Keith “Bud” Heid (1959-2025)

Keith “Bud” Heid, 66, of New Brighton, passed away at his home on June 1st, 2025.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 9th, 1959, a son of the late Paul and Frances (Byrd) Heid. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Robert and Richard Heid. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Michelle “Shelly” (Mason) Heid, two sons, Danny (Courtney) Champion of Economy, Paul W. (Carol) Heid of New Castle, eight grandchildren, three sisters, Patti Faluski of Chippewa Lake, Ohio, Shirley (Tom) Foley of New Brighton and Kim Heid of Beaver Falls, two brothers, Chuck (Susan) Heid of Darlington and Ronnie (Tammy) Heid of Brookline, as well as his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and their families.

Keith spent much of his working life employed by Valley, Aiken, and Burgess refuse companies, where he was known not just for his hard work and dedication, but for the friendly spirit he brought to every route and job. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and could often be found walking the trails of Brady’s Run Park, a place that brought him peace and connection with nature. He had a special gift for making people feel seen and remembered. One of his most cherished habits was giving everyone he met a nickname: a unique title that somehow captured a piece of their personality and always brought a smile. Whether you knew him well or only in passing, chances are Keith had a nickname just for you.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 11th, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in The First Church of God, 605 9th Street, New Brighton. Pastor Dave McQuaid will officiate the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Francis J. “Skip” Ribar (1946-2025)

Francis J. “Skip” Ribar, 78, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on June 2nd, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born on July 24th, 1946, the son of the late Katherine Ribar Trappen and Francis Trappen. Following his mother’s passing, he was lovingly raised by his uncle and aunt, the late Edward J. and Elizabeth A. Ribar of Freedom. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward T. and Mary Alice Ribar, his mother- and father-in-law, Irene Triance of Rochester, and Julius Pletz of Beaver Falls, and brothers-in-law, Julius A. Pletz and Tony Paisley of Virginia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan L. Ribar and their children: Richard E. of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Dana M. (Dayton) Cummings of New Brighton, Michael F. (Stacey) of Gibsonia, and his sister, Emily J. Ribar of Beaver. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Thomas (Diane) Pletz of Daugherty Township, Gary (Eileen) Pletz of Virginia and Donna Paisley of Florida.

Francis dearly loved his grandchildren: Ethan, Rowan, Brynn, Lydia, and Regan, who will forever cherish memories of his wonderful sense of humor and caring nature. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and the many friends he made throughout his years, especially those from St. Felix Catholic Elementary School, Freedom Area High School Class of 1964, and the New Brighton Eagles.

During his career, Francis worked at the Pennsylvania Railroad in Conway, and retired from Duquesne Light Company/First Energy after many years of dedicated service. He was also a past volunteer with the New Brighton Fire Department and a former member of the IBEW and the Eagles.

Among his many interests were American History, particularly the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. His extensive knowledge and love of “Oldies” music was well known to all, as was his passionate support for Notre Dame and Pittsburgh Steelers football. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his camp in Pigeon, Pennsylvania.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 5th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

He was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley – St. Joseph’s Parish in New Brighton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 6th, at 10 A.M. at St. Felix Church in Freedom. Interment will follow at St. Felix Calvary Cemetery in Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, the Humane Society of Beaver County, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sylvia A. Karcesky (1939-2025)

Sylvia A. Karcesky, 86, of North Sewickley, passed away on June 2nd, 2025, in Concordia at Villa St Joseph of Baden. She was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania on May 28th, 1939, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Esther (White) Groover. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul, Jim, and Tom Groover. She is survived by her children: Jody (Kevin) Jennings, Kevin Karcesky, Jan (Paul McCarty Jr.) Riffle and Brian (Jennifer) Karcesky; as well as her grandchildren: Jarret McCary, Elisia Majors (Brian), Lauren Grinnen (Adam), Natasha Haught (Howie), Josh Bosley (April), Bill Hiler (Michelle), Ashley Haney (Brian), Jesica Campbell (Cory), Dylan Riffle (Lara), Dalton Riffle (Danielle), Madison Karcesky and Rylie Karcesky; along with her siblings, Anna Reimold, Debbie Sok and Dave Groover.

Sylvia was a long-time waitress at the Wooden Angel in Beaver County. She was one of a kind and full of spunk, who always kept everyone on their toes. She believed in living life to its fullest, and did so by trying new things, taking risks and finding joy in the small things. She found joy in baking, art, crafts, and bingo, but her greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. She loved her family more than anything.

Friends will be welcomed on Friday, June 6th, from 4p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating.

The family of Sylvia would like to thank the staff at Life Beaver and Concordia at Villa St. Joseph for their care of Sylvia.

