Steven Harold Josapak (1942-2024)

Steven Harold Josapak, 82, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at home on December 26th, 2024. He was born on May 6th, 1942, a son of to the late Theresa Kerzan and Stephen Josapak. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Persson-Josapak, his children: Donna (Dennis Ferguson) Josapak, Steven (Sandi) Josapak, David (Kim Crognale) Josapak, Mary Jo (Mike) Nahod, and James Josapak; his siblings Theresa (John) Parasida and Kenneth Josapak and his grandchildren, Austin, Shane, and Taylor Josapak. A proud graduate of Ambridge Area High School, class of 1960, Steven attended welding school before securing a position at American Bridge, where he worked for 19 years. He later held various jobs in welding and security. He was also a devoted member of the former Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Conway. He had a love for fishing, camping, enjoying a cigar on his deck and watching football. Steven was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers and wrestling fan who especially cherished when his son James joined him in supporting their favorite teams. He also took great pleasure in spending time with his puppy, Nero. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Departing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 30th at 9:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery of New Sewickley Township.

The family expresses their gratitude to Family Hospice for their compassionate support during this difficult time. Donations can be made to the Family Hospice Development Department, 700 Bower Hill Road, Suite 1405, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

June M. (Jacob) Scherer (1929-2024)

June M. (Jacob) Scherer, 95, of Moon Township, passed away on December 25th, 2024 in her home. She was born in Pittsburgh on June 17, 1929, the daughter of the late John & Margaret (Wadas) Jacob. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William B. “Rip” Scherer, a brother Johnny Jacob, and sisters Beverly Loebig and Sylvia Holdcroft. She is survived by her seven children: William B. “Rip” Scherer Jr. (Michele), of Georgia, Cynthia Scherer of Hopewell Township, Connie Shipp (Steve) of Virginia, Scott Scherer of California, Christine Scherer (Lori Melchiorre) of Carnegie, Sandy Scherer (Myles Nelligan), of Oregon and June Matt (Michael), of California; eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

June bestowed the gift of faith on her entire family, always encouraging them, no matter the challenge, to “put it in God’s hands.” She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. Her abundant love was shown in many ways, but especially when spoiling her family with her legendary Hungarian cooking. She loved to bathe in the warmth of the sunshine on her face and found a child’s delight in the presence of birds and butterflies. Infants and “little ones” would bring a flutter to her heart, as well as a good game of cards, winning on a “scratchie,” or rolling a strike on bowling day.

Arrangements and her viewing were entrusted to Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 30th at 10 A.M. in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Moon Township. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church.

Interment will take place at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery of Pittsburgh, on Monday, December 30th at 3 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Debra McCowin (1952-2024)

Debra McCowin, 72, of Brighton Township, formerly of Chippewa Township, passed away on December 26th, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Debra passed due to multiple complications after making a strong recovery from a recent stroke.

She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on June 29th, 1952, the oldest of three children and a daughter of Ferris James West and Shirley Triance. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bruce, brother James (Alice) West of Boardman, Ohio, brother Micheal (Debbie) West, stepfather Charles Triance Sr., sister Tracy Torry and brother Chuck Triance, all of Zebulon, North Carolina. She is also survived by her four children: David (Peggy) McCowin, Rachel (Josh) Elek, Jarrod (Heather) McCowin, and Amanda (Andrew) Rupke. She was also the proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Emmet and Hazel McCowin, Norah and Winnie Elek, Cora and Ellie McCowin, and Caleb, Judah, and Vera Rupke.

Debra met her husband, David Bruce McCowin, through a cousin and the two married at age 19. As a young mother of four, she opened Colonial Florist in Chippewa with a good friend. She later worked as a teller at Peoples Home Savings Bank, as treasurer at the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, and lastly as an administrative assistant at the corporate office of Dick’s Sporting Goods. A talented musician, Debra played the piano and organ for Chippewa United Presbyterian Church and Park Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. She blessed countless weddings with her music and flowers.

Friends will be received on Monday, December 30th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. All are invited to attend Debra’s funeral service on Tuesday, December 31st at 11 a.m. at Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver.

Elma L. Buttermore (1924-2024)

Elma L. Buttermore, 100, of Zelienople, formerly of Rochester, passed away on December 24th, 2024 in Passavant Retirement Community of Zelienople. She was born in East Rochester on May 20th, 1924, the daughter of the late Elmer G. and Wilma MacGarvey Emerick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George E. Buttermore Sr, two granddaughters, Mary Brigid Buttermore and Ann Obele, and two sisters Patricia Conrad and Mary Ann Lizzi. She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, George E. Buttermore Jr., of Hilton Head, South Carolina, John A. and Jennifer Buttermore of Slippery Rock, and William H. and Judy Buttermore of Ames, Iowa, four grandchildren: Kimberly C. Buttermore, Andrew Buttermore and his wife Kelly, Deborah L. Helgeson and her husband Matthew, Monica Nielsen and her husband Paul, her eleven great grandchildren, one sister Norma Emerick Penburty and one brother Elmer George Emerick, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Elma was a housewife and homemaker for her own household and former executive secretary to the President of Geneva College. Elma was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester and attended the Seaman Memorial Chapel of Zelienople, then the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Cranberry Township. She was a member of the Order of Bayesian of The Knights Templar of Pennsylvania. Elma was a member of the Beaver Valley Flying Club and a graduate of Rochester Area High School. Elma’s wish was to be cremated, however, friends are invited to attend her celebration of life funeral service on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 11 a.m., in the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street, Rochester. Officiating will be her pastor Reverend Greggory S. Clagg. Inurnment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery of Freedom. All arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Angela J. Makoczy (1937-2024)

