Tributes 2009-09-03

Jean Bortz, 90

VIENNA – Jean Bortz, 90, died Tuesday at Sharon Regional Hospital, Sharon, Pa.

Jean was born Dec. 6, 1918 in Greenville, Pa. and was the oldest daughter of Robert and Ada (Moyer) Youngblood.

She married Marcus A. Bortz in 1937 and they had five children.

Jean worked as a baker at Metz Bakery in Farrell, Pa. and a food server at UPMC in Farrell.

She leaves behind to celebrate and remember her life, her five children, Richard L. Vaughn (Audelia) of Bonita Springs, Fla., Marcus W. Bortz (Catherine) of Vienna, John R. Bortz (Margaret) of Warren, Pa., Mary L. Putko (Richard) of Cortland and Larry J. Bortz (Gayne) of Hermitage, Pa.; and her brother, Charles Youngblood (Lila) of Port Charlotte, Fla. She has 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, whom passed away in August of 1973; four brothers; two sisters; a grandson, David H. Diehl; and a great-grandson Brad Clevenger.

Her family would like to thank her nephew, Terry Youngblood, who was devoted and caring of his aunt during her lifetime.

Jean was a cancer survivor and the family requests remembrances be made in her name by visiting www.komen.org, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Society.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Sarah Roncolato, pastor of the New Virginia United Methodist Church, Hermitage.

Friends may visit www.flynnfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book.

Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. until the time of service at John Flynn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 2630 East State St., Hermitage.

Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Arrangements are being handled by the John Flynn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

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Angeline E. Bousner, 88

BROOKFIELD – Angeline E. Bousner, 88, died at her residence early Tuesday morning, Sept. 1, 2009.

Angeline was born Sept. 24, 1920 in Sewickley, Pa., the daughter of Ludvic and Marie (Zika) Grusman.

She attended Youngstown College and received a degree in elementary education and taught in the Brookfield School system for 28 and a half years.

Angeline was a member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, TRTA, was the treasurer of Brookfield PTA, and was the president of the Brookfield Teachers Association.

She married Calvin Bousner on Aug. 26, 1950.

Angeline leaves behind her husband of 59 years; a son, Daryl Gene (Lynne) Bousner; and two granddaughters, Alicia and Laura.

A brother, Harold Grusman and a sister, Alma Lazich, preceded her in death.

Calling hours will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Crown Hill Chapel Mausoleum in Vienna. Pastor Bill Johnson from Brookfield UMC will be officiating.

Entombment will take place at Crown Hill Burial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512-2198

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Valley for their kind, compassionate care.

Selby-Simpson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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Sally Crone, 60

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw officiating, preceded by a 9:15 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman for Sally Crone, 60, who peacefully passed away on Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, 2009.

Sally will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends.

She was born Dec. 18, 1948 in Youngstown, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Croll) Clement and was a lifelong area resident.

Sally was employed at St. Elizabeth Health Center for 20 years in the kitchen, along with being a homemaker.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, enjoyed playing Bingo, and was a 1965 graduate of Chaney High School.

Her husband, Robert “Joseph” Crone, whom she married on April 25, 1970, died Dec. 2, 2008.

She leaves behind to hold onto her memories, two sons, Rocco (April Keys) Crone and Frank Crone, both of Youngstown; a granddaughter, Breanna Crone; and her beloved pet dog, Brandy.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Samuel Crone.

Friends may call on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Burial will take place at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

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Audrey Nanette (Grossi) Dohar

BOARDMAN – Audrey Nanette (Grossi) Dohar passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, peacefully from the arms of her loving family to the arms of our loving God following a long battle with colon cancer.

She was born Aug. 17, 1944 in Youngstown to Aldo and Edith (Kubic) Grossi.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Daniel and Christina Kubic and Fiore and Angelina Grossi; and her brothers/sisters-in-law, Joseph and Eleanor Beshara, Raymond and Evelyn Dohar and Albert and John and Richard Dohar.

