RAYMOND J. ACKERMAN
Raymond J. Ackerman, 79, of New Alexandria, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999, at the IHS at Mountain View, Unity Township. He was born June 23, 1920, in Youngstown, Pa., a son of the late Curtis and Ethel Losier Ackerman. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II in Europe, Africa, and Sicily. He was retired from Agway Petroleum in Greensburg. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, New Alexandria. He also belonged to the New Alexandria Grange, American Legion Post 652, and the VFW Post 5821, Blairsville, and the AARP. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles E. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Marjorie Shaffor Ackerman; two sisters, Mary Millen and husband, John, and Jane Gyenes and husband, Joe; a sister-in-law, Diane Ackerman; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, corner of Church and Washington streets, New Alexandria, where services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Lota C. Jones, pastor of the New Alexandria United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment
will follow in Union Cemetery, New Alexandria, with full military honors.
ELISABETTA TAVELLA DiRENZO
Elisabetta Tavella DiRenzo, of Shaler Township, on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999. Mrs. DiRenzo was a homemaker. Beloved wife of the late Guiseppe DiRenzo. Mother of Lina DiFiore of Shaler Township, Teresa Scalamogna of Pittsburgh, Philip DiRenzo, Paul DiRenzo, and Rocco DiRenzo, all of Shaler Township, and Carmen DiRenzo of Pittsburgh. Sister of Teresa Naruccio of Toronto, Canada, Pasquell Tavella of Pittsburgh, and Antonio Tavella and Guiseppe Tavella, both of Toronto. Also 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the FRANK R. PERMAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Route 8, Shaler Township, Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Bonaventure Church, Glenshaw.
HELEN HARENSKI DUBLINO
Helen Harenski Dublino, 89, of Jeannette, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born June 25, 1910, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late John and Kathryn Reinke Harenski. Helen received her education at the University of Pennsylvania, and was employed as a dental hygienist and retired from the Sacred Heart School in Jeannette, where she was a teacher for many years. Helen also was part owner/operator of the former Dublino Dairy Bar of Jeannette. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church of Jeannette, the church's Rosary Altar Society, the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Amore E. Speranza No. 57. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Joseph J. Dublino, in 1998; five brothers, Anthony, Jesse, Paul, John, and Harry Harenski; and four sisters, Vera Harenski, Eleanore Miller, Irene McDonald, and Ursula Serro. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOHN V. GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 228 N. Second St., Jeannette, beginning Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church. Entombment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township. The Sacred Heart Rosary Altar Society, the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Amore E. Speranza No. 57 will pray the rosary Monday at 3 p.m. in the funeral home.
JEREMIAH HALSTEAD
Jeremiah Halstead, 74, of Greensburg, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, at his home. He was born June 17, 1925, in Homewood, a son of the late Frank Halstead and Margaret Campbell Halstead Keller. Prior to retirement, he had been employed by the former Walworth Valve Co. of South Greensburg with 30 years of service, and later as a security guard for Hackney Security at UPS in New Stanton from 1981 to 1997. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the 14th Armored Division during World War II, and was a member of the American Legion Post 0945. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret F. Love Halstead, on Feb. 16, 1997; and his stepfather, Raymond Keller. He is survived by his children, Barbara McManigle of Greensburg, Karen ``Luigi'' Milyak of Marguerite, Jerry and his wife, Martha Halstead, of Venice, Fla., Barry and his wife, Vicki Halstead, of Boonsboro, Md., and Patti and her husband, John Bires, of Greensburg; 10 grandchildren, Vickie and John Robosky, Jim and Tina Myers, Sandy Greece, Kathleen Zappone, Keri and Stephen Kidwell, Jennifer Myers, Jeff and Kathy Myers, Brian Collier, Heather Halstead and Hillary Bires; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, Dick Keller of Ohio, Robert and his wife, Barbara Keller, of Florida, and Tom and his wife, Jean Keller, of Ardara; a sister, Edith Curry, of Lycippus; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. David H. Clement officiating. Entombment with full military honors provided by the VFW Post 33 Honor Guard of Greensburg will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Westmoreland Hospice, 532 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601.
JOSEPH S. KISH
Joseph S. Kish, 80, on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999. Husband of the late Evelyn Kish. Father of Joseph (Jan) Kish, Cecelia Fusarini, Carl (Rose) Kish, Ronald (Dee) Kish, William (Carolyn) Kish, Nancy (Charles) Redall, Michael Kish, Marlene (Tom) Fruens, Patricia (James) Sanderson, Cindy Gallagher, and Beverly Fonzi-Sinatra. Brother of William, Ann, and Mary Kish. Also, 21 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Visitation Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at MARK V. SAUVAGEOT FUNERAL HOME, 126 Hazelwood Ave., Hazelwood, Pittsburgh. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen Catholic Church.
