Charles Raymond “Ray” Vos, 79, of Daugherty Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 22nd, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Clay Center, Kansas on August 7th, 1945, the son of the late Dr. J.G. and Marian (Milligan) Vos. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Daniel Joseph Vos, two brothers, John “George” Vos and James “Mel” Vos and a sister, Catherine Vos Boushey. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruth Caroline (McCready) Vos, three sons, James Vos, Jason Vos and Benjamin (Ruby) Vos and six grandchildren: Joshua James Vos, Jonathan Oliver Vos, Sara Grace Vos, Joseph Martin Vos, Charlee Raye Vos and Matthew Levi Vos.

Charles was a 1963 graduate of Beaver Falls High School and a 1967 graduate of Geneva College. After graduating from Geneva, he spent his working life serving others. After working at the Youth Development Center in New Castle, he served as the Director of the Children’s Home in New Brighton, and then as the Executive Director of Passavant Memorial Homes in Rochester. Ray then pursued a degree in nursing from Ohio Valley General Hospital, graduating in 1991. During his nursing career his main focus was rehabilitation, working at D.T. Watson/HealthSouth, Ohio Valley General Hospital, Western Penitentiary, the Beaver County Jail and the Mars Home for Youth. He especially enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. One thing he especially enjoyed was baking with them, using old family recipes dating back to the 19th century. He also loved making breakfast for them. Over the years, Ray led many Bible Studies at various churches. He was a member of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Patterson, and had also attended Marion Hill Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, Allegheny Center Alliance Church, and the former Geneva Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he had served as a Deacon. For many years, he also supported two children from Burkina Faso through Compassion International.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. An additional time of visitation will be held at 10 a.m. before a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st, at the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, 209 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the First Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Cheryl D. (Luciana) Birnesser, 76, of Darlington, passed away on January 28th, 2025 in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Rochester on April 11th, 1948, the daughter of the late John and Evelyn (Stewart) Luciana. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Luciana III. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-one years, Paul Birnesser, her daughters, Renee (Walt) Young and Angela (Mark) Franks, a grandson, Adam Franks, two sisters-in-law, Patty (Jerry) Keeton and Diane Johnke, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Cheryl had worked for Bell Telephone Company for ten years and later worked as an associate at Home Depot. She was also a member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed trips to both the beach and the casino.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 31^st from 2-6 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Saturday, February 1st at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/donate.html.

Gladys Ripper, 92, formerly of Rochester Township, passed away on January 30th, 2025. She was born in Munberf, Pennsylvania on December 26th, 1932, one of nine children to Charles and Regna McFadden. She is survived by her son, Eric (Dannielle) Ripper, daughter, Rebecca (Kenneth) Lewis and her grandchildren, Alex Lewis and Autumn Lewis.

Gladys spent her childhood on her parents’ dairy farm and attended a schoolhouse where one of her teachers was her sister, Myra McFadden. Gladys began her career at Bell Telephone as a telephone operator in Clarion, Pennsylvania and then transferred to Rochester. She retired from Bell Telephone in Pittsburgh in 1994.  Gladys loved being outside. Her flower, vegetable gardens and ponds beautified her yard. She could almost always be found outside working on them. Gladys was talented at sewing, knitting and quilting. She also made many beautiful ceramic pieces that she would give as gifts and display at her home. Gladys was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester for over fifty years where she served as an elder and Sunday School Secretary. She was also involved in Bible school, good news clubs, the church choir. She also played the piano. Gladys loved learning and was still taking computer and sewing classes well into her eighties. She was always available to help with last minute babysitting and giving people a ride wherever they needed to be.

Gladys will be sadly missed by her family who she truly cared for and loved.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 2nd from 12 noon until the time of Funeral Service at 3:30 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester.

Private interment will take place in Munderf Cemetery.

Teresa Marie (Andrews) Cheuvront, 73, of Baden, passed away on January 28th, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. 

