Category: Obituaries

Robert E. Blake (1947-2025)

Robert E. Blake, 78, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at his home on November 21st, 2025. He was born in Glen Easton, West Virginia on July 26th, 1947, the son of the late Linduff E. and Imogene Crow Blake. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Michael and Louise Gerace. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Kathleen M. (Gerace) Blake, two daughters and a son-in-law, Michele R. Blake of Daughterty Township and Colleen M. and Damion Nickel of Florida, two grandsons, Dawson and Cody Nickel, one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia I. and Lonnie Vodenichar of New Sewickley Township, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joann and Bill Teets of Rochester, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, two great-great-nieces and his K-9 companion, Maddie.

Robert was a retired furnace operator with Horsehead Industry in Potter Township. He was baptized Lutheran through the Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Sewickley Township. He was a 1966 graduate of New Brighton Highschool and was a member of the Rochester Sportsman Club, the Unionville American Legion Post 512, the Center Township V.F.W Post 1821, the New Brighton Croatian Club and the Beaver Falls Turners Club. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, November 30th, from 4-8 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a service will be held Monday, December 1st, at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Slepecki, the Pastor of Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA 68, Rochester. The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 862 will provide full military honors for their fallen comrade following the service. The family wishes memorial contributions go to the Rochester Sportsman Club, Sportsman Lane, Rochester, PA 15074. The family would also like to thank Three Oaks Hospice for the care and comfort they provided.

Paul Nicholas Duraney, Jr. (1944-2025)

Paul Nicholas Duraney Jr., 81, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly at home on October 27th, 2025. He was born in Rochester on May 21st, 1944, a son of the late Paul and Frances Duraney, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Brooke (Christina) Duraney, a brother, Richard (Rebecca) Duraney and two sisters, Carol (Gary) Nattersted and  Susan Duraney. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nepehws.

Paul was a U.S. Airforce Veteran. He also ran the Harmony Inn for Carl Beers, his best friend for many years. He previously had worked as a hot finisher at B&W. He also loved sports and enjoyed playing softball with the Palace Inn. He was also a loving and wonderful father.

In accordance with Paul’s wishes, all of his services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Madeline Lutz (1938-2025)

Madeline Lutz, 87, of Economy Borough, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver, on November 24th, 2025.  She was born in Ambridge on June 2, 1938, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Laura (Phillips) Matanick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lutz, a daughter, Renee Lutz, a special grandson, Nicholas Soltis, a brother, Robert Matanick and 2 sisters, Loretta Mickey and Kathleen Petcash. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Roxanne (Jeffrey) Soltis, Rhonda (Gary) Lazzaretti and Rochelle (Randy) Hinzman, a combination of granddaughters/grandsons and great-granddaughters/great-grandsons, Chanda (Max) Fallecker and their children, Eli and Serena and 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 and a sister, Roberta Kwiatanowsky.

Madeline was a graduate of St. Veronica’s High School in Ambridge. She and her husband owned the Pine Inn Lounge on Big Sewickley Creek Road.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, November 25th, 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 Wednesday, November 26th at 10:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M., in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue
Ambridge and interment will follow in Good Samaritan Cemetery there.

Sharon Kay Hendershot (1952-2025)

Sharon Kay Hendershot, 73, of Industry, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 at her residence.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on May 26th, 1952, a daughter of the late Arthur Ray and Juanita “Bonnie” (Balser) Hendershot. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Tracy Brandao, her daughter, Tammy Lynn Elkins, her grandson, Mark “Allen” Shreaves Jr. and her brothers, Arthur “Ray” Hendershot and Kevin Hendershot. Sharon was a devoted mother to her surviving daughter, Virginia “Ginny” (Mark) Shreaves and her surviving pet, Lulu. She cherished her siblings, Clyde (Hilda) Hendershot, Lynn (Tony) Joseph and Cindy (Jerry) Kersey, her grandchildren: Dallion Elkins, Caitlyn Mata, Jessica Shreaves, Isaac Shreaves, and Kaylynne Shreaves; as well as her great-grandchildren, Devon, Emilio, Xander, and Elena, and she also held dear many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all survive her who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Sharon was the heart of her family and a constant source of connection and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. For the past 38 years, Sharon has shared her life with her beloved partner, Wayne Wilson, who also survives her. Their enduring bond was a testament to love’s strength and resilience. One of Sharon’s greatest joys was crocheting Afghans for family, friends, and disabled veterans, a labor of love that wrapped those she cared about in comfort and beauty. Her legacy is one of inclusion, kindness, and unwavering love. She was also a life member of the VFW post 8168 lady’s auxiliary. Her presence will be deeply missed. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 30th from 1 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 4 p.m. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. The funeral service will be officiated by Christy Knetsch, a niece with whom Sharon always shared a special bond.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Jesse, Renee, and Ashley for taking such great care of Sharon and her family.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon’s family requests donations be made in Sharon’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Virginia G. “Ginger” (Brougher) Brown (1937-2025)

