Category: Obituaries

John R. Christian Mar 4, 1937 to Aug 10, 2026

John R. “Dick” Christian, 89, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully Monday, August 10, 2026, at his home.

Born March 4, 1937, in Freedom, he was the son of the late John W. and Alice (Potter) Christian. Dick was a veteran of the United States Army and a graduate of Freedom High School and Geneva College.

Dick is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Tamara (Addison) Christian; his son, Thad (wife Dana) Christian; his grandchildren, Hunter, Sierra, and Giavanna; his sister and best friend, Kay Yohn, and her children Scott, Sherry, and John; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He never missed a single birthday, dance recital, school concert, family trip or any other important moment in the lives of his grandchildren. He was always there for the people he loved, no matter what they needed.

If something was broken, Dick was the person you called. He was a master at fixing just about anything and was always working on something for someone. Whether it was a car, a household project, or something that simply needed a little figuring out, he was happiest when he could lend a hand. He never hesitated to drop what he was doing and show up to help.

One of Dick’s greatest accomplishments was the cabin he built 62 years ago. It became a special place where he spent countless days enjoying the outdoors, hunting, and making memories with his family. He also loved traveling to the beach, especially Topsail, North Carolina, and could often be found working on cars or tinkering with his latest project.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His hands were rarely still, and he was always ready to fix something, help someone, or simply be there. The cabin he built became a special place that will be cherished for generations, but the greatest thing Dick ever built was his family. His greatest legacy is the laughter and memories he created with the people he loved. Those memories will be the pieces of him we carry with us forever.

Friends will be welcomed Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 1 p.m. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pennsylvania SPCA in Dick’s memory.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Richard Paul Miller Oct 5, 1946 to Aug 9, 2026

Richard Paul Miller, 79, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital, after a brief illness. He was born on October 5th, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert and Mary Louise Miller.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Linda Rae Miller, whom he loved deeply.

Richard was the proud father of Jeffery (Marcie) Miller, Rebecca (Mike) Petrella, and David (Tracey) Miller. He cherished his seven grandchildren Julie (Codey), Emily, Christopher, Hannah, Isaac, Haley, Nathan, and his six great-grandchildren. His family was one of the greatest sources of joy and pride in his life.

He is survived by his siblings, Dorothea, Roberta, Debbie, Christine, Robert, and preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Miller.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he built a long and distinguished career as a leader in the railroad industry. He was highly respected by those he worked with and led, known for his integrity, dedication, and wisdom.

Faith was an important part of Richard’s life as well as his deep love for the Bible. He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver and served as an elder at Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

Richard enjoyed many things throughout his life. He loved being on the water, spending time around boats, gardening, leatherworking, and reading.

Those who knew Richard will remember him most for his kindness and generosity. He cared deeply for others, gave freely of himself, and always offered guidance, wisdom, and support. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and love.

Richard’s legacy will live on through the family he loved and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends will be received from 3 PM – 5:30 PM on Thursday. August 13, 2026, in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Ave., Beaver, PA 15009, at 11:00 AM. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Linda M. Yothers August 15, 1948 to August 10, 2026

Linda M. Yothers, age 77, of Freedom, passed away, Monday August 10th, 2026, at Friendship Rehab and Health. Born August 15th, 1948, in Monaca, Linda was the daughter of the late Robert W. and Dorothy Mae Cozad Miller. She was a retired employee with Giant Eagle, of Rochester, and Lutheran by faith. Linda enjoyed camping and fishing at their camp, at Pymatuning, as well as bird and animal watching. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Vuletich (1989), and her second husband, Frank M. Yothers Jr. (2024). Linda is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Sue Ellen and Steven Dill, of Hopewell, and Karen Stuckwish, of Freedom, two sons and a daughter-in-law, John and Tracy Yothers, of Monaca, and Adam Yothers, of Oakdale, three grandchildren, Ashley Moakley and her husband Walter, Mason Elmer, and Abigale Yothers, and a great-grandson Jason, as well as three sisters, Barbara Huth, of Tionesta, Robin Tolbert, of Freedom, and Karen Willison, of Salem, OH. Friends will be received Friday, August 14th, 2026, from 3pm until 5pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A service will follow at 5:15pm. Officiating will be Linda’s Aunt, Reverend Harriet Hutton. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society.

