Barbara Jean Vanats, 84, of Monaca, passed away on February 23rd, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. Her last two days were filled with celebration, joy, and the loving presence of her family.

She was born in New Castle and lived the majority of her life in Monaca. Barbara was a daughter of the late Keith Thomas and Ella Gertrude (Locke) Ely. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands Stephen Phillips and Carl Vanats, her brothers, Chuck (Rita) Ely, Keith Thomas ‘Tom’ (Barb) Ely and Ralph Ely, and her sisters: Pearl Louise Ely, Beatrice (William) Knowlson, Mary Lou (Jack) Jeffers, and Sandy Hunter.

Barbara was a devoted mother and is survived by her loving children: Deborah (Mike) McDonald, Stephen Phillips, Alex (Lonnie) Phillips, Daniel (Tammie) Phillips, and William (Teresa) Phillips; as well as sisters Rosetta Baker and Beverly Crisman. She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life.

After dedicating her life to raising her five children, Barbara entered the workforce, taking on various part-time jobs. It was in these roles that she continued to touch the lives of many, making friends wherever she went. Her radiant smile, kindness, generosity, humor, and loving nature were her trademarks, and she was always ready to welcome new friends into her life.

She had a passion for playing cards and games, and she cherished the time spent with her family above all else. These activities were not merely hobbies for Barbara; they were extensions of her warm, inviting personality and her way of nurturing the bonds she held so dear.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 26th from 2-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 10 a.m. with Reverend Dr. Richard Herbster officiating. Interment will follow in St John the Baptist Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Pinnacle Hospice and Celebration Villa of Chippewa for the kindness and compassion that was shown to Barbara and her family.

To share online condolences, view Barbara’s video tribute, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

David B. Forse, 85, of Harmony Township, passed away on February 21st, 2025.  He was born in Rochester on July 31st, 1939, the son of the late Thomas & Margaret Jurisin Forse. In accordance with David’s wishes, there were no services held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Joseph A. Colianni, 69, of Patterson Heights, passed away on February 22nd, 2025 at his residence. He was born on May 21st, 1955.

In accordance with Joseph’s wishes, all services were private.

Professional Services were entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Mildred Ann (Mickey) Jurich, 96, of Vanport, passed away on February 22nd, 2025 surrounded by her family at home.

She was born in Powhatan Point, Ohio, on August 3rd, 1928, the daughter of the late Milan and Helen Bizic of Adena, Ohio. In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Jurich, her daughter, Patricia (Bill) Beckmann, a sister, Helen and five brothers, John, Milan, Sam, Don and Rudy. She is survived by two brothers, Stephen and Charles (Judy) Bizic, her sons, Steven (Jeanette) and Danny (Debby), five grandchildren: Brandon (Jessica) Reader, Katie Beckmann, Juliann (Brandon) Acon and Elizabeth and Jennifer Jurich; two great grandchildren, Mickey Goehring and Gwenn Acon, as well as multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mildred was a graduate of Cadiz High School in Cadiz, Ohio. She worked at Westinghouse Corporation in Beaver until her retirement in 1994. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings, particularly around the holidays. She was also a former member and president of the Van Buren Woman’s Club. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend by all who knew her.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 28th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, where services will be held on Saturday, March 1st at 11 A.M. Interment will follow at the Beaver Cemetery and will be held on a later date. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Janet L. Shafer, 80, of Beaver Falls, formerly of Beaver, passed away on February 21st, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital of Pittsburgh.

She was born in Sewickley on June 24th, 1944, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth Wyrick Besong. In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Shafer. She is survived by her sons, Dennis R. (Connie) Shafer, Michael D. Shafer, and Marty L. (Jodi) Shafer, sister, Betty J. (Jim) Reynolds, and grandchildren: Andy, Hannah, Emily, Nicholas, Karleigh, Brayden and Logan.

Janet was a resident of Beaver Falls most of her life who enjoyed a career in data entry. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren mini-golfing, watching their baseball games, or attending their many musical events. When she wasn’t enjoying her grandchildren, she enjoyed bingo nights or travelling to Mountaineer Casino with her good friend, Peggy Pletz.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 26th, from 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, where a service will be conducted on Thursday, February 27th, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.