LOUISE (USTOHAL) KUCERA
Louise (Ustohal) Kucera, 86, of Monroeville, on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999. Daughter of the late Charles and Carrie (Kemego) Ustohal. Beloved wife of 67 years to Frank J. Kucera. Mother of Richard A. Kucera and his wife, Kathleen, and the late Thomas Kucera. Grandmother of Dr. Richard F. (Mary Ruth) Kucera and Louise M. (Terry) Jones. Great-grandmother of Christina Jones, Jenny, Maggie and Richard H. Kucera. Sister of the late Frances Vesely, Florence Sturm and Caroline Peckman. Also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday until the time of the service at 2 p.m.
ALICE H. LONG
Alice H. Long, 87, formerly of South Huntingdon Township, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999. She was born April 29, 1912, in South Huntingdon Township, the daughter of the late Nathaniel and Ann Unsworth Hayes. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Donald Williams; and a grandson, Dayne Williams. Survived by a son, Melvin Williams of Madison; a daughter, Patricia Spagnolo of Monroeville; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Friends will be received Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the L.L. BARTHELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Second Street, Smithton. Funeral services Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. D.W. Norton officiating. Interment
Olive Branch Cemetery, Rostraver Township.
Sandra L. Neiderhiser Sandra L. Neiderhiser
SANDRA L. NEIDERHISER
Sandra L. Neiderhiser, 59, of Ligonier, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999, at her home. She was born Jan. 7, 1940, in White, Pa., a daughter of Hazel White Keefer of White and the late Stanley Keefer. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 41 years, Wilbert M. ``Wib'' Neiderhiser; two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Kim) Kramer of Ligonier and Mrs. Stephen (Joye) Karidis of Pittsburgh; two sons, W. Mark and wife, Stacey Neiderhiser, of Ligonier, and Stanley M. and wife, Diana Neiderhiser, of Johnstown; five grandchildren, Bradley, Ethan, and Drew Neiderhiser, and Kalyn and Taryn Kramer; and a sister, Mrs. Harvey (Carol) Gowatski of Mt. Pleasant. Sandy had been employed as vice-president of the Commercial National Bank in Latrobe for over 23 years. She was a member of the Heritage United Methodist Church in Ligonier, a 10-year member and 1998 ``Woman of the Year'' of the Latrobe B.P.W., and served on the Women's Health Issues Task Force of Latrobe Area Hospital. She was a charter member and board member of the ``Open Hands'' Ministry and was a past director of the Westmoreland Mental Health Association. Sandy is remembered by her family as a loving, giving, and compassionate wife, mother, and grandmother. As Sandy battled ovarian cancer, even though she knew it was too late to save her life, she continued to try new experimental drugs and therapies in hopes that they might save other women afflicted with the same illness. Friends will be received Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the J. PAUL McCRACKEN FUNERAL HOME INC., 144 E. Main St., Ligonier. Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Heritage United Methodist Church, Ligonier, with the Rev. Donald F. Cook and the Rev. Audrey Bell co-officiating. Interment
Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ligonier. Memorial contributions, may be made to the ``Open Hands'' Ministry, c/o Stahlstown United Methodist Church; or to the Sandra Neiderhiser Memorial Scholarship Fund, 245 United Presbyterian Church Road, Ligonier, PA 15658. The Latrobe B.P.W. will hold services in the funeral home Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
KENNETH J. NYE
Kenneth J. Nye, 85, of Greensburg RD2, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999, at his home. He was born Sept. 27, 1914, in Monongahela City, a son of the late Joseph R. and Rachel Brewer Nye. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed by the former ITE in South Greensburg. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army as a bugler with the 303rd Infantry. He was a member of the Greensburg Alliance Church, the ITE Veterans Association, RICO Association and American Legion Post 981 in South Greensburg. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Nathan Nye; and a sister, Dorothy Trump. He is survived by his wife, Martha Smail Nye; two sons, Kenneth R. Nye and his wife, Andrea, of Jeannette, and Richard S. Nye and his wife, Debbie, of Greensburg; a daughter, Marsha L. Nye of Greensburg; two grandchildren, Steven and Erica Nye; a brother, Fred Griffin of Greensburg; four sisters, Mrs. Susan Watts of Tampa, Fla., Mrs. Jane Cope of Vista, Calif., Sarah Hood of Latrobe, and Mrs. Rachel Crouse and her husband, Richard, of Greensburg; two sisters-in-law, Dolores Nye of Grand Terrace, Calif., and Rita Nye of Greensburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, 505 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Greensburg Alliance Church, Greensburg RD6, with the Rev. D. Roy Dail officiating. EVERYONE IS ASKED TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment
will follow in the Hillview Cemetery.
