Tributes 2009-02-26

George Bolina Jr., 88

POLAND – George Bolina Jr., 88, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, after a short illness with his loving wife of 64 years, Joanne, and his family by his side.

Mr. Bolina was born Feb. 18, 1921 in Sharon, Pa., a son of George and Mary Yancezko Bolina and was a lifelong area resident.

He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School and he served with pride in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

He was a bus driver for the City of Youngstown and a driver for Anderson Suburban Delivery.

Mr. Bolina then built his dream in 1957, a SOHIO/BP Service Station in Boardman. He and his wife worked many long hours together. Mr. Bolina and his son, George “Marty,” and then his grandson, George, worked together until 2000 when the business closed. He was one of the last independent dealers for BP in the area.

Mr. Bolina was an active member of the Nativity of Christ Russian Orthodox Church in Youngstown.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, the former Johanna Kelly, whom he married Oct. 7, 1944; his daughter, Mary and her husband, Frank “Lou” Hornyak of Canfield; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bolina was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Nancy Smith; his son, George Bolina; and two brothers, Andrew and Michael Bolina.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Nativity of Christ Russian Orthodox Church, 727 Miller Ave. in Youngstown.

Family and friends will be received Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, where a Parastasis service will be at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown.

The family would like to thank all of the angels that cared for him from Hospice of the Valley and the family requests that any memorial tributes be made in Mr. Bolina’s name to Hospice at 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

View Image

---

Shirley M. Crawford, 73

FAYETTE – Shirley M. Crawford, 73, passed away late Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at Northcrest Nursing Home in Napoleon.

Prior to her retirement, she had worked for the Automatic Sprinkler Company in Cleveland.

Shirley was born on July 7, 1935 in Struthers, the daughter of the late John and the late Mary Olive (George) Crawford.

She was a member of the Morenci United Methodist Church.

Surviving is her sister, Mary Jane (Clifford) Brown of Fayette and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death besides her parents was her brother, John D. Crawford and her sister, Joann Crawford.

Arrangements are pending at the Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Morenci United Methodist Church.

Please visit www.GrisierFH.com to send online condolences to the family.

View Image

---

Betty M. Dougherty, 83

BOARDMAN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Austintown, preceded by closing prayers at 9:30 a.m. at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Betty M. Dougherty, 83, who passed away Tuesday afternoon at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman Campus.

Betty was born Feb. 28, 1925 in Hawthorne, Pa., a daughter of the late William and Bertha (Drayer) Bish.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Austintown, the Christian Mothers of St. Joseph in New Castle, Pa. and the Mary Martha Guild at St. Joseph in New Castle.

Betty enjoyed ceramics and crafts and was a member of several card clubs.

Her husband, and love of her life, Edward J. Dougherty Sr., whom she married Sept. 23, 1944, passed away Jan. 18, 2008.

She is survived by five children, Carol Ann (Evan) Lloyd of Pittsburgh, Janice Marie (Paul) Deak of Austintown, Edward J. Dougherty Jr. of New Castle, Catherine (David) Hogue of New Castle and William R. Dougherty of New Castle; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Betty is preceded in death by seven brothers and three sisters.

Betty had a very outgoing personality, with a great sense of humor. She easily made friends and was loved by all and will be sadly missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 182038, Dept. 108, Columbus, OH 43218 in Betty’s name. 

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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

View Image

---

Emanuel Eaton Jr., 73

VIENNA – Emanuel Eaton Jr., 73, departed this life Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at 11:13 a.m. at his residence.

He was born Oct. 10, 1935 in Campbell, the son of Emanuel Sr. and Leona Eaton.

Mr. Eaton served from 1954 to 1957 in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Eaton worked for J & L Specialty Steel for 35 years as an electrician, before retiring in 1998. He attended the Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was a member of the United Way, UAW and enjoyed cruises, Mountaineer Casino, and home repair for friends and family.

He married Barbara Drake Eaton July 24, 1961, she died July 18, 2003.

He leaves to mourn one son, Ronald (Irene) Alexander of Edmond, Okla.; one daughter, Tracey Lynn Eaton of Vienna; stepmother, Leona Eaton of Youngstown; two sisters, Pauline Carr of Cleveland and Vera Gladys Jones of Youngstown; three grandchildren, Bruce Alexander II, Ronald A. Alexander and Amoni R. Alexander; one great-grandchild, Alana R. Alexander; and a host of nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emanuel Eaton Sr. and son, Bruce Alexander I.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Chapel in Youngstown.

