Irene M. Shetler
SHETLER - Irene M., 79, Bolivar RD1, died May 30, 1996 at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Born Sept. 24, 1916 in Fairfield Twp., Westmoreland County, daughter of the late George and Elsie (James) Garland. Also preceded in death by husband Willard "Wig" Shetler, grandson Robert Shetler; brothers Arthur, Kenneth, Russell and Paul Garland sisters, Edna Forsythe and Norma Mack. Survived by these Children, William, married to the former Gloria Palmer, Bolivar; Donald, married to Linda Lear, and Robert, married to the former Grace Short both of Robinson; Beverly wife of Donald Wynn, West Bolivar; Carrie (Cork) wife of Harold Brett, Greensburg; and Patty, wife of Lyle McClellan Jr. West Bolivar; also 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Busch, New Alexandria, Pa. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Kenneth A Stuart Funeral home New Florence, where service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Rev. Kenneth Custer. Interment Germany Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to Tri-Community Ambulance Service, Box D Bolivar Pa 15923
Robert A. Shetler
Robert A. Shetler, 28, of Robinson RD 1, died Tuesday, March 21, 1989 at Mercy Hospital, Johnstown.
Mr. Shetler was born Nov. 26, 1960 in Ligonier, son of Robert G. and Grace I Short Shetler, Robinson.
Survivors other than his parents include his wife Lou Ann Zufall Shetler; his son Alan Ray; four brothers and sisters, Mrs Kevin (Suzanne) Stiffey, Joseph, Shelly and Thomas all of Robinson; his paternal grandmother Irene Shetler, Bolivar.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Willard Shetler and Joseph T. Short.
Services were held Thursday at Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence, Revs. Donald Hoffman, Kenneth Neal and R. Kenneth Keiper officiating. Interment followed in Germany Lutheran Cemetery, West Wheatfield Twp.
Russell M. Baird
Russell M. Baird, 73, of Bolivar RD, died May 31, 1983 in Lee Hospital, Johnstown.
He was born April 21, 1910 in Fairfield Twp., a son of the late William and Katie Belle (Boring) Baird.
He was preceded in death by first wife, the former Vera (Bobbitt) Muir; granddaughter, Kathy; and brother, John. He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Etta (Frain) Smith; children, James Baird of Warren, Mich; Mrs. Katie Belle Perry of Bowie, Md. Mrs Nancy Ambrose of Royal Oak, Mich; and Mrs. Barbara Magalich of Robinson; and stepchildren, Eugene Muir of Hyattsville, Md.; Gerald Muir of Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Charlotte Beeler of Niles, Ohio; Mrs. Alice O'Saben of Johnstown; Lloyd Smith of Leroy, N.Y.; Hardman Smith of Elba, N.Y. Mrs. Mabel Dart of Meadville; and Mrs. Rhonda Koffman of Blairsville; also numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a brother of Harry "Perry", Thomas, Clark, Walter, Charles and Robert all of Bolivar RD and Mrs. Martha McClairn of Johnstown.
Funeral services were held Friday, at First Church of Christ, West Bolivar, with Revs. Kenneth Neal and Sam Astolos officiating. Arrangements by Edward J. Speidel Funeral Home, Bolivar.
Burial was in Fort Palmer Cemetery
Harry M. 'Gov' Shomo
Harry M. 'Gov' Shomo, 65, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, formerly of Robinson died Tuesday Aug, 4, 1987 at home.
Mr. Shomo was born June 21, 1922 in East Wheatfield Twp., Indiana County, son of the late William and Jessie Hysong Shomo. He was a retired employee of Conemaugh Mines, a World War II veteran and a member of the Robinson VFW.
Survivors include his wife Linda Gorman Shomo; two children, Gary, Robinson and Mrs. John (Rhonda) Mroczka, Armagh RD 1; four stepchildren, Paula, Sheila, Amanda and Tommie Gorman; six grandchildren; his brother James Heffelfinger, Florida and Maxine Toman, Seward.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Olive Henderson, and his brothers Joseph and Charles.
Services were held Saturday at Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence, Rev. Kenneth officiating. Interment followed in Germany Lutheran Cemetery, West Wheatfield Twp.
John T. Biss
Biss - John T., 41, Bolivar RD 1, died June 19, 1998 at Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown. Born June 28, 1956 in Johnstown, son of John F. 'Jack' and Dorothy L. 'Dot' (Yeager) Biss.
