Category: Obituaries

Mary E. Helterbran (Died – July 30, 2024)

Mary Elizabeth Helterbran, 91 of Center Township, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and nurse passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Born in North Sewickley Township, Mary was raised in Eastvale and later at the age of seven moved with her family to a farm in North Sewickley Township. A proud graduate of Beaver Falls High School’s class of 1951, she carried her passion for helping others into her professional life, enrolling in the Beaver Valley General Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1954. Mary’s career in nursing was marked by her gentle demeanor and skilled hands. She worked at several local hospitals, mainly as a surgical nurse and later as an outpatient surgery nurse. Her kindness left a lasting impression on many of her former patients, who fondly remembered her for her good heart.

Though her professional life was fulfilling, Mary’s true joy came from her family. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert J. and Grace (Oliver) Lawrence, her cherished husband, William W. Helterbran, who passed away on November 17, 2017, her two brothers, Albert ‘Sonny’ Lawrence, Jr. and Robert Lawrence and a sister Margaret Lipan. Her memory will be cherished by her three children, William L. (Pamela) Helterbran of Chippewa Township, John E. (Michelle) Helterbran of Houston, Arkansas, and Janet Nagy of New Brighton. She was a doting grandmother to four grandchildren, Michael and Christopher Helterbran, Sara and Mary Nagy; four step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, Liam, Paisley, and Diana Rose; and six step-great-grandchildren.

Mary’s interests extended beyond her professional and family life. She was a member of the North Branch Presbyterian Church and the Woodlawn Chapter #164, Order of the Eastern Star. Mary and her late husband, Bill enjoyed dancing at the Fez, sharing a love for music.

Mary found solace and joy in camping and visiting the sea shore.

Mary’s life was a living example of kindness in action. Her spirit will live on through her family and the many people she helped throughout her life.

Friends will be received on Sunday, August 4th from 1-4 pm and 5-7 pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca (724 728 4000). Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 5th at 11 am at the North Branch Presbyterian Church, 139 N. Branch Road, Monaca. Burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired to the Beaver County Cancer & Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite 201, Monaca, PA 15061.

To share online condolences, view Mary’s video tribute, add photos or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

 

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

Charles D. “Chuck” Shreve (March 13, 1950 – July 31, 2024)

Charles D. “Chuck” Shreve, 74, of Raccoon Township, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Heritage Valley Sewickley.

Born on March 13, 1950, in Elkins, WV, he was the son of the late Laco and Edith Georgia Shreve.

Chuck was a graduate of Western Beaver High School and had retired from NOVA Chemical as a Foreman.  He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR fan and was excited for the 2024 season.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Gloria (Wilds) Shreve; his children, Charles “Chuck” (Toni) Shreve, Aimee (Rich Buenrostro) Shreve, and Brad Shreve; grandchildren, Gabby, Alec, Gavin, Macy, Lainey, and Emma; a brother, Gary Shreve; a brother-in-law, Fred (Jamie) Wilds; niece and nephews, Krystal Wilds, Gary Shreve, Jason Wilds, and Justin Wilds; and numerous friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jan Shreve.

Chuck’s wishes for cremation will be honored and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third St., Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Chuck’s family during this time.

Patricia Yvonne Knallay (January 15, 1942 ~ July 30, 2024)

Patricia Yvonne Knallay, 82, of Chippewa Township, died Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at her residence.

Born January 15, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Earl A. and Geraldine V. McBride Thompson. Patricia was a New Brighton High School graduate and retired as a claim’s processor from the PA Unemployment Office.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Raymond W. Knallay.

Patricia is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jeffrey Knallay, Florida, and Scott and Nancy Knallay, Chippewa Township; two grandsons, Raymond and Stephen Knallay, Chippewa Township.

As per her wishes, there will be no public visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Professional services were handled by HILL & KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls.

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

Gary L. Dambaugh (November 11, 1955 ~ July 29, 2024)

Gary L. Dambaugh, 68, of New Brighton, passed away at home unexpectedly, Monday July 29, 2024.

Born November 11, 1955, in Rochester, PA, he is the son of the late Ernie and Millie (Leibolt) Dambaugh. Gary was a 1973 graduate of Freedom High School. He was the owner of Eastvale Auto Sales. Also previously worked at J&L Steel. A devoted hunter, Gary spent countless hours in the great outdoors. His love for the sport was matched only by his enthusiasm for motorcycle riding, where he reveled in the freedom of the open road and the thrill of the ride. Whether cruising down the highway or navigating through winding trails, Gary embraced the journey with a spirit of adventure that was truly inspiring. He was also known for his love of car cruises. His passion for demolition derbies showed his competitive spirit. Gary attended Lernerville Speedway, every Friday. He was a former member of the Beaver County Horseshoe Association. Over the years, he spent countless days attending his grandson’s baseball games.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Rita and John Tedrow.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Shelia (Tedrow) Dambaugh; Son, Jonathan “Jon” (Serena) Dambaugh; Grandson, Jonathan Jr.; Sister, Karen (Michael) Szatkiewicz; Niece, Megan Szatkiewicz; Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. Also, his cat, Derby.