THOMAS F. OPLINGER
Thomas F. Oplinger, 73, of Greensburg, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, at his home. He was born in Arona, Feb. 12, 1926, a son of the late John and Bessie Errett Oplinger. He was a retired employee with 37 years of service with the G.M. Fisher Body Plant and was an active member of the Church of Christ of Hempfield Township. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Margaret ``Peg'' Oplinger; a daughter, Judith A. Carter and her husband, the Rev. Lawrence L., of Lansing, Mich.; a son, Thomas M. Oplinger and his wife, Jeanne, of Morristown, N.J.; three grandchildren, Jason Carter of Birmingham, Ala., Brian Carter and wife, Betsy, of Kingsport, Tenn., and Jill Carter of Lansing, Mich.; four sisters, Ruth Gasper of Irwin, Elsie Armstrong of Arona, Hazel Miller of Ruffsdale, and June Bobbs and her husband, Bert, of Irwin; and three brothers, Paul of Arona, James and his wife, Virginia, of Greensburg, and Lester Oplinger and wife, Jane, of Arona. Family and friends will be received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Church of Christ of Hempfield Township with the Rev. William Pullin and the Rev. Lawrence L. Carter co-officiating. Interment
will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorials to the Church of Christ of Hempfield Township.
STEVE G. POLANOVSKY
Steve G. Polanovsky, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, in Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Dec. 12, 1909, a son of the late Michael and Mary Vaclav Polanovsky. Prior to his retirement, he was a farmer. He was a member of Visitation Roman Catholic Church of Mt. Pleasant. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II, and was awarded the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Ribbon, and a World War II Victory Medal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John J., Michael and William Polanovsky; and two sisters, Mary Forey and Catherine LaBuda. Survived by two brothers, Frank Polanovsky of Acme and Andrew Polanovsky of Mt. Pleasant; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the FRANK R. ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 627 Smithfield St., Mt. Pleasant, Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in the Visitation R.C. Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Father Anthony Ditto as celebrant. Interment
will follow in Visitation Cemetery with full military rites accorded at graveside by the American Legion Post 446 of Mt. Pleasant.
JULIA M. SLATER
Julia M. Slater, 82, of Penn, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born May 21, 1917, in Braddock, a daughter of the late Joseph and Julia Milhalkovich Smutny. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the Thorofare Markets. She was a member of the St. Boniface Church of Penn and the church's Christian Mothers and Silver Threads group. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Samuel T. Slater, in 1989; and two brothers, Frank and Steve Smutny. She is survived by a son, Raymond Slater and his wife, Dolores, of Jeannette; a daughter, Juliane Marchetti and her husband, John, of Greensburg; two brothers, Joseph Smutny of Marietta, Ga., and George Smutny of Virginia Beach, Va.; a sister, Mary Begg of Swissvale; five grandchildren, Lori Ann Davis and her husband Frank, Sheri Lynn Painter and her husband Eric, Amy Jo Slater, Brian Marchetti and his wife Nicole, and Scott Marchetti; four great-grandchildren, Ryan and Chad Painter, Benjamin Davis, and Lucas Marchetti; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOHN V. GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 228 N. Second St., Jeannette, beginning Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Boniface Church. Interment
will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery, Hempfield Township. The St. Boniface Christian Mothers will pray the rosary Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the funeral home.