Preceded in death by sister Lisa J Howard. Survived by parents, Bolivar RD 1; daughter Amber Deann Biss, Bolivar RD 1 and sons, Scott Aaron Biss, Cranberry Twp. and Cassidy 'Cass' Biss, Bolivar RD 1. Also survived by sister, Melanie A Biss Bolivar RD 1 and Brothers Daniel W. 'Boone" Biss and friend Mary Crawford, Black Lick; Stephen W. Biss and wife Connie, Robinson; Brian K Biss, Bolivar RD 1; and Glenn S. Biss and wife Barbara , Ligonier.
Employed as a coal miner by Florence Mining. Member of Bolivar First Church of Christ and United Mine Workers of America. Social member of Robinson VFW and Bolivar American Legion. John loved to hunt, fish and spend time in the great outdoors. He enjoyed music by Tommy James and the Shondells and the Beach Boys. His favorite movie of all time was 'The Wizard of Oz'
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at J. Paul McCracken Funeral Home, Bolivar. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Bolivar First Church of Christ, Bolivar, the Rev. Gabriel G Mraz. interment Fort Palmer Cemetery, Bolivar. Memorial gifts may be made to Conemaugh Renal Unit.
Mary E. St. Clair
Mary E. (Mrs. Henry B) St. Clair, 77 of New Florence RD 2, died Monday, Jan., 23, 1984 in Lee Hospital, Johnstown.
She was born April 1, 1916 in Bolivar, a daughter of Ignatius and Olive (Nixon) Campion. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, New Florence: CDA; and Laurel Valley Senior Citizens and Bolivar Senior Citizens.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry B in 1972, and two grandson, four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by five daughters, Olive (Mrs. Dean) Penrose of Robinson; Marion (Mrs. George) Garland of Bolivar RD1; Emily (Mrs. Harold) McKinney of New Florence RD2; Margaret (Mrs. Carl) Clevenger of Indiana RD 4; and Claudia (Mrs. Bill) Shoenfelt of Blairsville RD1; 10 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret Payne of New Florence RD2.
Friends will be received today (Wednesday) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Kenneth A Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, New Florence, with the Rev. Ben Babula officiating. Burial will follow in Isabelle Cemetery.
Paul E. Saxton
SAXTON, Paul E. "Whitey" Saxton, 63, of Bolivar, died Friday, Aug 9, 1991 at home.
Mr. Saxton was born Dec. 25, 1927 in West Wheatfield Twp., Indiana County, son of the late J. Paul Saxton. He was a machinist at Blairsville Machine, a Navy veteran, a member of the Robinson VFW, the Bolivar American Legion and the Steelworkers union.
Survivors include his wife Margaret N. LaMantia Saxton; his sons Everett W., Samuel D., and Gary J., all of Bolivar; eight grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his sisters Mrs. Norman (Lois) Robinson and Mrs Albert (Beverly) Lupacchini, both of Bolivar.
He was preceded in death by his brothers William and Wayne.
Services were held Monday at McCracken Funeral Home, Bolivar, Rev. John S Naugle officiating. Interment followed in Fort Palmer Cemetery, Fairfield Twp.
Patrick J. Silk
Patrick J., 70, Robinson, died April 3, 1970 at home. Born Feb. 25, 1900 in Boston, Mass. son of John and Brigette Silk. Preceded in death by parents and wife Martha Shirley Silk. Survived by these children; Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, Ridgeview,Bolivar; Mrs. Alice Empfield, Bolivar RD 1; John P., Johnstown; Mrs. Mary Jane Jackson, Strongsville, Ohio; Thomas, West Bolivar; and Robert, Clifford and Beverly, at home; also 17 grandchildren and a great grandson. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Edward J. Speidel Funeral Home, Bolivar. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bolivar. Interment Westview Cemetery. Wake service at 8 p.m. Sunday at funeral home.
Michael Silk
Michael Silk, 74, died March 21, 2001 in Rochester, N.Y. He was born Dec. 2, 1926 in Bolivar.
He served in the US Navy 1943-46. He was a dedicated computer test technician and engineer for 21 years in the test design group with Sperry Univac in Roseville, Minn. He was a pioneer in the computer revolution, helping set the matrix for future development and technology.
