Tributes 2009-08-26

Dorothy M. Coler, 80

BOARDMAN – Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at Mt. Olivett Cemetery for Dorothy M. Coler, 80, who passed away Monday afternoon at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Dorothy was born Dec. 26, 1928 in Cornersburg, the daughter of Phil and Mildred (Barringer) Fink.

She retired as a hostess from Wendy’s in 2008. She was a member of the Victory Christian Center in Columbiana. She enjoyed her cat and dog, and she loved to go dancing.

She is survived by her two sons, Don (Brenda) Coler of Rogers and Robert (Diana) Coler of North Lima. She also leaves a sister, Doris of Florida; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She leaves her longtime companion and dancing partner, Bill.

Dorothy’s husband, Clayton S. Coler, whom she married in 1944, passed away in 1992. She was also preceded in death by a son, Scott Coler; four brothers, Lester, Russell, Chuck and Bob; as well as two sisters, Jenny and Helen.

Friends and family may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel.

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

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Betty Lou Davis-Pine, 85

SNELLVILLE, GA. – A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at the Greenford Lutheran Church in Greenford, Ohio, for Betty Lou Davis-Pine, 85, who passed away Aug. 15, 2009.

Betty Lou was born March 8, 1924 in Youngstown, the daughter of William and Emma Frazier.

She was an organist and choir director in the area and Georgia for 67 years. Betty also worked at Republic Steel in Niles as a keypunch operator for 15 years and a greeter at Bob Evans in Boardman.

Her husband, Wayne R. Davis Sr., whom she married in 1945, passed away in 1987. She married Edward Pine in 2000, who passed away in 2005.

She leaves four children, Arlene (Bill) Mayfield of Snellville, Wayne (Buddy) Davis and Ronald Davis, both of Austintown and Richard (Pam) Davis of Curtis; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to the Greenford Lutheran Church.

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Helen Bartilson Fowler, 95

POLAND – Helen Bartilson Fowler, 95, died Aug. 25, 2009 at her daughter’s residence.

Mrs. Fowler was born Dec. 11, 1913 in North Braddock, Pa., a daughter of Dr. Benjamin M. and Mary Jones Bartilson. She lived in the Pittsburgh area up until 20 years ago when she moved to Poland to live with her daughter.

She was a graduate of Edgewood High School and attended Robert Morris Business School. Mrs. Fowler worked as a secretary for Carnegie Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh.

Mrs. Fowler was a member of the Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, the Eastern Star, and she attended the Bethel Friends Church in Poland.

She enjoyed playing cards, needlepoint, reading, and crossword puzzles.

Her husband, Willard Keith Fowler, whom she married June 19, 1964, died in 1971.

She leaves her two daughters, Sandra Mink of Poland, with whom she made her home and Lillian (Karl) Glasgow of Parker, Colo.; a son, Paul (Pauline) Phillips of Pittsburgh; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Isabel Sarver, Margaret Murdock and Edith Chapman; three brothers, Thomas, Edwin and George Bartilson; and a great-grandson, Jimmy Glasgow.

Services will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel at Allegheny Cemetery, 4734 Butler St. in Pittsburgh, with Pastor Bobby Murphy officiating.

The family requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mrs. Fowler’s name to the Bethel Friends Church, 2771 Spitler Road, Poland, OH 44514 or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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Rita Fox, 78

YOUNGSTOWN – Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Agrenovitz Chapel at El Emeth Coitsville Cemetery for Rita Fox, 78, who passed away Tuesday at Heritage Manor.

Mrs. Fox was born in Youngstown on Sept. 26, 1930.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Gus Cohen; her husband, Leon Fox; her daughter, Sherry Helaine Fox; and her brothers, Art Cohen and Jerry Cohen.

She is survived by her son, Les Fox and his wife, Cindy; and grand-daughters, Lauren Fox and Lindsey Fox, all of Houston. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Rosenberg and her husband, Mendel of St. Louis; her sisters-in-law, Jean Cohen and Grace Cohen, both of Youngstown; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Rita graduated from South High School in Youngstown in 1948. She worked as a bookkeeper at Storm Sash and a number of other manufacturing companies. She married Leon Fox in 1955. For several years, she was a full time Mom, active in various organizations, including Temple El Emeth Sisterhood. She particularly enjoyed her weekly canasta games and her bowling league. She re-entered the work force in the late 1960’s, working as office manager at Mahoning Sparkle Markets Inc. until 1981.

Rita was an enthusiastic volunteer at Heritage Manor and Temple El Emeth for many years. Due to her chronic illness, she was unable to commit as much time and energy to her volunteer efforts as she would have liked. Suffering through a series of health issues since 1981, Rita confounded the experts time after time, with her inner strength and will to live.