Calling hours one hour prior to service from 10 to 11 a.m.

Burial at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

View Image

---

Wilda May Fabian, 88

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel for Wilda May Fabian, 88, who passed away Tuesday evening at Pembrooke Place.

Wilda was born Feb. 20, 1921 in New Castle, Pa., the daughter of William and Kitty Payne.

She was a homemaker, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Wilda was a former member of the Holy Cross Church and the Eastside Civics Ladies Auxiliary. Her hobbies included working of crafts, sewing and playing bingo. She also loved animals.

Her husband, Joseph Fabian, whom she married April 7, 1946, passed away April 9, 2000.

Wilda leaves five children, Joseph A. Fabian of Youngstown, Vernon (Vickie) Perkins of Liberty, Delores M. Zagotti and Mary Ellen Silvestri, both of Youngstown and Donna A. (Mike) Stas of Austintown. Wilda also leaves 12 grandchildren, Joey (Kim) Price, Colleen (Larry) Bodner, Jennifer (Jimmy) Terranova, Bradley Tyrell, Robin (Mark) D’Angelo, Christopher (Robyn) Silvestri and Michele Fabian, Nicholas Perkins, Valerie Perkins, John (Barb) Zagotti, Marty (Sherrie) Zagotti and Lisa (Greg) Black, as well as 17 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband and parents, Wilda is preceded in death by one great-grandson, Joey Price Jr.; two sons–in–law; Paul Silvestri and John Zagotti; three brothers, William, Emerson and Walden; and one sister, Ruth.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

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

View Image

---

John W. Hanni, 70

POLAND – John W. Hanni, 70, died Wednesday morning surrounded by his family at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman Campus after a short battle with cancer.

John, affectionately known as “Buzzy,” was born Jan. 12, 1939 in Youngstown, a son of Robert Hanni and Eleanor Banks Whalen. He was raised in Youngstown and moved to Poland in 1968.

He was a 1957 graduate of Ursuline High School and retired from Youngstown Steel Door. He was a member of the Holy Family Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Austintown.

An outdoorsman, John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known for his handyman skills and was always helping everyone in the neighborhood. His greatest pride though, was his family. His wife, daughters, son-in-laws and his granddaughters meant everything to him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his kindness and sense of humor.

He leaves his wife, the former Patricia Carmendy, whom he married almost 50 years ago on Sept. 5, 1959; three daughters, Sally (Christopher) Chapin of Boardman and Patty McGarry and Cathy (Joe) Genova, both of Poland; and three granddaughters, Megan McGarry, Emily Chapin and Madison Genova.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Robert McGarry Jr.; one brother, Robert David Hanni; and one sister, Sally Hanni.

Funeral services will be on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland and 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church in Poland.

Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

John’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care provided by the nurses at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Boardman Campus.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

---

Maurice “Bud” Hillegas Jr., 85

STRUTHERS – There will be services at 11:45 a.m. Saturday at the Poland Presbyterian Church for Maurice “Bud” Hillegas Jr., 85, who died Tuesday afternoon at Hospice House.

He was born June 12, 1923 in Pittsburgh, a son of Maurice and Ruth Allen Hillegas and was raised in Wilkinsburg, Pa.

He was a 1940 graduate of Wilkinsburg High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1943.

He served in the 13th Airborn Division of the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943 to 1946.

In 1946, he attended the Detroit College of Law and held graduate degrees in the American Institute of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. From 1953 to 1965, he was a commercial loan officer and vice president at the Bank of Millvale. He moved to Sharon, Pa. in 1965 to become senior vice president at McDowell Bank, where he retired in 1985. He was president of the Sharon Country Club from 1985 to 1986. From 1965 to 1978, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Downtown Sharon Associates and president of Robert Morris Associates, Pittsburgh Chapter in 1984. He was a professor of finance at Slippery Rock University in 1986 after retirement from McDowell Bank and a real estate agent for V.R. Business Brokers of Youngstown from 1987 to 1989.

He married Natalie Franklin Clarke in 1992 and moved to Poland, Ohio.

He was a member of the Poland Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, usher and choir member. He was a member of Fonderlac Country Club, Town Club and the Colony Club. He was also a 50-year member of Centennial Lodge No. 544 of Carnegie, Pa., the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Valley of Youngstown and the American Legion Post No. 0299 in Sharon and was an avid golfer and bowler.

