Mary Therese (Kleber) Brehany (1932-2025)

Mary Therese (Kleber) Brehany, 92, of Beaver, passed away quietly on December 28th, 2024 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. “Therese” as she was called by those who knew her, was the devoted wife of the late James (Jim) Brehany for 50 years, until his passing in 2005, as well as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and inspiration to many.
She was born on October 6th, 1932, a daughter of the late Antonia Kanthak and Joseph Kleber. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph (Fr. Cecil), John, and Raymond Kleber and husband Jim Brehany. She is survived by her loving children, Jim Brehany (Christine) of Holden, Massachusetts, Chris Brehany (Lynda) of Clifton, Virginia, Diane Van Buskirk of Indianapolis, Indiana, John Brehany (Marybeth) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and Dennis Brehany in New Brighton, grandchildren Joseph Brehany (Dana), Lara Van Buskirk, Michael Brehany, Natalie O’Reilly, Patrick Brehany (Sydney), Caroline Van Buskirk, Karol Brehany, John Brehany (Monica), Lena McGovern (Tim), Liam Brehany, Andrew Brehany, Emma Brehany, Kateri Brehany, Adrien Brehany, Elisabeth Brehany, Giles Brehany, and Thomas Brehany; as well as nine great-grandchildren. She grew up in Aliquippa, graduating from Mount Gallitzin Academy. She then earned her RN Nursing Degree and practiced as a nurse at Providence Hospital in Beaver Falls. A chance meeting with Aliquippa friend Jim Brehany at a dance in early July 1955, led to him proposing that same evening, and the two married on July 16th, 1955. They initially moved to Los Angeles where Jim was working, and then back to Beaver in 1957 where they lived and raised five children: Jim, Chris, Diane, John and Dennis.

Mary supported Jim in his career at Met Life, so that he could excel. The award trips that Jim earned became part of their annual travels through which they had dear friends. In addition to juggling child transportation to music and sporting events, and “stretching a dollar” feeding the family (son Jim quipped ‘we wouldn’t eat if food was not on sale’), She volunteered at Boy and Girl Scout events, and become an excellent local tennis player, both in singles and doubles with Jim, earning many trophies. She developed her skills as a cook and baker, and the home regularly smelled of fresh-baked bread. As the children got older, she began taking an annual fishing trip with her three brothers to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.
Mary was a person of deep faith. A Catholic, Christian, she lived her faith with Jim at her side, attending Saints Peter and Paul Church, and passed it on to her children.
Therese found her true calling in the 1970’s serving in the Pro-Life Movement, a calling that would earn her and Jim (posthumously) the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. She founded the Lifeline of Southwest PA Office in Beaver in 1979 and served women in crisis pregnancies for over twenty years. She also developed a Human Life Development slide presentation which she took to most of the Beaver County high schools. Her love of children was very evident as each grandchild (17) was born. As “Grammy”, she cleared her schedule to help the family after birth, and attend graduations, birthdays and sporting events.
She moved to St Martha’s Villa in Downingtown, Pennsylvania near son John and family in 2013. She later transferred to St Martha Manor, where she lived her final years, wheelchair-bound. She always had a smile for visiting family, staff and residents of St Martha’s, and continued to love God, music, and her expanding family throughout her life.
There will be a Visitation at Noll Funeral Home, 333 3rd St, Beaver, on Friday, January 10th, 2025 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 200 3rd St, Beaver, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. followed by Internment at Beaver Cemetery on Buffalo Street, Beaver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pennsylvanians for Human Life, https://paforhumanlife.org/

Ronald Lee Vandenberg (Passed on January 4th, 2025)

Ronald Lee Vandenberg, 66, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 4th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver.

