John Richard “Rick” Harvey, 74, passed away on March 3rd, 2026.

He was born in Philippi, West Virginia on October 7th, 1951, and he was adopted at birth by the late Louise V. and M.O. “Slim” Harvey. He is survived by his three children, Leigh Anne (Ricky) Holman of Economy Borough, Tricia (Dorian) Douds of Economy Borough, and Evan Harvey of Ambridge. He was a proud Pap Pap to Alyson Matthews, Joel Matthews, Haylee Holman, Tyler Holman and Bryce Douds. Although both were originally from West Virginia, they took him home to the house they had built in Sewickley Hills. Later, he would buy his family home and bring home three children of his own. They also had property in Deep Creek, Maryland, where he spent one school year and countless summers. It was much later in life that he would sell his family home and move to Beaver County. John had attended Quaker Valley Schools and was a graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He worked at Bethlehem Steel and later ended up at J&L Steel in Aliquippa. After the collapse of the mills in the early 80’s our father found a new career being a long-haul truck driver.  Because he was a man of many talents, he also worked over the years as a mechanic, an electrician, and ended his career working back in the mills as a machinery mechanic. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and especially fishing with his lifelong friend who he referred to as his brother, Dave (Lee) Barngrover of Economy Borough.

A celebration of life for John will occur on Saturday, March 28th from 10 a.m. until 12 noon in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John “Rick” Harvey, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Joan M. Enke, 95, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2026. She was born in New Brighton on July 15th, 1930, a daughter of the late Jesse B. and Edith P. (Keller) Enke. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Don Enke and her brother-in-law, Gordon Buffington. She is survived by her sister, Alyce Buffington of La Mirada, California and her sister-in-law, Lee Enke, Manassas, Virginia, her nephews, Brett Buffington of Rancho Cucamonga, California, Lance (Kathy) Buffington of San Clemente, California, Scott (Cyndy) Enke of Garner, North Carolina and David (Cindy) Enke of Ruther Glen, Virginia, and nieces, Lisa (Enke) Kasher of Porter, Texas and Lori (Enke) Paulson of Manassas, Virginia and cousins, Paul Bruce Keller of New Brighton and Debbie (John) Fogg of New Brighton and all of their many children and grandchildren.

Joan was always grateful to have been born into a loving and caring family and community, a foundation that shaped her kind and generous spirit throughout her life. She devoted 31 years of faithful service as the church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church in Rochester where she was known for her dedication and warm presence. She was a woman of deep Lutheran faith and she was a lifelong member of the former Trinity Lutheran Church in New Brighton. She was a proud and lifelong resident of New Brighton and she  was a devoted supporter and contributor to the New Brighton Historical Society. She was an avid student of local history and possessed a remarkable knowledge of her hometown. She also enjoyed frequent trips with friends to Pittsburgh for sightseeing and entertainment and especially loved attending high school musicals throughout Beaver County. She was a member of the Beaver County Blind Association and Lighthouse for the Blind. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her signature hats and the ever-present smile on her face. Her life was enriched by a loving and supportive family and a close circle of dear friends whose visits and phone calls she cherished. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

In accordance with Joan’s request, her remains were cremated and interred at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester, without funeral services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford, for the excellent care and comfort provided during her final days.

Donations may be made in memory of Joan to The Lighthouse for the Blind, 720 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066, The New Brighton Historical Society or the New Brighton Public Library, 1021 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Elizabeth (Betty) Polito Ostrander Christopher, 87, of Baden, passed away peacefully on March 3rd, 2026. She spent her last 10 days under wonderful care, surrounded by family and friends who came to say goodbye and tell stories at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

Betty was born in Ambridge on October 14th, 1938, a daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth Polito. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James (Marianne) Christiana, her brother, Russell (Lucille) Christiana, her sister, Catherine (Sam) Lashuk, her special sister of the heart, Theresa (Daniel) Wozniak and her husbands, Walter Ostrander and Bill Christopher.

She is survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Julie & Alan Auble and Elizabeth & Michael Steinmetz and the grandchildren who adored her: Matthew & Allison Auble, Mitchell & Brittany Auble, Steven Dobbins, Megan (Dobbins) & Kody Kocol. She had three great-grandchildren, Magnolia, Jace and Montgomery Auble. She also loved her step children and their families who came into her life as adults, Adam Christopher & his daughter, Sara and Lisa Harding, & her son, Adam. She will be forever cherished by a large extended family of nieces and nephews and cousins, and so many friends of all ages.

Elizabeth was raised in Ambridge and formed many lifelong friendships there. She raised her family in Cranberry Township, adding many more long-time friends, and eventually returned to Baden where she lived and spent many years with family and friends around her. From her earliest years, three things stood out about Betty. She loved people and people loved her. She surrounded herself with loyal friends and could turn a stranger into a friend in just a few moments with them. Her laughter and love of life drew people in and her loyalty kept them in her life. Everyone knew they could stop at her house day or night and be met with food for the body and the soul. She loved music. She had a beautiful voice and a great memory for music. She knew the lyrics of thousands of songs and used music to reach out when words might fail. From Broadway to pop to country to rock, music was a part of her and she never missed a chance to see a live show or concert, especially if it was at a casino. She loved animals. Her big heart extended to all of God’s creatures. She always took care of her cats, stray animals, and wildlife, no matter where she lived. In her later years, caring for her beloved cats and the poor abandoned animals in the area gave her purpose and filled her heart.

In accordance with Elizabeth’s request, there will be no funeral or viewing. Instead, she wanted everyone to remember her being full of life and love. Her family will gather at a later date for a final farewell. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Donations in her name can be sent to Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, 129 State Route 168, Darlington, PA 16115, or Good Samaritan Hospice House, 146 Neely School Rd, Wexford, PA 15090.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” Christopher, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paige L. (Porter) Thompson, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc.