Elizabeth "Bettie" Young, 71, of Sheffield HC 1, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2001, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh. Born Oct. 25, 1930, in Akron, Ohio, she was a daughter of Luther Peck. Mrs. Young had worked as a waitress. She was married Nov. 8, 1949, to Sanford Paul Young, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Donna) Sutton of Cochranton, Nancy Young of Erie and Marlene Mawhinney of Uniontown; one son, Richard Young of Geneva, Ohio; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She also is survived by a half sister, Arzella Dye of Indiana, Pa. She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters; and a sister, Virginia. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Ronald Dickson Funeral Home, Cochranton. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. John Boal, pastor of Cochranton Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be in Milledgeville Cemetery.

Douglas D. Henry Sr.
Douglas D. Henry Sr., 46, of New Bethlehem RD 2, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002, in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Born March 22, 1956, in Fort Benning, Ga., he was the son of Joseph A. Henry Sr. and Mona Clemens Henry. He was a 1975 graduate of Redbank Valley High School, New Bethlehem. Mr. Henry was employed for 23 years at the McKay Coal Co. He was a member of the Oakland Church of God in Distant. Mr. Henry enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving are his parents of New Bethlehem; and two sons, Douglas D. Henry Jr. of Lock Haven and Nathan Henry of New Bethlehem RD 2. Also surviving are two sisters, Diane Henry of New Bethlehem RD 2 and Tammi Henry of New Bethlehem; and one brother, Joseph A. Henry Jr. of New Bethlehem. Mr. Henry was preceded in death by a daughter, Heidi Henry; maternal grandparents, Ernest and Mary Clemens; and paternal grandparents, Marion and Lurline Henry. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Bish Memorial Funeral Home, 206 South St., New Bethlehem. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. James G. Swogger, pastor of the Oakland Church of God in Distant, officiating. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery at Distant, where graveside services will be private. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one's choice.

Dale Young
Dale Young, 59, of Lake Placid, Fla., formerly of New Bethlehem, died Tuesday, May 21, 2002. Mr. Young was born in New Bethlehem, and upon completion of high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained to be a pilot. He achieved the distinction of senior Army aviator and the rank of chief warrant officer. His service included multiple tours to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam and Korean wars. He also served overseas in Germany and Panama. His last tour of duty was with the U.S. Readiness Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., where he retired in 1981 after 20 years of distinguished service. Mr. Young moved in 1991 to Lake Placid, where he operated Placid Screening. He was initiated into the Lake Placid Elks Lodge No. 2661 and eventually was installed as exalted ruler, regional vice president and district deputy of the state. He also served as state chairman of the Elks Hoop Shoot in 1998-99. Mr. Young also was a member of the Moose Lodge and American Legion and was a life member of the VFW. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; son, Tim; daughter, Tina; stepsons, Michael, David and Tom; grandchildren, David, Ryan, Shane and Lisa; brothers, David, Bruce, Bob and Steve; and sisters, Evelyn, Pat, Connie, Keitha and Prudy. Burial services will be held Friday in Bushnell National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Lake Placid Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Florida Elks Children's Therapy, Florida Elks Youth Camp or LifePath Hospice. The Scott Funeral Home, 512 Deen Blvd., Lake Placid, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. M. Leonard Sheffer
Dr. M. Leonard Sheffer, 82, of 310 Fairview Chapel Road, Birdsboro, formerly of Franklin, died at 9:40 a.m. Sunday, May 12, 2002, in St. Joseph Medical Center, Reading. Born July 3, 1919, in Franklin, Venango County, he was the son of former Police Chief F. Marion Sheffer and Alice Griffin Sheffer. He was a 1937 graduate of Rocky Grove High School where he was valedictorian of his class. He graduated in 1941 from Albright College, Reading, and in 1946 from Hahnanman Medical School in Philadelphia. Dr. Sheffer was a star basketball and baseball player both in high school and college. Following graduation from college, he worked as a chemist at Wilson Optical Co. in Reading. He did research on the material used in gas masks in World War II and was successful in cutting the production time from 21 to seven days. Since Dr. Sheffer was in the Navy, he was refused leave and had to attend medical school by day and work at Wilson's in the evenings. He served an internship at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading and worked for 54 years as a general practitioner in the St. Lawrence area, retiring April 15, 2002. Dr. Sheffer enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was married to Eleanor Troutman, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Michael Sheffer of Fleetwood and William Sheffer of Reifton; a daughter, Anne Louise Sheffer Frondorf of St. Lawrence; and three grandchildren, Shannon Frondorf of St. Lawrence and Kim and Zachery Sheffer of Reifton. He also is survived by a sister, Helen E. "Betty" Sheffer of Franklin. In addition to his parents, Dr. Sheffer was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Marcus B. Sheffer. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 16, in Merner-Pfeiffer-Klein Memorial Chapel at Albright College, Reading. Interment was in the Forest Hill Memorial Park, Reifton.