He was a son of the late Cyril and Esther Vandenberg, Ron grew up in a household with his three brothers, Cyril, Dennis, and Kenneth, and two sisters, Linda and Susan. In the journey of life, Ron met his beloved wife, Bertha I. (Bish) Vandenberg, at Sims Bowling Lanes, a place that held many fond memories for the couple. They shared a loving marriage of twenty years. Together, they embraced the joys of a blended family, with Ron becoming a stepfather to Joe (Crystal) Brandon and Tim Brandon and grandfather of Tyler, Quenton, Taylor, Cameron, Cody, Kenyon, Peyton, and Trenton. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews: Cyril, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Brian, John, Angelo, and Antonio.

Ronald’s creative soul led him to attend art school. His artistic talents were paralleled by his culinary expertise, which he cultivated into a successful career as a chef in New York State.

An avid fisherman, he found solace in the quiet rush of the streams and the thrill of the catch. His love for bowling continued as a favorite pastime that brought him both joy and friendship.

Ronald was known for his kindness and generosity. He extended this altruism even in passing, as an organ donor, giving the gift of life and hope to others. His legacy of giving will live on, touching the lives of many.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 3 p.m. at the Christian House Baptist Church, 814 Rt #18, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

 

Esther L. (Dotson) Stout (1942-2025)

Esther L. (Dotson) Stout, 82, formerly of Midland, passed away on January 5th, 2025, at East Liverpool Hospital.

She was born on April 18th, 1942, in Morgantown, West Virginia, a daughter of the late C.L. and Stella (Edwards) Dotson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, John “Jack” Stout, her sisters, Ruth Engleman, Lenora Allison and Eva Burnside and a brother, James Dotson. She is survived by her children, John Stout, Darla (Les) May, Tammy (Dave) Dorn and Sandra Miller, former sons-in-law, Joey Conforti and Bart Trautvetter, grandchildren: Christopher Trautvetter and Jennifer, Chadd Trautvetter and Ariel, Charlee Williams and LeRoy, Rhonda Leslie and Troy Coleman, Tiffany Faessel and Corey, Kayla Ward and Eric, Kelly Keefer and Shaun, Darrellyn Stout, Alexis Stout, Allan-Michael Conforti and Savannah, Todd Leslie and Tracey, CJ May and Katie, Amanda Charleton and Josh, and Jessica Alexander; great grandchildren: Taylor, Sal, Antonio, Allie, Rayne, Amorie, Kahlani, Tyree, Trae, Jayce, Kera, Sylas, Everett, Knox, Payton, Lillian, Aubreona, Maddox, Charley, and Case; a great-great granddaughter, Mila, a brother, Harlan (Joy) Dotson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends too many to name.

Esther was the proud co-owner of Stout’s Towing and had worked for the Allegheny National Forest for many years. She was strong in her Christian faith.  She adored her family and loved spending time with them.  When she was able, Esther was fond of canning, baking, and immaculately caring for her lawn and flowers.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 8th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, January 9th at 2 P.M.

Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Esther’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of The Orchards of East Liverpool as well as the 4th Floor North East nursing staff at East Liverpool Hospital.

Ronald Triska (Passed on January 4th, 2025)

Ronald Triska, 73, of Rochester Township, passed away on January 4th, 2025. He was deeply loved by many. His sense of humor, his ability to make people laugh at inappropriate times, driving his wife crazy with his antics, his heart to serve, his care and concern for others, opening his home during the holidays to many international students with families abroad over the years, how proud he was of his children and grandchildren are all memories that will be cherished of him.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gay, who loved him dearly, his daughters Morgan and Whitney, his two son-in-laws, Solo and Brian and his four grandchildren Gianna, Francesca, Malik and Aliyah. Ronald loved his cats, his family, fishing, his lunch dates with his best friend, Dr. James Logan, buying his grandchildren way too many treats (and claiming it wasn’t his fault when they got a sugar rush), playing his bass and his many mechanical pencils. Ronald asked that in his passing that this be a time of celebration of the life he lived and all the amazing memories that everyone has shared. He asked that all services would be withheld. His family is very grateful for all of the love that has been shown to them during this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

John “Skip” Norman Cline (1951-2025)

John “Skip” Norman Cline, 73, a lifelong resident of College Hill, Beaver Falls, passed away on January 2nd, 2025, with loved ones at his side.

He was born on March 7th, 1951, a son of the late Sara Corrigan Cline and John Boyd Cline. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jean Cline, his father-in-law Richard Lucas, his sister-in-law Dawn Sunny and many dear aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Debbie Sunny Cline, his mother-in-law Joni Sunny and many cousins.

John was a 1969 Beaver Falls graduate and attended Berkeley and Marshall Universities. He worked as a crane operator at the B&W and in later years as a cook.

He was known by many as Skip, Skipper, Norman, Stormin and Cliney, no one called him John. He was an avid golfer who loved The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent many days several times a year at Cook Forest and was most happy when sitting around a campfire with friends.

Nothing stopped his daily jaunts to Giles Town n Country to play his daily numbers every single day.

John loved the sunshine, being outdoors, growing vegetables and his favorite song was Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws. He loved his Chihuahuas, Winky, Chloe and Sassy.

He loved his very best friend Mike Howe, who was always at his side throughout the last 2 1/2 years of tests, treatments and surgeries, his friend Bob Huston was also very supportive and there for John anytime needed. His golf and lunch buddies, Mike, Ed, Ronny and Jimmy. His dear close camping and Uno buddies, Debbie and Roger. His cousin Beverly, who kept him supplied with homemade lady locks, Penn State Ice Cream, meatloaf and mashed potatoes. A thank you goes out to all that made his last days brighter.

Professional services were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Ralph E. “Ed” Shaffer (1940-2025)

Ralph E. “Ed” Shaffer, 84, of Ohioville, passed away surrounded by his family on January 5th, 2025. He was born on May 20th, 1940, a son of the late Ralph and Betty Hinkle Shaffer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hope Stevens Shaffer, son Paul Shaffer and son-in-law Gary Hapach. He is survived by his son, Steven (Beth) Shaffer of East Liverpool; daughter, Barbara (Jim) Bosworth of Daugherty Township, brothers, Ron (Lila) Shaffer of Idaho and Dave Shaffer of North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Liz Moore of North Carolina; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Hannah Shaffer, Steven “Bubba” (Jennifer) Shaffer, Jr., Lauren and Stephen Hapach, Allison Bosworth, Ashley Walters, Michael Wamsley and Jocelyn Smith; as well as great-grandchildren, Zaden, Caleb and Lundyn Shaffer.

Ralph retired as a mechanic from U. S. Airways, going on to work at the Ohioville Water Authority, Kennemetal and Crucible Steel. He was a faithful and active member of Fairview Reformed Presbyterian Church of Industry where he participated in all events, including Bible services.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 8th, from 12 noon until the time of service at 2 p.m. at Fairview Reformed Presbyterian Church of Industry. Pastor Jeff Zehnder will officiate. Ralph will be laid to rest next to Hope at Grandview Cemetery of Beaver Falls.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ed’s name, may be made to Fairview Reformed Presbyterian Church, Industry.

Robert I. Powell, Jr. (1943-2025)

Robert I. Powell, Jr., 81, of Rawlings, Maryland, formerly of Industry and Homosassa, Florida passed away on January 2nd, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family during a brief and unexpected battle with cancer.

He was born in Rochester on April 23rd, 1943, a son of the late Robert Sr., and Dorothy Powell (McCauley). He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judith E. Powell (McKeever), a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Christopher Wade, a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Carla DeSimone-Powell, five grandchildren: Daniel (wife Hailey), Nicholas, and Sean Wade, Valentina Powell and Carlina DeSimone-Powell, great-grandchildren, Teagan and Walker Wade, as well as siblings and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

“Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity.”- Mother Teresa. Robert will be loved and remembered for his quick wit and helping hands.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 8th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service following at 12 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester.

Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery Freedom.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of UPMC Western Maryland Hospice, and ask, that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to them via the WMHS Foundation – Attn: Hospice, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502

Linda Sue (Patrella) Eder (1957-2025)

Linda Sue (Petrella) Eder, 67, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 3rd, 2025, at her residence. She was born on June 1st, 1957, the daughter of the late Molly Petrella Eder and her husband. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two nephews, Michael and Nathaniel DeMarco, and her in-laws, Frank and Gloria Eder. She is survived by her husband Frank M. Eder, Jr. and their daughter Molly, the joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Patty and James DeMarco, as well as her niece, Bonnie Javens, and her family, all of Monaca. Aunts, cousins, old and new friends, especially Lisa and Pat Currie, surrounded Linda with love and care throughout her sickness. The best medicine was when her daughter Molly came to visit.

She is the wife of Frank M. Eder Jr. and the mother of Molly Petrella Eder of Ithaca, New York. Linda graduated from Monaca High School, with the class of 1975. She was also a graduate of Robert Morris University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Linda then worked for Kmart Corporation as an office manager and travelling trainer for 27 years. For 13 years she worked for Mount Olive Christian Preschool, where her love for children and respect for her fellow teachers Cheryl, Debbie, and Debbie, grew. For her last 5 working years, Linda shared her love, faith, and fun with the elderly. She loved all her clients and their families. Linda’s love for others came from her parents, the late Oresto “Presto” and Mary Jane (Scialdone) Petrella, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Patty and James DeMarco.

Linda dearly loved her church, St. Augustine Parish, and was deeply devoted to her faith.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, January 7th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls, where prayer will be recited on Wednesday, January 8th at 9:20 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls, with Father Kim Schreck and dear friend Father Robert Vular as celebrants. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Chippewa.

It was Linda’s wish that monetary donations be made to St. Monica Catholic Academy, Angel Fund, 609 10th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Charmaine A. Knox (1953-2025)

Charmaine A. Knox, 71, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on January 3rd, 2025 at her home. She was born in Rochester on January 29th, 1953, the daughter of the late George F. and Elizabeth Sergeant Slayton. In addition  to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert E. Knox, two of her brothers, Robert Temple and Gigi Slayton, and a sister, Dorothy Yoho. Charmaine is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Beth A. and Dean Frazzini of Rochester Township, one son and daughter-in-law, Chad E. and Kimberly Knox of Cranberry Township, two step-daughters, Shelly Knox and her companion David Trombetto of Conway, Nanette and Edward Zorich of Kentucky, four grandchildren, D.A. Frazzini and Sammi Rose of Patterson Heights, Devyn Frazzini of Rochester, and Kai and Camdyn Knox of Cranberry, one brother William Temple of Monaca, three sisters and a brother-in-law: Shirley Harriger, Economy Borough, Judy McCaslin, Baden, and Robyn and Charles Specht of Rochester, a special niece Vicki Hogue of New Brighton and one cousin Janice Crees, who Charmaine considered to be her sister, as well as many nieces and nephews. Charmaine was a housewife and homemaker. She was also a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester. Charmaine was a devoted grandmother and loved spending time with the grandkids.  Charmaine’s wish was to have no viewing or service. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home 349 Adams Street, Rochester. An interment will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Rebecca Barto (1992-2025)

Rebecca Barto, 32, of Freedom, passed away at UPMC Presbyterian on January 2nd, 2025. She was born in Beaver on May 16th, 1992, a daughter of the late Boyd and Margaret Hrynewich Barto. She is survived by three brothers, Jon Paul, Patrick, and Jeff (Charlotte) Barto, and a sister, Bridget (Mike) Powell.

Rebecca was a graduate of Ambridge High School.  Her kind nature made her well-liked by all.  Rebecca was always willing to go out of her way to help anyone and was wonderful with children.

At the family’s request, no services are being held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.