Virginia G. “Ginger” (Brougher) Brown, 88, passed away peacefully on November 23rd, 2025. She was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania on July 7th, 1937, a daughter of the late Byron “Dutch” and Roberta Brougher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Ernest H. Brown, Jr., their son, Matthew, and her brother, Byron R. Brougher. She is survived by her loving family including her daughter, Karen (Darrell) Hooker, her son, Ernest “Buzz” (Mary) Brown, her sister, Nancy Brougher Davis, her sister-in-law, Lillian Brown Stout, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia spent many years in Aliquippa, Grove City, and then making her home in Williamsburg, Virginia for the past thirteen years. In her younger years, she worked for People’s Natural Gas Company in Hopewell, where she met the love of her life, Ernest H. “Ernie” Brown. The two built a beautiful life together and were blessed with 61 years of marriage. She led a full and joyful life. She was an active member of card clubs, and she loved traveling with friends and family. She was creative at heart and enjoyed crafting and painting, often sharing her work with those she loved. She was a positive, uplifting person who always looked for the best in others. Faith and fellowship were central to her life. In Pennsylvania, she and Ernest were devoted members of North Branch Presbyterian Church in Monaca, and after moving to Virginia, she continued her worship at Wellspring United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. She served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, attended community bible studies, as well as participating in Meals-on-Wheels.

Friends will be received on Saturday, November 29th, from 12 noon until the time of a service following at 4 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Virginia’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to share in her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ginger’s name may be made to Wellspring United Methodist Church, 4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia G. “Ginger” Brown, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Grace E. Starkey (1936-2025)

Grace E. Starkey, 89, of Brighton Township, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on November 22nd, 2025.

She was born in Ohioville on April 27th, 1936, a daughter of the late James and Grace Porter Bloom. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Starkey, her sister, Joyce Martin and her grandson, Jaxen Starkey. She is survived by her four sons: Robert (Tracy) Starkey of Cranberry Township, Keith Starkey of Brighton Township, Kevin (Jacquelyn) Starkey of Cranberry Township and Chris (Nikki) Starkey of Brighton Township; along with her sister, Shirley Shoaff of Salem, Ohio; as well as her grandchildren: Jaret, Caleb, Alexia and Alyssa Starkey; along with her step-granddaughter, Michelle Schinke, her step-great-grandchildren, Victoria, Jordan and Julia Schinke, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Grace was a resident of Ohioville and Brighton Township who retired after a 10-year career as a secretary and billing clerk with Beaver County Drug and Alcohol in Vanport Township. She was also formerly involved for many years with the Brighton Township Fire Department Auxiliary.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 30th from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will take place on Monday, December 1st at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Grace’s name may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

The family would like to thank Three Oaks Hospice for the excellent care given to Grace the last several months.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Grace E. Starkey, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home by clicking here.

Edward C. Dierdorf (Passed on November 22nd, 2025)

Edward C. Dierdorf, 86, of Center Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025, in Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born and raised in Monaca, the son of the late Harry and Hazel (Cain) Dierdorf. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joe Turkovich. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Waxler) Dierdorf and their three children, Edward (Dayna) Dierdorf, Eric (Janice) Dierdorf and Anne (William) Dwyer, his grandchildren: Daniel (Morgan) Dierdorf, Heidi Dierdorf ( Michael), Scott (Alexa) Dierdorf, Hayley (Jacoby) Miller, and Kurt Dierdorf; along with his fiancée, Brooke, his great-grandchildren: Austin Gallagher, Bexlee and Axel Miller, Mikey and Maverick Hall; who brought him immeasurable happiness, a brother, Harry (Susan) Dierdorf, and his sister, Shirley Turkovich.

Edward attended Monaca schools and fostered a lifelong love for baseball. This passion for the sport was evident in his younger days as a talented pitcher and later as a respected coach for Little League, Pony League, Legion League, and high school baseball teams. He was a hardworking and proud steel worker who devoted many years to Colonial Steel in Monaca. Outside work, he continued to enjoy the camaraderie through his active involvement in the Colonial Steel Golf League and the Center Vets Golf League, where his love for golf was as evident as his love for baseball. Edward was a member of North Branch Presbyterian Church in Monaca and his love for animals was evident through his affection for dogs and cats, which brought additional warmth to his home and life. Family and friends are welcome to attend his memorial service on Saturday, November 29th at 11 a.m. at the North Branch Presbyterian Church, 139 North Branch Road, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Due to Edward’s love of animals, the family has suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Bertha “Bert” (Roberson) Farls (1927-2025)

Bertha “Bert” (Roberson) Farls, 98, of Brighton Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born on June 18th, 1927, in her family’s farmhouse in White Oak near Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Thomas W. Roberson and Bertha Mary Roberson and the youngest of nine children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Dr. Robert J. Farls, her brother-in-law, Dr. J.F. (Jack) Farls, all eight of her siblings and many special lifelong friends.

