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Tributes 2009-07-14

Ruth “Hon” Gillespie Barry, 81

INGLEWOOD, CALIF. – Funeral services were held Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Simpson’s Family Mortuary in Inglewood for Ruth “Hon” Gillespie Barry, 81, formerly of Farrell, Pa.

Ruth departed this life June 18, 2009, at Windsor Gardens in Hawthorne, Calif, after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ruth was born April 23, 1928 in Cheraw, S.C., a daughter of James Arthur and Wilhelmina Wilson Gillespie. She was the youngest of five children. At the age of three, she moved to Farrell.

She was a member of the Greater Morris Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Farrell.

After graduating from Farrell High School, she worked as a secretary for the former Carver Community Center in Farrell.

She was a volunteer for the Midget League football team, Little League baseball, and the Parent Teacher Association, worked on a variety of church committees and formerly was an avid bowler, prior to her illness.

She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Her husband of 41 years, Tommie Barry, whom she married June 2, 1968, survives at home in Inglewood.

Also left to cherish her memory is a son, Lawrence Gillespie of Youngstown; a sister, Virginia L. Gillespie McRae of Youngstown; four grandchildren, Lori, Corey, Kalif and Larry; and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ernestine; and two brothers, Edward Wilson Gillespie Sr. and James Arthur “Luke” Gillespie Jr., a former Farrell Police Chief.

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Ann Marie Brown, 64

MASURY – There will be a graveside memorial service at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Andover, for Ann Marie Brown, 64 who passed away Friday at Orange Village Care Center.

Ann was born Feb. 11, 1945 in Meadville, Pa., a daughter of Edward and Lola Collins Stark. She came to Ohio as a child and was a 1963 graduate of Conneaut High School.

She worked for AVI and was in charge of the vending machines at Andover Industries and later worked in the educational department of Americorp.

She also was a member at Holiday Camplands in Andover, where she had volunteered for different activities and also served a term on the camp council.

Her husband, Thayer T. Brown Jr., whom she married Aug. 12, 1978, passed away Sept. 13, 1992.

She is survived by her children, Robin Lynn Rantamaki of Columbia, Mo., Rick Rantamaki of Dacula, Ga., and Christine Rantamaki of Hubbard; and four grandchildren, Kayla Rantamaki, Karlene Rantamaki, Chase Rantamaki and Chelsea Jackson.

She also leaves two brothers, Bruce Madison of Oklahoma City and Jim Madison of Virginia Beach, Va., and a sister, June Zellis of Albion, Pa.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband.

The family will greet friends at 12:30 p.m graveside at Maple Grove Cemetery Andover.

Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals Society, 299 Edwards St., Youngstown, OH 44502.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home in Hubbard.

Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral homes web site at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home

Providing Funeral Service Since

1850

Birda Mae Carter Brown, 96

YOUNGSTOWN – A funeral service celebrating the life of Mrs. Birda Mae Carter Brown, 96, will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the New Design Baptist Church in Axton, Va.

Mrs. Brown was born July 12, 1912 in Pittsylvania County, Va., a daughter of Jesse James and Jo Anna Thornton Carter. Her mother passed when she was young and she was raised by her father and stepmother, Mollie Carter.

Mrs. Brown was educated while living in Martinsville, Va., where she met Henry Lewis Brown, whom she married May 23, 1936. Together they relocated to Youngstown in 1959 and to this union bore four children.

She joined the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor J.H. Britt, where she was a faithful member of the Nurses’ Guild, a Sunday School teacher and a Church Mother, until her health no longer allowed her to attend services. She was honored in 2008 as the oldest Church Mother at the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of the McGuffey Center, where she enjoyed many activities, which included sewing, crocheting, crafts, watching her favorite soap operas, cooking and line dancing. Her favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm.

On July 10, 2009, our heavenly Father cast his eternal light upon Danridge Burgundi Manor, which was her home since Dec. 29, 2004, and beckoned her home.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband; her daughter, Theresa Brown-Cain of Campbell; her son, June Milton Brown of Youngstown; six grandchildren, Melvin Lydell Brown, Lloyd Edward Cain, Traci LaVerne Cain- Tiggs, Terri Lynn Cain-Gray, Leonard Dyrone Cain Jr. and Tiffani Alicia Cain-Ferrell; five great-grandchildren, Torrence Mabry Jr., TeShai’a Cain, Shawn and Shawntelle Cain and Andre Ferrell Jr.; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jesse Lewis Brown Sr.; a baby girl, who passed at birth; two sisters, Peachie Carter Tarpley and Amy Carter Tarpley; three brothers, Veary E. Carter, June A. Carter and Curtis L. Carter; two stepbrothers, John Jesse Carter and Theodore B. Carter; grandson, Jesse Lewis Brown Jr.; a granddaughter, Dorothy Yolanda Brown; and a great-grandchild, Demetri Brown.