Joseph Tyler Detore (1995-2025)

Joseph Tyler Detore, 29, of East Liverpool, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on June 1st, 2025, at Cabell Huntington Hospital in West Virginia. He was born in New Castle on August 10, 1995, the son of Michael Berry and Jennifer Detore. In addition to his parents, he is survived by four daughters: Lettie Detore, Melody Detore, Aurora Detore, Skylar Detore, a brother, Adam Detore, his fiancé, Azsha Everson, his grandparents, Mary Detore and John Haffey and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas Detore and Sharon Tucker. Joseph was a talented musician who brought joy to so many with his guitar and a smile that lit up a room. He had a calming spirit and was a loving big brother. He was a father-like man who would let children paint his nails and wear it with pride. Friends will be received on Sunday, June 8th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. and on Monday, June 9th from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Interment will be private.

Agnes Laureane Dillan (1933-2025)

Agnes Laureane Dillan, 91, of Darlington, passed away on June 2nd, 2025 at UPMC Passavant, McCandless. She was born in Nettleton, Mississippi on September 3rd, 1933, a daughter of the late Lyman Rupert and Ruth Cleveland Knowles Craft. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Glenn Dillan, her brother, Lyman Conrad and four sisters, Patsy Johnston, Jo Craft, Carole Lee and Judy Hester. She is survived by her children, Donna Ruth Dillan and William Conrad (Donna) Dillan, one sister, Wanda (Les) Wood, eight grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Agnes was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where she served during the Korean War as a Radio Mechanic, and is where she met her husband. She served many years in the Girl Scout community as a Brownie leader, then on the Girl Scout Council. She was also an active charter member of the CUP Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chippewa who enjoyed all church activities and loved Game Day. She had been active in the United Presbyterian Women organization and worked in her community at the voting polls for many years. Agnes loved to be outside with her garden and her flowers, and making apple pies.  Friends will be received on Friday, June 6th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 11:30 A.M. Full military honors will be performed. Interment will be private at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

Betty Jean Donina (1932-2025)

Betty Jean Donina, 92, of Aliquippa passed away at her home on June 1st, 2025.  She was born in West Aliquippa on June 14th, 1932, a daughter of the late George and Mary Donina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Juanita (Steve) Paich, Georgianna (Cesidio) Iacobucci and George (Mary Ann) Donina, Jr. and two nieces, Sharon and Georgia.

She is survived by a large family, including 9 nieces and nephews: Joyce Ann, Mark, Pamela, Jeffrey, Michelle, Roxane, Erica, Ronnie and Stacey; as well as numerous beloved great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

Betty was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She loved to play bingo and go to the casino. Mainly, her life revolved around her beloved family. She loved to spend time with her nieces and nephews, helping to teach them, helping with homework and taking them to their sporting events. Whatever she could do to spend time with her family, she was happy to be there. She especially loved to watch Roberto and NaTashia.

Friends will be received for a memorial gathering on Friday, June 6th, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, either at the Aliquippa, Rochester or Moon Township location. The branch of Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services was in charge of her arrangements. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa.

William H. (Runner) Sellers (1945-2025)

William H. (Runner) Sellers, 79, of Conway, passed away on May 30th, 2025.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 12th, 1945, the son of the late William H. Sellers, Sr. and Eileen Sellers-Webber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Runner, his stepfather, Earl Webber, Jr. and his sister, Lee Sellers. He is survived by his children, Tamar Runner and William Runner, III, his stepchildren: Linda (Bill) Teter, Mary Ann Bennett, Sandy (Bob) Friedrich and Kima Vidovich; along with 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, his siblings, Nicky Grapes and Earl (Blue) Webber II, along with five nieces and six nephews.

William was a skilled craftsman and artist, certified as a roofer, welder and painter. He also created beautiful jewelry, leather goods and refinished wood pieces. Throughout his life, he made, sold and generously gifted his artwork to many, leaving a lasting impression through his creativity.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10th from 3-7 P.M. at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, June 11th.

Donald Paul Ray (1935-2025)

Donald Paul Ray, 90, of Chippewa Township, passed away on May 29th, 2025. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 17th, 1935, a son of the late Raymond J. Ray and Pauline Knapp Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Richard Ray, a sister-in-law, June Ray and a sister, Joan Rosser. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Christine (Tina) Cruzan Ray, his children, Dr. Annmarie (Chris Belcher) Ray, Michael (Elizabeth) Ray, Julie (Sean) Murphy and his stepsons, J. Scott (Arletta) Cruzan, and Carl (Alison) Cruzan, his grandchildren: Katherine Belcher, Alexander Belcher, Nicole Ray, Jessica Ray, Caroline Murphy, Luke Murphy, Jacob Cruzan, Rachel (Derek) German, and Ava Cruzan, his brother, Paul (Mary Ann) Ray and his brother-in-law, Dr. Gary Rosser.