Audrey leaves many devoted family members, who celebrate her life and legacy, her husband, Joseph William Dohar of 46 years, (Nov. 10, 1962); their three children (and spouses), Daniel and Lorye Dohar of Vermilion, Daneen and Kevin Biddinger of Ashtabula and Damon and Nicole Dohar of Boardman; her grandchildren, Leisa Lane, Tyler Joseph Dohar, Charlotte Keller (her father, Scott Keller) and Brooke Lynn Dohar; her three great-grandchildren, Kaylan, Mariah and Ashton Lane; her sisters, Gladys Mastrantonio and Don Boyd of Charlotte, N.C. and Elissa and Robert Hassan of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; her aunt, Veronica Grossi of Rootstown; her sisters-in-law, Paula, Mary and Beth Dohar; godchildren, Chris Kovalyak, Ryan Mitchell, Dr. Angela Fisher, Dominic Pregi IV and Molly Ceci Salem; her special dear friends, who were supportive as family, Paul and Genevieve Joseph of Austintown and Fred and Marcheta Grossi Kovalyak of Reynoldsville, Pa. She also leaves numerous cousins; 26 nieces and nephews; 49 great-nieces and great-nephews; and 14 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

God allowed Audrey to touch the lives of a multitude of people within and outside of our community in a special way who will miss her loving words and what she did for us all. We will always remember and cherish the time God allowed us to have with her.

Audrey graduated from Youngstown State University with a BSBE, then acquired an MSE also from YSU, all in pursuit of being a teacher to help shape young careers. She also had over 40 hours of additional graduate studies at Kent State University, Akron University and Drake University. Her certifications included Permanent Professional High School grades 7 to 12, Comprehensive Office Education, Computer Science, Intensive Office Education, COOP Office Education and Vocational Office Education. She served as a devoted teacher at Salem High School from 1981 until she had to retire due to her cancer in 2006 (in Business Education, Computers and Computer Technology). While at Salem, Audrey solidified her commitment to the students through such additional roles as Yearbook Advisor, NHS and SCA Advisor, Ohio Office Education Advisor, was a Regional/State/National OEA Competition Advisor, a Business Lector and Representative and served on the School System Technology Advisory Committee from the group’s inception. She also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Ashland University in their Technology Department from 2000 to 2006. Of very special note to her commitment in education, she received the 2005 Teacher of the Year Award, was the 1990 recipient of National Awards Program for Teaching High School Economics and the 1981 Outstanding Business Education Award YSU – National Business Association Award recipient.

Prior to SHS, Audrey worked in the Career Education department of Boardman High School and student taught at both Canfield High School and MCJVS, worked in the legal department at Youngstown Sheet & Tube; personnel office at the Illuminating Company, was a bookkeeper at Jalco Truck Products and worked as an office manager at Hartford Insurance. Further, she served her church community for several years as a Sunday school teacher; Youth Organization Advisor, Youth Congress Committee member, Church Council member and officer, Education committee member, Church Lector and Marriage Prep Team Leader with St. Maron Church in Youngstown, where she has been a parishioner since her marriage to Joseph in 1962.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr’s Centre Dr. in Canfield, on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 and a service of Incense will be held at 7:30.

She and Joe were also active members in Cursillo since 1975 and there will be a Cursillo Bible Vigil following visitation on Friday.

Friends may also call on Saturday morning at St. Maron Church from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at St. Maron Parish followed by a graveside service at Green Haven Memorial Garden Cemetery, 3495 S. Canfield-Niles Road in Canfield.

The family requests any donations made on Audrey’s behalf be presented to St. Maron Parish, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, OH 44511 or Hospice of the Valley Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514.

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

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Delores Johnson, 82

YOUNGSTOWN – Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home Inc. for Delores Johnson, 82, who departed this life on Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, at her residence.

Ms. Johnson was born Aug. 13, 1927 in Girard, a daughter of John W. and Margaret Williams Johnson.

She was a homemaker.