She was born in Sewickley on June 13th, 1951, a daughter of the late Peter Andrews Sr. and Elizabeth (Shelkons) Andrews. Teresa graduated from Rochester High School. She was married for 50 years to her beloved late husband, Wallace L. Cheuvront. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Peter Andrews Jr. and Raymond Andrews Sr. and her sister, Audrey Mlechick. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Annette (Sean) Trehar and their children, Ethan & Hannah Trehar, Teresa (Michael) Hajtol and their children, Taylor and Connor Hajtol, Wallace A. Cheuvront, Melissa (Michael) Coley and their children, Madison and Maralyn Coley and Beth (Glenn) Yocum, their daughter, Isabella Yocum, great-grandson, Cash Pander, her siblings, Rose Marie (Doyle) Maloni and Victor Andrews, along with many sisters & brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

Teresa dedicated over twenty years of service to the former Friendship Ridge Nursing Home, where she took great pride in caring for others. Her passion for helping those in need was at the heart of everything she did. She loved volunteering, hosting poker parties, great food, black coffee, music, traveling, a good book, a challenging puzzle and most of all, spending time with her family. Teresa left a lasting impact on all who knew her. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, from 1-3 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. In accordance with her wishes, the burial will be private. 

Thomas Joseph Candle Sr., 87, of Ohioville, passed away with his family by his side at home on January 28th, 2025.
He was born on September 19th, 1937, a son of the late John and Stella Candle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jobe and his brother, John “Jack” Candle. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Darlene Candle, son, Thomas J. Candle Jr. of Wellsville, Ohio, two daughters, Jody (Daniel) Pridemore and Dana (Mark) Elliott, all of Calcutta, Ohio, sister, Dolores Shelton of East Liverpool, Ohio, nine grandchildren: Gabrielle, Darian, and McKenna Candle, Hannah (Carlo) McIltrot, Mark and Connor Elliott, Dean (Summer) Pridemore, Adrienne Doyle and Michael Gault; as well as six great-grandchildren: Damon, Brooklynn, Lily, Christopher, Matthew and Celeste.
 

Thomas had been a resident of Midland and Ohioville for most of his life. He was a member of St. Blaise Catholic Church of Midland. He had retired from J&L Specialty Steel after forty years. He had enjoyed gardening, traveling, and playing Texas Holdem. He also loved his family to the very end.

Friends will be received on Sunday, February 2nd, from 2-5 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home Inc., 629 Midland Avenue, Midland. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private Entombment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum. 

George ‘Buss’, ‘Buzz’ L. Fillinger, 91, of Hookstown, passed away on January 26th, 2025. He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio and was the beloved son of the late George Lewis and Maggie Hazel (Kemper) Fillinger. His spirit took flight in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories that filled each room.In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Keat Stewart and Martha Jane Ziegler. His legacy continues not only through his family, but also through the countless memories and stories that will be shared by those who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of many years, June Adams Fillinger, whom he married on September 1, 1956, in LaGrange, Indiana. Their enduring partnership was blessed with two children, Glenn Lewis (Laurie South) Fillinger and Claudette Louise (Curtis) Lawson. George was a grandfather to Ian, Gypsy, Summer, Brandon and Blake (Danielle) Fillinger, as well as a great-grandfather to Jasmine and Grant. He is survived by his great grandchildren’s mother, Danielle Guerrini. His special niece, Shirley Harbert, provided him with care and compassion that was a source of comfort in his final years.

Those who knew George best will remember him as a man of remarkable work ethic and dedication. After moving to Pacific Avenue in Monaca at the tender age of six, he later became a proud graduate of Monaca High School’s class of 1953. During his school years, George balanced his studies with work, holding positions at Phoenix Glass Co and the local bowling alley. His commitment to service was further exemplified when he entered the U.S. Army on July 29, 1954, serving in Germany until his honorable discharge on July 19, 1956. George’s post-military life was marked by a move in 1972 to Hanover Township, the place he called home for 53 years.