He enjoyed playing classical guitar and shared his love of music with family and friends. He began work at an early age to support his family through the Depression. He was sharp, entertaining, and honest, and had a very special humor. He was consistently loyal in his love and concern for his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (Mrs. David) Hillestad and Victoria Silk; a son Patrick Silk (and his wife, Eva); five grandchildren, Faith,and Christopher Hillestad, Sean Anderson, Jessica Mallon, and Ian Silk.
A military service and interment were held at Bath National Cemetery in southwestern New York. Arrangements were by Anthony Funeral Chapel, Rochester.
Olive Claire West
Olive Claire West, 97, of Bolivar RD1, died Monday, Dec. 25, 1995 in Westmoreland Manor, Greensburg.
Mrs. West the oldest member of the Bolivar First Church of Christ was born March 12, 1898 in Fairfield Twp., Westmoreland County, daughter of the late William G and May Crusan Muir.
Survivors include four children, Ornetta Bard and Earl G. and wife Sally, Bolivar RD1, Robert W. and wife Eleanor, Jeannette and Arthur E and wife Olive, New Florence;
Also 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren.
Also surviving are two sisters, Helen Shetler and Vesta Garland, both of Bolivar RD1 and a daughter-in-law Jane Stiffey West of Pitcairn.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Scott in 1971, her brothers Clyde and Glenn, her sister Ethel Shetler , Her son John Sherwin, a grandson, Brian West and a son-in-law, Escoe Bard.
Services were held Thursday at the First Church of Christ, Rev. Gabriel G. Mraz officiating. Interment followed in Fort Palmer Cemetery, Fairfield Twp., McCracken Funeral Home, Bolivar in charge.
Memorial donations were suggested to the First Church of Christ, Bolivar.
William D. Wagner
William D. Wagner, 29, of Bolivar, died Wednesday May 1, 2002. He was born Sept. 27, 1972 in Johnstown a son of a James R Sr. and Janet S Colbert Wagner of Bolivar RD1.
Mr Wagner was employed as a liner technician for Atlantic Lining based in New Jersey. He was a 1991 graduate of Laurel Valley Senior High School. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish, and spend time with friends.
In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Staci L. Penrod Wagner, and children, Amber, Nicole, Ashlee and Zachary;
Also a sister Mrs. Timothy (Carol) Loughran, New Florence; brothers, James R. Jr. and Thomas R both of New Florence RD1 his in-laws, Carl and Becky Penrod of Ligonier; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held Sunday in Bolivar United Methodist Church with Rev. R. Kenneth Keiper officiating. Interment followed in Germany Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made for the benefit of his wife and children to
JPMFC, c/o 144 e. main St., Ligonier, PA. 15658
McCracken Funeral Chapel, Bolivar, was in charge of the arrangements.
C. Beatrice Betz
C. Beatrice Betz, 90, of Bolivar RD 1, died Tuesday March 20, 2001 at St. Andrew's Village, Indiana (Pa).
She was born April 12, 1910 in Fairfield Twp. daughter of Millard and Clara Shomo. She had been a life-long member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lockport, and a member and past president of the former New Florence American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel St. Clair in 1947 and her second husband Lawrence W. "RED" Betz, in 1975; two grandsons, David E. Betz and Terry Henderson, five brothers and four sisters.
She is survived by a daughter, Maxine Henderson of Black Lick; a son David W. Betz and his wife Margaret of Bolivar RD 1; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday March 23, at J. Paul McCracken Funeral Chapel, Bolivar where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. R. Kenneth keiper officiating. Burial will be in Isabelle Cemetery, New Florence.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-Community Ambulance Service Bolivar.
Guy R. Betz
Guy R. Betz, 85, of Leesburg, Fla., formerly of Bolivar died Oct. 20, 1993 in Leesburg.
Mr. Betz was born Nov. 6, 1907 in Fairfield Twp. Westmoreland County, son of Joseph A. and Gertrude Yeager Betz. He was a retired custodian for the Ligonier Valley School District and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Survivors include his sister Clara Roby of New Florence and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death was his wife Bernice G., his sister Nora Flickinger and his brothers Joseph Betz and Lawrence "Red".
Services were held Monday at McCracken Funeral Home, Bolivar with interment in Fort Palmer Cemetery, Fairfield Twp.
MRS. JOSEPH A. BETZ
Mrs. Joseph A. (Gertrude) Betz of RD 1 Bolivar, died Thursday June 28, 1973 in Fairfield Twp.
