Tributes 2009-05-22

Lucille “Lucy” McKinney Davis, 73

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services were held Thursday at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church for Lucille “Lucy” McKinney Davis, 73, who departed this life Saturday, May 16, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Ms. McKinney Davis was born Sept. 23, 1935 in Tunica, Miss., a daughter of Ike and Bertha Reed McKinney.

She was a clinical technician at St. Elizabeth Health Center, a member of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and was an East High School graduate.

She leaves her husband, George Davis; a son, Lewer Frank Dent of Youngstown; a stepson, Timothy (Tammy) Davis of Columbus; a sister, Nettie Buckley of Youngstown; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Her parents; a sister, Cora Hudson; and three brothers, Mose, Ike and Camble McKinney, preceded her in death.

Arrangements were handled by the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home Inc.

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Raymond E. Davis, 87

AUSTINTOWN – Raymond E. Davis, 87, died Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at home. A resident of Austintown most of his life, he had been in declining health.

Born Oct. 10, 1921 in Rimerton, Pa., the son of the late Frank Davis and Edna Mae (Staples) Davis.

He was preceded in death on May 13, 1997 by his wife of 46 years, Rebecca B. “Becky” (Johnson) Davis, whom he married on June 29, 1951.

He graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1941 and attended night school at Youngstown College.

A World War II veteran, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and was seriously wounded in action against the Japanese, Feb. 2, 1944, during the assault and capture of Roi-Namur, Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Following the war, he returned to the Youngstown area to make his home and raise a family.

Ray was a machinist at the William B. Pollock Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1971. He then worked 15 years for Packard Electric Division of General Motors in Warren as a form grinder in the skilled trades department, retiring in 1986. He continued to stay active during his retirement years as an agent with Jordan-Schriber Realty and Brighton Realty, both in Youngstown.

He was a life member of the 4th Marine Division Association, a charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. and member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He was a 71-year member of the Four Mile Run Christian Church in Austintown, where he served as a Sunday school superintendent, teacher and deacon. Originally a member of St. Albans Masonic Lodge 677 in Youngstown, he later transferred his membership to Argus Masonic Lodge 545 in Canfield. He was a former president of the Warren Junior Military Band Parents and also belonged to the Aut Mori Grotto in Youngstown, V.F.W. Post 4237 and American Legion Post 301, both in Austintown, the Tuesday Night Supper Club, the Square Dance Club, Niles Moose Lodge 627 and the Scope Rhythm Band in Warren. Until 2008, he never missed attending the Canfield Fair. On his 75th birthday, he parachuted out of an airplane, earning him the nickname “Skydive 75.”

Ray was self made. He designed and crafted his own tools and designed and built his own home. He enjoyed reading, studying and investing in the stock market, astronomy and dancing. But his family was foremost in his life, whether it was their six-week trip through the western United States back in 1971 or more recent cruises to the Caribbean with his children and grandchildren. He especially relished watching them learn to water ski on their annual vacations to Sparrow Lake in Canada. He was the true “patriarch” of the family.

Surviving are his four children and their spouses, Kenneth L. and Rhonda Davis of Galion, Pamela R. and Donald Bloom of Canfield, Sandra L. and William McHenry of Medina and Barbara K. and James Schehl of Stafford, Va.; six grandchildren, Stacey and Andrea McHenry, Kaylee and Audrey Davis and Courtney and Corey Schehl; one sister, Jean Bass of Forest City, N.C.; and his special caregivers, Mary Salvino and Judi Carder.

In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Davis Jr. and Richard L. Davis; two sisters, Joann Davis and Marilyn Lucas; his first wife and high school sweetheart, Mary Margaret (Burke) Davis in 1947; and their infant daughter, Joann Rae Davis.

Friends may call today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the Four Mile Run Christian Church with the Rev. Bob Mack officiating.

Burial will follow at Four Mile Run Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Ellsworth V.F.W.

Masonic services will be held today at 9 p.m., during calling hours at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Four Mile Run Christian Church, 701 N. Four Mile Run Road, Youngstown, OH 44515.

Visit www.richardsondavis.com and www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view the online obituary and sign the guest registry.

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Michael Girardi, 25

YOUNGSTOWN - Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home for Michael Girardi, 25, who died Wednesday morning, May 20, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Michael was born April 3, 1984 in Youngstown, a son of Michael and Lorrie (Martin) Girardi.

Michael previously worked at Hollywood Ink. He had an apprenticeship in piercing. He also enjoyed installing automobile sound systems. Michael loved his dog, Stinky.