George’s professional life was as industrious as his youth. For over 37 years, he was a valued employee at Pittsburgh Tool Steel Wire Company in Monaca, where he honed his skills as a surface grinder in the flat stock division. Not one to settle into idle retirement, George channeled his unceasing energy into creating a lawn service that he operated until the venerable age of 89, cultivating a loyal clientele of 33 weekly customers. In addition to this, he took on a role driving a delivery truck for the Beaver County Times. A testament to his hands-on approach and craftsmanship, George also built his family home on Blaine Road in Monaca.

George’s passion for the great outdoors was as boundless as the landscapes he cherished. A former member of the Midland Sportsman Club, he also dedicated eight years as the president of the Beaver County Coon Hunter Club. He was not only a member but an ambassador for the sport, raising and judging champion Black and Tan Coon Hounds and Treeing Walker Hounds. His love for the natural world was a thread that ran through his life. He was also a longtime member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Monaca.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan 30th from 3–5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where services with be held on Friday, January 31st at 11 A.M. with Dr. Phillip J. Huggins and Reverend John Watson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Beaver County Special Unit at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in George’s memory to the Beaver Valley Archers Community National Archery in School Program (BVACNASP) in care of his son, Glenn Fillinger.

Richard E. Sieg, 73, of Economy Borough, passed away on January 28th, 2025, in AHN Wexford Hospital.

He was born in Rochester on October 24th, 1951, a son of the late Clifford B. and Elizabeth Vignere Sieg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald C. Sieg. He is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, Arlene Sieg, son & daughter in law, Allen M. (Alicia P.) Sieg, along with numerous brothers-in- law, sisters in law, nieces, & nephews.

Richard was a retired electrician for Norfolk Southern/Conrail Railroad and volunteered for the Big Sewickley Creek VFD. He loved playing the drums, fishing, waterskiing, swimming, entertaining, taking car rides to the mountains, candy and watching movies. He was also an avid animal lover who enjoyed spending time with his family and playing practical jokes on people.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 30th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a prayer service will be held on Friday, January 31st at 10 A.M.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the family to help with Richard’s medical bills.

William J. Kopchick, 91, of Economy, passed away on January 27th, 2025.

He was born in Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania on May 1st, 1933, a son of the late Michael and Anna Kopchick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Michael, Peter, Nick and Steve and four sisters, Mary Kovalyak, Anne Chemsak, Helen Kosinski, and Margaret Konarski. He is survived by his wife Sonia (Popovich) Kopchick, his son, William, his wife, Deborah, their two daughters Emily and Mary, son Michael D. Kopchick, his brother John Kopchick, and many nieces and nephews.

William graduated from Ambridge High School in 1951. He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army and achieved a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts from California State College in 1955. At California State, he was member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and held lead roles in several college theatrical productions.  Ultimately, he attained a Master’s Degree in Education from West Virginia University in 1960.

William was a career Educator in Beaver County as a long time Industrial Arts Teacher in both the Ambridge and Blackhawk School Districts. During the summers, he was a Guidance Counselor at Penn State Beaver Campus for matriculating students. He was a Guidance Counselor in the Blackhawk School District during the 1980’s and 1990’s, retiring in 1995.

William was a member of St. John’s Orthodox Church in Ambridge having served as Church President in the mid 1970’s and greatly enjoyed singing liturgical responses during services. He immensely enjoyed gardening and was a prolific giver of his excess produce.  He was an avid golfer where he lettered during college and won a Beaver County Senior Open Title.  He also enjoyed hunting with his sons and friends, neighborhood gatherings ranging from bible study to happy hour, and workout times with his buddies at the Cranberry YMCA. He met Sonia (Popovich), his wife of sixty-five years, while attending California State and they very proudly enjoyed raising their two sons in Economy.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30th from 4-6 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held on Friday, January 31st at 1 P.M.  Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 2:30 P.M. with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. John’s Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Drive Ambridge, PA 15003.