Tributes 2009-08-22

Lonnie Mark Harris, 77

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at noon at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home for Mr. Lonnie Mark Harris, 77, who departed this life Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Mr. Harris was born Sept. 21, 1931 in Ramer, Ala., a son of James Sr. and Ada Fannin Harris.

He had worked as a fireman with Republic Steel (LTV) for over 30 years, retiring in 1980.

He attended Emmanuel Ministries. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved his garden. Many days, he would just sit in the garden and watch the miracles of growth. He was also a member of the NAACP.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 57 years, the former Nellie Tharpe, whom he married Aug. 23, 1952; three children, Beverly D. Harris and Gail D. Rudolph, both of Youngstown and Dedra L. Harris of Cincinnati; nine sisters, Mable Southerland of Austin, Texas, Ada B. Jimmar of Cincinnati, Mary E. (Curtis) Cummings of Youngstown, Lessie B. (Eddie) Ross, Mamie (William) Wilson, Emma R. (Frank) Mitchner, Orlean Woodberry, Daisy Butler and Mae Harris, all of Coco, Fla.; five brothers, Willie (Rose) Henderson of Youngstown, Sylvester (Ann) Harris of Orlando, Fla., James (Mel) Harris of Port St. John, Fla., Thomas Harris of Cleveland and Willie (Annie) Harris of Coco; 11 grandchildren, including Younzuia Harris, whom he reared; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Besides his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Harris Jr. and John D. Harris.

Friends may call Monday from 11 a.m. to noon at the funeral home.

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Ronald Bernard Henderson, 57

YOUNGSTOWN – Ronald Bernard Henderson, 57, who was better known as Ronnie, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 16, 2009.

Ronnie was a proud graduate of South High School, class of 1970, then served in the U.S. Marine Corps from Oct. 14, 1971 to Oct. 12, 1973, and was honorably discharged.

He is survived by a foster daughter, Quella Marrow; two sisters, Alberta Rhodes and Margaret (Virdree) Thompson of Fairborn; two brothers, William L. (Vanessa) Phifer Jr. of Steubenville and Roy Phifer of Columbus; and his stepfather, William Phifer Sr. of Youngstown. He is also survived by his father, James (Hettie) Jackson and two brothers, James (Patricia) Jackson Jr. of Mindlotimana, Va. and Edwin (Lynette) Jackson of Little Rock, Ark.; three maternal aunts, Ruth Woodall, Mildred (Irwin) Warren, Florence Dial, all of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Henderson Howze and a sister, Edna Ruth Gatewood; a brother, Lawrence Everett (Phife) Henderson Jr. and his maternal grandparents, William and Nanny Henderson and his significant other of 20 plus years, Debra (Kay) Marrow and a host of other relatives.

Arrangements are being handled by the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home.

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Arlene F. Lepley, 83

AUSTINTOWN – A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, preceded by closing prayers at 10 a.m. at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Arlene F. Lepley, 83, who passed away Thursday morning at Hospice House.

Arlene was born July 25, 1926 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Geltch) Kucher.

A homemaker, Arlene was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and its Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of a card club for 57 years, loved playing games, reading and going out to eat. Years ago, Arlene was an avid maker of crafts.

Her husband, John A. Lepley, whom she married April 15, 1950, passed away July 24, 1998.

She is survived by four children, Christine Lepley of Austintown, Connie Jarrell of Poland, Tom Lepley of Austintown and Joseph (Deborah) Lepley of Liberty; one brother, Robert (Cheryl) Kucher of McDonald; five grandchildren, Chrissy, Bobby, Jennifer, Jamie and David; and six great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Arlene was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine Fedoruk; and a brother, William Kucher.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514, in Arlene’s name.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at 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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Ted Joseph Patena, 87

NILES – Ted Joseph Patena , 87, of 1916 Robbins Ave., entered into eternal peace Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at Hospice of The Valley Hospice House in Poland.

He was born May 26, 1922 in Cleveland, the son of Valentine and Mary Dambosz Patena.

Ted was employed as a laborer at Republic Steel for 38 years before retiring in 1984.

He was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, the Jefferson Democratic Club, and the Trumbull County YMCA.

He enjoyed gardening, the outdoors, socializing with family and friends, spending time at Durso’s Bakery, and an avid sports fan, especially the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran having served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre having received the Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Ted, who always said "If your going to do something, do it right," will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Yolanda Segreto Patena, whom he married Nov. 26, 1953, a son, Ted Patena of Weathersfield; two daughters, Cynthia Patena of Cleveland and Kathleen Brownlee of Niles; a sister, Antoinette Benak of Cleveland; and a granddaughter, Breslyn Crosby.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph Patena, Mathew Patena and Edwin Patena.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, with Father Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 8:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Pineview Cemetery, where Ted will be honored for his military service by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.

Material contributions can be made to Hospice of The Valley Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514

Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Niles.

Please visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to email condolences.

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Betty Jean Starkey, 60

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a gathering of family and friends on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Schiavone Funeral Home for Betty Jean Starkey , 60, who passed away Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Betty was born Dec. 10, 1948 in Youngstown, the daughter of Gus and Jean Cronk Wyant.

Betty was the owner/operator of Starkey Med Pro Inc. Answering Services.

She was a ribbon winner at the Canfield Fair for Quilting. Betty enjoyed crafting and doll collecting.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, whom she married March 7, 1966; a daughter, Margaret Starkey; sons, Paul (Joanne) Starkey and Joseph (Jackie) Starkey; two grandchildren, Daniel Starkey and Stacie Stanislaw; five brothers; and four sister.

Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by two brothers, John Michael and John Edward Wyant; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Wyant.

The gathering will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, with a prayer service at 3 p.m.

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