Michael will be forever missed by many, including his loving mother, Lorrie (Martin) Girardi; two brothers, John Girardi of Youngstown and Joseph Girardi of Youngstown; paternal grandfather, Carmen Girardi of Austintown; one niece, Kira Mae Girardi; several aunts, uncles and cousins; also his lifelong friend, Ashley Kroll.

Besides his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his father, Michael Girardi.

Calling hours will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home to help defray the funeral costs.

Please visit www.vaschak-kirilafh.com to view this obituary and send online condolences to the family.

Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, Dedicated To Serving Since 1907

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Estelle A. (Skoczen) Koleski, 93

CLEVELAND – Estelle A. (Skoczen) Koleski, 93, beloved wife of the late John I; loving mother of Geraldine Hines, Christine Grobosky and John I. Koleski Jr. (deceased); devoted grandmother of Curtis, John K., John G., Kimberly and Walter (deceased); great-grandmother of eight; great-great-grandmother of one; and sister of Wanda Surlas and Theresa Kruskesky, passed away.

All services are private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Ripepi Funeral Home, (440) 888-0800, www.ripepi.com.

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Beth Blackmer Ludwig

ENCINO, CALIF. – Beth Blackmer Ludwig was born May 8, 1923 in Youngstown to Nile and Frances Blackmer, and she passed away peacefully on May 17, 2009 in Tarzana, Calif.

Beth or “Betty,” as friends called her, grew up in Struthers, with her two sisters and cousin. After being named Salutatorian of the Struthers High School Class of 1940, she entered The Ohio State University, where she met Lloyd Ludwig at the freshman mixer. While finishing their degrees, they were married on Dec. 22, 1942 and both graduated in three years, with Beth receiving a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with honors.

After graduation, Lloyd and Beth moved to Los Angeles, where Beth worked as a production control chemist for the Standard Oil Refinery, and later for Project Rand. After spending a few years in Buffalo, N.Y., they returned to the Los Angeles area, where they raised their four children.

In the mid-1970s, Beth earned a master’s degree in counseling and later a teaching credential. She worked as a science and math teacher for several years before joining Lloyd in his consulting pursuits. She was also a past treasurer and president of the Affiliates of UCLA.

Beth overcame her anxiety over flying to explore the world with Lloyd, and for several months they lived in London. Known for her sense of humor and her curiosity about the world, she was a joy to her family and friends.

Beth is survived by Lloyd, her husband of 66 years; her four children, Barbara Katzman, Dana Ludwig, Deborah Davis and Lisa Ludwig; her 10 grandchildren; as well as her sisters, Florene Van Meter and Barbara Williams.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Mortuary, 2300 N. Marengo in Altadena, Calif., 626-794-7133.

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Pauline Miller, 89

AUSTINTOWN – Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Pauline Miller, 89, who died Wednesday night at Briarfield at Ashley Circle.

Pauline was born Aug. 25, 1919 in Youngstown to the late Louis and Julia (Salwatch) Hricko.

She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Pauline was employed by Youngstown State University and was in charge of the Library Housekeeping.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Miller, whom she married June 24, 1940, and he died Sept. 24, 1968; a daughter, Lois Holland; three brothers, William, Louis and Nick; and sisters, Ann, Mary, Helen and Evelyn.

She is survived by her son, Louis (Shirley) Miller of Youngstown; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Catherine Tyhosky of Youngstown and Betty Senich of Hubbard.

Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to the service, from 9 to 10 a.m.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view the obituary and send condolences.

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LaVerne M. (Scheetz) Nagel, 88

POLAND – LaVerne M. (Scheetz) Nagel, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon at Hospice House, with her husband at her side.

She was born in Youngstown on Oct. 19, 1920, the daughter of Anna Marie and Aloysius Scheetz.

LaVerne began her early education at St. Dominic’s School before moving to Alliance when her father and his brothers acquired an additional lumber company located there. She graduated from Alliance High School in 1939 and later returned to the Youngstown area. She was a long-standing member of St. Dominic’s Church and joined St. Paul’s upon her marriage to Kenneth and moved to New Middletown.

LaVerne worked for the Scheetz family lumber business for many years and eventually became Secretary/Treasurer of the company. Her hobbies included walking in Mill Creek Park, playing cards, sewing, and working difficult crossword puzzles. LaVerne also treasured time spent with her nieces and nephews and all the great family get-togethers.

She married Kenneth P. Nagel on July 18, 1998 and they truly enjoyed many happy years together.