Joseph Richard Boyer August 9, 2026

Joseph R. Boyer, 85 known lovingly to many as Joe, YaYa, PawPaw, Dad, and Pops, passed away on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Medina, Ohio. He had previously resided in Economy Borough, PA where he raised his family. Joe was a man of steady faith, deep devotion to his family, and quiet strength.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joe was the son of the late Joseph S. and Stella C. Boyer.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School and later attended Point Park College. His education served him well in his career as a senior program analyst for Mellon Bank, where he worked for 32 years before retiring. He found his work exciting and meaningful, and he took pride in contributing his knowledge and experience to the people around him. His professional life was marked not only by skill and dedication, but also by his willingness to help others find practical solutions and make their lives easier.

In addition to his career, Joe served in the Air National Guard, an experience that reflected his sense of duty and commitment to something greater than himself.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Kathleen Edna Boyer, who passed away on January 28, 2015. Their life together was a treasured part of his story, and her memory remained close to his heart. Those who knew him understood how deeply he valued family and the bonds that hold people together through the years.

He is survived by his children, Joseph E. Boyer and his wife Jennifer, Daniel J. Boyer and his wife Tracy, and Kathy Jo Fronk and her husband Darren, known to many as Chip. Joe was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren, Kayla and husband Jonathan, Chalee and husband Oliver, Madison and fiance Justin, Emilee and husband John, Devan and wife Alexa, Tanner, Jessica, Chandler, Wyatt, and Coleson, and he cherished each of them deeply. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Bradley, Romi, Mathias, Eleanor, Kathleena, and James, who brought additional joy and light to his later years. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in watching it grow across generations.

Joe’s love extended beyond people to the pets who shared his life over the years, including Foxxy, Bud, Hope, Abigail, Kevin, Rubee, Wesley, JD, Mike, and Ashley. Each one held a special place in his heart.

As a child, Joe enjoyed playing baseball and football. As an adult, he found satisfaction in doing projects around the house, and talking with work associates about their projects. He wished for peace and tranquility, kept God in his plans, and never gave up. In time, he felt he had met all of the things he hoped for, and he lived with gratitude for the life he was given.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, August 12th from 2-4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug 13th at 10 am at Divine Grace Parish, St Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry, Pa. (Please meet at the church). Interment will follow in Allegheny County Memorial Park.

To leave an online condolence, view Joe’s video tribute, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph , please visit our floral store.

Angela L. Malagise May 5, 1953 to August 9, 2026

Angela L. Malagise, age 73, formerly of Freedom, passed away Sunday, August 9th, 2026, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born May 5th, 1953, in Rochester, to the late Angelo T. and Anna Ribar Malagise, as the youngest of seven siblings. Angela was a retired employee with Eaton Corporation Vanport. She was a member of St. Felix Roman Catholic Church – Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Freedom, and a faithful donor and supporter of the United Way, the Women’s Center, and Villa St. Joseph for many years. Angela was a 1972 graduate of Freedom Area High School, who completed her academic career before women’s athletics were a staple in high schools. In fact, the first women’s basketball team at Freedom women’s basketball team at Freedom was not formed until the year after she graduated. Despite the lack of formal training and organized women’s teams, Angela’s love of sports and her athletic prowess led her to achieve many Beaver County Women’s “first’s”. For nearly twenty-five years Malagise was a WPIAL referee, the first female member of the Beaver County Basketball Chapter of Referees. As a referee she was the first woman from Beaver County to officiate a PIAA high school girls’ championship game and the first woman to referee a boys’ junior varsity game. Additionally, she officiated volleyball, softball, little league and pony league baseball contests. In addition to officiating numerous sports, Angela also participated and garnered distinction in sports performances. In 1976 she was the starting third baseman for the first Women’s Class A Championship Adult Softball Team. In 1992 she became the first woman from Beaver County to bowl a 300 game. A self-taught golfer, Angela is a well-known amateur on the circuit, participating and finishing in the top three of local tournaments for several years running. She has golfed in the Women’s Center of Beaver County golf tournament for the past sixteen years. Angela has also been active in various coaching assignments. She has lent her expertise as both a volunteer and paid coach for a number of women’s sports in Beaver County. She served as a diving coach for Freedom Area High School from 1973 through 1974, assistant basketball coach at Aliquippa High School, and head coach for young girls’ recreational softball teams for several years. Had organized women’s sports been prominent during Angela’s high school career, her resume undoubtedly would be even longer and hallmarked by additional awards and honors. Angela still played golf, enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and always will serve as an inspiration to women athletes in Beaver County. Angela is survived by two brothers and two sisters-in-law, John E. and Deborah Malagise, of New Sewickley and Michael “Mickey” A. and Sue Malagise, of Evans City two special nieces, Mima Mancini and Lisa Tyson, both of Baden, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews, and a special life long friend, Tricia Mavero, of New Brighton. She is preceded in death by an older brother, Thomas, and three older sisters, Barbara, Mary Jo, and Helen Kay. The family will receive friends Wednesday August 12th, from 4pm until 8pm at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday August 13th, beginning at 10am, at St. Felix Roman Catholic Church – Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Freedom. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Freedom.