He is survived by his wife, Natalie; his daughter, Dr. Anne Hillegas Hill (Donny) of Fayetteville, Tenn.; his son, Eric Hillegas of Virginia; his niece, Valerie Young of Carnegie; his stepchildren, Linda Garnack (Mike) of Sharpsville, Pa., Susan Phelan of Poland, John Clarke of Canfield and Shari Clarke of Boardman; 10 stepgrandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Lou Pachel; and former wives, Betty Jane Vickery Hillegas and Virginia Irene Thompson Hillegas.

Friends may call Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church.

The Western Star Lodge No. 21 F. & A.M. will conduct a Masonic service at 11:30 a.m., prior to the service at 11:45 a.m.

Material contributions may be given to the Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor, Poland, OH 44514.

Arrangements are being handled by the Anstrom-Velker Funeral Home.

View Image

---

James Joseph Horan, 80

WILLOUGHBY – Funeral services for James Joseph Horan, 80, will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at the Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Ave. in Willoughby. Mr. Horan died Sunday, Feb. 22, at Lake West Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born June 14, 1928 in Youngstown, the son of James Joseph and Catherine Charlotte Carr Horan.

He graduated in 1946 from Ursuline High School in Youngstown. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 in Trieste, Italy. Upon his return, Jim attended Fenn College of Engineering in Cleveland, and worked in manufacturing until his retirement.

Mr. Horan enjoyed woodworking, and also liked to do oil paintings, making both landscapes and seascapes. He loved traveling. His family remembers the trips to upstate New York and Cape Cod with fondness. After his retirement, Mr. Horan and his wife, Dorothy visited Europe, enjoying London and Paris.

He is survived by his sons, John (Rhonda) of Aurora and James M. (Teresa) of Waite Hill; daughters, Maggi (Tom) Gibson of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., Jean (Bruce) Pavlov of Marquette, Mich., Mary Kay (Ed) Vargo of Willoughby and Martha (Tad) Swan of Wakeman. He also leaves 13 grandchildren; a brother, John P. (Sarah) of Cincinnati; and two sisters, Marianne Lindsey of Youngstown and Kathleen DeNiro of Cincinnati.

Mr. Horan was preceded in death by Dorothy, his wife of 55 years; an infant daughter; his parents; and a sister, Jeanne Bosela.

Friends may call at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m. and an hour prior to the services on Friday.

Inurnment will be at Willoughby Memorial Gardens at a later date.

View Image

---

Louise Lewis Jones, 92

LYNCHBURG, VA. – Services were held Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at the White Rock Baptist Church for Louise Lewis Jones, 92, formerly of Youngstown, who departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009.

Louise was born in Lynchburg on April 29, 1917 to the late Charles Milton Lewis and Eliza Brown Lewis. She was the fifth of 14 children.

She was married to the late James Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted brother, Theodore R. (Ruth) Lewis Sr. of Norfolk, Va.; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Lewis of Lynchburg, and Joyce Lewis and Joeretha King Lewis of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Although Louise did not have any children of her own, she was very close to all the children in her family and treated all of them as her own. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by 12 siblings, six brothers, Charley, Horce, Frank, Walter, Terry and Ray Lewis and six sisters, Mary Stratton, Bernice Cunningham, Edith Haskins, Geneva Calloway Saunders, Sallie Cobbs Clark and Florence Marshall Tucker Martin.

Services were entrusted to the care of the Franklin-Hutcherson Funeral Home in Lynchburg.

View Image

---

M. Elaine Melnick, 90

BOARDMAN – Services will be held at noon on Friday at the Good Hope Lutheran Church for M. Elaine Melnick, 90, who passed away Tuesday afternoon at Hospice House.

Mrs. Melnick was born Aug. 17, 1918 in New Castle, Pa., a daughter of Charles Herman and Nina James Hall.

As a 50-year member of the Good Hope Lutheran Church, she was active in its Boosters, Colony Garden Club, Care and Share Club and Good Hope Seniors Citizens for 29 years.

Her husband, John Melnick, whom she married Sept. 20, 1943, died April 22, 2001.

Surviving her is a son and his wife, John R. and Carole L. Melnick of Nashville, Tenn.; a grandson, John V. and his wife, Kim Melnick of Cleveland; three great-granddaughters, Isabella, Shelby and McKenzie; two sisters, Gladys Parker of Wampum, Pa. and Esther Hall of Arlington, Va.; and 12 nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death besides her husband and parents, is a daughter, Sharon Melnick; two sisters, Naomi Hartzell and Kathleen Jenkins; and a brother, Leslie Hall.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service at the church.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the Church Memorial Fund, Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Drive, Boardman, OH 44512.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis Funeral Home.

