Judith A. “Buttercup” LaHue (Passed on November 17th, 2025)

Judith A. “Buttercup” LaHue, 83, of Monaca, passed away on November 17th, 2025 at home, surrounded by her closest family and friends. She was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and Margaret (Goss) Swager. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. LaHue and her siblings: Joseph Swager, Margaret Swager, Dorothy Wiley, and William Swager. Known by loved ones as “Buttercup,” she is survived by many family members and friends. She was a loving mother to Timothy LaHue, Cynthia (Shawn) Reynolds and Brett (Tara) LaHue. She will be missed tremendously by her granddaughters, great grandchildren, and many friends: Hannah (Matthew) Maurice, Abigail (Samuel) Stajduhar, Margaret (Cody) Boring, Aubrey and Calla Reynolds. She was honored to be a great grandmother to Penelope Maurice and Luca Stajduhar. She loved her dear friends, Marianne Swartzwelder, LuAnn Taddeo, and Lynn Kolich deeply. She was also honored to have been a babysitter to Madison and Alexis Hiltz.

Judith was a proud graduate of Monaca High School with the class of 1960, recently attending her 65th high school reunion. She worked as a stewardess for American Airlines immediately preceding high school, worked as a crossing guard while raising her children, and worked as a dedicated Registered Nurse specializing in oncology. She continued her service as a caregiver long after early retirement to care for her husband, family members, and friends. Her daughter, Cynthia, a Registered Nurse, had the privilege of caring for her at home on Hospice and a special thanks goes out to the amazing staff at LIFE Beaver County for their compassionate care and support. She had a love for all animals, especially her late dog, Thomas the Labradoodle. She was a Human Rights Activist, praying for Equality and Peace on Earth who was adored by her family, friends, and community. She was also a firm believer in her savior, Jesus Christ.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 19th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Thursday, November 20th at 11 a.m. with her pastor, Dr. Steve Vesolich officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Robert Thompson (1947-2025)

Robert Thompson, 78, passed away on November 17th, 2025. He was born in Ellwood City on August 10th, 1947, a son of the late Joan and Robert “Sid” Thompson, both of Ellwood city. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Cheddar Thompson, his brothers, Chris Thompson (Linda) and Martin Thompson (Leona), both of Ellwood city. He was especially proud of all of his surviving children, Eric Thompson (Anna) of Ellwood City, Britt Thompson of Columbus, Ohio, Rob Thompson (Lindsay) of Poland, Ohio and Casey Thompson of Reno, Nevada; as well as his cherished stepdaughters: Cindy Powers (Kevin) of Englewood, Florida, Dee Dee Quinn Hussey (Rob) of Englewood, Florida, Tracy Guyer of Fair Oaks, and Danielle McClarnon (Walter) of Leetsdale.

In life, Robert was a faithful, honest, selfless and hardworking man with a golden heart who loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, a good root beer, the outdoors, his camp in Kittanning, hunting, fishing, and his basset hounds, Daisy Mae and Stella Bean.

Of all the things in the world he cherished, his crown Jewels were his surviving grandchildren: Devin and Luca Thompson of Ellwood City, Charleigh and Lucy Mickley of Columbus, Ohio, Grayson and Amelia Thompson of Poland, Ohio, Trent Winchmann of Englewood, Florida, Devin DeCaro of Englewood, Florida, and Tara Quinn of Englewood, Florida.

Our family would especially like to thank Dr. David Gellar and his staff at the liver cancer institute at Montefiore for taking such exceptional care of our beloved Bob for the last 9 years. Our family would also like to thank Dr. Richard Schollaert for his continuous care.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, November 20th from 4-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a prayer will be offered on Friday, November 21st at 11:30 A.M. followed by a funeral service at 12 Noon in the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in the name of Robert be made to orphans of the storm animal shelter in Kittanning, or to the go fund me page to help with raising funds to create a commemorative bench along the trail near his favorite spot.   https://gofund.me/c9f247da9

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

Renee Lutz (1965-2025)

Renee Lutz, 60, of Freedom, passed away unexpectedly on November 16th, 2025. She was born in Sewickley on September 26th, 1965, a daughter of Madeline (Matanick) Lutz and the late Charles Lutz.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by three sisters, Roxanne (Jeffrey) Soltis, Rhonda (Gary) Lazzaretti and Rochelle (Randy) Hinzman, a combination of nieces/nephews and great-nieces/great-nephews, Chanda (Max) Fallecker and their children, Eli and Serena, Melinda (Andrew) Pisano and their children: Lucas and Cameron, Becky Hinzman (J.C. Reboton) and Breanna (Larry) Musgrave; and their children, Eva and Larry, and soon-to-be expected, River, Laura Hinzman, Mitchel Lazzaretti, Ashton (David) Weatherly, and their child, Margo. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a special nephew, Nicholas Soltis.

Renee worked at Walmart. All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Wednesday, November 19th from 3-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where Funeral Prayers will be offered on Thursday, November 20th at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge and Interment will follow in the Good Samaritan Cemetery there.

