Nancy Matika Yanyanin, 75, of Economy, passed away on May 4th, 2025.

She was born on April 13, 1950, a daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Matika. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Yanyanin, her sister, Pamela Budris, her cousin, Robert Karwoski and her nephew, Steven Maslek. She is survived by her beloved son, Nicholas Yanyanin of Economy, who will cherish the countless memories and the indelible legacy left by his adoring mother. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Bill Budris of Center Township and Larry Yanyanin (Lynnie) of Freedom, her sisters-in-law, Cheryl Maslek of Aspinwall and Laurene Yotes of Monaca, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews including her nieces, Kristen Budris of Pittsburgh, Alexa Yanyanin of Moon Township, Ellen Filar (Joe) of Fox Chapel and Johnna (Todd) Haller of Monaca; as well as her nephew, Anthony Budris (Brandi) of Hopewell, her great-nieces, Afton and Amzey Budris of Hopewell, Sera and Vie Filar of Fox Chapel and her great-nephew, Mitchell Maslek of Center Township.

Nancy grew up in Freedom and is a graduate of Edinboro University. She married her high school sweetheart, the late Mitchell Yanyanin, who kept her laughing during their over 50 years of marriage.

Nancy was a devoted teacher and vice principal at Quigley Catholic High School before joining the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School as a Human Resources Executive. Her passion for current events and sports was evident to all who knew her, and her contributions to the Quigley Catholic High School community will be remembered for years to come.

She always made room in her life and heart for her many family members and friends that were dear to her including from the Caputo family: Doreen Mole-West, Richard (Maritza) Caputo, Raymond Caputo (Denise), Dominic Caputo (Linh), Greg Caputo (Ellen); the Matika family – Paula Quolke (Tom), Tom Panek (Patty), Roberta Good, Michael Matika, Mark Matika, Cathi Ashebill; as well as the Karwoski family: James Karwoski (Marta,), Thomas  Karwoski (Deb), Beverly Karwoski, JT Karwoski (Tracy, Maisie), Jeff Karwoski, Dina Karwoski, Jill Valentine (Lon, Brendan, Brady). Nancy had many lifelong friends from Beaver County and beyond, too many to list all of them, but special recognition goes out to: Karen Holiday, Lorraine Walley, Marilou Gibbs, Tom Holsinger, Janet Knowton, Anita Hooke, Scott Antoline, Lauren Bensink, Gayle and Larry Piroli, and Rozan and Jerry Antonetti.

A visitation for Nancy will be held on Sunday, May 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 P.M. at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, where family and friends will gather to pay their respects and celebrate Nancy’s extraordinary life. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Felix Church in Freedom on Monday, May 12th, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvery Cemetery in Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Beaver County Humane Society and the American Civil Liberties Union.

J. Scott Kent, 95, of Vanport Township, passed away on May 4th, 2025, at Mercy Hospice of Poland, Ohio.

He was born in Wayne Township on February 24th, 1930, a son of the late John and Helen Snell Kent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia, his daughter, Kelly and his sisters, Joan Copeland, Grace Sweeney and Mary Kent. He will be greatly missed by his children, Richard (Carol) Kent and Sheri (Don) Hinzman, his grandchildren: Christopher (Lauren) Hinzman, Katie (Jake) Hummel, Jordan (Brooks) Canavesi, Travis (Jenny) Kent, Kyle Kent and Breanne (Marc) Phillips; along with his great-grandchildren: Max and Macy Hinzman, Caden, Cruz, and Lyla Canavesi, Izzy, Killian, and Miles Phillips, and Emery, Tristan and Tyler Kent; as well as his brother, Wesley Kent, his brother-in-law, Roy Roberts, and several wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he dearly loved.

Scott was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, who served during the Korean War. He reached the rank of Sergeant as an MP and received many medals, including the National Defense and Japan Occupation Medals. When he returned home, Scott began a 38-year career as a welder and team leader with Westinghouse of Vanport Township. In his spare time, Scott expressed his creativity as a locally renowned wood carver. He was a member of Beaver Valley Woodcarvers who initiated art classes with churches, schools and scouting troops, where he demonstrated apple head carving. He carved over 500 angels and crosses, many of which he gave away, and was celebrated by the Merrick Art Gallery, Butler Institute of American Art and Art of American Back Roads of Youngstown, Ohio. Scott authored two books, with some of his poems having been featured in various newspapers. He was also a former member of the Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 8th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Scott made many wonderful friends along his journey. He was especially appreciative of the maintenance men and office ladies at Van Buren Homes of Vanport Township, his neighbors, Wally, Rose and Anthony and the compassionate staff at Mercy Compassus Hospice House of Poland, Ohio.

The family asks that those who have a carving or walking stick to please bring it when attending the visitation.