Friends will be received Monday, August 05, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave New Brighton. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m.  Pastor, Robert “Bob” Stamp, officiating.

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

Carole A. Zemkosky (3/8/1944 — 7/27/2024)

Carole A. Zemkosky, 80 of Center Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in Heritage Valley Beaver.  She was born in Sewickley, the daughter of the late Ann & Steve Zvonar.  She worked as a nurse’s aid for many years at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center.  She loved to watch the Steelers, often watching with her son on the phone. She also loved to gamble and take trips to Vegas.  She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael J. Zemkosky on July 26, 2021.

She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law: Marcia and Dan Carney, Crescent Twp., and a brother and sister-in-law:  Steven Jeffrey & Patricia Zvonar, TX.

Shirley Ann Grundza (April 17, 1932 – July 30, 2024)

Shirley Ann Grundza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 92.

Born on April 17, 1932, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to the late Edward and Marie (Willenbacher) Eckroate, Shirley married her husband Edward “Ed” Grundza in 1951 and settled in Baden, PA, where they raised their five children.  A devoted wife and mother, Shirley also balanced and accomplished a career with the Sears & Roebuck and Co., where she served in Human Resources for over 25 years.

An avid gardener, Shirley truly appreciated the beauty of nature and loved spending time outside tending to her flowers.  She also loved to travel, and shared countless adventures with her husband Ed, and made many lasting memories with her children and grandchildren during summer beach trips.  Finding home each winter in Homosassa Springs, Florida, Shirley would escape the cold, soak in the Florida sunshine, and play several rounds of golf.  Shirley was also a faithful member of the Good Samaritan Catholic parish in Ambridge.

Shirley was predeceased in death by her husband, Edward Grundza, her sister and brother-in-law, Phylis and John Majcher, brother-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Zagorski, sister-in-law, Yvonne Eckroate, and son-in-law, Jonathan Baacke.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Dorthy Zagorski, of Beaver, PA; and brother, Edward Eckroate of Montgomery, AL.  She is also survived by her children: Cheryl (Kevin) Ostrowski, of Beaver, PA; Christine (Robert) Mease, of Myerstown, PA; Richard (Lisa) Grundza, of Monaca, PA; William (Kathy) Grundza, of Baden, PA; Linda Baacke, of Wexford, PA. Shirley also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren: John, Sarah, Laurie, Michael, Jeremy, Ryan, Jennifer, Christopher, Jesse, Adam, and Rachel; 16 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where a prayer service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 10 AM.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Economy Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Franciscan Manor and Celebration Villa for the wonderful care they provided Shirley.

Margaret L. “Marge” Yanko (December 7, 1923 – July 25, 2024)

Margaret L. “Marge” (Emrick) Yanko, peacefully passed away on July 25, 2024. She was 100 years old.

Marge was born December 7, 1923, in Woodlawn, PA and is the last surviving child of the late Andrew and Mary (Smith) Emrick. In addition to her parents, she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Michael R. Yanko and her eleven siblings who also preceded her in death.

She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parrish, Our Lady of Fatima Church.

Margaret is survived by her cherished family: A son and daughter-in-law: Michael R. Yanko, Jr. and his wife Angela, who was like a daughter to Marge. Two cherished granddaughters: Michelle (Zach) Robertson, Maria BonAnno and Joey Welsh, three great grandchildren: Malena, Nico and Giuliana, and Albert Emrick who was very special to Marge along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice for the wonderful care that was extended to Marge.

At her request, all services were private. Entombment took place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001

 

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Glenn Richard Hatt (September 14, 1933 – July 28, 2024)

Glenn R. Hatt, Sr., age 90 of Monaca, PA, died July 28, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford. Glenn was born September 14, 1933 to the late William B. and Dolores D. (Bard) Hatt. He was a retired power plant furnace operator for Zinc Corporation of America (St. Joe). Methodist by faith, he attended the True Life Church of Chippewa. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Center Township Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1821. He loved the Pittsburgh Sport Teams and was a fan of hunting and walking in the woods. Glenn is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Glenn R. Jr. and Adele Hatt of The Villages, Florida and Daniel J. and Kelly Hatt of Ohioville, six grandchildren, Tina Hatt-Pollack, Steven Hatt, Jessica Rafisardi, Cody Williams, Kelsey Hatt and Joey Hatt; six great-grandchildren, Nanette, Faith, Stephine, Jesir, Dominick and Adaline; one brother Ronald (Joe) and Charlene Hatt of New Sewickley and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Nanette J. (Shaffer) Hatt, three sisters, Eleanor Morrow, Annabelle Bork and Mary Alice Hatt and four brothers, Jack, William, Charles and Donald. Friends will be received Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Rochester where a service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM with the Beaver County Special Unit presenting full military honors to their fallen comrade.