Diann Adair Thompson Jul 23, 1945 to Aug 9, 2026

Diann Adair Thompson, 81, of Pulaski Township, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born July 23, 1945, in New Brighton, Diann was the beloved daughter of the late John Sasaran and Jane Sasaran. She devoted her life to caring for others, working for more than 40 years as a nurse and caregiver. Even after retiring, she continued to care for others in their homes so they could spend quality time with family and friends.

In her spare time, she loved crocheting, reading, playing bingo and shuffleboard with family and friends, going to the movies, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Sasaran; her mother, Jane Sasaran; and her beloved daughter, Margaret Dinterman.

Diann is survived by her children, Robert (Sue) Knallay of Ohioville, John (Susan) Knallay of Hookstown, and Kitty (Carl) Curtis of Economy Borough; her grandchildren, Nikki (Chris) Spencer, Ashley (Andrew) Kowtko, Thomas Bencinic, Cameron Knallay, Cassidy Knallay, Kathryn Smith, and Nicole Flanders; her great-grandchildren, Bella, Brantley, Ava, Ethan, Logan, Rex, Ripley, Colton, and Leaha; and close family member David Dinterman.

Friends will be received Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4pm until the time of the funeral service at 6pm, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton.

Inurnment will take place at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children stand and bless her. Her descendants stand and praise her”

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Donna Marie (Henn) Engle November 22, 1942 to August 07, 2026

Donna Marie (Henn) Engle, 83, of Chippewa Twp, PA, passed away on Friday August 7th, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family.

She was born November 22, 1942, in New Brighton to the late John and Helen Henn. Donna had a deep love for the lord and love for those around her.

In addition to her parents, Donna is greeted in Heaven by her loving husband Carl Engle, her brother, Thomas Henn; and her brothers-in-law, Raymond Engle, Bud Engle, Kerien Fitzpatrick; and sisters-in-law Pamela Engle and Rosemary Fitzpatrick.

Donna’s memory lives on with her children, Lori (Greg) Marazzi, Lisa Engle, and John (Michelle) Engle; her grandchildren, Carlyn (Steve), Danielle, Addison, and Jack; a great-granddaughter, Ellen; her brothers, John Henn, Father Bill Henn O.F.M. Cap; Sisters-in-law, Christine Henn and Anna Engle; brother-in-law, Bill (Carol) Engle; and numerous, nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 10th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 11th at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Dr., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Donna’s family asks that you honor her memory by attending her Funeral Mass. One of Donna’s greatest wishes was to see the church filled with family and friends celebrating her faith and her life. Your presence at Mass would be the greatest tribute you could offer her.

Keith “Hoopy” Backus August 8, 2026

Keith A. “Hoopy” Backus, Sr., age 75, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his Monaca residence following a brief illness. He was raised in Weirton, West Virginia, and lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, service, and devotion to his community.

Hoopy was the beloved husband of Patricia Crawford Backus, to whom he was married on June 5, 1971, and with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Heidi and her husband Chris, Keith, Jr. and his wife Donna, Russell and his wife Christine, and James and his wife Rachelle; and his ten cherished grandchildren, Matt, Lindsay, Kayla, Dominic, Angelina, Elizabeth, Allison, Madison, Russell, and Mason. He is also survived by his sister, Elsie Donnelly; his brother, Roy Backus; his brothers-in-law, William Crawford and Thomas Crawford and his wife Denise; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Elma Backus, and by siblings Charles, Wade, Russell, Judith, and Bonnie. He was one of eight children and carried the bonds of family with him throughout his life.

Hoopy worked as a truck driver hauling furniture and freight, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and dependable nature. He was a member of the Western Pennsylvania Teamsters Local Union #249. In 1968, he joined the Merchant Marines in Bayonne, New Jersey, answering the call to serve his country with courage and commitment during the Vietnam War. He was also a member of the National Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Weirton V.F.W. Post #2716, affiliations that reflected his pride in service and his connection to fellow veterans.

A man deeply rooted in his community, Hoopy devoted 25 years to the Monaca No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association and the Beaver County Fire Fighters Association.

In addition to his service and work, Hoopy found great joy in the experiences he shared with his wife, Patty. Together they especially enjoyed traveling around the country as part of the Civil War Re-enactors First Battalion Hospital group. These travels created treasured memories and reflected their shared interest in history and companionship.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 11th from 1 – 8 pm at the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where a service will be conducted at 8 pm with his friend and chaplain of the Civil War Re-enactors, Lance Bender, officiating.