David Lee Rainey, 77, a devoted father, cherished husband, and friend to many, passed away on April 20th, 2025 at UPMC Mercy Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on July 16th, 1947, the son of the late Sara Rainey.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of nearly 42 years, Robin (Eck) Rainey, four sons: Michael (Stephanie) Rainey, Jacob Rainey, Brady Rainey and Cody (Arantxa) Rainey, two grandchildren, Michelle (Colton) Eshleman and Michael(Alexis) Rainey, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

David had worked as a salesman for the majority of his professional career, most recently having worked at 422 Home Sales. He embraced life with a quiet strength and a deep love for his family. He was the beloved husband of Robin, with whom he shared 42 years filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. However, his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being the father of his four sons: Michael, Jacob, Brady and Cody. He was their constant, their guide, and their biggest fan. Whether it was coaching their sports teams, patiently teaching them life lessons, influencing career decisions, or simply being a steady presence in their lives, he poured his heart into raising them to be good men. His love was a constant, a foundation upon which they could always rely. He was a great dad and always willing to help. David was known for his kindness, patience, sense of humor, strong work ethic. He enjoyed working on cars, motorcycle riding, playing darts and pool, and hanging out with his friends at the Eagles He had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and respected. His warmth, generosity and general interest in others left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Though his physical presence is gone, the love and lessons he instilled in his four boys will live on for generations to come. He was a truly good dad, and his memory will forever be a blessing.

David’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, has been honored to provide care and guidance to David’s family at this time.

Melvin Lee Rowley, 85, of Midland, passed away on April 28th, 2025 after a battle with cancer. He was born at the family home near Parkersburg, West Virginia on December 27th, 1939, a son of the late Frank G. and Clarice K. Rowley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Hila Jean and Carl Carnes and his brother-in-law, Jim Edwards. He is survived by his loving wife, N. Jean Rowley, his son, Robert L. Rowley, his daughters, Kimberly L. (Jeff) Blackburn and Rhonda J. (Randy) Reddinger, his brother, William R. (Eva) Rowley, his grandchildren: Sara Bain, David Rowley, Chrissy Helwig, Daniel Blackburn, Charity Ulrich, Lucas Reddinger, Nathan Blackburn and Benjamin Blackburn; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren.

Melvin was a laborer and Group Leader for 41 years at Westinghouse (Eaton) Corporation of Beaver. He was a member of Fairview PCA church since 1952 and held many offices over the years, including Sunday School Superintendent, Elder and Sunday School teacher. He especially loved participating in the church’s bowling league. Melvin also was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time at his cabin near Ridgeway, Pennsylvania.
A visitation for Melvin will be held on Friday, May 9th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A service will also be held on Saturday, May 10th at 11 A.M. in Fairview PCA Church, 6366 Tuscarawas Road, Industry.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Church.

 

 

Mary Alice Kemp, 96, of Winter Haven, Florida, formerly of Rochester, passed away May 4, 2025 in the Good Shepherd Hospice, Forsythe House in Auburndale, Florida. She was born in Monaca on December 10th, 1928, the daughter of the late Frank E. and Erma Storm Reynolds. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore E. Kemp, a grandson, Steven Kemp, two sisters, Bertha Williams and Flora Becker and four brothers, Edward, David, Richard and Herbert. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Theodore and Deborah Kemp of Hoschton, Georgia, Frank and Mary E. Kemp of Orlando, Florida and Howard and Beth Kemp of Winter Haven, Florida, as well as five grandchildren: Stacy, Teresa, James, Michael and Jennifer; along with five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was a retired employee with Giant Eagle in Rochester as Manager of the Deli Department. She was formerly employed with Shop ‘N Save in Ingomar, Pennsylvania. Mary was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester, a member of the Red Hat Society of St. Cloud, Florida and a member of OES, Woodlawn, Chapter 164. She was also a former volunteer of Give Kids The World Village of Kissimmee, Florida and the Retired and senior volunteer program of Osceola County, Florida.  Friends will be received on Saturday, May 10th from 1-3 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, where a service will follow at 3:30 P.M. Officiating will be Rev. Gregory S. Clagg. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The family wishes memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Good Shepherd Hospice, George C. Forsythe Hospice House, https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/good-shepherd-hospice-donation/

Jeffrey Allen Skidmore, 69, of Ambridge, passed away unexpectedly on May 1st, 2025. He was born in Greensboro, Pennsylvania on October 2nd, 1955, the son of the late Donald and Mary Shrader Skidmore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anita George Skidmore and two brothers, Daniel Shrader and Keith Skidmore. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Allen Skidmore Jr., his daughter, Alisha Key, his two sisters, Wanda Bezuk and Judy Clouse, his two sisters-in-law, Nancy Shrader and Sheila Skidmore, his ex-wife, Peggy Rodriguez, his three grandchildren, Malik Strickland, Jalisa Strickland and Justin Burchell-Skidmore, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jeffrey loved to be outside walking and going on adventures. In accordance with Jeffrey’s wishes, all services were private. Professional Services and arrangements have been entrusted to the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street Ambridge.