When her granddaughters were born in 1986, Rita found her greatest joy in being a grandmother, visiting them in Houston regularly and traveling with her girls to various places and family functions.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the care provided to Rita over the last several years by the staff at Levy Gardens and Heritage Manor. Special thanks to the nurses of Unit 2 at Heritage Manor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be sent to Heritage Manor, 517 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504 or the Newborn Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, 1919 South Braeswood, MC4-4483, Houston, TX 77030.

Friends may call one half hour prior to the service at the cemetery chapel in Coitsville on Struthers-Liberty Road.

Arrangements are being handled by the Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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Edward W. Gustafson, 83

COLUMBIANA – Edward W. Gustafson, 83, of 162 Lakeshore Court, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at the Salem Community Hospital following an extended illness.

Mr. Gustafson was born on April 17, 1926 in Columbiana, the son of the late Ernest C. and Laura A. (Horn) Gustafson.

Edward was a 1944 Columbiana High School graduate and attended Youngstown State University and Iowa State University. He worked for 36 years as an installer repairman and retired as a district manager in engineering and construction for Ohio Bell in Youngstown. From 1970 to 1972 Edward worked in New York City on a computer program for Ohio Bell. He was a member of the Grace Church in Columbiana.

Mr. Gustafson was a World War II Army Air Force veteran. He was a member of the American Legion Post 290 of Columbiana, a member of the Ohio Bell Pioneers and a charter member of the Jaycees of Columbiana. Edward served on the park and cemetery board of directors and was also past president of the board and was instrumental with other board members for the installation of the slide at the Firestone pool and the walking trails. He was a little league baseball coach, avid golfer and Cleveland Browns fan, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

Mr. Gustafson is survived by his wife, Helen (Pike) Gustafson, whom he married on Oct. 23, 1948. He is also survived by two daughters, Lori (Erik) Tadge of Perry and Vicki (Denny) Waggle of Salem; two sons, Greg (Ann) Gustafson of Columbiana and Tim (Teresa) Gustafson of Leetonia; and six grandchildren.

Edward was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Blair and Miriam Bell and by one brother, Howard “Hud” Gustafson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at the Grace Church in Columbiana with Pastor Rob Joy officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that material contributions may be made to the Columbiana Park Board or the Grace Church of Columbiana.

Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest register or send private condolences.

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Willie “William” Clarence Jackson

YOUNGSTOWN – A funeral service celebrating the life of Mr. Willie “William” Clarence Jackson will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Rev. Dennis Garner officiating.

Mr. Jackson was born Feb. 16, 1925 in Atmore, Ala., a son of Henry and Freddie Lee Mosley Jackson, coming to the Mahoning Valley many years ago.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946. He was formerly employed at Hills Department Store for 11 years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1987, and he also worked as a security guard for nine years at Shane Security Company. He was a former member of VFW, and he loved to dance, earning the name “Twinkle Toes.” He enjoyed sports, and his favorite teams were the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a former member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

On Aug. 23, 2009, our heavenly Father cast his eternal light onto Park Vista Retirement Community and beckoned him home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 58 years, the former LaRee Grissett, at home; his son, Dr. Jack Jackson of Germany; two daughters, Alexis Denise Jackson of Duluth, Ga. and Barbara Elaine Jackson of Boardman; two grandchildren, Sabrina Elaine Cobbins and Salina Nicole Jackson, both of Boardman; six brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Kimberly Lynette Jackson.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the J.E. Washington Funeral Home and on Thursday, one hour prior to services at the church.

Interment will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

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

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

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Andrew R. Janis, 84

BOARDMAN – Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home Canfield Chapel for Andrew R. Janis, 84, who died early Tuesday morning at Ron Joy Nursing Home.

He was born Sept. 15, 1924 in Youngstown, the son of Andrew and Mary (Milanowski) Janis, and he resided in this area all of his life.

He worked as an independent salesperson for most of his life until he retired.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Youngstown.

He enjoyed fishing and photography.

He is survived by a sister, Trudy (Dennis) Mytinger of Boardman; and two nieces; Joni Wilflin of Youngstown and Vicki (Anthony) Ricci of Boardman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call for one hour prior to services from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Andy’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ron Joy and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Intensive Care Unit for all of the kind and compassionate care they gave him.

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

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Antonette N. Kuchmaner, 79

AUSTINTOWN – Prayers will begin Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by the Rev. Gerald DeLucia at 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Church in Poland for Mrs. Antonette N. Kuchmaner, 79, who died Monday afternoon at her daughter’s residence with all her family around her.

She was born April 13, 1930 in Youngstown, the daughter of Anthony and Rose Marie Mecurio Molinaro.

Antonette was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Austintown. She enjoyed cooking, painting and crafting and mostly loved to be with her family who gave her great joy.

For 50 years, she was married to Andrew W. Kuchmaner who died Nov. 22, 2001.

