Patricia “Pat” (Yoko) Louise McCracken, 82, passed away on June 16th, 2025. She wasn’t just a mother, a grandmother, a sister, or a friend. She was a presence who was tough as nails, fiercely independent, and full of heart. She taught us how to stand on our own two feet—by doing it herself every single day of her life.

She was born in Aliquippa on September 1st, 1942. She was also raised in Aliquippa, and she grew up without a father. He passed away just months after she was born, but she never let that define her. If anything, it made her stronger. From a young age, she knew struggle, and she met it head-on: with stubbornness, humor, and a whole lot of grit.

She graduated from Aliquippa High School and built a life centered around family, faith, and hard work. When our dad passed away in 1991, Mom never looked for another love. “He was the only one I ever needed,” she’d say, and she meant it. She carried his memory like a quiet fire, steady and unshakable.

Patricia worked countless jobs over the years—especially when Dad was laid off from the mill—always sacrificing so we could have more. And somehow, even with the weight of the world on her shoulders, she always made time to play with us. She loved sports, and some of our best memories are playing catch, tossing a football, or shooting hoops with her out front. She didn’t just cheer from the sidelines—she was the team.

She called BINGO at the Pulaski Fire Hall. She ruled the table at Bunco night. And she spent over 30 years at Hank’s Frozen Custard, becoming a summertime legend. Hank’s wasn’t just a job—it was family. Dozens of kids who worked there looked up to her like a second mom, and customers came back year after year to see her smiling face at the window. She had a way of making people feel seen.  She enjoyed taking bus trips and traveling with her family.

She also had a strong faith—quiet but deep. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love she gave her whole life,vand while her immediate family was by her side, we know she also carried with her the love of so many special friends—friends from every era of her life—who stayed connected over the years. Those lifelong bonds meant the world to her, and they were never forgotten.

Now, our mother has received the greatest gift of all: she is with Jesus Christ our Lord. The One she personally believed in, the One who gave her strength in her hardest moments. She never forced faith on anyone, but she lived it in a way you couldn’t miss.

She leaves behind the family she loved fiercely: her daughter Michelle (and husband Dave Dampman) of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, her sons Kenneth McCracken (and wife Bonnie) of New Brighton, Shawn McCracken (and wife Robyn) of Monaca (Center Township), and Kevin McCracken (and wife Teresa) of New Brighton.

She was also proud grandma to her grandsons: Nicholas Dampman (and wife Allison) of Harrisburg, Noah McCracken of Denver, Colorado, Cameron McCracken and Tyler McCracken, both of Monaca (Center Township), Connor McCracken and William McCracken, both of New Brighton, and her granddaughters, Brittany (McCracken) Dieter and her husband Cary Dieter of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania and Cassidy McCracken of Monaca (Center Township), her great-grandson, Liam Dieter; several nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Joseph Yoko, her sisters, Jeannie Rhodes and Marylee Duafala, and her mother, Margaret (Roscoe) Yoko.

Mom loved spending time with all her grandkids—watching them grow, cheering them on, and celebrating every graduation and milestone. Friday nights were for laughs with her friends, eating out and catching up like she was still in her 20s. She was involved in church, community groups, and anything where she could lend a hand or a smile.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, June 21st, at the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, from 9 a.m. until the time of a Blessing service at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Kim Schreck will officiate.

Pat will be laid to rest in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum with her husband, Wayne.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s name to KDKA Turkey Fund, P.O. Box Thanks, Pittsburgh, PA 15230.