Karen Elaine Zimmer Petley (1950-2025)

Karen Elaine Zimmer Petley, 75, passed away on November 15th, 2025. She lived a rich and meaningful life across Ambridge, Sewickley, and Owen Sound of Ontario, Canada.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 24th, 1950, the daughter of James Milton Zimmer and Anna Marie Zimmer. She is survived by her children, Mark Petley (Casey Petley) and Emily Petley; her cherished grandchildren, Nora, Sophia, and Micah; and her siblings – the “three toads”, James Zimmer (Kathy), David Zimmer (Cindy), and Mathew Zimmer (Agnes). She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael John Petley.

Karen was raised in Beaver and was a graduate of Beaver High School and the University of Pittsburgh. She was a lifelong lover of the written word who was both a devoted reader and a gifted writer. She was a regular patron of public libraries everywhere she lived and authored numerous articles for Shady Ave Magazine, as well as a book about Agnes Macphail. Her passion for literature was matched only by her deep love for her grandchildren. She found joy in taking them to cultural events and library programs, always encouraging them to explore the world with confidence and to believe fully in their potential.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care, support, and dignity during Karen’s final days. A special thank-you is offered to longtime friend Martha Murdoch, whose kindness and presence were especially meaningful to Karen and her family.

A memorial service for Karen will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s honor to the Iron Horse Theatre to support a scholarship established in her memory. Donations may be directed to: ironhorsetheatre@yahoo.com.

Ruth Ann (Wertz) Strugalski (1943-2025)

Ruth Ann (Wertz) Strugalski, 82, of Ambridge, passed away on November 16th, 2025. She was born on July 23rd, 1943, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth Wertz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Strugalski, her brothers, Robert and Richard Wertz and her sisters, Eleanor Wertz and Carole Totin.

She is survived by her beloved son, Michael Strugalski, her sister, Marylu Giver, her brother, Donald (Marie) Wertz and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ruth Ann was a graduate of St. Veronica High School. After graduation, she worked for many years as a dental assistant for Dr. Foster. She was also one of the first female firefighters in the Harmony Township/Baden Fire Department. Throughout her life, she enjoyed practicing martial arts. Ruth Ann was well known for her delicious nut bread and cabbage rolls, and she was a gifted baker and a wonderful singer. She was also a proud member of the Polish Falcons Nest 182.

Services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Karen “Susie” Sue (Showalter) Secrest (1949-2025)

Karen “Susie” Sue (Showalter) Secrest, 76, of New Brighton, formerly of West Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly in her home on November 14th, 2025.

She was born in New Martinsville, West Virginia on May 15th, 1949, the eldest daughter of the late Harry O. Showalter and the late Roxanne P. (Burge) Showalter- Stewart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Brenda L. (Showalter) Fitzgerald, her youngest daughter, Sherry A. Secrest and her former husband, Russell R Secrest, Sr. She is survived by her eldest daughter, Amy Secrest, and her son and daughter-in -law, Russell Jr & Quinn Secrest. She was a cherished grandmother to her grandson, Mason Moldovan, and to her granddaughters Kayla Corak and Emily & Aubrey McCullough. She is also survived by her brother, Harry (Tina) Showalter and her sisters, Deborah (Showalter) Rance & Victoria Showalter, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen, also known by her family as Susie, worked many different jobs throughout her lifetime, including her brief time as a librarian assistant at the B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa, which she really enjoyed since she was an avid reader of many types of books. Her interests also included researching her family genealogy, her love for cats, listening to various music, and being a huge fan of British comedy shows & anything relating to the Royal family.

In accordance with Karen’s request, there will be no funeral services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the link on this page.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen “Susie” Sue Secrest, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Lee Allen Groom (1954-2025)

Lee Allen Groom, 71, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 13th, 2025.

He was born in Beaver Falls on May 27th, 1954, a son of the late Wayne and Edith (Martini) Groom. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Wayne Groom. She is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Kimberly (Gardner) Groom, his children, Jesse Groom and Hanna and Dennis Welch, his grandchildren, Wyatt, Wesley and Waylon, his brother, Gary and Susan Groom, his mother-in-law, Ilene Gardner, his brothers-in-law: Albert, Harry, Jeff, Todd, and Eric; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lee was a Lifetime member of Ambridge District Sportsman Association, the Coraopolis Beagle Club, PA Trappers Association and the Imperial Beagle Club. Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed trapping and black powder shooting. Lee loved being outdoors and being with his grandkids and family. He was also a longtime member of Painter’s Local 530.

Friends will be received on Thursday, November 20th, from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will take place on Friday, November 21st, at 10 A.M.

Hollie Jo (Hamilton) Markun (1975-2025)

Hollie Jo (Hamilton) Markun, 50, passed away unexpectedly on November 13th, 2025 in Southington, Ohio.