View Image

---

Lydia “Liddy” Li-mei Eiko Miyashita, 5 1/2

ORRVILLE – Lydia “Liddy” Li-mei Eiko Miyashita, 5 1/2, earned her angel wings in Punta Gorda, Fla. on Feb. 24, 2009, after a six month battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

She was the daughter of Mark and Monica (Raber) Miyashita of Orrville.

She was born in Guangdong Province China on July 3, 2003 and met her forever family in China on July 4, 2004.

Lydia lived in Orrville and was a kindergarten student at Maple Street Elementary School in Orrville, having also attended both St. Mary’s Sharing and Caring Preschool in Wooster and Trinity Nursery School and Child Care in Orrville. She attended the Trinity United Methodist Church in Orrville.

Lydia was an extremely bright and energetic child, who loved to act, dance ballet, swim and play her violin. She loved the beach and Lakeside, Ohio. She was well-traveled and was a fan of all forms of theatre, including and in particular, the musical “Cats”. Lydia had three cats of her own, Daisy, Sherlock and Aggie and loved to wear grease paint and dress up as a Jellicle Cat with her brother, Max. She was a talented artist, who noticed the smallest details about people. Lydia will be remembered by all who knew her, met her or even heard of her story as an effervescent, exuberant, unique and special child.

Lydia is survived by her parents, Mark and Monica (Raber) Miyashita; her three year old brother, Maxwell; maternal grandparents John and Betty Raber of Wooster; paternal grandparents, Yoshifumi and Linda Miyashita of Brookfield; paternal great-grandmother, Haruko Miyashita of Hachioji Japan; as well as by the doctors, nurses, staff, patients and families of the 5600 Unit at Akron Children’s Hospital and by the numerous extended family and friends who knew this special child, including very special doctor/friend, Dr. Xixian Li. She is also survived by her birth parents; two sisters; and one brother in China.

She was preceded in death by one brother in China.

A memorial service, open to the public, celebrating her life will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 1556 Rex Drive in Orrville on Sunday, March 1, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. David Kowaleski and Dr. David Wilcox officiating.

Calling hours also open to the public will be held at the Auble Funeral Home at 512 East Oak St. in Orrville from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 28, 2009.

Lydia will be interred at Crown Hill Memorial Cemetery in Orrville in a private burial service at a later date.

A foundation in Lydia’s name will be established in the near future.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lydia’s Fund, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, 1556 Rex Drive, Orrville, OH 44667.

Lydia’s family established a caring bridge website during her treatment for friends and family, and those wishing to visit and leave a message for the family may do so at www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydialimeieikomiyashita.

Please visit www.aublefuneralhome.com to view Lydia’s obituary.

View Image

---

Mary Ellen Profera, 94

WARREN – Mary Ellen Profera, 94, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday morning, Feb. 24, 2009, at the Windsor House at Champion, where she had been a resident.

Born in Warren on April 9, 1914, Mary was the daughter of the late Glen and Pearl (Stitle) Moore.

A lifetime area resident, Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Club, K of C Ladies Auxiliary and was a Red Cross “Grey Lady” at St. Joseph Hospital. Mary enjoyed playing cards and belonged to her card club for more than 60 years. Most of all she adored her family, especially her grand and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death in 1996 by her husband, Samuel J. Profera, whom she married Oct. 1, 1932. Together they shared 65 years of marriage and a beautiful family.

Mary will be dearly missed by her children, Marian Crowbridge, Barbara Wooldridge and Charles (Rosemary) Profera Sr., all of Warren, 12 grandchildren, Kathy (Ed) Machingo, Rick (Tandy) Crowbridge, Deanna (Tom) Kawecki, Roger (Lisa) Crowbridge, Dori (Tom) Laney, Karen (John ) Rimar, Chuck Profera Jr., Bonnie Peyton, Chrissy (Brian) Forkin, Jeff (Heidi) Jardine, Brad Jardine, and William (Jean) Wooldridge III, 30 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Nellie Morgan of Warren.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Gregory Profera; two brothers, William and Delbert Moore; a sister, Margaret Martin; and two sons-in-law, William Wooldridge II and Mark Crowbridge.

The Rev. Bernard Schmalzreid will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at St. Mary’s Church at 10 a.m.