Shirley Lee (Gibson) Pow, 88, passed away on June 14th, 2025. She was born on October 26th, 1936 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, a daughter of the late James F. and Pauline Primm Gibson.
Shirley loved her family, being a teacher, her Front Porch Bible Study ladies, the Steelers, and a Kretchmar’s cookie or two. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Burn Pow, her sister, Patricia Ann (Gibson) Seaman and her step-granddaughter, Estrella Jamie Soto.
She is survived by her daughter, Paula Soto, granddaughter, Cassidy Soto, her nieces and nephews, Kathy (Tom) Fiala, Karen Allcorn and Leonard (Tami) Seaman and her great nieces and nephews: Lauren Fiala, Lindsey (Shawn) Cramer, Natalie (Dom) Musilli, Helen Allcorn, Justin (Hillary) Seaman, Brendan Seaman, Ethan Seaman, Charlotte Cramer and Gwen Musilli.
She was dedicated to bridging divides of any kind: educational, racial, economic, familial, environmental, political and cultural, but Shirley valued above all, friendship, faith, hospitality, and storytelling.
In her final years, she was a resident of the Inn at Whitewood Village in North Canton, Ohio, where her niece and nephew provided consistent care through her battle with dementia. Anyone who knows Shirley well, knows how much she disliked dying in Cleveland Browns territory: and treasured her regular visits back to the hometown of her heart, Beaver, Pennsylvania.
Shirley’s magnificent home in downtown Beaver welcomed decades of gatherings of every type: from family holidays to front porch Bible studies; weddings; storyteller dinners; political campaign events; and girls’ sleepover parties. The Beaver Tales annual storytelling festival took form from community imagination and innovation, on that sunny, graciously spacious front porch.
Shirley found her life’s purpose as a teacher and Gifted Program Coordinator for Beaver Area Schools. Generations of students remember Mrs. Pow as the teacher whose enthusiasm enriched their lives and grew them into book readers. Her educational efforts rippled throughout the community via her volunteerism with the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation – Museum, Log Cabin, Beaver Station, and Beaver Tales programs; Christy House (a tea house at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church supporting missions for women and children); Beaver Area Memorial Library; Beaver Junior Women’s Club; Phi Mu; and the Presidential Campaign of Barack Obama. Shirley loved to travel and learn. Shirley always spoke up for what she firmly believed; and she matched her words with actions – leading by example.
Shirley had great happiness in helping to raise her granddaughter, Cassidy Soto. Shirley exemplified enduring love, and great humor, as she poured her grace and grit into being a parent and grandparent.
Shirley was an active member at Beaver United Methodist Church; and later in life at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (Sewickley, PA).
To honor her memory: She would like for you to remember the Storyteller’s Creed. Additionally, as “Mrs. Pow’s Chocolate Chip Cookies” are still fondly extolled by her daughter’s elementary school friends and college dorm friends alike, her family wishes to share the recipe. Shirley would suggest that you set a lovely table, to share stories and light with friends old and new, as you enjoy them.
Storyteller’s Creed
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.
That myth is more potent than history
That dreams are more powerful than facts
That hope always triumphs over experience
That laughter is the only cure for grief
And I believe that love is stronger than death.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Shirley Pow)
1 cup Crisco
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Cream together well.
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
12 oz chocolate chips
Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees on greased cookie sheet

Friends will be received at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, on Sunday, June 22nd from 1-3 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. Funeral services will be held at College Avenue United Methodist Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver, on Monday, June 23rd at 10 A.M. Friends and family are welcome to join in a Celebration of Life luncheon at the Beaver Station Cultural & Event Center, 1 River Road, Beaver, following the service. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to one of these organizations, to further the positive civic impacts of Shirley’s values and life’s work: Beaver Area Heritage Foundation (Beaver Tales), 1 River Road, Beaver, PA 15009, The Shirley & Dick Pow Education Scholarship in care of Beaver Area School District Education Foundation, 1300 Fifth Street, Beaver, PA 15009 or the ACLU https://www.aclu.org/ 1-888-567-ACLU.

Joseph T. Blumling, 60, of Aliquippa, passed away surrounded by those he loved on June 14th, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, after a brave battle with Pancreatic cancer.