She was born in Rochester on March 1st, 1975, a daughter of Harry E. Hamilton and the late Linda (Stang) Hamilton. In addition to her father, she is survived by her beloved daughter, Alexis P. Markun, her siblings, Jason E. (Holly) Hamilton and Marcy J. (Shawn) Hogue, her niece, Mikayla Beveridge, her nephew, Devin M. (Kellsey) Yova, along with great-nieces, Esmae and Freya Yova.

Hollie was a member of Pathway Church in Beaver Falls (Chippewa Township). She was a Riverside High School alumni and a graduate of Robert Morris University where she received her bachelor’s in nursing. She was a registered nurse who loved to take care of her patients at AHN and Weirton Medical Center. She enjoyed attending her daughters’ volleyball and lacrosse games throughout high school and college career. Hollie adored her pets also Nova and Zuri. Family meant everything to Hollie, and she was present for every event she could be part of.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, November 18th from 1-3 P.M. and from 5-7 P.M., with a funeral service following, in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. The funeral service will be officiated by a pastor from Pathway Church

Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the GoFundMe set up to support Lexi during this most difficult time, link.https://gofund.me/7f73e3195.

Karen K. Manolovich (1957-2025)

Karen K. Manolovich, 68, passed away on November 13th, 2025, after fighting a long and courageous battle with a devastating illness.

She was born on March 28th, 1957 and was preceded in death by her loving parents, Marvin and Shelva Kiddy, and her sister-in-law, Ann Smith. Karen was the beloved wife of Rade Manolovich, who tenderly and faithfully cared for her throughout her illness. She was the devoted mother of Tina Yurkovac (Steve) and Brian Kowalski (Rachel), and the proud, adoring “Mam” of her grandchildren, Brody, Bella, and Kash, who were the absolute light of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Kevin Kiddy, her sister, Cheryl Marchionda (Dominic), her brother-in-law, Walter Smith, and her sisters-in-law, Nancy (Bruce) Manolovich and Mary Jones, her nieces and nephews: Ian, Kristyn, Connor, Annie, Bud, Matt, Donald Jr., Vinny, and Jonathan; all of whom cherished her deeply. Karen poured her whole heart into her family, and her grandchildren, especially, were blessed with a grandmother whose love, guidance, and joyful spirit helped shape the people they are becoming.

Throughout her life, Karen was known for her boundless energy and passion for staying active. She loved working out, walking, and running, and she proudly participated in many Great Races in Pittsburgh over the years. Her enthusiasm for fitness was a reflection of her determination, joy, and love for life.

Karen had a heart of gold and a gentle, pure spirit that touched everyone she met. Whether offering a warm smile, a kind word, or quiet encouragement, she had a special way of making others feel seen, loved, and valued. Her kindness was effortless, her compassion limitless, and her faith steadfast.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all who cared for Karen during her final years. A special thank-you goes to her devoted husband, Rade, for his extraordinary love and care throughout her illness. We are also profoundly grateful to the compassionate teams at Villa St. Joseph in Baden and the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford for the comfort, dignity, and kindness they provided to Karen and her family.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and gentleness. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in knowing she now rests in eternal glory, whole again, and embraced by our Lord.

A private service will be held for Karen’s immediate family only. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, please pray for the Manolovich family.

Agnes C. Sayers (1938-2025)

Agnes C. Sayers, 89, of Beaver Falls, passed away on November 12th, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford. She was born in Monaca on March 28th, 1936, the daughter of the late Louis and Caroline Havlin Baxa. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald L. Sayers, Sr., two brothers, Frank L. Baxa and Louis E. Baxa, as well as a beloved friend, Eleanor Dishler.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Terry L. and Darlene J. Sayers, of North Carolina, a companion, Jim Dishler, two grandsons, Jason L. Sayers and his wife Rebecca, of North Carolina, and Donald L. Sayers II of Tennessee, one great-granddaughter, Caroline, Jim’s family, Donna L. and Paul Hickey of New Sewickley Township, Linda M. and David Fritsch of New Sewickley Township, James E. and Holly Dishler of Rochester Township, seven grandchildren: Nicole, P.J., David Jr., Tyler and his wife, Jaci, Jocelyn, Heather and her husband, Jeremy and Brandon and his wife, Hope; as well as nine great-grandchildren: Bennett, Hunter, Ace, Quinn, Charlotte, Deacon, Amelia, Jameson and Luka. She is also survived by her nieces, Becky Everett and Susan DeAngelo and very close friends, Steve Karaisz and Donald and Jessica Karaisz, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews, and a K-9 Companion, Rebel.

Agnes was a homemaker, a housewife and a former employee with the former Meier Glass Company of North Rochester. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester and Our Lady of The Valley Parish, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 580. Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 18th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 19th, at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester.

Interment will follow in St. Cecilia Cemetery, 761 Allendale Road, New Brighton. Memorial contributions may be made to Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or Good Samaritan Hospice House, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090. The family would like to thank the Good Samaritan Hospice, especially the Hospice Visiting Nurse, Jen and their staff.