Previous Deaths
PETE CINDRIC
Pete Cindric, 74, a lifelong resident of Slickville, died Friday, Oct. 29, 1999, at home. He was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Greensburg, a son of the late Mike and Bertha (Perek) Cindric. He was the owner/operator of the Sunoco Station, formerly of Slickville, a former tax collector of Loyalhanna Township, a retired storeroom manager for Torrance State Hospital, and a retired Prudential Insurance agent. Pete was a member of St. Sylvester's Catholic Church of Slickville, the Slickville American Legion Post #18, and the Slickville Sportsman Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Steve, George and Mike Cindric. A loving, devoted, and accomplished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Pete is survived by his wife of 46 years, Laura (Potlas) Cindric; four sons, Peter M. Cindric and his wife, Ellen, and Brian M. Cindric, both of Clarksburg, Pa., Miles A. Cindric of Creekside, Pa., and David A. Cindric and wife, Marcy, of Slickville; two daughters, Virginia C. Hambersky and husband, Allen, of Apollo and Rosanne Osikowicz and husband, Mark, of Punxsutawney; two brothers, Joe Cindric and wife, Marge, of Slickville and John Cindric and wife, Karen, of Lakewood, Ohio; a sister, Anna Cindric of Saltsburg; and 11 grandchildren, Peter Jr. and Heinz Cindric, Angela, Brian, Kenneth and Amber Cindric, Luke, Dalton and Keith Hambersky, Jacob and Samantha Osikowicz. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews. The family will be receiving family and friends at the VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC. AT TWIN VALLEY, 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, (724) 468-1177, beginning Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Pete's Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 1 p.m. in St. Sylvester's Catholic Church, Slickville, with the Rev. Father Raymond Riffle as celebrant. Interment
will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park. St. Sylvester's Parish will hold a vigil service Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Kevin P. Altman, supervisor, in charge of arrangements.
RUTH ANN HARRIS COOPER
Ruth Ann Harris Cooper, 78, of Oak Hill Nursing Home, Greensburg, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, at the nursing home. Friends will be received at the LUTHER J. GRIMM FUNERAL HOME, Mt. Pleasant, Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Charles W. Yost officiating. Interment
will follow in the Hoffman Cemetery, South Huntingdon Township.
FLORENCE OPPMAN DAVIS
Florence Oppman Davis, 85, of Connellsville, died early Saturday morning, Oct. 30, 1999, in Lint's Personal Care Home, Connellsville. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, Monday from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Connellsville, with the Rev. Michael Sciberras as celebrant. A rite of committal and interment
will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Connellsville. A parish wake service will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
MARJORIE JUDGE FOX
Marjorie Judge Fox, 83, of Trafford, died Friday Oct. 29, 1999, in AUH-Forbes Regional in Monroeville. She was born Jan. 28, 1916, in Glen Campbell, a daughter of the late Charles and Maude Hess Judge. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Westinghouse Printing as a key punch operator. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbur and John Judge; and three sisters, Ruth McKee, Edith Mason and Mildred Vogelsong. She is survived by her beloved son, Tom Fox; and three grandchildren, Sean, Mark and Carrie Fox. Friends will be received Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the DAVID A. RITTER FUNERAL HOME, 220 Edgewood Ave., Trafford. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Jerry D. Williams officiating. Interment
will follow in Grandview Cemetery.
LEAH B. (BRODMERKEL) GRACE
Leah B. (Brodmerkel) Grace, 97, of Delmont, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, in the William Penn Care Center, Jeannette. She was born March 7, 1902, in Rodi, a daughter of the late John G. and Anna (Ruppel) Brodmerkel. Before enjoying her golden years, Leah worked at the Westmoreland County Courthouse, Greensburg, in the Prothonotary's Office, and had formerly worked 19 years at the First National Bank, Greensburg. Leah was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church in Delmont, and was one of Delmont's oldest residents. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Richard and George Brodmerkel; and two sisters, Ruth Palmer and Margaret Anderson. Leah is survived by her loving daughter, Dorothy Campbell of Delmont, who spent many years caring for her; four grandchildren, Judith Fink and Susan Campbell, both of Greensburg, Robert Campbell Jr. of Copper Hill, and Virginia and Bruce Campbell of Delmont; and 13 delightful great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC. AT TWIN VALLEY, 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, (724) 468-1177, Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Leah's funeral service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 10 a.m. with Pastor Frederick Heitzenroder of the Salem Lutheran Church officiating. Interment
will follow in the Eastview Union Cemetery, Delmont. Kevin P. Altman, supervisor, in charge of arrangements.