Friends may call Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that contributions be sent to Theresa Brown-Cain of 602 Coitsville Road, Campbell, OH 44405.

Interment will be at New Design Baptist Church Cemetery in Axton.

Condolences may be faxed to 330-782-2050 or e-mailed to JEWASHTON@aol.com.

Ministry of comfort provided by J.E. Washington Funeral Services.

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Lorena Chengelis, 81

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for Lorena Chengelis, 81, who passed away Saturday evening.

She was born Feb. 26, 1928 in New Eagle, Pa., a daughter of the late Pete and Settima Benedict.

Lorena was a homemaker and she was also a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve (Speed) Chengelis, whom she married Sept. 28,1950; one son, Thomas R. (Brenda) Chengelis of Salem; two grandchildren, Dr. Nicole (Dr. Jesse) Chandler of Philadelphia and Steve C. (Sarah) Chengelis of Oxford, Pa.; and one great-granddaughter, Madeline Chandler. She also leaves a very special nephew, Dean (Connie) Chengelis.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Gloria Ricci.

Friends may call from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Walnut Street.

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

Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, Dedicated To Caring Since 1907

Terrence Orlando “T.C.” Crum, 38

YOUNGSTOWN – A funeral service celebrating the life of Mr. Terrence Orlando “T.C.” Crum, 38, will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the Washington Funeral Home.

Mr. Crum was born April 6, 1971 in Youngstown, a son of Willie Jones and Esther Ross Crum.

He was a 1990 graduate of South High School. He enjoyed music and his dance groups, “Majic” and “Main Attraction” won several competitions.

On July 9, 2009, our heavenly Father cast his eternal light and beckoned him home.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother of Youngstown; his daughters, Ebony, Ashley, Casaray, Nasharay, Jalissa, Talisha, Teresa, Terrimarie, Tionna and Tierra; his sons, Terrance, Michael, Terrance, Tyrandoll and Treyvontae; three brothers, George and his wife, Judy Wilson, Raymond and his wife, Patricia Wilson and Allen and his wife, Rochelle Milton; two sisters, Danielle Ross and Vivian and her husband, Vincent Crum; two granddaughters, J’ Kaylien and D’Nyah; a very dear and close friend, Adriane Perez of Warren; and a host of relatives and dear friends who loved him dearly and will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ophelia Wilson; his father; a son, Jamie Helms; two aunts, Fannie Johnson and Alisha Sellers; and a nephew, Allen Milton Jr.

Friends may call one hour prior to service on Friday at the funeral home.

Ministry of comfort provided by J.E. Washington Funeral Services Inc.

Condolences may be faxed to 330 782-2050 or emailed to JEWASHTON@aol.com.

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Sophie Gavozzi, 76

BOARDMAN – Sophie Gavozzi, 76, passed away Monday, July 13, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

She was born June 16, 1933 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Andrew Bush and the late Anna (Benya) Bush.

The wife of James Gavozzi, whom she married May 27, 1958.

She is survived by her husband, James Gavozzi of Boardman; a son, John Gavozzi of Cincinnati; a granddaughter, Angela Gavozzi, whom she reared; and four sisters, Margaret Franklin and Maryann Higgins, both of Girard, Irene Hornyak of Austintown and Elenor Premec of Poland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a son, James Gavozzi Jr.

She was a 1951 graduate of East High School and received a scholarship to Capital University.

She was a member of Saint Charles Church and was employed at Travelers Insurance Co., Standard Slag and Sherwin Williams. She was a avid gardener and bowler.

Calling hours will be at the Fabrizio Funeral Home, 619 East Indianola Ave. in Youngstown on Wednesday, July 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Her services will be at Saint Charles Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth MICU and the staff at Fresenius Medical Care Center in Boardman.