She is survived by her loving children, son James (Barb) Farls of Sebastian, Florida, and her daughter, Jill (Dennis) Lynch of Aiken, South Carolina and by her cherished grandchildren: Adam (Carrie) Kaneski of Nashville, Tennessee, Katie (Jason) Sica of Wilmington, Delaware, Ashleigh Kaneski of Nashville, Tennessee, Emily (Mike) Tolliver of Beaver, Bob (Nicole) Farls of Beaver, and Kara (Dillon) Pearson of North Augusta, South Carolina; as well as her precious great-grandchildren include: Kylie and Naomi Sica; Stella, Mila, Lilyana and Asher Kaneski, Levi and Eliana Tolliver and Peyton and Dex Pearson, two sisters-in-law, Kay Farls Baumann of Sebring, Ohio and Darlene Farls of Baden, along with many special nieces and nephews.

Bertha graduated from Falmouth High School in Virginia in 1945, where she was a cheerleader and active in the drama club and chorus. She attended Mary Washington College and, in 1949, was crowned runner-up in the Miss Fredericksburg, Virginia, contest. In November of 1951, on a blind date, she met her future husband, Dr. Robert Farls. They celebrated their love story for 64 years until his passing in 2015. She and her husband made their home in Brighton Township beginning in 1962. For 20 winters, they spent the season in Key West, Boca Raton, and their final home Vero Beach, Florida. She always felt blessed to escape the cold winter months and encouraged family and friends to visit and enjoy the sunshine. She joined The Medical Center Auxiliary, now known as Beaver Heritage, in 1968 and served until 2015. She was also a member of the Women’s Lioness Club and several card clubs, where she formed lifelong friendships. An avid reader, she loved crocheting afghans and scarves for family and friends throughout the years. As she grew older, she also enjoyed coloring, a hobby introduced to her by a dear friend. She was a member of Four Mile Presbyterian Church in Beaver and she was active in Sunday school, youth group, and the United Presbyterian Women’s Organization, before later becoming a member of Chapel Presbyterian (PCA) in Brighton Township. Above all, her greatest role and deepest source of pride was being a loving and devoted wife, mother, Nanny, and Great Nan. She poured her heart and soul into her family. Her devotion, wisdom, generosity, and warmth will be profoundly missed.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 28th from 2 p.m. until the time of a short service following at 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrnagements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bertha M. Farls, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Wanda J. Caltury (passed on November 22nd, 2025)

Wanda Jean Caltury, 82, of Monaca, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Fallston, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Carl and Viola (Gossard) Beckert, and her early years were shaped by the loving guidance of them. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene “Buddy” Caltury, her stepson, Tony Caltury, and her siblings: Art, John, and Chuck Beckert, and Katy Valentine. She is survived by a sister, Louise Hawrylak and four devoted daughters: Roberta Cooper, Diane (David) Westover, Marcy (Joe) Rudolph, and Leigh (Clint) Keenan; as well as her grandchildren: Sarah, Dave, Tyler, Marisa, Trevor, Brittany, Olivia, Jesse, Christian and Andy; who will forever hold dear her memory, and her great-grandchildren: Oliver, Vera, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Sebastian; who held a very special place in her heart. Wanda also found companionship and joy with her loving partner, Bob Brooks, in her later years.

Wanda’s life was a testament to her unwavering love of family, dedication to her profession, and deep passion for enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Her professional life was marked by a long career as a dental hygienist and office manager for Dr. Philip Plottel of Sewickley. She truly enjoyed her work and developed life-long friendships with her co-workers. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She found great joy in playing cards and games, traveling into the city, and dining out with loved ones. Her home was the heart of many cherished traditions, including the hosting of Christmas Eve and BOOM! parties that are fondly remembered by all who attended. Her front porch was a haven for conversation and relaxation, and her love for long drives in the countryside searching for deer and wildlife spoke to her appreciation for nature’s beauty. She was all heart, possessing a strong will and remarkable resilience that inspired those around her.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 25th 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 a service will also be held on Wednesday, November 26th at 10 a.m. with family friend Reverend Jill McGregor officiating. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wanda, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Doris Purcell Hess (1933-2025)

Doris Purcell Hess, 92, of Brighton Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025. She was born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania on June 11th, 1933, a daughter of the late Edward and Emily Griffiths Purcell. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Wallace Lee Hess, her sister, Emily (Bill) Thatcher, her brother, James Purcell, her nephew, David Thatcher. She is survived by her son, Dr. Gary R. (Janet) Hess, her daughter, Lynda Beth Hess (Robert) Tate, her grandchildren: Jourdan (Geoff) Kestler, Jonathan (Krista) Tate, Tanner and Aubrey Hess and Elizabeth Logan; along with her great-grandchildren: Cole, Tate, Sutton Madelyn and Emery Kestler; as well as her nephew, Donald Thatcher.

Doris graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia and attended Penn State University. In 1957, she married Dr. Wallace L. Hess. She was a loving mother and grandmother who was also active in her community as a member of the Beaver Juniors Woman’s Club and Rochester Lioness Club. Doris earned a Ruby Life Master for the ACBL and served as a board member for the New Brighton Children’s Home. She was a faithful 60-year member of Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

In accordance with Doris’ wishes, all services are private. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Donations in Doris’ name may be sent to Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Doris Purcell Hess, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.