Tributes 2009-02-13

Raymond Christani, 76

“Together Again”

SALEM – Raymond Christani, 76, of 1020 West Perry Street, formerly of Leetonia, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning at his home, joining his beloved wife, the former Jean A. Favorite, who preceded him in death Jan. 1, 1982.

Mr. Christani was born June 30, 1932 in Beaverdale, Pa., the son of John B. and Sylvia Mainetti Christani and had lived in this area since 1970, coming from Willowick.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was employed as a maintenance man at General Motors Lordstown Plant for 28 years.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and VFW Post 5532 in Leetonia.  Throughout his life, Mr. Christani enjoyed fishing, gardening, carpentry and bird watching.

He is survived by three daughters, Janet (John) Mancuso of Salem, Diane (John) May of Stow and Kathleen Phillips of Salem; two sons, Raymond C. (Sandy) Christani of Ravenna and Dr. Anthony (Cynthia) Christani of Sebring; two sisters, Rose McGinty of Mentor and Ilene (John) Krupka of Seneca, Pa; two brothers, Bruno (Mary) Christani of Chardon and Dino (Maureen) Christani of Boston; ten grandchildren, Cherlyn (Curtis) Crawford, Erin Morris, Justin May, Ashley and Haley Christani, Kaitlyn, Joseph, and Mikala Phillips, and Elizabeth and Anthony Christani; and great-grandchildren, Bailey, Kaid and Amber Crawford.  He is also survived by his godmother, Erma Zetkulich and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home in Leetonia with the Rev. Ross Jackson officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Leetonia.

Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the services on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Autism Society of Ohio, 701 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44311.

Please visit www.familycareservices.com to sign the register and send condolences.

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Patricia A. Copen, 61

HUBBARD – Services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the Szabo & Sons Funeral Home and 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen of Hungary Church for Patricia A. Copen, 61, who passed away Tuesday following a car accident.

Patricia was born March 8, 1947 in Youngstown, a daughter of Mathew and Anne Chordas Stanar.

She worked at Packard Electric for 30 years as an assembler, retiring in 2000.

Patricia was a member of St. Stephen of Hungary Church and its CCD teacher and principal. She also was a member of the Monday night prayer group, Parish Family Life committee, the RCIA program, a lecture and Eucharistic minister for St. Stephen of Hungary and Sts. Cyril Methodius Churches. She was also a member of the Jewish-Christian dialogue committee and active in the Hubbard football and basketball boosters.

Patricia enjoyed ceramics, trips to Florida and cruises.

She is survived by a son, Mathew (Jodie) Copen of Clermont, Fla.; a sister, Denise Stanar Matz of Boardman; and a niece, Dana Matz, whom she cherished.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

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Fannie Lue Betts Howell, 91

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Jerusalem Baptist Church for Mrs. Fannie Lue Betts Howell, 91, who went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.

Mrs. Howell was born Jan. 15, 1918 in Monroeville, Ala., the daughter of Lula Bryant, coming to Youngstown in 1945.

A member of Jerusalem Baptist Church for over 60 years, Mrs. Howell was honored to be a Church Mother. She was a former member of the kitchen committee and former choir member. She loved to cook, sew, tend to her rose and vegetable gardens and attend football and basketball games. She had worked for Republic Steel and did domestic work for prominent families in the area.

She leaves to cherish, her beloved memory, two sons, Thomas (Bertha) Betts and Dr. Walter Betts, both of Youngstown; two daughters, Vonciel Veneable of Struthers and Janet (Lonnie) Bloodworth, with whom she made her home; daughter-in-law, Chonita Jackson of Youngstown; and three stepchildren, Ernestine Jordan, Tonniestine Williams and William Howell, all of Chicago. Mrs. Howell will be fondly remembered by her sister, Florence (Tommie) Carnathan of Youngstown; two sisters-in-law, Melba Bryant of Phoenix City, Ala. and Helen Bryant of Youngstown; a brother-in-law, William Howell of Hernando, Miss.; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Besides her mother, Mrs. Howell was preceded in death by her first husband, Jule Betts; second husband, Jessie Howell Sr.; her sons, Willie Betts and Jerry Howell Sr.; a stepson, Jessie Howell Jr.; siblings, Willie, Robert, David, Hubert and Charlie Bryant, Johnnie Matthews and Pearl O’Cain; her daughters-in-law, Willyn Betts and Betty Betts; a son-in-law, Kenneth Veneable Sr.; her granddaughter, Chrystal Betts; and great-grandchild, Jeremiah Brown.