Maxwell Wright Jenkins, 93

AUSTINTOWN – Maxwell Wright Jenkins, 93, went home to be with the Lord at 10:52 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Forum Health Northside Medical Center following a stroke.

Max was born Feb. 23, 1916 in Riverside, Calif., the son of the late Amos V. and Mary Ethel (Wright) Jenkins and moved to the Mahoning Valley in 1917.

Max was a 1935 graduate of East High School and was the school’s first baton twirler.

A veteran of the U. S. Army, Max lovingly and proudly served in World War II in Central Europe with the 13th Airborne Division Band and Glidder Troop. While in the Army, Max was the leader of the U. S. Army Bugle Band which played for Franklin D. Roosevelt during the war.

Before being discharge on Dec. 21, 1945, Max received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Ribbon, Victory Medal World War II and Meritorium Unit Award.

Max was a retired painter and a member of Painters Local No. 476 and enjoyed bowling on the Lane Funeral Homes sponsored bowling league, golfing, was an avid sports fan, he loved music, reading, and played the trumpet and harmonica.

Mostly, Max was a family man, affectionately known as “The Great Story Teller” and he enjoyed the time that he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Max is survived by his wife of 12 years, the former Margaret L. Nightingale, whom he married Sept. 7, 1996; a daughter, Judy (Terry) Bean of Austintown; a stepson, Wayne (Pam) Gorby of Berlin Center; a brother-in-law, James (Lou) Barton of Austintown; and by grandchildren, Rebekah, Kari, Brian, Brian, Michael and Sherry; and great-grandchildren, Tyler Wright, Hailey Rae, Jackie and Andy; three nieces; four nephews; six great-nieces; and five great-nephews.

Besides his parents, Max was preceded in death by three brothers, Rex Jenkins, Dohme Jenkins and Amos Loyal Jenkins; a sister, Arlene Jenkins; his first wife, Mary V. Barton and his second wife, Martha Williams.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 16, 2009, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S. Pricetown Road, Diamond, OH 44412, where a funeral service will take place at 5 p.m., with the Rev. Aaron Dowler officiating.

The family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of donations to the Music Department of Lake Milton Baptist Temple, c/o 415 S. Pricetown Road, Diamond, OH 44412.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel.

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

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Louise King, 87

YOUNGSTOWN – Memorial services were held Monday, July 13, 2009, at Tod Homestead Cemetery Chapel for Mrs. Lousie King , 87, who departed this life Friday, July 3, 2009 at Valley Renaissance.

Mrs. King was born Nov. 2, 1921 in Cincinnati, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Moreland Heath.

She was a homemaker.

She leaves her children, Doris J. Hunter, Geraldine Grizzard, Victoria King and Eva M. King, all of Youngstown and Beverly A. Delk of Petersburg, Va.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Two brothers, Clifford and Joseph Heath; a sister, Willa Belt; and a cousin, John “Mocake” Moreland, preceded her in death.

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

Aleta Mae Peck, 88

GIRARD – Mrs. Aleta Mae Peck, 88, passed away peacefully at Liberty Health Care Center on July 11, 2009.

Aleta was born in New Castle, Pa. on April 17, 1921, the daughter of the late Vance and Bertha (McClymonds) Montgomery.

She was a member of the Girard First Presbyterian Church, the Girard Senior Citizens, where she was “Senior of the Year” in 2007.

She retired in 1982 from Walthers Florist Shop in Youngstown and also had worked at the Card and Candle Shop in Girard.

Aleta is survived by her son, David (Susan) Peck of Corvallis, Ore., daughter-in-law, Barbara Peck-Malone of Cannonsburg, Pa.; a brother, Jack (Doris) Montgomery; and a sister-in-law, Uarda Montgomery, all of New Castle.

Her grandchildren, Andrew, Megan, Daniel, Crystal and Sally Peck.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman A. Peck, whom she married April 17, 1947, and died May 26, 1982; her son, Bruce Peck, who died in 1983; and a brother, Richard Montgomery.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 15, at 3 p.m. at the Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard, where visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

Interment wil take place at Girard City Cemetery.

The family requests that any material contributions be made to the church memorial fund or Hospice of the Valley.

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Karen S. Zamary Perry, 47

YOUNGSTOWN - Karen S. Zamary Perry, 47, passed away early Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2009, at Hospice House in Poland Township.