Schmader mass set June 8
A memorial Mass for Alice E. Schmader, 94, of Lucinda, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in St. Joseph Church, Lucinda, with the Rev. Joseph Czarkowski, pastor, presiding. Friends and family will be received in the church from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the Mass. Mrs. Schmader died Saturday, May 18, 2002, in Foothill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Glendora, Calif.

Judith M. Russell
Judith M. Russell, 66, of Red Coach Manor, formerly of 213 Crawford St., died at 9:07 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2002, in the Oil City Presbyterian Home, where she had resided since February. Born Dec. 7, 1935, in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Anna Shaffer Kenniston. She was a 1954 graduate of St. Joseph High School. Mrs. Russell worked as a receptionist for Dr. Leonard from 1954 to 1959, then became a telephone operator for General Telephone Co., working from 1959 to 1961, 1963 to 1969 and 1976 to 1982 for a total of 15 years. She then worked for Penelec from 1982 until the time of her retirement in 1996. She was married in St. Joseph Church May 10, 1961, to Richard J. Russell, who survives. Also surviving are four children, John Russell of Oil City, Catherine Rega of Pittsburgh, Tim Russell of Union City and Todd Russell of Lancaster; and eight grandchildren, Kyle, Payne, Shane, Seth, Josh, Joel, Jordan and Madison. She also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Jack (Susie) Gdanitz of Johnstown; three brothers, Tom Kenniston and Joe Kenniston, both of Oil City, and James Kenniston and his wife, Julie, of Baltimore, Md.; a beloved cousin, Diane O'Loughlin of Oil City; two sisters-in-law, Jean Kenniston of Oil City and Janet Kenniston of Seneca; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Reinsel Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph Church with Msgr. John W. Swoger, pastor, presiding. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Church Development Fund, Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County or to the Venango-Forest Unit of the American Cancer Society.

Robert C. Montgomery
Robert C. Montgomery, 91, of Shippenville RD 2, Paint Township, died at 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2002, in Clarion Hospital. Born June 2, 1910, in Rimersburg, he was the son of Merton and Chassidy Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery retired in 1964 from the Pennsylvania Railroad after 28 years of service. He was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Strattanville. Mr. Montgomery enjoyed hunting and shooting. He first was married to Alva Croyle, who died in 1984. He then was married Nov. 16, 1985, to Irene Wolfe, who survives. Also surviving are a stepson and his wife, David and Valerie DeCorte of Shippenville RD 2; and a stepgrandson. In addition to his parents and first wife, Mr. Montgomery was preceded in death by one stepson, Gary DeCorte. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, Clarion. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Stephen Fuller, pastor of the Pilgrim Holiness Church, officiating. Interment will be in Rimer Hill Cemetery near Tidal.

Florence Jean Holmes
Florence Jean Holmes, 94, a former resident of Oil City, died at 3 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2002, in Oak Hill Nursing Home, Greensburg, where she had resided for the past year. Born Jan. 4, 1908, in Swissvale, she was the daughter of George and Jean Belle Munnell White. She was a 1926 graduate of Swissvale High School, where she was active in the Drama Club, French Club and Glee Club and was captain of the girl's basketball team. She also was a graduate of the Pittsburgh College for Women, where she majored in French. Mrs. Holmes was married Aug. 15, 1928, to Wendell R. Holmes Sr., who died June 18, 1964. They had seven children and resided in Monongahela where Mrs. Holmes worked as a volunteer in the snack bar at Monongahela Hospital. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Monongahela, where she served as an elder, trustee and deacon, was a member of the 3 M's Club, sang in the choir for many years and taught the Gibson Class for nearly 30 years. While living in Oil City, Mrs. Holmes was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir and served as Youth Fellowship leader with her husband. She loved singing, reading and playing bridge. Surviving are four children, Patricia Stevenson of Bethlehem, Wendell R. Holmes Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, of Irwin, Virginia McDonough and her husband, Floyd, of Oil City and Susanne Roehlich and her husband, Karl, of Churchill; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley A. Gerard; two sons, G. Richard Holmes and John H. Holmes; a brother, Wilbur White; two sisters, Gladys Bailey and Ruth Howell; two grandsons, Mark A. McDonough and Kurt D. Roehlich; and two sons-in-law, Alex Stevenson and Vernon Gerard. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in the L.M. Frye Funeral Home, 427 W. Main St., Monongahela. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.