 

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Carol Ann Nelson (June 2, 1944 ~ July 27, 2024)

Carol Ann Nelson (Pike-McKelvey), also known as GeGe, 80 of Darlington, Pa passed away at home on Saturday, July 27, 2024 surrounded by family.

Carol was born on June 2, 1944 to Martha Pike (Mosca) and Harold Pike. She grew up in Bridgewater, Pa and attended Beaver Area High School. Carol worked in an array of fields throughout her lifetime. While raising her children, she was employed by Phoenix Glass in Monaca PA. Being on the road was one of Carol’s loves which led her to driving long distance for pharmaceutical deliveries and driving limousine for a friend. Carol consistently and with pleasure drove everyone everywhere. It’s just something she liked to do.

Carol was a simple woman yet a straight shooter. Encountering many battles in life she still did her best to raise four sassy girls into strong, confident, good women… mission accomplished mom! In Carol’s softer more simplistic times, she enjoyed standing at the kitchen window, watching deer prancing through the yard while birds enjoyed breakfast from the feeder. Carol absolutely adored her great-great grandbabies and loved spending time with them.

Later in life, Carol endured several blows to her health yet each and every time, with her loyal husband by her side, she fought through and always came out on top! However, in the past year, or so, Carol began having hearing trouble and worse, she began losing her sight. The latter of the two leading to her decision to stop driving as to not put others on the road in danger. No longer driving was extremely difficult for Carol and continuing to lose her sight took a toll on her. Still, every morning she put her feet on the floor and gave the day a run for its money! When the time came that her frail, tiny, body was failing her, she was most concerned about being a burden to her family, of which she never was. Carol wasn’t ready to leave, but if she had to go, she wanted it to be at home with her family and that wish was granted.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband William “Bill/Bull” Nelson. Four daughters, April Swager (Donnie), Kimberly McKelvey, Jewel Collwell (Dan), Pamela McKelvey. Stepson Mike Heaton. Stepdaughter Jami Hamrick-Reese. Grandchildren, Nicole King and Corey Moorehouse, Ashley and Brandon McKelvey, Logan Collwell, Hayden Kimbrough, Gage McKelvey, Caleb, Mikey and Weston Heaton, Ally Boxen (Tyler), Kacie Hartzell (Chase). Great-Grandchildren, Samara, Aleena, Jeremiah, Julian, Kaiden, Tori, Natalie, Alivia, Maddix, Ryder, Liam, Aspen, Sutton, Aubrey, Ella, Nash, Crew and Charlotte. Great-great-grandchildren Raiden, and one on the way. Brother-in-law Robert Nelson (Birdie), sister-in-law Mary Laughlin, sister-in-law Fran Jack (Nelson). A host of nieces and nephews. A special niece Jeana Pike and good friend Marie Hawk.

Carol was preceded in death by her mother Martha Mosca, stepfather Norman Mosca, father Harold Pike, brother Bobby Pike, brother and sister-in-law Mark and Mary Pike, Nephew Mark Pike Jr., mother-in-law Mary E. Nelson, brother-in-law Dave Nelson, sister-in-law Shirley Nelson, brother-in-law John Laughlin and stepson-in-law Matthew Reese.

At Carol’s request, there will be no public service. Immediate family and closest friends will gather for a memorial picnic at a later date. Cremation entitled to J&J Spratt’s Funeral Home, New Brighton, PA.

Thank you all for the love and support shown to Carol’s family at this most difficult time.

Carol Ann Nelson (Pike-McKelvey), also known as GeGe, 80 of Darlington, Pa passed away at home on Saturday, July 27, 2024 surrounded by family.

Carol was born on June 2, 1944 to Martha Pike (Mosca) and Harold Pike. She grew up in Bridgewater, Pa and attended Beaver Area High School. Carol worked in an array of fields throughout her lifetime. While raising her children, she was employed by Phoenix Glass in Monaca PA. Being on the road was one of Carol’s loves which led her to driving long distance for pharmaceutical deliveries and driving limousine for a friend. Carol consistently and with pleasure drove everyone everywhere. It’s just something she liked to do.