Friends may call Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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Sally Ann Hudak, 72

FORT MYERS, FLA. – Sally Ann Hudak, 72, formerly of Youngstown, passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at Life Care Center in Banner Elk, N.C.

She was born the daughter of the late Frederick W. Sattler and Lenore Shannon Sattler.

Sally loved being with her family and enjoyed bowling, cycling and walking.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Joseph Hudak.

Left to carry on her memory is her daughter, Kelly Ann Anderson of Linville, N.C.; her grandson, Shane Michael Anderson of Linville; and her brother, Lee Sattler and wife, Ellie of Youngstown.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hudak will be Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Chapel in Boardman.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sally’s memory to Hospice of Avery County, P.O. Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657 or to the Avery County Senior Center, P.O. Box 447, Newland, NC 28657.

Please visit www.rsfh.net where words of comfort and memories may viewed and shared with the family.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Hudak family.

Local arrangements are being handled by the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman.

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Raymond L. Jackson, 73

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rising Star Baptist Church for Raymond L. Jackson, 73, who departed this life Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Mr. Jackson was born July 19, 1935 in Charleston, W.Va., a son of Earl and Rowena Upton Jackson.

He worked for U.S. Steel Ohio Works, retiring in 1994.

He was a member of the church. He loved dancing and cars.

His wife, the former Margie Higgins, whom he married Feb. 1, 1974, died July 2, 1988.

He leaves three daughters, Davida L. Daniels and Rowena L. Mitchell, both of Youngstown and Robin Jackson (Tony) Hoskins of Philadelphia; two sons, Corey (Valarie) Jackson of Columbus and Ezra C. Foster of Akron; two sisters, Anna Woods Oglesby and Wanda (Larry) Champion, both of Dayton; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a special friend, Nelson Kennedy; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

His parents; his wife; and grandchildren, Craig L. Jackson and Sa’Qunna M. Daniels, preceded him in death.

Viewing will be today from noon to 4 p.m. at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home.

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Sally Lenhart, 78

STRUTHERS – Sally Lenhart, 78, died Feb. 11, 2009 at the Hospice House.

Sally was born Aug. 21, 1930 in Alliance, a daughter of Ralph and Grace Eckis Deemer.

She was a graduate of North Jackson High School and after graduation attended one year of college.

Sally worked as a secretary for State Farm Insurance for 33 years, retiring in 1997. She was a member of the Struthers United Methodist Church and enjoyed camping at Berlin Lake and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by one daughter, M.J. (Bill) Munholand of Poland; a son, Donnie Lenhart of Struthers; a daughter-in-law, Karen Lenhart of Struthers; six grandchildren, Laurie (Tim) Catullo of Boardman, Kelly Lenhart of Struthers, Frank Munholand of Poland, Bill (Emily) Munholand III of Cape Coral, Fla., Jesse Munholand of Poland and Tate Munholand of Poland; and four great-grandchildren, Joey Cardarelli, Danielle Catullo, Layla Munholand and Tristin Munholand.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John P. Lenhart.

Services will be at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Family and friends will be received Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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George H. Meese, 76

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – George H. Meese, 76, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at his home.

He was born Jan. 14, 1933 in Cleveland, the son of the late Herbert and Helen (Trnka) Meese.

George graduated from St. Boniface High School in Cleveland and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired in 1998 after working 27 years at General Motors. He was a member of St. Patrick Church on Oak Hill Ave. in Youngstown and was active in their choir. He also sang with St. Rose Choir and Youngstown Symphony Chorus.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Sinoradzki) Meese, whom he married Oct. 15, 1955; five children, Jeffrey Meese of Austintown, Diane Edwards of Scottsdale, Ariz., David Meese of Warren, Susan Meese-Morris of Davie, Fla. and James Meese of Boardman; four brothers and sisters, Ruth Delger of Cleveland, Richard Meese of Port Charlotte, Fla., Lawrence Meese of Cleveland and Katherine Meese of Cleveland; 14 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Meese.