Myron V. Greenawalt
Myron V. Greenawalt, 71, of New Bethlehem, died Wednesday, May 22, 2002, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born Jan. 13, 1931, in Lawsonham, he was the son of Joseph E. and Dorothy Bell Gertrude Greenawalt. Mr. Greenawalt attended Rimersburg High School. He served as a railroad engineer with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Mr. Greenawalt first worked for Pennsylvania Railroad, which became Penn Center Railroad and finally Conrail. He retired in 1992. He was a member of the Licking Presbyterian Church in Curllsville and the F. & A.M. Lodge No. 522 of New Bethlehem and the Shrine of Pittsburgh. Mr. Greenawalt enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was married Dec. 7, 1952, in Widnoon United Methodist Church to Phyllis Ann Bonnett, who survives. Also surviving are five daughters, Barbara Shaffer and husband, Dean, of Roanoke, Va., Cathy Rutkowski of Porter Township, Karen Nolf and husband, Randon, and Brenda Hartman and husband, Grant, all of Mayport, and Ellen Gunter and husband, David, of Clarion; and 12 grandchildren, Matt Shaffer, Katie Shaffer, Mike Rutkowski, Michelle Rutkowski, Mitch Rutkowski, Heidi Nolf, Doug Nolf, Erin Nolf, Jesse Hartman, Jim Hartman, Alex Gunter and Riley Gunter. He also is survived by four sisters, Marilyn Boyles of Ohio, Elaine Stewart and husband, Richard, of Rimersburg, Donna Jean Marshall of New Bethlehem and Nancy Bimber and husband, Dennis, of Russell; two brothers, Dewayne Greenawalt and wife, Jerry, and Arnold Greenawalt and wife, Carolyn, all of New Bethlehem; a sister-in-law, Phyllis J. Greenawalt of New Bethlehem; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Greenawalt was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald Allen Greenawalt and Kenneth Lee Greenawalt. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Bish Memorial Funeral Home, 206 South St., New Bethlehem Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. James G. Swogger, pastor of the Oakland Church of God at Distant, officiating. Interment will be in Rimersburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the National MS Society.

Paul Leonard Boyer
Paul Leonard Boyer, 71, of State College, formerly of Cranberry, died Tuesday, May 21, 2002 in Centre Community Hospital. Born March 23, 1931, in Cranberry, he was the son of Donald C. and Effie M. Irwin Boyer. Mr. Boyer was a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a 1949 graduate of Cranberry High School. He attended California State Teachers College and received his bachelor of science degree in industrial arts in June 1957 from Penn State University. Mr. Boyer worked in the illustrating department of HRB-Singer from 1956 until May 1971. He began working in June 1971 at Supelco Inc. in Bellefonte and retired in July 1992 as vice president for communications. He was a former member of the Cranberry Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church in State College and the Houserville United Methodist Church. While a member of the Houserville church, he served as a teacher for the fifth- and sixth-grades and the Young Adult Sunday School classes and was a member of the pastor and parish relations committee. Mr. Boyer was a former member and officer of the College Township Lions Club; a former member and officer of the State College Toastmasters Club 1219; a former member of the Nittany Amateur Radio Club, State College; and a former member of the College Township Advisory Board to the Parks and Recreation Committee. His hobbies included camping, walking, bicycle riding with his family on the bike path and inline skating with his grandson. He enjoyed detailing his vehicles, gardening and working on his lawn and spending time with his family. Mr. Boyer was married May 8, 1954, in Seneca Methodist Church to Alice M. Krathge, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter and her husband, Paulette M. and Thomas P. Rider of Bellefonte; two sons, Brent L. Boyer of State College and Brook L. Boyer and his wife, Dawn, of rural Port Matilda; and one grandson, Thomas P. Rider II of Bellefonte. He also is survived by a brother and his wife, William L. and Maxine Boyer of Cranberry. In addition to his parents, Mr. Boyer was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert E. Boyer of Mattoon, Ill., and Eugene I. Boyer of Cranberry. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Drew S. Fenstermacher officiating. Interment will be in the Houserville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Helen F. Wolf
Helen F. Wolf, of Dunedin, Fla, formerly of Pittsburgh and Tionesta, died Thursday, May 23, 2002. Surviving are two daughters, Beverly Hoolihan of Clearwater, Fla., and Judy Nardiello and her husband, Robert, of Mount Lebanon; two sisters, her twin sister, Ruth Field of Clearwater, Fla., and Evelyn Thompson of Clearwater, Fla; three grandchildren, Sean Hoolihan and his wife, Sandra, and David and Stephanie Nardiello; and a great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Hoolihan. Also surviving are her dear friend, Robert Wadsworth; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles J. Wolf. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Laughlin Memorial Chapel, 222 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Washington Church Cemetery, Tionesta. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Washington Church Cemetery Association, Tionesta, 16353, or to the American Heart Association, 10 Duff Road, Suite 304, Pittsburgh, 15235.