Donald graduated from The University of Detroit, earning a BS in accounting and an MBA in finance. He spent 40 years in banking, becoming an executive officer in various capacities. He served on numerous boards, both professional and charitable. He loved playing golf, bridge, reading, cruising and going on road trips. He also volunteered at a soup kitchen and delivered Meals-on-Wheels for many years. He was an active member of Chippewa United Methodist Church, serving on the Mission Committee for several years. He also was an Army veteran. His memory was phenomenal, and he always had a story to tell.  A Visitation will be held on Saturday June 7th at 10-11 A.M. at the Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, followed by a memorial service from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s name may be made to Blackhawk Area Meals-on-Wheels, P.O. Box 1573, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, or to the Chippewa United Methodist Church breakfast ministry. Professional arrangements and services were entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Kathryn “Jean” Brown (1940-2025)

Kathryn “Jean” Brown, 84, of New Brighton and North Sewickley Township, passed away on June 1st, 2025. She was born on August 21st, 1940, a daughter of John and Genevieve Cunningham. On May 29th, 1958, she married the love of her life, Herbert Brown. Kathryn was devoted to her family. Her immediate family includes: Larry (Lisa) Brown, Lynn Brown and David (Tonya) Brown, her grandchildren: Megan (Ben) Harris, Rachel Beatty, Nathan (Gabriella Magnani) Brown, Andy (Stephanie) Brown and Susie Brown; as well as her great grandchildren: Penny Beatty, Tessa Beatty, Amelia Harris and Junia Harris. In addition to Herb, her parents and her immediate family, she is survived by her brother, Jim (Lois) Cunningham, her sister, Peggy Hostetler and her sisters-in-law, Estelle “Toots” Measel, Shirley Brown and Georgie Brown. She was preceded in death by the following family members and their spouses: her stepfather Ed Aten, her brother, John (Barbara) Cunningham, her sisters-in-law: Flora (Thomas) Shaw, Anna (Harold) Zahn, Eva (Edward) Cusick and Naomi (Frank) Elsbury; as well as her brothers-in-law: Bill (Sarah Jane) Brown, Ken (Beulah) Brown, Leroy Measel, Vern Brown, Jack (Barb) Brown, Harold “Pete” Brown, Dale McCartney and Jim Hostetler.

Kathryn graduated from Freedom High School in 1958. Nothing pleased her more than having her family gathered for a meal and conversation. She was a member of Concord Church of Beaver Falls for 67 years where she served as a teacher for both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, as a cook for midweek youth group and for 22 years as the church’s financial secretary. After the kids were raised, Kathryn worked for Emerick’s Greenhouse and Roach & Ziegler. Enjoyable times were spent traveling and playing dominos with special friends, John & Janice Magargee and Jay & Margaret Gillingham. Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 4th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-9 P.M. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. An additional visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5th, from 1 P.M. until the time of service at 2 P.M. at Concord Church, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls. Interment will follow in the Concord Church Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of the Mountain Laurel Household in the Abundant Life Building at Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople for their excellent care of our mother during her stay there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spenser’s Voice Fund c/o The Pittsburgh Foundation (https://pittsburghfoundation.org/spenser-fund) 912 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Skybacher Ministries (https://skybacherministries.org/) 772 Route 989, Freedom, PA 15042.

Agnes B. Midon (1931-2025)

Agnes B. Midon, 93, of Patterson Township, passed away on May 31st, 2025.

She was born on November 18th, 1931, a daughter of the late Steven and Helen Vido.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, William Midon, her brother, Rudolph Vido, two sisters, Angeline Wilson and Mary Vido and a stepsister, Stephanie. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Colonel (R) Gene) Palka, a sister, Margaret Monroe, two grandchildren, Colonel Gene Palka (Melissa) and Holly Pluff (Dan) and seven great-grandchildren: Kylie, Maliyah, Haley, Hunter, Brock, Easton, and Axel.

Agnes was a devoted member of St. Monica Church of Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish. Her faith guided her throughout her life and she was an active participant in various church groups, who offering her time, talents, and friendship to her parish community. She nurtured her garden, her kitchen and her family with a loving touch. Family was at the heart of Agnes’ life, and she cherished time spent with her loved ones.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 9th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, where prayers will be offered on Tuesday June 10th at 9:30 A.M. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Road, Beaver Falls. A reception will follow in the Saint Monica Church’s Founder’s Hall.

Agnes will be cremated following that Mass and inurnment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.