Calling hours will be held today from 6 to 9 p.m. at McVean, Hughes, & McClurkin Funeral Home in Youngstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown with prayers at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Donations may be made in his name to Senior Independence Hospice, Park Vista, 1216 Fifth Ave. Youngstown OH 44504.

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John Joseph “Jack” Menosky III, 50

BURTON – John Joseph “Jack” Menosky III, 50, died Feb. 10, 2009 at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

He was born May 19, 1958 in Youngstown, the son of John J. and Theresa (Palmer) Menosky II and was a lifelong area resident of Burton for 26 years.

Jack’s primary occupation was construction. He studied architecture at Kent State University for about four years, but missed working with his hands. He returned to construction work and was employed by the Mullet Company for more than 20 years.

Jack had a huge heart and loved people, putting others and their needs before his own. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends and his four-legged companions. He loved to joke and will be remembered for the many pranks he pulled and his warm smile. Jack was a “big kid” at heart and especially loved children. Jack had many interests and always had “projects” he was working on. He was known as “Mr. Fix It” and was often called when nobody else could fix the problem.

Jack’s passions were baseball and fishing. He was an avid fisherman and an accomplished fly fisherman. Jack organized and ran the “Jay’s,” a summer league baseball team. He coached baseball from little league to high school for many years. He kept stats for his alma mater, Kenston High School’s football team, and kept basketball stats for Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School.

He is survived by his children, Shawna Marie Menosky of Columbus, Ashley Ann Menosky of Burton and John Joseph Menosky IV of Burton; his parents, John J. and Theresa (Palmer) Menosky II of Chagrin Falls; his sisters, Kara (Tim) Yoder of Parkman, Leah (Dave) Funk of Bainbridge, Lisa Fisher of Burton and Anne (Jeff) Cummons of Jackson Center; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Catherine Menosky and Anthony Philomena “Mamie” Palmer; his nephews, Joshua and Tyler Yoder; and his brother-in-law, Glenn Fisher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 16150 Center St. in Parkman, with Rev. John Berkey officiating.

Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St. (on state Route 44, 500 ft. south of Route 6/Chardon Square) in Chardon.

Burial will be at Overlook Cemetery in Parkman Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yoder Brothers Memorial Scholarship Foundation, 7550 Trails End, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.

Arrangements are being handled by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon.

Visit www.burrservice.com for information and on-line condolences.

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Mary Lou Rice, 73

CANTON – Mary Lou Rice, 73, entered into eternal rest Feb. 2, 2009 after a courageous battle against cancer. During her lengthy illness, her positive attitude and sense of humor were an inspiration to others.

Born in Uniontown, Pa, to Arleigh and Mary Hauger Rice. The Rice’s moved to Youngstown in 1943 and to Hubbard in 1953.

She was a 1953 graduate of The Rayen School. She became a telephone operator and a secretary at the Struthers Presbyterian Church. While working, she completed her bachelor’s degree at Youngstown University.

In 1969, she relocated in Ravenna, Ohio and was executive secretary at Colonial Rubber Co. While there, she completed a second undergraduate degree, as well as, her Masters in Library Science at Kent State University.

Her final move was to Canton, Ohio. She commuted daily to Uhrichsville, where she was employed by Claymont School District. She enjoyed being the Claymont High School librarian/media specialist for 21 years, before retiring in 1999.

Mary Lou was a member of the following NEA, OEA, CEA, OELMA, AARP, Ohio Retired Teachers, American First Day Cover Society, Stark County and McKinley Stamp Clubs, National Model Railroad-Division 1, Mid-Central Region, Christ United Methodist Church, & UMW. She especially enjoyed her membership in Evening Angels.

She participated in the East Ohio Emmanuel Emmaus Women’s Walk No. 36 in 1998. Years later, this experience would contribute to her strength and courage when faced with cancer.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by dear friends, Dorothy Painter, Bernard Paul, Nancy Watt.