Karen was born Dec. 5, 1961 in Youngstown, a daughter of John and Rose Marie Vargo Zamary, was a 1979 graduate of Chaney High School and had attended Youngstown State University.

Karen attended St. Christine Church.

She leaves a son, Jared; a daughter, Marissa; her father, John Zamary of Boardman; her mother, Rose Marie of Youngstown, with whom she made her home; two sisters, Kim (Joe) Sefcik of Youngstown and Kathy (David) Bernat of Canfield; a brother, Ken Zamary of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; her grandmother, Jennie Vargo of Youngstown; a nephew, David Bernat of Canfield; and a niece, Kristin Bernat of Columbus.

Karen will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., today, July 14, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday at St. Christine Church in Youngstown, where family and friends may gather from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The Rev. Joseph Zamary, Karen’s uncle, will conduct the funeral service.

Karen’s family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hospice House and to Karen’s caregivers, Diane Sefcik and Carol Zamary.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send on-line condolences.

Hilda May Ruffner, 90

POLAND – Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel for Mrs. Hilda May Ruffner, 90, who died at the Hospice House following a brief illness.

Hilda was born May 20, 1919 in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England to the late John and Sarah (Clulow) Robinson.

Hilda moved to the United States in 1946, she met and married her husband in England during World War II. She was a member of English Card Club, and a former member of the Boardman Belles Bowling League.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy L. Ruffner, whom she married Oct. 13, 1945, and who died May 2, 2009; sisters, Ethel Harrison and Elizabeth Lockitt; brothers, Stanley and Harold Robinson; and son-in-law, Paul DuBois.

She is survived by her daughter, Janice Ann (Keith) Chamberlin of Columbiana; a son, Melvin George (Sandra) Ruffner of Austintown; five grandchildren, Michael (Lisa) Ruffner of Arizona, Stephen (Tammy) DuBois of Columbiana, Holley DuBois of Youngstown, Melissa Jones of Poland and Christie Ruffner of Columbus; and three great-grandchildren, Sierra DuBois of Youngstown and Samantha, and Emily DuBois of Columbiana.

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

Burial will be at Lake Park Cemetery.

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

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Pauline Stratigos, 88

PALM HARBOR, FLA. – Pauline Stratigos, 88, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2009, in Palm Harbor.

She was born and raised in Youngstown.

She married Alexander Stratigos, her beloved husband of 50 years, who preceded her in death in 1989.

Mrs. Stratigos was a venerable entrepreneur, who owned and operated, along with her husband, several business concerns throughout her lifetime including General China in Youngstown, a restaurant design and equipment supply firm and a Perkins Restaurant franchise in Tavares, Fla., upon her retirement to the state in 1974.

Subsequently, Mrs. Stratigos sold the franchise in the Orlando area and moved to her home in Clearwater, Fla. in 1980, where she resided until 2003.

After her husband’s death, Pauline was first and foremost, a devoted grandmother to her only grandson, Alexander Stratigos.

Pauline was an active founding member and volunteer of her church the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater and also volunteered her time for the Morton Plant-Mease Hospitals, in addition to being a part of the Daughters of Penelope and AHEPA Organizations.

In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bunco, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by daughter, Hedy Brales of Lombard, Ill., Peter Stratigos (Alice) of Willowbrook, Ill., and Michael Stratigos (Anna) of Palm Harbor. She is also survived by six granddaughters and one grandson. Mrs. Stratigos was also blessed with and is survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be held at Sylvan Abbey Chapel in Clearwater on Friday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A funeral will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or All Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements are being handled by the Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home (727)796-1992.

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Kevin L. Williams, 46

TOPEKA, KAN. – A graveside service celebrating the life of Mr. Kevin L. Williams, 46, formerly of Youngstown, who departed this life July 1, 2009, in Topeka, will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Mr. Williams was born July 31, 1962, in Youngstown, a son of Willie and Algean Chambers Jemirson.

He was a former member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Ravenna. He relocated to Topeka several years ago and worked as a chef in various restaurants.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother of Akron; his sister, Elizabeth Jemirson and her husband, Derryl Hogan of Alliance; two nieces; a host of other relatives and dear friends; and his two dogs.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, who reared him, and his grandparents, Isaiah and Ethel Lewis.

Ministry of comfort provided by the J.E. Washington Funeral Services.

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