To cherish her memory, she leaves three daughters, Karen Geiss of Dayton, Rennie G. (Frank) Marino of Poland and Marcia (Dennis) Mikkelsen of Poland; two sons, Andrew (Lauri) Kuchmaner of Canfield and Victor (Sue) Kuchmaner of Canfield; two sisters, Maxine Johnson and Mary Ann Matovina, both of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; a brother, David Molinaro of California; 14 grandchildren; Charles Geiss, Erika Minniti, Marla Marino Mellino, Jessica Marino, Ryan, Andrew and Garret Kuchmaner, Kyle, Jordan and Taylor Krawchyk, Victor, Zachary, Makenzie and Jacob Kuchmaner; and seven great-grandchildren, Sadie, EJ, Ethan and Paytyn Geiss and Ricky, Caden and Luca Minniti.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; son-in-law, Chuck Geiss; two sisters, Josephine Symansky and Susan VanPelt; and four brothers, Tommy, Anthony Jr, Dominic and Victor Molinaro.

Friends are invited to join Antonette’s family for a gathering in a celebration of her life today from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley in memory of Antonette.

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

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Carolyn Joy Murray, 65

AUSTINTOWN – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday .at St. Joseph Church, and prayers offered at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel for Carolyn Joy Murray, 65, who died Monday afternoon at Hospice House, surrounded by her family.

Carolyn was born Jan. 4, 1944 in New Castle, Pa.

She along with her husband moved to the Austintown area in 1965. She was a 1962 graduate of Laurel High School. She retired in 2006 after 20 years of service from the Austintown Fitch High School as a custodian. She enjoyed fishing and camping with her husband, Phil.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Philip A. Murray, whom she married Sept. 21, 1963, he died May 26, 2006. She was also preceded in death by a half brother, Fred Russell.

She is survived by three daughters, Jodi (Terry) Watson of Geneva, Barbara (Dennis) Bellish of Youngstown and Patricia (Carl) Arnett of Youngstown; a son, Timothy John (Valerie) Murray of Franklin; 10 grandchildren, Amanda, Katie, Alexis, Jacob, James, Matthew, Jessie, Austin, Bryan and Connor. She also leaves two half sisters, Beth Butler and Jean Protzman of Pittsburg; and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Murray and Patricia Kemper.

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

Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to the Hospice House.

Burial in Resurrection Cemetery

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

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Donald Leroy Oliver, 87

“Together Again”

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be memorial services on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the New Covenant Worship Center, 1900 Canfield Road in Youngstown, for Donald Leroy Oliver, 87, formerly of East Delason Avenue, who died Thursday evening, Aug. 20, at Ron Joy Nursing Home.

He was born July 11, 1922 in Flushing, the son of the late Roy and Pearl Majors Oliver.

Donald worked for the Department of Transportation for the State of Ohio as a shop foreman for over 30 years. He was a member of the New Covenant Worship Center.

His wife, the former Katherine M. Marshall, whom he married on March 10, 1944, died July 20, 1999.

Donald is survived by his children, Roy N. Oliver of Youngstown, James D. (Susan) Oliver of Youngstown, Nancy (Robert) Minkler of Canfield, Richard A. (Judy) Burkhart of Washingtonville, Everett W. (Mary) Oliver of Lowellville, Ronald L. Oliver of Youngstown and Jeanine S. Bonilla of Youngstown; 29 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents and wife, Donald was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Sandra Oliver; son-in-law, Ralphael Bonilla; brother, Harry Oliver; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the Friends of Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503, Attention: Debbie Liptak.

Arrangements are being handled by the Thompson Funeral Home, 4221 Market St. in Boardman.

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Frank C. West, 82

HUBBARD – There will be a funeral service held on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman for Frank C. West, 82, who passed away on Monday afternoon, Aug. 24, 2009, with his loving family by his side.

Frank will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends.

He was born May 20, 1927 in Youngstown, the son of Thomas R. and Catherine (Ferris) West and was a lifelong area resident.

Frank was employed with the Sheet and Tube Company, which later became J & L Steel Company as a foreman for over 30 years and retired in 1984.

Frank was a graduate of Hubbard High School and loved being at home spending time with his family.

He enjoyed fishing, reading, traveling and working on automobiles.

Frank was a U.S. Marine veteran of World War II and the Korean War, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the following decorations the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, PUC with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart with two Bronze Stars.

His wife the former Geneieve Morris, whom he married May 27, 1949, died March 15, 1986.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Sharyn (Andy) Tiffany of Liberty and Diane (Patrick) Donahue of Hubbard; six grandchildren, Sherry (Anthony) Yohman, Jason Ifft, Jennifer Ifft, Andrew Tiffany, Amber Donahue and Ashley Donahue; five great-grandchildren, Anthony Jr., Brandon, Frankie, Sadie, and Troy; and two brothers, James West of Youngstown and Kenneth (Carol) West of Florida.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary West; and a brother, Thomas West.