She leaves her children, Charlene (Rev. Mack) Thompson, with whom she made her home and William (Janice) Johnson of Tarentum, Pa.; and grandchildren, Jacqueline (Andre) Brown and Kendra (Corneill) Morgan, both of Liberty, Sherrie Johnson of Hopkinsville, Ky., Patrick Thompson of Warren and Stefan and Stephen Thompson, both of Youngstown. She was lovingly called “Suga” by five great-grandchildren, Kyree and Kyler Morgan, Bryce and Brooklyn Brown and William Johnson, and a cousin, Carol Atkins of Girard.

Her parents; a brother, Kenneth Johnson; a sister, Margaret Johnson; and a cousin, Mamir Freeman, preceded her in death.

Viewing will be from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

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Jennie M. Koch, 88

MASURY – Jennie M. Koch, 88, of Second Street, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at her residence.

Jennie was born May 1, 1921 in Sharon, Pa., the daughter of Patsy and Rose Grimaldi Miletta.

A lifelong area resident, she was a graduate of Farrell High School.

She was a homemaker and also was the purchaser for the former Valley View Department Store in Brookfield.

She was a member of both St. Joseph’s Church in Sharon and St. Bernadette’s Church in Masury.

Jennie was an avid bowler and participated in the Tuesday Early Bird League at Thornton Hall Bowling Lanes, in Sharon, and the Thursday afternoon Seniors League at Tin Pan Alley in Hermitage, Pa.

She was a lover of playing cards and played in the St. Bernadette Card Club and the Catholic Daughters Card Marathon. She was the oldest member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Sharon Court 507, which she joined on April 16, 1942.

She did volunteer work and was a member of the Brookfield Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.

Jennie’s passions at home were cooking, baking, and trying out new recipes. She also loved visiting the various Casinos and trying her luck at the slot machines.

Her husband, Joseph V. Koch, whom she married on July 2, 1949, passed away on Dec. 26, 1995.

She leaves her son, Thomas J. Koch of West Middlesex and her sister, Marie C. Kuti of Hermitage.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Angeline Miletta and Margaret Miletta Baltuz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Brookfield Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, 774 state Route 7 N.E., Brookfield, OH 44403-9630.

Calling hours will be today, Sept. 3, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St. in Sharon.

Visit the Web site www.mcgoniglefuneralhomeandcrematory.com to send condolences.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Sharon, with the Rev. James A. Reardon, pastor of St. John Parish in Tidioute, Pa., as celebrant.

Interment will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Hermitage.

Arrangements are being handled by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St. in Sharon.

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Susan Lynn Martin, 46

POLAND – Prayers will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for Susan Lynn Martin, 46, who passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009 at University Hospitals in Cleveland.

Susan attended Glen Oak High School and Bowling Green State University, where she studied fashion merchandising. She enjoyed a successful career in fashion and retail sales most notably with Casual Corner.

Susan was happiest when she was with her family and friends, especially her beloved sons. Being a mother was her joy in life. Despite many setbacks, Susan never lost her sense of liveliness and fun and continually brought joy and laughter to those who knew her. She touched many lives with her honesty and compassion. Susan was a beloved daughter, mother, sister and friend and many will feel her loss.

She is survived by her two sons, Dillon Gennaro age 17 and James Gennaro age 16; her parents, James and Dorothy Martin; her sisters, Kim Vari and Heidi Martin; her brother-in-law, Howard Vari; and her niece and nephew, Rachel and Alex Vari.

The family will be receiving friends Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family has expressed that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Flat Rock Care Center, 7353 County Road 29, Flat Rock, OH 44828.

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

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Donald E. McLennan, Ph.D., 89

YOUNGSTOWN – Donald E. McLennan, Ph.D., 89, died peacefully Aug. 1, 2009.

Donald was born Dec. 5, 1919 in London, Ontario, Canada.

He was a professor of physics at Youngstown State University, retiring in 1990.