Carol was a simple woman yet a straight shooter. Encountering many battles in life she still did her best to raise four sassy girls into strong, confident, good women… mission accomplished mom! In Carol’s softer more simplistic times, she enjoyed standing at the kitchen window, watching deer prancing through the yard while birds enjoyed breakfast from the feeder. Carol absolutely adored her great-great grandbabies and loved spending time with them.

Later in life, Carol endured several blows to her health yet each and every time, with her loyal husband by her side, she fought through and always came out on top! However, in the past year, or so, Carol began having hearing trouble and worse, she began losing her sight. The latter of the two leading to her decision to stop driving as to not put others on the road in danger. No longer driving was extremely difficult for Carol and continuing to lose her sight took a toll on her. Still, every morning she put her feet on the floor and gave the day a run for its money! When the time came that her frail, tiny, body was failing her, she was most concerned about being a burden to her family, of which she never was. Carol wasn’t ready to leave, but if she had to go, she wanted it to be at home with her family and that wish was granted.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband William “Bill/Bull” Nelson. Four daughters, April Swagger (Donnie), Kimberly McKelvey, Jewel Collwell (Dan), Pamela McKelvey. Stepson Mike Heaton. Stepdaughter Jami Hamrick-Reese. Grandchildren, Nicole King and Corey Moorehouse, Ashley and Brandon McKelvey, Logan Collwell, Hayden Kimbrough, Gage McKelvey, Caleb, Mikey and Weston Heaton, Ally Boxen (Tyler), Kacie Hartzell (Chase). Great-Grandchildren, Samara, Aleena, Jeremiah, Julian, Kaiden, Tori, Natalie, Alivia, Maddix, Ryder, Liam, Aspen, Sutton, Aubrey, Ella, Nash, Crew and Charlotte. Great-great-grandchildren Raiden, and one on the way. Brother-in-law Robert Nelson (Birdie), sister-in-law Mary Laughlin, sister-in-law Fran Jack (Nelson). A host of nieces and nephews. A special niece Jeana Pike and good friend Marie Hawk.

Carol was preceded in death by her mother Martha Mosca, stepfather Norman Mosca, father Harold Pike, brother Bobby Pike, brother and sister-in-law Mark and Mary Pike, Nephew Mark Pike Jr., mother-in-law Mary E. Nelson, brother-in-law Dave Nelson, sister-in-law Shirley Nelson, brother-in-law John Laughlin and stepson-in-law Matthew Reese.

At Carol’s request, there will be no public service. Immediate family and closest friends will gather for a memorial picnic at a later date. Cremation entitled to J&J Spratt’s Funeral Home, New Brighton, PA.

Thank you all for the love and support shown to Carol’s family at this most difficult time.

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

Mariellen Ketterer (December 27, 1958 – July 24, 2024)

Mariellen “Punk” Ketterer age 65 of Rochester Township passed away peacefully July 24, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born December 27, 1958 in Rochester. She was the daughter of the late John and Nora L. McCusker Futato.
She was the proud owner of Punk’s Ice Cream Shoppe Baden. Punk had such love and dedication to taking care of her store and especially her customers. She always made sure your visit was one to remember. Punk enjoyed spending time with her family, and had an extra special love for her grandchildren. Punk was an inspiration to so many people and has made a huge impact in so many lives. She would find any opportunity to help anyone and everyone, giving to families in need to sponsoring and donating to so many events and charities. Punk was an avid golfer and belonged to the Blackhawk Ladies Invitational Golf League. She enjoyed her golf trips with her friends and her vacations with her family.
Mariellen was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Ketterer, Jr. in 2008. She was also preceded by a brother, John Futato and a brother-in-law, Ted Scherer. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Eric J. and Julie Ketterer of Rochester Township, two daughters and a son-in-law, Emily J. and Jonathan Lapic of Staunton, Virginia and LuCinda E. Ketterer of Rochester Township. Also surviving are nine loving grandchildren, Anna, Abram, Nora, and Judah Lapic and Ehren, Evelyn and Eli Ketterer, Thomas and Cole Christner, her K-9 companions, Millie and Ruby, a sister and brother-in-law Julie and Mike Sabo of Beaver, two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Dan and Rita Futato and Greg and Judy Futato, all of Georgia, her mother-in-law and father-in-law Thomas and Eileen Ketterer, Rochester Township, a brother-in-law and three sisters- in-law, Susan and Dave Boehm of Rochester Township, Annette Futato of Vanport and Pam Scherer of New Sewickley Township and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2-7 PM and Wednesday from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:30 PM in the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester.
The family wishes to thank all who supported our mother with care and comfort during her courageous battle with cancer this past year. We are so thankful for you all!

 

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