Nancy C. McLaughlin Jan 30, 1947 — Aug 8, 2026

Nancy Carol McLaughlin (Bevan), 79, of New Brighton, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 08, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 30, 1947, Rochester, PA, to the late Thomas Charles Bevan and Dorothy Matilda Bevan.

Nancy was a 1964 graduate of Rochester High School. She met the love of her life and soul mate, Raymond “Ray” Hugh McLaughlin, at the New Brighton swimming pool off Junction Stretch, where Ray worked as a lifeguard. The two were married in 1967 and soon after began building their family together.

Nancy worked in the office at Pittsburgh Bridge and Iron Works in Rochester, before stepping away from the workforce to raise her children. In 1980, her world was turned upside down when Ray passed away unexpectedly. To support her family, Nancy returned to work as a bank teller at Peoples Home Savings Bank in Chippewa. Soon thereafter she met her lifelong partner, Carl Terwilliger, and the two were together until his passing in 2008. Her mother-in-law, Beverly Jane McLaughlin, lived with the family from 1980 until her passing in 1992.

Just shy of her 50th birthday, Nancy received the sudden news that she had rectal cancer, with a very slim chance of surviving. True to her fighting spirit, she beat cancer, though she didn’t come through unscathed, and the toll it took left her unable to return to work, ultimately going on disability and forcing her into early retirement.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Hugh McLaughlin of New Brighton, PA; and her sister, Sandra Lynn Knopp (Bevan) of Rochester, PA.

She is survived by her daughter and devoted caregiver, Nancy Rae Drodge (Doug Drodge) of New Brighton, PA, and her son, Thomas Raymond McLaughlin (Amy-Grace McLaughlin) of Ohioville, PA.

Nancy was the proud grandmother of Jonathan McCullough (Boardman, OH); Cassandra Marie Marencel (Jon Marencel) of New Brighton, PA; Donnie Ray Drodge of Youngstown, OH; Ramie Lynn McLaughlin of New Brighton, PA; Raegen Alyse McLaughlin (Jordan Moore) of Monaca, PA; and Rayna-Grace McLaughlin of Ohioville, PA.

She was also the proud great-grandmother of Eimara Shay Howard, Lucas McKenzie, Daxx Devonte Howard, TaLiyah Mae Collier, and Josephine Michelle Marencel, all of New Brighton, PA; and Owen Robert Moore of Monaca, PA.

Those that had the privilege of meeting Nancy soon came to know of her loving, caring and giving nature. She knew everyone and everyone loved her. The kids in the neighborhood would call her “Momma Nance.” Over the years she took in cousins and other relatives when they needed a place to stay. She truly had a loving and genuine care to help others. The nickname that stuck for friends and family to differentiate between her and her daughter, Nancy Rae (“Little Nance”), was “Big Nance.”

Nancy will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a fighter who gave more than she ever took. She had an unselfish, giving heart, always ready to help anyone in need, and a warmth and sense of fun that made everyone around her feel like family. Her love for her family carried her through the hardest of times; her strength and spirit will not be forgotten.

Friends and family will be received Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. Additional viewing will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jack Brooks, officiating.

Private interment will follow in Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Donna Marie (Henn) Engle November 22, 1942 – August 07, 2026

Donna Marie (Henn) Engle, 83, of Chippewa Twp, PA, passed away on Friday August 7th, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family.

She was born November 22, 1942, in New Brighton to the late John and Helen Henn. Donna had a deep love for the lord and love for those around her.

In addition to her parents, Donna is greeted in Heaven by her loving husband Carl Engle, her brother, Thomas Henn; and her brothers-in-law, Raymond Engle, Bud Engle, Kerien Fitzpatrick; and sisters-in-law Pamela Engle and Rosemary Fitzpatrick.

Donna’s memory lives on with her children, Lori (Greg) Marazzi, Lisa Engle, and John (Michelle) Engle; her grandchildren, Carlyn (Steve), Danielle, Addison, and Jack; a great-granddaughter, Ellen; her brothers, John Henn, Father Bill Henn O.F.M. Cap; Sisters-in-law, Christine Henn and Anna Engle; brother-in-law, Bill (Carol) Engle; and numerous, nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 10th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 11th at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Dr., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Donna’s family asks that you honor her memory by attending her Funeral Mass. One of Donna’s greatest wishes was to see the church filled with family and friends celebrating her faith and her life. Your presence at Mass would be the greatest tribute you could offer her.