Angela J. Makoczy, 87, of Beaver Falls, passed away on December 23rd, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on August 29th, 1937, the daughter of the late John and Angela (Cieslik) Niton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank E. Makoczy and siblings, Eddie, John “Pete”, Stan, Joe, Walter, Mary and Stephanie Niton. She is survived by her children, Dr. Frank J. Makoczy, Gregory M. (Maria) Makoczy and Tina (Mychael) Ritterhoff; two grandchildren, a sister, Julie Horvath, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Angela had graduated from UPJ with her associate’s degree and worked as a seamstress, hair stylist, baker and cake decorator, as well as worked for her son’s dental practice. She was a devoted member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish (the former Divine Teacher Parish).  In her free time, Angie enjoyed cooking, walking her dogs, and traveling.

Friends will be received in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, on Saturday, January 4th from 10:30 A.M. until departing prayers at 11:30 A.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on January 4th at 12:00 (Noon) at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Angie’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff of Villa St. Joseph, especially Katelyn, Randy and Sheila.

Katherine R. Hogue (1982-2024)

Katherine R. Hogue, 42, of Baden, formerly of Beaver, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 20th, 2024.

She was born in Beaver on March 19th, 1982, a daughter of Thomas Hogue of Brighton Township and the late Deborah Barker Hogue. In addition to her father, she is survived by her sister, Liz (Jeff Melhorn) Hogue of Cranberry Township, her brother, Ross C. Hogue of Brighton Township and a large family of cousins, aunts, uncles and many coworkers and friends.

Katherine was a 2000 graduate of Beaver Area High School, who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Geneva College in 2006, and an additional degree in nursing from Robert Morris University. She worked for both Encompass, Sewickley and UPMC Mercy as a clinical supervisor. She was an active member of Victory Family Church in Cranberry, and could be found working for several charity events, raising money for diabetes research. She had just purchased her first home in Baden.

In accordance with Katherine’s wishes, all services were private. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions in Katherine’s name may be made to a diabetes charity of your choice.

Nancy Ann Sheets (1934-2024)

Nancy Ann Sheets, 90, of Pulaski Township, passed away in the comfort of her son’s home on December 22nd, 2024.

She was born in Wilkinsburg on July 27th, 1934, the daughter of the late Harvey and Beulah (Long) Olliver. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Sheets, a daughter, Paula Sheets, a grandson, Brad Sheets, and a great-grandson, Lance Graham. She is survived by her children, Carla Williams, Lisa Ayres and Lee (Joanne) Sheets, grandchildren: Jamie Graham, Brooklynne Book, Jason Marcello, Waylon Beal, Joshua (Ioanna) Sheets, and Jacob (Teeka) Sheets; several great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, her siblings, Paul Long, Karen Zalewski and Robert (Mary) Belcher, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Nancy was a homemaker and a lifelong member of the Marion Hill Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of New Brighton.

In accordance with Nancy’s wishes, no services are being planned.

Private interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, was honored to provide care and guidance to Nancy’s family during this time.

Cary Don Smith (Passed on December 19th, 2024)

Cary D. Smith, 68, of New Brighton, passed away at home on December 19th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheree Smith. Cary is survived by his sister, Jo Ellen (Bob), his son, Josh Maley (Kim Maley) of Center Township, and his cherished grandchildren: Justin Maley, Jaden Maley, Liam Maley, Ashton Maley, and Alyssa Maley. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Esme Maley and Levi Maley. Cary also leaves behind his dear friend, Denise Barber, and many close friends in McNitt Apartments where he lived.

Cary will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends, and his passion for the Buffalo Bills. A private viewing was held by the family at Simpson Funeral Home and Cremation Services on December 21st, and a public memorial to celebrate his life will be held after the holidays. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Betty J. Ravey (1930-2024)

Betty J. Revay, 94, passed away on December 20th, 2024 at Cambridge Village in Beaver Falls.

She was born in Monaca on August 10th, 1930, the daughter of the late Mario Lucente and Julia (Tokas) Lucente. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Richard Lucente, Mario Lucente, Rose Book and Victor Lucente. She is survived by her three daughters, Kim, Karen and Tammy, seven grandchildren: Abby, Audrey, Aly, Aaron, Matthew, Amanda and Robert; three brothers, Gary (Rose) Lucente, Gerry (Christine) Lucente and Ronald Lucente, along with five great grandchildren.

Betty was the wife of Edward Revay, who celebrated over 50 years of marriage.            She was a lifelong resident of Monaca. She started working at Callagans Pharmacy and then was employed by the National Bank of Beaver County and its successors until retirement. She enjoyed all the different positions she had during her years at the bank and loved working with the people of Monaca.

Betty loved dancing with Edward, singing, shopping, traveling and playing the slot machines, especially in Las Vegas. She was a member of the Christian Mothers and a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels, who was always happy to help at the St. Johns Church fundraisers.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, December 27th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where prayers will be offered on Saturday, December 28th at 9:15 A.M. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Betty’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society or Beaver County Cancer & Heart Association.

Adel Ayoub (1942-2024)

Adel Ayoub, 82, of Oakdale, passed away on December 22nd, 2024. He was born on October 22nd, 1942, the beloved son of the late Mikhail and Maomi Ayoub.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years and their family.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, December 24th at 11 A.M. at Saint Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 995 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.