Robert P. Vistins
Robert P. Vistins, 76, of 1330 New St., Franklin, died at his residence. Born March 28, 1926, in Franklin, he was a son of the late Patsy Vistin and Rachel Griffith Vistin. He was employed at several restaurants. Mr. Vistin was a member of St. Patrick Church. He enjoyed flowers. Surviving are a brother, Bud Vistins of Erie; and a sister, Betty Kusz of Oil City. There will be no visitation, and private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Robert W. Gardinier is in charge of arrangements.

Norma Ruth Hoffman Stroeter
Norma Ruth Hoffman Stroeter, 77, of 47 S. Seventh Ave., Clarion, died at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2002, at home in the presence of her family. Born Feb. 14, 1925, in Wellsburg, W.Va., she was a daughter of Robert Lee and Rilla Myrtle Partlow Hoffman. She attended public schools in Wellsburg and moved to Beaver after graduation. She owned and operated her own beauty salon for many years. Mrs. Stroeter enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, ceramics and reading. She was always open to helping others in any way she could, ready to listen and offer encouragement. She was held in high esteem by those who had the privilege to know her. Her faith in God was an integral part of every aspect of her life. She joined the Wellsburg Presbyterian Church when she was 13. In 1951, at the age of 26, she accepted Jesus as her personal lord and savior. While in Beaver, she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed Bible studies both at the church and in the homes of her friends. She moved in Middlesex, N.J., in 1980 to live with her daughter and family. There she was an active member of the Middlesex Presbyterian Church and an ordained elder. She enjoyed the fellowship of many Christian friends and watching her grandsons grow up. In 1995 she and the family moved to Russleville, Ariz., where she became a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. There she enjoyed the fellowship of her circle meetings and sewing group. In 1998, she moved with the family to Clarion and joined the First Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed circle meetings and Christian fellowship. Despite many physical ups and downs throughout the years, she lived her life as a witness to the love, grace and power of Jesus. She was married to the late James M. Stroeter. Surviving are a daughter, Vicki Orr and her husband, Kirk; two grandsons, Michael and Andrew; and two nieces, Heather Byrnes and Joy Lane. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary, who died in childhood, and Thelma Mae Waddell and her husband, John; a daughter, Marcia, who died March 13, 1966; a brother, Gomer Lee Hoffman; and two nephews, Johnny and Marshall Waddell. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Goble Funeral Home of Clarion. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarion with pastor Kirk Orr officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Rochester, Pa. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice, P.O. Box 668, Knox, 16232.

D. Scott Ray
D. Scott Ray, 37, of Parker, died Thursday evening, May 23, 2002, as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident in Butler County. Born June 19, 1964, in Kittanning, he was a son of Barry D. "Buzz" and Patricia E. Jamieson Ray. He attended Karns City High School. An automobile and Harley Davidson enthusiast, he was employed by Geither's Auto Body in Butler and Cipolla Auto and Truck Center near Chicora. He was of the Protestant faith. He was married April 13, 1995, to the former Donna S. Sellers, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Keith Allen McNaughton of Parker and Kenneth Scott McNaughton of West Freedom; two daughters, Ashley Marie Young of Butler and Megan Lee Ray of Butler; his parents, Barry E. and Patricia E. Ray of Bruin; two sisters, Mrs. Eric J. (Stephanie E.) Mennor of Chicora and Mrs. David W. (Saundra L.) Gifford of Karns City; and two nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home, Argyle Street, Petrolia. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home with the Rev. James C. Higgins, pastor of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chicora, officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Chicora RD 1.

Linda Ann McDonough
Linda Ann McDonough, 50, of 4 Fourth St., Rouseville, died Friday, May 24, 2002, at her residence. Born Oct. 9, 1951, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Juno A. and Idamae Schnepp Gonano. Mrs. McDonough was a graduate of Mt. Alvernia High School in Pittsburgh. She had worked at RGIS, Baker's Transportation, the Franklin Area School District and last at Lane Bryant as an assistant manager. Mrs. McDonough was an active member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Franklin. She was a member of the Oil City and Franklin Jaycees and served as the last president of the Franklin Jaycees. Mrs. McDonough enjoyed her church, her grandson, gardening, outdoor activities and helping her husband with woodworking. She was married June 28, 1975, in St. James Church in Pittsburgh, to Robert W. McDonough Sr., who survives. Mrs. McDonough is also survived by a son, Robert W. McDonough Jr. of Lower Burrell; a daughter, Traci Karasinski and her husband, Jason, of Oil City; and a grandson, Caleb Karasinski of Oil City. Also surviving are a brother, Ronald Gonano of Turtle Creek; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mrs. McDonough was preceded in death by her parents. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Franklin with the pastor, the Rev. Frederick Keller, officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 737 Elk St., Franklin, 16323.