He was born on August 29th, 1964, a son of the late  Charles A. Blumling and Anna May (Herbert) Blumling of Robinson Township. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Theresa, and Pearl Blumling. He was the youngest of his mother’s 11 children. He is survived by his wife, Brianne (Matejka) Blumling and his two children that he was exceptionally proud of, Spencer and Abigail. He will also be forever missed by his siblings: Pauline Wetzel, Marilyn Gausto, Nicholas Blumling, Charles “Chuck” Blumling, Charlotte Easley, John Blumling and Anna Lynn Teyssier. He is also survived by hundreds of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and his extended family. Joseph was loved deeply by his Goddaughter and niece, Beckey (Blumling) Cox, and her children, Helena and DJ, who loved to shower Uncle Wizard with hugs and he would shower them back with tickles.

Joseph greatly loved his large family and sharing stories of past gatherings, and thrilling rides was a favorite topic. After school, he joined the Army and spent time serving in Germany and Georgia. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Derrick Boat Operator after many years of welding on land and underwater.

He touched the lives of so many with his sense of humor, warmth, and outgoing nature. He loved taking his Harley out riding, Steeler Sundays, and numerous outdoor activities including hunting and fishing trips. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his circle of friends, in the mountains, on the river, or having a Captain at Club Ed.

A visitation will be held at Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, on Friday, June 20th from 5-8 p.m. A celebration of life will follow on Saturday, June 21st starting at 11 a.m. with lunch at 12:30 p.m. at The Fez, 2312 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa where everyone will toast to a life well lived, though cut too short. His memory and laugh, will forever live in everyone’s hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society.

Paul Gossard, 62, passed away peacefully at home on June 16th, 2025. He was born on December 4th, 1962, a son of the late William and Barbara (Janectic) Gossard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ken LeFever. Paul shared many wonderful years with his long-time partner, Tracy Reed, whose love and companionship were a constant source of comfort and happiness in his life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving siblings, his brothers, Pat, Ron (Cindy), and Douglas (Regine) and his sisters, Kathy LeFever and Shirley Martin. He was a proud and loving uncle to Jennifer (Tom) Fisher, Brandon Gossard, Jacob and Nick (Jenny) Martin, and Sean and Madeliene Gossard. He is also survived by his dear friends Kellie Forkin and Beth Tirro, as well as Tracy’s family: her sisters Vickey (Dennis) Heberlein and Lesley (Edward) Alexander and nephew, EJ: all of whom will carry his memory with love.

Paul was a  true Parrothead at heart who found joy in the simple pleasures of life: kicking back and listening to his favorite Jimmy Buffett tunes with his beloved animals by his side, most of whom were rescues he cared for deeply.

Paul will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his deep compassion for animals, and his laid-back, kind-hearted nature. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 19th, from 1 P.M. until the time of Blessing Service at 5 P.M. at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery of Beaver Falls.

Please keep Paul’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Monetary donations can be made in Paul’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society.

Frank Krauss, 80, of Crescent, passed away on June 15th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Rochester on October 31st, 1944, the son of the late Frank and Verna (Miller) Krauss. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Verna “Elaine” Rose.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Debra (McArdle) Krauss, two daughters, Kimberly (Scott) Page and Rhonda Kesich (Mike Zurynski), a grandson, Mason Page (who was his very best friend), two granddaughters, Marlee Page and Addison Kesich; two nephews, Scott (Kim) Rose and David (Sandy) Rose; as well as his beloved pet, KitKat.

In accordance with Frank’s wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Laurie A. (Shultz) Johnston, 63, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on June 15th, 2025. She was born in Butler on March 12th, 1962, a daughter of Robert and Maxine (Guthrie) Shultz.

She is survived by her son, Matthew (Natalie) Johnston, four grandchildren: Hunter, Archer, Cooper and Madilynn; as well as her siblings: Robert, Richard, Ronald Shultz and Patty Himelsbaugh.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 19th, from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m., at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester.

Private interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery of Chicora, Pennsylvania.