HARRY G. HENDERSON
Harry G. Henderson, 69, of Greensburg, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born June 4, 1930, in Greensburg, the son of the late Thomas and Violet Smith Henderson. He had worked for the former Overmyer Mould Co. in Greensburg, and later for the Thomas Drug Store in Greensburg. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Greensburg and past president of the Ushers Club of the church. He was a member and past master of the Westmoreland Lodge #518, and a former member of the Pittsburgh Consistory, the Syria Temple, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Kestner Henderson; his daughter, Cathy Henderson of Greensburg; his son, Harry Glenn Henderson of Alexandria, Va.; and his two cousins, James Ghrist of Delmont and James Henderson of Youngwood. Family and friends will be received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Greensburg, with the Rev. Robert C. Wilson officiating. (EVERYONE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH.) Interment
will follow in the Twin Valley Memorial Park. Members of Westmoreland Lodge #518 and Philanthropy Lodge #225 will meet to conduct Masonic services Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
ALICE C. OHLER JACKO
Alice C. Ohler Jacko, 53, of Jeannette, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999, at home. She was born March 16, 1946, a daughter of the late Donald and Julia Bird Edwards. She worked as a home health aide for the Thorn Group and United Cerebral Palsy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Anna Marie Ohler; and a sister, Shirley Burkett. She is survived by her husband, Larry ``Butch'' Tillman; four sons, Robert Ohler and his wife, Kim, and Thomas and his wife, Shelly, all of Jeannette, Scott Ohler and his wife, Paula, of Norfolk, Va., and Bradford Tillman of Fort Myer, Va.; five grandchildren, Nicole Stein, Robert Ohler, Thomas ``TJ'' Ohler and CJ and Bobby Reinhart; four brothers, Victor Jacko of Roswell, N.M., John Jacko of Pitcairn, Don Edwards of Penn Township, and James Edwards of Rimersburg; two sisters, Doris Valetto of Cheswick and Francis Keogh of Denver, Colo.; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Thursday in the funeral home at a time to be announced. Interment
will follow in the Brush Creek Cemetery, Irwin.
MARY ELLEN O'TOOLE PONTICEL
Mary Ellen O'Toole Ponticel, 69, of Sheraden, suddenly Thursday, Oct. 28, 1999, in Kissimmee, Fla. Beloved mother of Diane, Daniel, Verner and Patrick Ponticel; sister of Patrick, Lawrence and the late Tom, Jim and John O'Toole; grandmother of Timothy and Valerie, Madlyn, Robyn, Lydia and Dylan; also many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Friends received Sunday and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the WILLIAM F. CONROY FUNERAL HOME, 2944 Chartiers Ave., Sheraden. Funeral Mass in Ascension Church, Ingram, Tuesday at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Mary Ellen was a retired realtor, active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Carnegie Division), the Senior Games and Ascension Church.
HELEN MARIE POTOCHNIK PRICE
Helen Marie Potochnik Price, 78, of Wilkinsburg, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 1999. Wife of Earl J. Price; mother of Lynne Price of Swissvale, Mary Louise Daugherty of Forest Hills, Lee Price of Edgewood, Earl Price Jr. of Wilkinsburg and Ruth Ann Price of Wilkinsburg; grandmother of Jennifer Daugherty, Jamie Daugherty, Andrew Price, Emily Price, Jordan Price, Leah Price, Samuel Price and Maggie Price; also survived by sisters, Ruth McGrath of Green Tree and Lorraine Ryan of Fort Myers, Fla. Friends may call Sunday and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the KNEE FUNERAL HOME OF WILKINSBURG INC., 800 Center St. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. James Catholic Church. Interment
Plum Creek Cemetery.
PHILLIP J. VRTACNIK
Phillip J. Vrtacnik, 72, of North Huntingdon (Shafton), died Thursday, Oct. 28, 1999, at the Westmoreland Manor, Hempfield Township. He was born July 25, 1927, in Hutchinson, a son of the late Albin and Barbara (Yuvon) Vrtacnik. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Babcock-Wilcox, Irwin plant, with 39 years of service. His memberships included the Irwin L.O.O.M. Lodge #236 and the S.N.P.J. Lodge, Westmoreland City. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann ``Mitzie'' Grkman; two brothers, Frank and William Vrtacnik; and also ``Baby'' Vrtacnik. Mr. Vrtacnik, ``Phillip,'' is survived by his wife, Helen (Karan) Vrtacnik; a brother, Albin Vrtacnik; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Father Lawrence L. Manchas officiating. Interment
will follow in the West Newton Cemetery.
ELSIE SMITH WAGNER
Elsie Smith Wagner, 90, of Aurora, Ohio, formerly of Pittsburgh, died Friday, Oct. 29, 1999. Wife of the late Robert N. Devoted mother of Robert W. and his wife, Carole, of Aurora, Ohio; Terrence N. and his wife, Mary, of Pittsburgh; the late Martha Joyce Auchter; and Donald R. and his wife, Paula, of Westlake Village, Calif. Loving grandmother of 16. Great-grandmother of 19. Sister of the following deceased: Ruth Gillings, Martha Macartney, Harlow Smith and Harley Smith. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, OH 44120, or charity of choice. A Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora, Ohio. Interment
Resurrection Cemetery, Pittsburgh. Family will receive friends at the TABONE FUNERAL HOME, 33650 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio, (440) 248-3320, Monday 4-8 p.m.