Mrs. Betz who was 94 was born Feb. 28, 1879 in Fairfield Twp., a daughter of the late Bart and Mary Coursin Yeager. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Betz.
There are 165 direct descendants who are; children, Mrs. Nora Flickinger, Joseph Betz, Guy Betz, and Lawrence Betz, all of RD Bolivar and Mrs. Clara Roby of New Florence; 25 grandchildren 93 great grandchildren and 42 great great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday at the Edward J. Speidel Funeral Home Bolivar, the Rev. Charles Owsten, officiating.
Interment followed in Fort Palmer Cemetery.
DAVID E. BETZ
David E. Betz, 19, of Bolivar RD 1, died Wednesday Sept. 24, 1986 at home.
He was born Feb. 6, 1967 in Johnstown a son of David W. and Peggy E. (Shaftie) Betz of Bolivar RD 1. He was employed as a machinist by Stanko Products Inc. of Greensburg. He was a 1985 graduate of Laurel Valley High School.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Lawrence and Margaret Betz. In addition to his parents he is survived by a sister Anne E. Betz and a brother William J. Betz both at home; his paternal grandmother Beatrice C. Betz of Bolivar RD 1;and his maternal grandparents Nick and Mary Shaftie of Robinson.
Funeral services were held Saturday at J. Paul McCracken Funeral Home, Bolivar with the Rev. Kenneth Keiper officiating.
Burial was in Fort Palmer Cemetery. Memorials may be made the American Leukemia Society.
JOSEPH C. BETZ
Joseph C. Betz, 82, of Bolivar RD 1, died Friday June 3, 1983 in Latrobe Area Hospital.
He was born March 14, 1901 in Fairfield Twp. a son of the late Joseph A and Gertrude (Yeager) Betz.
He was preceded in death by his wife Viola (Roby) Betz; a son Donald; and a brother and a sister. He is survived by five daughters. Mrs. Edna G. Henderson, and Mrs. Olive M. Henderson both of New Florence RD 1; Mrs. Gertrude Bowers of Bolivar; Mrs. D. Romayne Boring of New Florence RD 2; and Mrs. Joann M. Penrose of Blairsville RD 1; one son James D. of Bolivar RD; 29 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; one sister Mrs. Clara Roby of New Florence and one brother, Guy Betz of Leesburg, Fla.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Edward J. Speidel Funeral Home, Bolivar with the Rev. Sam Astolos officiating.
Burial was in Fort Palmer Cemetery.
DENVER J. BOYLES
Denver J. Boyles, 88, of Robinson RD 1, died Thursday Oct. 19, 1989 at Mercy Hospital Johnstown.
He was born Oct. 31, 1900 in Robinson a son of the late Andrew and Della (Lichtenfels) Boyles. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church Robinson. Before his retirement, he was employed as a trackman for Conrail for over 47 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Janet (Muir) Boyles; a sister Edith McDowell and a grandson Ronald Burkett. He is survived by a daughter, Nora Jean Burkett and a son, Orval D. Boyles both of Robinson DR 1; five grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and a great great grandson.
Funeral services were held Saturday at the J. Paul McCracken Funeral Home, Bolivar with the Rev. Dr. Richard Schoenleber Officiating.
Bural was in Blairsville Cemetery.
McMaster, William Edger
McMaster, William Edger, 65, New Florence RD 2, died March 6, 1981 at Lee Hospital. Born Jan. 25, 1916 in Fairfield Twp., son of Mohney and Bell (Muir) McMaster. Preceded in death by father; sisters, Iva Lynn, Jane Crowe and Cathryn; and brother, James. Survived by mother, Ligonier, and widow former Mary Grace Claycomb. Brother of Robert, Ligonier; Wayne, Ligonier RD 3, Earl Ligonier RD 1; Mrs. Alberta Smith, Boynton Beach, Fla.; Mrs. Ellen Secrist, Ligonier; and Mrs. Lois Ritenour, Derry. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence, where service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, the Rev. Larry McDonnell. Interment, Germany Lutheran Cemetery.
Miller, Nellie F.