Friends may call on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. all at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. in Boardman.

Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the great men of the Trumbull County American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made to the Hubbard Public Library, 436 West Liberty St., Hubbard, Ohio 44425.

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Dr. John Robert White, 72

NORTH LIMA – Dr. John Robert White, 72, died peacefully at his North Lima home Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, from complications due to Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. White was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 1, 1937 to Mr. John and Catherine (Casanave) White. He was cherished by his Aunt Mary, who remained a source of love and support throughout his childhood.

John graduated high school from Girard College in 1955 and served four years in the U.S. Navy before obtaining his Associate Degree at the City College of San Francisco. He continued his education and in 1963, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University. He later received his Master of Arts and finally his PhD in Anthropology from Oregon State University in 1974.

Dr. White began teaching Anthropology at Youngstown State University in 1971 and gained Full Professor status by 1977. He became the Chair of the Anthropology and Sociology Department in 1995 until he retired to Emeritus status in 2005. During his tenure, he was honored with the Distinguished Professor award in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 2005. Additionally, he was honored with Research Professor each year from 1979 through 1989, gained the Outstanding Professor Award in 1989, the Honors Professor Award in 2003, and the Golden Key National Honor Society in 1988.

A prolific writer, John personally authored over 100 separate articles and books during his academic career including Hands on Archaeology–Real Life Activities For Kids, a text book for teaching archaeology to children. Additionally, his name has graced articles from the Vindicator to regional archaeology and international journals on education.

John’s work took him extensively throughout the United States, Ireland, Costa Rica, Canada, and Israel. His passion was archaeology and he left behind a loyal dig crew of Chuck Mastran, Joe Alessi, Dale Wright, Tom Delvaux, Dan Madden, Marian Kutlesa, Debbie Zetts, Pat Carbon, Dick Gregg, Chuck Creager, Larry Bruno, Mike Reznor, Eric Anderson, Eric Johnson, Bob Durick, Ryan Steeves, Chris Walters, Tom McKinney, Jennifer Centric, Renee Marker and multitudes of previous crews too numerous to mention, but not forgotten. In addition to surveying hundreds of archaeological sites, they excavated a myriad of sites including the Eaton (Hopewell) furnace, Austin Log House, Barnhisel House, Quakertown, Lanterman’s Mill, the Kern (Sun Serpents) Effigies No. 2 and No. 3, Hubbard House, Cherry Valley Coke and Ironworks Site, Damascus Friends Burying Ground, Mill Creek (Trumbull) Furnace and the on-going Mercer (Springfield) Furnace.

Besides being involved in education, John was an award winning thespian. Anyone that saw him in Harper’s Ferry will surely remember his bigger-than-life portrayal of John Brown. He was also in a plethora of plays including Three Penny Opera, Gulliver!, Guys and Dolls, School for Wives, Lady not for Burning, Mariner, Quasimodo, Grapes of Wrath, Lysistrata, and many more at both Youngstown Playhouse and Youngstown State University’s theatre.

In addition to Dr. White’s anthropological and theatrical contributions, for four years, he was also the co-director of the Fresh Air Camp for underprivileged children in Youngstown, located in Mill Creek Park and designed to give recreation and education to the city’s children. He was affectionately called “Big John”. Up to his passing, he was often stopped by now adults who remembered his positive impact on them during their camp experience.

John leaves behind his only daughter, Kathryn Yvonne “Kak” White; a son-in law, David Ryan Mauerman; an adored grandson, David John “Tom Sawyer” Mauerman, all of Boardman; his former wife and dear friend, Joanne White; mother-in-law, Katherine “Tass” Strauss, both of Coos Bay, Ore.; two nieces, Sabrina and Cindy Shields; dear friends, Charles Mastran of Liberty and David Parker of Findlay; as well as numerous beloved extended family members, friends and his loyal dog, companion-to-the-end, Molly McWaggles.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Yvonne White; and his much-loved dogs Patty, Heidi and Babe.

Per Dr. White’s wishes, he will be buried in a pine coffin in a private green burial at Foxfield Nature Preserve in Wilmot, Ohio.

The family invites all friends of John’s to come to his excavations at the Millcreek blast furnace, adjacent to Pioneer Pavilion in Millcreek Park from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, for a memorial gathering to share stories and celebrate the life of our dear friend, father, grandpa, educator, thespian, colleague, and archaeologist. Additional parking will be available at the Ford Nature Center. Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged.

Finally, per John’s wishes, his daughter asks that attendees dress casually and in bright colors to celebrate John’s remarkable and wonderful life. He was especially fond of tie-dye.

Finally, his daughter wishes anyone who reads this to know that she was the luckiest daughter in the world and that no woman could wish for a better dad. He will be forever missed.

Arrangements are being handled by the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

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