Family and friends will be received Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Roberts-Clark Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be held at All Souls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the St. Mary’s Church at 301 High St. NE, Warren, OH 44481 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Family and friends may visit www.robertsclarkchapel.com to view this obituary online or send condolences.

View Image

---

Betty June Rance, 86

LEETONIA – Betty June Rance, 86, passed away Monday evening at the home of her daughter, Linda in Chandler, Ariz.

Mrs. Rance was born June 21, 1922 in Niles, a daughter of the late Harry D. and Ethel M. Gifford Woods, and had lived in Leetonia for many years before moving to Arizona in 1998. 

She had been employed by the Leetonia Exempted Schools in the cafeteria from 1958 until retiring as cafeteria supervisor in 1983.

While living in Leetonia, Mrs. Rance was an active member of the former First Presbyterian Church and of the Joe Williams Unit No. 131 American Legion Auxiliary, serving in various offices. She was also active in the Columbiana County Salon 432 of 8 & 40, where she held offices at various levels. While living in Arizona, she was a member of the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Gilbert, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James Paul Rance; a sister; and three brothers.

She is survived by three daughters, Ms. Judith A. Stouffer of Columbiana, Mrs. Karen Dundon of Beloit, and Mrs. Richard (Linda) Alexander of Chandler; a son, James P. Rance, Jr. of Chandler; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home in Leetonia, with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating. 

Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery. 

Friends may call at the funeral home from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 1159 N Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

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

---

Mercedes Rodriguez, 72

CAMPBELL – Mercedes Rodriguez, 72, of 68 Fifth St., passed away Saturday morning at St. Elizabeth Heath Center.

Mrs. Rodriguez was born on Aug. 10, 1936 in Juncos, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Savero and Maximina Gonzalez, and came to this area 56 years ago.

She was a loving homemaker.

Mercedes was an active member of the Youngstown Spanish Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and before that, she was a part of the East Youngstown Congregation.

She will be sadly missed by her son, Pedro J. (Brenda) Rodriguez Jr. of Struthers; two daughters, Lydia (Juan) Gomez and Lucy Rodriguez, with whom she made her home, both of Campbell; a brother, Vidal Gonzalez of Juncos, Puerto Rico. She leaves to cherish her memories five grandchildren, Mylissa (Benjamin Jr.) Santiago, Angelisa (Carmen Jr.) Neapolitan, Pedro J. (Rebekah) Rodriguez III, Enrique (Sarah) Rodriguez, and Maria Mercedes Gomez; five great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Neapolitan, Mercedes Santiago, Mackenzie Neapolitan, Pedro Santiago and Mia Santiago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pedro J. Rodriguez Sr., whom she married Jan. 1, 1954, and who died Oct. 6, 2001, and two sisters, Julia Barbosa and Roselia Algarin.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 319 Struthers-Liberty Road in Campbell.

The family will receive anyone wishing to express their condolences one hour before the memorial service.

The Rodriguez family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.

View Image

---

Norman R. “Bob” Ruby, Ms., 70

HUBBARD – Norman R. “Bob” Ruby, Ms., 70, died Tuesday evening at Select Specialty Hospital.

He was born June 21, 1938 in Emeigh, Pa., a son of George T. and Elma M. Hallman Ruby and lived in the area for 65 years.

Mr. Ruby was a machine operator for Commercial Shearing and was also a counselor at Glenbeigh Hospital. He served with the U.S. Air Force, enjoyed working with rare stones and spending time with friends and family.

He leaves his wife, the former Linda Poe (Cool), whom he married June 6, 1998; two daughters, Denene E. McBride of Pittsburgh, and Dani J. Burns of Austintown; three stepdaughters, Trina Lockwood of Niles, Sherry Tvaroch of Warren and Kathy Cool of Canfield; four sisters, Linda Steele, Patricia A. Lockso, Darla Marsh, all of Hubbard and Anita Hearn of Brookfield; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Shirley e. Phillips.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home.

Family and friends may call on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material contributions be made to the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic of Youngstown, 2151 Rush Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44507.

Please visit www.kelley-robb.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

---

Mary “Clara” Vincent, 90

NEW CASTLE, PA. – Mary “Clara” Vincent, 90, died the night of Feb. 24 at the Haven Convalescent Home in New Castle.

Born in New Castle on April 25, 1918, Mrs. Vincent was the daughter of Antonio and Vincenzino Conti Russo.