She is survived by her friend and caregiver, MaryAnn Leak, MaryAnn’s mother, Myrtle; brother, Bill and wife, Irene, and their children, Rebecca (Shannon), Arthur, Raymond, and Deborah (Jordan). Survivors also include Mary Lou’s brother, Arleigh H. Rice and his wife, “Katie”; her - nieces and their husbands, Stephanie and A.J. Johnson, and Betsy and Dan Sweet; and her great-nephew, Michael Hamilton “Ham” Sweet; cousin, Bebe Hauger Corolla; god-daughters, Patty Sabella and Carla Jenkins; and numerous friends.

Mary Lou treasured her “Forever Friends,” Ruth Creighton, Nancy Hart, Barb Nageotte and Frances Tkach, she enjoyed a special friendship with them for all of these years, since 1948, when they became acquainted as eighth graders.

She was blessed with love, prayers, support and friendship at the Christ United Methodist Church in Canton. Her memory will be cherished by the congregation in addition to neighbors, former co-workers and students.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Claymont Foundation, c/o the Mary Lou Rice Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 255, Dennison, OH 44621. A scholarship will be awarded annually, beginning this school year, to one or more Claymont High School Student(s) entering into a two year medical program.

Honoring Mary Lou’s wishes, her body was donated for the advancement of medical science at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. When research and educational studies have been completed, she will be cremated and the ashes returned.

A memorial service and celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be scheduled in Canton this spring.

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Elizabeth “Betty” Sinn, 76

AUSTINTOWN – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Elizabeth “Betty” Sinn, 76, who died Wednesday afternoon.

Betty was born Jan. 20, 1933 in Pricetown, the daughter of Paul and Catherine (Johnson) Soos.

Betty retired from Packard Electric, where she worked for 25 years. She enjoyed ceramics, baking, her great-grandchildren and her puppy, Poocher.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Stan) Zaksek of Austintown; her grandchildren, Christopher and Johnathan Sawtelle; great-grandchildren, Leanna and Skylar Sawtelle; and sisters, Gertrude Chalmers of Austintown, Pauline Kezele of Austintown, Mildred Holecko of Niles and Brenda Syppko of Salem.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Sinn in 2006; her sister, Stella Crum; and her brothers, Steve and Raymond Soos.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

The family requests that memorial contributions take the form of donations to Hospice of the Valley.

Family and friends may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and to send condolences

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James Timko, 81

STRUTHERS – Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, with a Panachida service at 9:15 a.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home and the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at the Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church on South Avenue for James Timko, 81, who died at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman Campus, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009.

James was born April 13, 1927 in Struthers, the son of the late John and Anna Lenchik Timko.

He was a graduate of Struthers High School. He was a Fireman First Class, aboard the U.S.S. Apache in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. He was a graduate of New Castle School of Trades and attended Youngstown State University for two years. He worked as carpenter for LTV and after retirement, he worked part-time at Pavlov Auto and Body Shop.

Jim was a member of the Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church, where he was an active member of the Ushers Club and Byzantine Social Club, being a past president. Jim was also a lifetime member and past Commander and past Adjutant of the Struthers VFW Post No. 7538, a lifetime member and past Grand Knight and financial secretary of the Knights of Columbus, Struthers Council No. 4224, a member of the Baseball Old Timers, a charter member of the National WWII Museum, associate member of P.E.R.I. Chapter 18 in Mahoning County and a member of the National Fleet Tug Sailors. He was also a member of the VFW Golf League at Tanglewood Golf Course.

He enjoyed bowling and football and was an avid Notre Dame University Fan.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Eleanore R. Andrasy Timko; a daughter, Dr. Roberta Lynn (Timko) Lockhart and son-in-law, Bruce Lockhart; his two grandsons, Benjamin and Spencer Lockhart, whom he loved so dearly and was so proud of them; and a brother, Gerald Timko.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Stephen and Mary Andrasy; two brothers, John and George; and four sisters, Ann Timko, Marie Novotny, Pauline DeMocko and Ruth Duracky.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday where a Parastas service will be held at 7 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus mens group and the ladies auxiliary will have a prayer service at 5:45 p.m.

Interment will be at St. John Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the building fund of the Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Church, 7754 South Ave., Boardman, OH 44512.

Much appreciation and gratitude is extended to Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi, M.D. for his excellent medical care and compassion and to Beeghly Oaks Skilled Nursing Facility for their care and resident respect, especially the nurses and aides of Wing 1100.

Please visit www.kirlafh.com to view this obituary and send online condolences to the family.

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