LaVerne is survived by her husband, Kenneth; her sisters, Mary (Bob) Hosa and Jane Haren; and many nieces and nephews, Father Thomas Haren, Kathy (Jerry) Leek, Ann (Al) Sosic, Retired Col. Ken (Betty) Haren, Mike Hosa, Carol (Dan) Cibok, Linda (Tom) Babinec, Genia (Robert) Owens, Jim (Kathy) Scheetz, Annie (John) Holecko, Barb (Joe) Martin, Nancy McCrea, Mary (John) Agnone and Bill Scheetz. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Richard (Anita) Nagel, Ruth (David) Finney and eight stepgrandchildren.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her brother, James Scheetz and her stepson, Kenneth E. Nagel.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice of the Valley for their true compassion and the special care they took with LaVerne.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday on May 23, 2009, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown.

Calling hours will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family requests that memorial tributes be made to Hospice of the Valley Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

Arrangements are being handled by the Terry A. Cunningham Funeral Home in Bessemer, Pa.

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Patricia E. (Gagye) Ondra, 61

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be funeral services Saturday, May 23, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Kirila Funeral Home in Struthers for Patricia E. Ondra, 61, who died at her residence.

She was born Dec. 25, 1947 in Youngstown, a daughter of Edward E. and Elizabeth Petro Gagye.

Patricia was a 1965 graduate of Struthers High School and she attended Youngstown State University.

She was employed as a supervisor at Delphi Packard Electric, retiring in 1999 after 31 years of service.

She was a member of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church. She was a member of the I.U.E. Local No. 717 as a former committee woman, a former member of the American Legion Post No. 472, president of the Friday Senior Ladies Bowling League at the Holiday Bowl, a member of the Tuesday Ladies League, a member of the Youngstown 600 Bowling Club, a member of the Monday Lady Players Golf League at Bedford Trails and a member of the Youngstown Dart Association.

She was a former choir member of the Youngstown Symphony and sang at Carnegie Hall. She is best known for bringing “life to a party and always had a joke to tell and a song to sing.”

She leaves her mother, Elizabeth Gagye of Struthers; two sisters, Gerri (Tom) Schreiber of Hubbard and Elizabeth (Donald) Burleson of Dunlap, Tenn.; a nephew, Donald Eddy Burleson II; and a niece, Elizabeth Jayme Burleson, both of Atlanta.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward E. Gagye.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Interment will be at St. John Cemetery.

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

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Billy Wren Pemberton, 94

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Billy Wren Pemberton, 94, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at Forum Health Northside Medical Center after a long battle with Emphysema.

Mr. Pemberton was born Nov. 12, 1914 in Nashville, Tenn., the son of Samuel and Florence Pemberton.

He was a retiree of the Standard Oil Co. of Ohio (Sohio). He was the manager of the SOHIO Terminal in Niles. He quit school in the 11th grade to support his family during the depression of the late 20’s.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Philomena; one stepson, Jack Duer and wife, Diane of Youngstown; and a stepdaughter, Margie Pemberton of Girard. He also leaves two grandchildren, Jack D. Duer and wife, Stacy of Girard and Denise Siefert and husband, Bob of Niles and their child, his great-granddaughter, Caitlin.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack and four sisters, Ethel Radar, Sarah Dayle, Mildred Reason and Betty Pemberton.

There will be no services or visitation

The family requests that material contributions take the form of donations to the American Lung Association.

Arrangements are being handled by the Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard.

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Martha Annette Pilson, 58

PITTSBURGH, PA. – Services will be Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home for Mrs. Martha Annette Pilson, 58, formerly of Youngstown, who departed this life Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at her home.

Mrs. Pilson was born June 12, 1950 in Kosciusko, Miss., a daughter of Willie B. Sr. and Lillie M. Malone Skinner, coming to this area at an early age.

She was a 1969 graduate of South High School, and had been employed as a mold operator with Delphi-Packard Electric for 34 years, retiring in December of 2006.

She was a former member of the Greater Friendship Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling and playing bingo.

She leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her two sons, Charles Pilson of Youngstown and Prentis Taylor, Jr. of Pittsburgh; a sister, Marsha L. Skinner of Youngstown; three brothers, Willie B. (Barbara) Skinner Jr. of Warren, Steve E. (Delphine) Skinner of Tennessee and Charles T. (Mary) Skinner of Youngstown; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Acey C. Pilson and a sister, Betty J. Skinner.

Friends may call Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

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