Clara married Victor Vincent in 1941 and they were married for 58 years. He preceded her in death in 1999.

Clara was retired. In the past, she had worked for Columbus Cleaning Services and Boron Cleaning Services. Clara was a member of St. Vitus Church. Clara was also past president of the Christian Mothers of St. Vitus Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Linda McCabe of Swansboro, N.C. and Ms. Angela McConnell of New Castle; one son, V. Anthony Vincent of Buena Park, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Victor; six brothers, Thomas Russo, John Russo, Louis Ross, Frank Ross, William Russo and Michael Russo; and two sisters, Viola Latore and Millie Fazzone.

Calling hours are Friday, Feb. 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 3000 Wilmington Road in New Castle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vitus Church on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Rev. James Gretz will officiate.

Burial will take place at St. Vitus Cemetery.

View Image

---

Michael Virtes, 85

HUBBARD - Michael Virtes, 85, formerly of Struthers, died Tuesday morning at Hospice House.

Mr. Virtes was born Sept. 3, 1923 in Struthers, a son of Michael and Mary Varhola Virtes. He was raised in Struthers and returned to this area after residing in North Carolina after the war.

He was a 1941 graduate of Struthers High School and was a self-employed painter by trade, working his entire life until becoming ill in 2005.

Mr. Virtes was a World War II 5th Air Force veteran and served from 1942 to 1946 in the Pacific with the 49th Service Squadron on the Islands of New Caledonia, New Guinea, Samaar Leyte and Luzon in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. Mr. Virtes had received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the American Theatre Campaign Medal, the APT Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.

He was a member of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Struthers.

His wife, the former Frances Spencer, whom he married April 20, 1944, died April 10, 1994.

He leaves one daughter, Donna Betters, with whom he lived; one grandson, Michael Todd (Denise) Betters of Austintown; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Zackary, Dylan and Georgia.

Besides his parents and wife, Mr. Virtes was preceded in death by his five sisters, his twin, Veronica Virtes, Sr. Mary Rupert-Vincentian, Anne Troxil, Elizabeth Paliskis and Margaret Eichstadt; and one brother, Albert Virtes.

There will be no calling hours.

Services will be held Friday at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Msgr. John A. Zuraw officiating.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of the Hospice House and MVI Hospice for their care given to Michael.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

---

Doris B. Voorhies, 93

NILES – Doris B. Voorhies, 93, of 1500 McKinley Ave., passed away at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren.

She was born in Alliance on March 26, 1915 to Walter and Arletha (Faulk) Brick. Doris grew up in Alliance and later in life lived on Niles-Vienna Road in Niles.

A graduate of Alliance High School, she attended Kent State University and graduated from Youngstown University in 1960, where she received her Bachelor of Science in education.

She retired from the Niles City School System on July 1, 1981, after working 24 years as a third grade teacher at Lincoln and Bohnam Schools.

She was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Niles and the OEA and NEA Teachers Associations. She enjoyed reading, piano, organ and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Doris was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will be sadly missed by her daughter, Joan (William) Burby of Westerville; three sons, Donald (Georgia) Voorhies of Huntsville, Kenneth (Virginia) Voorhies of Howland and Dale (Kathleen) Voorhies of Cortland; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Earl Voorhies, whom she married Oct. 14, 1936, and who passed away days after their 61st wedding anniversary on Oct. 20, 1997, and a brother, Eugene Brick.

A private funeral will be Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Niles City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare League.

View Image

---

Karen Doris Washington, 60

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Reed’s Chapel AME Church for Mrs. Karen Doris Washington, 60, who departed this life Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Mrs. Washington was born Dec. 18, 1948 in Youngstown, a daughter of George Kenneth and Daisy A. Jackson Bennett.

She was a 1966 graduate of South High School and continued her education at Central State University. She spent the better part of her working career employed by the Youngstown Board of Education as a librarian. She was a member of the Reed’s Chapel AME, its Stewardess Board No. 3, the Inspirational Choir and the Board of Stewardship Finance.

She leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her three children, all of Youngstown, Eugene A. (Danita) Washington, Adriane P. (Walter) Clayton and Tyrone K. Washington; a sister, Tracey Bennett of Columbus; two grandchildren, Adriana N. Washington and Darian A. Washington, both of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends. She touched many lives and abides in many hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Karole E. Bennett and Kathy L. Lindsey; and a brother, Kelvin L. Bennett.

Friends may call Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

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

View Image

---