MILLER, Nellie F., 79, Cantwell, Alaska, formerly of Bolivar, died April 15, 2000 at Latrobe Area Hospital. Born March 9, 1921 in Bolivar, daughter of late William and Mae (McDermott) Long. Also preceded in death by husbands, James C. "Whitey" Miller and Glenn Laughry; sisters, Erna Foster, Vivian Marsh, Cora Schersmith and Edna Long; and brothers, Stewart, Melville, William, Sidney and Clair Long. Survived by daughter, Georginna Wheeler, Anchorage, Alaska; sons James L. Miller, Cantwell, and Ronald E. Miller, Anchorage, grandson William R. Wheeler; sister, Ellen Harrover, Trafford; and brother, Walter Krouse, and wife Anna, Greencastle; also many nieces and nephews. Prior to her retirement, she worked for the Torrance State Hospital as a practical nurse for 23 years. Member of Church of Christ, Cantwell. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at J. Paul McCracken Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar, Michael Yuhas officiating. A memorial service will be held in Cantwell at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Ligonier Church of Christ, P.O. Box 186, Ligonier, PA. 15658
LEONARD W. MCINTIRE
Member of Black Lick Free Methodist Church survived by wife, nine children
Leonard W. McIntire, 54, of Black Lick, died Tuesday March 16, 1999 at Latrobe Area Hospital.
Mr. McIntire was born May 7, 1944 in Bolivar son of the late Alvie and Flora Boring McIntire. He was a member of the Black Lick Free Methodist Church.
Surviving are his wife Clarie; children Lisa, Florida, Becky and Richard, Pittsburgh, and Mary, Leonard Jr., Marie, David, Alvin and Tesia, Black Lick; sisters Norma Rodkey, Clyde, Roberta Baird, New Florence and Emma, Warren, Ohio. Also surviving are six grandchildren. His brother Robert and his sister Catherine McGinnis preceded him in death.
Rev. Fred Craig will officiate at services today at 11 a.m. at Ferguson Funeral Home, Blairsville, with interment in Germany Lutheran Cemetery, West Wheatfield Twp.
Charles 'Slim' Zimmerman
Custodian in Ligonier School Dist., Navy Veteran of Second World War.
Charles G. 'Slim' Zimmerman Jr., 75, of RD 1 Bolivar, died Wednesday Aug. 16, 2000 at Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born July 7, 1925 in Westmoreland County, the son of the late Charles G. and Lula Brant Zimmerman.
Prior to retirement he worked for Ligonier Valley School District as a custodian for over 25 years. He was a member of the Robinson VFW and the Bolivar American Legion. He was a veteran of World War II, Serving in the Navy.
Mr Zimmerman is survived by his wife of 45 years, Della M. Muir Zimmerman; a daughter, Mrs. James (Marie) Boyle, Robinson; two sons, George (and his wife Barbara) Zimmerman, New Florence and William J. at Home; Also three grandchildren, Sheila, Jolene and Christopher, three sisters, Jane Yonkie, Ohio, Wilma Roadhaver, Uniontown and Mrs. Samuel (Doris) Newman, Uniontown; a brother, William(and his wife Selina) Brant, Uniontown.
He was preceded in death by three brothers.
Services were held Saturday in McCracken Funeral Chapel, Bolivar with Rev. Allyn K. Giuffre officiating. Interment was in Fort Palmer Cemetery, Bolivar. Military services were held Friday in the Funeral Chapel. Memorial gifts may be made to the Tri-Community Ambulance Association, 3rd and Market St. Bolivar, PA. 15923.
Charles N. Oliver
Veteran of U.S.M.C. retired employee of Bethlehem Steel, Republic Tech.
Charles N. Oliver, 67, of Robinson, died Wednesday July 6, 2005 at home.
Born Dec. 1, 1937 in West Wheatfield Twp., Indiana County, he was the son of the late Frank and Alberta (Penrose) Oliver.
He was a retired employee of Bethlehem Steel Corp. and Republic Technologies, Johnstown and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Clara Ann.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years the former Sandra G. Robertson; a son, Charles K., New Florence; a daughter, Kelly Grasser and her husband Paul, Clyde; Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Carl and his wife Linda, of Robinson, John and his wife Carrie of New Florence, Bill and his wife Laura of Texas, Dennis and his wife LaRue of Robinson, Patrick and his wife Carrie Ann of New Florence, Linda Garland and her husband Allen, Robinson, Lana Ross, Uniontown, Denise Wynn and special friend Bill Cronan, New Florence and Debbie McClure and her husband Bruce of Robinson.
Services were held at Stuart Funeral Home, New Florence with Pastor James Sunseri officiating. Interment was in Germany Lutheran Cemetery.