Sarah L. Cotherman
Sarah L. Cotherman, 78, of St. Petersburg, died at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2002, at Beverly Healthcare-Shippenville, following a lengthy illness. Born April 19, 1924, in Richland Township, Clarion County, she was a daughter of Daniel and Crea Beiry Whitling. Mrs. Cotherman was a member of St. Petersburg United Methodist Church. She attended the St. Petersburg Senior Citizens Center and was a member of the ladies auxiliary of the American Legion Post of Lamartine. She was married Oct. 1, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio, to Charley W. Cotherman, who preceded her in death June 5, 1994. Surviving are two daughetrs, Mrs. Kenny (Jean) Myers of Emlenton and Mrs. Loni (Linda) Hepler of Knox; nine sons, Floyd N. Cotherman of Knox, Dan L. Cotherman of Guys Mills, Charles W. Cotherman of St. Petersburg, William E. Cotherman of Parker, Lawrence H. Cotherman of New Windsor, Md., Thomas K. Cotherman of Shippenville, Walter P. Cotherman of Emlenton, Jeffrey A. Cotherman of Emlenton and Ronald L. Cotherman of Emlenton; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Esther Best of Seneca; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Whitling; and a grandson, Eric Cotherman. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Christopher M. Hile Funeral Home in St. Petersburg. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Myers, pastor of the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Zion-Union Cemetery in Richland Township, Venango County.

Madeline G. Boyles
Madeline G. Boyles, 78, of Shippenville, died at 6:55 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2002, at UPMC Horizon Hospital in Greenville. The David C. McEntire Funeral Home of Knox is in charge of arrangements.

Robert E. Botts
Robert E. Botts, 70, of the village of Monroe, Route 338, Knox, Beaver Township, Clarion County, died at 12:02 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2002, shortly after his arrival in the emergency room of the Clarion Hospital. Born April 4, 1932, in Beaver Township, Clarion County, he was a son of J. Alton and Lydia Armstrong Botts. A veteran of the Korean conflict, he served with the U.S. Air Force. He worked for a number of years at Clarion University. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Hanel Botts; two sons, J. Alan Botts of Knox and W. Edward Botts and his wife, Susan, of Frederick, Md.; and a brother, Wayne I. Botts of Shippenville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Cloyd Botts. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be private. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of one's choice. The Christopher M. Hile Funeral Home of St. Petersburg is in charge of arrangements.

Norma Jean Minich
Norma Jean Minich, 73, of 806 Penn St., New Bethlehem, died suddenly at 6:03 a.m. Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Clarion Hospital. Born Aug. 6, 1928, in Salem, Armstrong County, she was the daughter of Roy E. and Ruth Minerd Shaffer. She was a 1946 graduate of New Bethlehem High School. Mrs. Minich was a member of the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church and was a 52-year member of the Cinderella Club. She was a homemaker, a wonderful cook and a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Minich was married Oct. 13, 1948, to Gene Minich, who survives. They were married for 52 years. Also surviving are two sons and their wives, Donald and Loni Minich of Orlando, Fla., and Fred J. and Donna Minich of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter and her husband, Karen J. and Rex Zent of Columbus, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Brian and John Zent, Jamie Merritt, Shauna and Ashley Minich, Jason, Brady, Angie and Fiona Jean Minich; and three great-grandchildren, Julia Dawn Merritt, Camberly Minich and Sofia Eve Minich. She also is survived by her father, Roy E. Shaffer of Distant; two sisters, Janet Klingensmith of Columbus, Ohio, and Grace Sherman of Tionesta; and four brothers, Homer Shaffer of New Bethlehem, Jerry Shaffer of Oil City, William Shaffer of Ford City and Richard Shaffer of Titusville. Mrs. Minich was preceded in death by her mother; her stepmother, Jean Mathers Shaffer; and two brothers, Robert Shaffer and J. Fred "Skip" Shaffer. Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. today in the Charles D. Alcorn Funeral Home, Hawthorn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. T. Donald Hamilton officiating. Interment will be in the New Bethlehem Cemetery Mausoleum, Clarion County.