Don was a proud Canadian, keen observer of political affairs, avid gardener and reader in a wide range of subjects. He maintained an interest in working out physics problems to the end of his life.

The family will hold a memorial gathering at Park Vista Retirement Community, 1216 Fifth Ave. in Youngstown on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. They would welcome all those who wish to join them.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Boardman.

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LaVerne A. Owens, 69

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS – LaVerne A. Owens, 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009.

She was the devoted wife of Robert C.; loving mother of Candice R.; dear grandmother of Jada; with many precious aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

There will be a Wake on Friday, Sept. 4, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 22111 Chagrin Blvd. in Shaker Heights.,followed by a homegoing service at noon.

Friends may call today at the E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 216-791-0770, 15357 Euclid Ave. in East Cleveland from 2 to 7 p.m.

Interment will be at Cleveland Memorial Gardens.

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Elizabeth Southerland, 78

YOUNGSTOWN – Elizabeth Southerland, 78, went home to be with our Lord on Aug. 31, 2009.

“Liz,” to those who knew her well, was born on May 11, 1931, the second daughter of Lila Harmon and Dezzie B. Reeves Sr.

She was a graduate of East High School and later earned an Associate degree from ITT Technical College.

She worked for many years at the General Electric Lamp Plant, where she was also the union shop stewardess until her retirement. She later served as a consultant and advisor for the Youngstown Seniors Program. Most recently, she worked as a home health care provider with Golden Rule Home Health Agency (Title: CNA).

Liz was a lifelong member of the New Hope Baptist Church, where she served as a Trustee, the acting President of both the Senior Usher Board and the Gospel Chorus, and was a former member of the Eastern Star Lodge.

Her husband of 42 years, Robert H. Southerland Sr., whom she married Oct. 20, 1956, passed away Oct. 28, 1998.

She leaves to forever cherish her memory her daughter, Robin M. Johnson of Youngstown; her son, Robert H. Southerland Jr. of San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Sara Gilford of Youngstown; grandchildren, Tyeisha of Columbus, Leon Jr. of Youngstown, Marcus of Toledo and Monique and Nia, both of California; great-grandchildren, Imani, Immanuel and Imaya, all of Columbus; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank, Curtis, Walter “W.C.” and Dezzie Jr.

Friends may call Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the New Hope Baptist Church, where funeral services will follow at 10 a.m.

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

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George T. Stratford, 74

EPSYVILLE, PA. – George T. Stratford, 74, passed away Sept. 2, 2009 at UPMC Hospital in Greenville, Pa.

Born Dec. 13, 1934 in Youngstown, he was the son of Phil L. and Margaret Cappy Stratford.

He married Gloria Manion on June 4, 1960.

He served our country in the U.S. Army. In his earlier years, he worked as a structural iron worker. After 25 years of service, he retired in 1994 from Packard Electric in Warren as a supervisor.

George enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter months. He loved camping and working outdoors in his yard and around the house. He will be sadly missed by his family.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Gloria M. Stratford; a daughter, Janice M. Stratford of Melrose, Mass.; a son, George T. Stratford Jr. (Chip) of Arcadia, Fla.; seven brothers and sisters, Jean Rhodes (James) of Salem, Phyllis McCarthy (William) of Loudon, Tenn., Blanche Lanterman of Leetonia, Phil L. Stratford (Joanne) of Langley, Okla., Earl Stratford (Mary) of Mason, Katherine Filicky (Karl) of Knoxville, Tenn. and Norman Stratford (Cathy) of Finley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret Cappelli.

Calling will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Royal-Coleman Funeral Home, 6028 U.S. Hwy. 6, in Linesville, Pa.

Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Philip Catholic Church, 401 S. Mercer St. in Linesville.

As per his wishes, cremation will take place. Burial will take place at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery in Youngstown.

The family suggests that memorials be made to North Shenango Volunteer Fire Department, 11658 Linn Road, or the North Shenango Community Center, 2857 Route 285, both of Espyville, PA 16424.

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